SpeanBridge,Scottish Highlands

[mike from ebbw]

Hi everyone.I have just booked a cottage for a week in Speanbridge at the beginning of August.I have stayed here before but would like some tips on where to see some scottish specialities (eagles,crested tit,osprey etc).
Thanks all.
Mike.

[griffin]

Hi everyone.I have just booked a cottage for a week in Speanbridge at the beginning of August.I have stayed here before but would like some tips on where to see some scottish specialities (eagles,crested tit,osprey etc).
Thanks all.
Mike.

Wot, no crossbills !

Don't worry if you don't see any, they are apparently all up in the Flow Country Lodgepole plantations :'D

(they are not really)

[JWN Andrewes]

Scanning the ridges down Findhorn Valley is the best bet for Golden Eagles (scope essential), the loop walk down to Loch Malachie, on the RSPB Loch Garten reserve can be good for Cresties, but I've never looked in August before. If you're out and about enough you should just bump into Osprey (they can fly over just about anywhere) but to increase your chances try Loch Garten (where they still nest) or Inverdruie fish farm, where they come in to fish (mostly in the evenings, I believe).

Good luck

James

EDIT - D'oh! just realised I got Carrbridge & Speanbridge mixed up; dolt! The above therefore probably not much use. Sorry, can't be of any help after all!

James

[MarkHows]

Your best bet for goldies and WTSE is to go onto Ardnamurchan, goldies can be found anywhere and WTSE come overe from Mull, otters are good on the shore and your trip may be late enough for early returning waders from the artic. Ptarmigan can be seen at Applecross about an hours drive from Spean bridge, let me know if you want more specific directions.

Cresties and crossbills you will need to head up to Aviemore area.

Have a good trip and let me know if you want more precise info

Mark







Hi everyone.I have just booked a cottage for a week in Speanbridge at the beginning of August.I have stayed here before but would like some tips on where to see some scottish specialities (eagles,crested tit,osprey etc).
Thanks all.
Mike.

[Scotsdumpie]

Hi everyone.I have just booked a cottage for a week in Speanbridge at the beginning of August.I have stayed here before but would like some tips on where to see some scottish specialities (eagles,crested tit,osprey etc).
Thanks all.
Mike.

On your way up look in at Aberfoyle all sorts there
plenty plenty plenty (no saying , where when or how many )
though no any GTT`s only really cairngorms for them
West coast into Ardnamuchan there a eagle viewing site there and over the ferry from fishnish for WTE and more of everything
usuall thing plenty Midgie repelant

Best, hope you enjoy and a safe trip

[mike from ebbw]

Thanks everyone.You dont have to tell me about the midges,they are a nightmare!I have been to the highlands a few times,even my honeymoon!I just love the place.It is a very long drive but well worth it.

[gordon hamlett]

Hi everyone.I have just booked a cottage for a week in Speanbridge at the beginning of August.I have stayed here before but would like some tips on where to see some scottish specialities (eagles,crested tit,osprey etc).
Thanks all.
Mike.

Hi Mike,

You've picked a great area and one that's not explored much by visiting birders.

There's plenty of good birding in the immediate area and you should explore the areas round Lochs Laggan, Arkaig and Hourn as well as the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The area is great for geology (parallel roads in Glen Roy) and other wildlife eg chequered skipper butterflies. The whole area was used for Commando training in WWII and several films eg Rob Roy feature the local countryside.

You'll have to head over to Speyside for cresties but goldies, ospreys and other goodies shouldn't be a problem.

Might I suggest taking a look at my book - Best Birdwatching Sites in the Scottish Highlands published by Buckingham Press which covers all these areas in detail.

Have a great trip,

Gordon Hamlett

[mike from ebbw]

Thanks Gordon.The last time I was there I had WT Eagle on Loch Linnhe Golden Eagle soaring above Aonach Mor but failed on Osprey believe it or not.The only place I have seen one is around my local area on passage in South Wales!

[gordon hamlett]

Thanks Gordon.The last time I was there I had WT Eagle on Loch Linnhe Golden Eagle soaring above Aonach Mor but failed on Osprey believe it or not.The only place I have seen one is around my local area on passage in South Wales!

Hi Mike,

I've emailed you with some additional details. I would love to read your trip report when you return

Gordon

[DJRWhittle]

though no any GTT`s only really cairngorms for them
Best, hope you enjoy and a safe trip

I just know I'm going to regret this but what are GTT's? It would appear to be so obvious I just can't see it :-C

DW

[Scotsdumpie]

I just know I'm going to regret this but what are GTT's? It would appear to be so obvious I just can't see it :-C

DW

I dont know either but I was told they are about!??!