Dotterel (1 Viewer)

[BramBirder]

Hello,

I will be in Scotland at the end of the month and am hoping to get out on the mountains if weather permits. I am hoping to see Dotterel.

Is my best bet to go to Cairngorm or is there still a reasonable chance of success at Cairnwell/Glas Maol?

I am in two minds as I am familiar with Cairngorm from other visits but Cairnwell/Glas Maol would be more convenient for this trip.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Hopefully someone will be able to help you soon.

 

[DG1]

Hello,

I will be in Scotland at the end of the month and am hoping to get out on the mountains if weather permits. I am hoping to see Dotterel.

Is my best bet to go to Cairngorm or is there still a reasonable chance of success at Cairnwell/Glas Maol?

I am in two minds as I am familiar with Cairngorm from other visits but Cairnwell/Glas Maol would be more convenient for this trip.

Thanks for any info.

I'm not sure about your chances of seeing Dotterel at the Cairnwell, but thought I'd just make you aware, in case you're travelling from the south, that the A93 is closed overnight from 8pm. Currently this is only until 23rd June, but you may want to check it nearer the time.

 

[delia todd]

Hi BramBirder and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

the A93 is closed overnight from 8pm. Currently this is only until 23rd June, but you may want to check it nearer the time.

Yes, according to the signs in Blairgowrie. However, when I looked on line, there were two entries for this section of road; one saying this above, and the other saying it was also closed during the day. So I remain confused. As DG says, check nearer the time.

There may yet be some bridge repairs at Bridge of Cally, with a detour, which I can explain if this happens near the time if necessary. At the moment heavy vehicles are restricted.

I'm sure Dotterel are to be found on the tops, but I've never had any luck with them. And I can't look now, as I can't walk any distance, and certainly not on rough ground. But given a nice day, the views are worth the climb of course.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

UPDATE; see below (Post #8) for later info on A93 road closure.

 

[Farnboro John]

I've seen Dotterel on the tops but it was between Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui, not anywhere near the Cairnwell area. It was some years ago, as well.

At this time of year they are breeding and may already have chicks, so do not attempt to get close despite the reputation of Dotterel for being accommodating.

John

 

[burnie]

Too many people on the Cairnwell as they can get up there on the ski lift, no Dotties round there too much disturbance, you need to get away from the beaten track, rather than the actual Monroe, try the tops nearby.

 

[BramBirder]

Thanks for taking the time to answer, which has helped to crystallise my thoughts. Given that I know the Cairngorm routes better, it seems to make sense to take the extra time to get there and thanks for the heads up regarding road closures.

The suggestion of Cairnwell/Glas Maol locality was actually from the SOC app for any of you that were wondering where I had got that from.

Now I just need some suitable weather and some luck! Still whatever happens it will be much better than a day in the office.

 

[delia todd]

Yes, according to the signs in Blairgowrie. However, when I looked on line, there were two entries for this section of road; one saying this above, and the other saying it was also closed during the day. So I remain confused. As DG says, check nearer the time.

There may yet be some bridge repairs at Bridge of Cally, with a detour, which I can explain if this happens near the time if necessary. At the moment heavy vehicles are restricted.

Re the closures. There is now a sign in Blairgowrie that says

Road Closed
May 26th for 20 days
8-6pm Sunday to Thursday

But it doesn't name the road, or where exactly, so next to useless as a sign LOL. However, I'm presuming that it might relate to another sign further on that says the road is closed 13 miles ahead from 26 May for 20 days! That would be to just around the junction with the B951 to Glen Isla (but you can't access the village of Glen Isla that way at the moment). And this is where I think the road works are from.

Hope this helps anyone interested in this route to Deeside (more than it helps me, 'cos I'm still confused LOL). I'll try and find out more and get confirmation of my thoughts.

It's the Cateran Trail Yomp this weekend!

 

[YuShan]

I have seen them in the Cairngorm/ Ben MacDui area, but not on Cairnwell. Another good area was the White Mounth area around Carn Beag summit.

 

[edenwatcher]

The Drumochter summits are good - particularly west of the A9 - and easy to access.

Rob