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Birdwatching
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Any lack of diversity in the bird life of the Cairngorms is made up by some superb mountain species which can be seen relatively accessibly in a wild mountain setting.
The ptarmigan must hold pride of place as the bird most at home on the high tops, for it breeds here and survives on precious little throughout the arctic winter. White winter plumage, from November to March, camouflages it and makes it less obvious. However, walkers' dogs will see birds long before their owners,and disturbance of birds in winter is thought to be a contributory factor to mortality.
Other species move in from as far away as Africa to Summer in the Cairngorms. Favourite among birdwatchers is the Dotterel, a highly protected species. You need a licence to photograph dotterel on or near the nest. They are only moderately affected by humans but they don't like ravens, which have a tendency to rob their nests. If they don't like the conditions somewhere, they are just as likely to move off, even to Scandinavia! Wheatear and Ring Ouzel are other species returning from Africa each year.
It is not just the individual species here, the scientific interest also lies in the assemblages of species, including Ptarmigan, Snow bunting and Dotterel which are found throughout the Plateau area. These birds are nesting between May and August, if you are fortunate to spot one give them a bit of space and view from afar.
These birds are prone to disturbance and dogs especially can be a threat. So enjoy your day and if necessary keep your dog on a lead.
Latest sightings are reglarly posted in the Ranger Base and we are happy to give advice for prospective bird watchers.
We are always pleased to hear back from you at the end of your day.
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Dotterel Adult & Chick Norman Strachan
Unfortunately, 2004 was a blank year for dotterel breeding in the Cairngorms, on account of several days of snow in early June followed by rain and cold conditions in the rest of the summer.
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Ring Ouzel (or Mountain Blackbird) in Lower Coire Cas, summer 2005. These birds travel from Africa to Scotland for the summer. Their 3 note whistle is quite distingtive and can be heard regularly around the Corries in summer.
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