Golden Eagle (Josh Allan)
At this time of year there’s aways the chance of inclement winter conditions when planning a trip to Strathdearn, however this was thankfully not to be and we were greeted with calm winds and clear blue skies! A great attendance of 19 on the trip including several very keen younger members, cameras at the ready. The plan was to meet at the top car park and then work our way slowly back down the glen using convenient parking spots to scan. It wasn’t long before we noticed some Raven activity on the hillside, 15 to 20 birds appeared to be possibly coming out of a roost there. It wasn’t too long before we saw what had disturbed them, when Josh spotted a sub-adult Golden Eagle drifting over the ridge towards us. The bird glided low, right above us, a spectacular view even for Strathdearn, we could even make out that powerful eye, head tilted glancing down at us as it passed.
Golden Eagle (Philip Wilson)
We then moved on to the next car park by the river where a walk was in order to warm us up a bit, and to get a good view down the Strath. We’d noticed quite a few photographers on the near hillside, and could see the tiny white dots of Mountain Hares near to them. The younger contingent of the group decided to head off in pursuit and climb the slope with cameras in hand, and returning triumphant with some wonderful shots of Mountain Hare! We managed a second Golden Eagle across the distant ridge, a younger bird this time around with a much whiter tail.
We then went in search of Dipper on the river, added Long-tailed Tits and Mistle Thrush to our list as well as several Buzzards and Red Kite, though sadly no further Eagle activity.
We then went in search of Dipper on the river, added Long-tailed Tits and Mistle Thrush to our list as well as several Buzzards and Red Kite, though sadly no further Eagle activity.
Eagling (John Poyner), Mountain Hare (Josh Allan) and Striding out (John Poyner)
Our final stop near the Farr road was rewarded with some excellent views of Common Crossbills perched on top of a larch, a target for some of the group and further Buzzard and Red Kite sighting, several Sika Deer were also spotted grazing on the hillside in the distance.
John Poyner
John Poyner
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