Yesterday morning saw us passing through Glen Morlich on our way up to the car park, at the base of Cairngorm. With the funicular train out of action and no helicopter handy, the prospect of reaching the summit and the ptarmigan plateau was out of the question. A walk on the lower slopes was still very rewarding, with spectacular views of the surrounding highland and over Glen Morlich below us. Birding revealed only a handful of Meadow Pipits feeding in the heather. Later, on the shores of Loch Morlich, I came across Crested Tits once more. In fact, while looking for somewhere to have lunch and, without the camera (!!!) a Crested Tit was at arm's length in a small sapling. (i-phone picture below) A corner of Loch Morlich. We returned to the Feshiebridge area for more Crossbills. A large flock, around eighty birds was constantly on the move over the forest. The only birds settling were inconclusive as to their identification in Crossbill terms. Great-spotted Woodpeckers were in the forest and another Crested Tit was seen. A forecast of rain all day cleared by midday. I was even more optimistic when our little Red Squirrel put in an appearance. We set off for the Findhorn Valley in search of raptors. A mile along the valley's minor road, we got off to an excellent start with a roadside Common Buzzard. Along the Findhorn Valley. A beautiful valley to walk and had no sooner set off when juvenile Wheatears were found. ,On a rocky escarpment, two Kestrels were fighting in the air. A Peregrine showed up, crossing the valley to the far side. Along the valley walk, we only saw two other people, but I felt I was being watched from afar! Reinforcements arrived across the valley, some more Red Deer stags. A Sparrowhawk was seen together with eight Common Buzzards (a group of four with two Ravens). No Golden Eagles were seen over the area visited. One of the many Meadow Pipits seen on the valley floor - just happens to be ringed!
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