Upland Lochside Bird Walk
Length: All day
Best time of year: Spring and Summer
Best time of day: Morning
Possible species: Ring Ouzel, Twite, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Short-eared Owl, Raven, Peregrine, Golden Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull (long-staying vagrant), Common Gull, Willow Warbler, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear. Also possible: Mountain Hare, amphibians, butterflies, moths and dragonflies.
A leisurely walk alongside an upland loch heading to the end of the glen, featuring typical birds of mountain and moorland.
The walk follows a well-established track with some gradients, fine for the reasonably fit and mobile. Along the way we should encounter many of the increasingly scarce Ring Ouzels along with raptors and Ravens and lots of smaller passerines. There’s a chance of seeing Hen Harriers during the start of the breeding season performing their spectacular courtship “skydance”.
Other wildlife to look out for during the day includes fritillary butterflies, Golden Ringed Dragonflies, toads and newts, as well upland and some alpine plants.
We will stop at the head of the glen for raptor watching and a packed lunch.
Meet at Glenturret Distillery at 8.00am (collection and drop-off can be arranged on request within a 10 mile radius)
Aim to start walk at 8.30am
Mid-morning snack stop along the route
Lunch at the head of the glen at approx. 12.30pm
Watch for raptors for around 1-2hrs
Start walking back mid-afternoon to be back at car park for 4.30pm
Drop off back at Glenturret Distillery car park
Waterproof clothing
Binoculars (available to borrow)
Hat, gloves and scarf
Camera
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water
Sensible shoes/boots
Medication (as needed)
A leisurely walk alongside an upland loch heading to the end of the glen, featuring typical birds of mountain and moorland.
The walk follows a well-established track with some gradients, fine for the reasonably fit and mobile. Along the way we should encounter many of the increasingly scarce Ring Ouzels along with raptors and Ravens and lots of smaller passerines. There’s a chance of seeing Hen Harriers during the start of the breeding season performing their spectacular courtship “skydance”.
Other wildlife to look out for during the day includes fritillary butterflies, Golden Ringed Dragonflies, toads and newts, as well upland and some alpine plants.
We will stop at the head of the glen for raptor watching and a packed lunch.
Meet at Glenturret Distillery at 8.00am (collection and drop-off can be arranged on request within a 10 mile radius)
Aim to start walk at 8.30am
Mid-morning snack stop along the route
Lunch at the head of the glen at approx. 12.30pm
Watch for raptors for around 1-2hrs
Start walking back mid-afternoon to be back at car park for 4.30pm
Drop off back at Glenturret Distillery car park
Waterproof clothing
Binoculars (available to borrow)
Hat, gloves and scarf
Camera
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water
Sensible shoes/boots
Medication (as needed)
