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)