The Northern Cairngorms can deliver sightings of many great bird species, with the area around Aviemore being a good starting point.
Here you can find advice and general tips regarding birdwatching around Aviemore and the Northern Cairngorms. This area is one of the most important in the Highlands for wildlife and bird sightings, including some of the rarest breeding species in Britain. Read on to learn more. For an overview, see the post Wildlife in Scotland: A Beginner’s Guide.
Birdwatching in the Northern Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park as a whole encompasses a wide variety of nationally important habitats. On the northern side of the park is the busy village of Aviemore, which itself offers some good birdwatching. It is also a convenient base from which to explore the wide variety of bird habitats found in Speyside and the northern Cairngorms. The Cairngorms are home to many highly protected species of rare Scottish birds. Many are sensitive to disturbance. Birders and photographers are reminded of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the need for responsible access.
Birdwatching near Aviemore
The area around Aviemore has a variety of nationally and internationally-protected habitats, providing some great birdwatching. The walking trails around Aviemore lead to several great birding areas, for example Craigellachie NNR, the banks of the River Spey and the small Rothiemurchus fishery (a stopoff popular with the local ospreys). A short drive or bus trip from Aviemore brings you to some more excellent birding locations (see below).
For local visitor information, check out my mini Cairngorms Guide. Here, you can find handy local tips and advice, plus an overview of the various visitor services that are available.
Caledonian Pine forest
Aviemore and the surrounding villages have great areas of Caledonian Pine forest nearby, offering sightings of nationally rare birds. These include Capercaillie, Scottish Crossbill and Crested tit, in addition to commoner species such as Spotted flycatcher and Redstart. The villages of Boat of Garten, Nethy Bridge, Carrbridge and Grantown-on Spey are all good places to explore from. Key locations include: RSPB Abernethy reserve, Grantown Woods, Rothiemurchus forest and Glenmore forest.
Speyside farmland and crofts
Sightings of croft and farmland birds can be had all along the Spey valley, both north and south of Aviemore. Many footpaths pass over or near to farmers fields, but please follow the Outdoor Access Code and behave responsibly (eg: leaving gates as found, not dropping litter or obstructing farm machinery). Species present include many farmland waders declining elsewhere including Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Curlew, in addition to wintering finches. The Speyside Way is a great route to start with.
Cairngorms Wildlife Day Tour (1 day)
Expert-led wildlife and birding day tours exploring the special habitats in the Cairngorms (Aviemore and local area, private booking available)
Freshwater lochs and the River Spey
Aviemore and the surrounding villages are close to several beautiful lochs and rivers, potentially giving good sightings of wildfowl, forest birds and even divers. The famous River Spey and Loch Morlich, Loch Insh and Loch Garten are home to scarce species such as Osprey, Goldeneye and Dipper. The Insh Marshes RSPB reserve to the southwest is an internationally important wetland habitat.
Cairn Gorm and the Monadhliath
Aviemore is the closest large village to the famous massif of Cairn Gorm, offering some of the best high-altitude birdwatching in Britain. Here can be found breeding ptarmigan, red grouse, black grouse, golden eagle, dotterel and small numbers of snow bunting. The lower Monadhliath hills to the north also offer large areas of heather moorland habitat.
Bird sightings in the Scottish Highlands
Including Aviemore and Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is one of many places in the Scottish Highlands with great birds and other wildlife.
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So, you’ve seen that the Cairngorms is a special place because of the sheer diversity of nationally-important species and habitats found there. Below, check out my guided birding and wildlife watching trips at various locations in the Cairngorms.
Spring birding in the Cairngorms and more
