Wildlife Top 10

Wildlife spotting is an activity that needs quiet, patience and a good deal of luck. Happening on something special during a gentle walk is almost as likely as a dedicated wildlife trip. Our advice would be to make use of the many local natural heritage experts that are provided by Balmoral Estate, Glen Tanar Estate, Mar Lodge Estate, National Trust for Scotland at Crathes & Drum Castles, Cairngorm National Park and the Aberdeenshire Ranger Service. They undertake many organised activities year round to help bring people close to some magic moments of nature. Check out our events listing to see if there is something on during your planned visit.

Programs like Springwatch and Autumnwatch tell us it is all about action but in fact much of the joy of a field trip is the peace, space and colour you will experience in that effort no matter how adventurous. Listening to the sound of wind through trees, birds singing in an early morning chorus or evensong promote a sense of well being that is becoming increasingly elusive in a noise polluted world.

We list below some of our headline wildlife but ask that you remember to marvel at the full wonder of the natural environment that is Royal Deeside and Cairngorm.

Atlantic Salmon The instinct to reproduce is a compulsion all species require to survive but the Atlantic Salmon's tale is different. For after the grueling metamorphosis from fresh water fish to ocean traveler and then after swimming thousands of miles its instincts take it back to the very place of its birth! The salmon will pass significant barriers to get to that spot and their struggle to reach the destination can be witnessed in the rivers of Royal Deeside. The Falls of Feugh to the south of Banchory is an easily accessible location to see the salmon leap as they make their way up river.

Capercaillie The magnificent and endangered capercaillie is found in our pinewoods. A huge, black, turkey like bird with mini peacock tail feathers is a magical sight. The Capercaillie is the largest of the grouse family and is restricted to a pinewood habitat. The bird became extinct in Scotland towards the end of the 18th century but was reintroduced from Scandinavia in the 19th century. It has fared well until recently when a decrease in habitat, improved access for predators like stoats and foxes, cool and wet weather conditions in early summer when chicks are being reared are just some of the reasons they have reduced to an alarming level of numbers. If you see one, please tread lightly!

Red Deer Higher ground is the best place to see red deer, which roam freely across the local estates, where we suggest is your first port of call for information on Scotland’s largest mammal. The Monarch of the Glen landscape by Sir Edwin Landseer, a favourite artist of Queen Victoria’s, captured the true majesty of this magnificent beast. Driving through Glenshee, the area around Linn of Dee or from Glen Gairn to Ballater it can be possible to see a herd together as you pass by so keep your eyes open! Try Balmoral and Mar Lodge estates. Glen Dye is also very accessible and if visited early morning can sometimes gain a result - park in Clachnaben Car Park on the B974 south of Strachan. October's breeding season has the air alive with rutting stags calling!

Dotterel Almost exclusively within the Cairngorm National Park, if you want to catch this elusive creature you will typically need to hike to do so. The Dotterel, unusually in the bird world, has a female more brightly coloured than males, who doesn’t assist with chick rearing. One female might mate with males in both Scotland and Norway in one summer, laying a clutch of eggs to be tended by the males in each country. Rich chestnut-orange belly feathers set this wading bird apart from the few other waders (typically dunlin, which is much smaller, and golden plover, which has a black belly) that you might find in the same area. In other words, if you are lucky enough to see it you will know that you have!

Golden Eagle Flying conditions have to be just right to get this huge bird soaring so they are notoriously elusive and often mistaken for other raptors. Mar Lodge and Balmoral estates and the Cairngorm National Park rangers may be able to help you. Walking north, south, east or west of Braemar may net you a result. Try also Glenshee, Glen Muick and Upper Donside. Listen here for its distinctive cry. Have your camera ready!

Black Grouse The mating performance of these birds is a must see for wildlife enthusiasts and has been celebrated with cultural imitations of the display. April/May is the time to see it. Take your chances alone or make use of early morning field trips by Mar Lodge and Balmoral estates. Book early or be disappointed!

Other Mammals A number of other headline mammals can be seen in this area but they tend to move quickly if disturbed so you may have to settle for brief encounters! If you are lucky you may glimpse otters, pine martens and even wildcats in our pinewoods when you are on the lookout for Capercaillie or red squirrels.

Mountain Hare Mountain hares are fairly common in areas such as Glen Muick, Morrone Hill near Braemar, and Gairnshiel on Donside. The winter of 2009/2010 must have come as some relief to the mountain hare, since the hare's coat changes to white in winter and without snow he stands out against the heather hills to predators! The Mad March Hare was the inspiration for the Easter Bunny and if you were very lucky you might catch two hares fighting fisty cuffs style!

Osprey The spectacular sight of the Osprey fishing is not such a rare event to witness in Royal Deeside today as the bird becomes more widespread across the area. Ospreys can be spotted fishing at Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, along the River Dee and at many of the small fishing lochs in the area like Tullich, much to the chagrin of the owner who stocks Tullich Loch for anglers! Lodge on the Loch at Aboyne, part of the Glen Tanar and Aboyne itinerary, also has the good fortune that Ospreys appear at the same time as diners are enjoying their restaurant. The lodge's sitooterie [Scots for al fresco area] is called the Osprey Deck!

Red Squirrel An elusive almost mystical creature, the red squirrel has become a favourite with our visitors. Scots pine woodland is a good environment for red squirrel spotting and there are substantial tracts in the Royal Deeside and Cairngorm area. The Cairngorm National Park still has areas, which are exclusively inhabited with red squirrels and have set up a Red Squirrel Watch so that you can get to know their habits a little better. Easily accessible locations include Glen Tanar and Balmoral estates, Crathes Castle estate and The Old Wood of Drum way-marked walk on the Drum Castle estate.