Beautiful colourful Autumn days are currently with us, however the grip of Winter will soon be upon us, and it will bring some stunning sights. Crisp dry glorious mornings, snow capped Mountains and hopefully enough snow for us to play with in the valleys too!

From October to December Greylag Geese are often seen in large flocks feeding in the stubble fields on Rothiemurchus. These birds have come from their breeding grounds, in northern latitudes, to spend the Winter months here where the weather is not so harsh. Look out for them at dusk when you can see, and hear them flying off to their night-time roosts on sheltered Lochs in the area, such as Loch Gamhna near Loch an Eilein.

Birds are inclined to travel around in large, often mixed, flocks at this time of year. Siskins, Coal tits and Chaffinches can be found feeding on the seeds from the cones of larch trees. Blackbirds and Dunnocks are often lurking in thick undergrowth or hedgerows; listen out for the Blackbirds alarm call when it spots you.

Crossbills are travelling through the Pine forests in their vocal, brightly coloured flocks. They feed right at the very tops of the Pine trees, teasing the seeds from the cones with their specially adapted beaks, be careful you don’t get a crooked neck whilst peering into their fascinating world!

At the Rothiemurchus Fishery our regular pair of Mute swans have returned, gracefully going about their day-to-day business on the fishing ponds. Salmon have also been spotted under the bridge crossing the River Druie in the Winter. These stunning fish are desperately trying to move upstream to their spawning grounds.

Click here find out which Birds, Flowers and Mammals are around at the moment..

What are the Rangers up to?

During the Winter the Rangers are busy planning fun and exciting activities for the New Year. This time of year also gives us the opportunity to carry out maintenance work on the paths, signs etc across the Estate to ensure all is well for all our visitors.