20-22 July, my first visit since the lockdown...... day one in Deeside/Glenshee, then to the SW Highlands the following day.
An Socach is on the Invercauld estate, and the initial walk in produced Spotted Flycatcher, fem Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Crossbill and Peregrine. A very good start. Wheatears and Meadow Pipits were fairly numerous. Increasingly good views on the gentle ascent led to the extensive stony plateau. The definite highlight was a family party of Dotterel near the trig point, male, female and a beautifully-plumaged golden juvenile. The group was fairly confiding and I spent a few minutes sitting on a rock while the birds moved unconcernedly around the plateau. Fantastic, an outstanding and memorable experience. Surprisingly, not a single Red Grouse or Ptarmigan heard or seen, but a good reptile count with a young Adder and a Common Lizard, along with several Common Frogs.
Day two near Tyndrum was very scenic with the approach to Beinn Dubhchraig/Ben Oss being through relict Caledonian pines. Fewer birds seen, but another Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipits and Ravens. Great to be back in the Highlands!
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