Findhorn and Ruthven

Wednesday April 27 

The day began at Spey Bridge, Boat of Garten. We stopped on the bridge itself so that we could peer through the fence bars. Nothing on Pam's side - until a Grey Heron flew in - a Common Sandpiper manifested out of a lump on a distant rock, on my side. I couldn't decide which photo to use.

 




Two Goldeneye swam upstream and out of view, all serenaded by the ubiquitous song of the ever present Willow Warblers.

Turning off the A9 soon after the Slochd summit,  we took the single track road which takes one on a scenic seven mile ride up the Findhorn Valley. The valley soon narrows to a river, wooded hillsides, moorland and the winding road, often lined by crash barriers when the drop to the river below is at its steepest. Tall mountains line the valley. Home to raptors, a herd of feral goats, sheep, deer and the terrain appropriate birds. Mistle Thrush is a regular, we also saw Long-tailed Tits, Raven, Grey Wagtail, Chaffinch, Common Sandpiper, Teal, Redshank, and Pam saw a White Wagtail. The goats were way up high to-day. 

We always park on a grassy knoll a short distance away from the end car park. From here there is a good view of the surrounding area, without the constant action of fellow birders. It is possible to walk a few miles further up the valley to Coignafearn Hunting Lodge. This walk gives one a better chance of seeing Ring Ouzel and of having a memorable Eagle encounter. We haven't done so for a considerable number of years. The last time, a Golden Eagle swooped around the corner, feet and talons outstretched, before landing in the river beside me. Memorable indeed.

Pam saw a Peregrine as a dot in the sky, I read the newspaper. We were not patient, leaving, after an hour or so of no aerial activity, for the Farr road to Ruthven. This is another single track road, winding and twisting its way upwards through stark, heather and conifer plantation, moorland. Often a challenge for motorcycle groups, vintage car clubs, we had it to ourselves to-day.

It was lucky that we missed the Loch Ruthven turning, we had short views of a Red Kite, the only one so far. 

Loch Ruthven RSPB reserve was set up in order to protect the breeding grounds of Slavonian Grebes, The car park is small - and was overwhelmed by an enormous MotorHome. Pam thinks that they should be banned. I wouldn't argue. We moved on to a wider section of road with a verge which we know we can park on in order to view the loch. Using the scope is a must from here. I soon saw three Slavonian Grebes steaming at speed - they were producing a wake - towards a reedbed. Lovely birds, golden head tufts gleaming in the sunshine.

Alerted by Pam, I turned attention to the nearest field. A male Stonechat worked his way along the fence posts,

 

a Wheatear, Meadow Pipits, Mistle Thrush, Curlew, and a Tree Pipit fed on the available food.

We decided to go home via Lochindorb. Taking a chance on phone coverage, I messaged Sue G to ask of their whereabouts. Black Grouse place followed by Lochindorb. Excellent. We pulled in to the Black Grouse viewing area - none there - and a few minutes later Ian and Sue pulled in. We arranged that they should come and see our palatial cottage, leaving them whilst we drove the loch, meeting up again on the return journey. We had a pleasant time back at ours, drinking tea, eating cake and discussing birds seen, not seen. and planned to see. We shall meet again on Uist.

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