Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Lake of Mentieth and Argaty Red Kites

So, we have arrived in Aviemore!  We thought we would make the most of the journey north by stopping off at a few spots along the way.

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park – The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre

This is an area of extensive woodland and small Lochs.  The visitor centre is outstanding with toilets and a café with spectacular views.  The setup there is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the RSPB the main focus of the being the nearby nesting Osprey with live cams in operation.   The volunteers there know their stuff and the area thoroughly.  A word of warning though, the reserve has a ‘Go Ape’ park there.  This is a kind of outdoor abseiling, climbing, mountain biking, zip line swinging type thingy.  Also there was Spaniel there off the lead charging about like a thing possessed that chased a Grey Wagtail up the river to the waterfall.  I know these adventure themed things aren't everyone’s cup of tea, so if you do visit don’t be surprised if a screaming child zooms over your head on a zip wire and flushes the birds you’re trying to see.  Species at Queen Elizabeth Forest Park included:

Willow Warbler
Chaffinch
Great Tit
Grey Wagtail
Long-tailed Tit
Dunnock
Red Squirrel
Coal Tit
Jay

Dukes Pass

This area is part of a much bigger raptor trail but we didn't have time to drive the full course.

Buzzard
Raven

Lake of Mentieth

Lake of Mentieth is approximately 4 miles east of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Scotland’s only ‘LAKE’!  Here we were lucky enough to get good views of Osprey!  Species:

Osprey
Pied Wagtail
Great Crested Grebe
Grey Heron

Argaty Red Kites – Doune

Red Kite (Lifer)