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)

North Wales April 2014 - Glaslyn Osprey

Today we started off at Aber Falls, where Black Redstart and Pied Flycatcher had been reported the previous day.  The habitat is that of mixed deciduous woodland giving way to scrub at higher levels.  The area is home to a huge variety of birds including Green and Great Woodpeckers, Willow Tit,  Ring Ouzel, Dipper and Grey Wagtail.  Sadly we saw absolutely NOTHING!  Although it was clear to see the habitat was ideal for all these species.  After an hour or so we decided to leave.  The main problem we had was lack of time (and experience).  The area was vast and trying to find Black Redstart and Pied Fly would take time, patience and an experienced birder with a good ear for calls.

We set off to see the Glaslyn Osprey and stopped off at Lon Cob NNR on the way.  It's a nice little place with a few reedbeds and a boardwalk running through.  Plenty of Chiffchaff here!

We arrived at Pont Croesor visitor centre, home of the Glaslyn Osprey Project to find it closed (it opens on Monday 21st April).  Luckily someone turned up who had been before and pointed us in the direction of the Osprey.  They were just visible with the bins but the scope gave good views.  There was a path that I presume led closer to the birds but we decided to keep our distance and drive around the edge of the valley.  We found a good spot and watched from the road with a flask of coffee.  At one point the nest was mobbed by Corvids.  One went up to defend then the other joined.  Fabulous to watch.  Order returned and what we think was the female sat on the perch and gave great views preening (and pooping)!

Other species seen:  Linnet, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Wren and Grey Heron.