Bird life in Ballater and surrounds
Location: The Forest of Birse - grouse moor:
Spring - raptors, Peregrines, Merlins, Hen Harrier, Buzzard and Golden Eagle, as
well as the much commoner Sparrow hawk and Kestrel.
Summer - Stonechat, Whinchat, Golden Plover, Red and Black Grouse.
How to get there - From Aboyne take the road south across the river Dee, then head
towards the village of Finzean (pronounced Fing-an).
Location: Dinnet Oakwood Nature Reserve
A remnant of the ancient deciduous forest which once covered much of Scotland.
Visitors can hear Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Green and
Great Spotted Woodpecker, the conifer forests are also home to Capercaillie.
How to get there - From Dinnet head north and look for the signs.
Glen Tanar Estate Nature Reserve
Glen Tanar Nature Reserve - moorland and forest. Notorious for the Capercaillies
which engage with visitors in a robust manner. A large variety of birds can be seen
here, including one of the most regular spots for Scottish Crossbill in the car park
of the visitors' centre.
How to get there - south of of Aboyne, across the River Dee and head west, along
the south bank of the river. The road is sign posted from there to Glen Tanar.
Glen Clunie
Wild and mountainous Glen Clunie is south of Bramar, which really entails a full
day's walking in suitable hill walking gear.
Summer - various raptors, also smaller Scottish specialities like Twite and Snow
Bunting, Golden Plover, Wigeon and Dunlin.
Linn o'Dee
The Linn of Dee, just a few miles west of Braemar, is worth a visit, Capercaillie
and Scottish Crossbill can be found at various places on the way.
