Autumn Birds

Autumn is one of the most exciting times during the birding calendar in the Scottish Highlands, as we begin to see new arrivals flooding back to the UK for winter. Our position on the East Atlantic Flyway means that the UK is a common pit stop for most species that travel from Scandinavia and Greenland to Europe and North Africa, meaning that as well as seeing the birds that will be spending the winter with us, we also have the potential of seeing a number of rarities ranging from warblers to waders that are just passing through.

Birding during the winter offers a sense of spectacle that is simply impossible in Britain during the summer months. The arrival of huge flocks of ducks and geese provides endless opportunities for scanning with a telescope, searching for Slavonian grebes, scaup and barnacle geese hiding in the masses. The abundance of rowan berries around Aigas attracts newly arriving redwings and mistle thrushes, whilst on the coast large rafts of black-throated divers congregate before they head off to spend their winter at sea.

During this week, we will visit a wide range of habitats so as to maximise our chances of seeing as many different species as possible. Alongside the winter migrants there is an array of wildlife the Highlands is famous for; crested tits and crossbills are still vocal throughout our woodlands, young golden eagles practice flying in the glens and exploring new territories in the hills, whilst juvenile white-tailed sea eagles roam widely, turning up anywhere, including Aigas.

Birdwatching is not just about ticking species off a list, and Aigas rangers will always be on hand to not only help you spot and identify birds, but also discuss their ecological significance and behaviours.