Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
At Osprey Centre: ospreys, capercaillies, red squirrels, siskins, crossbills, crested, blue and great tits, great spotted woodpeckers and roe deer.
On Loch Garten/guided walks (green trail): goldeneyes, wigeons, common sandpipers, buzzards, and possibly otters.
Summer
At Osprey Centre: ospreys, capercaillies, red squirrels, siskins, crossbills, crested, blue and great tits, great spotted woodpeckers and roe deer.
On guided walks (green trail): tree pipits, spotted flycatchers, swifts, redstarts, grey wagtails, crested tits, and various woodland flowers.
Autumn
Osprey Centre closed. No guided walks, but trails are always open.
Wild geese roosting on Loch Garten in late afternoon/evening (greylag and pink-footed geese), whooper swans, goldeneyes, roosting goosanders, wigeons, mallards and teals. Possibly red and roe deer.
Winter
Osprey Centre closed. No guided walks, however trails are always open.
Wild geese roosting on Loch Garten in late afternoon/evening (greylag and pink-footed geese), whooper swans, goldeneyes, roosting goosanders, wigeons, mallards and teals. Possibly red and roe deer.