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Star species

Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.

Capercaillie

Come to the special early morning 'Caper-watches' in April and May to see these spectacular grouse displaying at their communal 'lek'.

Illustration of male capercaillie

Crested tit

The soft trilling of the crested tit can be heard as you walk around the trails through the forest. They spend a lot of time in the tops of the pines, but also visit the feeders near the Osprey Centre and come down to eye level.

Crested tit (illustration)

Goldeneye

Goldeneyes nest in specially provided nestboxes put up in trees around the edges of Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie and dive for food in the water.

Goldeneyes (illustration)

Osprey

Enjoy the antics of the famous breeding pair of ospreys from the comfort of the Osprey Centre. You can also see live video footage of the action - beamed to the centre direct from the nest.

Osprey (illustration)

Scottish crossbill

Listen for the repetitive, hard, metallic 'chipping' notes of Scottish crossbills as you walk around the trails through the Ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Scan the treetops carefully and you may see them clinging on to branches, stripping seeds from the pine cones.

Scottish crossbill (illustration)

What can I do?

Abernethy is home to a number of spectacular birds and other wildlife

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 57.24402,-3.69517
  • Grid reference: NH978183
  • Nearest town: Aviemore, Highland
  • County: Highland
  • Country: Scotland

Get directions

* Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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