Normally in springtime the wildlife of Rothiemurchus springs in action as the winter months ebb away and the lighter warmer days of spring work their magic. This year with an unexpected cold snap and a fair amount of snow the ground is coated in a thick, glistening white blanket – beautiful.

In April the Ospreys return to Scotland, from West Africa.  Pairs return to their regular nesting sites in the area, meeting up for the first time since their departure late last summer. Although they often return in late April, they are back already this year and can be seen regularly at Rothiemurchus Fishery fishing for rainbow trout.

Early Spring also sees the return of many breeding waders.  Look out for Lapwings, Oystercatchers and Curlews busying themselves on the open fields and defending sought after territories. 

In the forest Crossbills can often be seen, now in family groups, as they breed very early in the year.  Listen out for the young birds  squabbling high up in the pine trees as their parents are feeding on the freshly opened pine cones.

Other birds such as Robins, Great Tits, CoalTtits, Chaffinches, Great Spotted Woodpeckers etc are still busy feeding hungry chicks.  Look out for the parents frantically flying through the trees picking food up in their bills on the many food journeys made throughout a day.

May is the start of the wildflower season.  Start looking out for Cuckoo Flowers, Wild Primrose’s, Dog Volets and the fantastically fragrant  yellow Broom blooms.

Click here to see the birds that are around at the moment.

What are the Rangers up to?

The Rangers at Rothiemurchus are also very busy at this time of year.  We run an extensive education programme, taking school groups out across the estate, showing them all the different aspects of Rothiemurchus. We also carry out extensive wildlife surveys to see what’s about and what’s happening in the wildlife world and keep you informed.