📖 🍂Ptarmigan 03/11/24

Sunday 3rd November 2024 ☀️9C ~ SW @ 3MPH ~ Today was Dazza's birthday, so we celebrated in her 'happy place'—the Cairngorms.

View from Cairnwell looking out towards Loch Vrotachan

Although much of the country was enveloped in clouds due to anticyclonic gloom—a term for the dull, overcast conditions brought on by high-pressure areas—up here in the northeast of Scotland, the weather was just stunning with light winds and cloudless skies. The perfect day for walking the high tops. Well we did cheat a little at first and took the chair lift up to Cairnwell.

Mountain Hare

As a birdwatcher, I often expect Sundays to yield fewer sightings because of the higher number of visitors. Yet, this Sunday proved unexpectedly rewarding. Since relocating to Scotland in 2020, I had been eager to spot a Ptarmigan. Despite its elusiveness on my prior excursions, this species, native to the Scottish Highlands, would be a significant find for us.

Red Deer Stag

As expected the birding was slow, although the day was thoroughly enjoyable, complete with hiking and observing the many Ravens gliding above the peaks. We also saw a few Red Kites, Mountain Hares and Red Deer. But the highlight came unexpectedly at our last stop at Cairnwell, where, out of nowhere, I caught sight of our first ever Ptarmigan.

Our first ever Ptarmigan (in fact there are two) moulting into their pure white winter plumage.

The last destination on our journey was the rugged peak of Cairnwell. I previously visited this place in June 2023 with the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group. At the time Ptarmigan was high on our list but sadly we failed in out attempts. 

Our first ever Ptarmigan hunkered in-between rocks.

Honestly, I believed our chances of spotting anything were minimal. Despite the presence of several hikers, one operating a drone, I opted to stroll around. Suddenly, a Mountain Hare sprinted across the rocks. As it disappeared, a flash of white captured my attention - a magnificent Ptarmigan perched on a rock, appearing unfazed. In fact there were three. I did a double-take and glanced at Dazza who was a short distance away, whispering "Ptarmigan!" I gestured for her to come over, and we both sat down, silently marveling for what felt like an eternity before we eventually pulled ourselves away.

Above the distant cloud cover.

Panoramic view of Cairnwell.