Situated approximately 10 miles from Carrbridge (Speyside). Take the A9 north to Inverness leaving the road signposted to Findhorn bridge. If you miss this turn off then the A9 becomes dual carraigeway so you will need to take the next turn off for Tomatin.Follow the 10 mile single track road to Coignafearn (car park here) with regular breeding peregrine on the cliffs. The river Findhorn holds the usual birds associated with this habitat - dipper, common sandpiper, common tern, grey wagtail and possibly osprey. Check also for redstart, willow warbler.. There may even be the chance of an unlikely rarity as with the well photographed woodchat shrike (below). The Findhorn valley, known as the 'valley of raptors' is one of the most reliable places in Scotland for golden eagle and should not be missed if planning a birding trip to this area. All typical moorland birds such as golden plover and ring ouzel (check the areas of scree but these birds should be audible during the spring early summer), red grouse, peregrine, raven and buzzard.Red kite has also been recorded. Scanning any of the ridges in this area should be productive. Like aircraft , large birds of prey usually take off into a prevailing wind and find it easier to obtain lift above the ridges of a hill / mountain. A good and typical example of this flight behaviour is illustrated in the first youtube video below. Notice how the tail is long and not 'fanned' like a buzzard and that the wings are 'pinched in' towards the body. 

If visiting Loch Ruthven (for slavonian grebe) take the minor road (Glen Kyllachy) which meets the B851. This road is particularly good for hen harrier and merlin.

Main picture: Findhorn Valley Birdersmarket

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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