Birdwatching on the RSPB’s Forsinain Trail, Forsinard Nature Reserve
May 23 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Birdwatching on the RSPB’s Forsinain Trail, Forsinard Nature Reserve with Graham Thompson, A Far North Naturalist
Covering a variety of habitats – river, farm, moor, dubh lochan, bog and conifer plantation – this walk SHOULD bring a variety of birds.
Incorporating a trail at my former workplace (RSPB Forsinard), which includes areas of ‘forest-to-bog’ restoration work that I was involved in.
This route is 6.4 km (4 miles) in length. There are some moderately difficult slopes to climb/descend. The trail is likely to be wet in places, so suitable footwear is required.
This is a 4 1/2 to 5 hour walk approximately, so bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink!
Covering a variety of habitats – river, farm, moor, dubh lochan, bog and conifer plantation – this walk SHOULD bring a good variety of birds (nothing guaranteed!), namely: Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Golden Plover (pictured), Lapwing, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Greylag Goose, Hen Harrier, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Linnet, Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Dipper, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. There’s also a chance of Dunlin and Red-throated Diver. Quail has occasionally appeared here in May in the past, Grasshopper Warbler too, more frequently (both species are more likely to be heard than seen!). Seeing Red Deer is possible.
In addition to birds, the bog pools will have floristic interest: the spectacular Bogbean should be flowering. Four-spot Chaser dragonflies (photo) should be on the wing. The results of the forest-to-bog restoration work is also interesting to see.
Car parking at Forsinain next to the Halladale River here: w3w///pulsing.dwarves.bandwagon. NC90364855
If there are ANY species you’d particularly like to see, that perhaps don’t feature on this walk, I am available for hire and could concentrate on finding it/them with you
