Spent most of the day in and around Aviemore, thanks to a special deal from First Scotrail. The journey from Glasgow took place mostly in darkness. However there was just enough light to make out two Buzzards and four Red Grouse near Dalwhinnie. The main event of the day was a walk to Loch an Eilein via Lilly Loch and Milton Cottage, then back via Whitewell and Blackpark. Birds were hard to find but small numbers of Siskins, Chaffinches and the commoner tits were encountered at several sites. Chaffinches and Coal Tits were particularly numerous around the feeders in the Loch an Eilein car park, and were joined by a Red Squirrel. A little later, a tit flock along the eastern shore contained three Crested Tits (one watched feeding in heather down to a couple of metres while two others passed at head height). Most notable record however concerned 17 Waxwings feeding on Juniper berries and resting in a Birch tree near Whitewell.


The magic tickets


Christmas lights in Glasgow first thing


Arrival in Aviemore


The Old Manse


Milton Cottage


Forest Cottage


Deserted cottage at Upper Tullochgrue


Blackpark