A cold start today, with near-freezing temperatures at the campsite. Set off at 6:15 to walk the first few miles of the Lairig Ghru footpath. Almost the first sound heard was the cheerful "Twiddly-dee" of a Crested Tit. Other wildlife encountered along the way included Siskin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Red Squirrel (plus lots of singing Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Wren and Robin). A late morning stop at Loch Morlich produced Red breasted Merganser and Goldeneye, while the north east corner of Loch Insh turned up Goldeneye, Oystercatcher and Reed Bunting. A par of Greylag Geese were at Glen Feshie airstrip and another three were at Uath Lochans. Also at Uath were displaying Goldeneye and singing Meadow Pipit. Driving home, a Red legged Partridge was dead on the roadside north of the Sma' Glen. while a Grey Partidge flew over. Nearby were three Canada Geese and a Grey Heron. Finally, a Swallow in Crief was my first of the year.

An overnight visitor

The Cairngorm Club Footbridge

First plaque on the bridge

Second plaque on the bridge

Track through forest near Rothiemurchus campsite

The view from the tent

Insh Church

Dead Red legged Partridge.