Today's Strathspey trip took place against a forecast of heavy snow for the whole day. In the event, there were spells of heavy snow interspersed with lighter snow showers and some sunny spells. The journey north produced several groups of Red Deer (some gathered into folds in the hillside) and 12 Ravens (10 of these along a two-mile stretch south of Dalwhinnie). Also notable was a trackside Black Grouse between Dalwhinnie and Newtonmore.
Arriving in Carrbridge, the village gardens were full of the usual small birds with singing Collared Doves and large flocks of Jackdaws overhead. House Sparrows were also very evident, both here and later in Dulnain Bridge and Grantown on Spey. A quick look at the river produced nothing of note.

Heading out of Carrbridge, another large flock of Jackdaws was followed by a Sparrowhawk which came shooting out of a stand of pines. Heading further into the farmland east of the village, birds started to thin out, although House Sparrows and Collared Doves were around some of the farm buildings while Rooks and Jackdaws were in a couple of mixed flocks. The first of five Brown Hares for the day was disturbed here. 
Two hundred Greylag Geese and thirty Mallards were over the river (possibly disturbed by shooters) at Mains of Tullochgribban while eight Red-legged Partridges were at Clury Farm. A Dipper was good to see just before Dulnain Bridge.
The walk from Dulnain to Grantown was mostly along the busy A95. However it still produced some good sightings including two Buzzards, two Red Grouse and a Brown Hare. The Red Grouse were particularly notable, being right down in the bottom of the strath. 
Birds in Grantown on Spey were fairly standard fare, but by that point, getting out of the cold after a long walk in challenging conditions was the main priority. 
Impressions of Strathspey in January: 
It's fairly hostile, with biting notherlies and driving snow.
It's far from lifeless, with the villages full of birds, some (including Collared Dove) starting to sing.
It supports a lot of birds (in favoured places) with Greylag Geese, House Sparrows, Rooks and Jackdaws particularly prevalent.
Mammals are easy to see, particularly Red Deer along the trackside and Brown Hares on snow-covered fields.