The weather forecast for today's Strathspey trip was for rain all day. In the event it stayed dry until about 3pm, by which time the bulk of the days walking had been done. Many of the most interesting sightings were from the train up including my first inland Oystercatchers and Black-headed Gull of the year, 200 Pink-footed Geese, two Shelduck and a dozen Wigeon near Carsebreck, two groups of Whooper Swans (of 10 and 12) on the Insh Marshes, the usual Red Grouse and Ravens over Drumochter summit and numerous sightings of Red Deer, Roe Deer and Rabbit (including a striking piebald one of the latter).
The ski car park once again failed to produce any Snow Buntings in spite of searching. A consolation was three Red Grouse giving very good views as they displayed to each other. Birds in the forest included Crested Tit, Crossbill and Siskin (the latter seem scarce this winter). Birds on Loch Morlich consisted of Mallard, Tufted Duck and Goldeneye (with Goosander on the Spey). Surprisingly, no Dippers were seen, in spite of searching. The absence of Grey and Pied Wagtails was less of a surprise. A big Wood Ant nest was completely inactive. A dozen or more Herring Gulls were circling over Aviemore. Singing birds included Great, Blue and Coal Tits, Collared Dove, Wren and Robin. 
Heading south, there were groups of Greylag Geese at Kincraig (five) and Pitmain Farm (c100).
Some early impressions of Strathspey in late February consisted of:
It's subdued in colour with the heather patches earth brown and the grass dull straw.
It's still mostly quiet, with birdsong, if present, only muted.
Its showing evidence of flood damage - possibly due to melting snow.