After much debate, decided to head to Strathspey for a (very) short break. The drive up produced a Raven at Calvine, single Red Grouse at Drumochter and Ralia (the latter on the railway track) and a Buzzard being mobbed by a Jackdaw just before Newtonmore.
A walk around Loch Imrich proved it to be a hidden gem with a Mallard brood already on the water and both Little Grebe and Moorhen on nests. Song birds included a singing Willow Warbler, a single Grey Wagtail and large numbers of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. Loch Insh held a pair of Mute Swans, 100 Sand Martins feeding over Dunachton Marsh and two Ringed Plover on the shingle spit. Also in the general area were two pairs of Goldenye and an Osprey on its nest.
An early start tomorrow - to join the RSPB Caper watch. Not hopeful as I believe they haven't shown reliably for several seasons. Never mind. Dawn in the Caledonian Forest is a treat even without them.
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