Today's flying visit to Strathspey began with a walk down to the river. Only two Mallards were present, but a small skein of nine Greylag Geese flew over and Siskins, Goldfinches and Chaffinches were in the riverside trees.
Walking down through Kincraig, a few Rooks were in a sheep field and the most obvious birds in the village were Chaffinches and Robins (some of the latter in song). Birch leaves were raining down onto the road, even with no wind. Siskins were present again and the loch held two Mute Swans and two Teal. Two Rabbits were beside the path.
The riverside walk north was notable for the Aspen trees, the leaves of which were either yellow or (mostly) already fallen. The Bracken was orangey-brown. Jackdaws were often overhead and Siskins and Chaffinches were again ubiquitous. A big patch of Orange Peel fungus was on the edge of the path near Speybank. (It was one of very many species seen along the walk).
Dalraddy Moor was quiet, but some Jackdaws and Rooks were feeding near the sheep were grazing. Birch leaves were yellow or pale orange but the main colour in the landscape was provided by the red stems and withered leaves of Rosebay Willow-herb. Occasional flowers were encountered all the way along the path and included Red Campion, White Capion, a Ragwort species, Devil's-bit Scabious, Bell Heather, Ling Heather, Foxglove, probable Burnet Saxifrage, Cowberry (with many plants fruiting), Harebell and Catsear.
Kinrara had a calling Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskins, Chaffinches and various tit species, a small flock of Redwings in the treetops, five cock Pheasants exploded out of the undergrowth, a mature Puffball at the side of the path and a large black beetle lumbering across the path. The Bogach had another Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Redpoll and one Siskin. The marsh itself (more of a loch, today) held a boisterous group of 15 Goldeneye (socialising and diving together) and one Mallard.
The Lynwilg end of the path had three Buzzards interacting overhead, a solitary Goldeneye on a quiet bend in the Spey disturbed by standing canoists, Goldfinches on wires, Chaffinches on the path, two Redwingsoverhead and 18 Jackdaws going to roost.
Finally, the south end of Aviemore had two Rabbits grazing on the verge at The Range, a Grey Heron over the Youth Hostel and both Siskins and Chaffinches again.