22/01/17. Scotland Day 1

An early 8.15 start to see Black and Red Grouse near Dorbach Lodge NJ.074.170.

• There were at least 10 male Black Grouse at the Lek and showing well in the good lighting conditions.  We also had good views of a Red Grouse and a couple of distant views.

• Then we were off to Loch Garten to see the Crested Tits.

• The Capercaillie search in Inverladen Wood was thorough, but unsuccessful and took well over 3 hours.

• The late afternoon session by the River Spey was more productive with good views of Goldeneye.  I saw my first Redpolls of the year in the canopy of the tall trees overlooking the river.

A underwhelming start despite the early successes.  Too much time in the van on bumpy roads with no sightings was a little hard to bear on the first day.