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As with many areas in Scotland termed "forests"
there is very little if any signs of the original trees, but
along the single track road leading into the area are some
reasonable stands of mixed deciduous woodland and some pine.
Birse's main attraction, especially in the spring, are raptors.
As well as several Peregrines and Merlins, visitors also stand
a reasonable chance of seeing Hen Harrier, Buzzard and Golden
Eagle, as well as the much commoner Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Also in the area in summer are Stonechat, Whinchat,
Golden Plover and of course Red and Black Grouse.
From Aboyne take the road south and cross the river Dee, then
head towards the village of Finzean (pronounced Fing-an).
Dinnet Oakwood
Dinnet Oakwood is a National Nature Reserve representing a
remnant of the ancient deciduous forest which covered much
of lowland Scotland at one time. The Oakwood lies to the north
of the village of Dinnet, which is on the main road between
Aboyne and Ballater on the banks of the River Dee. As well
as being a hotspot for other kinds of wildlife, the reserve
comes into its own for birds in spring, especially at around
5 or 6 a.m., when the dawn chorus is amazing. As well as all
the common species visitors can hear Pied Flycatcher, Wood
Warbler, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker,
and the surrounding conifer forests are as good a place as
any to look for Capercaillie.
Glen Tanar
Glen Tanar is also a National Nature Reserve, and includes
mainly moorland and forest. The area is locally famous for
having resident "rogue" Capercaillies which attack
visitors! A large variety of birds can be seen here, including
one of the most regular spots for Scottish Crossbill in the
car-park of the visitors' centre.
Located south of Aboyne, cross the River Dee and head west,
along the south bank of the river. The road is signposted
from there to Glen Tanar.
Glen Clunie
Glen Clunie is a wild and mountainous Glen, south of Bramar,
which really entails a full day's walking in suitable hillwalking
gear. Birds are few, but rather special- in summer there are
good chances of various raptors, and also smaller Scottish
specialities like Twite and Snow Bunting, Golden Plover, Wigeon
and Dunlin.
Braemar and the Cairngorms
Braemar is at the furthest west part of Grampian, and is surrounded
by mountains. To the north are the Cairngorms, which are relatively
small mountains in world terms but among the most dangerous,
the reasons for which see the safety codes. Making Braemar
as a base is probably a good idea for birding in the mountains,
and there is also plenty of good birding within walking distance
of the village. The Linn of Dee, just a few miles further
west, is worth a visit, and Capercaillie and Scottish Crossbill
can be found at various places on the way.
Linn of Dee
6 miles west of Braemar. A narrow chasm on the River Dee
and a local beauty spot. The Linn of Quoich in the same direction
is also of spectacular beauty forms part of Mar Lodge Estate.
At the Linn of Dee the river slices through the rock providing
a formidable obstacle for the salmon making their way upriver
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