Red Deer
The Red Deer is our largest mammal. They are magnificent creatures with the most graceful of movement. Unfortunately their numbers are too high as a result of having no natural predators. This could be about to change though with a study taking place just now into the reintroduction of the Eurasian Lynx.
Red Squirrel
We will be keeping our eyes peeled on our way as we wander round the forests for the rare Red Squirrel. These small animals are an endangered species due the introduction of Grey Squirrels. They remain a strong presence in the ancient forests of the Cairngorms National Park.
Capercaille
It is also possible that we may encounter the Capercaille or Black Grouse.They are also known as ‘horseman of the woods ‘ due their unusual call which sounds like the clip clop of a horses hooves.They are a very endangered species with their numbers having halved in recent years. The Caledonian pine forest of the Cairngorms National Park are one of their last strongholds in the UK.
Reindeer
While we are exploring the Cairngorm plateau we may encounter some of the Reindeer from the Glenmore Reindeer Centre. These beautiful animals look totally at home here in the Highland landscape.They are usually quite tame so it is possible to get closer to take photos of them.
Red Grouse
The Red Grouse can be encountered on the moors and uplands of the national park. Their distinctive call of (go back go back) scares many walker as they fly up from the heather they survive on.
Ptarmigan
We may also encounter Ptarmigan. These birds from the grouse family live above 2500ft in boulder fields in the hills. There feathers completely camouflage them and they are quite hard to spot until you see them move! More often than not we get to hear them before we see them! Their strange croaking noise alerting us to their presence.
Snow Bunting
Snow Buntings are my favourite birds of the high plateau. Friendly and cheerful they usually get spotted around the summit of Ben Macdui and Ben Nevis.
Their plumage changes to white in the winter helping to hide them from predators like the Golden Eagle.
Golden Eagles
These magnificent birds can often be spotted in the mountains. They soar high on the thermals hunting the slopes for Mountain Hares,Red Grouse and Ptarmigan.