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Loch Garten, Feb. 2007
Photo by The Hairy Highlander

[edit] Overview

Loch Garten is an RSPB reserve located in the Highlands of Scotland, between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey. This reserve is famous for the pair Ospreys which nest here and also the Capercaillie, Scotland’s largest and rarest grouse.

[edit] Birds

Photo by Steve Round
Loch Garten at Dawn

[edit] Notable Species

Western Capercaillie, Osprey, Scottish Crossbill and Crested Tit.

[edit] Rarities

To do

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Western Capercaillie, Common Buzzard, European Sparrowhawk, Osprey, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Scottish Crossbill, Common Crossbill, Parrot Crossbill, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Crested Tit, European Greenfinch, Chaffinch

[edit] Other Wildlife

Photo by Greysands boy
April

Red Squirrel

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

To do

[edit] Areas of Interest

• The Osprey Centre, overlooking the osprey nest, has interpretative staff and interactive materials, such as binoculars and low-set telescopes for children. Adult binoculars and telescopes also available. Live CCTV gives continual pictures of the Osprey nest.
• 4 nature trails, ranging in length from 280 m to 2.5km, .

[edit] Access and Facilities

• Visitor Centre
• Shop and refreshments available
• Toilets
• Nature trails
• Car park, which has space for up to 40 cars and three coaches
• Grid Ref: NH978183
• Directions: from the outskirts of Grantown and Aviemore, follow the RSPB 'Ospreys' roadsigns.
• Open daily 10am-6pm, April through end of August. Last entry is 5pm. The Centre is also open daily for 'caper-watch' (to see Capercaillies) from 5.30am to 8am (daily from 1 April to 21 May in 2009).
• Entrance charges: (2009) Adults £3, concessions £2, under 16s 50p. Family ticket £6 (up to two adults and two children). RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members - free. Caper-watch: adults - non-members £3, members £1, children free.

[edit] Contact Details

Tel: 01479 831476

[edit] External Links

• RSPB Loch Garten
• Loch Garten on Streetmap