Overview
Findhorn Valley, Strath Dearn, and Valley of the Raptors are all different titles for the same place in the Highlands.444 area of Scotland.
A place along the River Findhorn situated approximately 10 miles from Carrbridge, Speyside.[3]
A place that has the reputation of being a go-to spot for the Golden Eagle as well as other species supported by the Valleys habitat. [1]
A place that seems the process of getting there is a seriously enjoyable part of the journey.
Birds
Notable Species
This area along the River Findhorn has been called one of the best places in the area to spot the Golden Eagle as well as the Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, and Hen Harrier.
Other possibilities, depending on the season, include Oystercatchers, Dippers, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Grey Wagtail, and Osprey. [1]
Apart from the Golden Eagle, which is the national bird of Scotland, consider these species for notability if you will. The Red Kite and White-tailed Eagle are two species that were moving toward extinction, but through the efforts of hard working people have managed to rebound somewhat.
Another species that has managed to bring themselves back from the brink in Scotland is the Osprey.
Rarities
Some of the species less likely to be seen here[6] include the European Greenfinch, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Common Chiffchaff, Common Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, and Great Tit.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Meadow Pipit, White-throated Dipper, Common Gull, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine, Raven, Sand Martin, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Willow Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Redwing, Fieldfare.
Other Wildlife
Red Deer can be seen in the area.
Site Information
Other Nearby Sites
Loch Ruthven Nature Reserve -Important site for breeding Slavonian Grebe
Black Isle - the first release spot for Red Kite in Scotland.
Loch Garten - An RSPB reserve further south near Aviemore
Access and Facilities
Inverness Airport (INV) is the closest airport to Findhorn Valley offering scheduled air service.
Consult a trusted travel professional for specific, up-to-date information.
References
- BWWC – Findhorn Valley-https://www.bwwc.co.uk/sample-itinerarys.php#:~:text=FINDHORN%20VALLEY&text=Known%20as%20the%20%EF%BF%BDValley,Hen%20Harrier%2C%20Buzzard%20and%20Kestrel.
- Loch Ruthven and the Findhorn Valley - https://www.camacdonald.com/birding/Hotspots/England/LochRuthven.html
- Birdersmarket.com - http://www.birdersmarket.com/acatalog/Findhorn_Valley.html
- Lepage D. (2020) UKsc09 Highlands Bird Checklist - Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World. Retrieved 27 September 2020
- Loch Ruthven – RSPB - https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/loch-ruthven/
- eBird – Lake Ruthven RSPB Reserve - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1221023?yr=all&m=&rank=hc&hs_sortBy=count&hs_o=desc
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Findhorn Valley. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 25 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Findhorn_Valley
External Links
Maps
- Parking area on Streetmap
- Farr Road to Loch Ruthven on Streetmap
- Findhorn Valley-Strath Dearn on Streetmap
