Good news for birdwatchers in the North West wanting to find out a bit more about the Birdwatching and Wildlife Club: the BWWC has got a stand at the NorthWest Bird Watching Festival at Martin Mere Reserve near to Southport on both days - November 29th and 30th, 2008.

If you'd like the chance to meet the BWWC Team in person and have a chat in more detail about what we do we'd be delighted to meet you - you can have a look at our unique Wildlife Map of North East Scotland, take away a free copy of our monthly newspaper 'The Watcher' and even enter into our prize draw to win a free holiday with us next year!

Our guests staying with us at the moment are still reporting great sightings of Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Scottish Crossbill and Red Deer. If you're coming to the Festival we look forward to meeting you and telling you exactly how we can help you to experience the magnificent wildlife of the Cairngorms.

Hot off the Press: the Birdwatching and Wildlife Club is delighted to announce that it is to offer two unique breaks, new to 2009.

In May 2009, Scotland's best known wildlife photographer, Laurie Campbell, will be delivering a one day photography workshop! This 3 night package is strictly limited to 10 people to ensure one-to-one tuition and would make an ideal Christmas present for aspiring wildlife photographers.

Following this, in August 2009, we will be offering a 4 night wildlife sketching and painting holiday called 'A Brush with the Wild'. Hosted by internationally-renowned wildlife artist, Derek Robertson, and again limited to 10 people, you will get the chance to sketch some of the unique wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park in the field whilst brushing up on your skills in the comfort of our newly-refurbished hotel.

Both breaks should also be a fun and relaxing way to experience the wildlife of the Cairngorms whilst meeting other like-minded people.

For more details on either package, call 0800 0438585.
For more information on Laurie Campbell visit www.lauriecampbell.com
For more information on Derek Robertson visit www.derekrobertson.com

P.S. I thought the winters were supposed to be draughty and "dreich" as they say up here, but yet another frosty, sunny weekend of endless blue skies. It's so unfair!

It's always nice to get feedback from our guests about the wildlife they've seen. So here is a transcript of the note Sandra and Phil Slegg left me at the end of their stay last week:

"Dear Toby, at Loch Garten saw Crested and Coal Tits on feeder. 5 Red Squirrels! Great Spotted Woodpecker collected pine cone then stored it in hole in dead birch at rear visitor centre. Walked along stream at Nethy Bridge saw Dipper. Safari very good. Saw Roe & Red Deer, Red Grouse and Brown Hare. Thanks for all your help. Sandra and Phil Slegg."

I like it when a plan comes together!

A couple of species were sighted on our Guided Walk today which we haven't seen for some time. Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen feeding and playing by the River Spey and we accidently flushed a Woodcock in Anagach Wood. Given that RSPB Loch of Strathbeg on the east coast has reported 21 today, is this the first traditional November 'fall of Woodcock' this year?

A fabulous drive over the Cairngorms this morning on the A939 Tomintoul road from Ballater. Snow on all sides, bright blue skies, skiers on the slopes of the Lecht and Black Grouse at the side of the road!
I've now seen Black Grouse there three weeks running (on one occasion in the middle of the road) within half a mile either side of the Lecht centre itself.
Although there was significant snow on the slopes the roads themselves were perfectly clear. A beautiful drive.