Anagach Wood is alive with new arrivals! The first Barn Swallows have just appeared, a week later than last year despite the hot weather, and a Pied Flycatcher was seen on the latest guided walk. Willow Warblers are in full song all over the woodland and Redstarts have also been spotted by several guests. The main usual suspect not to have been seen or heard yet is the Cuckoo but it surely won't be long.

Meanwhile, a flurry of Red Squirrel activity on the feeders is providing some excellent photography opportunities - thanks to guest Barrie Tumbridge for this one. They may be unbelievably nimble in the treetops, but when there is the distraction of an easy peanut, they will at least stay still for a few moments - unlike the Tiger Beetles, hey, Barrie!

A great all round guided walk in Anagach Wood saw us take in Red Squirrels, a Roe Buck and Doe, three Grey Wagtails and a female Goldeneye on the River Spey - but arguably the highlight was the 10 minute show put on by two Stoats, still partially in ermine, frolicking on the river bank before they tried to cross the old Packhorse Bridge on which we were standing! They crossed halfway over before spotting us, freezing for a moment, and deciding against it. Great Stuff!
Highlights from guest sightings in the past few days have been a cock Capercaillie in Abernethy Forest, Badger at the Speyside Wildlife Hide and 2 Ptarmigan seen from the Viewing Platform at Cairngorm Mountain.