Sun and blue skies and a clear, crisp winter's day are providing perfect conditions for winter wildlife watching in the Cairngorms National Park.

It's remarkable how an adaptation such as the white winter finery of the Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare can so suddenly become a liability when the snow and ice thaws.
The scree of nearby Glenlivet Estate is currently a sure bet for seeing 'blue' Hares scurrying over the steep boulder strewn slopes caused by periodic freeze-thaw action whilst all the ski areas are holding packs of feeding Ptarmigan.
The Ptarmigan building's outdoor viewing platform at nearly 4000 feet at Cairn Gorm is also offering some peerless views of the Spey valley and the chance of seeing the Reindeer herd in their natural domain. It's hard not to be envious of a pelage that's so well insulated that when the reindeer lie down the snow beneath them doesn't even melt.
Gortex and Paramo eat your heart out...