January is one of the coldest months in the Cairngorms but there is still plenty to see. At Dalnahaittnach there are Crested Tits and Crossbills, with Roe Deer, Brown Hares, Eurasian Woodcock, Eurasian Curlews possible. I heard Crested Tits, Crossbills and saw a Eurasian Woodcock this month, the latter became an unexpected sighting. In the woods around Boat of Garten there are Crested Tits, Red Squirrels, Coal Tits, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Eurasian Jays and

2026 has just begun and already, plenty has happened. There have been sightings of Badgers, Pine Martens and even the Scottish Wildcat. Tawny Owls have been heard and there’s been excellent stargazing opportunities, when the nights have been clear, with Jupiter and multiple star constellations seen and enjoyed by guests.

It had been quite cold in the Cairngorms this past December. But just because it was cold, didn’t mean there was nothing to see, quite the opposite. Around Inshriach, there were plenty of songbirds such as Great Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Long Tailed Tits and Greenfinches. On occasion, I spot Buzzards and Sparrowhawk, flashing past, as it swoops after songbirds. I managed to see all of these species in December.

It’s now the end of 2025 and it has been an incredible year. We have had lots of sightings of Badgers, Pine Martens, the Scottish Wildcat, including more than one, Wood Mice, Bank Voles, Tawny Owls, Barn Owls, a variety of songbirds as well as Red and Roe Deer. Hopefully 2026 will be just as full of sightings as 2025.