Birds
With its hugely diverse landscapes, from the Cairngorm plateau down to the farmland of the straths, the National Park is home to a vast variety of bird species. Eagles nest high-up on the moorland and snow buntings, dotterel and ptarmigan can also be seen in the semi-tundra habitats.
In the spring the straths of Badenoch and Strathspey support one of the UK’s largest mainland populations of breeding waders including lapwing, oystercatcher, snipe and curlew. The woodlands are home to the unique Scottish crossbill, crested tits and woodcocks, while goldeneye and ospreys frequent the lochs.
Alert
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Friday 29 May until Monday 1 June. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.