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Dalrachney Lodge

Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT, Scotland
Telephone: +44(0)1479 841252
Fax: +44(0)1479 841383

Introduction - I'm afraid to say that this is one area of local activity that the Proprietor knows next to nothing about but I have picked up a bit over the years and seen a good few birds when I have had someone with me who knows a bit about the subject.

Depending on what you want and how fit you are your "birding" in our area can vary between wandering in our own grounds or going up to the Cairngorm Massif to 3500ft plus. In between there are many easily accessed loch areas, river valleys and the Moray Firth coastline. If you are prepared to hike a few miles then so much the better.

Our own Grounds - Click Here Probably not too exciting to the professional but we have breeding Oyster Catchers every year, usually a Kestrel and many of the smaller birds that I cannot name, various Tits I think. Buzzards are commonly seen and the odd Osprey will fish in the Dulnain nearby. We had of all birds a hen Sparrow Hawk around for a while. I have seen a covey of wild Partridge.

RSPB Reserve Loch Garten - The "official" Ospreys reside here and in addition Scottish Crossbill, Crested Tit, Siskin, Redpoll, Redstart and Treecreeper.

The Lochs - Vaa, Dallas, Morlich, Lochindorb and more all within a few miles host Slavonian Grebes, Common Sandpiper, Goosander, Goldeneye, Black-throated Diver and many more.

Dulnain and Findhorn River Valleys - We are within easy reach of miles of river valley which can also be part wooded. Some areas also have steep hills overlooking as well as flood plains. Osprey, Eagles and many of the Raptors will be seen here. Many nesting sites are known but I will not mention them here. Ring Ouzel, Dipper and Redstart may be found. Black Grouse and Capercaillie are also here. I even saw one standing by the A9 highway once!

Cairngorm - You will be pleased to know that it is possible to get up to about 3000ft by chairlift year round and the Funicular Railway now being constructed will be open in year 2003 or so. It is nothing short of spectacular here and we may find Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Snow Bunting and Twite. I am not sure if the Green Plover is a high altitude bird but I have seen them at about 3000ft. There are dozens of Monroes (over 3000ft) near us but you might have difficulty getting to them.

Moray Firth Coastline - About 30 ml from us and a lovely day out you can search for both Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-Tailed Duck, Scaup and Red-breasted Merganser.

Accommodation costs are per Tariff or Specials links for the Lodge Hotel or The Coach House. We can arrange local mini-bus hire for you if required and your group is large enough.

If I can be of any further assistance please e-mail us with your enquiry or reservation

Click on our main Website www.dalrachney.co.uk for full brochure details and tariff.
Email dalrachney@aol.com for availability, answers to queries and to confirm price and reserve rooms

Location Map, 57deg 17.03N, 003deg 48.66W, 850ft asl