Hunted to extinction in 1785 the Capercaillie was reintroduced to Scotland in the 1800’s. This turkey-sized grouse inhabits the old Caledonian pine forests of Abernethy, Glenmore, Glen Affric and Tay Forest. A decrease in available brood habitat together with an increase in predators such as foxes and crows and high deer fencing, which is hazardous for low flying birds like the Capercaillie, have all conspired against this extremely shy bird.

The Capercaillie is the largest and most endangered bird in Scotland. The RSPB estimate that there are only around 1000 of these magnificent birds left and a second extinction is possible within a decade. April sees the beginning of the spectacular male mating displays known as ‘lekking’.

To see lekking Capercaillie you'll need to be an early riser. During April and May, watchers visiting the RSPB site in Abernethy are taken to the hide at 5:30am to see the males display and fight in often fierce battles in a bid to impress the smaller females who observe from the trees above. “It is a real wildlife spectacle and attracts lots of birdwatchers,” says Kenny Kortland, RSPB Capercaillie Project Officer who helped set up the ‘Capercaillie Watch’ at the Abernethy Forest Reserve in Strathspey. In 2002, 1500 people visited and numbers will be monitored in 2003 to control any potential disturbance.

The RSPB are at pains to advise visitors to the forest to be careful. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act it is illegal to disturb a nesting hen and as of Spring 2004 it will be illegal to disturb a Capercaillie lek, (the area of several hectares used for display and mating). There are signs asking visitors to avoid wandering around the forest during the lekking season.

If you want to see this Scottish spectacle, head to the hide at Loch Garten. “Some mornings caper cocks will display very close to the Centre and the views are tremendous. Such
experiences are not guaranteed but the chances of seeing some caper action are good,” says RSPB Abernethy Site Manager Colin Mclean. “The capercaillie is Britain's most endangered bird and we must urge people to behave responsibly or we will lose this species.” Loch Garten also provides excellent chances of seeing Osprey, Red Squirrel, Woodpecker and Britain's only endemic bird, the brightly coloured Scottish Crossbill.

Spring also brings out Britain's rarest amphibian, the Natterjack Toad. Caerlaverock Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre in Dumfriesshire has special early and late opening hours in their hides and observation towers to view spawning in the darkness. Songbirds also arrive from the tropics as the geese and swans begin their journey north.

Of Scotland's more exotic species, you might be fortunate enough to see Wildcat at the large Scottish Wildlife Trust site at Rahoy Hills which is home to several of these largely nocturnal hunters. This solitary cat breeds in May normally producing between 2 and 6 kittens and is one of the most difficult creatures to spot in Scotland and you'll need a bit of luck to catch this feline unawares.

Contacts :

Abernethy Forest Reserve
Just off B970 near Boat of Garten
Tel: 01479 831476

WWT Caerlaverock
Eastpark Farm
Caerlaverock
Dumfriesshire
DG1 4RS
Tel: 01387 770200
Email: caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk

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