Scottish birding holiday - January 2025

Latest:

Police are investigating a sighting of another two lynx in the Highlands.

Police received reports the animals had been seen in the Dell of Killiehuntly area near Kingussie at about 7.10am today.

Officers said they believe the sighting is connected to the release of two lynx seen in the same area on Wednesday, which were safely captured overnight into Thursday.

Members of the public have been warned not to approach the animals, and police said they are working with specially trained personnel to capture them.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland chief executive David Field said humane traps are being set in the area to catch the animals.“Two more lynx have been sighted in the same Cairngorms location where we successfully captured a pair yesterday,” he said.

Totally agree. A few years ago read The Last Wolf by Jim Crumley and agree with him.

Jackie informs me the Lynx's have been recaptured and are being cared for at the Highland Wildlife Park before being taken to Edinburgh Zoo.

I think Lynx and Wolves should be released into the wild to restore the natural balance in the eco system. 

Regards Pete

Statement issued yesterday by the Cairngorms Parks Authority:


The Park Authority have been notified about a suspected illegal release of two lynx in the Cairngorms National Park. Police Scotland have been informed and are working closely with partners (including the Park Authority) to establish the full picture and take appropriate action.

We condemn the illegal release of wild animals in the strongest possible terms and we are also concerned for the welfare of the lynx that have been released.

Whilst they are shy animals and low risk to humans, we would ask anyone who does spot a lynx not to approach nor to attend the area. Instead, call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2179 of Wednesday 8 January 2025 when calling.

As this is still an ongoing police investigation it would be inappropriate for the Park Authority to comment further at this stage.

Encouraging news from the Cairngorms for those who are booked on the birding trip later this month 

Former RSPB Frampton warden Toby Carter, who was there from December 27 to January 2, has reported Crested Tit, Crossbill and Ptarmigan from places that are on on our itinerary.

He notes that the Ptarmigan have been forced lower down the mountains by recent heavy snow.

Toby has also recorded Golden Eagle from a site which is unnamed because it is sensitive.

There could be still a few places left on the Cairngorms trip for late bookers.

Thanks for posting, Jacquie - and for your kind wishes for the Bonnie Scotland trip.

Here's hoping you have a sparkling start to the New Year in Norfolk.

I understand from Cairngorm Travel that there are still a few places available for the Scottish trip. In the meantime, I am hoping to set up a couple of other LBC birding trips later in the year - possibly one in Northumberland. 

Jim

PS I deleted your inadvertently  duplicated/ blipped  post