Cairngorms Birds and Mammals Photography Tour

Some of the finest opportunities for mammal photography in Britain are to be found in the Cairngorms, where the mountains also support good populations of moorland and alpine birds that are difficult to see elsewhere. During this tour, we will photograph several charismatic species such as Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Black Grouse and Ptarmigan, using a combination of hides and tracking on foot in mountainous terrain.

From our comfortable hotel near Aviemore, we will be surrounded by superb scenery, with easy access to the Cairngorms and numerous wildlife viewing locations. This tour offers exceptional opportunities to photograph several of Scotland’s iconic birds and mammals, which are rarely seen elsewhere. We will spend a full day each in search of mountain hare and ptarmigan, for which I will provide specialist guiding and photographic advice. We will benefit from specially constructed photographic hides for red squirrels, pine marten, badgers and woodland birds. Perhaps the highlight will be viewing and photographing the extraordinary behaviour of black grouse at their spring lek at dawn.

Itinerary (maybe subject to adjustment to make best use of weather conditions):

Day 1: Meet at lunchtime at Inverness airport or Aviemore train station. Introductory talk. Woodland bird photography at Loch Garten (tree creeper and crested tit are regularly seen here). Dinner.
Day 2: Breakfast. Morning: Red squirrel photography from hide. Afternoon: Loch Morlich for mountain and Caledonian pine forest photography. Dinner. Evening: Pine marten and badger from hide.
Day 3: Early morning: Half group photograph black grouse lek. Breakfast. Morning and afternoon: Mountain hare photography on foot. Dinner.
Day 4: Breakfast. Full day searching for ptarmigan on foot. Dinner. Evening: Review images from tour and photo processing session.
Day 5: Early morning: Half group photograph black grouse lek. Breakfast. Morning and afternoon: Minibus travel to Braemar for red grouse and mountain hare photography. Dinner.
Day 6: Breakfast. Morning: Red squirrel photography from hide. Afternoon: Depart to Inverness and/or railway station.

Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants.

Recommended photography equipment: Digital single lens reflex camera capable of photographing at high ISO (e.g. 6,400) for low-light shots at dawn and dusk, telephoto lenses (400mm or 500mm focal length) for bird and mammal photography, standard and wide angle zoom lenses for mountain and forest landscapes, tripod (essential), monopod (optional), remote cable release, bean bag, neutral density and polarising filters, flash (not allowed in Pine Marten/Badger hide). Hiking boots, cold weather and wet weather clothing, warm hat and gloves.

Dates:

• Not currently scheduled due to hide closure. Please contact me to register interest in a future departure.

Meet at lunchtime on Day 1, depart early afternoon on Day 6.

Included: Accommodation in twin rooms at Rowan Tree Country Hotel for five nights, meals, travel from Inverness or Aviemore, hides, guiding, photographic tuition.

Not included: Flights to Inverness or train to Aviemore, lunch on first day, drinks.

Feedback on previous Cairngorms Birds and Mammals Tours led by Robert Harvey:

"I have just recently returned from Robert's Cairngorm trip. It was an amazing trip. When I spoke with him about 2 years ago, I asked him what the percentage chance was of seeing the animals targeted for photography on this trip. He replied "almost 100%". He wasn't wrong. For the first time in my life I got to see Red Squirrel, Black Grouse (performing their Lek), Red Grouse (other than on the whisky bottle), Mountain Hare (both white winter coated and brown-ish (summer coated), Pine Marten and Ptarmigan. As if this was not enough we got fantastic opportunities to photograph these animals in wonderful snow settings (that was probably just good luck). The landscape photography we did was also spectacular. I can't recommend this holiday highly enough." KD, Devon

“Led by photographer Robert Harvey, this was a superb trip. Robert was very patient and I learned a lot more about photography, as well as enjoying remarkable experiences such as watching a Black Grouse lek and getting close to a mountain hare. Robert was very flexible and arranged our outings to fit in with changing weather conditions. We used special hides to see and photograph woodland birds and red squirrels, and walked through snow to see Rock Ptarmigan. We managed to see all of the creatures we'd hoped for, and the whole experience was amazing. Our accommodation at the Rowan Tree Hotel was also wonderful.” J.T. Australia

“Robert has a wonderful knowledge of both photography and wildlife. He was very helpful and patient on the trip and when I contacted him beforehand with questions. He arranged things so that we saw all of the major birds and animals, and I particularly liked the way he juggled the schedule to fit in with the weather.” J.S. Cambridgeshire

"The tour leader knew the requirements of the party. The itinerary was flexible and we were kept advised regarding clothing and camera equipment to take with us. Very helpful and knowledgeable. Hotel was well located and food excellent.”
J.H. Essex

"This is the first photography holiday I have been on. I enjoyed the small group, individual tuition and look forward to taking part in another one next year" LS, Oxfordshire

"Loved it - any other destinations planned?" FM, Kent