On the trail of the crested tit
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Guests occasionally ask us whether we get crested tits in Mingarry. Unfortunately not, though they were rumoured to have been seen some years ago by the Church in Acharacle and we always keep a look out for them when walking in the pine plantations in High Mingarry.
Crested tits in Scotland are confined to the Caledonian pine forests and are reported in Lochaber in the pine woodlands at Glengarry. Needless to say we always look out for them when walking in the Glengarry woods, but have yet to see one there. These attractive wee birds can be seen all year round in the Highlands, though they are easiest to spot in between autumn and spring when they come to ground for water or cached food. They also readily come to feeders.
We had heard that Loch Garten was a good spot to see them so we decided to head over there earlier this Spring in our quest to see one. The Cairngorms are about three hours drive from Mingarry Lodges and are not too far off our route to Inverness, our closest city.
We arrived early in the morning and set off on a misty walk into the ancient pine woods. High in the trees we heard a purring trill and looking up and spotted our first crested tit. A great start to the day. Following on from the walk we headed to the RSPB Osprey Hide, a short drive away, to see if there was any news of the famous Loch Garten Ospreys.
The car park was actually full of professional geared up birders with extremely large cameras on the look out for Cresties. Despite our distinctly non-camoflagued attire they were kind enough to point us in the direction of a feeding station which had been specifically set up to attract the crested tits. After just a few minutes we were treated to some close encounters as several cresties came down to feed. An amazing wee bird and unmistakable as the only small British bird with a crest.
Now our quest for the crested tit continues back home in Lochaber. If we see one, we will be sure to let you know!
