Bespoke Wildlife  Tours

Bespoke Wildlife Tours

We are based at Bradbush on the edge of the Darnaway Forest, close to Darnaway Castle, steeped in history and only five minutes away from the River Findhorn.

Within minutes of leaving Bradbush, it is often possible to see a Roe Deer grazing nearby or a Red Squirrel jumping through the trees from branch to branch.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers thrive in this area and in the Spring time you will hear the unmistakable rattling on a tree as the male seeks a female partner.

We are also fortunate enough to be close to the elusive Capercaillie that live and thrive in the ancient pine forests of Darnaway nearby.

A short drive through the Darnaway forest takes us down to the River Findhorn, where otters may be seen hunting or playing in the fast peaty waters. It is truly a magical sight to behold. Pine Martens thrive in the pine forests and sometimes may also be seen playing close to the river.

During the fishing season, salmon may be seen jumping over the Poolie Falls at Sluie, as they make their way upstream on their journey towards the spawning grounds further upstream on the River Findhorn. An all year round resident bird is the wily little Dipper, often spotted perched on a rock before it quickly dips under the surface in search of insect larvae.

In summer, there is always a chance of spotting the Osprey, as it soars majestically high over the River Findhorn looking for a brown trout or more often may be seen hunting for a wee flatfish over the mudflats down in Findhorn Bay. Later on in the season when our summer visitors have migrated to far away parts of the World, the skies are often filled with the unmistakable sound of thousands of Wintering geese. Watching and listening to the Pink Foot and Greylag’s as they descend onto the flats of Findhorn Bay on a late winters’ afternoon, when coming in to roost is indeed a magical spectacle.

During the Autumn months from September through early November is the time to go up to the very top headwaters of the River Findhorn at Coignafearn Estate. This is indeed the place to come and get a good view of the Red Deer Stags whilst in the rutting season! The Stags can be seen and heard high up on the hills making the unmistakable “Roaring” sounds as they defend their territory and their hinds from other younger stags, who might be looking for the opportunity to battle their way into finding their own harem of hinds! 

More often than not, a sighting of the Golden Eagle may be seen drifting on the thermal air streams high above the mountain tops as they glide gracefully in the air keeping an eye out for an unwary rabbit below. Peregrine Falcons may also be seen up here racing fast in the air and then stooping into a dive in search of a red grouse