Description:

The Insh Marshes, within the Cairngorms National Park, are some of the most important wetlands in Europe. The flood plain of the Spey supports various ducks, geese and wading birds, and what you will see depends on the season you come. On a springtime stroll, look out for lapwings chasing predators such as crows away from their nests in mobs, and redshanks giving towering display flights over the wet meadows. Redshanks are known as "the sentinel of the marshes" because of their noisy habit of drawing attention to predators. Also listen out for the gorgeous bubbling song of the curlew. Up to 100 whooper swans visit from Iceland in the winter, along with greylag geese. On the moorland section, ospreys, buzzards, foxes and roe deer can be seen.