April is a fantastic month for seeing wildlife in Speyside. The weather is warmer and birds and mammals are starting to breed. There has been plenty to see on and hopefully the sightings will keep on coming. One day I collected some guests early in the morning to look for Black Grouse. I had suggested at 6am start as the Black Grouse come out early to lek. When we got to the site there was no sign of them and I began to wonder if somehow we'd gotten there too early.

It’s been a busy month at the hide, with plenty of activity to report. Badgers have been regular visitors, alongside Pine Martens and even a Scottish Wildcat. Guests have also seen or heard Wood Mice, Red Deer, Eurasian Snipe and Woodcock. As the weather continues to warm up, we’re expecting the sightings to keep coming into May.

Julian reflects on our first North East Scotland holiday based in one location, led by local guide Andy Carroll. From White-billed Divers and seabird cliffs at Troup Head to Spoonbills at Loch of Strathbeg and close-up Goshawk views from the garden, it was a week packed with standout wildlife moments in a rich and varied area.

Eliane shares her experience of our year-long Wildlife Identification Course, from first hearing the dawn chorus to confidently picking out individual species. Covering birds, habitats and seasons, the course builds practical skills in the field, helping you understand not just what you’re seeing, but how to identify it with confidence.