We had 35 members out on today’s walk, almost a full bus. On the whole the weather was fair with only a few showers. There was a choice of 3 routes and all were tackled by the members. The ranger of the estate made us aware of 2 male capercaillies in the area of the Clachan Yell route. The Baudy Meg route was chosen by 12 members who enjoyed the walk and rolled their eggs at lunchtime to celebrate Easter Sunday. A small group did route 3 and met the Baudy Meg group at lunchtime. 8 members went anticlockwise and 4 went clockwise on the Clachan Yell route. On the return leg of the walk the group of 8 were confronted by a male capercaillie on the path defending it’s territory, it was determined no one was going to pass but Alan managed to distract it to allow the others to pass safely. A group of 3 went to the Gathering Cairn and on their return they encountered a male capercaillie, probably the same bird, blocking their path. Ela was visibly shaken by the experience. 3 chose a route leading onto the Fungle road where they walked back to the Boat Inn in Aboyne. We left on time and travelled to the Boat Inn for refreshments where we picked up Alex, Ray and Martyna before Jules, our driver, had us back in Aberdeen on time.
Capercaillie is one of the few Scottish birds whose common name derives from Gaelic, the name ‘capercaillie’ translates literally as ‘horse of the forest’. This impressive bird, whose main habitat is Scots pine woods, is the world’s largest grouse species.
Link to Photos
Fiona