Loch Garten

Loch Garten (Scottish Gaelic: Loch a' Ghartain) is a large Highland freshwater loch near Boat of Garten, in the Strathspey area of the Cairngorms National Park, in Scotland. It is surrounded by the tall pine trees of the Abernethy Forest, a large area (adjacent to the loch) of which is an RSPB nature reserve. The loch is renowned for its breeding population of ospreys, which lend Boat of Garten its nickname "The Osprey Village".

Careless behaviour towards the osprey in Britain throughout the 19th century meant that the species became extinct as a breeding bird by the early 20th century. However, in 1954, two Scandinavian breeding birds arrived at Loch Garten of their own accord and established a nest in the forest beside the loch. Slowly, the species recolonised Scotland with the support of the RSPB and other conservation organisations. The reserve was subsequently purchased by the charity, and the nest has been closely monitored ever since.

Recently, a viewing hide was built near the nest to allow visitors to observe these birds of prey with ease. The hide is equipped with telescopes and other optical devices, as well as television screens displaying close-up footage of the fledglings and their parents. Live video and still photographs of the nest can also be viewed on the RSPB Loch Garten Reserve website.

Ospreys are not the only creatures to be found at Loch Garten. Western capercaillies, though elusive, inhabit the remoter parts of the reserve and can be observed performing their annual lek via the springtime "Caperwatch". Red squirrels are frequently seen around the hide, particularly at the feeders provided for them. Smaller birds, such as the Eurasian siskin, common chaffinch (in very large numbers), and great spotted woodpecker, are also present and easy to spot. Conversely, the crested tit and Scottish crossbill are more reserved and harder to find, while Eurasian wigeon can be seen swimming on the loch.