Wildlife of Scotland: what to see in the Highlands this autumn

Amongst the vibrant browns, yellows and oranges of the Scottish countryside in autumn, wildlife is preparing for winter. This is a time when many animals are busying themselves with food storage, mating and getting their homes in order for the colder months. It’s also a fantastic time to spot some of Scotland’s most iconic of wildlife, such as the golden eagle and capercaillie. Here are some of the wildlife of Scotland to look out for, and where to see them. 

Golden Eagle

No matter if it’s your first sighting or hundred and first, seeing a golden eagle soar overhead is a breathtaking sight you will never forget. With a wingspan of between 1.8 – 2.3 m, they often dominate the sky as they hunt for their prey. 

Golden eagles can be found throughout the Highlands, including the Cairngorms National Park, just a 20 minute drive south from the Kingsmills Hotel. Their nests or eyries are closely guarded secrets, meaning there is no specific hot-spot to see them. Just keep looking up and you might be lucky!

Red Deer

Red deer can be seen all over the Highlands throughout the year, but it is autumn when something very special happens. This is the rutting season, when males fight each other over the right to mate. It’s an incredible display of strength as they butt heads and antlers. This is combined with ferocious roaring, heard all over the hills. If you come across this, its best to stay far away and enjoy with a pair of binoculars. 

Beavers

Until 2009, there were no wild beavers left in Scotland having been hunted to extinction in the 16th century. The Scottish Wildlife Trust began a reintroduction programme, and there are now around 1,000 of the little animals throughout Scotland. They are not easy to spot, but certainly worth a try. A great place to visit to increase your chances is the Aigas Field Centre, just a half hour drive west of Kingsmills Hotel. Here you can hopefully spot these nocturnal beavers at the 8 acre loch as there are hides to watch from. 

Red Squirrel

Given the overwhelming numbers of grey squirrels in Scotland, there’s a wonderful feeling to be had when you spot the more delicate red squirrel. Although in autumn they blend in more easily with the colourful leaves, they can still be seen jumping from branch to branch. They can be found throughout the woods of the Cairngorms National Park.

Capercaillie

As well as being tricky to spell, the Capercaillie is also difficult to spot. This large woodland grouse is elusive but can be found in the forests in the Cairngorm National Park. In fact, 80% of Scotland’s capercaillie live here. After becoming extinct in the 18th century, they were reintroduced in the 19th century and number around 1,000 today. They can be seen in the autumn feeding on the forest floor for berries. 

Autumn wildlife spotting

The key to a successful wildlife expedition in Scotland is to be quiet and take binoculars. Animals like deer can smell you from far away, so try to be downwind of them. Most wildlife of Scotland will not be too worried about you from a distance. However if you would like some help, Highland wildlife tours are available to go on with experts. And then, at the end of your day, come back to Kingsmills for a splendid stay in our cosy and welcoming hotel. Take dinner at our in-house restaurant and regale everyone the tales of your sightings!