It’s wild in these woods

The rich mix of tree species and landscapes across the Forest Park attract a wonderful variety of wildlife. From colourful ducks that nest in trees to cheeky red squirrels, red deer and rare capercaillie, this is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

On bonnie banks

Head for Loch Dunmore and the surrounding woods at Faskally for birds and variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons and the remarkable tree-nesting goldeneye duck.

The horse of the woods

Listen out on an early spring morning in the pinewoods of Drummond Hill and you may be lucky enough to hear a peculiar coughing, sneezing and drumming call. This is the male capercaillie, from the Gaelic for the ‘horse of the woods’, calling for a mate. These rare and magnificent birds are thriving here after being reintroduced in 1837.

Woodland hunters

Watch the edge of Tay Forest Park’s woods to spot goshawks hunting small birds and mammals, and listen for the mewing call of buzzards circling overhead. Foxes and pine martens are also after mice, shrews and voles. Pine martens are particularly elusive though you may spot their dark spraint (poo) at Craigvinean or Grandtully.  

In search of seeds

There are plenty of red squirrels at home in the pinewoods here – pine seeds are one of their favourite foods, so look out for well-chewed cones on the forest floor. Listen for the tiny goldcrest’s sweet song and watch for fluttering flocks of siskins and Scottish crossbills in the forest canopy. They’re all snacking on the tasty pine seeds.