They are present all year and generally number up to 6-8 birds. Most are immatures, but occasionally adults wander in as well as first or second year White-tailed Eagles from the reintroduction programme on the west coast. The road up the valley is about twelve miles long and extremely treacherous in winter and is only single track throughout most of its length. There are several spots along the road which continuously produce sightings, but which require extreme caution when parking. This valley should also produce sightings of Goosander, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Ring Ouzel and Red Grouse, as well as Red Deer and Mountain Hare.
Goshawk is also resident.
The single-track road begins at Findhorn Bridge. The Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve is a huge area of Old Caledonian Forest and heather moorland situated south of the main A93 Banchory-Braemar road. At Bridge o'Ess, take the minor road left to Braeloine, where there is a car park. From Glen Tanar House, there are a number of nature trails leading off through the surrounding woods. This area is very good for Golden Eagle although sightings are sporadic.