From the golden eagles spotted in the Cairngorms, to the iconic red deer stag standing atop the Lairig Ghru - Aberdeenshire is home to an inspiring range of animals. The gannet colony at Troup Head is a major attraction, as it's the only one on the UK mainland. Every Autumn photographers, artists and birdwatchers flock to the Loch of Strathbeg, to see displays of flighting geese in Scotland's largest landlocked lagoon. The National Nature Reserve at the Sands of Forvie, one of the country's largest dunes, lies about 12 miles north of the bustling city of Aberdeen. This unspoilt spectacle boasts a varied habitat of river estuary, coastal cliffs, colourful moorland and beautiful golden sand dunes. Upland reserves, such as the beautiful birch woods of the Muir of Dinnet, offer an insight into Scotland's natural habitat. Whilst places are deliberately not publicised, if you're lucky you can spot eagles close up, or ospreys fishing, or deer rutting. Look out for many other forms of wildlife throughout wild Aberdeenshire, including badgers, foxes, bats, red squirrels and numerous varieties of birds of prey. With miles of waymarked and sign posted trails, you're sure to find lots to explore.