Birdwatching in Highland

Ordnance Survey Landranger maps for this area:

Nos. 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24 to 27, 33 to 36, 40, 41, 42, 49, 50, 51.


Handa Island, OS ref.: NC 13/48 OS map: sheet 9


Handa Island lies 29km off the south coast of Cape Wrath and is accessible by boat from Tarbet during the summer. From April to September Guillemot, Rozorbill, Puffins and Kittiwakes are nesting. Also breeding off the south coast are the Red-Throated Diver, Eider and Shelduck. Small colonies of Terns, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers ane present and four species of gulls in addition to Kittiwakes. Snipe, Wheatear, Stonechat, Red Grouse, Golden Plover and Reed Bujnting breed inland. The Great Northern Diver overwinters and spring and autumn migrants include geese, waders, shearwaters and the Pomarine Skua.

Findhorn Valley, OS ref.: NH 710180 OS map: sheet 35


A nine-mile long road follows the River Findhorn that is a good vantage point for the area. The site contains Golden Eagle, Sparrow hawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine which are in residence year-round.

Loch Ruthven, OS ref.: NH 63/28 OS map: sheet 26


This is an RSPB reserve consisting of the loch surrounded by moorland and recently planted woodland. Slavonian Grebe breed on the shore. Red-throated Diver, Tufted Duck and Coot live on the loch year-round and Raven are resident in the forest. Siskin, Redpoll and others feature in the birch woods and Black Grouse are common. Pochard, Goldeneye and Smew visit the loch in winter. Access is by a path along the Southeast shore which leads to a hide.

Duncansby Head, OS ref.: ND 406733 OS map: sheet 12


Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin breed in the cliffs from spring until mid- July and are best viewed from the Geo of Sclaites on the clifftop. The cliffs and backing heath are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From the lighthouse at the Head, a footpath leads to the Clifftop.

Clo Mor, OS ref.: NC 32/72 OS map: sheet 9


Clo Mor is accessible by a foot passenger and bike ferry from Keoldale. From the far side, a bus runs to Cape Wrath. The bus can drop passenger at Kearvaig and a path runs around the cliffs for about three miles and is a demanding walk. Summer cliff-breeding birds are Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and a large colony of Puffins. Goose and Ptarmigan live further inland.

Dunnet Head, OS ref.: ND 20/76 OS map: sheets 12/7


From Dunnet, the B855 leads to a lighthouse. From this vantage point, cliff-breeding seabirds can be observed in the summer; Great Skua, Ravens, Rock Dove and Twite breed in the moors. Nearby Dunnet Bay includes Great Northern Diver, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-Breasted Merganser, ducks and gulls. White-fronted Geese overwinter in nearby Loch Mey. Except for the cliff breeding colonies, there are birds in residence year-round.

Noss Head, OS ref.: ND 388550
Three miles north of Wick, Noss Head is reached by taking the Noss Head turnoff from the Wick- Stoxigoe road. This is a good place to watch for birds of passage, which in the spring have included Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Great Reed Warbler and Thrush Nightingale. Autumn passerines are primarily thrushes, chats and warbler with some Wryneck, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Little Bunting and other species making an occasional appearance. Manx Shearwater, petrels and skuas are numerous seabirds with Sooty Shearwaters and Pomarine Skuas less frequent.

Inver Polly & Stac Polly, OS refd.: NC 13/12 OS map: sheet 15


This is a National Nature Reserve accessible from the A835. Trails lead into the reserve but those that reach very far into the area are tough walks. A number of lochs host divers, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Wigeon and Greylag Geese from spring till summer. The hills are home to Ptarmigan, with Red Grouse lower down in the moors along with some Golden Plover, Greenshank, Ring Ousel, Wheatear and Stonechat breeding in the summer. Woodcock, Wood Warbler, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit and Spotted Flycatcher live in the birch forest and seabirds breed on the coast.

Ben More Coigach, OS ref.: NC 10/04 OS map: sheet 15


This is a Scottish Wildlife Reserve named for the mountain that lies within it. There are trails but many reaching into the reserve offer a challenging hike. The bay hosts Great Northern Diver in the winter and a number of breeding birds, including Red Grouse, Ptarmigan and Golden Plover in summer.

Loch Fleet, OS ref.: NH 79/96 OS map: sheet 21


Wigeon, Teal and Mallard overwinter in the loch and ducks and divers are common along the coastline. Greylag Geese and Whooper Swan frequent surrounding fields in winter. In summer, the fields are hunting ground for Osprey, Hen Harrier and Peregrine. Short-eared Owl patrol the dunes and heath land. Skelto Point and Balblair Saltmarsh are the main sites for waders, both resident (Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Ringed Plover) and a few passage Curlews, Golden Plovers and Knots.

Dornoch Firth, OS ref.: NH 609915-900900 OS map: sheet 21


Uniquely among east coast firths, the Dornoch Firth supports no industry. A great deal of fresh water empties into the firth via glaciated valleys and sandbars from the opening of the estuary that reach almost to Dornoch Point. Extensive mudflats support several species of passage ducks, scoters and waders. Autumn and winter is the best viewing period.

Nigg Bay, Udale Bay, OS ref.: NH 71/65 and NH 790730 OS map: sheet 21/27


These bays are at opposing ends of the Cromarty Firth. The old coast guard station just off the B9175 offers a good vantage point for Nigg Bay. Winter is the best time to view in both locations, when Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shelduck and Greylag Geese as well as many waders frequent Udale Bay and passage wildfowl and waders stop at Nigg Bay from the Cromarty Firth.

Beinn Eighe, OS ref.: NG 001650 OS map: sheets 19 and 25


This reserve is comprised of mixed forest with moor land on the hills culminating in alpine heath and includes Loch Maree. A number of woodland species are resident, such as Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Golden Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine and Raven line at higher elevations along with a few Ptarmigan. Red Grouse favour the moorlands. Loch Maree hosts divers, Red- breasted Merganser, Goosander and Greylag Geese. Dipper and Grey Wagtail favour the burns. Best viewing is in summer. Access is limited in deer stalking season, from August to October.

Longman Point, OS ref.: NH 66/47 OS map: sheet 26


A good place for winter viewing, species frequenting Longman Point from August to March include gulls, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Teal, Cormorant, Wigeon, Pochard, Smew, Coot and Guillemot. A few passage birds overwinter, mainly waders and gulls.

Loch Indorb, OS ref.: NH 970360 OS map: sheet 27


A small road accessible from the A938 or the A939 runs along the south shore of this two mile long loch. The site is most rewarding in the spring and summer, when Red-throated Diver and Red Grouse are numerous. Several waders frequent the shore of the loch. Eagles, peregrines and merlins hunt the surrounding area.

Badenoch & Strathspey,


ABERNETHY FOREST/LOCH GARTEN An RSPB Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, this site contains a portion of the original Caledon Forest as well as mountain plateau, bog and moorland. Ospreys breed in mature woodland with Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Woodcock, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Capercaillie also featuring in forested areas. The lochs host Goldeneye, Black-Headed Gulls and ducks in summer and Greylag Geese, gulls and Goosander in winter. An Osprey hide is open during the day throughout summer.
ROTHIEMURCHUS AND LOCH MORLICH The loch supports Wigeon and Goosander year-round, with Red-Throated Diver, Goldeneye and Osprey appearing in the Spring. Crested Tit, Sparrowhawk, Black Grouse, Woodcock, Siskin and Redstart feature in the forest.
CAIRNGORM/BEN MACDUI PLATEAU Summer offers the best viewing of Dotterel, Snowy Owl, Peregrine and Golden Eagle, with Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting resident through the winter.
GLEN FESHIE Besides Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill, predatory birds including Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, Merlin and Peregrine frequent the glen and pine forest. The River Ousel features Dipper and Grey Wagtail.
GLENBORODALE/ARNAMURCHAN The B8007 is the main road running along the south coast. Ferries operate to the peninsula. Migratory birds as well as resident woodland birds , shore waders and moor land birds are abundant. Whooper Swan, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit are among the passage wildfowl and migrant waders. Glenborodale Reserve contains woodland species along with species that inhabit the scrub and heather moor land leading away from the Oak forest. The crag is inhabited by ravens. The main bay in home to Eider, sandpipers and herons, with terns on the loch. Sanna Bay features dunes which are a good vantage point for seabird watching.
LOCHINDORB A small road accessible from the A938 or the A939 runs along the south shore of this two mile long loch. The site is most rewarding in the spring and summer, when Red-throated Diver and Red Grouse are numerous. Several waders frequent the shore of the loch. Eagles, peregrines and merlins hunt the surrounding area.
FINDHORN VALLEY A nine-mile long road flows the River Findhorn that is a good vantage point for the area. The site contains Golden Eagle, Sparrow hawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine which are in residence year-round.
LOCH RUTHVEN This is an RSPB reserve consisting of the loch surrounded by moor land and recently planted woodland. Slavonian Grebe breed on the shore. Red-throated Diver, Tufted Duck and Coot live on the loch year-round and Raven are resident in the forest. Siskin, Redpoll and others feature in the birch woods and Black Grouse are common. Pochard, Goldeneye and Smew visit the loch in winter. Access is by a path along the Southeast shore which leads to a hide.
LONGMAN POINT A good place for winter viewing, species frequenting Longman Point from August to March include gulls, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Teal, Cormorant, Widgeon, Pochard, Smew, Coot and Guillemot. A few passage birds overwinter, mainly waders and gulls.
GLEN AFFRIC A Native Woodland Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, this Forestry Commission site includes old Caledonian Pine forest, rivers and lochs. A few Capercaillie and Black Grouse live in the pine forest. Divers, Merganser and Goosander frequent the loch and Dipper and Wagtail are common by the burns. Several raptors hunt the area. Access is year-round and forest birds are continually resident but weather can restrict accessibility.
NIGG BAY/UDALE BAY These bays are at opposing ends of the Cromarty Firth. The old coast guard station just off the B9175 offers a good vantage point for Nigg Bay. Winter is the best time to view in both locations, when Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shelduck and Greylag Geese as well as many waders frequent Udale Bay and passage woldfowl and waders stop at Nigg Bay from the Cromarty Firth.
DORNOCH FIRTH Uniquely among east coast firth, the Dornoch Firth supports no industry. A great deal of fresh water empties into the firth via glaciated valleys and sandbars from the opening of the estuary that reach almost to Dornoch Point. Extensive mudflats support several species of passage ducks, scoters and waders. Autumn and winter is the best viewing period.
LOCH FLEET Widgeon, Teal and Mallard overwinter in the loch and ducks and divers are common along the coastline. Greylag Geese and Whooper Swan frequent surrounding fields in winter. In summer, the fields are hunting ground for Osprey, Hen Harrier and Peregrine . Short-eared Owl patrol the dunes and heath land. Skelto Point and Balblair Saltmarsh are the main sites for waders, both resident (Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Ringed Plover) and a few passage Curlews, Golden Plovers and Knots.
DUNCANSBY HEAD Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin breed in the cliffs from spring until mid-July and are best viewed from the Geo of Sclaites on the clifftop. The cliffs and backing heath are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From the lighthouse at the Head, a footpath leads to the Clifftop.
DUNNET HEAD From Dunnet, the B855 leads to a lighthouse. From this vantage point, cliff-breeding seabirds can be observed in the summer; Great Skua, Ravens, Rock Dove and Twite breed in the moors. Nearby Dunnet Bay includes Great Northern Diver, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-Breasted Merganser, ducks and gulls. White-fronted Geese overwinter in nearby Loch Mey. Except for the cliff breeding colonies, there are birds in residence year-round.
CLO MOR Clo Mor is accessible by a foot passenger and bike ferry from Keoldale. From the far side, a bus runs to Cape Wrath. The bus can drop passenger at Kearvaig and a path runs around the cliffs for about three miles and is a demanding walk. Summer cliff-breeding birds are Fulmer, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and a large colony of Puffins. Goose and Ptarmigan live further inland.
INVERPOLLY This is a National Nature Reserve accessible from the A835. Trails lead into the reserve but those that reach very far into the area are tough walks. A number of lochs host divers, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Wigeon and Greylag Geese from spring till summer. The hills are home to Ptarmigan, with Red Grouse lower down in the moors along with some Golden Plover, Greenshank, Ring Ousel, Wheatear and Stonechat breeding in the summer. Woodcock, Wood Warbler, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit and Spotted Flycatcher live in the birch forest and seabirds breed on the coast.
BEN MOR COIGACH This is a Scottish Wildlife Reserve named for the mountain that lies within it. There are trails but many reaching into the reserve offer a challenging hike. The bay hosts Great Northern Diver in the winter and a number of breeding birds, including Red Grouse, Ptarmigan and Golden Plover, in summer.
BEINN EIGHE This reserve is comprised of mixed forest with moor land on the hills culminating in alpine heath and includes Loch Maree. A number of woodland species are resident, such as Buzzard, Sparrow hawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Golden Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine and Raven line at higher elevations along with a few Ptarmigan. Red Grouse favour the moorlands. Loch Maree hosts divers, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander and Greylag Geese. Dipper and Grey Wagrail favour the burns. Best viewing is in summer. Access is limited in deer stalking season, from August to October.
KINTAIL AND MORVICH This is a National Trust for Scotland property with access from the A87. The Countryside Centre is the start for walks that go into the hills. The highest hills are challenging walks and are home to Ptarmigan. Golden Eagle and Peregrine appear along the higher ground. Glen Lichd and Glen Shiel host small number of Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander in the spring and summer. Merganser and smaller numbers of Black-throated Diver and Greenshank breed in the lochs in summer.
BALMACARA ESTATE This is a National Trust for Scotland property comprising a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Coille Mhor. The forest contains Grasshopper Warbler. Otherwise he area contains a variety of birds typical of the west coast but is not a good place to view passage birds.
NOSS HEAD Three miles north of Wick, Noss Head is reached by taking the Noss Head turnoff from the Wick-Stoxigoe road. This is a good place to watch for birds of passage, which in the spring include Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Great Reed Warbler and Thrush Nightingale. Autumn passerines are primarily thrushes, chats and warbler with some Wryneck, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Little Bunting and other species making an occasional appearance. Shearwater, petrels and skuas are numerous seabirds with Sotty, shearwaters, Pomarine and skuas less frequent.

Kintail & Morvich, OS ref.: NH 00/19 OS map: sheet 33


This is a National Trust for Scotland property with access from the A87. The Countryside Centre is the start for walks that go into the hills. The highest hills are challenging walks and are home to Ptarmigan. Golden Eagle and Peregrine appear along the higher ground. Glen Lichd and Glen Shiel host small number of Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander in the spring and summer. Merganser and smaller numbers of Black-throated Diver and Greenshank breed in the lochs in summer.

Glen Affric, OS ref.: NH 24/24 OS map: sheet 25


A Native Woodland Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, this Forestry Commission site includes old Caledonian Pine forest, rivers and lochs. A few Capercaillie and Black Grouse live in the pine forest. Divers, Merganser and Goosander frequent the loch and Dipper and Wagtail are common by the burns. Several raptors hunt the area. Access is year-round and forest birds are continually resident but weather can restrict accessibility.

Balmacara, OS ref.: NG 79/29 OS map: sheet 33


This is a National Trust for Scotland property comprising a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Coille Mhor. The forest contains Grasshopper Warbler. Otherwise he area contains a variety of birds typical of the west coast but is not a good place to view passage birds.

Glen Borodale & Ardnamurchan, OS map: sheets 40 and 47


The B8007 is the main road running along the south coast. Ferries operate to the peninsula. Migratory birds as well as resident woodland birds, shore waders and moorland birds are abundant. Whooper Swan, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit are among the passage wildfowl and migrant waders. Glenborodale Reserve contains woodland species along with species that inhabit the scrub and heather moorland leading away from the oak forest. The crag is inhabited by ravens. The main bay is home to Eider, sandpipers and herons, with terns on the loch. Sanna Bay features dunes which are a good vantage point for seabird watching.