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Large sea loch on Islay island south of Loch Gruinart, with similar ecology. 35 miles of shoreline.
5,000 Bramgås roost at Bridgend Flats at the landward end. A convenient road, with several specially provided bird-watching lay-by, hugs the shore from Bowmore to Bruichladdich, enabling one to view both the tidal sandflats at the head of the loch, where Storspove, Strandskade, Lille Kobbersneppe and Almindelig Ryle occur in hundreds, and Stor Præstekrave, Rødben, Islandsk Ryle, Strandhjejle and others in at least tens. And also the shallow water, on which a flock of up to 300 Bjergand, up to 50 Nordisk Lappedykker, large flocks of Ederfugl, perhaps 25 Hvinand, a dozen Havlit, plenty of Sangsvane and Knopsvane and several hundred Pibeand, spend the winter. Further out on the loch, and often better seen from Bruichladdich, are up to 100 Sortand throughout the year, as well as all three species of divers, Islom sometimes exceeding 50 in number. Up to 100 Toppet Skallesluger moult on the loch in late summer.
Between Bridgend to Bruichladdich is a two-mile strand divided by a shingle spit, good for Stenvender and Hvidvinget Måge or Gråmåge. The rocky shore in front of Bruichladdich village is an excellent place for Sortgrå Ryle, from about November to May, and they can also be seen at Port Charlotte. Loch Indaal is never empty. Wader passage occurs in April and May, with a few Sandløber present through June, too. Return passage starts in July and by August flocks of Sandløber, Stor Præstekrave and Almindelig Ryle occur, with occasional Krumnæbbet Ryle and Dværgryle.
Usual possibility of otters, dolphins, porpoise, grey seal or basking shark offshore.
Ferry from Kinnacraig (as of 2022, reports indicate delays are possible due to Calmac's aging fleet), or by air from Glasgow.
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