RSPB Udale Bay

Udale Bay is an intertidal bay on the Black Isle. A reserve mainly comprised of coastal, estuary, mudflat and wetland habitats. Winter migrants such as Eurasian Wigeon, Pink-footed Goose, Common Teal, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Red Knot, join Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing and Common Redshank to take advantage of the rich feeding to be had in the bay. They are best viewed two hours either side of high tide as the birds are pushed closer to the hide. A nationally-important flock of Greater Scaup spends the winter in the Cromarty Firth - good views can be had with a telescope from the Ivy Cottage car park especially around high tide. The viewing screen at Kirkmichael can be good for ducks and waders. In the autumn up to 10,000 Eurasian Wigeon stop off in the bay on their return migration to feed on the beds of eel grass. They are joined by waders, also en route to their wintering grounds. Osprey are frequently seen during the summer, fishing in the bay. Terns are often seen from the Newhall Point car park searching for fish in the Cromarty Firth.