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RSPB Loch Gruinart

Argyll and Bute  >  United Kingdom

Loch Gruinart is one of the top wildlife sites in Scotland, with a wide range of habitats which hosts an extraordinary range of key Hebridean birds.

Added* by Lauren
Most recent update 10 februarie 2023

Description

The RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve has two hides and a visitor centre. In the spring the fields come alive with breeding wader displays including Nagâț, Fluierar cu picioare roșii and drumming Becațină comună. Cristel de câmp calls can be heard from mid-May and Erete vânăt can be seen displaying on the moorland. In Autumn, Gâscă călugăriță and Gârliță mare arrive in numbers around 30,000 from Greenland, this arrival attracts many Codalb to the Loch. Waders such as Nisipar, Fugaci de țărm, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Ploier auriu and Sitar de mal nordic can be seen through the autumn and winter using the loch. Wintering wildfowl such as Rață fluierătoare, Rață sulițar, Rață mică and Lebădă de iarnă spend the winter in front of the hides.

Details

Access

No bus to the reserve. Nearest stop 3 miles (4.8 km) away. Passengers should alight at the junction on the A847 Bridgend to Bruichladdich road, then there will be a three-mile walk. Or if on the Port Askaig route, alight at Bridgend - a six-mile walk to the reserve.

Signed from A847 Bridgend to Bruichladdich road, 3 miles (4.8 km) from turn-off. Ferry from mainland, Kennacraig to Port Askaig or Port Ellen on Islay.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Grassland , Moors/heathland , Mud flats , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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