Highland

• Abernethy National Nature Reserve

  WebpageSatellite View
  Home to some of Scotland's most spectacular wildlife, Abernethy is a dramatic and awe-inspiring place. A fragile mosaic of ancient Caledonian pinewood, moorland, bog and mountain plateau, this reserve really has something for everyone. Look out for some of the pinewood residents, like the fast moving red squirrel or the restless flitting of a yellow siskin. Or head for Loch Garten and watch its most famous summer visitors, the imposing ospreys nesting high in the tree tops.

• Cairngorms National Park

  WebsiteSatellite View
  The highest plateau in Britain. Rapid changes in weather can cause problems for the under-prepared, please take precautions. This is also a very sensitive area for wildlife so take care. Visitor numbers are likely to increase after the building of the new funicular in the next few years. Montane species can be found during the summer with time, although they are not straightforward, this is not a quick stop site and plenty of time should be allowed. Dotterel, Snow Bunting and Ptarmigan are the star species and in recent years lucky observers have seen Snowy Owl.

• Glenmore Forest Park

  WebpageSatellite View
  This extensive area of forest holds an impressive mix of exotic plantations and ancient pinewood. All the pinewood specialities occur here and is a good place to compare Common and Scottish Crossbills. Loch Morlich is always worth spending a bit of time as it is often used by fishing Black and Red-throated Divers.

• Handa Island Reserve

  WebpageSatellite View
  Famous seabird colony which is now a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. Magnificent Torridonian sandstone cliffs rise from the Atlantic on the north west coast of Handa Island. Each summer, nearly 100,000 seabirds breed here, including internationally important numbers of guillemots, razorbills and great skuas. These dramatic cliffs provide stunning ocean panoramas. Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake and Fulmars breed on the cliffs while inland both Great and Arctic Skuas hold territories. Access through organised boat operators from Scourie and Tarbet.

• Insh Marshes RSPB

  WebpageSatellite View
  A RSPB reserve with visitor facilities including hides. A huge flood marsh on the River Spey just to the north of Kingussie. Many pairs of breeding wildfowl and waders use these wet meadows, marshes and pools. The birch woods hold a typical selection of Highland woodland species.

• Loch Garten RSPB

  WebpageSatellite View
  Remnant Caledonian Pine Forest holding many of the forest specialities. However the main attraction is the pair of breeding Ospreys. Major investment by the RSPB have improved visitor facilities with a purpose built visitor centre offering excellent views of the Osprey nest but is also an superb site for watching pinewood species including Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill and Common Redstart.

• Loch Ruthven RSPB

  WebpageSatellite View
  A RSPB reserve with visitor facilities. To see possibly the most beautiful Highland species, the Slavonian Grebe, this site is a must. Regular scanning of the loch will not only produce the grebes in breeding plumage but also Red-throated Diver which use the loch for fishing.

• Strathdearn (Findhorn Valley)

  InformationSatellite View
  The place to look for eagles. The long skylines and spectacular open glen offer excellent conditions, if the weather prevails for raptor watching. Wandering Golden Eagles are never far away and in recent years it has been a regular place for seeing re-introduced White-tailed Eagles. This is also an excellent site for Ring Ouzels, Red Grouse, breeding waders and upland river species including Dipper.

• Chris Donald

  | chrisdonald@zetnet.co.uk

• John Poyner

  highlandrecorder@yahoo.com

  01479 821357

• Number of bird species:

  County [Sutherland] Bird - Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

• Bird Songs of the Scottish Highlands and Islands

  | By John Neville | Neville Recording | 2007 | Audio CD | 2 Discs, Runtime 111 Mins | ISBN: 9780978179717 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Birds of the North West Highlands

  | A Birdwatching Logbook | By Jennifer Moore | Wayward Bird | 2021 | Paperback | 32 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9781916899780 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• In Search of Birds in the Scottish Highlands

  | By Brian O'Shea & John Green | Artery Media Productions | 1990 | Paperback | 86 pages | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780951390917 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Island Eagles

  | (20 Years Observing Golden Eagles on the Isle of Skye) | by Ken Crane & Kate Nellist | Cartwheeling Press | 1999 | Paperback | 142 pages, B/w line illustrations, figures | ISBN: 9780953603305 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Skye Birds

  | (An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Skye and Where to Find Them) | by R L McMillan | Skye-Birds.com | 2009 | Paperback | 176 pages, Col and b/w photos, b/w illus | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780955025303 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Where to Watch Birds in Scotland

  | By Mike Madders & Julia Welstead | Christopher Helm | 2002 | Paperback | 297 pages, b/w illustreations, maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780713656930 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• 

  Where to Watch Birds in Scotland

  Apple iOS | Android

  This app will help beginners and experts alike to discover hundreds of the best places to see and enjoy birds around the country.
  
  Where to Watch Birds in Scotland, the Scottish Ornithologists' Club's free mobile app for Apple and Android devices, now has over 580 sites. New sites will continue to be added and existing ones updated as far as possible. The app launched in April 2019 and since then has been downloaded by more than 15,000 users and amassed over 750,000 site views. It won 'Product of the Year' in Birdwatch and BirdGuides' 2019 Birders' Choice Awards, and the BTO/Marsh Award for Local Ornithology 2020.

• UHI - Environmental Research Institute

  Webpage
  Our mission is to address contemporary environmental issues and advance understanding of the sustainable use of the Earth's natural resources. We aspire to dynamic leadership through excellence in scientific research, innovation and education.

• Aigas Field Centre

  Website
  Wildlife, Birdwatching, History & Nature Holidays in the Highlands of Scotland

• RSPB Highland Local Group

  Webpage
  The RSPB Highland Group was formed in 1987 to support the work of the RSPB in the Highlands. We have over 129 members. We run a series of field trips with one a month throughout the season plus the occasional Thursday trip. Indoor meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month from September to April.

• Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

  Website
  The Foundation was established in Scotland in 1995 as the Highland Foundation for Wildlife. It is a non-membership charitable trust dedicated to wildlife conservation and research, with a special emphasis on species recovery projects and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Our aim is to carry out important work in the field through project-based activity and to keep administrative overheads to a minimum.

• SOC Highland

  Webpage
  Meets at Culloden Library, Keppoch Road, Culloden, Inverness, IV2 7LL Contact: Kathy Bonniface 01808 511740

• SWT North of Scotland Group

  Webpage
  Welcome to the North of Scotland Group. We cover the largest area of any Group and have some of the most dramatic and wild landscape in Scotland including the Trust's Living Landscape at Ben Mor Coigach.

• Scottish Wildlife Trust

  Website
  tish Wildlife Trust is a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792).

Abbreviations Key

• FC Blackmuir Wood

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  If you walk through ther wood and up onto Knockfarril hill this will give the visitor a good chance of watching the Red Kite…

• FC Culloden Wood

  WebpageSatellite View
  This local woodland consists mainly of conifer trees such as Scots Pine, Norway & Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir, of which there are several huge examples here in Culloden Wood. Broadleaved trees are retained throughout the forest during all operations, and Beech, Alder and Birch are planted to enhance the conservation and landscape value of the area…

• FC Daviot Wood

  WebpageSatellite View
  Look out for Siskins, Crested tit, Crossbill and the Common Buzzard, souring majestically above the forest…

• FC Glenmore Forest Park

  WebpageSatellite View
  Glenmore Forest Park lies at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s a great place to see what makes the National Park so special: forests that have been growing for centuries form a green sea around high, rounded mountains, and lochs with sandy beaches glitter in the sun. Rare wildflowers and birds thrive among the trees – much of the forest park is a National Nature Reserve.

• FC Inshriach & Inshriach Forest

  WebpageSatellite View
  The woodland in the heart of Glenfeshie is dotted with boggy pools, rich in insect life, while red squirrel, pine marten, crested tit and crossbill all make the trees their home. Beyond the shelter of the forest, dotterel, ptarmigan and mountain hare cope wit

• FC Lael Forest Garden

  WebpageSatellite View
  In the 19th century tree hunters travelled the world collecting rare seed and planting them in arboreta – specialist tree collections – like this one. Spend some time in the exotic freshness of this extraordinary woodland and enjoy making your own discoveries.

• FC Ord Hill

  WebpageSatellite View
  Some folk reckon this is the best viewpoint in Inverness. Trails wander through open, mixed forest, with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. The sunset over Craig Phadrig can be spectacular!

• FC Reelig Glen

  WebpageSatellite View
  Reelig Glen is a narrow, steep-sided gorge, cut by the rushing waters of the Moniack. The woodland is a mixture of old conifer and broadleaved trees, but its real glory is a stand of Douglas Fir trees that are well over 100 years old. They soar above you to a height of about 170 feet (50 metres). The burn gives an opportunity to spot Dippers and Grey Wagtails.

• FC Slattadale

  WebpageSatellite View
  Half way between Gairloch and Kinlochewe, you can stroll beneath the trees and picnic by Loch Maree, with superb views across the water to the mountains of Letterewe. Black Throated Divers can be seen on the Loch.

• FC Torrachilty Forest

  WebpageSatellite View
  Huge forest, mostly spruce & pine but with some native broadleaves which make for interesting colour in autumn. Thought to be home to wildcats, otters & pine martens - so look carefully and you may see something special. Contin car park gives access to 3 walking trails & Rogie Falls another 4. Careful on the Rogie falls footbridge. Here there is a chance to spot Crossbill, Crested Tit and Buzzard…

• NNR Abernethy - Dell Woods

  WebpageSatellite View
  Home to some of Scotland's most spectacular wildlife, Abernethy is a dramatic and awe-inspiring place. A fragile mosaic of ancient Caledonian pinewood, moorland, bog and mountain plateau, this reserve really has something for everyone. Look out for some of the pinewood residents, like the fast moving red squirrel or the restless flitting of a yellow siskin. Or head for Loch Garten and watch its most famous summer visitors, the imposing ospreys nesting high in the tree tops.

• NNR Ariundle Oakwood

  WebpageSatellite View
  This now-peaceful woodland is a rare surviving fragment of the native oak woods that once spread along the Atlantic coast from Spain to Norway. Ariundle is a treasure house of primitive plants with a huge diversity of mosses, lichens, liverworts and ferns growing over the damp woodland floor. These are fascinating reminders of some of the earliest forms of vegetation on Earth. The woodland is also home to rare and beautiful butterflies and dragonflies.

• NNR Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands

  WebpageSatellite View
  With a cluster of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles, it's no wonder that Beinn Eighe was Britain's first National Nature Reserve. From a distance the pale scree slopes on the mountain-side look like barren fields of snow, but get up close and you'll be amazed by the diversity of wildlife that thrives on this reserve. Take advantage of the trail network here that offers something for everyone, whatever the weather.

• NNR Ben Wyvis

  WebpageSatellite View
  A constant brooding presence on the skyline, the mountain of Ben Wyvis is a local personality. Stand on the summit and you'll feel like you're on the roof of the world, with the Highlands ranged beneath your feet. The mossy cover on The Ben's summit hides many secrets, including summer nesting dotterel and the pure white of a winter-clothed ptarmigan. On the lower slopes there's a unique mix of plants adapted to the harsh conditions of this mighty mountain.

• NNR Corrieshalloch Gorge

  WebpageSatellite View
  The sheer-sided spectacle of Corrieshalloch Gorge carries the river Droma down a series of thundering falls nearly 100 metres towards Strath Broom. This extraordinary natural feature is relatively easy to reach from the road and the heart-stopping highlight of any visit is to cross the gorge via the swaying suspension bridge.

• NNR Creag Meagaidh

  WebpageSatellite View
  From the wild and windswept mountain plateau to a woodland that's slowly finding its feet again, Creag Meagaidh feels like the Highlands compressed into one nature reserve. Rare mountain plants like woolly willow and highland saxifrage battle against the elements, whilst black grouse flourish in the combination of woodland and open moorland.

• NNR Glen Affric

  WebpageSatellite View
  Glen Affric is a magical mix of native pinewoods, glistening lochs and haunting moorland. You can wander amongst the pine trees, feeling the springy carpet of needles beneath your feet, accompanied by the chirpy calls of woodland birds. Elsewhere you might encounter ospreys, secretive otters or quietly serene red- and black-throated divers. Come in autumn and you'll be inspired by the mosaic of colour and the echoing roar of red deer stags.

• NNR Invereshie and Inshriach

  WebpageSatellite View
  Perched on the edge of the Cairngorm plateau, twisted and gnarled pines mark your passage from peaceful pinewood to exposed mountain as you explore this reserve. Red squirrel, pine marten, crested tit and crossbill all make this expanding wood their home, along with buzzing insect life in the boggy areas. Up on the mountain plateau, battered by the wind and snow, look for the resilient dotterel, ptarmigan and mountain hare.

• NP Cairngorms National Park

  WebsiteSatellite View
  The Cairngorms was made a National Park in September 2003 because it is a unique and special place that needs to be cared for - both for the wildlife and countryside it contains and for the people that live in it, manage it and visit it. It is Britain's largest national Park…

• RSPB Corrimony

  WebpageSatellite View
  Set in stunning moorland and Caledonian forest, Corrimony is a treasure trove for anyone who loves birds. In fact, this beautiful reserve is visited by some of the UK's finest, ranging from black grouse to Scottish crossbills, crested tits to soaring golden eagles.

• RSPB Fairy Glen

  WebpageSatellite View
  In a hidden glen, not far from Inverness, this small and steep-sided reserve is a magical broadleaf woodland. Follow the winding footpath to discover beautiful waterfalls, while keeping an eye out for buzzards circling overhead or a grey heron stalking fish along the glittering stream.

• RSPB Forsinard Flows

  WebpageSatellite View
  Also known as the Flow Country, Fosinard Flows is a vast expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths and mountains. It's one of Scotland's most important natural treasures and the reserve extends more than 21,000 hectares. The RSPB has been working to protect the landscape here for more than 20 years.

• RSPB Glenborrodale

  WebpageSatellite View
  On the shore of Loch Sunart on the west coast of Scotland, the rugged Ardnamurchan peninsula is home to wood warblers, redstarts and spotted flycatchers. Embark on a guided walk and you might be lucky enough to see an otter or a seal frolicking along the shore.

• RSPB Insh Marshes

  WebpageSatellite View
  The Insh Marshes covers 10 square kilometres of the River Spey floodplain between Kingussie and Kincraig in Badenoch and Strathspey. It is said to be one of the most important wetland areas in Europe, supporting populations of breeding waders including curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe.

• RSPB Loch Garten

  WebsiteSatellite View
  Abernethy is ancient, wild and immeasurably special. Reaching from the River Nethy to the top of Ben Macdui (Britain’s second highest mountain), it boasts ancient Caledonian pineforest, sweeping moorland, vital wetland and dramatic mountains. Not to mention the world-famous Loch Garten Osprey Centre.

• RSPB Loch Ruthven

  WebpageSatellite View
  This remote and tranquil loch is pretty as a picture, surrounded by birch woodlands and heather-clad hills. The water here is fringed with sedge beds, making it one of the best places in the UK to see breeding Slavonian grebes and black-throated divers.

• RSPB Nigg Bay

  WebpageSatellite View
  Nigg Bay is an vast area of mudflat, saltmarsh and wet grassland on the Cromarty Firth. In 2003, part of the sea wall was breached to increase the size of the saltmarsh and it now attracts graceful pintails, pink-footed geese and wintering wigeons.

• RSPB Tollie Red Kites

  WebpageSatellite View
  With stunning views across Easter Ross to Ben Wyvis, Tollie Red Kites provides close-up views of our most graceful bird of prey. See volunteers feed the birds every day from a specially-converted farmstead building, an ongoing partnership between RSPB Scotland and the Brahan Estate. The last 800m to the site is along farm tracks.

• RSPB Udale Bay

  WebpageSatellite View
  This peaceful intertidal bay on the Black Isle is winter home to thousands of waders, ducks and geese. In the autumn, big flocks of migrating wigeons gather in the bay to feed on abundant eelgrass. Ospreys are frequently seen during the summer, fishing in the bay.

• Sightings

  Sightings

• Aigas Field Centre

  Tour Operator
  For over 40 years, Aigas has been offering fully inclusive, small-group learning holidays and study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, habitats and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Our unique facilities, quality of service and knowledge are second to none.

• Birding Ecosse

  Tour Operator
  There are many bird watching tour companies and indeed birding tour guides in the Highlands of Scotland, so why should you book a trip with Birding Ecosse? Well what we offer is more than just a Birding Tour, we offer life long memories.

• Heatherlea Birdwatching Services

  Tour Operator
  Every birdwatcher loves the special birds of the Scottish Highlands. Capercaillie, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagle, Dotterel, Scottish Crossbill, Osprey, Crested Tit, Blackcock at the lek, Divers and Grebes in breeding plumage

• Hebridean Island Cruises

  Cruises
  The unique and elegant way to cruise - Hebridean Princess and Hebridean's European River Cruises…

• Highland Nature - John Poyner

  Tour Operator & Guiding
  Professional Birding & Wildlife Guide Service based in the Scottish Highlands. Based in Nethybridge at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park along with my wife Lucka, and sons Mattias and Jakub, I work as a professional Tour Guide and freelance Field Ornithologist. For the past twelve years I have led many tours for two of Scotland's leading Wildlife Holiday companies, both in Scotland and abroad, while undertaking survey work between this and during winter months…

• Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris

  Tour Operator
  Golden Eagles soaring in secluded glens... Osprey fishing over picturesque lochs... Crested Tits and Crossbills flitting amongst caledonian pines... Dippers bobbing on rocks in crystal clear rivers... Red Deer on the hillside... Red Squirrels in the forest... rare Grebes and Divers in striking summer plumage...

• Speyside Wildlife

  Tour Operator
  Our holidays are just that - holidays. We’ll try to squeeze in as many exciting activities as we can, but still give you completely relaxed enjoyment, so that you can ‘switch off’ for the week. We pride ourselves on our high level of personal attention, but we won’t race around in pursuit of big lists. Our guides’ enthusiasm is infectious and whether you are a beginner or more experienced, young or old, we are happy to take time so you can enjoy the wildlife on a Speyside Wildlife experience to the full.

• The Birdwatching and Wildlife Club

  Tour Operator
  Birding and wildlife breaks in the Cairngorms. Millions of people now enjoybird and wildlife watching. For some it

• ebirder

  Tour Operator
  ebirder is a small, specialist photography company run by Marcus Conway. He has been running photography tours since 2005 across the Scottish Highlands and Islands

• 2016 [04 April] - Oriole Birding

  PDF Report
  We set out from Dunfermline this morning and headed east along the Fife coast to Largo Bay, a well known place for observing seaduck and a super all round birding spot. We made for Ruddon’s Point at the east end, noting Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer around the parking spot and numerous Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.

• 2021 [06 June] - Gordon Shaw - Cairngorms

  PDF Report
  Beata and I visited the Strathspey / Speyside area of Scotland between the above dates, as we needed a holiday and couldn’t travel outside the UK due to Covid. Obviously, we did a fair bit of birding coupled with some general tourism and walking. I was keen to see some of the Speyside specialities, but aware of how elusive these can be from past visits, as they proved to be.

• Altnaharra Hotel

  Accommodation
  Situated 21 miles north of Lairg and 17 miles south of the north coast village of Tongue, on the A836. Whilst this is primarily for anglers it does say It is also a birdwatchers paradise with the full range of birds of prey including osprey and golden eagle as well as waterfowl such as divers, swans and ducks. Game-birds are plentiful too. Other animals to see are otters, deer, roe buck, seals, rabbits, foxes, badgers and the occasional pine marten.

• Dunallan House - Grantown on Spey

  Accommodation
  Dunallan is a splendid example of Victorian elegance, oozing with the charm of a bygone era. Original period fireplaces in the residents lounge and dining rooms exude extra warmth to cheer you on those cooler evenings. Beautiful cornice work, pitched and Oregon pine woodwork and magnificent stained glass windows also feature in this lovely Highland villa.

• Hoki Mai Cottage

  Accommodation
  Hoki Mai means

• Lazy Duck Hostel - Nethybridge

  Accommodation
  Location - have a look at our maps of Nethybridge and Strathspey. Find us by the Fhuarain burn & waterfowl ponds in a 3 acre forest clearing homestead, 300 metres off the Nethybridge to Tomintoul road, at the village boundary. OS map Landranger Series Sheet 36 Grid reference 016204. Sheltered by pine trees we look south across a neighbouring 100 acre grazing moor of heather, Caledonian pine, birch, rowan and juniper to Cairngorm (1245m) and Bynack (1090m) just 9 miles away. Nearest neighbours

• Mount View Hotel - Nethybridge

  Accommodation
  Located in Nethybridge in the heart of Speyside - Heatherlea Birdwatching and The Mountview Hotel are the ideal choice for your group holiday. We cater for groups of two to twenty, and can offer you a full range of services.

• Mounteagle Self-catering Cottages

  Accommodation
  4-star Luxury self-catering accomodations on the beautiful Mounteagle Estate. Buntings to bullfinches, linnet to lapwing, songthrush to skylark and siskin - feathered friends too numerous to mention take up residence at Mounteagle and Loch Eye. Whooper swans in their hundreds glide effortlessly across the loch

• Rhiconich Hotel

  Accommodation
  At the head of Loch Inchard on the beautiful North West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. Close proximity of wonderful wildlife; Golden Eagles seen soaring in pairs and deer on the hill. They are close to the Scottish Wildlife Trusts Handa Isle Bird Sanctuary where Sea Birds flock in their thousands to nest on the cliffs and the great stack

• Tom-na-Creige B&B - Nr fort William

  Accommodation
  A family run B&B with stunning views over Loch Linnhe- an ideal base for the keen bird watcher

• Dave Slater - Birding Ecosse

  BLOG
  Welcome to the Birding Ecosse blog, if it is your first visit then thank you very much for dropping in, if you were a regular to my old blog then thank you for updating your bookmarks!

• Marcus Conway - eBirder

  BLOG
  ebirder is a small, specialist photography company run by Marcus Conway. He has been running photography tours since 2005 across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

• Photographer - David Whitaker

  Gallery
  Thank you for visiting my Web site, which I hope has given you a taste of the wild side of Highland Scotland. Feel free to contact me. I will meet requests for information where I can. Unfortunately, I can not answer questions regarding the specific wildlife sites where my pictures were obtained. Many of these were on private land and a number of the rarer species featured on my site are protected by UK law.

• Photographer - Neil McIntyre

  Gallery
  Being based in Strathspey in the Scottish Highlands makes it ideal for me to make the most of the fantastic scenery and wildlife that surrounds me. Over the years I have concentrated on many of the local species