By Parkdean Resorts on 16/09/2016
Scotland is a great destination for bird watchers, with a variety of rare species to come and see.
To ensure that you make the most of your stay here in Scotland, we’ve teamed up with birding experts from across the country to advise you on the best nature spots to explore.
Birding Ecosse
Embo is a haven for birds and birders alike and is ideally situated to give a fantastic insight into the birds of North Scotland.
Watch purple sandpipers and turnstones feeding on Embo pier, and flocks of seaducks floating just offshore alongside auks, divers and grebes. It is also a great place to look for common seals as they haul themselves out to bask on the rocks and sand banks.
Let Birding Ecosse guide you around the fantastic locations this area has to offer, and to make this a holiday that you will always remember.
Find out more at www.birdingecosse.co.uk
Nearest park: Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park (5 mins)
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the City of Inverness. Its 54 acres of mudflats extend out to the low water mark and provide a rich habitat and feeding ground for birds.
Home to a large colony of grey herons, as well as occasional visitors including ospreys and red kites, Merkinch Nature Reserve is a paradise for wildlife and birders alike.
Find out more at www.visitinverness.com
Nearest park: Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park (31 mins)
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in the loch-side woodland. With purpose built enclosures, it is an ideal setting for nearly 40 birds of prey. The centre is home to over 20 owls, representing all five British species, as well as unique or unusual species from other parts of the world. The centre is also home to five British raptors, including Orla, the magnificent golden eagle.
Visitors are given an insight into habitats and habits, including the centre’s conservation and education programmes. Their education room has a selection of exhibits and information sheets explaining the evolution and biology of their residents. The site is fortunate to have a large selection of wild birds and mammals both living and feeding in plain view – including woodpeckers, dippers, long-tailed tits, voles, moles, wood mice and many more.
Visitors can learn of their successes in rehabilitation of wild birds of prey and owls – making it an educational day out for all ages, and a chance to relax in wonderful surroundings!
Find out more at www.lochlomondbirdofpreycentre.co.uk
Nearest park: Wemyss Bay Holiday Park (52 mins)
Image courtesy of Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
Caithness Wildlife Tours
If you fancy an extended venture, or plan on exploring the far reaches of Scotland, make sure you check out Caithness in the far north of Scotland with Caithness Wildlife Tours.
Caithness is a land of towering sea cliffs and sandy beaches where wildlife abounds. Puffins and other sea birds nest on the cliffs, seals hang out in the sheltered harbours, birds of prey patrol the sky, and deer roam over the moorlands and hills.
Nearest park: Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park (2 hr 21 mins
Image courtesy of Caithness Wildlife Tours
Bird and Dine
Scotland is world famous for its spectacular landscapes and wildlife. Did you know there is a tearoom in the Cairngorms where you can watch red squirrels, siskins or crested tits while you eat delicious homemade cakes?
Whatever your tastes, now you can find places where you can eat, drink, and watch birds at the same time. Bird and Dine is a website that highlights cafes, pubs and restaurants that offer nearby birdwatching – so you can indulge while taking in the spectacular surroundings.
Each location is rated for quality of scenery, wildlife and food, so you can review it at a glance.
Find out more at www.birdanddine.com
For more information on various attractions to visit while you are staying in Scotland, please visit our local attractions page.