Loch Kishorn (By Bob McMillan)
The sheltered bay at Loch Kishorn is a fairly unique site in south-west Ross providing deep water offshore, and extensive mudflats and saltings at low water. Its main interest is in winter and the discharge into the Russell Burn from the Fish Hatchery provides some rich pickings for a variety of Gull species, which often number well into the hundreds. Both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are regular as well as large numbers of Common and Black-headed Gulls. Mediterranean Gulls have been recorded several times. Good numbers of Goldeneye are usually present as well as Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Mallard, Wigeon and Teal. Divers are present offshore and White-tailed Eagles are regular. Regular waders include Turnstone, Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatcher, but Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit have been recorded on passage. The north shore provides the best viewing points though it can be busy with heavy traffic heading for the boatyard and deepwater port. It is also worth checking the nearby bay at Achintraid.
