Where to go Birding in Lochalsh (Written by Bob McMillan)
The topography of Lochalsh is dominated by deep penetrating sea lochs, and in the east by the spectacular ridges of Kintail. It enjoys altogether a more sheltered aspect than Skye, with some extensive mixed woodland which hosts a rich variety of breeding birds. Though migrating birds pass through the area, it seems these are less in number than on the coast of Skye, and reports of migrants are often later. The focus for most birding in the area has been through the South West Ross Field Club under the leadership of Brian Neath. National Trust for Scotland have extensive properties at Balmacara and in Kintail, and their Ranger services have contributed significantly to recording in the area. However, as in other areas of the West Highlands, coverage can be extremely patchy and there are plenty opportunities for new birders. The following are a small selection of potential sites:
The Kintail Ridges
Extremely popular amongst hill walkers there are many established routes along the ‘five sisters’ and the south Kintail ridge. You are in Golden Eagle country here and there is a well established local population which is closely monitored. Dotterel is a scarce breeder on some of the tops and Ptarmigan is well distributed. Red Grouse also breed and though Black Grouse remain extremely scarce, reports for Skye and Lochalsh invariably come from the Cluanie area. The steep slopes of the high tops are also important for breeding Ring Ouzel and Twite. In winter, flocks of Snow Bunting are present.
A google street view trek along the Five Sisters of Kintail can be found here.
The Kintail Ridges
Extremely popular amongst hill walkers there are many established routes along the ‘five sisters’ and the south Kintail ridge. You are in Golden Eagle country here and there is a well established local population which is closely monitored. Dotterel is a scarce breeder on some of the tops and Ptarmigan is well distributed. Red Grouse also breed and though Black Grouse remain extremely scarce, reports for Skye and Lochalsh invariably come from the Cluanie area. The steep slopes of the high tops are also important for breeding Ring Ouzel and Twite. In winter, flocks of Snow Bunting are present.
A google street view trek along the Five Sisters of Kintail can be found here.
Loch Alsh and Loch Duich
In effect this is a single sea loch which penetrates deep into the mainland. Most of the bird interest is in a number of saltings and islands. In summer, islands such as Glas Eilean and Eilean Tioram off Dornie, host breeding gulls and terns as well as Eider and Greylag. There are saltings and associated muddy bays at Kirkton, Nostie, Ardelve and Shiel Bridge. These are more important in winter with good numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Little Grebes. Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Redshank and a few Greenshank can be found. Occasional rarities pass through and Lapland Bunting has been recorded in the past. Otters are common on the shore and there are many vantage points which allow good visibility.
In effect this is a single sea loch which penetrates deep into the mainland. Most of the bird interest is in a number of saltings and islands. In summer, islands such as Glas Eilean and Eilean Tioram off Dornie, host breeding gulls and terns as well as Eider and Greylag. There are saltings and associated muddy bays at Kirkton, Nostie, Ardelve and Shiel Bridge. These are more important in winter with good numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Little Grebes. Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Redshank and a few Greenshank can be found. Occasional rarities pass through and Lapland Bunting has been recorded in the past. Otters are common on the shore and there are many vantage points which allow good visibility.
Carr Brae
This is an area of mixed mature woodland between Dornie and Inverinate which follows the ‘old road’. It has been systematically monitored by Brian Neath for 20 years and has an extensive dataset, particularly in regard to breeding songbirds. A number of rare species for the area breed annually and these include Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Garden Warbler and Blackcap. Common Redstart has been recorded and Yellowhammers breed in the area. The first Nuthatch record for the Skye and Lochalsh was here.
This is an area of mixed mature woodland between Dornie and Inverinate which follows the ‘old road’. It has been systematically monitored by Brian Neath for 20 years and has an extensive dataset, particularly in regard to breeding songbirds. A number of rare species for the area breed annually and these include Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Garden Warbler and Blackcap. Common Redstart has been recorded and Yellowhammers breed in the area. The first Nuthatch record for the Skye and Lochalsh was here.
Kylerhea and Glenelg Bay
The narrows between Skye and Lochalsh have always appeared a ‘natural’ routeway for birds but only sporadically watched, there is little evidence to support the theory. Nonetheless it is a good location to observe gulls and auks, and the rich upwellings provide good feeding grounds. It is known that Shearwaters and Skuas pass through the Narrows and time needs to be spent during storms to establish whether the route is regularly used. White-tailed Eagles now breed in the area and can be seen regularly feeding in the channel. There are observation hides on the Skye side from which Otters and Common Seals can also be seen. In summer there is a link between the mainland and Skye from a community-owned car ferry. Glenelg Bay regularly holds all three Diver species as well as a variety of duck and waders. Kingfisher and Long-tailed Duck have been recorded here. Common Crossbills have been recorded in the nearby forestry areas.
Drumbuie, Duirinish & Plockton
The attractive coast from Erbusaig to Plockton is easily accessed and the many bays and islands provide shelter for sea duck and Great Northern Diver in particular. In winter Slavonian Grebes are regularly recorded off Port an Eorna and An Dubh-aird. There are paths round most of the coast. The crofts around Drumbuie and Duirinish are amongst the best managed in the area and this is reflected in the variety of birds. Yellowhammers are now absent as a breeding bird on Skye, but remain clinging on in this part of Lochalsh, sustained by the land management regime. It is also a good area for breeding Reed Bunting, Twite, and in winter, there is invariably a rich diversity of finches and thrushes. In the Plockton area there are several freshwater lochs which are always worth checking. Probably the best of these is Loch Achaidh na h-inich which usually holds good numbers of wintering duck including Goldeneye, and the occasional interesting visitor such as Long-tailed Duck.
The narrows between Skye and Lochalsh have always appeared a ‘natural’ routeway for birds but only sporadically watched, there is little evidence to support the theory. Nonetheless it is a good location to observe gulls and auks, and the rich upwellings provide good feeding grounds. It is known that Shearwaters and Skuas pass through the Narrows and time needs to be spent during storms to establish whether the route is regularly used. White-tailed Eagles now breed in the area and can be seen regularly feeding in the channel. There are observation hides on the Skye side from which Otters and Common Seals can also be seen. In summer there is a link between the mainland and Skye from a community-owned car ferry. Glenelg Bay regularly holds all three Diver species as well as a variety of duck and waders. Kingfisher and Long-tailed Duck have been recorded here. Common Crossbills have been recorded in the nearby forestry areas.
Drumbuie, Duirinish & Plockton
The attractive coast from Erbusaig to Plockton is easily accessed and the many bays and islands provide shelter for sea duck and Great Northern Diver in particular. In winter Slavonian Grebes are regularly recorded off Port an Eorna and An Dubh-aird. There are paths round most of the coast. The crofts around Drumbuie and Duirinish are amongst the best managed in the area and this is reflected in the variety of birds. Yellowhammers are now absent as a breeding bird on Skye, but remain clinging on in this part of Lochalsh, sustained by the land management regime. It is also a good area for breeding Reed Bunting, Twite, and in winter, there is invariably a rich diversity of finches and thrushes. In the Plockton area there are several freshwater lochs which are always worth checking. Probably the best of these is Loch Achaidh na h-inich which usually holds good numbers of wintering duck including Goldeneye, and the occasional interesting visitor such as Long-tailed Duck.
