Description
At RSPB Barons Haugh a small car park just 5 minutes' drive from the motorway leads you into an extensive path network to the four hides, all of which look on to the haugh itself and wetlands. The grasslands near the car park provide hunting opportunities for tuulihaukka and muuttohaukka nest nearby. The loch itself caters for many duck species but also cryptic waders such as taivaanvuohi and also kuningaskalastaja can be seen fishing, often easily photographable from the Marsh hide. The woods contain the usual suspects and there are good viewing opportunities of pähkinänakkeli and närhi. The Clyde walkway passes through the reserve and southwards takes you close to several lochans with further birding opportunities.
Details
Access
From Junction 6 of the M74, take the road to Motherwell. Bear right at the next traffic lights sign posted to Wishaw. Turn right at the third mini-roundabout, and follow the road to the junction, turn left then immediately right to enter the reserve. There is parking for at least 20 cars at the entrance to the reserve. The circular walk shown on the map is about 4 km long.