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Description
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Alpekrage (northernmost nesting site), Engsnarre (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Knortegås, Bramgås, Grågås and Kortnæbbet Gås, plus Sangsvane). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include Havørn, Kongeørn, Dværgfalk, Blå Kærhøg, Vandrikse, Plettet Rørvagtel, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Mosehornugle, Bjergirisk and Skærpiber.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Sule, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as Havlit, Sortand and Toppet Skallesluger. Best place also for Alpekrage. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Krikand, Pibeand, Knarand and Skeand.
Details
Access
Islay is reached by ferry from the mainland at Kennacraig, docking at Port Ellen and Port Askaig. Recent reports suggest the CalMac ferry fleet is aging and unreliable, delays are possible. Nearest bus stop is 3 miles away, see website below. By car from Bowmore/Bridgend, car park at the reserve. Click on the P in the map to get directions.