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Description
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Red-billed Chough (northernmost nesting site), Corn Crake (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Brent Goose, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose and Pink-footed Goose, plus Whooper Swan). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Water Rail, Spotted Crake, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Short-eared Owl, Twite and Rock Pipit.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Northern Gannet, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser. Best place also for Red-billed Chough. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall and Northern Shoveler.
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.