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RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

West central Lowlands of Scotland  >  United Kingdom

One of the few wetlands left in west Scotland. Good spot to see Žutokljuni Labud.

Added* by John Morecroft
Most recent update 28 travnja 2025

Description

Lochwinnoch wetland is a mixture of broadleaved woodland, open water and marshy areas with some floating fen. In Spring Ćubasti Gnjurac perform their courtship rituals. Trstenjak Rogožar and Pjegavi Cvrčić can be heard singing from the wetter areas of the reserve. Also Brezov Zviždak, Zviždak, Siva Grmuša, Crnokapa Grmuša, Grmuša čevrljinka and Grmuša Pjenica in the woods. Kokošica can be heard squealing from the reedbed areas.

In Autumn you can see large gatherings of Lastavica, often roosting in the wetland vegetation, preparing for their long southward journeys. Flocks of Mali Drozd and Drozd Bravenjak arrive to strip the trees of their wild fruits. Look up and you might catch sight of mixed flocks of tits, Zlatoglavi Kraljić and Kratkokljuni puzavac in the woodland.

In Winter a wide variety of ducks arrive along with variable numbers of Žutokljuni Labud. At this time of year there are frequent sightings of Eja Strnjarica and other birds of prey. Vodomar are present, often affording excellent views.

Vivak and Šljuka Kokošica are seen regularly on the scrape built behind the visitor centre, which can be viewed from inside, including from the viewing tower upstairs. The scrape also attracts Crnorepa Muljača and other waders, such as Crvenonoga Prutka, Žalar Cirikavac, Veliki Pozviždač, Kulik Blatarić, Prugasti Pozviždač and sandpipers. Riječni Galeb breed on the floating platforms on Aird Meadow. On the south side of the area Barr Loch also attracts good numbers of Ćubasti Gnjurac, ducks and swans.

Details

Access

By train: Lochwinnoch railway station is situated 400 metres south-east of the visitor centre.

By bus: Nearest bus stops are on the A737 at Roadhead roundabout (at grid reference: NS 350 586, 750 metres south-east of the reserve entrance) and on the A760 at Newton of Barr (at NS 366 577, 1.2 km north-west of the entrance).

By bike: National Cycle Route 7 runs through the reserve, adjacent to the A737.

By road: The reserve is located 18 miles south-west of Glasgow, beside the A760 Largs Road, which is off the A737 Irvine Road (easily reached from the M8 at Junction 28A). Car parking facilities are available.

There is a visitor centre and different hides and trails to explore the area.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds

Conditions

Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Winter , Spring

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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