Description
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Havasi varjú (northernmost nesting site), Haris (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Örvös lúd, Apácalúd, Nyári lúd and rövidcsőrű lúd, plus Énekes hattyú). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include Rétisas, Szirti sas, Kis sólyom, Kékes rétihéja, Guvat, Pettyes vízicsibe, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Réti fülesbagoly, sárgacsőrű kenderike and parti pityer.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Szula, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as jegesréce, Fekete réce and Örvös bukó. Best place also for Havasi varjú. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Csörgo réce, Fütyülő réce, Kendermagos réce and Kanalas réce.
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.


