Description
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Bjargkorpungur (northernmost nesting site), Engirella (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Margæs, Helsingi, Grágæs and Heiðagæs, plus Álft). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include Haförn, Gullörn, Smyrill, Bláheiðir, Keldusvín, Dílarella, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Brandugla, Lyngfinka and Strandtittlingur.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Súla, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as Hávella, Hrafnsönd and Toppönd. Best place also for Bjargkorpungur. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Urtönd, Rauðhöfðaönd, Gargönd and Skeiðönd.
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.


