Descrizione
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Gracchio corallino (northernmost nesting site), Re di quaglie (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Oca colombaccio, Oca facciabianca, Oca selvatica and Oca zamperosee, plus Cigno selvatico). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include Aquila di mare, Aquila reale, Smeriglio, Albanella reale, Porciglione, Voltolino, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Gufo di palude, Fanello nordico and Spioncello marino.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Sula, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as Moretta codona, Orchetto marino and Smergo minore. Best place also for Gracchio corallino. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Alzavola, Fischione, Canapiglia and Mestolone.
Dettagli
Accesso
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.


