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Description
Loch Gruinart is one of the best places in Scotland to see Alpekråke (northernmost nesting site), Åkerrikse (a few) and wintering geese (up to 50,000, mostly Ringgås, Hvitkinngås, Grågås and Kortnebbgås, plus Sangsvane). The RSPB reserve has a hide, a visitor centre and Natural history centre. Birds here include Havørn, Kongeørn, Dvergfalk, Myrhauk, Vannrikse, Myrrikse, 16 regular wader species, 3 tern species, 3 diver species, Jordugle, Bergirisk and Skjærpiplerke.
At the sea end of the loch, Ardnare Point is a good seawatch location for viewing Havsule, divers, shearwaters, skuas, auks and sea ducks such as Havelle, Svartand and Siland. Best place also for Alpekråke. Ardnare loch is favoured by wintering dabbling ducks - Krikkand, Brunnakke, Snadderand and Skjeand.
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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.