Description
Udale Bay is an intertidal bay on the Black Isle. A reserve mainly comprised of coastal, estuary, mudflat and wetland habitats. Winter migrants such as Свищ євразійський, Гуменник короткодзьобий, Чирянка мала, Грицик малий, Побережник чорногрудий and Побережник ісландський, join Кулик-сорока, Чайка чубата and Коловодник звичайний to take advantage of the rich feeding to be had in the bay. They are best viewed two hours either side of high tide as the birds are pushed closer to the hide. A nationally-important flock of Чернь морська spends the winter in the Cromarty Firth - good views can be had with a telescope from the Ivy Cottage car park especially around high tide. The viewing screen at Kirkmichael can be good for ducks and waders. In the autumn up to 10,000 Свищ євразійський stop off in the bay on their return migration to feed on the beds of eel grass. They are joined by waders, also en route to their wintering grounds. Скопа are frequently seen during the summer, fishing in the bay. Terns are often seen from the Newhall Point car park searching for fish in the Cromarty Firth.
Details
Access
Travelling north along the A9 from Inverness, turn right onto the B9169 signed to Culbokie. Continue for approximately 9.5 miles (15 km) then round a sharp left bend. Take the next left (B9163) to Cromarty. After approx 0.6 mile (1 km), park in the lay-by on your left.
