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Birds of prey
The Highlands are the stronghold of a number of species of birds of prey.... |
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Seabirds
Our coasts are amongst the most important in the world for sebirds.... |
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The Wildlife of the Highlands
In the wild land of the Highlands, interesting and spectacular plants and animals are not confined to nature reserves. Wildlife appears in the most casual of encounters.
For example, several of those humped rocks in the Cromarty Firth you see from the main A9 are really seals - so look again! Similarly, hire a rowing boat from somewhere like, say, Plockton, and there's every chance an otter (or two) will swim by.
Some other easily identified species you may encounter include golden eagle - especially if walking in mountainous country. (Though your view of this bird may be distant, its size is an important recognition feature.) Amongst birds, the birds of prey are often the most sought after views but others include seabirds particularly puffins, for example, near the Stacks of Duncansby or on Faraid Head by Durness.
Among animals, red squirrel is common in places (take a walk in the woods near Grantown-on-Spey perhaps). Pine marten is less easy to spot but you might be lucky. (Some say they raid the litter bins by the main road along Loch Maree!) Several parts of the Moray Firth shoreline could give you a view of bottle-nose dolphins (or take a boat trip).
Remember, these are just some examples of the wildlife you may see without really trying. Armed with a pair of binoculars, a field guidebook and a little patience, you will see a whole lot more!
Book a wildlife watching holiday in the Highlands
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Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish natural Heritage (SNH) are the government body tasked with safeguarding and enhancing Scotland's natural heritage and promoting our enjoyment of it, including through managing nature reserves. |
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Scottish Wildlife Trust
The Scottish Wildlife Trust work to help conserve Scotland's wildlife including managing a number of nature reserves. |
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