{"id":38666,"date":"2024-07-16T14:03:38","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T12:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/1ffcc6bf-48b7-4af8-a41f-0b5c60af8e98"},"modified":"2024-07-16T14:26:41","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T12:26:41","slug":"loch-gruinart-islay-barnacle-geese-white-tailed-eagles-and-hen-harriers","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/loch-gruinart-islay-barnacle-geese-white-tailed-eagles-and-hen-harriers\/","title":{"rendered":"Loch Gruinart, Islay: barnacle geese, white-tailed eagles and hen harriers"},"content":{"rendered":"

For nature enthusiasts, the island of Islay\u2019s metaphorical centre is Loch Gruinart reserve, a working farm that dovetails food production with conservation. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 at 12:03 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Closer to Northern Ireland than it is to Glasgow, the Inner Hebridean island of Islay is renowned for whisky<\/a> and golf courses. But in this peaty land of Lagavulin and Laphroaig, wild grazing marshes, heathery moors, rocky coasts and sandy beaches make for excellent wildlife-watching. <\/strong><\/p>

Where is Loch Gruinart?<\/h2>
Wild and varied habitats are found in Loch Gruinart’s reserve. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

RSPB<\/a> Loch Gruinart is located on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides<\/a> of Scotland. It lies on the northern coast of the island, opening into the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>

When to visit Loch Gruinart?<\/h2>

Between October and March, Islay is home to three-fifths of Greenland\u2019s barnacle geese<\/a> and one quarter of its white-fronted geese \u2013 totalling tens of thousands of birds. <\/p>

\"White-tailed
White-tailed eagle’s can be seen at Loch Gruinart. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Loch Gruinart is a fine place to watch them nibble rich vegetation in packed flocks. But they are also observed by white-tailed eagles<\/a>. As featured in the BBC\u2019s Wild Isles, the dozen wintering eagles, have developed a taste for goose. When spooked by an eagle, the goose throng whooshes upwards, yapping and festooning the sky with monochrome forms. As the panic passes, the feathered mass returns to ground.<\/p>

While winter provides the most exhilarating visits, spring and summer are fabulous, too. Hen harriers<\/a> can be seen from the RSPB\u2019s moorland trail, which weaves through mires scattered with carnivorous plants called sundews and decked with bright yellow bog asphodel. <\/p>

Alternatively, follow the woodland trail, where roe deer<\/a> browse the bluebell carpeted understorey, otters<\/a> might be viewed from hides and the air reverberates with the rasping song of corncrakes<\/a>, reclusive fugitives from the world of intensive agriculture.<\/p>

Visitor information for Loch Gruinart<\/h3>

Several hides are strategically placed around the reserve, with multiple trails winding through different habitats, suitable for various fitness levels and interests.<\/p>

Looking for other day out ideas in the area?<\/h4>

Check out our guides to walks in Kerrera, Outer Hebrides<\/a>, as well as literary locations to visit in south Scotland<\/a>,\u00a0the Scottish borders<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Scottish Islands<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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