Majestic glens and waterfalls, award-winning landscapes, free activities, world-famous tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites, you name it we’ve got it here in Scotland. This includes picturesque locations for birdwatching which, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, is an activity that saw a sharp rise here as we embraced post-pandemic life.
Thousands flock to Scotland for this as the country boasts a breathtaking variety of ecosystems and landscapes that allow bird enthusiasts to enjoy diverse locations all within a relatively small area. Plus, the British Psychological Society tells us that “seeing and hearing birds can have a positive impact on our (mental) wellbeing.”
With both native and migratory birds on offer over glistening lochs, wind-battered cliffs and luscious forests, here are our 21 top picks for birdwatching spots in Scotland with help from the The Scottish Ornithologists' Club.
17. Bird of Prey Trail
The Bird of Prey Trail links eleven viewing locations over the long archipelago that stretches out for 130 miles from Barra to Lewis. According to the Visit Outer Hebrides website the trail is ‘excellent’ for birds like ‘hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin’. Photo: SteveAllenPhoto
18. Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
The Caerlaverock national nature reserve covers mudflats and shoreline across the Solway Firth which is close to Dumfries. According to the ‘latest sightings’ page of their website they have recently enjoyed Hirundines e.g., swallows and sand martins. Photo: Christine Johnstone
19. Montrose Basin
This enclosed estuary of the river South Esk sits just inland of Montrose and covers 750 hectares of tidal mudflats. According to Visit Scotland it “is home to over 80,000 migratory birds including pink-footed geese, common terns, knot and kingfisher.” Photo: ramson on Flickr
20. Glen Affric
Did you know that Glen Affric is home to over 30 miles of ancient pine forests? On the Glen Affric website, they report: “The soar of the eagle, osprey, and buzzard along with the chatter of rare crested tits and Scottish crossbills are some of the delights which can be found amongst the 80 or so varieties of birds resident in our National Nature Reserve”. Photo: Piotr Krzeslak