taking flight

Bird Watching Near Fort William

Top tips for bird watching near Fort William. Here is some of the wildlife you could see in the skies around Highwinds Holiday Lodge.

Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is the top predator in the Scottish countryside. You may spot a golden eagle pretty much anywhere local to us, so keep a look out!

For a chance to see the golden eagle head to Aonach Mor (take the Gondola), Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, Cuil Bay, Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve, Isle of Rum

Hen Harrier

One of the most endangered species of raptor in the UK. You can spot them all year round.

Some spots you can visit for a chance to see the Hen Harrier: Aonach Mor (take the Gondola), Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, Cuil Bay, Alt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve, Isle of Rum

Snow Bunting

Look out for this rare bird during winter. Only a few pairs of snow bunting breed here but around 10,000 -15,000 others join them in winter.

For a chance to see the snow bunting head to Aonach Mor (take the Gondola), Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve

Dipper

Dippers are found in many different habitats including rivers, streams, estuaries, lochs and the coast. Did you know, dippers’ eyes are able to function underwater because their eyelids act as goggles!

For a chance to see the dipper head to the lower slopes of Aonach Mor, Isle of Rum, Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve

Meadow Pipit

The meadow pipit is a common nesting bird that can be found in moorlands, salt marshes and grassland.

For a chance to see the meadow pipit head to the lower slopes of Aonach Mor, Cuil Bay, Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve

Ptarmigan

The ptarmigan is a game bird slightly larger than a grey partridge. It breeds in the highest mountains of Scotland. The birds rarely move far from their breeding sites. In cold weather they may move from the highest ground to the edge of the forests.

For a chance to see the ptarmigan head to Aonach Mor (take the Gondola), Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve

Osprey

This legendary bird of prey returns to the lochs each spring. The Osprey is perfectly evolved to hunt fish.

For a chance to see the osprey head to Loch Linnhe, Loch Shiel

Buzzard

Buzzards are a frequent sight. They have inhabited mountain ranges, woodlands and moorlands. You will have a good chance of spotting one wherever you go! The picture on the right is taken from the kitchen window.

Butterflies

Just down the road from us is the Alt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve so if you’re a lover of butterflies make sure you make that trip!