Reserve operator
NatureScot
Explore 7 birding guides for places operated by NatureScot, with seasonal birds, visitor arrangements and practical routes.
Plan a visit
Isle of May National Nature Reserve
A compact island at the mouth of the Firth of Forth where Puffins burrow in maritime grassland and Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, terns, gulls and Eiders breed around 45-metre cliffs and rocky shores. At the summer peak NatureScot records more than a quarter of a million birds; spring and autumn can also funnel an exceptional variety of migrants through Scotland's first bird observatory.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Autumn Pink-footed Geese · winter wildfowl · summer breeding ducks and OspreysLoch Leven National Nature Reserve
One of Europe's outstanding inland wildfowl sites, with internationally important waterbird numbers, exceptional concentrations of breeding ducks and a huge autumn arrival of Pink-footed Geese. Summer can bring hunting Ospreys and duck broods; autumn and winter add Whooper Swans, Teal, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Gadwalls, Greylag Geese and dramatic dawn or dusk movements.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Year-round · spring eiders and terns · winter wadersForvie National Nature Reserve and Ythan Estuary
Choose a northern trail or an estuary watch, with breeding closures and seal-viewing guidance shaping the route.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Woodland birds year-round · spring song · winter goldeneyeBeinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Choose pinewoods and loch views before deciding whether a mountain walk suits your day.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Spring and summer wildlife · autumn deer · Manx shearwaters offshoreIsle of Rum National Nature Reserve
An island reserve for slow walking, sea watching and a spacious overnight stay.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Seabird colonies in late spring and summerHermaness National Nature Reserve
Follow the official boardwalk across moorland to a dramatic, exposed seabird headland.
Plan this visit →Scotland · Public visitor season normally May–August · breeding seabirds mid-May–mid-JulyNoss National Nature Reserve
A two-crossing island day with a demanding walk to the great seabird cliffs.
Plan this visit →Official visitor information
- Isle of May National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page
- Loch Leven National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page
- Forvie National Nature Reserve and Ythan Estuary: operator’s visitor page
- Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page
- Isle of Rum National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page
- Hermaness National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page
- Noss National Nature Reserve: operator’s visitor page