Short birdwatching visit · RSPB
Loch Spynie
Oakenhead · IV30 5PQ
Loch Spynie offers a compact wetland outing near Elgin, with open water, reedbed, wet woodland and fen meadow close together. Water Rail, Osprey and Whooper Swan are the three birds highlighted by the RSPB, giving reasons to visit in different seasons. Two short trails and a lochside hide make it possible to spend time watching without attempting a long circuit. Nearby Scots Pine woodland adds variety, and the reserve also supports Otter and Red Squirrel.
Birds and seasons
- Water Rail — Typically year-round
- Osprey — Typically spring and summer
- Whooper Swan — Typically autumn and winter
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- One hide has ramp access and moveable seating.
- Paths
- Two short trails are available; the main hide approach is a rough track about 250 metres long.
- Toilets
- No reserve toilets; public facilities are listed in Elgin and Lossiemouth.
- Parking
- About six spaces have a hardcore surface; an unmarked Blue Badge space is closer to the hide.
- Dogs
- Dogs must stay under close control around wildlife and livestock.
- Accessibility
- The main parking can be muddy; the closer Blue Badge space reduces the approach to about 15 metres.
Getting there: Use the reserve car park at the end of the farm access track, clear of working buildings.
Sources
Social preview photograph: Common Starling standing in grass in Oxfordshire. Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted for the preview.
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve, 12.5 miles away in a straight line.