Loch Stiapabhat Local Nature Reserve

Loch Stiapabhat Local Nature Reserve

Local Wildlife - Spring and Autumn

Migrating birds use the loch as a staging post. A bird traveling south from the Arctic sees the area as a chance to feed after a long sea-crossing. In spring it offers a similar opportunity for birds heading north to breed. Some autumn migrating wildfowl may remain for the winter. These include pink-footed goose, whooper swan, teal, wigeon and tufted duck.

Wading birds are attracted by muddy margins – dunlin & redshank are common, while blacktailed godwits pop in on their trip to and from Iceland.