Wildlife


BIRD WATCHING
The range of birds that can be seen is phenomenal, living here we can become quite blasé about seeing Ospreys, Eagles, Kestrels and Buzzards to name but a few. An osprey fishing for its supper at the Mound ia a common sight in the summer.

While the range of birds of prey that can be seen is spectacular the variety of other bird life inhabiting Sutherland for the enthusiast is well worth the journey up here.

A visit to Carol's Rock at Loch Brora will let you see the "home habitat" of the ravens that reside at the Tower of London. From early May to late July a trip to John O'Groats will enable you to see puffins. Grouse, oystercatchers, tree climbers, hen harriers, the list is endless.

CETACEAN SPOTTING
The coastline round sutherland and Caithness provides a home for more than 30% of the UK population.Of the 16 species recorded in these waters, 8 are either year round residents or regular visitors.
Common/Harbour porpoise is the commonest cetacean seen in UK waters normally as part of a small group. The best time for sightings is between the months of July and October.
Bottlenose dolphin (aka Flipper) is found in the Moray Firth, Golspie sits on the Moray Firth. This is the most northerly location in the world that bottlenose dolphins can be found.
Orca/Killer whale can be seen year round in these waters but particularly during the period June to September.
Minke whale is the most common whale in UK water's; the best month to catch sight of them is August.
Other cetaceans that can be seen include the Striped dolphin, White Sided dolphin, Risso's dolphin and Pilot whale.

SEAL WATCHING
There are two species of seal found in UK waters, the grey seal and the common seal. At low tide on a warm sunny day the best place to see seals if you are visiting Golspie, is at Embo, on the other side of the Mound where the sand banks resemble a beach in Spain with the seals stretched out sunbathing.

SALMON
Late summer and one of the most spectacular sights is to watch the salmon leaping as they travel up river to their birthplace to spawn. In particular at the Falls of Shin there are viewing platforms that facilitate seeing them.