Waders, raptors and the chance of goose flocks
Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a showpiece bog. Covering more than 1,235 acres, this ‘Great Moss’ forms the wild heartland of Kilmartin Glen, half a dozen miles north of Lochgilphead on the west coast of Scotland. The area is now famous for its reintroduced beavers, and supports growing wildlife tourism opportunities.
The area can be viewed from two B roads, but access to the main moss is limited. Given the height of the B841, though, this is a great way to look for movement on the moss.
Birds of prey including Golden and White-tailed Eagles are found here. Hen Harriers used to breed, but the sheer number of Red Deer trails through the moss have allowed access for Foxes, so harriers are now more likely to be seen in winter. Merlin is yet another winter possibility, along with Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and even Goshawk.
The bird hide has the estuary to scan over so mixed waders like wintering Greenshank, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Redshank and Lapwing may be found. Shelducks add colour to the mud while mixed gulls have included both Iceland and Glaucous, not forgetting even Kumlien’s Gull making a winter visit worthwhile.
Ospreys fish the area along with Red-breasted Mergansers and Cormorants. Great Grey Shrike has been found on the moss, while flocks of Siskin and redpoll have had Mealy Redpoll in the flocks. Summer breeders include both Whinchat and Stonechat. Greylags may be the commonest goose but they have attracted both White-fronts to drop in, so looking through the flocks may pay dividends.