KILDONAN DUN
Explore an underwatched and scenic gem of a site
The Kintyre Peninsula is a great area often missed by the birdwatcher, but like many areas of Scotland, new, exciting species are moving in, especially birds of prey. This walk gives you a mixture of wildlife and history, with the Dun (a fortified farmstead from the first or second century AD) being in very good condition and doubling up as a viewpoint to look over the bay. JOHN MILES
WHERE TO WATCH
1 You have a large forest where you park, so take the chance to scan for classical conifer species like Siskin, Goldcrest and Crossbill. Listen for a tit flock moving through to add several more birds. Summer sees both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler breeding in the area, along with the odd Tree Pipit. Cross the road and enjoy the historic fortified farmhouse, with great views down to the bay.
2 To get the best of the waders, you need to be here for a lower tide, and walk down on the shore around Kildonald Bay. I found waders like Oystercatchers, Curlew and Redshank, but even flushed Snipe closer to the shore. Pied Wagtails were feeding around the rocks, and you may even spot a White Wagtail in spring.
3 Winter sees several Greenshank using the area. Their wonderful call can be heard around the bay. Ducks include Mallard, Teal and Wigeon. Rock Pipits are common along the edge here.
4 Climb up onto the ancient fort for a scan of Kilbrannan Sound. Here I found several Great Northern Divers along with a distant Red-throated. Both Shags and Cormorants were present with Gannets way out, probably from Ailsa Craig. Turnstones were found off the Isle Ross, and you may be lucky with Purple Sandpiper as well. Both Black-headed and Common Gulls were feeding close by, while spring passage will add terns and waders heading to the far north.
5 Walk back round the headland heading towards a track which will take you back to the road. The grassy areas here held Meadow Pipit and Sky Lark as well as feeding Linnets. A lone Stonechat was enjoying the late sun to catch insects by a fence. From the road you can walk back to the car park.