Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
In spring you can hear the bubbling call of curlews displaying on territory over their moorland nest sites, skylarks and meadow pipits displaying. Both Arctic and great skuas arrive back on territories. The first red-throated divers return to the hill-top lochans to breed.
Summer
Summer can see you divebombed by bonxies (great skuas) as they defend their territories from all comers. You might see hen harriers hunting over the heather moors or merlins in pursuit of pipts and larks. The red-throated divers at the Burgar Hill hide should have chicks at this time which are present until the end of August.
Autumn
Hunting raptors (hen harriers, merlins, kestrels and short-eared owls): the communal roost at Durkadale can hold up to 25 hen harriers, usually peaking in November and can be viewed at dawn or dusk from the road.
Winter
There is a communal roost of hen harriers at Durkadale and hooded crows congregate in the reedbed.