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Map of Cottascarth and Rendall Moss
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Visitors at RSPB Cottascarth reserve, OrkneyMeadow pipit in display flightCuckoo singing from fencepost
RSPB Rendall Moss reserve, Burn of EllibisterClose up of heather flowersShort-eared owl on ground
Snipe camouflaged at edge of reedsAdult peregrine in flightFemale hen harrier flying low
Male red grouseGreylag geese in flightRaven on hillside

Wildlife awards

Cottascarth and Rendall Moss is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK.

Top things to do in Spring

  1. Visit the Cottascarth Hide and watch the sky-dancing hen harrier displays
  2. One of the best places to hear and see cuckoos on Orkney
  3. On the walk to the hide look out for 'parachuting' meadow pipits and calling stonechats

Top things to do in Summer

  1. Visit the Cottascarth Hide and watch for up to five species of birds of prey
  2. On the walk to the hide, look out for meadow pipits and stonechats feeding newly-fledged young
  3. Short-eared owls will be active during the day looking for Orkney voles to feed their young

Top things to do in Autumn

  1. Visit the Cottascarth Hide and watch for up to five species of birds of prey
  2. Watch out for migrating geese and thrushes arriving from the north
  3. Scan the surrounding farmland for large flocks of curlews that gather there

Top things to do in Winter

  1. Look out for red grouse which live on the reserve
  2. At dusk, a trip to the hide may result in good views of roosting hen harriers or ravens
  3. Farmland across the Rendall area fills with Icelandic greylag geese in the winter months

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Your photos

  • Golden Oriole
  • Great black-backed gull with rabbit
  • Pintail
  • Pintails
  • Greylags on trial at The Loons
  • Gannets by Liz Johnston
  • Puffin by Erlend Johnston
  • Whinchat outside The Loons hide 11/11/2011

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Downloads

WildSquare Bingo

WildSquare Bingo

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Date: 21 June 2010

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Extend your stay

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Birsay Moors

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Oystercatcher sitting on nest

Brodgar

A magical walk at the heart of Orkney's heritage

RSPB Marazion Marsh reserve and St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

Marazion Marsh

A peaceful walk around a beautiful wetland

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