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Seasonal 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
Terns pass through Culbin on their spring migration - look out for Sandwich terns especially. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the firth and occasionally the quiet visitor may see otters from the more remote parts of the reserve.
Summer
Eider ducks breed locally and can be seen resting on the sand bar. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the firth and occasionally the quiet visitor may see otters from the more remote parts of the reserve. Look out for many types of butterflies, including the small blue butterfly, especially during June.
Autumn
Unusual visitors to the Moray Firth during the autumn include a include a small flock of brent geese. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the firth and occasionally the quiet visitor may see otters from the more remote parts of the reserve.
Winter
The shelter of the firth provides ideal conditions for wintering seaducks. Up to 12,000 birds can be seen off the reserve in mixed flocks, including common scoters, velvet scoters, long-tailed ducks and eiders. Ringed plovers, lapwings, redshanks, oystercatchers, knots, wigeons and teals can also be seen. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the firth and occasionally the quiet visitor may see otters from the more remote parts of the reserve.