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Star species

Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.

Dipper

Look along the rocky stream for dippers' weird and wonderful behaviour. As their name suggests, they plunge underwater looking for insect food and fish fry before bobbing to the surface like a cork.

Dipper (illustration)

Dunlin

Watch out for breeding-plumaged dunlins with black bellies during spring.

Dunlin in summer plumage (illustration)

Golden plover

In their breeding plumage, golden plovers look very smart with black undersides and spangled golden backs.

Golden plover in summer plumage (illustration)

Greenshank

Greenshanks are very elegant wading birds. In most parts of the UK, they only stop briefly on their migration, but in this part of Scotland, they stay to breed in the boggier areas.

Greenshank (illustration)

Hen harrier

Hen harriers can be seen at any time of year at Forsinard. You may be lucky enough to see one hunting close to the road - a car makes an excellent hide.

Hen harrier (artwork)

What can I do?

The life is being sucked out of the Flow Country. You can do something to help - for all the birds and other wildlife whose existence depends on this unique peatland habitat

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 58.35700,-3.89690
  • Grid reference: NC891425
  • Nearest town: Thurso, Highland
  • County: Highland
  • Country: Scotland

Get directions

Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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