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
Spring flowers carpet the woodland floor. Migrant birds return and all birds prepare to breed - wood and willow warblers, tree pipits and spotted flycatchers in the woodland and wheatears and whinchats on the moorland. Ravens croak overhead.
Summer
Scotch argus and fritillary butterflies flit around the moorland. Boggy areas attract dragonflies, such as Highland darters and rare northern emeralds. Slow worms and common lizards bask in the sun by the moorland trail. Oystercatchers and common sandpipers call along the loch shore.
Autumn
Beautiful autumnal colours welcome northern winter migrants such as redwings and fieldfares. Red squirrels store acorns and hazelnuts.
Winter
Woodcock and snipe numbers are swelled by a winter influx as birds escape colder climates. Red and roe deer take shelter in the woodland and pine martens may be seen hunting for a winter meal.