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
Waders such as redshanks, dunlins, lapwings and snipe settle down to nest and rear their young. Golden plovers congregate before moving onto the moor to breed.
Summer
Tufted ducks and teals can be seen feeding on Loch na Muilne and, if you're lucky, you may glimpse the elusive red-necked phalaropes searching for insects on the loch's surface. Watch out for the carnivorous sundew plant growing in the marshy edges.
Autumn
Whooper swans, on their way from Iceland to their relatively warmer winter home in UK estuaries, stop off to rest and refuel.
Winter
Snipe might be seen plootering about in the wet edges of the marsh looking for a winter meal.