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
The main interest is the breeding Slavonian grebes and they arrive from mid-March, although they are most easily seen and most attractive between April and June. Ospreys and divers (mostly red-throated, but black-throated sometimes occur) are also regular. Many toads are about in mid-April.
Summer
The grebes are still about but their plumage is now looking past its best. Lucky visitors may see the stripy-feathered youngsters as they ride on a parent's back. Ospreys and divers are still regular.
Autumn
The last few grebes are still on the loch but have often changed into their winter plumage.
Winter
Very little bird life - The loch is often iced over at this time.