RSPB Loch of Strathbeg
You can have exciting wildlife experiences at any time of year at Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve. Thousands of wild geese, swans and ducks migrate from Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard to spend the autumn and winter on the reserve.

From September until March the hustle and bustle of whooper swans, teal, wigeon and goldeneye entertain visitors from the Loch hides and 20% of the world's population of pink-footed geese spend most of the their time on the reserve during these months. Don’t miss the wonderful wildlife spectacle of thousands of these geese lifting off from the visitor centre pools each morning. To book for a guided Goosewatch in October and November, contact RSPB on 01346 532234. Hen harriers hunt over the reserve at this time of year and a variety of rare and unusual migrants can be seen including bittern and juvenile white-tailed eagle last winter.

In spring and summer the wetlands around the Loch spring into life with breeding lapwing, redshank and snipe. Water rail squeal in the reedbeds, roe deer browse around the reserve at dusk and common and arctic terns arrive back from Africa to breed on the islands on the reserve. Unusual visitors continue to migrate through with common crane and spoonbill gracing our visitor centre pools last summer. Otters hunt around the reserve, often right in front of the visitor centre and the dunes burst with colourful dog violets and dark green fritillary butterflies.

Take a walk south from St Combs along the reserve’s wonderful sandy beach and look out for seals and dolphins along the coast – the Moray Firth Dolphins regularly pass between Aberdeen and Inverness during the summer months.

Opening times
The visitor centre is open from 8am until 6pm every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Any visitors wishing to use the visitor centre outside these hours, must contact the reserve office staff in advance on 01346 532017. Tower Pool Hide is accessible via a 700m trail from the visitor centre and is open from dawn until dusk. Loch hides, Fen and Bay Hide, are currently only accessible via the Crimond Airfield, open from 8 am and 4 pm daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day. Access across the Airfield to the Loch hides changes regularly so please obtain up-to-date directions from the visitor centre before visiting or call 01346 532017.
How to get there
Loch of Strathbeg is located north of Aberdeen off the A90, half way between Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Follow signs for Nature Reserve in the village of Crimond. The reserve eis 1 mile (1.6km) from the village.

Entrance charges
Admission is free to all. Donations are welcome.

Useful Information
Visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lochofstrathbeg/index.asp for more information.

 

Contact:
Telephone: 01346 532017
E-mail: strathbeg@rspb.org.uk