Dingwall Bay & Conon Islands
Once in Dingwall, follow the signs to the train station. Just before the station, take the road signposted Ferry Road and follow this down past the hospital and you will pass Ross County Football Club. Ferry Point is just ahead.
Ferry Point is a good place to obtain close views of waders and wildfowl congregating around the entrance to the freshwater channel either side of high tide. September to April is best, but the summer months shouldn't disappoint. Rarer sightings include Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Spotted Redshank. Red-throated Diver feeding in the canal mouth at high tide in winter is not unusual. To the north lies Dingwall Bay itself, which can be devoid of birds at low tide, but is worth a look at high tide. Ospreys commonly feed here in summer and Peregrines are regular in winter.
South-west from Ferry Point, a good path leads towards Conon Islands. After 0.6 miles cross a small bridge and continue along the top of the sea wall. Species here include Red-breasted Mergansers and Goldeneye. Spring and autumn provide records of Greenshank and Whimbrel and the flocks of geese and gulls are always worth scanning through. Recent records include Snow Goose and Mediterranean Gull. An adult Ring-billed Gull has frequented the Sports Centre and Academy playing fields since 2003.
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