Spot surprising wildlife this winter

It would be a mistake to think of Scotland as a summer-only destination because winter happens to be a marvellous time for wildlife spotting . Get out and about exploring and you never know what you might see. 

 

It's amazing how easy it is to spot some of Scotland's spectacular wildlife, to the extent that you don't really need binoculars in order to witness something special. So many magnificent creatures can be seen while on a winter walk or on a specific wildlife watching tour. See some of Scotland's amazing wildlife this winter.

 

Be drawn to the possibility of spotting red squirrels in the glens and ancient forests of the Highlands and head to the Highland Wildlife Park for a chance to see Scotland's endangered native wildcats. Look out for reindeer and red deer in the Cairngorms and keep a look out for the elusive mountain hare and ptarmigan at higher levels with their white winter fur and feathers providing them with fantastic camouflage.

 

Every year, barnacle geese return from Norway to winter on the wetlands of the Solway Firth. Dumfries and Galloway plays host to tens of thousands of geese: barnacle, pink-footed, greylag, brent and Greenland white-fronted.

 

Visit Loch Leven National Nature Reserve during winter to see white whooper swans in their natural habitat. The Montrose Basin Estuary is also one Scotland’s best destinations to watch these winter visitors feeding.