We had a day out yesterday on the bikes cycling from the caravan at Lochloy Holiday Park into the Culbin Forest. The weather was clear, with nice Winter sunshine but a howling gale.
Before getting to the caravan we stopped off to have a look out to sea from Nairn harbour. We were rewarded with excellent views of 4 Long Tailed Ducks playing in the sea spray as well as a flock of Turnstones on the harbour wall. There was also a brave windsurfer about to set sail!
From caravan 109 we set off east through the East Beach car park and along past the Minister's Pool at Kingsteps. On through the exciting little cycle path in Lochloy Wood to the first viewing point out over the tidal sands. Looking out over the unusually high water the were masses of waders clinging to the last remaining bits of land above water. There were Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Knot, Bar Tailed Godwit, Curlew and Redshank as well as a small flock of Brent Geese and a few Wigeon. The sunshine on the November grasses contrasting with the blue skies made for a spectacular view.
Back in the woods on the cycle path we stopped to wathc a flock of Coal Tits, Goldcrests and a pair of Treecreepers. We then headed on past Maviston Dunes to Point 20 where you get good views out over the tidal mud flats. There are lots of posts in the mud which were put there during World War II to stop enemy gliders landing! Out on the water were 2 Goldeneye but the highlight here were 4 Snow Buntings flying West into the teeth of the gale. Wonderful!
The ride back to the caravan was harder than the outward leg as it was back into the raging Westerly wind, but the trip was well worth it. It is about a 9 mile round trip.
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