WILDLIFE FOR BEGINNERS

I am no wildlife expert but:

Seals

• Can be seen almost every day during the tourist season on the little island in the middle of the Thurso river in the middle of town (you can see it from behind the tourist information office).
• Also at the bottom of the stacks at Duncansby

Birds

• Many species of bird on Thurso beach feeding at the turn of the tide. or along the river at Wick especially at low tide.
• Or along the cliffs at Duncansby, Dunnet, Holburn Head etc.

Otters

• at the mouth of Thurso river by the harbour - best early morning or along the river at Halkirk

Plants

• Primula Scotia all around the lighthouse at Strathy Point (they are tiny but once you spot them there are lots)
• The "bog walk" at Forsinard - remarkable

Salmon

• Salmon leaping - watch for fishermen and you are almost bound to see some on any river
• Or the falls at Forss

Deer

• On Morven
• Along the road between Strathnaver and Kinbrace
• Dunnet Forest

You don't even need binoculars. For more information on wildlife visit the information site at Dunnet beach where the Highland Rangers are based. They also do guided walks.