Natural History around Lower Pitcalnie

Natural history abounds. The grounds of Lower Pitcalnie (8 acres) include woodland and a small pond, and extend to the high water line of Nigg Bay.
Nigg Bay is a small tidal flat mostly owned and protected by the RSPB, who have provided a modern bird-watching hide beside a fresh-water marsh and tidal area. The hide is less than 5 minutes walk from the guest house.
The type of habitat that exists here - for rare wading birds  is rapidly disappearing internationally. There are also many other types of birds present here, with totally different winter and summer populations. Deer, pine-martin, hare, otter and stoats are just some examples of some of the animals that are frequently seen in the area.

SEE MAP TO THE LEFT.
Some Natural History items have external pink links in the text OR on the map

South of Nigg - at Cromarty you can visit Dolphin Ecosse - a great chance to see some of the local Bottlenose dolphin population. You can see the dolphins in their natural habitat in the best way - by boat.
Further south again (and off the map) is the Black Isle Wildlife Park, which is just off the A9. This is ideal for children and parents alike - who are drawn to animals, birds and countryside.

Further south west is the Seal Watch area (just North of the Cromarty Bridge). This is a shallow expanse of water where many of the indigenous seals can be seen basking, and taking in the views!
North (and off the edge of the map) is the Forsinard Nature Reserve - home to many rare birds, animals and plants. Hen Harriers and Merlin are just a few of the rare birds to be found on the reserve.