Goggle at Scotland's whitest gaggle in winter

Peaceful, untouched natural features provide perfect habitats for the rare and interesting species of bird to be found in the Outer Hebrides. From happy little puffins to iconic golden eagles you will discover a diversity not present in many parts of Scotland. Look out for the distinctive white face of the barnacle goose starkly contrasting with its black neck.

During the winter months the shrill cries of geese can be heard since they flock to the islands where they find a hospitable environment to pass the days until spring. A wild goose chase might sound tempting when you wrap up warm against the chill and investigate.

Thousands of graylag geese venture to the Hebrides from Iceland every year to enjoy the nutrient-rich fresh water and sea lochs spread throughout the islands. Late afternoon is the best time to take a closer look at these birds when they return to roost.

Whether you are taking a drive in the countryside or prefer hiking through the wilderness, keep your eyes and ears peeled for these beautiful geese, which can be found on the Solway Firth, WWT Caerlaverock, RSPB Mersehead and Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve in Dumfries & Galloway and the Isle of Islay.

• Solway Firth

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Wading birds such as redshank, curlew and oystercatcher gather here in large numbers during the wintertime, while swans, ducks and geese, which may have bred thousands of miles to the north and east, also return here each winter.

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• Islay - Loch Gruinart

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomon

  Look out for geese as they arrive from the north and enter Islay at Loch Gruinart.

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• WWT Caerlaverock

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Most famous of all Caerlaverock’s wild visitors are the vast flocks of Barnacle Geese that return each October from the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to stay until April on the Solway’s saltflats and merses.

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• Mersehead

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that's typical of this region. Thousands of barnacle and pink-footed geese start to arrive for the winter, creating a must-see spectacle.

  55.069 -3.60778

• Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve

  Dumfries & Galloway

  The largest Local Nature Reserve in Britain and a popular winter destination for many species of migratory birds. You can also observe the local ospreys with the luxury of live camera footage from the nest site.

  54.899118 -4.41925