Wildlife in Aberdeen, Grampian and Moray

Go birdwatching at RSPB reserves, take a Landrover safari on the moors, see dolphins play in the Moray Firth or visit the Macduff Marine Aquarium: there's plenty of wildlife here in north east Scotland.

Many of our recommended B&Bs have maps and guides of their local area that you can borrow

Fowlsheugh Reserve

Fowlsheugh Reserve (RSPB) at Crawton, near Stonehaven. Fantastic seabird cliffs packed with breeding guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes and smaller numbers of fulmars, herring gulls, puffins and shags nests. From May to July boat trips run from Stonehaven to visit the cliffs in the evenings.

B&Bs near Fowlsheugh Reserve - Purgavie Farm, Kinnaber Bed & Breakfast, Newton Farm, Inverarity

On the menus at our B&Bs you will find local food such as Dundee cake or Arbroath smokies

Glenlivet Wildlife

Glenlivet Wildlife - Tomnavoulin, Glenlivet. Off road and Landrover safaris, guided walks and hides on the Glenlivet Crown estate in the Cairngorms National Park. Mountain hares, moorland birds, black grouse and red deer.

B&Bs near Glenlivet Wildlife -  Castleview Bed and Breakfast

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve - West of Aboyne beside the A93 and A97. Within the reserve are the lovely Burn O'Vat and the lochs Kinord and Davan.

B&Bs near Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve - Castleview Bed and Breakfast

Balmoral Castle & Estates

Balmoral Castle & Estates - Crathie,near Braemar. Summer holiday home for the Royal family in Scotland. Gardens and grounds open to the public. Fishing and horse riding. Ranger Service with guided walks and luxury land rover safaris.

B&Bs near Balmoral Castle - Castleview Bed and Breakfast

Macduff Marine Aquarium

Macduff Marine Aquarium - Displays of Moray Firth marine life. Feed and dive shows; Gift shop. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Admission charge.

B&Bs near Macduff Marine Aquarium - Brandon Lodge near Portsoy, Castleview Bed and Breakfast

Moray Firth Wildlife Centre

Moray Firth Wildlife Centre - Spey Bay. Moray Firth dolphins exhibition, gift shop & tearoom. Admission Free.

B&Bs near Moray Firth Wildlife Centre - Brandon Lodge near Portsoy, Castleview Bed and Breakfast

Loch of Strathbeg

Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve is a joy to visit any time of year, there's bird-watching hides, stunning beach walks and fun activities like pond dipping for families.  In winter, thousands of wild geese, swans and ducks fly in, including around 30,000 Pink-footed geese which roost on the reserve – it's a sight you'll never forget. During spring and summer, you can see gulls, terns, ducks and swallows raising their young, and you may catch a glimpse of an otter.  You'll also get to spot our herd of wild Konik ponies which graze on the marsh.
They hold a range of events from bird-ringing demonstrations and guided walks to Stargazing evenings and a Craft Fair. For serious birdwatchers, spring and autumn are the prime time to see an exceptional range of rare migrant birds dropping in to the reserve. Entrance to the visitor centre and reserve is free. Dogs on leads are welcome. There is disabled access to one hide, and a stair lift to the upstairs viewing gallery in the Visitor Centre.

B&Bs near the Loch of Strathbeg - Brandon Lodge near Portsoy