Wildlife at Falls of Shin
Many visitors to the Scottish Highlands do of course come for the country’s wonderful wildlife. At Falls of Shin, our star wildlife attraction is the Atlantic Salmon and, in the summer months, they can be seen attempting to leap the water falls as they head upriver to breed. But a visit to the Falls of Shin for the nature lover will offer more rewards than just the salmon, with the varied habitat around the centre providing much to see.
On and around the river Shin and from the viewing area for the salmon, otters are occasionally seen, with Grey Wagtails in the spring and summer months plus Dippers, too. In the steep wooded gorge on either side of the river, the native trees of Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Aspen and Hazel provide habitat for birds such as Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Treecreeper.
In the forest immediately behind the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre much of the tree cover is Scots Pine with Birch and Willow on the forest edges, and this is ideal for Crossbill, Siskin, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk. Woodcock can also be seen in the evenings and, if you’re fortunate and patient, the elusive Pine Martin can also be glimpsed.
Falls of Shin is a great place to see and enjoy wildlife in the Scottish Highlands. Not only is the wildlife varied, but the visitor centre provides all the facilities you need both before and after your walk to the river or into the forest. So if you’re coming to Scotland to watch birds and other wildlife, make sure Falls of Shin is on your itinerary.