Loch of Mey hide gets a makeover

A bird hide on the north coast of Caithness received a makeover this weekend (Sunday 21st August, 2005) by a team of volunteers and army cadets.

Organised by the Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service, the makeover of the bird hide at Loch of Mey involved repainting and relining the hide to make it wind and water tights for visitors.

Near the world-famous Castle of Mey, the James MacIntyre Memorial bird hide and footpath at Loch of Mey were established by the Scottish Ornothologists Club – Caithness for the comfort and enjoyment of birdwatchers.

A huge range of birds can be seen on Loch Mey during the year. The loch is superb for seeing wintering, migrating and breeding birds. Greenland white-fronted geese roost and whoopers swans visit the loch in winter, along with a range of other wildfowl. In the summer the loch margin is good for breeding waders.

Project Organiser Countryside ranger Mary legg said: "I would like to thanks all the volunteers who came along to help improve hide. There is a good chance of seeing some fine birds particularly wild fowl and waders on Loch Mey, and if lucky you might spot an osprey, otter or hen harrier. We plan to put more information into the hide to help visitors identify what they are seeing on the loch."

Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers are grant aided by Scottish Natural Heritage. The role of Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife and habitats.

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