The bogs and lochs of Caithness and Sutherland are of outstanding national and international importance for breeding birds, particularly waterfowl (divers, common scoter, greylag goose and wigeon), waders (greenshank, golden plover and dunlin) and birds of prey (merlin and hen harrier). In Britain, some of the species only breed in Scotland so all who use the peatlands for work or pleasure can help in the protection of these birds.

How you can help

Accidental disturbance to breeding birds can occur but, by following the guidelines below, you can help birds to breed successfully and increase the chance of them returning next year.

• Take all litter home, particularly nylon and tangled casts. This will avoid causing fatalities to birds and other animals through choking or entanglement.
• On some lochs, artificial "islands" have been provided for black-throated divers to reduce the risk of predation or flooding. Breeding success could be further increased if you avoid fishing in the vicinity of islands in May and June.
• If a bird appears from bank-side vegetation, from an island, or suddenly on water close to you, there may be a nest or young nearby. The adult may also call or circle in the air to indicate its distress at your presence. By moving to another part of the loch, you will reduce any risk of eggs being chilled or of predators moving in while the nest or young are unattended.
• The bogs can become extremely dry in summer and extra care should be taken not to start fires.
• Unfortunately, egg collectors still pose a threat to bird populations. Do not disclose the whereabouts of breeding birds and please inform the police if you see anything suspicious.

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