Bruxie Croft

Explorer Tom Loch of Strathbeg near Crimond has the sort of winter arrivals that would overwhelm any hotel desk: thousands of pink-footed geese come to this great dune loch and its surrounding wetlands. I can usually pick out one noisy traveller in a crowd; here the entire sky seems to be checking in at once. Bring binoculars and let the birds handle the announcements. The RSPB calls Strathbeg Britain's largest dune loch. Wetland, dunes and grassland support breeding terns and gulls, passing waders, wildfowl and those winter geese. Grazing and cutting keep strong-growing rushes from crowding out smaller flowering plants, so managing the reserve is part of what visitors see. This place changes by season; birds arrive on their own terms. I have asked the geese for a schedule; they have declined to cooperate. Start by the visitor centre near Crimond and use the hides for broad views across the water and pools. The Tower Pool Hide trail is surfaced with fine gravel and has benches, while routes from the airfield parking area are grassy and can be muddy. Some seasonal paths have restricted access for parts of the year. Slow down at a hide and watch movement in the reeds. The RSPB gives current visitor details and warns that bad weather can affect the access roads. Check the reserve notice before setting out, especially after heavy rain or snow. Keep dogs close in breeding season and near livestock, and stay on visitor routes. If the geese are away, there is still a wide wetland story to watch; if they are in, your quiet afternoon may turn wonderfully loud.