Loch Calder

Also within

Caithness County

Condition (NatureScot)

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

Loch Calder Loch Calder Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located 7km southwest of Thurso, Caithness. The site is designated for the nationally important populations of wintering geese and swan that roost on the loch. Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris, Icelandic greylag goose Anser anser and whooper swan Cygnus cygnus use Loch Calder between late September and late April each year. The loch is used as an overnight roost, with the geese and swans usually dispersing to feeding areas at dawn and returning at dusk. Whooper swans Cygnus cygnus may remain on the loch throughout the day, using the site for feeding as well as roosting. Loch Calder is relatively deep and has areas of open water when neighbouring shallower lochs are completely iced over. It is therefore particularly important during extended periods of severe weather, when wintering wildfowl from across Caithness come to roost here. Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris), non-breeding Greylag goose (Anser anser), non-breeding Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), non-breeding

Species mentioned