The diversity of habitats in the Dornoch Firth with mudflats, salt marsh, dunes, links and sandy beaches, provide an ideal environment for a range of birds. A few miles to the north of Dornoch is the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch Fleet Reserve, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Scotland. Sea duck and waders are at their peak numbers in autumn and winter, with an eider raft of up to 3000 not uncommon. Winter visitors include Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Velvet Scoter, Long Tailed Duck and Widgeon. The surrounding woodlands contain tree pipit, redstart and wood warbler.

In August and September you may be lucky to see less common species such as Little Stint, Curlew, Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, and Green and Wood Sandpipers. In April and May up to 500 Sandwich Terns can be found at Dornoch Point.

Oystercatchers (known locally as 'mussel-pickers') can be seen all year on the beaches, links and coastal farmlands. In March, bird song from lapwings, grey partridge and the skylark can be heard.