The RSPB looks after 13 nature reserves across Orkney, so it’s clear that Orkney is a very important area for birds. Large numbers pass through in spring and autumn on migration, and there are often a number of rare breeds, attracting keen birdwatchers.
Orkney’s cliffs are home to vast numbers of breeding seabirds during the summer, with Marwick Head and Mull Head on the mainland, and Noup Head in Westray popular sites for seabird spotting. If you’re looking for puffins, many of Orkney’s huge population are on the inaccessible Sule Skerry, but there are plenty spots around the islands to catch a glimpse of these charming birds, particularly the Castle o’ Burrian in Westray.
Waders breed in Orkney’s wetlands and can also be found in the lochans on the moors of the mainland, Rousay and Hoy. The moors are also the place to see hen harriers and short eared owls.
In winter, you’ll find a huge variety of wildfowl on the freshwater lochs and in sheltered sea areas, and in spring you’ll see the ducks in their finest plumage.
Orkney Birds photos from flickr
