Home >> What to See >> Seabirds

The Caithness cliffs are amongst the best in Europe for viewing nesting seabirds. The sandstone cliffs form ideal ledges for internationally important numbers of fulmar, shag, kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill and black guillemot. Over 100,000 individual guillemot have been recorded at breeding sites along the east Caithness cliffs, approximately 10% of the British total population. 

Other notable species include cormorant, puffin, arctic skua and great skua.

The best time of year to visit is from May through to August, with Duncansby Head, Dunnet Head (just west of the lighthouse) and just south of Castle of Old Wick being particularly good spots to view a range of species from the land. 

Boat trips to view the colonies are available in summer from John O'Groats.

Dunnet and Duncansby are good for sea watching, particularly in autumn. During strong north west winds Dunnet Bay can be especially good with large numbers of manx shearwater, several skua species and large numbers of auks. Dunnet Bay is good in the winter for Sabine's and Iceland gull, Leaches and British storm petrels have been recorded annually in recent years.

 

About The Area | Where to Go | What to See | Who to Go With
Where to stay | What's New | Visitor Information | Links

Design By Internet Promotions