Birdwatching in Orkney

Ordnance Survey Landranger maps for this area:

Nos. 5, 6, 7.

Information kindly provided by Andrew Fawcett, Orkney


Marwick Head RSPB Reserve, (HY 2224, Map 6)


The mile long and 300 foot high sandstone cliff on the north-west coast of Mainland Orkney. These cliffs support a large seabird colony and are the nesting place for aprox 5,000 pairs of Kittiwake and 30,000 Guillemot, others breeding are Raven,Rock Dove,Razorbill,Fulmar and a few Puffin.

Access is possible all year round but the best times to visit are May, June or early July. There are several excellent viewpoints overlooking the breeding ledges from the cliff top, but care must be taken as there is no fencing.

To gain access take the B9056 North, and look for signs Kitchener Memorial and Cumlaquoy on the left handside, follow these and 3/4 mile on your right you will reach a car park with a old Battleship Deck Gun, go through the stile and follow the path to the top.

Brough of Birsay (HY 2328, Map 6)


This small uninhabited islet with 45 metre high cliffs on the northwest of mainland can be reached by a causeway uncovered at low tide.
Take the A986 north through Dounby, road number changes at Twatt to A967 continue on until reaching junction with A966 turn left signposted Brough of Birsay, and Earl Palace. Follow A966 until you reach the car park -1 mile, steps lead from the car park to the causeway but care should be taken with regard to tide times and local knowledge should be sought. Breeding birds include Fulmar, Kittiwake, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin and Eider duck.
The car park is an excellent seawatching point with fine views to both sides of the islet, July to end of October being the best times.

Loch Of Boardhouse (HY27/25)

This Loch is located in the northwest of the island, Go north through Dounby on the A986 to Twatt immeditly after Twatt the Loch can be seen on your right. It is an important winter wildfowl site especially for Pochard, Greylag geese can be seen here as can Whooper swan and Greenland white fronted geese. Fine views can be had from the A967 from the comfort of your car.

The Loons RSPB Reserve, (HY 2524, Map 6)


Loch of Stenness and Loch of Harray, (HY 2913, Map 6)


Birsay Moors, (HY 3719, Map 6)


Cottascarth RSPB Reserve

Lying to the northeast of mainland this large moorland reserve is the home to both Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl, there are a few pairs of Merlin also breeding, and occasional pairs of both Arctic and Great Skua. Other breeding birds include Dunlin, Golden Plover,Twite, Wheatear, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and One of Orkneys commonest birds the Curlew or Whaup as it is known locally.
Access:
Take the A965 from Kirkwall to Finstown immeditly after Church on your left hand side in centre of Finstown turn right onto the A966 sign posted [Rendall, Evie, Birsay]. Three miles further at the end of Norseman Village take the A986 on your left, sign posted [Harray, Dounby]. 3/4 mile turn right at sign Cottascarth and follow road to farm yard, park in the RSPB car park provided and walk to hide [100 meters]. Dogs are prohibited on this reserve. Please close all gates as this is a working farm. Best time to visit is mid April to end of July.

Graemeshall Loch, (HY 4802, Map 6)


Loch of Tankerness, (HY 5109, Map 6)


Hobbister RSPB Reserve, (HY 3806, Map 6)


North Hoy RSPB Reserve, (HY 2003, Map 7)


South Ronaldsay, (Map 7)


Rousay, (HY 3 3, Map 7)


Eday, (Map 5 and 6)


Stronsay, (Map 5)


Westray, (Map 5)


Papa Westray, (Map 5)


Sanday, (Map 5)


North Ronaldsay, (Map 5)


See also the Wildlife Web's North Ronaldsay page.