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Seasonal highlights

Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Spring

During spring, the seabird breeding season kicks off. Species including gannet, guillemot, razorbill, puffin, black guillemot can be seen on the cliffs. On the boat trip, look out for Manx shearwaters, kittiwakes, herring and lesser black backed gulls. Ravens, peregrines, and twite can also be seen on the island.

Gannet (artwork)Guillemot (illustration)Kittiwakes (illustration)Razorbill (artwork)
GannetGuillemotKittiwakeRazorbill

Summer

Young seabirds fledge from the breeding cliffs. Auks (puffins, guillemots and razorbills) and kittiwakes will be leaving by mid-July.

Black guillemot (illustration)Lesser black-backed gull (illustration)Puffin (illustration)Raven (illustration)
Black guillemotLesser black-backed gullPuffinRaven

Autumn

Numbers of gannets decline as they head back out to sea.

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Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 55.252980,-5.116096
  • Grid reference: NX020998
  • Nearest town: Girvan, South Ayrshire
  • County: South Ayrshire
  • Country: Scotland

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