Print pageSeasonal 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
Birds are returning to the island to breed and most have returned by late May. Seals can be seen in west pool especially at low tide. Hear skylarks displaying.
Summer
The Iron Age broch provides nesting sites for many of the island's 6,000 pairs of storm petrels. Theses tiny birds only come ashore at night - they spend the rest of their time feeding out at sea.
Arctic terns, eiders (dunters) and black guillemots (tysties) nest on the island as well as waders including oystercatchers, ringed plovers, snipe and redshanks. Arctic skuas and great skuas (bonxies) will defend their nests and young aggressively.
Harbour seals come to the island in June to have their pups, and remain through August to moult. Grey seals can also be seen during the summer.