Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Fulmars are members of the albatross family and glide on air currents in a similar way. Watch for their trademark stiff-winged flight around the cliffs. | ) |
Guillemots look ungainly when they shuffle around on their nesting ledges on the cliffs, but underwater their streamlined shape comes into its own and they become agile and manoeuvrable. | ) |
Visit Sumburgh Head in spring and early summer and your ears will be filled with the unmistakable 'kitti-wake' calls of this dainty gull. Look along the cliffs to see them packed onto their tiny nesting ledges. | ) |
Enjoy the comical antics of puffins in spring and early summer from the viewing points on the cliffs. Watch the adults returning from fishing forays at sea with sandeels hanging from their colourful beaks. | ) |
You can see shags perching on the rocks at Sumburgh Head. They are slightly smaller relations of the cormorant; if you get a good view, you'll see their emerald-green eyes. | ) |