University of St Andrews Birding Society (BirdSoc)

Seafront

Area roughly between the Castle and East Sands. The cliffs are home to nesting Fulmars, which are present for much of the year. Many species of waders are present, with Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank a regular feature. Through the winter months, Purple Sandpiper are also present. Occasionally, other waders such as Knot, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Grey Herons often feed along the shore, and may be seen close up roosting on the cliffs at high tide. Passerines present include Rock Pipit and Pied Wagtail, with Grey Wagtail occurring less regularly. Offshore, seabirds including Gannet, Kittiwake, Cormorant, Shag, Razorbill and Guillemot may be seen. Eider are regular in large number, and through the winter these are joined by many Common Scoter, with smaller numbers of Scaup, Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter. Sparrowhawk regularly hunt in the area, and Peregrines have also been recorded, although irregularly.

Species recorded
29
Visitors
1

What you might see

  • Mallard

  • Common Eider

  • Common Scoter

  • Long-tailed Duck

  • Common Merganser