Birds

Seabirds and waterbirds provide some of Scotland’s most spectacular and popular wildlife watching and sensory experiences with nature, at both coastal sites (e.g. at cliff colony nesting sites) and at sea. Opportunities for research, artistic inspiration, recreational enjoyment and wildlife tourism are significant, even though they are sometimes in remote locations.  Many of these species visit Scotland during far-ranging migrations, or leave for distant overwintering grounds after breeding, providing much fascination and an ecological connection to other nations. Waterbird aggregations often occur during the winter, when other prospects for recreational enjoyment and wildlife tourism are more limited. Awareness, enjoyment & understanding can be made more available to the wider public through media and other communication outlets, enhancing seabird populations as a socially valued resource that contributes to Scotland’s identity, global reputation and the health/well-being of people.