Visitors and enthusiasts have the chance to get up close and personal with one of Scotland's most special birds thanks to a brand new event on Rum National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The return of the Ocean Wanderers is a day of activities on Saturday 7 April celebrating the Manx Shearwater. Affectionately know as manxies, they nest in burrows high in the mountains on Rum, only returning to their nests at night.
The birds spend the summer here, rearing their single chick, before undertaking an incredible winter migration along the coast of South America to the Falkland Islands before returning to Rum by way of the African coast – a round trip of more than 13,000 miles. Rum is home to almost one third of the world’s population of Manx shearwater.
The day includes options of a one-hour boat trip round the island, spotting seabirds and other wildlife, along with a performance of ‘Shearwater’ which tells of the life of the birds through stories and songs.
The highlight of the event is a chance to ‘meet the locals’ on a special night time guided walk up to the shearwater colonies on Hallival.
Reserve officer Lesley Watt of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has organised the day, along with the Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT), and is encouraging people to make the trip across from Mallaig. “This is the first time we have run such an event and it’s a great opportunity for people to visit Rum and find out more about these amazing birds,” Lesley confirmed.
“The experience of being in the colony at night time is an unforgettable one – the shearwaters have a really eerie call, and the Vikings thought trolls made these calls, hence the name of one of Rum’s mountains – Trollaval.”
Places are limited so advance booking is essential. Email [email protected], or phone the reserve office on 01687 462026 for further information or to book a place and check the website for more details and prices.