Nature lovers are invited to find out all about the hidden lives of seabirds on the Isle of May at the popular Seabird Open Day on Sunday, 17 June.
Experts will be on hand to tell all about the fascinating lives of the nearly a quarter of million seabirds which call the island home. The day is a chance to witness one of the top wildlife spectacles of Scotland, get close to the birds and talk to the expert researchers. There will alsobe plenty of fun for the kids, with storytelling, face painting, and more.
The Isle of May is home to many thousands of seabirds, and is considered the UK’s number one puffin location, with up to 45,000 pairs of breeding puffins resident from late March until late August each year.
David Pickett, the Isle of May reserve manager, said:
“This year’s open day should be great fun, with lots of family activities and the unique chance to talk to researchers who study the thousands of birds on the island. Coming out to the island is a one-of-a-kind experience and day – but on June 17, it has the bonus of plenty of experts to answer all your questions about the amazing birds out here.”
To reach the island, boats leave from Anstruther in Fife or North Berwick in East Lothian with limited places available. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Normal charges apply to reach the island by boat, but access to the island is free.
Open Day sailings are on the privately-run May Princess and RIB Osprey from the Anstruther Harbour or through the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. On Sunday, 17 June, boats sail from:
Anstruther – leaves at 11.45am. For tickets and details check out the Isle of May Ferry or Isle of May Boat Trips.
North Berwick – leaves at 12noon. For tickets and details, book online on the Scottish Seabird Centre website.
Known locally as The May, the small island sits on the edge of the Firth of Forth. The island’s importance for sea birds has drawn scientists to its shores for many years, and the May is home to the oldest continuously running bird observatory in the UK. The May is also a regular haunt for grey seals, often seen lounging on the shoreline rocks.