Noup Cliffs RSPB Reserve Orkney Islands, Scotland
On the north-western tip of the island of Westray, Noup Head consists of high sandstone cliffs with some of the largest seabird colonies in Britain. Reaching up to 70m in height the cliffs have numerous ledges providing nest-sites and above them is a narrow strip of grassy sward backed by an area of maritime heath which lies outside the reserve.
The most numerous seabirds are Common Guillemots which number about 60,000 and Kittiwakes with about 30,000 pairs. Around 3,000 Razorbill can be seen here as well as Northern Fulmar and Shag, Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin, and gulls. Northern Raven and Rock Pipit also breed on these cliffs. The grass above holds Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear and Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua breed off the reserve on the heath.
Grey and Common Seals and often cetaceans are seen offshore, the latter mainly in late summer and autumn. Thrift brightens the clifftop in late spring.
Access to the reserve is open at all times and good views of the seabirds can be had from the clifftop but great care is needed. From Pierowall take the minor road westwards to Noup Farm, then the track to the lighthouse. The island of Westray can be reached by passenger ferry or air from Kirkwall, guest-house and self-catering accommodation is plentiful on the island.
Birds
Birds you can see here include:
Northern Fulmar, Shag, Arctic Skua, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Atlantic Puffin, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Northern Wheatear, Northern Raven
Content and images originally posted by Steve
