The first of our kittiwake chicks have begun to hatch and can easily be seen from the comfort of the RSPB Visitor Centre through our newly repaired live cameras along with razorbill, guillemot and soon to be fledging shag chicks!
Kittiwake with chick: Photo Credit - Crystal Maw
Puffin have been seen most days recently, albeit in small numbers, near the foghorn or Lagvag viewpoints as have black guillemot.
Gannet are constant sightings as they travel to or from their colony on Big Scar, and for those with a keen eye, Manx shearwater have been frequently recorded further of the headland.
Fulmar are mainly seen nearer to the Gallie Craig where they nest on the steep cliff faces.
Fulmar: Photo credit - Rob Conn
Around the lighthouse tower on warm, sunny days swift have been gathering in large numbers to feed on airborne insects, peaking so far at over 40 birds!
Meadow pipit and rock pipit both continue to display and will mainly be on their second broods by now, with plenty of juvenile birds to be seen as is also the case with wheatear.
Linnet are commonly seen on the many thistles that are now in flower and goldfinch are regular visitors to our bird feeders visible from the RSPB visitor centre.
Whitethroat, stonechat and twite have been seen and heard sporadically around the reserve.
Goldfinch: Photo credit - Rob Conn
The heather that carpets much of the reserve is just beginning to come in to flower, enhanced by yellows, pinks, whites and blues from many of the other wildflowers that are in bloom including a few orchids.
Other wildlife to keep an eye out for at this time of year is the wide variety of butterflies, including the common blue and grayling and the very distinctive rose chafer beetle.
Rose chafer beetle: Photo credit - Rob Conn