Birds and Bird Watching on Island of Skye, Scotland

Skye Birds - A birding Guide to the Isle of Skye

This website is dedicated to the birds which find a niche in the in the wild and sometimes harsh environment which makes the Island of Skye so unique. Though many aspects of Skye's geology, topography, culture and history have been extensively studied, until now little has ever been published about its bird life.

The objective of this website is to highlight the wide variety of birds which can be seen and where to see them; to encourage locals and visitors to record their bird observations; to stimulate involvement in fieldwork; and to contribute to the conservation and protection of a number of rare and spectactular birds so that future generations can enjoy birding, against the most dramatic backdrop in Britain.

Skye Birds by Bob McMillan

'Skye Birds' has been written and compiled by Bob McMillan. This is the first dedicated publication to the birds of Skye and where to find them with 184 pages, 20 black and white etchings and line drawings by Jean Thomas, and 8 pages of full colour photographs. Now available from local outlets at £11.95 or direct from the publisher.

For further info and order details click here.

Latest Sightings:

Manx Shearwater - 27th August 08
numbers dwindling in Broadford Bay with only c100 + a Great Skua & single Arctic Skua (DR)

Black-throated Diver - 27th August 08
single in Broadford Bay is much earlier than we normally record them (DR)

Dunlin - 27th August 08
peaking at Harrapool at 250+, 100+ Ringed Plover, 8 Sanderling (2 at Ashaig), 17 Knot (14 at Ashaig), 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Turnstone at Ardnish, + 3 Greenshank at Ashaig (DR, RMcM, A&EH)

Click here for all sightings

Where to Go:

Our interactive map on the Where to Go page highlights Skye's top spots for birding with advice on the species which you are likely to find and the best times to spot them.

Click here to explore the island.