HIGHLAND DUNNET HEAD
A seabird ‘city’ with migrants to offer, too
The Dunnet Head reserve is the most northerly point in mainland Great Britain, and boasts amazing sea cliffs and coastal grassland, but it’s also worth looking at other areas as you drive up to it. The fact that alpine plants are found growing in the grassland shows the conditions the headland faces throughout the year.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Drive up the minor road sign posted for the Head. Check out Little Clett for a chance of waders like Redshank, Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper. Scan the sea for Longtailed Duck or auks close in. Always have a look at gulls, as there may be ‘white wingers’ here such as Iceland or Glaucous Gulls.
2
Carrying on up the road there are several lochs/ lochans situated around the moorland which are worth giving a few minutes to. One of the main species to look out for is Red-throated Diver. If you see them, it is best to stay close to your car as they may be breeding and you don’t want to disturb them (they’re Schedule 1 birds). Two other birds using the area are Great and Arctic Skuas, which feed around the sea cliffs. Other birds to look out for are Wheatears and Stonechats.
3
The reserve is in a complex of old wartime structures. Check for migrants at the site drawn in by the light of the lighthouse – classics would be Black Redstart or a lost Willow Warbler. The viewpoint is by the car park. You may find Fulmar, Herring Gull or Kittiwakes here. Look out for patrolling Great Skua or Raven ready to snatch an egg or a chick.
4
It’s not advertised, but if you leave the complex and walk west along the cliff, you can find somewhere to sit and scan another cliff which has Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbills plus the rest of the gang. You are high up now and must take care.
5
I walked along the track behind the wireless station and then back down to the cliffs following a path used by visitors. Here I found another cliff viewable, with a large colony of Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. I could see Puffins flying into the cliff, too. The grassland here was full of plants like Spring Squill, Roseroot, Thrift and alpine willows.
PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: KW 14 8XS
GRID REF: ND 201 766
MAPS: OS Explorer 451, OS Landranger 12
PARKING: There is a large car park on the reserve, but park sensibly when viewing the moorland
TERRAIN: Well-made paths on the reserve, but beware when walking elsewhere, such as near cliffs
ACCESS: All year round
FACILITIES: You’ll need to go to Thurso for everything you need
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Visit in late June/early July when the young Guillemots jump from the cliff, only a third grown.
TARGET BIRDS AUTUMN/WINTER
● Purple Sandpiper
● Redshank
● Turnstone
● Twite
● Snow Bunting
● Shag
● Cormorant
● Great throated Diver
● Iceland Gull
● Glaucous Gull
SPRING/SUMMER
● Puffin
● Guillemot
● Razorbill
● Fulmar
● Kittiwake
● Wheatear
● Great Skua
● Arctic Skua
● Meadow Pipit
● Swallow