DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
A dramatic spot for seawatching and breeding seabirds
This is one of Britain’s most dramatic birdwatching sites, with the castle the centrepiece. It was neglected for many years and fell into disrepair, until it was purchased by the Cowdray family in 1925. The 1st Viscountess Cowdray embarked on a systematic programme of repair. It is now run by the Cowdray family via their Dunecht estate, which is the same estate looking after Loch of Skene.
WHERE TO WATCH 1 Approaching off the A92, you have a great view of the castle and farmland, so look out for mixed pigeons on all this arable land, with Stock Dove a great find, along with Linnets, Chaffinch and Goldfinch, Grey Partridge and Sky Lark. There are feeders at the reception so look out for different tits and the odd Great Spotted Woodpecker.
2
Castle Haven Bay is a great place for winter sea ducks, with Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye and Eider likely, along with divers such as Red-throated and Great Northern Diver. Rock Pipits are along this coast, especially using the cliffs, while Fulmar and Herring Gull can nest around the area.
3
Old Hall Bay is ideal for a number of birds like Red-breasted Merganser, Common Scoter and a passage of Gannets, auks, Kittiwakes and, in south-east winds, Manx Shearwaters driven closer inshore. Scan the rocks for waders, looking especially for Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone, but also Oystercatcher and Redshank.
4
Going south along the cliffs is a bit like hard walking with no real path system and often fields are ploughed to the edge, but you will be rewarded with some amazing ‘geos’ and caves, especially when you can hear the Grey Seals snorting down below you! Look out for nesting Kittiwakes and even Shags and auks on the sea.
5
Tremuda Bay has breeding Grey Seals and you can look down on them from the cliffs. Check out the fossils in the rocks and scan the sea for potential whales and dolphins. Look back on the farm land as Snow Buntings have been found here in winter.