Two areas of Levenhall Links have been designated as part of the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area and are an important roosting site for wading birds at high tide, and the only major roost between Cramond and Aberlady. The boating lake attracts up to 200 wigeon who graze on the bank during the winter.
The wader scrape has also been designated as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Levenhall Links are one of the most popular sites for birdwatching in the vicinity of Edinburgh. The ash lagoons have provided a roost site for gulls, shorebirds and terns; while the seawall provides excellent views of the flocks of sea ducks such as common eider, velvet scoter, red-breasted merganser, long-tailed duck (main picture) and common goldeneye. Many rare visitors have been seen over the years including white-winged scoter (youtube video below) , surf scoter, Wilson's phalarope, western sandpiper, marsh sandpiper, Franklin's gull and citrine wagtail. It has hosted three terns which had their first occurrences for Scotland here; namely Forster's tern, lesser crested tern and royal tern. It is also one of the most regular sites in Scotland for the Mediterranean gull.
Other wildlife seen are red fox, roe deer, brown hare, weasel, common toad, common seal and grey seal. Otters have been recorded on the adjacent River Esk
Inset picture: The former ash lagoon of Cockenzie Power Station has been landscaped to form half a dozen ponds or lagoons, attracting flocks of wintering waders. These are mostly Oystercatchers and Bar-tailed Godwits, but there are also Black-headed Gull, Wigeon, Redshank and a few Knot.
We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.
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