St Abb’s Head is a prominent rocky headland composed of solid lavas with high cliffs and offshore stacks. The hilly, cliff top grasslands are rich in flowers and butterflies and there is a sheltered freshwater loch (Mire Lough Left) surrounded by trees and bushes.It is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its seabird interest.
In spring and early summer, thousands of Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes nest on the sheer cliffs together with Fulmars, Shags and a few Puffins.Gannet's are seen here in large numbers due to the proximity of nearby Bass Rock. Late summer seawatching in onshore winds should produce shearwaters and skuas.
The Lough attracts many migrant passerines including Turtle dove,Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike which are almost annual in Spring.Woodchat shrike here June 2016
A coastal habitat like this one is always an interesting birding location in Autumn and the return migration of passerines can bring large numbers of Goldcrest, common warblers and thrushes, not to mention it's growing list of rare birds.
We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.
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