Wildlife

Find a wonderful wealth of wildlife in Orkney, from puffins on the cliff edges, to whales in local waters.

All year round, the islands are abuzz with the sights and sounds of various creatures, with 36 sites of special scientific interest and 13 special protection areas spread across the county.

Our mild climate, treeless landscape, and scarcity of native predators make these islands a haven for ground-nesting birds. 

Orkney is one of the last places in the UK where large flocks of curlew are still a common sight, while one in five British hen harriers grace the skies above our islands. 

Despite making up less than one per cent of the UK landmass, Orkney’s cliffs house 12 per cent of the UK’s breeding seabirds.

The Orkney vole is a small rodent which has evolved separately from the common vole, over thousands of years — and it is found only here!

Birdwatchers will delight at the sight of hen harriers, red-throated divers and corncrakes, all of which are part of the essential colour in our island landscape, which is host to 13 RSPB nature reserves, many with viewing hides.

The bird every visitor wants to see is the puffin! It’s no wonder given its attractive brightly coloured bill and sociable nature that the puffin has become a firm favourite of visitors and locals alike.

This small auk returns to our cliffs during the spring but becomes easier to see from mid June to early August as it flies back and forth to its nest site in order to feed its chick.

You’ll find small numbers at the dramatic cliffs at RSPB Marwick Head but you’ll have to pick them out amongst the thousands of Guillemots!

Easier viewing can be found on the nearby tidal island at the Brough of Birsay but by far the best location is at the Castle o’ Burrian in the island of Westray where you can admire a large colony at close range.

Seals, known locally as “selkies” are a common sight on shorelines —  and it is thought that 15 per cent of the world’s grey seal population resides in Orkney!

Whale watching has also become a popular local pastime, and numerous sightings are photographed and shared on social media. Orca pods are often spotted in Orkney waters, along with pilot whales, dolphins, and on rare occasions, maybe even a walrus!