Fowlsheugh Seabird Reserve Stonehaven Scotland
Fowlsheugh is an RSPB coastal nature reserve in Kincardineshire, northeast Scotland, known for its seventy metre high cliff formations and habitat supporting prolific seabird nesting colonies. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the United Kingdom, the property is owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Fowlsheugh can be accessed by a public clifftop trail, or by boats which usually emanate from the nearby harbour at the town of Stonehaven. Tens of thousands of pelagic birds return to the site every spring to breed, after wintering at sea or in more southern climates, principal species being Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Guillemots. Due to global warming, the planktonic species previously present that prefer cold water are not available in the quantity required to support the historically large sandeel population. Added to the problem has been incursions by Danish overfishing (halted at present) of the Scottish sandeel fishery, further reducing the numbers of this dietary staple for Puffins and other local seabirds.
Size: 3733px × 5620px
Location: Fowlsheugh Stonehaven Scotland Grampian Region Scotland
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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