Birding Trail

 

Even in an urban environment, we can see thriving wildlife when we’re careful to be aware of the living things around us. Edinburgh and its surrounding areas are a particularly interesting environment for birds, and encompass many sites for birdwatching, particularly along the seashore. But Edinburgh’s bird life also can take us to more unexpected locations, such as the museum or a random street.  

Bridge over water with a white building on the right and trees throughout.River Almond Walkway
The River Almond Walkway follows the shores of the River Almond from Cramond Village. It is a great place to observe ducks, grebes and, in particular, the Dipper, a small river bird known to enjoy bathing and jumping in the water. More…
Shoreline with green foliage on the left, multiple people walking on tan, rocky sand, and a protruding dock going far into the water.Cramond Shore
Cramond Shore, up until the Silverknowes Beach, is a great place to observe many waders during low tide, and even occasionally Common Shelducks. During high tide, it is also interesting to witness some winter visitors like the Red-throated Diver. More…
Green island surrounded by blue-grey water.Cramond Island
Cramond Island is one of many along the Firth of Forth; it can be reached on low tide following a bridge, the Cramond Causeway. More…
Modern sandstone building on a busy street corner under a blue sky.National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland hosts a collection of birds donated by two of Scotland’s pioneering ornithologists… More…
Profile photo of a tan, black, and white bird, with red on the face and yellow on the wing, perched on a branch.Bird Nest Box in Abbeyhill
Just in front of the Holyrood Palace gardens, this nest box is among many in Edinburgh and may be easily missed as you walk to the nearby Holyrood Palace or Scottish Parliament. More…
Hill covered in green and orange foliage next to green loch waters.Duddingston Loch
Located on the southern side of Holyrood Park, in the heart of Edinburgh, the Duddingston Loch is a great place to have a close encounter with several species of ducks and geese, and perhaps even spot some wintering migrants like the Great Northern Diver. More…
Green hill with a path to a tall cement structure under a cloudy blue sky, with city views in the background.Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill
The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve offers some characteristic birdwatching of the woodlands. More…
Hilly landscape with blue river, green trees, and cloudy sky.Pentland Hills Regional Park (Flotterstone to Threipmuir)
Located south of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is a good area to get a glimpse of the Scottish mountains wildlife without going to the Highlands. More…
Stone bridge spanning a river and green grass walkway with buildings and trees in the background.River Esk Mouth
Running through Midlothian and East Lothian, the River Esk ends in the neighbouring city of Musselburgh. More…
Walkway alongside blue lagoon waters with hills in the distance.Musselburgh Lagoons
Following the path along the shore beyond the River Esk, the Musselburgh Lagoons is one of the most famous birdwatching sites in the Lothians. More…
Wooden bridge crossing grass and marshy waters with a blue sky and trees in the distance. The sign in front reads "Aberlady Bay - Local Nature Reserve - No Dogs Thank You."Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve
In 1952, Aberlady Bay was the first site to be designated a Nature Reserve in the UK. More…
Wooden building with a reddish roof beyond a short driveway and trees. The sign in the front reads "Scottish Birdwatchers Centre - Waterson House - All Welcome."Waterston House and Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Headquarters
The Waterston House is the headquarters of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). More…
Stone building with an angular roof up a driveway and set right on the coast; blue skies and water in the background.Scottish Seabird Centre
The Scottish Seabird Centre was opened in North Berwick by a team of local ornithologists in May 2000. More…
Large rock at sea with a white building on one cliff; a white sailboat is visible in the foreground amidst blue seas and skies.Bass Rock
Bass Rock is an uninhabited island which lies in the Firth of Forth off North Berwick. More…
Stone lighthouse on a green rocky hill with gulls in the foreground and grey skies in the background.The Isle of May National Nature Reserve
As of 1956, the Isle of May is one of Scotland’s 45 National Nature Reserves and belongs to NatureScot. More…
White lighthouse on a rocky coastline with greens in the foreground and blue skies and sea in the background.The Isle of May Bird Observatory
Founded in 1934 in one of the two lighthouses of the island, the Isle of May Bird Observatory is Scotland’s oldest bird observatory. More…

This tour is developed by Mayline Strouk who is doing her PhD on migrating birds and the ornithologists who study them at Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) of the University of Edinburgh. To learn more about her work, you can listen to the Coastal Knowledge podcast on birds.