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Calf of Man

South West  >  Isle of Man

2.5 sq mile rocky island at tip of Isle of Man. Manx WT reserve and bird observatory since 1959. 216 species noted including rare migrants.

Added* by Iain Crawford
Most recent update 15 studenoga 2022
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Description

The Calf of Man is a rocky islet, half a mile off the south-west coast of the Isle of Man, in the middle of the Irish Sea. The steep slate cliffs are particularly attractive to sea birds. Calf of Man is good for waders (Morski žalar, Veliki Pozviždač, Troprsti Zlatar), seabirds such as Sjeverni zovoj, Bluna and Troprsti galeb, raptors and passerines. Rarities seen include Šarenokrili azijski zviždak, Riđa Štijoka, Sibirska plavorepka, Red-eyed Vireo and Mala muharica. Grey seals haul ashore in autumn to have their pups.

Details

Access

Isle of Man is reached by ferry from Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast or Dublin, or by air from several cities. Small boats run from Port Erin and Port St Mary to Calf of Man. Must be booked in advance and depend on tides, weather, and staffing. No facilities of any kind on the island. Paths can be slippery - a warden broke an ankle here. the circular route marked is 5 km.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Moors/heathland , Sea , Agriculture , Canyon/cliff

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Slippery

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Since 1959, organised ornithological work has been carried out on the Calf of Man under the supervision of appointed wardens. In 1962 it became an officially recognised Bird Observatory. The Observatory is located in the former farmhouse in the centre of the islet and is open from spring to autumn each year. There is self-catering accommodation on the Calf of Man at the Observatory.

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