b

RSPB Mousa

Shetland Islands  >  United Kingdom

Mousa is one of the smaller and most attractive of the Shetland Islands with its well known seabird colonies, and is relatively accessible.

Added* by Marnix Roels
Most recent update 30 április 2020

Description

Lying less than 1km off the east coast of Mainland, Shetland, the small and low-lying island of Mousa consists of rough grassland and heath with small areas of marsh, in addition to some small lochs and tidal pools.

There is a large Viharfecske colony on Mousa numbering more than 6000 pairs many of which breed in and around the ancient stone walls. Other breeding seabirds include északi sirályhojsza, Nagy halfarkas and Ékfarkú halfarkas, Üstökös kárókatona, Fekete lumma and nationally important numbers of Sarki csér. The island also has breeding Pehelyréce and a few waders. The pools may attract a few passage waders and in winter jegesréce can be seen in good numbers. Cifra pehelyrécehas been seen here with some regularity.

Details

Access

Mousa can only be reached by boat from Leebitton on the south-east coast of Mainland, Shetland. Local boatmen arrange trips to the island including overnight stays, essential to see Viharfecske.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Moors/heathland , Sea , Lake

Conditions

Hilly , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Summer , Spring

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area