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Girdleness

Scotland  >  United Kingdom

Great for watching seabirds and finding costal species. Many paths connect the peninsula. A golf course covers part of the area. 3 carparks.

Added* by Edgar
Most recent update 24 decembar 2024

Description

Girdleness is a great place to find certain seabirds and coastal species. The two breakwaters/piers are great for finding resting gulls as well as Veliki vranac and Morski vranac. The rocks on the coast at Greyhope bay are good for Gavka and Žalar blatarić. The tall grass and bushes that litter the island are great for breeding Obična grmuša, Poljska ševa and Livadska trepteljka. The reedbeds down at St Fittick's park often holds Barska strnadica and, in winter, is the roost for many Barska šljuka and Mala šljuka. Waders often turn up on the rocks or piers.

Good winds can attract rare passerines such as Modrovoljka and others. Obični zviždak ssp tristis is sometimes found in winter around the new harbour, near St Fittick's park. There is a car park at Torry Battery where there is also a cafe with benches and seats inside. There is a lighthouse at the point as well as an old foghorn, which is where the best seawatching is. Ledenjarka is found in winter out to sea and Obična bluna is often seen flying past.

Details

Access

Girdleness is located southeast of the Aberdeen city centre. Access the site from St Fittick's Road in the south. The road goes round the lighthouse (where a car park is nearby) and back to Torry Battery, with two more car parks. Click on a P in the map for directions to a car park. The biggest car park is at the lighthouse. Car parks are never full. Good site for a morning of birding. The nearest bus stop is on St Fittick's Road. Accessible by bike and on foot. Most paths are not suitable for wheelchair users. St Fittick's park is mostly concrete paths. A telescope is useful if you are planning to scan through gulls or do some seawatching.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea , Beach , Reedbeds , Grassland , Park , City/village , River , Wetland , Forest

Conditions

Sandy , Rocky , Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Narrow trail , Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Bicycle , Car , Foot , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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