Bird life is one of the key factors in drawing people to the islands, and year-round there is a wealth of airborne interest. During migration, however, all kinds of rarities can descend, albeit briefly, due to the islands' position as the first landfall for stray birds blown in from the east. In summer sheep and lambs share the hills with breeding birds. Eider ducks, ringed plover, oystercatcher, Arctic terns and gulls.

Please try to avoid walking near Arctic tern (tirricks) breeding colonies as they will vigorously defend their eggs and chicks.

All kinds of seabirds, otters and seals can be seen from the shore. There is a large breeding population of guillemots and the small rocks off the south west point, such as the Benelips and Filla, are often thronged with seals.

The rugged scenery is breathtaking, particularly in the teeth of a gale. It is then you can appreciate the special nature of Skerries and its people, not just surviving on the edge, but thriving.