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Further tourist information
is available from
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A LONG WINTER
Many people forget that seabirds are at their breeding colonies for just
three or four months of the year. Only fulmars, shags, black guillemots and
gulls are seen around Shetland throughout the winter. Some species resort to
warmer climes - gannets to West Africa, Arctic skuas to South Africa, while
others simply go out to sea. Perhaps the most famous traveller is the Arctic
tern. They winter in Antarctica and in a lifetime may travel the equivalent
distance of flying to the moon! SOME USEFUL INFORMATION
Scottish Natural Heritage: Stewart Building, Alexandra Wharf
Lerwick, Shetland
Tel: 01595 693345 Fax: 01595 692565
RSPB Warden Fetlar Tel: 01957 733246
Accommodation: Shetland Islands Tourism, Lerwick
Tel: 01595 693434
 | - Please take care near cliffs, especially in wet weather and strong winds |
| - Park sensibly and observe the Country Code at all times, closing gates
after you |
| - Please do not enter tern or gull colonies under any circumstances as this
may result in breeding failure |
| - More than 10% of Britain and Ireland's seabirds nest in Shetland |
| - Shetland has no less than seven internationally important seabird
colonies, which have been
designated as Special Protection Areas |
Scottish Natural Heritage along with various other organisations, such as
the RSPB and SOTEAG*
monitor seabird numbers and breeding success in Shetland. Seabirds serve as
good indicators of the health of the sea and this monitoring can act as an
early warning system if the fine balance required for a healthy marine
ecosystem is upset. (* Shetland Oil Terminal Environmental Advisory Group) |
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