Fair Isle: Spring on the Magical Isle

Summary

Lying isolated in the North Atlantic between Shetland and Orkney, Fair Isle is world-renowned as a magnet for migrating birds. In spring, its position on major flyways makes it the perfect landfall for birds arriving from the south, east and even further afield, while its compact size means every corner of the island can be explored in a day’s walk. With croftland, moor, cliffs and sheltered geos, the variety of habitats ensures that each morning brings fresh arrivals and the tantalising possibility of something unexpected.

A stay at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory (FIBO) places us at the very centre of the action. From here, guests enjoy comfortable accommodation as well as immersion in the island’s ornithological life, with ringing, migration monitoring and daily news from the observatory staff. Over 380 species have been recorded on Fair Isle, and in spring the mix of passage migrants and rarities is unrivalled. Falls of thrushes, warblers and flycatchers often pepper the crofts and dykes, while drift migrants from Scandinavia and beyond can include Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Thrush Nightingale or Icterine Warbler. Eastern gems such as Red-throated Pipit and Collared Flycatcher have occurred, while ultra-rare species such as Thick-billed Warbler and Palllas's Reed Bunting remind us that anything can turn up.

With Great and Arctic Skuas returning to breed, seabirds filling the cliffs, and the constant excitement of migration, spring birding on Fair Isle is both exhilarating and unpredictable, a true pilgrimage for rarity hunters.

We also offer this tour in the Summer and Autumn.