Bullers of Buchan: Seabird Drama on the Aberdeenshire Coast
The dramatic coastal seabird colonies at Bullers of Buchan.
Bullers of Buchan: Seabird Drama on the Aberdeenshire Coast
July 2nd 2025
Weather: Overcast, turning to heavy rain
Location: Bullers of Buchan, near Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
The Bullers of Buchan, near Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, is a dramatic collapsed sea cave forming a huge natural pot surrounded by towering cliffs. This striking geological feature is famous for its seabird colonies, with puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, and guillemots nesting on the ledges in spring and summer. Rugged coastal paths offer breathtaking views of the North Sea, making it a favourite spot for walkers, birdwatchers, and photographers drawn to its wild beauty and abundant wildlife.
Seabird Highlights
• Kittiwakes: Nesting in tight colonies, many with downy chicks.
Nesting Kittiwakes
The Kittiwake nests cling to the exposed cliffs.
Kittiwake nests on the coastal cliffs.
• Shags: Several adults drying wings on rocks—evocative, almost sculptural, like a black Angel of the North. One visible nest held three large chicks, nearly ready to fledge.
Young Shag ready to fledge.
Young shags at Bullers of Buchan.
• Guillemots & Razorbills: Thousands perched on guano-streaked ledges. Some young guillemots already preparing to fledge—noticeably older than the kittiwake chicks. A few juvenile razorbills lingered, possibly the last of the season.
Razorbills on the red sandstone cliffs.
The guano streaked cliffs at Bullers of Buchan
• Puffins: Not observed—search abandoned due to worsening rain.
Habitat Notes
• Cliff faces coated in white guano, a stark contrast to the dark stone.
• Coastal paths rugged and exposed—views dramatic even in poor weather.
• Nesting density high; ledges alive with movement and sound.
Planning a visit to Aberdeenshire? The Bullers of Buchan is a must-see for anyone seeking wild beauty, seabird encounters, and a taste of Scotland’s rugged east coast. For more field notes and nature guides, explore the Salt Fell Studio archive.