RSPB Mill Dam, Shapinsay
Overview
This natural marsh was dammed in the 1880s, providing an ideal habitat for birds throughout the year. In summer, you'll see large numbers of breeding wildfowl, including pintails, redshanks and wigeons, while in the winter migrating whooper swans and other birds visit the marsh. It's a great day out for families, with children's binoculars available in the hide.
About the area
This cluster of more than 70 islands and skerries lies off the northern coast of Scotland, separated from it by the churning waters of the Pentland Firth.
Approaching on the ferry from Scrabster or Aberdeen, the first view of Hoy, with its tall rock stacks and slabby red sandstone cliffs, is at first misleading.
