Short birdwatching visit · RSPB
Onziebust
Egilsay · KW17 2QD
Onziebust is a working farm reserve on Egilsay, with flower-rich grassland, wetlands, two lochs and a varied coastline. Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank are among the breeding waders named by the operator. Winter brings Wigeon, Teal, Turnstone and Snipe, making the island worth considering beyond summer. Public roads and tracks offer views across the reserve, and a walk from the pier can form the main outing. Livestock, gates and rough track surfaces are part of the visit.
Birds and seasons
- Curlew — Typically spring and summer
- Lapwing — Typically spring and summer
- Redshank — Typically year-round
- Wigeon — Typically autumn and winter
- Teal — Typically autumn and winter
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Birdwatching is from the public roads and established tracks.
- Paths
- Routes from the pier use unsurfaced tracks and narrow roads; some sections are uneven or hilly.
- Toilets
- No reserve toilets; facilities are in the ferry waiting room.
- Parking
- Parking is available at the pier and in four spaces at the Community Centre.
- Dogs
- Keep dogs on a short lead during breeding season and around livestock.
- Accessibility
- The beach route includes farm gates and narrow, uneven ground.
Getting there: Take the ferry to Egilsay; the operator describes walking routes from the pier.
Sources
Social preview photograph: Common Starling standing in grass in Oxfordshire. Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted for the preview.
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss, 9.0 miles away in a straight line.