Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd

Birds

Within the perimeter of the Dounreay complex, habitats for birds are limited to the open areas of grassland, a small area of wet heath in the east of the site, and the areas of disturbed ground.

The open ground favours those ground-nesting species typical of rock, shingle and coastal grassland habitats. These comprise ringed plover and oystercatcher nesting on disturbed ground and shingle, and common gull nesting in high numbers on similar substrates and on the grasslands.

Four pairs of ringed plover were noted nesting within the perimeter fence with another pair outside during a survey in 2002. Around 10 pairs of oystercatcher were also present with nests and eggs confirmed in a number of locations.

Both species may also breed on the beach by Dounreay Castle but higher numbers of non-breeding oystercatchers (up to 50) are often present roosting on the shingle above the high-tide line in the western section of the bay.

Common gull is present in locally significant numbers within the complex, with around 70 pairs recorded in the 2002 survey. Around half that number nest within the fenced enclosure of the Fuel Cycle Area. Ground in the north-eastern section of the Dounreay site offers attractive nesting sites. On Dounreay Beach another 80 pairs were counted in 2002, with nesting well advanced by the end of April. Another smaller colony of around 30 pairs is present on the gravel shore behind the Vulcan facility.

In contrast to the ground-nesting common gull, herring gull nests on the buildings of the Dounreay complex, posing a health and safety issue. This species is controlled on the site under conditions of licence.

In May arctic terns arrive and commence nesting on the Dounreay foreshore. At the end of May 2002 around 120 individuals were counted assembled on the rocks with a number of pairs already nesting on the shore above the high water mark. In June, around 62 nests were counted on the beach. Up to 100 nests have been counted in other years.

The UK breeding population is centred on northern Scotland and the outlying isles. The species, reflecting its rarity in Europe, is included in Annex 1 of the EC birds directive as a species for which special measures are required from member states to maintain a favourable population status. The species is listed in the Red Data book and included in the Amber list of birds of conservation concern because of a decline in the UK population and continuing poor rates of reproductive success.

With between 60 and 100 pairs breeding on the beach by Dounreay Castle, the arctic tern colony now must represent one of the most significant mainland colonies in Caithness. The species is listed in the EC Birds Directive as in need of special conservation measures and it is protected during the breeding season by national legislation.

Oystercatcher is also included in the Amber list because of the limited number of major breeding areas within the UK and the high numbers of non-breeding individuals dependent on UK habitats. At Dounreay, flocks of up to 40 non-breeding individuals use the shingle at Dounreay Beach as a high-tide roost along with flocks of gulls.

Other species of note nesting within the Dounreay area includes lapwing which appear to be nesting in the remnant area of wet grassland/heath in the east of the complex. This species, which is common to abundant in the locality, has suffered a decline in the UK breeding population in certain parts of the country due to changes in arable farming. The introduction of autumn sown crops results in the loss of open arable habitats to maturing crops in spring. In addition, the UK holds internationally significant numbers of the European non-breeding population and in view of this the species is included in the Amber list.

Eider duck is common along the length of the rocky shore and nests in a number of locations along the cliff tops by the perimeter fence. Flocks of eider may also be seen feeding on mussels on the rocks along the edges of Dounreay beach

Other species nesting within the Dounreay complex include those typically found in the built environment, commonly using buildings and similar structures for nesting. At least two pairs of house sparrow are present on the site. Other species breeding within the perimeter fence include rock pipit, pied wagtail, jackdaw, starling and possibly rock dove. Of these species, starling is included in the Amber list because of a national decline in population (between 25-49% over the last 25 years).

Dounreay Castle is of interest as a breeding site for jackdaws, rock doves and around six pairs of fulmars. Breeding birds along the shore include oystercatchers, ringed plover and common gull on the ground while fulmar, great black-backed gulls, herring gull and raven may be found on the cliffs.

In general, with the seaward dip of the Caithness Flags along this section of coast, there are few ledges available for nesting and there are therefore no large colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds.

The plantation of Norway Spruce along the south-eastern edge of the complex provides shelter and nesting cover for a bird community more typical of hedge and garden habitats including robin, blackbird and song thrush. The trees also provide for species such as greenfinches and linnets feeding primarily in the surrounding farmland but also on the ruderal (weed) plants within Dounreay. Other small passerines also gain occasional refuge in the conifer stand, e.g. bullfinch, siskin.

In the farmland surrounding Dounreay breeding birds include lapwing, curlew, oystercatcher, skylark, snipe, meadow pipit and probably wheatear, the last species being noted along the stone walls forming some of the field boundaries to the west of the Dounreay/Vulcan facilities.

Loch Achbuiligan provides a large inland open-water habitat and birds here during the breeding season comprised dabchick, tufted duck, coot, moorhen and heron. The adjacent willow scrub provided cover for sedge warbler with yellowhammer and wren in the gorse thickets.

Ducks and waders are attracted to an open pond in a field of improved pasture to the south of the Vulcan facility. There is no cover around the pond and there was no evidence for any of the waterfowl breeding in the vicinity.