Bird watching in the Faroe Islands

It’s like the Faroe Islands were dreamt up for migratory birds. Each of the 18 isles is a readymade roost of volcanic cliffs and heathland perched in fishy seas. This wind-whipped, wave-washed landscape is exactly why 300 species of birds descend on the Faroe Islands to breed and raise their sprogs each spring. With only 50,000 human residents and few predators, the birds pretty much have the run of the place.

Holidays to the Faroe Islands ferry you under the sheer puffin cliffs of Vestmanna and get you cycling to lighthouses where great skua skim above. The chatter of kittiwakes is the never-ceasing soundtrack on Mykines. Meanwhile, oystercatchers huddle beside footpaths on the heathlands outside Tórshavn.

Bird hides or viewing platforms aren’t the done thing in the Faroes – mostly because the islands are your viewing platforms. So if you really want to learn what’s what you need to travel with a specialist travel company. They’ll seek out accommodation within walking distance of the best bird colonies and arrange your ferry transfers or driving directions while they’re at it.

Nólsoy island is a 20-minute ferry ride east of Tórshavn. One of the world’s largest colonies of European storm petrels plaster themselves to the eastern side; stick around overnight to catch them when they return from a day at sea. A hike to Bordan Lighthouse shows off the Faroe Islands’ national bird, the oystercatcher. You might also spy the gloriously named whimbrels, red-necked phalaropes and European golden plovers.