Nesting birds
Nesting status and months for every crag Grip covers. Entries come from published crag information and climbers’ reports, and most months are placeholders until someone confirms them. If you know better, send a crag note.
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Not a definitive record. Check local guidance and look before you climb in the nesting season.
Updated Wed 21 Oct, 05:52 · In season now: none. The season here runs roughly March to August.
165 crags in 16 stretches
Nesting month, confirmedNesting month, not confirmedClearThis monthNesting on parts Some walls, routes or ledges only.?No information Unknown. Not the same as bird free.
Nigg Bay to Cove Bay
- The Black DykeNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- The Long SloughMain faceNesting on partsBirds nest on the Red Rocks wall, mostly on the routes right of Pedestal Corner.ConfirmedNo
- The Long SloughLong Slough Red RocksNesting birdsBirds nest on the Red Rocks wall, mostly on the routes right of Pedestal Corner.ConfirmedNo
- Souter HeadBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- The Red CliffNesting birdsGulls take over most holds in season; the mess is slow to clear and can stop climbing into winter.ConfirmedYes
- Bunstane WallBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Black CoveNesting birdsCrowded with birds in summer.ConfirmedNo
?No information15 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Girdle Ness Point, Bridge of One Hair, Crabs’ Lair and 12 others.
- Girdle Ness Point?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Girdle Ness Point.ConfirmedNo
- Bridge of One Hair?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Bridge of One Hair.ConfirmedNo
- Crabs’ Lair?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Crabs’ Lair.ConfirmedNo
- North Doonies Yawn?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at North Doonies Yawn.ConfirmedNo
- South Doonies Yawn?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at South Doonies Yawn.ConfirmedNo
- Dead McIvor Gulch?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Dead McIvor Gulch.ConfirmedNo
- Deceptive Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Deceptive Wall.ConfirmedNo
- The Long SloughLong Slough Pinnacle?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Long Slough (Long Slough Pinnacle).ConfirmedNo
- The Inlets of the Red Rocks?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Inlets of the Red Rocks.ConfirmedNo
- Alan’s Cliff?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Alan’s Cliff.ConfirmedNo
- Altens Haven?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Altens Haven.ConfirmedNo
- Seal’s Hole?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Seal’s Hole.ConfirmedNo
- Black Rock Gulch?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Black Rock Gulch.ConfirmedNo
- Bass Inlet?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Bass Inlet.ConfirmedNo
- Burnbank’s Haven?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Burnbank’s Haven.ConfirmedNo
South Cove to Blowup Nose
- South CovePriestNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- South CoveKettle WallsRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail. Birds nest on the cliff in season.ConfirmedYes
- South CoveRed Hole – Hospital Wall and Red Hole – Optimist’s WallNesting on partsUsually clear of birds, though nesting is reported elsewhere at South Cove.ConfirmedNo
- South CoveRed Hole – Cave WallsRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail. Kittiwakes nest on parts, mainly around Red Planet's red slabs; most left-hand routes stay clear.ConfirmedNo
- South CoveMain FaceNesting on partsThe stretch from The Slide to Insect Groove; routes right of Insect Groove are mostly clear. Nests can linger into autumn.ConfirmedNo
- Bruin CoveNesting birdsHeavily nested in season; worth a visit in early spring, ahead of the birds.ConfirmedYes
- HarenessBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Sickle RowBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- The Mincer CliffNesting on partsThe odd fulmar in summer.ConfirmedNo
- ClashrodneyNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- Blowup NoseRed RoofNesting on partsKittiwakes nest on the left side; routes right of New Horizons are clear.ConfirmedNo
- Blowup NoseApproach Wall, Southern Inlet North Wall and 2 moreNesting on partsSome of the crag is nested, mainly the left side of the Red Roof.ConfirmedNo
- Red EdgeBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Spike WallBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
?No information4 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Cove Harbour Crag, Colsea Yawn, Clashrodney North or Cairnrobin Point.
- Cove Harbour Crag?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Cove Harbour Crag.ConfirmedNo
- Colsea Yawn?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Colsea Yawn.ConfirmedNo
- Clashrodney North?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Clashrodney North.ConfirmedNo
- Cairnrobin Point?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Cairnrobin Point.ConfirmedNo
Findon Crags
- Findon Ness SouthNesting on partsSome of the cliff is nested, but not the routes themselves.ConfirmedNo
- Findon HoleStorm WallNesting birdsCan be heavily nested.ConfirmedNo
- Findon HoleDoo Slab and Black Streak WallBird freeNo nesting birds reported; the neighbouring Storm Wall can be nested.ConfirmedNo
- Pow Kebbuck Cave (aka Sharmasheugh)Nesting on partsBirds about in summer; no nests reported on the climbing.ConfirmedNo
- Findon Shore CragNesting on partsA few birds may nest here; most lines are unaffected.ConfirmedNo
- Pow KebbuckNesting birdsBirds present in summer.ConfirmedNo
- EarnsheughMain faceNesting on partsA seabird colony on the Left Wall; fulmars hold some Right Wall ledges.ConfirmedNo
- EarnsheughLeft WallNesting birdsKittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills nest here in large numbers.ConfirmedNo
- EarnsheughRight WallNesting on partsFulmars hold some ledges, notably at the foot of the Thug Wall pitches and in Deathcap's eyrie; Necromancer to Bat's Belfry is clear.ConfirmedNo
- The Pink Band CliffNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- The Red Band CliffMain faceNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- The Red Band CliffRock Band CliffBird freeNo nesting birds reported; the Red Band Cliff beside it is nested.ConfirmedNo
- BoglesheughNesting on partsKittiwakes cover the red band in season; other birds elsewhere on the cliff rarely cause trouble.ConfirmedNo
- The Orchestra CaveMain face, Left Wall and Right WallNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedYes
- The Orchestra CaveBack WallNesting birdsAvoid while birds are present; in quiet years the back wall routes can go.ConfirmedYes
- Little O WallNesting on partsSome routes are out of bounds in the nesting season.ConfirmedNo
- Crazy Band Walls and The Shag’s HoleWater Worn Wall and Crazy Band CliffNesting on partsNesting hits Shag's Hole and the North Wall hardest; other walls less so.ConfirmedNo
- Crazy Band Walls and The Shag’s HoleNorth WallNesting birdsLedges busy with birds in season; dirty until storms clear them.ConfirmedYes
- Crazy Band Walls and The Shag’s HoleShag’s HoleNesting birdsShags roost under the roofs at the seaward end; nesting birds in season.ConfirmedNo
?No information4 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Kay Hole, Arnot Boo, Earnsheugh (Far Wall) or The Fin.
- Kay Hole?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Kay Hole.ConfirmedNo
- Arnot Boo?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Arnot Boo.ConfirmedNo
- EarnsheughFar Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Earnsheugh (Far Wall).ConfirmedNo
- The Fin?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Fin.ConfirmedNo
Portlethen to Newtonhill North
- The Knaps - The Gorilla’s HeadMain face, Cave Wall and North WallNesting on partsSome nesting reported, towards the crag's north end.ConfirmedNo
- The Knaps - The Gorilla’s HeadStackNesting on partsBirds nest on top of the stack in season.ConfirmedNo
- Berrymuir HeadBarrier WallNesting on partsGulls favour the ramp at nesting time; the odd fulmar elsewhere.ConfirmedNo
- Berrymuir HeadCentral Wall, Gully Wall and 3 moreNesting birdsSources disagree: one says birds affect most routes in season, the other that the crag is mostly free of them.ConfirmedNo
- Clashfarquhar BayMain faceNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Clashfarquhar BayClashfarquhar Bay Sport CragNesting on partsA few nests in season; the routes should still go.ConfirmedNo
- Coble BoardsBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Floors CraigNesting on partsFew birds, bar the odd nesting gull.ConfirmedNo
- Cranhill CragNesting birdsHundreds of gulls nest at the foot in summer and dive at climbers.ConfirmedNo
- Craig StirlingNesting on partsFew nesting birds reported; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- Newtonhill NorthNesting on partsHousemartins nest under the overhangs; seabirds are not reported as a problem.ConfirmedNo
?No information7 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Peel Slough, Buzz Inlet, Black Slough and 4 others.
- Peel Slough?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Peel Slough.ConfirmedNo
- Buzz Inlet?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Buzz Inlet.ConfirmedNo
- Black Slough?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Black Slough.ConfirmedNo
- The Keel?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Keel.ConfirmedNo
- Rotter’s Rock?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Rotter’s Rock.ConfirmedNo
- The Less Is More Buttress?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Less Is More Buttress.ConfirmedNo
- Sportlethen?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Sportlethen.ConfirmedNo
Newtonhill South to Stonehaven
- Green SloughNesting on partsNesting affects only the central tower routes.ConfirmedNo
- Murray HeughNesting on partsBirds nest high on the cliff and on the right of the bay; most routes are unaffected.ConfirmedNo
- JohnsheughNesting birdsFulmars and razorbills nest here; keep off while birds or eggs are about, above all on the Jaded headwall.ConfirmedYes
- Brown CragNesting on partsBirds affect only the routes further right; the main wall itself is clear.ConfirmedNo
- Doonie PointRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail. Gulls nest on some routes.ConfirmedNo
- Tilly TennentRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail. Birds nest through summer, though Wild is the Wind is unaffected.ConfirmedNo
- Castle WallRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail.ConfirmedNo
- Castle Rock of MuchallsRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail.ConfirmedNo
- Brown Jewel StackRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail.ConfirmedNo
?No information7 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Dykes Cliff, Boltsheugh, Brown Band Crag and 4 others.
- Dykes Cliff?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Dykes Cliff.ConfirmedNo
- Boltsheugh?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Boltsheugh.ConfirmedNo
- Brown Band Crag?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Brown Band Crag.ConfirmedNo
- Yellow Crag?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Yellow Crag.ConfirmedNo
- Drab Crag?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Drab Crag.ConfirmedNo
- Arch Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Arch Wall.ConfirmedNo
- Waterfall Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Waterfall Wall.ConfirmedNo
Stonehaven South
?No information5 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Downie Point, Downie Point Stack, Castle Haven and 2 others.
- Downie Point?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Downie Point.ConfirmedNo
- Downie Point Stack?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Downie Point Stack.ConfirmedNo
- Castle Haven?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Castle Haven.ConfirmedNo
- Inverbervie - Darn Bay?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Inverbervie - Darn Bay.ConfirmedNo
- Crawton Bay?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Crawton Bay.ConfirmedNo
Collieston to Whinnyfold
- Smuggler’s CliffNesting on partsSome years birds take over a few ledges and it gets messy in season.ConfirmedNo
- The GraipNesting on partsSome nests on top and on some routes.ConfirmedYes
- The Blind ManNesting birdsThe top is usually crowded with gulls.ConfirmedNo
- Study HeadNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Berry’s Loop StackNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Parent CliffNesting birdsHeavily nested in season, as are the cliffs around it.ConfirmedNo
- Silkies CliffNesting birdsBirds return in spring and leave mess; best before they arrive.ConfirmedNo
- Carriage CragWagon WallBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Tangerine PointRestrictedMost of the promontory is closed by nesting birds; the north-east corner has clean routes.ConfirmedNo
- Poor Man of HarrolRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail.ConfirmedNo
- Janet WallsNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
?No information2 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Crab’s Wall or Carriage Crag (Embankment Wall).
- Crab’s Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Crab’s Wall.ConfirmedNo
- Carriage CragEmbankment Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Carriage Crag (Embankment Wall).ConfirmedNo
Cruden Bay to North Haven
- Fulmar WallNesting birdsSources disagree: one reports nesting birds, the other says the wall is almost free of them in season.ConfirmedNo
- Meikle PartansNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Tiptoe SlabNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- Harper’s WallNesting on partsA few birds in the nesting season.ConfirmedNo
- The OutpostBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Dunbuy RockNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Grey Mare SlabsMain face and Pocket WallNesting on partsGulls nest where Airegin, Ostrichism and the routes beside them top out, and on the Aiguille's top; Groovin' High is clear.ConfirmedNo
- Grey Mare SlabsSouthern Rocks and Northern RocksBird freeNo nesting birds reported on these walls.ConfirmedNo
- LammylairNesting birdsKittiwakes in summer; shags use the central cave.ConfirmedNo
- Seals’ CavesRestrictedBirds keep climbers out in the nesting season; good early in the year.ConfirmedNo
- Arthur FowlieRestrictedAuks and gulls take over most routes in season; nests usually need clearing afterwards.ConfirmedYes
- The Bullers O’BuchanNesting birdsThe pillar's south wall is packed with kittiwakes in season; fewer on the other routes.ConfirmedNo
?No information2 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Slain’s Castle or Flaky Buttress.
- Slain’s Castle?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Slain’s Castle.ConfirmedNo
- Flaky Buttress?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Flaky Buttress.ConfirmedNo
North Haven to Long Haven Quarries
- Rob’s ButtNesting birdsHeavily nested in season.ConfirmedNo
- Walrus RidgeNesting on partsBirds on the seaward side.ConfirmedNo
- Perdonlie InletNesting birdsHeavily nested; debris can stay all year in this sheltered spot.ConfirmedNo
- Hellgate CliffNesting birdsKittiwakes take over in summer, though the chimneys are mostly clear; nests wash off quickly afterwards.ConfirmedNo
- Alligator RidgeMain face and Crockadillo WallNesting on partsBirds affect some faces more than others.ConfirmedNo
- Alligator RidgeSouth Wall and North WallNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- Red Wall QuarryNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- The Red WallNesting birdsSeabirds crowd the cliff from around mid-March into late summer; routes starting at the foot stay dirty until storms wash them.ConfirmedYes
- The Plateau South WallNesting on partsNests on some climbs; most are free of them.ConfirmedNo
- The Hawk’s NestNesting birdsRoutes badly nested.ConfirmedNo
- Seaward Wall of Scimitar RidgeNesting birdsNesting reported at this crag; the walls aren't specified.ConfirmedNo
- Yoag’s CliffNesting on partsA big guano ledge in the centre.ConfirmedNo
?No information3 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at The Quarries, Yoag’s Island or Borehole Wall.
- The Quarries?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Quarries.ConfirmedNo
- Yoag’s Island?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Yoag’s Island.ConfirmedNo
- Borehole Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Borehole Wall.ConfirmedNo
Murdoch Head
- The Red Tower AreaNesting on partsBirds affect the easier routes; many harder ones are clear.ConfirmedNo
- The Round TowerNesting birdsKittiwake nests spoil most climbs in summer.ConfirmedNo
- The Warlord CliffNesting on partsBirds crowd the platform at the foot in season, not the routes.ConfirmedNo
- Hare CraigBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
?No information3 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at The Little Red Tower, North Glash Quarry or Long Haven Craig.
- The Little Red Tower?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at The Little Red Tower.ConfirmedNo
- North Glash Quarry?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at North Glash Quarry.ConfirmedNo
- Long Haven Craig?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Long Haven Craig.ConfirmedNo
Long Haven to Boddam
- Buchan WallsNesting birdsBirded in season and dirty for a while after; kittiwakes and cormorants nest low on the left.ConfirmedNo
- Meackie Point (Point Wall)Bird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Saviours WallNesting birdsKittiwakes nest here in season.ConfirmedYes
- Hidden InletNesting on partsReported as largely free of nesting birds; not confirmed clear.ConfirmedNo
- Cock’s CaimMain faceNesting on partsThe South Face is heavily nested.ConfirmedNo
- Cock’s CaimSouth FaceNesting birdsHeavily nested in season.ConfirmedNo
- Hidden Treasure WallBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
- Robie Gow’s PrisonBird freeNo nesting birds reported.ConfirmedNo
?No information9 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Whispering Slabs, Cock’s Caim (North Face), Playstation Buttress and 6 others.
- Whispering Slabs?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Whispering Slabs.ConfirmedNo
- Cock’s CaimNorth Face?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Cock’s Caim (North Face).ConfirmedNo
- Playstation Buttress?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Playstation Buttress.ConfirmedNo
- Souter’s Hole – Chimney Inlet?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Souter’s Hole – Chimney Inlet.ConfirmedNo
- Promontory Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Promontory Wall.ConfirmedNo
- Rownies Sclate?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Rownies Sclate.ConfirmedNo
- Corbie’s Hole?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Corbie’s Hole.ConfirmedNo
- Buchanness Wall?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Buchanness Wall.ConfirmedNo
- Meikle Dumeath?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Meikle Dumeath.ConfirmedNo
Findochty to Cullen
- Green CastleMain faceNesting on partsTwo or so nests on the routes and kittiwake debris below; a gull may nest on top.ConfirmedNo
- Green CastleMap WallNesting on partsThe wall stays clean; a gull may nest on the crag top.ConfirmedNo
- Green CastleGo WallNesting on partsKittiwake debris below and a couple of nests on routes.ConfirmedNo
?No information5 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Portnockie - Muckle Cleary, Bow Fiddle Rock, St. Douane’s Den and 2 others.
- Portnockie - Muckle Cleary?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Portnockie - Muckle Cleary.ConfirmedNo
- Bow Fiddle Rock?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Bow Fiddle Rock.ConfirmedNo
- St. Douane’s Den?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at St. Douane’s Den.ConfirmedNo
- Horse’s Head?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Horse’s Head.ConfirmedNo
- Tronach Head Stacks?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Tronach Head Stacks.ConfirmedNo
Logie Head and Portsoy
- Logie HeadEmbankment OneBird freeNo nesting birds reported on this wall by a local climber.ConfirmedNo
- Logie HeadEmbankment Two, Tidal Zone and 5 moreNesting on partsBirds trouble the seaward crest over the Star Zone; elsewhere they seldom do.ConfirmedNo
- Logie HeadStar ZoneNesting birdsNesting birds in season, reported by a local climber.ConfirmedNo
?No information2 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Crathie Point or Crathie Point East.
- Crathie Point?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Crathie Point.ConfirmedNo
- Crathie Point East?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Crathie Point East.ConfirmedNo
Redhythe Point
- Redhythe Point Eastern AreaRestrictedAn access notice for birds is listed, with no detail. Birds nest on the middle pinnacle in summer.ConfirmedNo
?No information3 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at West Head Area, Portsoy, The Needle or Skedam Cliff.
- West Head Area?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at West Head Area.ConfirmedNo
- Portsoy, The Needle?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Portsoy, The Needle.ConfirmedNo
- Skedam Cliff?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Skedam Cliff.ConfirmedNo
Macduff to Rosehearty
- Tarlair CragsNesting on partsThe odd fulmar below the wall.ConfirmedNo
- Mull CleaveNesting on partsGulls on the summit area in season.ConfirmedNo
- Head of GarnessNesting birdsBadly birded in season, especially the west-facing overhangs.ConfirmedNo
Rosehearty Crags
- MurcurryNesting on partsGulls nest on the big ledge above the left side.ConfirmedNo
?No information3 crags. Grip does not know whether birds nest at Quarryhead, Quarryhead Sea-Stacks or East of Quarryhead.
- Quarryhead?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Quarryhead.ConfirmedNo
- Quarryhead Sea-Stacks?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at Quarryhead Sea-Stacks.ConfirmedNo
- East of Quarryhead?No informationGrip does not know whether birds nest at East of Quarryhead.ConfirmedNo
No crags match. Clear the search or pick All.