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Seabird photography adventure on the Isle of May

Seabird Photography Adventure on the Isle of May – July 2025

Tucked off the east coast of Scotland, the Isle of May National Nature Reserve is a dream for wildlife and photography enthusiasts alike - especially during seabird breeding season. My trip in early July 2025 turned out to be more thrilling and rewarding than I had imagined, thanks to an unexpected boat change, incredible wildlife encounters, and a few lucky early moments of solitude with the stars of the island—the Puffins.

A puffin staring right at the lens, proud of its catch.

Getting There: A Wild Ride on the North Sea

Originally, I had booked a standard boat tour with BlueWild from Dunbar harbour, but due to a last-minute issue with the vessel the night before, our journey was downgraded - well, depending on how you look at it - to a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). What followed was a wild, wind-whipped ride across the North Sea, bouncing over waves with little warning. Thankfully, our guide kindly offered me a spare rain jacket, which turned out to be a lifesaver. Note to future self: always be prepared for the North Sea, especially if you might end up on a RIB!

Around Bass Rock: Gannet Central

Before reaching the Isle of May, our RIB detoured around the Bass Rock, home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Northern Gannets. Thousands of birds clustered on a single rock - it was a jaw-dropping sight. With birds wheeling overhead and the sheer noise and movement of the colony, it’s a perfect place for action shots and close-up portraits if your lens is up to it.

Some photography opportunities to look for on the Bass rock:

A striking glimpse into the seabirds thriving natural habitat.

Spotting some quirky gannet poses

Gannet flying across the cliffs

A cozy moment: European shags resting together on the cliff.

Isle of May: A Seabird Haven

The 90-minute ride brought us to the Isle of May, where our RIB arrived ahead of the regular tour boats, giving us a crucial head start. I started my exploration immediately, heading straight to the Loch to enjoy some quiet time with the Puffins - before the crowd trickled in.

Unlike many photography trips where I end up snapping everything in sight, this time I had a plan. I had a few specific shots in mind, and I wanted to stay focused—quality over quantity. 

Below are some highlights and photography tips for key locations on the island. I’ll be sharing selected images from each of these locations below, with details on camera settings, light conditions, and bird behaviour at each spot.

Cliffs around the Isle of May

📍 1. Kirkhaven – Seal Spotting Grounds

Subject: Grey Seals
Kirkhaven, the landing point for most boats, is also a good spot to see Grey Seals lazing near the water or peeking from between the rocks. While seabirds come and go with the seasons, Grey Seals are year-round residents, with numbers peaking from September onwards during the breeding season.

A curious seal peeks above the surface.

Watch for seabirds as they take to the air with power and elegance, or settle gently onto the waves:

Guillemot gliding above the waves

Another one drifting gracefully

📍 2. The Loch – Puffins & Eiders

Subjects: Puffins, Eiders
The grassy slopes around the Loch are dotted with Puffin burrows, and among them, you’ll spot female Eiders nesting quietly. While I only caught glimpses of females, males—more photogenic with their bold plumage—are mostly seen in April and May during mating season. This area is perfect for Puffin portraits in natural light, especially early in the day.

A rare invitation to look deep into the expressive eyes of puffins.

A Puffin drama! Two puffins, two moods, one hilarious moment.

📍 3. Bishop's Cove – Aerial Drama

Subjects: Flying Puffins, Gulls, Fulmars
This spot offers prime opportunities for capturing Puffins in flight, especially those returning with mouthfuls of eel fish—some can carry over 60 small fish at once! Keep your shutter speed high and your patience higher.

You’ll also see the island’s three large gull species:

  • Herring Gull

  • Lesser Black-backed Gull

  • Great Black-backed Gull – the largest and most aggressive, sometimes preying on Puffin chicks (and even adults).

Also gliding by are the Fulmars—often mistaken for gulls, but more closely related to Albatrosses. .

Their stiff-winged flight and distinctive tube noses make for some striking mid-air captures.

A challenging shot to capture: Puffin flying with a mouthful of eels

A gathering of colorful personalities on the ledge.

Airborne elegance: puffin taking flight.


📍 4. Mill Door & South Horn – Cliff Colony Views

Subjects: Guillemots, Kittiwakes, & Razorbills
The western cliffs offer breathtaking views and ideal angles to photograph Guillemots, often called the “Northern Penguins” due to their upright posture. Keep an eye out for the ‘bridled’ morph, with a white eye ring and line behind the eye.

Another key species here is the Kittiwake—the true “sea gull.” Their yellow bill and black legs set them apart. Though I’ve seen nesting colonies around Dunbar Castle, capturing them here on the Isle of May felt more raw and natural.

The thick, sculpted bill that gives the razorbill its name.

This intimate shot shows a kittiwake transferring fish to its chick, a moment of trust and care along the cliff ledge

A cliffside moment brightened by blooms and beaks.


Reflections

This tiny island—only 1.5 km long and 0.5 km wide—packs an incredible diversity of wildlife. Even though only half of it is accessible, three hours was enough to explore the major photography hotspots and observe the rhythm of seabird life up close.

As a bonus shot, this puffin spreads its wings while balancing a mouthful of fish, perfectly framed by the colorful rocks in the background. The composition combines movement, detail, and striking natural tones.

A proud puffin pose—wings spread, beak full, vibrant backdrop

If you're considering a trip to photograph seabirds, the Isle of May in July offers one of the most concentrated, rewarding experiences in the UK. Just maybe... pack a rain jacket, even if the forecast says sunny.

Have questions about camera gear, lenses, or seabird behavior? Drop them in the comments!






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Location: Isle of May, United Kingdom

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