The return of the ocean wanderers:

The Manx Shearwater: Saturday 7th April 2012

There is definitely something very special about the Manx Shearwaters or ‘manxies’ as they are affectionately known. Perhaps it is their gliding flight over the waves, the fact that they cover huge distances without apparent effort. Perhaps it is the fact that we must venture away from land into the open oceans to observe them, or is it awe for their incredible migrations; for we know that when we see a raft of ‘Manxies’ off the coast of Rum in the spring, we know that a month or so before, they were feeding in the Southern Hemisphere.

Because we encounter shearwaters almost always in the open oceans, it’s a very special experience when we encounter them inshore or on land. Rum is Scotland’s Manx Shearwater capital, so the experience of seeing and hearing many returning birds close at hand is second to none. If you want to learn more about our very own ocean wanderers firsthand, SNH and IRCT are holding a day of exciting events over Easter (Saturday 7th April 2012) which celebrates their return at the start of a new breeding season.

Boat Trip: Rum Seabird Experience £12/£6

Rum is surrounded by an extremely rich marine environment and is one of the best places in Europe for seeing seabirds and cetaceans. During this one hour mini trip around the coast of Rum, encounter our most important breeding bird, the Manx shearwater doing what it does best. You will have the opportunity to observe the shearwater breeding grounds from the sea and also to see a wide range of other seabirds.
There are two trips available these are weather dependent and therefore may be subject to cancellation.

Trip one leaves Rum pier at 1000. Trip two leaves Rum pier at 1130

Shearwater: A performance by Malcolm Green and Tim Dalling (Starting at 1430 with a post-show BBQ) £9/£4.50/family £20

‘Fly with the Shearwater as she dances 6000km over the waves to Iceland, dive deep into ancient myths where feathers and fur tangle.’
Shearwater by Malcolm Green and Tim Dalling opens a world of beauty, loss, longing and timeless truth through personal and mythic stories and songs. It gracefully balances the heartfelt and the humorous, never losing its footing but letting the audience know they are on the edge!

Meet the locals: Shearwater colony guilded walk (FREE) Community Hall from 1930

If you want to learn more about the species ecology, behaviour or the current research that’s being carried out on Rum, then you’re welcome to join island staff on a guided night time walk up to our nearest colony on Hallival. Here you will sense the awakening of the shearwater city as the rushing wing beats of the first arrivals are heard in the darkness. Soon the air is filled with birds, many calling eerily. The cacophony crescendos as birds call on the wing and from the ground, some on the surface, others from within burrows. It’s certain that you’ll leave Rum with a lasting impression.

Please note: Participants of the night-time guided colony walk up to Hallival (c.600-675m) will aim to leave at 2030, and walk will take between 1 –1.5 hours. We aim to be back down in Kinloch at approximately 0130-0200. As you’ll be out in mountainous terrain for at least five hours in the dark, it is imperative that you bring a reliable head torch (and spare batteries), appropriate footwear and warm/waterproof clothing (a chocolate bar and a flask is a good bet too!). The terrain is uneven and difficult, but not impossible. If you’re used to mountain walking, then this walk should not pose any significant problems.

Places for each event are limited so advance booking is essential. Please email Lesley.watt@snh.gov.uk for further information or to book a place on one or all events or telephone the reserve office on 01687 462026.