Birding hot spots for Fife/St. Andrews (1 Viewer)

[Calidris33]

I am Scottish living in Canada and am coming " home" tomorrow. Will spend this coming weekend in St. Andrews and could use some tips on where best to find some nice waders and other shorebirds. Your help is greatly appreciated! I have a car.

 

[Phil Andrews]

I am Scottish living in Canada and am coming " home" tomorrow. Will spend this coming weekend in St. Andrews and could use some tips on where best to find some nice waders and other shorebirds. Your help is greatly appreciated! I have a car.

The (heated) hide at Guardbridge often has a good selection of waders whilst the rocks below the castle are productive for Purple Sandpiper in the winter; not sure of their presence / numbers this time of year

 

[delia todd]

Hi Calidris and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Another good spot, which isn't too far away and also depends on the tides, is Tayport. You can usually park near the caravan park and scan the estuary.

I hope you have a wonderful trip 'home'.

 

[mike_gss]

The (heated) hide at Guardbridge often has a good selection of waders whilst the rocks below the castle are productive for Purple Sandpiper in the winter; not sure of their presence / numbers this time of year

The hide (a small visitor centre really or very posh hide!) is very comfortable (heated with a toilet). It's towards the southern part of Guardbridge (which is about 5-6km from St Andrews) but not well signed. If you're coming into Guardbridge from the north, take the first left turn (off Main Street) after you pass by the big mill on the left but before the bridge over the Eden River. Park up in a small car park, face south and go through a nearby gate and follow the path until you see the hide. Entry is open to anyone (free but donations are requested) but you may need a door-key-code to gain entry if no-one else is inside to let you in. Last time I was there it was c1670x and I don't think it changes very often.

If it has been changed you'll need to phone a local ranger on 07985 707593, where you'll hear a recorded message telling you the new access code. I know it sounds a bit of a faff but it's worth it.

There are other hides on the southern shore of the main estuary but they are owned by Fife Bird Club and are members only.

Good luck!

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best and have a good trip.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi Calidris! Welcome aboard :t:

 

[Kits]

Welcome to BirdForum! I am sure you will find lots to interest you here, and I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[Calidris33]

Thanks everyone. Slightly off course from Saint Andrews but would you recommend a visit also to the mud flats at Musselburgh??

 

[david kelly]

Thanks everyone. Slightly off course from Saint Andrews but would you recommend a visit also to the mud flats at Musselburgh??

Yes I would.

David