Birding in the UK: Scottish Birds in Edinburgh and Dunbar

Last year, Eric and I spent the month of June traveling through England and Scotland, visiting amazing historic sites, touring places connected with our favorite classic literature, rambling across the stunningly beautiful British countryside, and of course, birding.  The last week of our trip was spent in Scotland, and I had the opportunity to see quite a few birds right in the heart of Edinburgh, in and around Holyrood Park.

Eurasian Bullfinch


I was incredibly excited to see this male Eurasian Bullfinch, sitting atop a fence one fine, mizzly morning on our way into Edinburgh.  Though he looked a bit damp and bedraggled, he was singing nonetheless and didn't seem to mind the quintessentially Scottish weather. 

Eurasian Bullfinch


Eurasian Bullfinches range across much of Europe and parts of Asia, preferring deciduous woodland edges, farmland, hedgerows, parks and gardens.  Though not terribly uncommon, these striking little birds can be difficult to see, as they tend to feed quietly on seeds, buds and fruit while staying concealed in the trees.  

While both males and females are incredibly cute birds, the grayish female is significantly duller in color than the male, with his brilliant salmon-red cheeks and breast.    

Eurasian Bullfinch (female)


Another bird I was most excited to see in the UK was the White-throated Dipper, Europe's only species of dipper.  Worldwide, the five species of dippers are the only songbirds that truly swim and dive underwater, often in turbulent streams.   

White-throated Dipper


This White-throated Dipper was hanging out along Edinburgh's picturesque Water of Leith.  A pleasant pathway follows this peaceful stretch of water, as it winds down from the Pentland Hills to the Firth of Forth, providing an excellent place to enjoy birds and other wildlife right in the heart of the city.

White-throated Dipper


I never got tired of seeing European Robins or hearing their beautiful song while we were in the UK.  This is definitely one of the birds I missed the most when we got home!

European Robin


Ponds (or rather, "lochs") throughout Edinburgh's Holyrood Park also proved to be productive birding spots.

Dunsapie Loch, Holyrood Park


While we ate our lunch on a picnic bench beside one of these lochs after a climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, this curious corvid came to investigate.  Carrion Crows are common and widespread across Europe and Asia, and it must be said... they look pretty similar to our familiar American Crows!

Carrion Crow

The Little Grebe, or "Dabchick," is the common small grebe of ponds and wetlands across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa.  Like all grebes, Little Grebes are built for diving, with their legs positioned far back on their bodies.  This arrangement makes them excellent swimmers but awkward on land, and they typically only leave the water to nest.

Little Grebe


One of the common gull species across Europe, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is smaller, slighter and paler than its cousin, the Great Black-backed Gull.  This gull watched us as we ate our lunch, giving us plenty of time to observe the key identification features of a breeding adult of this species: a medium-dark gray mantle, pure white head, pale iris, red spot on the bill and bright yellow legs.

Lesser Black-backed Gull


European Goldfinches are such cool-looking little birds, though they bear little resemblance to the American Goldfinches we're used to seeing on this side of the Pond!  Structurally there are similarities, as they are closely related species, and they also sound reminiscent of one another.  But the warm buffy coloring and striking red face of European Goldfinches make them entirely unique!

European Goldfinch


While visiting Scotland, we stayed with cousins who live in Dunbar.  This beautiful seaside village, just south of Edinburgh, also happens to be the birthplace of famed naturalist and conservationist, John Muir!  Today, visitors can tour the house where he was born and lived until the age of nine, when his family uprooted and moved to Wisconsin.  

John Muir's birthplace in Dunbar, Scotland


The former Muir home is now a museum on Dunbar's High Street, with informational displays about John's early life in Scotland, his travels in America and abroad, and the legacy of conservation he left.  

Eurasian Bullfinch (again!)  One of my favorite birds from the trip!


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About Me

Named after the Sierra Nevada Mountains, I am a naturalist and avid birder based in Central California. Above all, I am a follower of Jesus Christ, our amazingly good Creator God whose magnificent creation is an unending source of awe and inspiration for me. I hope to inspire others to appreciate, respect and protect this beautiful earth we share, and invite you to come along with me as I explore the nature of California and beyond!
- Siera Nystrom -



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