RSPB South Stack
Updated 6 October 2026
What birds can you see at RSPB South Stack?
Spring (March to May)
Guillemots and razorbills pack the ledges below the lighthouse, with kittiwakes and fulmars alongside. Puffins breed in small numbers, so expect to work for them. Choughs are at their most visible as pairs feed along the cliff-top turf. Stonechats, linnets and whitethroats hold territory on the heath, and wheatears pass through.
Summer (June to August)
The colony is at its busiest in June. Auk chicks leave the ledges during July, and by August the cliffs are close to empty. Manx shearwaters pass offshore through the summer. Peregrines hunt along the cliffs, and silver-studded blue butterflies fly over the heath.
Autumn (September to November)
Sea-watching takes over. Manx shearwaters, gannets and skuas pass in westerly winds, with Arctic skua the most likely. Choughs gather into family flocks. South Stack also has a record for surprises: a grey catbird was found here in 2001.
Winter (December to February)
It is quiet and often wild. Choughs, ravens and peregrines are present all year, and rock pipits work the cliff edges. Pick a calm, clear day.
RSPB South Stack recent sightings: where to check
Most people searching for South Stack sightings want today's birds. We do not have a live feed for the reserve. These sources are updated by people on the ground:
- RSPB South Stack page: official news, events and opening times. RSPB staff on site can tell you what is on the ledges that day.
- eBird hotspot map: zoom to Holyhead and open the South Stack hotspot for recent checklists. This is the best free source for same-day records.
- BirdGuides: national bird news, including Anglesey. Some details are for subscribers only.
We could not confirm an active county sightings page for Anglesey, so we have not linked one.
Our own tools: the sightings map shows what our users have logged nearby, you can log a sighting in under a minute, and species alerts in the app flag birds on your list.
Best time to visit RSPB South Stack
April to July is the seabird season, and mid-May to late June is the surest window for a full colony with puffins. Choughs can be seen in any month. Tide matters little at a cliff colony. Wind matters a lot: for sea-watching, pick a day with a westerly blow, and for a first visit, pick a calm one. The reserve and car parks are open 24 hours.
Hides, trails and viewpoints
The RSPB trail map names one tower, two short trails and several viewpoints.
- Ellin's Tower is the white Victorian building on the cliff edge. It faces the seabird ledges and is the place to start. Paths are level from the Ellin's Tower car park, and there are 25 uneven steps between the tower and the visitor centre.
- Puffin Trail: 1.2 km, about 30 minutes, with 74 steps and gradients up to 12%. It links the Visitor Hub, the cliff viewpoints and Ellin's Tower.
- Dragonfly Trail: 1.6 km, about 45 minutes, steeper and rougher, across the heath. Good for choughs, stonechats and butterflies.
- World War II Lookout is a viewpoint marked on the trail map, useful for scanning the sea.
- South Stack Lighthouse is reached by around 400 steps down the cliff. The descent gives closer views of the ledges.
The Anglesey Coastal Path crosses the reserve if you want a longer walk. The coastal sections are rugged, uneven and narrow.
Getting there and facilities
South Stack is on the west side of Holy Island, a few miles from Holyhead, which is the nearest town and the end of the North Wales railway line. From the station you need a taxi, a bike or a long walk. There are three car parks: one at the visitor centre and two others, with 7 Blue Badge bays.
On site: visitor centre, cafe, shop and toilets with baby changing, all open 10am to 5pm. Dogs are welcome on the reserve and in Ellin's Tower. They are not allowed in the cafe, and only assistance dogs can enter the visitor centre.
Entry is free for everyone. Parking is free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders. Non-members pay £3.50 for up to an hour or £7.50 for the day. You do not need to book. Fees were checked on 6 October 2026, but check the official RSPB South Stack page before you travel.
What to bring
Binoculars are needed to pick puffins out from the auks. See our binoculars guide. A scope is worth carrying for sea-watching and for the far ledges: our spotting scope guide covers the choice. Wear boots with grip.
Nearby places to bird
- Wales birding guide: Anglesey, Skomer and mid-Wales kite country.
- Seabirds guide: UK seabird colonies and when to go.
- RSPB Bempton Cliffs: the east-coast seabird cliff, with gannets.
RSPB South Stack FAQ
Where can I find South Stack bird sightings today?
We do not run a live feed for South Stack. The best same-day sources are the eBird hotspot for the reserve and BirdGuides. The RSPB South Stack page carries official news, and staff on site can tell you what is on the cliffs.
When can you see puffins at South Stack?
From late spring to early summer, with mid-May to late June the surest window. Numbers are small, so scan the sea and the cliffs below Ellin's Tower with binoculars. By August the seabirds have left the cliffs.
Is RSPB South Stack free?
Entry is free. Non-members pay for parking: £3.50 for up to an hour or £7.50 for the day. RSPB members and Blue Badge holders park free. Prices were checked on 6 October 2026.
Can you see choughs at South Stack all year?
Yes. The RSPB says choughs can be seen along the cliffs all year round. Look for them feeding on short turf near the cliff edge and listen for the ringing call.