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Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Isle of Noss is home a staggering abundance of bird species amidst its verdant, towering cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea to a depth of 150 meters (500 feet). Designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1955, Noss serves as a sanctuary for over 300,000 breeding seabirds. The first glimpse of Noss invariably etches itself upon the memory of its visitors. Even those unaccustomed to bird-watching cannot resist the captivating symphony of around 150,000 adult seabirds and their chicks echoing across the island during the peak breeding season. This wildlife haven is an important nesting ground for a diverse array of avian species, including gannets, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, herring gulls, fulmars, and skuas.