Calf of Eday
Island Small Orkney island known for seabird colonies
The Calf of Eday, off Eday in Orkney, is a small uninhabited island known for seabird colonies and seal haul‑outs; boat trips bring birdwatchers and naturalists to observe wildlife.
The Calf of Eday is a small, uninhabited island off Eday in the Orkney archipelago, northern Scotland. It is noted for its coastal cliffs and seabird habitat.
The island offers rugged shoreline, nesting sites for seabirds and coastal scenery typical of Orkney’s smaller isles. Visits are occasional and usually by private boat from nearby islands.
Historically the Calf of Eday, like many small Orkney isles, was used intermittently for grazing and resource gathering but has no permanent settlement today. Its primary value is ecological.
It lies immediately off Eday within Orkney, part of Scotland’s northern island group in the North Sea.
- Wildlife viewing: Uninhabited and primarily visited for wildlife observation, especially seabirds and seals where present along the rocky shores.
Tips for Visiting Calf of Eday #
- Calf of Eday is uninhabited and best experienced from a boat - check local operators out of Eday, Sanday or surrounding Orkney islands for landing options, and time landings to calm sea conditions.
- If you plan to land, arrange transport with a skipper who knows the island's limited landing spots and tidal conditions; many informal landing attempts fail when swell or tides are unfavourable.
- See the island from the water as well as ashore: the south coast sea stacks and cliffs are best appreciated from a small boat trip, and those geological and seabird features are often missed by people who only make a short landing.
Best Time to Visit Calf of Eday #
Visit in late spring and summer (May-August) for the best wildlife viewing and most reliable boat access.
Weather & Climate near Calf of Eday #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1072 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
