Monifieth Bay

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 56.4712, -2.8163

Condition (NatureScot)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
F1 Sanderling (Calidris alba), non-breeding Favourable 2005-03-31

Climate exposure

This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.

Coastal

Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Coastal

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
sanderling Roosting
sanderling Wintering

Description

Monifieth Bay Monifieth Bay is situated on the north shore of the outer Firth of Tay 5 km east of Dundee. It consists primarily of intertidal sand and mud, extending for four km along the coast and up to 1km seawards. The site is important as the extensive mud flats with its rich invertebrate population provide a feeding ground for wintering waders specifically important numbers of sanderling. Sanderling utilise Monifieth Bay at low tide to feed on the exposed mud and sand. They roost elsewhere, mainly on Buddon Ness to the east and on Lucky Scalp on the south side of the estuary.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
sanderling Calidris alba LC (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae