Wildlife on Sark
Birds of Prey
Visitors are often surprised to learn that we have several species of predatory birds living on and around Sark.
Kestrels, Peregrines and Buzzards can often be seen swirling and swooping majestically above the meadows and bays.
Harder to spot but equally as impressive to watch are the Barn Owls that reside in the woods, barns and other secretive places on the island.
Sea Birds
There is an abundance of sea birds that can be seen all along the cliffs, bays and rocky outlets around the island. These include Gulls, Fulmars, Guillemots, Gannets, Oystercatchers and the much loved Puffins.
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Puffin season begins in late March and they can be spotted up until early July when they migrate on.
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Boat trips and kayaking excursions offer the best opportunity to see these birds in action.
Marine Animals
There are some animals that always spark excitement when spotted and the larger marine animals found in Sark waters definitely have that effect.
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Dolphins, Seals, Porpoises, Minky and Pilot Whales, Basking Sharks, Tuna and Sunfish are just some of the amazing creatures that live in Sark waters.
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If you are lucky enough to sight one of these animals it will surely be a memory to last a lifetime!
Small Mammals
Cute but not necessarily cuddly, Sark is home to many small creatures such as Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Mice, Shrews, Rats and Bats.
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Hedgehogs are not endemic to the island but were in fact introduced in the 1980s.
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Sark has recently been taking part in the Bailiwick Bat Survey to help record numbers and raise awareness of our fury nocturnal friends!
Butterflies & Insects
Here on Sark we boast no less than 39 different species of butterflies, including the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Large Tortoiseshell.
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It is beautiful to see these winged creatures adding splashes of colour to the foliage as you walk along trails and paths in Spring and Summer.
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There has also been several specialist studies of the island's bees, wasps and beetles.
Marine Life
Sark boats a truly fascinating mixture of underwater species and a high level of marine biodiversity.
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Some of the sea creatures that live here, such as the Anemone Prawn and Black-face Blenny, are rarely seen around the coast of the British mainland.
Other creatures, such as the Ormer, a large mollusc similar to an Abalone, is found only around the Channel Islands and the adjacent coast of France.
Farm Animals
As you wander around Sark, down lanes, through fields and over headlands you will be sure to encounter some of our resident farm animals.
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Grazing Sheep, frolicking Lambs in spring, and happy munching Cows and Horses with stunning coastal backdrops are quintessential Sark scenes.
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Golden Guernsey Goats can also be seen teetering precariously on the sides of cliffs whilst the Donkeys are often heard before they're seen!
