SCOTTISH ISLANDS ARE TERRIFIC FOR BIRDERS.

Byline: Harry Shattuck Houston Chronicle

More than 340 bird species have been recorded in the Orkneys, including 109 species that breed here from April to July.

Because of the absence of ground predators such as foxes, minks and weasels, these islands are ideal breeding grounds for the graceful Arctic and Sandwich terns. Cliff ledges support a wide range of seabirds, including an estimated 250,000 guillemots, 70,000 pairs of kittiwakes, 10,000 razorbills and up to 50,000 pairs of puffins.

Hen harriers and short-eared owls are among threatened species thriving in the Orkney moorlands.

On the Mainland, largest of the Orkney islands, principal sites for viewing seabirds include reserves at Marwick Head and Birsay.

Meriting time during any trip to the Orkney Islands is the town of Kirkwall. Travelers arriving by cruise ship likely will dock within easy walking distance of main attractions.

St. Magnus Cathedral was founded in 1137 and is the burial place of the patron saint of these islands, St. Magnus. Services are conducted on Sundays; the church is also open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Near the cathedral are ruins of Earl Patrick's Castle - built in 1607 and considered one of the most accomplished pieces of Renaissance architecture remaining in Scotland - and the 12th-century Bishop's Palace. Also nearby is Tarkerness House, which dates to 1574 and houses a museum where artifacts depict life in the Orkneys over a 5,000-year period.