The May Isle is located right at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. It is a long narrow island, which has high cliffs on the west side and slopes gently down to the sea on the east. A group of researchers stay on the island during the seabird breeding season. They count and ring seabirds, study their diet, monitor survival rates, breeding success, etc. During autumn migrations, groups of ringers stay on the island and use the traps to catch birds for ringing. Rarities are often found here when there are easterly gales during migrations.
