Birds in St Kilda
Evidence from archaeological sites show that the communities frequently exploited large seabird colonies in their area.
Fowling was an occupation of early dwellers. The men (fowlers) took birds from Boreray, Soay and Stac Dona by difficult climbing up rocks. The climbing was done by ropes made of salted cow hides with thongs cut around them and plaited six or nine folds. The rope is then tied around his torso and then climbing begins. The birds were caught by leaping and quiet frequently, the men fell into the sea and were hauled back up by others using their ropes and they tried again. Most men died from this by drowning or breaking their necks.
They killed these birds by laying flat on their backs with their chest exposed, which attracts the birds, as soon as the birds land on their chest; the men snapped its neck. Rev. Mackenzie wrote of stocks also been used to knock birds down when lying in this position. It is believed hundreds of birds were killed in a night using this method.
The feathers of birds were sold and birds fat was used as a remedy for aches and pains.
The main species were Fulmar, Gannet, and The Auks; Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, and The Garefowl.
