NORTH RONALDSAY - 8th March

Unexpectedly calm and sunny weather in the morning had me scrambling up to Holland first thing to open some nets where we caught the first Mistle Thrush of the year, a Snipe and 4 Blackbirds; other birds around there included 2 Woodcock, 2 Stonechats still up the road, 3 Robins and the Northern Harrier which flew low over the gardens.

                I eventually got around the Bridesness census route mid-morning where landbirds included 4 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Redwings, 3 Pied Wagtail, another Woodcock, 7 Reed Buntings, 75+ Skylarks and a ringtail Hen Harrier floating around Brides.

                Waterbird totals comprised 8 Pintail, 12 Shoveler, 380 Greylag Geese with a single Pink-footed Goose, 17 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Gadwall and 70 Teal.