NORTH RONALDSAY - 15th August

Heavy and persistent rain lingered right through until late morning but despite the rain and poor visibility an hour’s seawatch first thing produced 13 Manx Shearwaters and 2 Storm Petrels.   Walked the northern census route in the afternoon where birds just included the usual selection of waders including 108 Curlew, 35 Knot and a Norwegian colour flagged Ringed Plover – which had been ringed as a juvenile in September last year, halfway up the Norwegian coast before being seen here shortly afterwards, a nice illustration of a returning passage bird.

Still a handful of Arctic Terns around, some of which have juveniles in tow so are still aggressive!