NORTH RONALDSAY - 12th February

A very different day with a strong and increasing southerly wind but it remained dry and sunny throughout; a few hours spent in likely spots during high tide produced the highlight of 2 Glaucous Gulls – a near-adult and a 2cy, roosting on the grass near the lighthouse.   Otherwise it was unremarkable as birds of note included 4 Great-northern Divers, the Eurasian White-fronted Goose, 6 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 6 Shoveler, 15 Tufted Ducks (the highest count this year so far), 18 Bar-tailed Godwits and a bit of an influx of Gulls in the rough weather including 285 Common Gulls, 105 Herring Gulls and 180 Great Black-backed Gulls.

Adult Glaucous Gull

2cy Glaucous Gull

White-fronted Goose