NORTH RONALDSAY - 8th February

A real change in the weather with a blazing strong force 7 easterly wind bringing long periods of heavy, driving rain only clearing through by late afternoon; most of the sightings were restricted to a drive around the lochs at lunchtime and was highlighted by a brutish 3cy Glaucous Gull at Bewan – white-wingers have been very scarce this winter.   Other birds included 3 Shelduck, a single Pintail, 12 Tufted Ducks (the highest count this year so far), 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Black-headed Gull and 150+ Great Black-backed Gulls – the first rough weather build-up since I’ve been back.

Glaucous Gull