NORTH RONALDSAY - 7th May

A lovely, very calm day with a light NW wind (which was still very cold); there were still few new migrants but there was an obvious arrival of breeding birds with a big influx of 450+ Arctic Terns spread across the island but mainly comprising of 400+ feeding off the north end in the late afternoon and a good arrival of Swallows with pairs suddenly appearing around traditional breeding sites through the day.

                Migrants included 2 Garganey still, single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 31 Bar-tailed Godwits, an Arctic Skua, a steady stream of Puffins passing the Lighthouse, a Short-eared Owl near Westness, 2 White Wagtails, a Dunnock, 4 Robins, a Black Redstart, 54 Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Carrion Crows and 2 Brambling.

Sanderling, including this colour ringed bird that just wouldn't put his other leg down!