14th May

With the wind firmly settled in the west, the chances of much passerine migration reaching North Ronaldsay were slim, but the first Reed Warbler of the year still managed to find its way to the Holland House garden. Wader passage, not so strongly dictated by aeolian orientation, continued apace: Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint both made their débuts in the year's log, and good numbers of the regular species were recorded. The second Cuckoo of the year was seen, and four Garganeys were still present.

Other sightings included a Common Redstart, 6 Sedge Warblers, a Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Willow Warblers, a Common Redpoll, a Sand Martin and 8 House Martins. A Manx Shearwater passed by at sea and a Merlin and a Sparrowhawk were the only raptors.

Perhaps the best sighting of the day was the first Otter of the year, seen at the north end of the island by visitors to the observatory.

Curlew Sandpiper