20th May

Still the wind sat stubbornly in the west, and still it prevented any small migrants from reaching North Ronaldsay; but, happily, there were at least a few interesting non-passerines to keep the spirits up. A Barnacle Goose was a long-awaited addition to the island year-list; the third Marsh Harrier of the year, an immature male, was seen near the lighthouse; a Curlew Sandpiper was the best of a good selection of waders; and a 2nd-summer Little Gull was at Quoy Banks.

Impressive numbers of waders remained on the island, with 95 Knots, 101 Dunlins, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper amongst the hundreds of Turnstones and Sanderlings. 16 Pink-footed Geese and the aforementioned Barnacle Goose were mingling with the breeding flock of Greylags, which now includes several crèches of goslings, at Hooking Loch.

Landbirds were in short supply: 2 Blackcaps, 1 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Doves and the remaining pair of Jackdaws were the most noteworthy.

Little Gull

Barnacle Goose (with a Greylag and some Pink-feet)