4th August

More fog, lifting for only a few afternoon hours, hindered attempts at migrant census for much of the day. Some more wader movement was evident, though, as 3 Greenshanks and 2 Wood Sandpipers flew south together along the west coast during the short window of visibility. Another Wood Sandpiper and another Greenshank were both present on the island, as was the long-staying Green Sandpiper; and 17 Whimbrels, including a flock of 15, was the highest count of the year so far. There were still 2 Common Terns with 1620 Arctic Terns at the north of the island, and another Swift had joined the lingering bird near the observatory.

An influx of Painted Ladies was noticeable in the afternoon, with 21 counted around the island. There are currently no resident butterflies on North Ronaldsay, although a colony of Green-veined Whites did once establish itself for a few years, so all records relate to migrants. A small number of Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admirals and Large Whites have also been seen in recent days.