Birsay waders

Not waders

Rather a lot of daises

Arctic Terns and thrift

Got up not very early after an excellent do at the nearby Harray Community Centre last night, The Shee and The New Rope String Band being especially recommended and headed off to Birsay. There was nothing evident in the gardens but wadering came up trumps with an immaculate full summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper. Further observation found at least 15 Sanderling, two of which were in full summer plumage. Other notables were Sand Martins collecting nesting material and a Shelduck pair with seven chicks.

Back home an enforced cycle ride refound the Cuckoo and various moth caterpillars in the ling (plenty for the Cuckoo to eat then). The Shunan was full of water after last night's torrential rain so just a few Dunlin and little else to report.

Species ...? Magpie Moth??

Then back to Birsay for a look at the Arctic Tern colony, 49 sitting birds at least, a count of the Grey Seals, 43 hauled out with more in the water. A look for the Curlew Sand was unsuccessful, it was low water, although the Sanderling were still easy to see and another wader ??? disappeared into the distance.