Ducks and Winter Moths

 Out with the scope in Kirkwall Bay today, flat calm. I dipped the Surfie but managed to see at least 42 and likely 60+ Velvet Scoter, at least 70 GNDivers including an impressive flock of 40+. The Eider were still at around 1,000 and there was a 2cy Iceland Gull on the fish cages at Hatston. Usual supporting cast of 100s of Long-t Duck, Tystie, RbMergs and Slav Grebes. On the way home stopped at Finstown for the 7 Common Scoter.

At home a male Hen Harrier flew over our heads to roost. 

In the dark with the headtorch I initially counted 17 Winter Moths but a second and perhaps more systematic effort later on (once the very good Sauvignon Blanc had settled) found 19.

Winter Moth.