2nd May

Continuing a good run of rare raptors on North Ronaldsay, a Black Kite flew up and down the island early in the afternoon before heading south out to sea. This is the third record of Black Kite for the island and, interestingly, turned up on exactly the same date as the one in 1997.

Black Kite

In addition to the kite, the day's raptor count comprised 5 Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel. Notable waders included a flock of 31 Knots in Linklet Bay, 15 Whimbrels and the 6 Dotterels; a drake Common Scoter and the first Pochard for some weeks were the wildfowl highlights; and a Swift was seen again in the afternoon. A reasonable selection of passerine migrants included 4 Tree Pipits, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, 10 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, the female Eastern Subalpine Warbler, a Common Redpoll, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Robins, a Song Thrush, 99 Wheatears, a Dunnock and a White Wagtail.