11th November

Common Scoters are normally quite an uncommon sight from North Ronaldsay, but small groups were seen in various places around the island, including a couple that were swimming on Gretchen Loch in the company of a Goosander. Also unusual for the time of year was a lone Shelduck. A Pomarine Skua and a Glaucous Gull were seen during the morning census, and 3 Long-eared Owls were also present.

The Common Scoters (1 shown, top picture, with a Red-breasted Merganser) and the Goosander (lower picture) were among a busy array of ducks on Gretchen Loch that also included a Pintail, 5 Goldeneyes and 140 Wigeons.