30th August

Strong north-westerlies, not expected to produce many migrants here, lived up to their unpromising reputation: barely a new bird was to be found besides Meadow Pipits, of which a count of 197 was the highest since the spring. At least 7 White Wagtails were around and a long-staying Barred Warbler was the only scarcer species seen.

Kittiwakes don't nest on North Ronaldsay, but the concrete pier provides a close approximation of their preferred cliff-ledge habitat and small numbers often gather there at this time of year.