23rd to 25th July

Apologies for the lack of updates recently-our Internet connection has been down for the last few days. Waders continue to dominate proceedings with Dunlin numbers building to especially high numbers. Most have been frequenting the shoreline at Westness where the 312 counted on 25th approaches the record Island total. There were also 57 Knot there and 182 Sanderlings were noted on the Links the day before. At least 1500 Arctic Terns are still present-mainly non-breeders but considering the current sorry state of the northern isles breeding population were pleased to report half a dozen fledged birds so far with probably another 20-30 likely to follow suit in the coming week. Other bits and bobs include a Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Grey Herons on 23rd and a Woodpigeon and 2 Crossbills on 24th.