14th December

Considering it's mid-December North Ronaldsay still seems alive with birds and with a blast of cooler south-easterly air today there was a mini-arrival of newcomers. Beginning with the old-the SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was at West Beach again, although the 'jumpy' nature of the accompanying Redshanks has made it hard work to photograph. There was more frustration when what was almost certainly a Coue's Arctic Redpoll was seen briefly at Holland House around midday before vanishing in the increasing gales. Searches for it as the weather deteriorated drew a blank, but hopefully it'll latch onto the Twite flock at Kirbest where a Common Redpoll has already sought refuge today. Also new in were a Sparrowhawk at Holland, a Shelduck on Ancum Loch and the first Fieldfare for a while. The Green-winged Teal remains faithful to Gretchen Loch, with 6 Pintails also there and the Canada Goose was nearby.

The best effort of the Short-billed Dowitcher from the last two days.