26th-31st July

The most notable bird of the end of July was an adult Roseate Tern on Nouster on the 28th, the 8^th record of this species on the island. Arctic Tern numbers have risen considerably, with 4254 on the 28^th the highest count. Good numbers of waders are about, with 11 Whimbrel on the 27^th, 86 Dunlin and 904 Golden Plover on the 28^th, and 273 Turnstone, 122 Sanderling, and 101 Redshank on the 29^th.  A Little Stint was at Gretchen on the 28^th and a Wood Sandpiper was seen alongside 2 Ruff near the Old Kirk on the 31^st. Storm Petrel ringing at Bewan continues to be very productive with 320 birds caught over two nights, including a Portuguese ringed bird in the last net round on the 27^th. 

 Roseate Tern (photo George Gay)

 Knot (photo George Gay)

 Meadow Pipit (photo George Gay)

Fulmars (photo Carmen Azahara)