24th July - 31st July
The main event this week has been the return of the annual North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival, meaning it's been a busy period with a good atmosphere at the Observatory. Bird sightings have been slightly reduced as a consequence, however, although signs of autumn continue with wader passage and the departure of some breeding species, notably Arctic Terns and Black-headed Gulls towards the end of the month.
The highlight of 24th was the reappearance of the second Pacific Golden Plover at Laird's Park following a 13 day absence. The bird often hid unseen for long periods amongst the rough grass, providing a likely explanation as to why it had gone missing for so long (along with reduced birding hours due to seabird ringing).
The Red-backed Shrike and Ruff were still around Ancum on 26th, although the highlight of the day was the three Orca which moved south past the seawatch hide very close in shore. Seawatch totals from the hide included 151 Manx Shearwaters, 26 Sooty Shearwaters, 25 Storm Petrels and 2259 Kittiwakes. A Grey Plover was seen on the beach at Nouster also.
A quiet few days followed until 29th when two Greenshanks were seen calling over the Observatory. The Pacific Golden Plover was also seen again at Sandar. 30th began with a pod of 10 Common Dolphins feeding in Nouster Bay, with the first juvenile Sedge Warblers of the year seen at Ancum Willows. The final day of July saw the Pacific Golden Plover and Red-backed Shrike still present, along with two Ruff which have been seen on and off recently. Numbers of waders showed further signs of building with 158 Turnstone, 130 Redshanks, 74 Curlews, 18 Bar-tailed Godwits and 7 Knot seen. Today has seen the return of autumn census and we now look forward to see what August will produce!
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