Hi Everybody
Firstly, I'm attaching photos from Ian Cunningham who sent me them a month ago! He explains as follows:
Had a terrific few days in Westray last week. Walked from Kirbest to Noup Head and back and climbed Fitty Hill. Amazing Views!
Attached are a few birds seen along the way....puffin, razorbill, kittiwake and twite.
Cheers, Ian.
I wasted no time in placing the stunning Kittiwake photo as my desktop background!
Storm Petrel ringing postponed
Alan Leitch informs me that, due to poor weather forecast, he has had to postpone the storm petrel ringing session planned for this weekend. He will be in touch with those who had their names down for this in the hope it can be re-scheduled.
Gloup Trip cancelled
Unfortunately this had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances but I hope it can go ahead next year.
Puffling demise
I'm sorry to have to report the following news release:
BBC Shetland, Shetland News, BBC Radio Scotland, P&J p22, Death of young puffin Hundreds of birdwatchers across the globe were heartbroken yesterday when Shetland’s most famous puffin chick died. Experts initially blamed the bird’s demise on a lack of food, but closer inspection has now revealed the chick was attacked by another puffin. The short life of the “puffling” had been the focus of attention for the past five weeks as the star of Puffincam, a tiny CCTV camera inside the burrow at the RSPB Sumburgh Head reserve.
I had been following the puffling's fortunes during my duties at the Visitor Centre alongside the Hen Harrier Webcam. The Puffincam was popular as locals and visitors alike watched the progress of the bundle of fluff! So much so that Visit Scotland was holding a competition. Megan Taylor gives us the details as follows:
We are holding a 'Name the Puffling' competition for children. Under 16s can enter their name ideas when they buy anything from our children's range. The winning name will be drawn during an activities afternoon on Friday 27th July between 2 and 4pm. Pop into the Kirkwall Information Centre to take part.
After much deliberation, it has been decided to go ahead with the competition, instead naming the Toy Puffin which is the winner's prize. There are just a few days to go now so hurry down to the Visitor Centre if your children wish to take part.
Harrier Chicks fledged
I was a little disappointed last Tuesday to see an empty nest on the webcam at the visitor centre but it was good news really I suppose as it meant the young Hen Harriers had fledged. A DVD of this year's harrier family will now be shown so pop along to see the highlights.
Arctic Tern chicks fledged
Nice to see an email from Paul Hollinrake on Shapinsay regarding Arctic Terns:
Arctic tern chicks are fledging on the shingle ayre at Furrowend, Shapinsay. At least 10 chicks flying around the colony yesterday. There are still other birds sitting on eggs as well, plus much younger chicks, in a colony of some 50 plus pairs. Very few sand eels being brought in. The majority of adults are bringing in small, 20-30mm long, brown fish, with quite rounded bellies. Not sure what species of fish they are though. Adults seem to be fishing successfully off Vasa Skerry and Broad Shoal. Quite regular visits by bonxies, scootie alans and black backs, seem to be largely scared away by this very active and aggressive colony. Great to see them doing so well, after many years of almost total failure at this site. Paul.
Razorbill Puzzler solved
There was another email from Eric Meek regarding Razorbill chicks:
A few years ago, I was wondering whether Razorbills were like Guiilemots in it being the male that leads the chick away from the breeding areas. I checked with Mike Harris and Sarah Wanless who do all the work on on auks on the Isle of May and they confirmed that that was indeed the case. Eric
It's some leap of faith when these young auks finally leave the cliffs before being able to fly!
Corncrake Update from Amy Liptrot:
At the end of the survey period 20 May-10 June, the number of calling male corncrakes heard in Orkney during this time is 28 or 29. West Mainland - 8East Mainland - 1Burray - 2South Ronaldsay - 2Sanday - 3 (and possibly one more)Westray - 10Papa Westray - 1Shapinsay - 2One of the most notable things this year is the concentration of corncrakes on Westray, and the decline in numbers on Papa Westray (which in recent years has had between 5 and 10 calling birds). Numbers for previous years: 2011(31), 2010(23), 2009(17), 2008(20), 2007(21), 2006(17), 2005(13), 2004(16), 2003(31), 2002(16), 2001(9), 2000(11), 1999(14), 1998(13), 1997(21). As you can see, there is a slight upward trend, although numbers still remain low. Several agreements have been reached with farmers to delay grass mowing, with more of these underway. Although the survey period is now over, I am still grateful for any reports of corncrakes heard (852 029).Amy (RSPB Project Officer, Corncrake Initiative)
County Show
Well, it's that time of year again and RSPB Orkney is planning to be at the County Show (also Shapinsay and Dounby Shows). This year's County Show is on Saturday 11th August and, as usual, our Local Group will be lending a hand by manning the sales table or helping with the other activities.
Are you able to help out? If so I would be delighted to hear from you. It will be from 10 am until 4 pm so if you can spare an hour between these times it would be much appreciated. Please either email me or phone on 01856 741382. Thanks.
RSPB & Tesco Join Forces to save Rainforests
The following is an extract from the RSPB website:
The UK’s biggest retailer and Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity have teamed up to increase awareness of the deforestation crisis and raise essential funds to support on-the ground conservation work to tackle the problem.Together For Trees aims to raise over £1million for the RSPB in its first year. Customers will be able to help save endangered rainforests every time they re-use a bag. They will be able to donate their green Clubcard points, Clubcard vouchers or give money directly to the programme via a new website www.tesco.com/trees. Tesco is additionally contributing £75,000 from the sale of its new range of Together For Trees reusable bags.
Those of our members and friends who shop at Tesco might like to consider donating their green Clubcard points towards the appeal. For more information see the RSPB website. The project was also featured in the latest Birds magazine from the RSPB (which I have searched high and low for without success!)
Local Group Events:
Sunday 9th September - to Stronsay for Autumn Migrants
Time to start thinking about this outing to Stronsay to look for migrants - waders, warblers, flycatchers, etc. I can highly recommend this trip. To book tel. Dick Matson on 01856 751426.
Sunday 23rd September - to Sanday for Autumn Migrants
Situated just in sight of Fair Isle, Sanday can be a magnet for migrant birds. As well as passerine migrants it is hoped to see recently arrived ducks, geese, swans and waders. There's always the chance of a real rarity. To book tel. Grace Currie on 01856 872742.
Other Orkney activieies:
Hide Sessions are now in full swing as follows:
The Loons Hide off the B-class road between Twatt & Marwick)
Dates: August 3, 17 & 31; Sept. 7, 14,
21 & 28; October 5, 12, 19 & 26; November 16; December 14.
Burgar Hill Hide off the A966 north of Evie (follow signposts to hide which overlooks Lowries Water, Birsay). The Red-throated divers are displaying so well worth a visit.
Dates: July 27; August 10 & 24.
Hide sessions are from 10 am until 1 pm and a warden will be present to explain what you are waatching and answer any questions. Booking is not essential but if you wish to do so please call the office on 850176. This would be a good way of entertaining those summer visitors.
Hoy Heather Trails
Join the warden to enjoy the wildflowers at their best and explore the wild landscape of Hoy. Family friendly and suitable for Nature Detectives. Duration 2-3 hours. Bring a packed lunch and binoculars. Meet Moaness Pier 10.00 am. Cost £4 adults, £2 children (members free). NB: Extra cost for local bus of approx. £2. Booking essential to Lee Shields on 01856 791298.
Dates (all Saturdays): July 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25.
Papa Westray Guided Walks & Peedie Package Tours
The usual guided walks by the RSPB Warden will take place once again. For full details see the Diary of Events. Enquiries to Papay Warden 01857 644240.
Mainland Guided Walks:
Hobbister Coastal Walk
A walk across the moorland and along the Scapa coast to see displaying curlews, stonechats, fulmars and possibly raptors. Time 9.30 am. Meet Hobbister Car Park off the A964. Date: July 25.
Birds for Beginners at Brodgar
Walks take place Tuesdays until 24th July. Although aimed at beginners, everyone will enjoy this pleasant, easy walk in the heart of Orkney's World Heritage site. Time 10 am, duration up to 2 hours. Meet Ring of Brodgar car park. Cost £4 adults, £2 children (RSPB members free).Bookings must be made with Jenny Dewar on 01856 850176.
Walks on Rousay & Egilsay Warden Izzy Morgan tempts members with summer walks on these two islands. Details are as follows:
Trumland, Rousay - On this wild moorland reserve we will be keeping a look out for the hen harriers and merlin that breed in the deep heather and will be trekking up to the highest point on Rousay –Blotchnie Fiold. There may be time for a pub visit at the end of the walk. The walk will involve unimproved paths and steep gradients and is expected to take approximately 4 hours.
Meet at 9.00am at the Rousay Heritage centre (ferry will leave Tingwall at 8.20am) we will finish to meet the 14.10 ferry back to Tingwall.
Date: Thursday 2nd August
Onziebust, Egilsay - A morning stroll around the farmlands of Onziebust often yields a rich display of waders and seabirds. Come and join us to see what wildlife we can find as we take in the wetlands and coastal areas of Egilsay and learn a little more about the island. We will be using rough tracks, crossing fields with livestock in and the ground may be wet underfoot. The walk is expected to take approximately 3 hours.
Meet 9.30am at the Egilsay information room (just up from the ferry jetty) and finishing to meet the 1335 ferry back to Rousay/Tingwall.
Date:Tuesday 24th July
As you can see, events are now thinning out as the season draws to a close so don't delay if you intend joining one of the outings.
Photo Competition
Don't forget the camera when you go out and about so you can take that special picture and enter the RSPB Orkney (in association with the Orkney Camera Club) photo competition. You have until March 31st 2013 but time flies so don't waste it. I am handing out forms to tourists in the Visitor Centre so let's hope we have a good response.
Rare Sandpiper
For those who like to see something out of the ordinary - and who doesn't? - there is a Sharp Tailed Sandpiper at Swartmill Loch on Westray. Anyone desperate to see it might like to email don.otter@yahoo.com for further information on the bird.
Closer to home
Peter and I are excited that we have a Wren's nest in the byre! I have now actually seen the bird flying from the nest (which has been woven between hanging baling bands) so we are trying to cause as little disturbance as possible. At the end of the breeding season I'll take a photo of the nest and attach it for members to take a look at.
This morning there were two young Greenfinches begging for food as adult birds picked up the scattered sunflower seeds. Also begging for food over the last few days have been starling youngsters and, of course, sparrows.
However, not all the young sparrows have been lucky as twice we have seen a Hen Harrier drop down into our bushes and emerge with a small bird! A nice meal for this raptor's family I imagine!
That's it this time. I look forward to hearing from some of you about the County Show, meanwhile, please send any items of interest to me for the next email.
Best wishes
Pauline W/Orkney Local Group Sec.