Hi Everybody
Ian's photos start us off yet again and this time we have pictures of Shoveller Ducks. 1st is a delightful study of the head of a female as she peers out from behind the foliage; 2nd a female swimming peacefully by; 3rd a really delightful shot of a female proudly showing off her 3 shoveller ducklings. (Not only do we admire Ian's super pics but how does he find the birds to begin with? More of Ian's photos soon).
Noup Head Loop, Westray
It was fingers crossed for a fine day last Sunday 17th June when 9 of us crossed over to Westray for what has now become an annual outing. Often this walk attracts visitors to Orkney and this year was no exception. We welcomed Phil who was staying with one of our members. Also we were happy to be joined by Ann, Joan and MaryBeth from north New York State in America. (These 3 ladies have been enjoying a holiday in Orkney, not for the first time. They have been out on several walks with Tim Dean and have so much enjoyed the birdlife that they all joined the RSPB during their stay and wish to be kept up-to-date with happenings within our group!)
With just one or two light showers during the day the weather wasn't too bad and warden Lorna Dow led a most enjoyable walk, pointing out the birds and giving us valuable facts and figures about different species. We were privileged to see Gannet chicks on the cliffs also guillemot and razorbill young; there were plenty of fulmars sat tight on their eggs, also we were treated to nice displays of their unique floating around the clifftops. Black guillemots - with their red legs and gape - were much admired and, of course, puffins continued to delight us, particularly Phil! One of our American friends, Ann, does research on Peregrine Falcons so how appropriate that one was perched atop the Noup Cliffs giving us excellent views of this handsome bird.
Another nice sighting was a Ringed Plover chick along with its parents, and we saw several Wheatears during the course of our walk.
The full species list was: Gannet, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Fulmar, Rock Pipit, Wheatear, Starling, Shag, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Rock Dove, Puffin, Hooded Crow, Blackbird, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Ringed Plover, Twite, Greater Black- backed Gull, Razorbill, Pied Wagtail, Peregrine Falcon, Wren, Arctic Tern, Eider, Black-headed Gull.
Finally, Lorna took us to a spot near the lighthouse to see approx. 170 seals lying about and relaxing.
We headed down from the Noup and were picked up by Kenneth's minibus to be taken to the Pierowall to socialise over a well-earned meal before heading back to the ferry. Many thanks to Lorna for leading this super day on Westray. Photos as follows:
1 Lorna points out something of interest to some of the group;
2 A fulmar looks on quizzically as MaryBeth, myself and Ann look at the birds;
3 Relaxing after our picnic (l to r) Lorna Dow, Shirley Tolley, MaryBeth, Julie Rickards, Phil, Joan, Ann, Alli Kemp. (photos 1 & 2 by Shirley Tolley, 3 by yours truly)
Orkney Bird Report
The 2011 report is now published and in the shops so you will easily be able to pick up a copy. The is packed with local bird facts and figures for 2011 and well worth the modest price. The book is also available from Jim Williams (01856 761317) and in the Visitor Centre, also they will be on the RSPB sales tables at various events.
Storm Petrel Ringing - Night of Sat 21/Sun 22 July
This is led by RSPB warden Alan Leitch to watch the catching and ringing of the nocturnal storm petrel and listen to their eerie calls. To book telephone Alan Leitch or Morag Wilson on 01856 850176. The reserve date is Sat. 28/Sun 29 July.
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 events:
Hide Sessions are now in full swing as follows:
The Loons Hide off the B-class road between Twatt & Marwick)
Dates: July 6 & 20; 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: June 29; July 13 & 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.
Wild Hoy Walks
Just one more left - Saturday June 30th.
Hoy is a fabulous island and here's a chance to enjoy the amazing wild landscape. Join the warden to learn more about the wildlife and history. Family friendly and suitable for Nature Detectives. Duration is 2-3 hours. Please bring a packed lunch and binoculars. Meet Moaness Pier 10 am. (Note extra cost for local bus transport of approx. £2).
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 7, 14, 21, 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 are now under way:
Marwick's Seabird City
Come see, hear and smell this seabird spectacle with the RSPB Warden at the Marwick Head Reserve. Time 10.00 am, meet Marwick Bay Car Park.
Dates: July 4, 18.
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.
Dates: June 27; July 11, 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.
Dates: Thursday 5th July, 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.
Dates: Tuesday 17th July, 24th July
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.
That's about it this time. Please let me have any items of interest for future Latest Happenings.
Best wishes
Pauline W/Local Group Sec.