My first report is from the Sanday Migrants outing last Sunday 25th September when we were blessed with decent weather once again. There were 9 of us in total and our leader was reserves warden Alan Leitch, ably assisted by Dick Matson. On the Stronsay outing the previous week a total of 74 birds was logged so we were anxious to beat this, but had to be content with 71 species seen from leaving the harbour, however 66 of these were noted on Sanday.
Keen-eyed Alan soon spotted a group of 6 Brent Geese from the ferry; the black guillemots were changing to their winter plumage and looked different from our normal summer views of them. The previous week we had seen lots of wheatears but I think there were even more on Sanday with Alan counting at least 50. My favourite was a yellow-browed Warbler seen at Stove; we had splendid views of this tiny bird. Having missed the Redstart on Stronsay, I was delighted to catch a quick but good glance of one this time. There were a few sightings of Blackcap on Sanday as well as Redpoll, Willow Warbler, Whinchat and Goldcrest; raptors Hen Harrier and Kestrel put on fine displays for us to admire. A kestrel perched by a chimney pot stayed there long enough for Alan to take a photo (unfortunately my camera was in the other car!)
Five of us decided to trek out to the lighthouse at Start Point and, although only we only saw a family of mute swans and a lone wheatear, the very act of standing alongside this striking beacon was reward in itself.
Many thanks to Alan and Dick for their driving and wealth of information on the day. Notable birds seen:
Brent Geese (6 dark bellies) enroute from ferry;
Migrant passerines were: Redpoll (3), Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Stove), Whinchat (2), Blackcap (2), Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Wheatear (50+) and a Common Redstart.
Other highlights: Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel, Hen Harrier, Arctic Tern (2), Ruff (3), Golden Plover (100's), Canada Goose (1 adult plus 3 hybrid young), Raven (30+) and Whooper Swan (22). A single Wheatear at Start Point.
Photos - One of the group on Sanday and one showing Thelma Irvine, Alan Leitch and Rosemary McCance dwarfed by the Start Point Lighthouse.
Hide Sessions
There are only two more 'Warden Surgery' events for this year:Mill Dam Hide, Shapinsay: Oct 7. (10.30 until 1 pm) and The Loons Hide: Oct 21. (9.30 until 12.30)
I understand the hide sessions have been very popular and visitors are bound to have appreciated them so I hope they will take place during 2012.
Thurs. 3rd November - Chas Holt - The Wetland Bird Survey in Scotland. (Note, the RSPB Local Group AGM will be taking place before this talk).
WEX Outing
The next Wex event will take place on Sunday 9th October and goes under the title of 'Mammal Mosaic', covering the subject of which mammals live in Orkney; where - and how - do they survive? Time 2-4 pm. Meet Pickaquoy Centre. This is family friendly and wet weather gear is essential, together with outdoor footwear. This is also recommended for Nature Detectives. Cost £1 for members; £1.50 non-members.
Feed the Birds Day
A sure sign the year is wearing on is the annual RSPB Feed the Birds Day which is on Saturday 29th October. Once again staff and volunteers from the Orkney Local Group will be on hand at Wellpark Garden Centre offering practical advice to the general public on all aspects of bird feeding. Children always make a beeline for our display area and the chance to get their hands nice and sticky making fatballs, pastry maggots, etc! If you are in Kirkwall that day, please come along and have a word and perhaps pick up a few feeding tips.
Annual General Meeting
Make a note of the date 3rd November when the RSPB Local Group AGM will be held at The St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall starting at 7.30 pm. Find out what's been happening during 2011 and welcome in the 2012 committee (up to press there are no changes to personnel). Following the AGM there will be tea, coffee and biscuits plus the chance to buy RSPB Christmas cards, calendars, etc. It will be nice to see a good turnout of our local group members. A raffle will be held - we have a Snowy Owl 'Limoges' plate kindly donated by Neil & Rosemary McCance, also a bottle of Orkney wine so worth having a go. Many thanks to Neil & Rosemary for this generous offer.
Following the AGM members are invited to stay for the SOC talk on 'The Wetland Bird Survey in Scotland' by Chas Holt
Charities Bazaar, Saturday 12th November
Once again the RSPB Local Group will be manning a table at the Bazaar and I am hoping some of our members will volunteer to lend a hand once again. The event is from 10 until 3 so if you are interested in helping, please email or ring me (741382).
We will, of course, be holding a raffle and I have had a most generous donation from member Kate Barrett of one of her paintings. This is of a Lapwing and I am attaching a picture of this - I would love to win it! We will also be having other prizes.
Love Nature Week
Following the success of our Love Nature events and Orkney Group's mention in despatches, I have already received an email asking if we would be willing to give it a go again next year. I've intimated that we will so I hope to cajole some of our members onto the streets again in 2012!
Best wishesPauline Wilson / Local Group Sec.