The following events are taking place on Mainland Orkney this week. Stout footwear and waterproofs are required for these events. Call the RSPB office in Stromness to book - 01856 850176 or indeed just turn up!
Tuesday 7th June Come and learn about Orkney’s birds and wildlife on a guided walk around the RSPB reserve surrounding the Ring of Brodgar, spotting birds as you go. You will be accompanied by friendly RSPB staff and volunteers. Although aimed at beginners, everyone will enjoy this pleasant, easy walk in the heart of Orkney’s World Heritage Site.Time: 10.30am, duration up to 2 hours. meet: Ring of Brodgar car park (HY295135). cost: RSPB members free; non-members: adults £2; children (under-16) £1; infants free. Wednesday 8th JuneCome and see, hear and smell this seabird spectacular with the RSPB Warden at the magnificent Marwick Head reserve. time: 10am Cost: RSPB members free; non-members: adult £2; children (under-16) £1; infants free. Meet: Marwick Bay Car Park (HY230242). Thursday 9th JuneGuided walk around the Ring of Brodgar led jointly by the Historic Scotland Rangers and RSPB staff. You will learn about history as well as the birds and wildlife in and around this Neolithic Site.Time: 2.30pm Meet: Brodgar Car ParkFriday 10th JuneThe warden will be available to show you birds, help with identification, provide optical advice, answer general enquiries and indeed point you in the direction of other good bird-watching areas on Orkney.Wildfowl & waders. Singing sedge warbler, reed bunting and the odd scream from the elusive water rail. Hunting hen harrier and short-eared owls a possibility. Target species black-tailed godwits.Time: 9.30am until 12.30pm meet: The Loons Hide off the B-class road between Twatt & Marwick (HY247243). cost: free. Recent Reserve Wildlife News
Wood Sandpiper and Garganey at Loch of Banks 31st May & 5th June respectively. The same site was graced by three Otters on 19 May, two weeks later the same individuals (perhaps) were recorded at The Loons on 4th June. Short-eared Owls are quite obvious now as they hunt for food for large young, indeed fledged young are already on the wing. At Marwick, a few Puffins can be picked out with a careful check of the cliff face and a female Peregrine has been recorded on three occasions recently. Red-throated Divers are showing well at Burgar Hill Hide. Happy spotting...
Please report any sightings in the notebooks that can be found in the hides or indeed call them in to the office - 01856 850176
Cheers Alan