Well today's hide surgery session was going along nicely with; (8) Snipe treating us to an aerial display, (70) Pink-footed geese had recently arrived on migration from Iceland. A Greenshank was seen distantly, (4) Kestrel, (2) Raven, (5) Shoveler, a Pintail & Red-breasted merganser along with the resident Greylags and a distant Hen Harrier (ring-tail). Water Rail & Reed Bunting were heard calling from the reedbed area. An impressive flock of Golden Plover numbered in the high hundreds were occasionally taking flight. A female Merlin gave a fleeting view as it passed by.
The relaxed atmosphere erupted when a ring-tail harrier came from our right hand side over the reedbed "PALLID" was the cry from the hide! Now this type of sighting does not happen every day and Pallid Harriers are extremely unusual to be seen in the UK. However, this autumn has seen an unusual influx with perhaps as many as 10 being reported. This bird represents only the second ever recorded on Orkney (to my knowledge) with the last in 1995. The initial sighting though was over so quickly and although all present got an excellent view, we still wanted more...an hour or so passed when the bird (a juvenile) finally appeared back in front of the hide this time I had my camera ready and fortunately it was showing an interest in a Water Rail so hovered briefly over the reeds and circled while the rail squealed at it and presumably legged it.... the bird then headed towards Marwick. What a bird!
I gather the bird was seen again in the afternoon by a local birder who got a few more photographs. Let us hope it stays around for a while to be enjoyed by all.
Cheers Al