I'm hopefully posting this after the third attempt, I'd like to blame the computer but I think it was probably user error!
The Loons Hide Session - Friday 15th
Friday morning was bright and warm (ish, it's all relative!) and The Loons was filled with the sound of snipe drumming, curlews bubbling, a merlin flew past, the mute swan was sitting on her nest and a heron was quietly sitting in the reed bed. Apart from the weather, it was very similar to a fortnight ago but spring is gradually progressing. Lapwings are now sitting on nests, others still displaying, scraping nests and a few males were arguing over territorial boundaries. Redshank and oystercatchers were also displaying and alarming.
There were plenty of greylags using the wetland, with a flock of over 1000 pink-footed geese in the neighbouring fields, refueling and resting on their journey north. There were several duck species visible over the course of the morning, with a pair of tufted duck around most of the time. Teal and mallard were loafing on the pool edges and there were very brief visits from pintail and gadwall. See pictures below of the gadwall, taken by Ian Cunnigham.
Moorhen and coot were showing well all morning and a little grebe was diving amongst the bog bean, looking for food. The water rail was screeching occasionally. A few twite and meadow pipits passed overhead, and a pair of reed bunting were flitting around the reeds infront of the hide. The morning ended with a hunting male hen harrier being forced off the reserve by several unimpressed lapwing.
Interesting record from the sightings book: 3 otters on the 12/4
Next event: Wednesday 20th April - Hobbister Coastal Walk
Join us on a walk across the moorland and along the Scapa Flow coastline. Meet: Hobbister Car Park off the A964 (HY395069) Time:9.30am Cost: RSPB members: free, non-members:adults £2, children £1, infants free. Info/bookings: Orkney Office 01856 850176
Great images Ian.