With the news on 15 May that the Bearded Seal was still on Orkney - it seemed possible that it would summer. Should I go? Yes - of course.
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Out of the car at first light, John O'Groats provided excellent views of some species such as Rock Dove - these looking fairly 'pure' if you ignored any slightly more feral-looking birds (they were cropped out!!).
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Bonxies passed by very close to the cliff edge.
On arrival on Orkney (South Ronaldsay) I took the road to Kirkwall and then out to Finstown to look for the seal - would it still be there...?
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Bearded Seal - phew!
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This beastie showed superbly at low tide - giving me and some local residents excellent views.
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From all angles the 'Beard' was very obvious.
After leaving the seal, I went in search of other potential mammal ticks - without success today...
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Whilst driving down the road near Elvie I found a couple of Common Cranes flying over - a nice self-find!
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I tracked the birds for a while, whilst they dropped, before putting the news out.
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Other bits today included; Red-throated Diver
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Raven
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And many Red-breasted Mergansers (right - with Eider).
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