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.
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!!).
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...?
Bearded Seal - phew!
This beastie showed superbly at low tide - giving me and some local residents excellent views.
From all angles the 'Beard' was very obvious.
After leaving the seal, I went in search of other potential mammal ticks - without success today...
Whilst driving down the road near Elvie I found a couple of Common Cranes flying over - a nice self-find!
I tracked the birds for a while, whilst they dropped, before putting the news out.
Other bits today included; Red-throated Diver
Raven
And many Red-breasted Mergansers (right - with Eider).
Treble Brown Spot
Common Quaker (but it felt different from the Scottish ones of last week).
Common Swift (a better marked individual than yesterday).
Tawny Marbled Minor (well, it looked like one - but it could be a Marbled...).
Large Yellow Underwing
Dunno Moth 1
Dunno Moth 2
Dunno Moth 3
Dunno Moth 4
Common Swift (I reckon) - but not quite as well marked as I thought it would be. Perhaps it's something else.
Marbled Minor - well, at least it looks like the one in the book.
Treble Lines
Light Brocade
Shears
Large Nutmeg (I think!)
Rustic Shoulder-knot (I think!)
Poplar Hawkmoth
Poplar Hawkmoth (female?)
Poplar Hawkmoths
Lesser Swallow Prominent
Dunno Moth!
Cockchafer
A quiet night with nothing new except this (presumed) White Ermine - though it could be a Buff Ermine...
Hooded Crows - everywhere
Great Northern Diver - lots in the coastal lochs
Black Guillemots - common around the coast.
This Common Seal made it a three seal species trip.
This Common Hare made it a three Lagomorph trip.
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!!).
Bonxies passed by very close to the cliff edge.
Bearded Seal - phew!
This beastie showed superbly at low tide - giving me and some local residents excellent views.
From all angles the 'Beard' was very obvious.
Whilst driving down the road near Elvie I found a couple of Common Cranes flying over - a nice self-find!
I tracked the birds for a while, whilst they dropped, before putting the news out.
Other bits today included; Red-throated Diver
Raven
And many Red-breasted Mergansers (right - with Eider).
