Stunning male Red-backed Shrike near Everland this afternoon (found by Beth Aucott)

Ridiculous views of Red-necked Phalaropes today

A wild day with occasional heavy downpours but at least the sun was shining on this pair early afternoon.

In the worst of the weather a good count of 8 birds (4m + 4f) were on the sea at Aith

Busy carrying out surveys today which took me to prime Bonxie country. They weren’t at all happy with my presence as they pursued their relentless dive-bombing

An Arctic Skua patrolling Tresta Beach. The Tirricks were not happy.

Spent an enjoyable half hour watching a dozen (8f + 4m) RNPhals feeding on the sea, in the late evening light.

Found a stunning male Red-backed Shrike today. Unfortunately it was distant so only managed a naff record shot. In my defence, it was 300m away...

Drumming Snipe over Funzie Mires this afternoon

All quiet on the birding front but 5 or 6 Rissos provided some late entertainment today

Delighted to see that the pair of Red-throated Divers I’ve been watching closely (for several years now) have produced their usual complement of two chicks. Hopefully they’ll keep them safe from predators until they’re fully fledged 🤞

Arctic Skua causing havoc among the (many) juvenile Tirrick's this afternoon.

Haven’t seen a single one on the island since 19th April so it was good to find a Merlin in Feal plantation today.

Ruff at Funzie today

Short-eared Owl at Funzie today

3 more Ruff today, this time in the cut field at Aith

Merlin in my back garden just now. (taken through a very grubby back door window)

A nice start to the new month. Red-backed Shrike at The Haa of Funzie

The Merlin returned to roost in my back garden this evening at 8pm

A few migrants in today. Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat and Pied Fly.