Birdwatching on Orkney (Part One)

As we drove into Dounby after arriving in Orkney, an Oyster Catcher flew across the road. Their cries mingled with the call of the Curlew could be heard in most parts of Orkney Mainland. In the fields we saw Linnets, Meadow Pipits, Lapwings and heard the songs of numerous Larks soaring above us. There were other small birds we were unable to identify. Along the coast, the shore and cliffs were covered with sea birds.Orkney must be a birdwatcher's paradise. I've never seen so many birds in one place before.

Eider ducks and drakes seen from the Broch of Gurness

  

 Artic Terns seen from the Broch of Gurness

Mutes swan on nest near Standing Stones, Stenness

Oyster Catcher near Brough of Birsay trying to lead people away from its nest.

Oyster Catcher eggs.

Eider duck on nest. I suddenly saw her as I walked along the path on Birsay and she was doing her best to be invisible.

Eider ducks and ducklings seen from Lamb Holm