Avocet

I went over to Stronsay looking for migrant birds. At the Loch of Rothiesholm I saw this avocet- only the second I have seen in Orkney, though it is becoming ever commoner down south. I met a local couple out birdwatching and they have never had an avocet on the island in their 33 year residence so they went off to try and find it. A cuckoo flew across the road and I managed to get a few shots as it was more concerned about the meadow pipits that were mobbing it than me, I have included a shot as extra. I have also uploaded a shot of swallows, sand martin and house martin sharing the same stretch of wire- a first for me.