Minke

 The last of the Arctic tern families have moved from Watsness. There is a big gathering at Norby so we wonder if some are ours.

Little dude is still doing well.

We had two swallows that struggled with a nest in the barn which was a shame as they have not nested here before, however we are delighted that their 2nd nest has been successful. It's very dark in the and we don't want to disturb them but it looks like there are at least two 

And to top a good day, our first flowering foxglove in the garden

This afternoon, Jill had a bit of time after grass cutting, to go for a walk down to the cliffs. Still lots of flowers, good numbers of birds and a Minke!!!

It was a lovely walk

It clouded over before getting home so it was disappointing for the eclipse . If cleared near the end!

One dip and one in the bag

 Actually had some sun today so after guests breakfast we headed out as there was news of a woodchat shrike on Unst. Unfortunately we got caught up with ferry issues, so we really didn't have very long at all.

Jill went looking and couldn't find it while Rob watched some tree sparrows.

Lots of collared doves too

We got back in time to meet our new guest, Ann. Our first lady motorcyclist . Then we decided to try again and headed to Virkie for the showy rare, Baird's Sandpiper. It didn't disappoint.

Also a few other bits, turnstones, and eider

Good end to the day- a visit to the chippie.