Well done Northlink

 Have to say they have done well. They are covering Roanna's extra expenses and refunding some of the ticket for the dodgy ferry trip

 Better than expected.

Spring is starting to bring migrants and regulars. Plenty of Golden Plover round the house.

We have had a hare near the house for a while . It's going brown now 

Melby is still in-between winter and summer birds so it's quiet. But several great northern divers are hanging around and a few other bits and bobs.

Nice surprise with some lambs on the way home.

Good birds

 Yesterday we needed a shop, so, we went to Tesco's, not so exciting!

Jill made it better by having a quick wander up and down Sound burn, with Rob birdwatching from the car. It was pretty good with  Redpoll, Siskin, Crossbill and Chiffchaff. Rob picked up a Brambling from the car.

Plenty of spring flowers too.

Today, our guests are staying and not checking out so we spent some time in the garden chopping pallets for firewood and tidying in the byre. Then we had a break on our patch. Jill started a Dale in the plantation. 2 chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and...   

A beautiful sparrowhawk having a snooze time.

And then an amazing male grouse.

Melby was quiet.

Cracking day for photography and back to our lovely guests.

Wheatears are back

 Spring is on its away although the weather isn't showing it. We were so lucky to get some lovely days when Roanna was up. It's been nasty since.

We  have some guests this week so made the most of only one check in, and had a quick drive out to Melby.

There were quite a few Golden Plover around the house that we checked out in case last year's American Golden Plover turns up.

Also lots of curlew, that Jill now calls pegits, as that's what they do..

At Melby there was one great northern diver and a nice wheatear.

It was hard holding him the camera still.

Then it was back in time for our guests arrival.