The 2023 edition arrived
and, as always, is a mine of information with a Monthly Summary, many facts and figures about, for example, breeding birds, rarities, ringing etc.
There are photographic images in the section entitled ‘Birds in Portrait’ including – after decades of absence from Orkney becoming a more common sight – a White-tailed Eagle!
There are also images of original art works – I particularly like the Woodcock by Darren Woodhead – showing the bird’s mastery of camouflage.
In the ‘Rarity Finder’s Accounts’ there’s a first for North Ronaldsay – a Harlequin Duck. I developed a liking for Harlequin Ducks when working at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, because of their neat, compact shape and the smart pattern of their colouring.
And then there’s the ‘Non-Avian’ section which is mostly moths including another example of Nature’s camouflage – a Double-lobed moth on a branch ‘caught’ by George Gay – who also presents a pic of the ethereal Willow Ermine moth.
At the back of the Report there’s a basic but useful map to give an idea of where places are in North Ronaldsay.
The Report costs just £15 and previous Reports are still available at a reduced price – but if you become a ‘Friend of…’ you get this year’s FREE!
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