New Arrivals...

How better to celebrate mid-winter (erm...I mean summer!!) than the discovery of a Whimbrel  (Spói) chick today while coming back from taking photographs of the new bridge.  Despite a cold wind today we have had some lovely sunshine and managed to get out on the reserve to count nests in part of the Arctic Tern Colony (270 nests, with some areas still left to count). 


The adult Whimbrel must have nested close to the path that goes to the sea cliffs and after watching their distraction behavior for a couple of minutes we spotted a little speckled head on a mound near the path.


The whimbrel is a large wading bird. It has longish legs and a long bill that curves near the tip. It is brownish above and whitish below. In flight, it shows a white 'V' shape up its back from its tail (RSPB Website).

Adult Whimbrel

Whimbrel Chick hiding in the grass