Challenging weather conditions again today albeit the rain cleared through earlier than forecast but the wind increased in strength. After taking a look around Norwick, Brydon kindly sent us a head's-up that a pod of Orcas were moving north from Haroldswick. We headed for Lamba Ness where whilst photographing a flock of Snow Buntings flying north over the sea, I noticed an Orca in the viewfinder! Being new for Richard, he was quickly onto it, but all too soon it submerged and despite scanning we failed to see it again. As we drove through Norwick the Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll (the one in our garden yesterday) was being watched by a visiting birder and we obtained brief views of it before it was flushed by a passing car.
Norwick: 5 Long-tailed Ducks, Jack Snipe, Bonxie, Robin, c.25 Redwings, Chiffchaff, Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Northwestern Redpoll, 2 Siskin, c.20 Brambling & c.25 Chaffinches.
Lamba Ness: Pink-footed Goose, 2 Bonxies N, Puffin N & c.10 Snow Buntings.
