North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory

Founded in 1987 to monitor and record bird life on North Ronaldsay. Guest house and hostel accommodation available. For enquiries call 01857 633200

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

A very smart Temminck's Stint made census a bit more interesting today @NRonBirdObs

[George Gay @George_NRBO]

Its been a quiet day but White-tailed Eagle certainly brightened things up as it cruised low over Hooking

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

A slightly disappointing day given the easterly winds, but more than made up for by this very showy Dotterel @NRonBirdObs

[George Gay @George_NRBO]

Despite us usually not enjoying decent birds in sunny and windy conditions on North Ron, finding a Subalpine Warbler wasn’t really on my radar today, but I’ll very much take it!
As for its official identity, we’ll wait for dna!
Feathers in the post soon :) @docmartin2mc

[George Gay @George_NRBO]

I was happy with the Subalpine Warbler, but three Dotterel at Sandar was a nice surprise to round off the day.

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

A very smart Subalpine Warbler in the sun today @NRonBirdObs. The light did not help with getting a good impression of colour though, with some pics looking really rusty orange and others more pinkish. DNA sample obtained and a great find for @George_NRBO

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

A long overdue island tick today! A very nice surprise when this Crane flew past me, giving better views later on in the field at Rue @NRonBirdObs

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

North Ronaldsay's famous seaweed eating sheep (and a Little Gull) at Brides Loch this morning.

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

Always a treat when the Long-billed Dowitcher returns to @NRonBirdObs, the 1st March being it earliest return date yet

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

Hooded Crows bullying a cat. Six birds took it in turns running up to have a go, much to the cat's nonchalance. Not something I've seen before🤔

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

Some interesting beach combing finds recently. A Lobster tag most likely from Newfoundland from 2008, and a buddha from who knows where! Thanks to @peediepuss for all the info.

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

The Little Gull in Nouster Bay brightened up an otherwise wet and windy day here at @NRonBirdObs. Will the rain ever stop!? 🌧️

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

First day back @NRonBirdObs in 2026 and despite the horrible weather the birds didn't disappoint. Glaucous Gull, Little Gull, Purple Sand and White-fronted Goose all new for the year!

[North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory @NRonBirdObs]

🚨JOB OPENING🚨
We are looking to employ a housekeeper for the 2026 season, part or full time roles available! Accommodation at the observatory included. For more information and to apply please contact [email protected]
Please share!

[North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory @NRonBirdObs]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at NRBO!

[North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory @NRonBirdObs]

Another season has finished for the year with all the staff having left the island (some will be back before Christmas). A big thanks to all the staff, volunteers and guests that have contributed to another brilliant year

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

And so another season ends @NRonBirdObs. Far too many highlights to mention so thank you to everyone who made the year so great. On to next year!

[George Gay @George_NRBO]

Morning! Sibe Rubythroat before breakfast.

[North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory @NRonBirdObs]

Second island record in the nets this morning, and the first male! What a day and it’s only 0830!

[Maddy Hine @maddyhine280]

WHAT JUST HAPPENED! SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT TRAPPED THIS MORNING! @NRonBirdObs

[North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory @NRonBirdObs]

Not the phone call we were expecting from Rob at the nets this morning. 1cy male Siberian Rubythroat trapped at Holland!