In late October, North Ronaldsay produced an extraordinary double of rare Asian robins – a Rufous-tailed Robin and a male Siberian Rubythroat – which were discovered within days of each other. Finders George Gay and Robert Duncan recount the two unforgettable moments on the island.

Research in the Cairngorms National Park has shown that non-lethal predator management can significantly boost breeding success for Western Capercaillie. The three-year study revealed that with the number of chicks per female more than doubled in areas with diversionary feeding taking place. With fewer than 550 individuals left in Britain, there is a serious risk of Western Capercaillie becoming extinct for a second time nationally.

North Ronaldsay's splendid autumn continued when another mega thrush – this time an Eyebrowed Thrush – was found by Craig Forsyth in early November 2024.

18th September 2023. North Ronaldsay. Magic. Unsettled and blustery westerlies had persisted until the 3rd week of September. The first real easterlies since August has been forecasted, and anticipati...