A Natural History Audit for the Island of , Commissioned by the Westray Development Trust

Researched and compiled by Martin Gray May 2002 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

INTRODUCTION

I cannot remember a time in my life normal part of that system. There are when I wasn’t interested in wildlife. statutory and charitable bodies which Many interests waxed and waned but are involved in influencing change and natural history, and especially, they use the data in front of them to became a constant. Under the guiding try to achieve the best compromise influence of several active local among interested parties. naturalists, I too began to observe and record whatever I came across. Now, The “sometime” is now, and I strongly nearly 30 years later, I’m still doing it. believe that the “somebody” should include a de-centralised interest group. Why? I intend no disrespect but my personal opinion is that those closest to the The information gathered is going to ground must know, value and be, you hope, of use to somebody, appreciate the resources within their sometime. You are contributing to a custodianship the best. mine of historical and contemporary data which can give us the insight we My intention with this project has been seek to the complexities of all the to deliver to the Westray community an biological forms which live alongside audit of the flora and fauna of the us. These are fine sentiments, but this island to date. is where I personally become a little uncomfortable with the notion of I have great faith that this document exactly how and by whom, and in will be used to the advantage of the whose name all this information is to Westray community, to their common be used. good, and to the benefit of the vast wildlife resource in their safe-keepings Now a very hackneyed phrase, we are the stewards of the environment we inherit. This I have a fundamental belief in. I also know that it is a dynamic system, and change is a The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PART ONE Breeding Birds The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

LITTLE GREBE 1999 found 4252 apparently occupied (Tachybaptus ruficollis) sites. Fulmars also nest at lower densities on the cliffs all the way from Though not proven every year this Weatherness to the Noup and on inland species is probably a regular beeder on crags and in old quarries. Even low the Burness Loch. Recently, in April banks have been occupied and inland most years there are sightings of adults sites at ground level. on the loch. This is before the Fulmars are one of the longest lived of emergent vegetation grows and all birds with one ringed individual on obscures the fringes of the water body retrapped 44 years after first and provides seclusion for this very shy being marked. They breed first at 6-10 . On 31st August 1996, six were years old and lay only one egg which seen here and this could well represent they uniquely defend by spitting their family parties of the year. oily stomach contents; accurate up to 8 In 1999, two pairs were recorded feet range! breeding on the Burness Loch and one Birds are present in and around the pair at Swartmill Loch. Probably less breeding areas for most of the year but than 20 pairs of this secretive water numbers often dip in late autumn. bird breed in Orkney First eggs are laid around mid-May with young appearing after a 7 week incubation in late July. Chicks fledge at the end of August or in early FULMAR September. (Fulmarus glacialis) Local name: Maaliemac

The Fulmar was a rare bird in Orkney CORMORANT in the 19th Century and was said to (Phalacrocorax carbo) have only been found deep at sea or Local name: Skarf, Scarfie, Hiblin occasionally inshore after storms. The first breeding in Orkney was on in There are no breeding records but the 1900, followed the next year on presence of up to 22 birds on the Holm Westray by a breeding attempt at the of Aikerness during summer 1999 Noup. These two attempts heralded invited some suspicion of breeding. one of the most spectacular If proven this would be a new Orkney colonisations by any bird in recent colony. Other colonies in Orkney are times. By 1943, Lack stated that it had declining in number e.g. Seal Skerry increased rapidly and by 1968, Balfour off which saw an 80% believed that it was now widespread reduction in AONs between 1985 and around almost all the coasts. The 2001. massive seabird survey ‘Operation A winter gathering of 16 birds was Seafarer’ in 1969-70 revealed 47304 found in the Bay of Tuquoy on 22nd pairs and this had further increased to March 1994, (pers obs). 88560 apparently occupied nests (AON) in Orkney in 1985-87. Westray’s stake in this has been significant and a sea based count of the RSPB Noup Cliffs reserve found 1620 AONs. A land based count of this site in 1994 appeared to show a decrease to 1129 AONs. A full count of the entire west cliffs from the Noup to Inganess in summer

1 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

SHAG WHOOPER SWAN (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) (Cygnus cygnus) Local name: Skarf, Skarfie There are no breeding records but in This common coastal species is found recent years one-four adults, which are all year around Westray and a survey of normally winter visitors, have spent the the entire west cliffs found 89 summer months on the freshwater apparently occupied nests in June lochs, Saintear in particular. 1999. Due to this species somewhat secretive breeding habits, this figure can be taken as a minimum. In any case an unknown number also nest on SHELDUCK the cliffs in the south east of the island (Tadorna tadorna) and possibly also around the Aikerness Local name: Links Goose headland. Outwith the breeding season an A common breeder, often nesting on unknown number remain around the old rabbit burrows in sandy links. The island, for example 120 in Ouse and the Bay of Tuquoy were Sound on 25th August 1998 found to hold 16-30 birds each in 1986, with records of 1-5 at two other sites. The island population was estimated at 20 pairs in 1998; a significant proportion of the estimated Orkney MUTE SWAN population of 80 pairs, (Eggeling, (Cygnus olor) 1983). A nest has been found in deep heather in the White . Each of the freshwater lochs hold one- Adult Shelduck leave the Orkney three pairs each year with a maximum breeding grounds in late summer for of five pairs breeding in 1991, single their moulting areas on the German pairs on Swartmill and Burness Lochs coast. Almost all have gone and three pairs on Saintear Loch. by the end of August and occasional In recent years a pair has settled at the sightings in September almost always Ayre of Roadmire and these reared referring to juveniles. The first three young in 1999. Otters have been returning birds are back in Orkney by suspected of predating this brood. mid-December and numbers build Records show that it is not uncommon steadily through the rest of the winter for some of these pairs to rear broods period. A count of 41 in the Bay of of up to six young. Small numbers of Tuquoy on 22nd March 1994 must adults and immatures frequent the reflect the bulk of the islands breeding waterfront but are not population. Interestingly numbers thought to breed there. The maximum decrease in April and this is probably count recorded was 17 adults on because they are more secretive when Swartmill Loch on 17th August 1998. prospecting breeding sites. Broods of young emerge in late May and it is not unusual to find large ‘crèches’ of 20+ young in summer.

2 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

WIGEON MALLARD (Anas penelope) (Anas platyrhynchos) Local name Stocker Noted by Booth et al (1984) as having bred on Westray between 1974-83 but This is the commonest breeding no further details are given. One pair freshwater wildfowl species in Orkney was recorded in suitable breeding and this holds true for Westray as well. habitat at Saintear Loch in 1987 with All freshwater lochs and marshes three pairs there in 1993. A single pair visited in the survey of 1993-94 held was also recorded at Swartmill Loch in breeding birds and undoubtedly many these years and six birds were here on pairs were missed. That survey revealed 13th June 1997. This species probably a minimum of 36 pairs throughout the breeds in very small numbers on island with a site maximum of 10 pairs Westray most years. It is of course at the Burness Loch in 1993. An much better known as a winter visitor estimated population of 50-100 pairs with probably in excess of 1000 birds would seem reasonable for Westray. As present. The highest recent count was with other members of the dabbling of 525 birds on the south Westray duck family, the secretive habits of coastline (Inganess to Rapness) in brooding females means that they are January 1994 virtually impossible to census. The accepted survey technique is to count the ‘off-duty’ males as representing the breeding population for that site. TEAL As with the previous two species, the (Anas crecca) Mallard is a common winter visitor and several hundred spend this season in Breeds annually in small numbers Westray. A count of 166 from Inganess around most wetlands but, as with to Rapness in January 1994 represents most wildfowl, the actual population a fraction of the total island number at level is difficult to assess accurately. this time. A wetland survey in 1993-94 produced records of five pairs on the island. I would suggest that a realistic estimate of breeding birds would be in the order SHOVELER of 10-20 pairs. A pair has been seen in (Anas clypeata) most recent years at Roadmire. A common winter visitor from An uncommon breeding species northern Europe and Iceland, and most with only four pairs located in wetlands will hold a few dozen birds at the wetland survey of 1993-94. least. The only quantifiable winter This probably slightly under- counts were in the winter on 1993-94 represents the actual breeding when a maximum of 176 were found population which may be in the between Inganess and Rapness in region of five-ten pairs. A pair January 1994. have been seen at Roadmire in the last few springs. Though Shoveler are uncommon breeders throughout Orkney, they winter almost exclusively in the north isles. The only recent count from Westray in this period is of six on the Swartmill Loch on 26th January 1994

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TUFTED DUCK COMMON KESTREL (Aythya fuligula) (Falco tinnunculus) Local name: Moosie haak Breeds on each of the main freshwater bodies on the island with a record from Several traditional sites are known on 1994 of five broods of young on the Westray, at Rackwick, Rapness Cliffs, Burness Loch and six pairs there in Noltland Castle, Vins Hamar and 1987. Six pairs were recorded on the Sheepy Kirk. The first of these is on a island in 1999. low sea cliff in an abandoned nest of This species is more abundant in Hooded Crow. These sites are often winter on the Saintear, Burness and successful and that on the Rapness Swartmill Lochs with small numbers Cliffs reared five young in 1991 though also present on Loch of the Stack and the very public Noltland Castle site Ayre of Roadmire at least. failed in 1996 when the castle was undergoing extensive repairs. The Sheepy Kirk site has been used for at least 80 years! COMMON EIDER (Somateria mollissima) Local name: Dunter PEREGRINE This is a common breeding (Falco peregrinus) species but one for which very little data exists in the literature. Two sites are known, both on sea cliffs. Broods of young are a common Both these regularly show signs of sight around the shoreline in occupation (bird kills along the cliff top May-July but there are no within the territory) in the pre- estimates of a breeding breeding season and sometimes in population or their distribution. summer but evidence of a successful On the Aikerness Hill, three incubating breeding effort remains elusive. This females were found in summer 1994. species is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1984 and an intentional visit to an occupied territory demands an RED-BREASTED MERGANSER appropriate license. (Mergus serrator)

There are no confirmed breeding records but the wetland survey of 1987 WATER RAIL found single pairs on Saintear and (Rallus aquaticus) Swartmill Lochs. There is little information on any migrant or There are no firm breeding records but wintering population levels but the the presence of at least one bird calling species is regularly encountered in throughout summer 1993 in the reed sheltered bays along the east coast and bed at Ayre of Roadmire invited is bound to be commoner than the suspicion that a breeding attempt may above information suggests. It is have taken place in what is very frequently seen near Gill Pier in groups suitable habitat. This is an extremely of four-six. elusive species and probably breeds more widely; much sutable habitat exists around the lochs of Burness and Saintear.

4 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

CORNCRAKE Roadmire give excellent views if (Crex crex) watched (with patience) from a car.

Formerly a common summer visitor to hayfields and areas of iris or nettle this COOT species has declined within living (Fulica atra) memory from near pest status to virtual extinction. Balfour (1968) The Burness Loch is undoubtedly the stated that it had declined considerably centre of population for this species in and in 1972 he found it to be most Westray as the wetland survey of 1993 common in the north isles. A complete found an impressive 12 pairs nesting. survey in 1979 found 102-104 calling Only four pairs were recorded as males throughout Orkney; 11-12 were breeding there in 1987. Otherwise, in Westray. A mere eight years later in Coot seems to breed also at the 1987 this had declined to three calling Swartmill Loch (single pairs in 1987 males. Years when no birds are and 1993 but 12 pairs in 1998) and recorded have become the norm sporadically at Saintear Loch. In 1994 recently but three males called all two pairs bred at the Ayre of Roadmire. summer in the Westside in 2001. A flock of 60 were on Burness Loch in Despite this ray of hope, it still seems August 1991. quite possible that this distinctive part Coot are present all year on Westray of the former Orcadian environment and as with the previous species, it is will slip away for good in the near possible that winter numbers (for future. which there is no documentation) include some continental visitors. As a winter visitor, this species has MOORHEN increased dramatically in Orkney in (Gallinula chloropus) recent years with mainland counts in Local name: Waterhen 1999 of 625 from Loch of Bosquoy in October and 922 on Loch of in A fairly common breeder in wetland November. habitat. A survey in 1993-94 found three pairs at the Ayre of Roadmire; five pairs at Burness Loch and a further OYSTERCATCHER two pairs elsewhere in the island. This (Himantopus ostralegus) will almost certainly be an under- Local name: Chaldro, Scottie, Scotto estimate of the island population which may be nearer 20 pairs. A very common breeding species Moorhens breed in dense cover, often though most of this population leaves in reeds or iris, where they lay a clutch Orkney in winter. Six of up to 12 eggs. On hatching the tiny randomly selected 1km2 were young are jet black and are able to chosen from the OS grid on leave the nest almost immediately, Westray in 1993 for an RSPB following the parents into nearby survey of lowland breeding vegetation. waders. This 6km2 sample of It seems likely that the local population agricultural land revealed 120 is augmented in winter by birds fleeing breeding pairs of the cold continental winter. Small Oystercatcher, equivalent to groups of Moorhens can be seen in the one pair per 5 ha2. There was no follow vicinity of wetlands feeding at field up survey to determine the percentage edges at this time of year. This is a very of successful pairs but these breeding shy species but the breeding birds at densities were among the highest

5 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

recorded in that survey ( 67 1km2 grids inland. Some prime habitat was not were sampled) anywhere in Orkney. surveyed i.e. the Ayre of Roadmire Also, on the Aikerness maritime heath, (where 5 pairs bred in 1994), so a 23 pairs were found in 1994. realistic population estimate could be Considering that Oystercatchers are said to be around 40 pairs. There is no found nesting in a variety of habitats new information on the breeding on Westray, e.g. coastlines, agricultural population of the island. A count of 59 land, maritime heath and grassland, it at the Ouse on 8th May 1998 was seems possible that as many as 2000 probably of migrants heading north. pairs nest here. This is a common wintering shorebird Winter numbers are much lower and and this population most likely ringing recoveries indicate that many comprises a mix of local birds and Orkney birds winter in northern those wintering here having migrated France, Ireland and western England from high arctic breeding grounds. A and as far north as the . survey of the coastline from Inganess Three counts of the south Westray to Rapness on 22nd March 1994 found coast in 1993-94 demonstrate the low 274 birds. numbers of wintering Oystercatchers Breeding territories can be occupied by (56 in November 1993) followed by an the end of February and the earliest increased figure as birds gravitate north date for a full clutch of eggs is 9th April ( 278 in January 1994) and finally an (Booth, Cuthbert& Reynolds, 1984). indication of full spring passage (446 in The clutch is usually of 4 eggs and March 1994). A count of 300 at Noup these are extremely well camouflaged, Head on 3rd April 1994 also indicates usually in a shallow scrape on shingle. passage. Along with other shorebirds, Ringed Traditional territories can be occupied Plovers will feed in flooded fields by early February with courtship around high water. display evident from early March. The usual clutch is of three eggs, though occasionally two-four are recorded. Incubation begins in the second half of LAPWING April and the earliest chicks are out in (Vanellus vanellus) mid-May. Local name: Teewhuppo

This is a common and widespread breeding species, favouring grassland RINGED PLOVER with damp areas. A survey of breeding (Charadrius hiaticula) waders on lowland areas of Orkney in Local name: Sandlo 1993 found 1-14 Lapwing territories in six randomly selected 1km2 on Westray. A survey of breeding Ringed The highest value was at HY4942 near Plovers in 1984 covered most of Moa and was the third highest breeding the coastline except the Bay of density recorded in Orkney in that Tuquoy and most of the maritime survey. Another survey in 1993 found heath along the west cliffs. Care important densities of breeding was taken to exclude from the Lapwing around Swartmill Loch and counts the numbers of passage White Moss (25 pairs), Loch of Garth birds moving through the island (14 pairs), and Burness Loch (11 pairs). up to early June. It is clear that Westray still holds A total of 34 pairs were located important numbers of breeding with 31 of these on the coastal strip. Lapwing and an estimate of 500-1000 The remaining three pairs were found pairs on the island would be realistic.

6 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Breeding grounds can be occupied by the Bay of Tuquoy. At high tide many late February and the clutch of up to 4 of these were seen feeding or roosting eggs can be completed be the end of on wet coastal fields. Though not March. After an incubation of about a surveyed, it is very likely that many of month the first chicks are in sight in these will stay to moult into summer early May and on the wing plumage before returning to the about five weeks later. breeding grounds in April and May; The availability of damp i.e. a count of 385 at the Ouse on 2nd areas seems important for April 1994. These can be as distant as the chicks to forage in, as northern Russia, Greenland and does enough vegetation possibly even the Canadian arctic. cover to hide in from predators.

Large flocks remain on the island SNIPE through winter, mainly feeding in wet (Gallinago gallinago) fields. These can be moved on by frosty Local name Horse Gowk weather with large flocks resorting first to the beaches before leaving en masse Snipe breed in wet rough grazing, iris if the ground remains frozen for more beds and around ‘soft’ loch edges. than a few days. Recoveries of ringed Westray has a lot of these sorts of birds from elsewhere in Orkney show habitats and Snipe are found that these cold weather movements throughout the island, even take many birds to the milder climates at the back of the hills. of Ireland and France. However this is a notoriously difficult species to survey and the only reliable census technique is to count DUNLIN displaying birds in the three (Calidris alpina) hours after dawn. Using this method, 10 territories were Small numbers of Dunlin breed on the located in 6km2 of lowland in 1993. west coast maritime heath and a single Elsewhere that year nine pairs were pair was found in 1987 and 1993 near located at Swartmill Loch and White the Aikerness Lochs. They also breed at Moss. Snipe are extremely secretive the Links o’ Langskaill. There are no when breeding and their nests are documented population estimates but rarely seen it would probably be safe to guess that up to 20 pairs nest annually on Large numbers of migrant Snipe from Westray. Europe and Iceland are often evident in autumn, especially in October. Whilst It is in winter that Dunlin becomes many of these move on, a large really abundant on the Westray population, presumably a mix of local coastline as large numbers of and immigrant birds, stays for the immigrants arrive from northern winter. Between Inganess and Rapness Europe and the Arctic. A partial survey in January 1994, some 70 birds were of the shore in 1983 found 250 birds. found on the coastline. This survey was repeated in winter 1993-94 and revealed a maximum of 667 Dunlin between Inganess and Rapness in January 1994, most of which were found on the sandy flats of

7 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

CURLEW Elsewhere they were recorded breeding (Numenius arquata) in every wetland visited with an Local name: Whaap impressive concentration at Swartmill Loch and White Moss of 18 pairs in This very characteristic species is well 1993. A further five pairs were around distributed throughout Westray with a the Burness Loch. Post breeding particular concentration accumulations of 108 at the Ouse on at Swartmill Loch and 21st July 1994 and 110, Bay of Tuquoy White Moss, where 18 on July 27th 1991. pairs were found in 1993. A common coastal species in winter, a Though it will nest even total of 376 were found between in intensively farmed Inganess and Rapness in January 1994. grassland, Curlews prefer Many of these are likely to be lush, rank, grassland with immigrants from Iceland and northern plenty of cover; especially Europe. Cocksfoot, Dock, Meadowsweet and Iris. Some 26 pairs were found in 6km2 of lowland grassland in 1993. Curlew were rare ARCTIC SKUA nesters in the 1940’s and ’50s. (Stercorarius parasiticus) Newly cut silage fields prove attractive Local name: Skootie Allen to large numbers of Curlew, both adults and young, with records of The first adults of this summer several flocks of 75-100 birds during resident species arrive back on the late summer in recent years. At the breeding grounds in the third week of Ouse there were 200 birds on 31st April. The main breeding areas are at August 1996. Aikerness and on the west Westray maritime heath with a few pairs The coastal survey of 1993-94 found a elsewhere on the island (examples). maximum of 139 Curlew in January Territories are established by mid-May 1994 between Inganess and Rapness. and the clutch of usually two eggs are Certainly many birds would have been laid in an unlined scrape in the ground. missed on this survey which did not Incubation takes about four weeks and take into account any birds present on the first fledged young have been seen inland fields. As with other wader on 12th July 1986 (Booth and species, numbers of Curlew spending Cuthbert, 1987). The adults famously the winter in Westray will be swollen by defend their eggs and young by diving immigrants, most probably from on any intruder in their territory; often northern Europe. striking with their feet. Chick diet is mostly small fish stolen (kleptoparasitism) by the parents from other seabirds in spectacular ariel REDSHANK pursuit. Eggs and chicks of other birds (Tringa totanus) supplement the diet. The first breeding in Westray occurred Breeding commonly throughout the in 1941 (Lack, 1943). A rapid increase island, the Redshank is one of the most followed the original colonisation and familiar breeding waders in the 64 pairs were found in the Operation summer months. In the lowland Seafarer survey of 1969 (Cramp et al, survey of 1993, the maximum density 1974); with a further population recorded in Orkney was 11 pairs/km2 at growth indicated by Booth, 1974, who HY4348, behind Pierowall village. found 93 pairs in that year. Full surveys

8 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

of breeding Skuas in Orkney in 1982 take about four weeks to hatch and it is and 1992 found 45 and 98 Apparently a further 5 weeks before the chicks Occupied Territories (AOT) respectively fledge. During the entire brood rearing in Westray. The maximum population period, both parents vigorously defend level recorded was in 1993 with 100 their investment and will occasionally AOT’s found in the island. This figure strike an intruder. Some birds are indicates that Westray is home to bolder and more aggressive than approx. 10% of the Orkney population. others. Monitoring surveys have been carried The diet of the Bonxie is more varied out on Westray since 1991 by the than that of the Arctic Skua with fish RSPB. This has show that the (especially Sand Eels), trawler discards population here is quite successful. and adults and young of other seabirds Factors given as being responsible for figuring highly among prey remains. depressing breeding performance They will also take birds eggs and have include predation by Common Gulls been seen feeding on carrion (pers and trampling by sheep. obs). Their very visible and ruthless Most birds have gone by mid- hunting techniques coupled with a September on their way to the highly aggressive nest defence have wintering areas off west Africa. This is made the Bonxie one of the islands less illustrated by Westray ringed chicks welcome visitors. being found as juveniles in France (Sept.) and Angola, West Africa (mid- Nov.). BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) Local name: Blackheed GREAT SKUA (Catharacta skua) Several large colonies exist on Westray Local name: Bonxie with the wetland survey of 1993-94 finding the following totals at various This now common species only bred sites: Loch of Tuquoy, 100 birds; for the first time in Orkney in 1914 on Burness Loch, 415 birds; Swartmill Hoy. The first breeding on Westray was Loch, 85 birds and Tatfend, 70 birds. In recorded in 1958 though the locality is 1999, 65 pairs were recorded at not known. Two pairs were recorded as Burness Loch, 27 pairs at Swartmill breeding in 1969 and again in 1974 but Loch and 18 pairs at the Ayre of this had increased to 6 pairs in 1982 Roadmire. Small numbers probably and up to 10 pairs in 1992. In the same breed elsewhere on the island. year the whole of Orkney was surveyed In the breeding season a Black-headed and this revealed a total of 2018 Gull colony is a noisy, busy place. The apparently occupied territories, with nests are built above water level from 1900 of these on Hoy. Between 1982 local vegetation and the clutch of three, and 1992, Bonxie populations had rarely four eggs is completed in late doubled on both and . April. The young leave the nest soon Bonxies breed on the maritime heath after hatching and the first are on the above the west cliffs, around the Hill of wing in mid June. Noup and also at Aikerness. The first birds arrive back on the breeding The vast majority of the island breeding grounds from their tropical wintering population leaves in winter. The small quarters at the end of March. The number still present (i.e. 57 in January clutch of usually two eggs are laid in 1983) may well be immigrants from an unlined scrape in mid-May. These Europe or Iceland. An obvious return

9 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

takes place in March and the breeding weeks after hatching. Almost all the areas are occupied soon after Orkney population has left the islands by the end of September.

COMMON GULL (Larus canus) HERRING GULL Local name: Whitefool, Whitemaa (Larus argentatus) Local name: Scorie Several large colonies exist on the maritime heath at the back of Seen year round in Westray, the the hills with 165 pairs breeding population has not been well recorded in three colonies in documented with the only recent data 1999. Another significant being 66 apparently occupied nests colony, numbering 88 birds, along the west cliffs in 1999. However was at Aikerness in 1993 with a it is a common breeder on the west further 49 adults breeding at coast maritime heath, on the cliffs Loch of Garth in the same year. south of Noup Head and possibly in Elsewhere on the island smaller small numbers elsewhere . numbers nest and each of the larger Summer roosts of up to 200 birds lochs holds a few pairs. The Seabird around Pierowall have been noted in Colony Register survey in 1985-87 several recent years. Mixed roosts of found approximately 7406 pairs of this and other large Gull species have Common Gulls in Orkney also been observed in summer at Noup Large numbers of Common Gulls Hill and Aikerness (pers obs). winter on the island, feeding either in The overall Orkney breeding population fields or along the shore. Some of the was surveyed in 1985-87 and was Orkney winter population are known estimated to be around 2700 pairs. from ringing recoveries to originate in Russia, Scandinavia and Iceland

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Local name: Baakie (Larus fuscus) Local name: Baakie, Scorie Again, there is a lack of documentation (immatures only) on colony sizes but this species is well known as a common breeder on the This summer visitor is the least west coast maritime heath and in the numerous of Orkney’s breeding gull Noup Hill area. Small numbers or species. On Westray it breeds only on isolated pairs probably breed elsewhere. the west coast maritime heath, and at The first eggs are laid at the end of the back of Fitty Hill. There is no data April and fledged young can be seen on colony size and all recent estimates from mid-July. This species can be very talk of “ a few pairs”. aggressive in it’s defence of nest or The first birds arrive back from distant young. In summer there are several wintering grounds as far away as North records of large roosts with 1000+ at Africa in early March. Birds become Noup in summer 1999 and 500+ at territorial in April and the clutch of up Aikerness at the same time. In the to three eggs is started towards the end 1980’s huge numbers used to feed on of that month. Incubation takes about the crab shells spread on the land to a month and chicks fledge about five add calcium to otherwise acidic land,

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i.e. at Noup Hill monitored but the colony on nearby This is a common winter visitor and a Papay reared 1.13 young per nest from partial survey of the Westray coast in a study plot of 158 nests in 1999. January 1983 found 330 birds. Similar Several factors can influence numbers were found on the shore from productivity; not the least of these is Inganess to Rapness in 1993-94. the availability of their staple diet of As with other localities in Orkney i.e. Sand Eels. Other limiting factors North Ronaldsay, rough weather in include weather and extent of predation winter will drive large numbers ashore by other seabirds, notably Bonxies, to await better conditions which has been found to be a serious influence on the breeding population.

KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridactyla) Local name: Waiko SANDWICH TERN (Sterna sandvicensis) From April to the end of July the Local name: Big Tern western cliffs of Westray ring to the cries of tens of thousands of breeding Three small colonies are occupied most Kittiwakes. Operation Seafarer found years in Westray. In 1998 40 pairs bred 60 000-70 000 pairs breeding here in at Tuquoy, rearing 35 young and in the 1968-70. By 1985-87 the accepted same year a single pair bred at recording unit had changed to Twinness, rearing one chick. The latter apparently occupied nests (AONs) and colony was larger in 1995-97 when up using this method some 30 980 aon’s 22 pairs to bred here. It is possible that were recorded here during the Seabird this is one mobile colony nesting at Colony Register survey. The same either site in different years; something stretch of cliffs held 34 864 AONs in which is well known in this species. 1999. Half of this total was found on There is also a small colony at the Ouse the Noup Cliffs RSPB reserve. and nine pairs nested here in 1994. There would appear to have been a The first birds arrive back from the huge decline since ‘Operation Seafarer’ West African wintering grounds in early but the change in use of recording unit April and soon begin their noisy itself brings a discrepancy and territorial display flights in around the difficulties in interpretation. Much colony. Up to two eggs are laid in early smaller numbers nest on the Rapness May and fledging takes place in July. cliffs. Most birds have left again by In April and May huge numbers of September on the long trek south. Kittiwakes can be seen gathering nest Sandwich Terns are notoriously material from lochs, grassy cliff tops ‘skittish’ as a breeding bird and the and the coast. As the breeding season least disturbance at the stage when progresses a great many birds use the they are establishing the colony can lochs for bathing. The clutch of up to put them off. three eggs is laid in May. These hatch Orkney is the most northerly extent of after about a month and fledging takes this species breeding range in the place in July. By early August the world. breeding cliffs are virtually deserted.

Breeding success varies somewhat between colonies and from year to year. None of the Westray colonies are

11 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

COMMON TERN Recent surveys have found 22-36 (Sterna hirundo) colonies in Westray with the largest at Aikerness, Gallo Hill and Knucker Hill. An uncommon breeding summer Operation Seafarer (Cramp et al, 1974) visitor with a similar timing to the found approx. 3760 pairs on Westray in much more numerous Arctic Tern. 1969. A decline was indicated by In 1994, colonies of 40 and 35 birds Bullock and Gomersall, 1981, who were located at the Ouse and Ayre of found 3218 adults (equating to 2282 Roadmire respectively. Attempted to pairs) in 22 Westray colonies in 1980; breed at Twinness in 1995 and 1996. though the situation seemed to have This is a tricky species to differentiate improved by 1989 when 4447 adults from Arctic Tern. Common has an were found in 27 colonies. However by orange-red bill with a black tip whereas 1994, though the total number of that of Arctic is entirely blood-red. colonies had increased to 36, numbers of adults present was found to have dropped to 1517. Overall, the large Aikerness colony seems to do ARCTIC TERN somewhat better in terms of chick (Sterna paradisaea) production than those elsewhere on Local name: Pickie terno the island. The most recent data is from 1999 when 770 pairs in five Most of the breeding population of this monitored colonies fledged 142 chicks, charismatic little bird arrive back in the giving a productivity of 0.18 chicks north isles in the first week of May fledged per pair. The Westray each year. This is after a migration population declined by 53% in 1980-94 journey of over 20 000 miles to whereas that in Orkney as a whole had Antarctica and back; a marvellous declined by 62% in the same period. achievement completed with incredible timing. There is no doubt that this striking They quickly settle into the routine of visitor, so much a part of a North Isles courtship and establishing territory. summer, is struggling to maintain its The clutch of 2-3 eggs are laid in a presence. small scrape in the last week of May and these take about 3 weeks to hatch. Adults co-operate to defend the colony with aggression and vigour. Many an GUILLEMOT innocent intruder has been sent (Uria aalge) fleeing, blood streaming by these Local name: Aak determined attacks. Chick diet is almost exclusively Sand Eels and the Vast breeding numbers and a previous ability of the adults to find the reliance on the species for food has appropriate size of fish for their chicks made the Guillemot something of an is crucial for the success of any island emblem. The annual summer breeding attempt. Also vital is the harvest of adults and eggs has weather at the chick stage and recent dwindled out now. cool, wet summers have adversely affected breeding performance in The entire west cliffs were surveyed Westray and throughout Orkney. Young between 1968-70 and found to contain fledge from early July and continue to 60 000 - 70 000 individuals, roughly be fed by both parents until they depart 10% of the British and Irish population. on their marathon migration in A repeat survey in 1985-87 found 60 August. 670 on these cliffs, equating to 32% of

12 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

the Orkney population, approximately This is a difficult species to survey and 5% of the British and Irish total. A the above totals should be interpreted further survey in 1999 found 54 718 liberally. birds on these cliffs. There is no information on numbers using the Razorbills can be found in the vicinity Rapness cliffs but these will number of colonies from February onwards, not more than a few thousand and in fine weather sometimes on the individuals. cliffs at this time. Eggs are laid in May in the seclusion of a dark chamber. The cliffs are re-occupied in March and Chicks are rarely seen and they fledge April though small numbers of birds in July. Young leave the breeding area may come ashore during fine weather immediately, and may not return to in winter. The first eggs are laid in late attempt breeding for another 3 years. April and chicks can be seen from mid June. Only one egg is laid. The flight- A good place to view Razorbills is along less chicks leave the bare breeding the cliffs just south east of the Castle ledge after about three weeks and swim o’Burrian. away with the male parent. Orkney Guillemots mostly winter in the North Sea and along the Norwegian coast. In BLACK GUILLEMOT 1981, of 1318 adult Guillemots at Noup (Cepphus grylle) Head, 140 (10.6%) were of the ‘bridled’ Local name: Tystie variety. This charming little seabird breeds at In early April 1994, over 8000 birds per very low densities along the west cliffs, hour were seen heading west past the Rapness cliffs and especially along Noup Head; presumably west coast the boulder beach at Aikerness where breeders returning from pelagic there is a very accessible colony. wintering areas.

RAZORBILL Alca torda) Local name: Aak

There is little data for this breeding species in Westray. This is undoubtedly partly due to its low density colonies and somewhat secretive breeding st habits; nesting in inaccessible cracks, This colony held 67 adults on 21 July crevices and boulder scree. 1994. The island population was surveyed in April 1994 and a total of Operation Seafarer (Cramp et al,1974) 918 birds were found around the coast. found 3000-4000 birds on Westray 1968-70. The Seabird Colony Register Tysties return to the breeding colonies surveys of 1985-87 found 1971 birds in March and begin prospecting on Westray, and a total of 9363 birds in among large stones for a dark cavity in Orkney ( Westray held 21% of the which they lay 2 eggs in May. These Orkney population). In 1988, 870 were hatch after about 30 days and are fed a counted at Noup Head and 1576 were variety of inshore fish, notably here in mid-June 1994. Butterfish Pholis gunnellis, by both

13 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

parents. The prey is invariably delivered and distance to prey source and the one item at a time. The chicks leave presence of predators i.e.Arctic Skuas. the nest at 38-45 days to begin their independent life. Orkney Tysties seem Puffins lay a single white egg at the not to move very far and most of the end of a short burrow in the soil. These Westray population probably winters burrows can be dug by the birds near the island. themselves or can be abandoned rabbit holes. Chicks hatch after just over a The adults are very striking birds with month of incubation and after a further velvety black and pure white plumage. 5-6 weeks the abandoned chick leaves Their legs, feet and inside the mouth the burrow at night. are bright red. If approached patiently they are typically very confiding.

ROCK DOVE (Columba livia) PUFFIN Local name: Doo (Fratercula arctica) Local name: Tammie Norie Common breeding species with the following counts recorded in 1999: up This ever popular seabird is locally to 50 pairs on the western cliffs, 17 common on Westray. All summer small pairs on the Rapness cliffs. As a sea cliff numbers can be found at the Noup but breeder this species is unobtrusive, and these are not always close and can usually nests well out of require a good head for heights to view sight in caves. It is them. therefore likely that these A survey of the entire western cliffs in counts will considerably 1999 found only 278 birds so they underestimate the coastal breed at very low densities. A different breeding population. situation exists along the Rapness cliffs As elsewhere in Orkney with birds breeding along much of this species will also nest their length. A colony of perhaps 50 in derelict buildings and burrows is easy to view at Githigeo but there is no estimate of the best and most accessible site by far breeding numbers in this is the Castle o’ Burrian. Here perhaps habitat on Westray. 200-300 birds nest in the soil on top of Rock Doves have an extremely long the stack. They are easily viewed from breeding season which lasts from April the cliff top in safety, with no risk of to October. There are never more than disturbance to the colony. A few pairs two eggs laid. even frequent the island cliffs adjacent There are several counts of 70+ on to the stack giving really close views. stubble in August but the largest flock recorded was 248 on 17th August 1994 Even in this excellent site, Puffins are at Tuquoy. Larger flocks are quite only present in numbers from late April probably present in winter. to mid August. For seeing good Stray racing pigeons will sometimes numbers, July is the best month but breed with Rock Doves, giving rise to even then the birds display a tendency some odd-looking plumage variations. to be largely absent from the colony at some times of day but present in large numbers at others. This variation (diurnal rhythm) has been linked to weather, tidal influences, availability of

14 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

WOODPIGEON as 100 pairs in a good year and the (Columba palumbus) Westray proportion of this is surprisingly low. The gardens at Fribo seem to be the As elsewhere in the county nests are centre for the island population of this built indoors, often though not always, scarce breeder. There have been in derelict buildings. Territories can numerous records of this species here, become established by late April, including eight on 15th June 1994 and shortly after the birds arrive back from spending the winter in southern Africa. six on 27th August 1995. On 10th May Very successful pairs in Orkney have 1994, 15 were found here. Also in that been recorded rearing two broods in a year a nest with two eggs was found in year though this delays the fledging of a derelict building near the Ayre of the second brood until late September. Roadmire. As well as the breeding population, small numbers of migrants probably pass through in autumn and especially in spring. HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbica)

Single pairs were recorded breeding in SKYLARK Pierowall in 1977 and 1994; and two (Alauda arvensis) pairs were found breeding there in 1986. This summer visitor to Orkney The fact that all recent documentation breeds in small numbers in the county describes the Skylark as a common each year but there is no established breeder is not surprising as there are centre of population. Small numbers ample areas of suitable breeding habitat are also recorded on migration, scattered throughout the island. There especially in May-June. is no information on distribution or population estimates. Many of the local birds leave for the winter. A flock of 150 at Bow Head on 3rd April 1994 were MEADOW PIPIT certainly on migration – either (Anthus pratensis) returning breeders or birds passing through towards more northern A summer visitor staying from March breeding areas. to October and breeding in good numbers on Westray. Unfortunately there is no data on the breeding population except for scattered pairs BARN SWALLOW found during the wetland survey of (Hirundo rustica) 1993-94. Migrants also occur, sometimes in large Very little is known about the breeding numbers at both ends of their season. numbers and distribution of Swallows These originate in either Scandinavia in Westray, though two pairs bred in or Iceland. the wheel house at Trenabie Mill in summer 2000; possibly raising a second brood with fledged juveniles seen in September. A survey in 1987 found only one pair, and two pairs were found in 1994. The Orkney population can be as high

15 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

ROCK PIPIT WHEATEAR (Anthus spinoletta) (Oenanthe oenanthe) Local name: Banks Spurro Local name: Chuckie, Chackie

This is a well distributed coastal A common migrant breeder arriving in breeding species on Westray but firm early April, with singing information on numbers is lacking. males on territory just Unlike the previous species, the Rock days later. The nest is Pipit winters in good numbers on well concealed, often Westray, as shown by a count of 78 among stones and the between Inganess and Rapness in chicks emerge in mid November 1993. June. The last birds are seen in October. This is a strong migrant and especially in May, small YELLOW WAGTAIL numbers of Greenland (Motacilla flava) breeders pass through on their way north from southern A very agitated pair, which were Africa. At this time, Noup Head is an carrying food, were seen on 11th June especially good spot to view this 1980. Though no nest or young were spectacular and distinctive variety. found, this certainly denotes that a breeding attempt was taking place.

ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula) PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba) The only documented breeding record is of a pair at Sangar in 1998, A common breeding summer visitor. successfully rearing three young. Birds arrive in March and settle into breeding in the next month. Successful pairs can attempt a second brood. The entire population leaves in autumn and records after October are scarce in Orkney. A roost of 50+ birds was noted at Burness Loch in July 1999. BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

WREN A common breeder, though without (Troglydytes troglydytes) much specific documentation. A pair nested and reared a brood in the Noted in recent years as being a Trenabie Mill in 1999. Of note is the common breeder around buildings habit of some Westray Blackbirds to (most houses hav a pair) and perhaps nest in deep roadside ditches (Sam surprisingly, not on the cliffs. Pairs Harcus pers comm). I am unaware of nested at Trenabie Mill in 2000 and this choice of nest site being used nearby at Grindley in 2001. elsewhere in Orkney. Otherwise Presumably a year round resident recorded as a spring and autumn though perhaps reinforced in autumn migrant. and winter by continental immigrants.

16 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

FIELDFARE JACKDAW (Turdus pilaris) (Corvus monedula)

The only record is of a pair feeding two Small numbers continue to breed in young on Westray in mid June 1974. Westray despite an overall decline in Orkney. In 1999, three pairs bred at the Noup and three pairs at Rapness Cliffs

SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos) HOODED CROW Records indicate that this species may (Corvus corone cornix) not be an annual breeder. It is possible that this may better reflect a lack of Quite common breeding species on the coverage than the true status. The only cliffs and in trees i.e. Fribo and recent record is of a pair which raised Heatherbank. There is no further data two broods in the Pierowall Hotel on numbers, distribution or garden in 1995. At least there will productivity. almost certainly be a passage of migrants in spring and autumn i.e. 700 on 21-23rd October 2000 during a strong daytime passage. RAVEN (Corvus corax)

An annual breeder with a recorded SEDGE WARBLER maximum of around eight pairs (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) nesting in 1991. All of these were at cliff sites at Aikerness, western cliffs A scarce migrant breeder with several and Rapness cliffs. A nest at this last recent records of three pairs at Burness site was taken over by a Fulmar in Loch in 1987, two pairs at Ayre of 1995. Ramni Geo at Aikerness and Roadmire in 1994 and a singing bird in Ramna Geo at the Noup are evidently ancient nesting sites for Ravens and Pierowall on 7th June 1999. Also are still occupied most years. regularly sings at Fribo dam. This species is probably under-recorded; it seems likely that there may be annual breeding attempts at Burness and STARLING Saintear lochs at least. (Sturnus vulgaris) Local name: Stirlin

A very common breeder on the island. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Nests were formerly found in stone (Muscicapa striata) strainer pillars and in stack steethes. The modernisation of agriculture has A probable breeding record was of an largely done away with these nesting adult seen carrying food near Rendalls habitats; though nesting in dykes is nd haulage yard on 22 June 1999 and still very common. Some may also nest on several subsequent dates. Though in natural crevices on the cliffs. highly suggestive of a breeding attempt no pair were seen and no young recorded.

17 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

HOUSE SPARROW TWITE (Passer domesticus) (Carduelis flavirostris) Local name: Spurro Recently reported to be a common A very common breeding bird, breeder around the island; though especially around human habitation. specific detail is lacking. It seems The only count is of c.25 around the slightly odd that the closely related Mill and Gallo Hill in 2001, with similar Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) appears numbers in the barn roof of the Floss to be absent from the island breeding at the same time. list.

LINNET REED BUNTING (Carduelis cannabina) (Emberiza schoeniclus)

A breeding record from Quoybirst in Around each of the larger lochs one- 2001 may well be the first for the three pairs breed in the marginal island. vegetation. In 1994 three pairs were found in the mire at Fribo and two pairs at Ayre of Roadmire. Otherwise the status of this species in Westray is largely un-documented.

18 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PART TWO Non-Breeding Birds The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

RED-THROATED DIVER off Rapness in late April and 22 passed (Gavia stellata) Noup Head on 21st June. Any seawatching effort from Noup Head in Annual in small numbers offshore from autumn will certainly expand our March to October. Recent records knowledge of this species’ presence in include four off Rapness on 15th April Westray waters. The same comment 1998 with five in the same place in late goes equally for the previous species. May 1999. These records may well originate from the breeding population on . STORM PETREL (Hydrobates pelagicus) Local name: Stormy Petrel GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (Gavia immer) A summer visitor to Orkney which breeds as close to Westray as Rusk Present in small numbers offshore Holm. Can be found offshore in from October to May, this species is a summer with birds often attending visitor from Iceland and Greenland. working fishing boats. There are a few Large flocks of moulting birds collect recent records including 10 seen from together in spring and 60 birds in the ferry in Rapness Sound on 18th Papay Sound in May 1986 is an August 1998 and about 35 seen from example of this. Likewise there were the Noup on 21st June 1999. These do 12 off Pierowall in late May 1999 and not tell the full story of this specie’s an immature bird summered here in presence offshore and more that year. seawatching effort would undoubtedly provide more records.

SOOTY SHEARWATER (Puffinus griseus) NORTHERN GANNET (Morus bassanus) There are no documented records for Local name: Solan, Solan Goose Westray but this summer visitor from the South Atlantic must pass Noup Commonly seen offshore in good Head in some numbers from late July numbers in summer and autumn, to mid October. It is seen annually fewer in spring and scarce in winter. from Mull Head on Papay and the Those in summer most likely come Brough of so must pass the from the nearest breeding colonies on Noup in between.] , and Sule Stack. In autumn there in a large offshore passage as birds move south from northern breeding colonies. Frequently MANX SHEARWATER recorded off Noup Head, Westside and (Puffinus puffinus) Weatherness; less commonly elsewhere. Rarely birds come ashore, Very small numbers of this summer for example one on the clifftop at Noup visitor to Orkney breed on Hoy. Head on 5th May 1994. Everywhere else it is a coastal migrant usually seen quickly passing offshore. The most recent records are from 1999 when four were watched from the ferry

1 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GREY HERON GREYLAG GOOSE (Ardea cinerea) (Anser anser)

Present in small numbers, usually There are few documented records, associated with the freshwater lochs though this species has recently been and wetlands. There are fewest present proven to breed on the Rapness Cliffs. in summer though in most recent There were 90 at the south end of the years there have been sightings of one- island in late April 1999 and these were two around Burness Loch. Regular probably returning migrants. sightings in winter 1993-94 of 4-6 The status in winter is not known but birds between Inganess and Rapness it would be very surprising if this indicates the presence of a small species was absent. Many should be wintering population. These most likely seen migrating south in late September originate in Scandinavia. and October. A summering flock of up to 18 was recorded in 1999 though there seems to have been no breeding attempt. WHOOPER SWAN As a wintering and breeding species, (Cygnus cygnus) the Greylag has increased dramatically in Orkney over the past 20 years. Small numbers (up to 50) spend the winter, arriving in October and leaving again around mid-April. These come from Iceland and satellite tracking of CANADA GOOSE north bound migrants has shown that (Branta canadensis) they can make the crossing from Northern to Iceland in One was on the Saintear Loch on 6rth 12 hours! August 1996. This species is a scarce but annual visitor in small numbers to Orkney.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE (Anser brachyrhynchus) BARNACLE GOOSE The only recent records are of 70 near (Branta leucopsis) Hamar on 15th April 1998 and 36 at the south end of the island in late April In late April 1999, eight were with the 1999. These will have been on return grey geese at the south end of the migration to Icelandic breeding island. This appears to be the only grounds. This passage species is recent record but it is likely to be found certainly commoner than these records more often than this suggests; suggest, especially on their southward particularly during October migration. migration in late September and into October.

BRENT GOOSE (Branta bernicla)

An adult of the pale bellied race was at Tuquoy during April 2002.

2 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GADWALL GREATER SCAUP (Anas strepera) (Aythya marila)

In 1984, a pair was on Saintear Loch At Rapness on 15th April 1998 there on 26th April 1984 and one was on was a flock of seven; four females, Burness Loch on 30th July. A male was three males. In 1999 a single male was seen on Saintear Loch on 9th May and present on the Burness Loch from 14th June 1987 and a pair were seen April-mid June. A female was on Loch near Fribo on 1st May 1993. These may of the Stack on 22nd October 2000. In have been on passage and there is no all probability this attractive duck is an proof that any breeding attempts have annual visitor in very small numbers in been made. The winter status is not April-May and September-October. known.

LONG-TAILED DUCK PINTAIL (Clangula hyemalis) (Anas acuta) Arriving in October this winter visitor Occasionally seen on the lochs in April from Arctic breeding grounds is found and again in autumn. The one winter all around the more sheltered coasts, record was of a single bird on Saintear especially in the Bay of Pierowall and Loch on 21st February 1995. along the east and south coasts. A maximum count of 81 was made between Inganess and Rapness on 22nd March 1994. Numbers increase in GARGANEY April with counts of 200+ in Rapness (Anas querquedula) Sound on 15th April 1998 and in late April 1999. Adults moulting into A male was on Swartmill Loch on 26th summer plumage are present in May May 1993. Another male was at the an 40 were present in Pierowall Bay Ayre of Roadmire on 16th May 1997 late in the month in 1999. Birds move on rapidly after this.

COMMON POCHARD (Aythya ferina) COMMON SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) There is no documentation on the wintering population on the three The only recent record is of a larger lochs though it is probably in the female/immature on the Loch of the order of 100-200 birds. These arrive in Stack on 22nd October 2000. This September and leave again in April for species is a scarce passage migrant in breeding grounds around the Baltic the north isles of Orkney, though it and northern Russia. winters in small numbers around the Mainland.

3 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GOLDENEYE SPARROWHAWK (Bucephala clangula) (Accipiter nisus)

Probably 50-100 winter on the lochs Single passage birds have been seen in and around the coast but there is very May or June at various parts of the little recorded. In January 1994, a island in most recent years. This maximum of six birds were seen dashing species should be annual on between Inganess and Rapness. This passage in Westray in April and appears to be the sole recent record. especially May. A small return passage from the Scandinavian forests in which they breed may be detected in September-October. SMEW (Mergus albellus)

There are three recent records, all from OSPREY the Swartmill Loch; a drake in March (Pandion haliaetus) 1968, a duck there on 26th January 1994, and a drake on 23rd November Peak time for Osprey in Orkney is in 1995. May and it is very likely that some have passed through Westray, though there is nothing in the literature to support this. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator)

A possible breeder but better MERLIN represented outwit this season with (Falco columbarius) small numbers found along sheltered coasts and bays. Through summer Very little documentation but almost 1999 at least 18 adults remained in certainly present on passage in April- Pierowall Bay throughout. In winter, May and again August-October. At possibly also present on the Lochs and these times, possibly 5-10 birds may be with a likely build-up of numbers in present daily. Some birds may spend April as birds pass through. the winter on the island also. In a good year, up to 25 pairs may breed elsewhere in Orkney; including as close as Rousay. Dispersal of local MARSH HARRIER broods and migrating birds moving (Circus aeroginosus) north to breed (i.e. in Iceland) probably account for most of the occurrences on Single females were recorded on 19th Westray. April 1987 and on 4th September 1988.

HEN HARRIER QUAIL (Circus pygargus) (Coturnix coturnix) This Orkney breeding species is seen annually on Westray. It is possible that A male was heard calling 1996 or 1997 one-two may winter and that more near Swartmill Loch may occur during spring and autumn passage, especially in September.

4 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GOLDEN PLOVER SANDERLING (Pluvialis apricaria) (Calidris alba)

Common on spring and autumn Low numbers of passage and presumably also in winter up to 50 recorded with 204 counted between Inganess on most sandy and Rapness in January 1994 being the bays in May and only contemporary information. again on autumn In spring, the maximum count was passage from July 400 around the Bay of Brough on 27th to September; April. Numbers diminish through May especially the Ouse, Ayre of Roadmire and sightings in June are rare until the and Pierowall Bay. A few spend the end of the month when returning birds winter in the Bay of Tuquoy with 27 start to gather again. Good numbers seen there in January 1994. are present in autumn with 650 around the island on 22nd August 1991, and in August 1996, 950 at Clifton on 5th and 550 at the Ouse on 31st. LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta)

There are no records but this arctic GREY PLOVER tundra breeder must be present (Pluvialis squatarola) annually, albeit in variable numbers.

Scarce in winter and on spring and autumn passage. A maximum of four were recorded in the Bay of Tuquoy in CURLEW SANDPIPER January 1994. Recent records also from (Calidris ferruginea) Bay of Pierowall and the Ouse. Recorded recently from Roadmire but without details.

KNOT (Calidris canutus)

Small groups winter on Westray with a maximum of 36 on the coast from Inganess to Rapness on 24th-25th November 1993. Spring passage recorded in 1998 with small numbers noted in early May and from late June at the Ouse, Bay of Tafts and Ayre of Roadmire. A similarly light autumn passage recorded from favoured coastal sites in most years.

5 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PURPLE SANDPIPER DUNLIN (Calidris maritima) (Calidris alpina)

A common visitor from Arctic breeding As well as breeding population of a few grounds, first returning in small pairs, Dunlin are present in large numbers from mid-July and building numbers on the sandy coasts of up through the autumn; peaking from Westray during winter, and the coastal October. The shoreline survey in winter survey from Inganess to Rapness in 1993-94 between January 1994 found 667 birds; most of Inganess and Rapness these being in the Bay of Tuquoy. As found 89 on 24-25th with the previous species there is November 1993, 326 in evidence of a spring passage build-up; late January 1994 and a e.g. a count of over 1000 at the Ayre of total of 413 on 22nd Roadmire in early May 1999. March 1994. The mean Away from Aikerness, records are total from these three scarce in June though returning counts (276) exceeds the migrants are in evidence from July and “nationally important in increasing numbers to October. threshold” for this species in Britain. Elsewhere on the island, this species is present in winter, particularly favouring exposed rocky shores. A survey of the RUFF coast in January 1983 found 1072 (Philomachus pugnax) Purple Sandpipers on Westray. There appears to be no documented Perhaps even more than this records of this migrant wader on impressive figure are present in May as Westray. Ruff appear annually in wintering birds from further south Orkney, sometimes in large numbers gravitate north before making the final and some of these must turn up on the leg of migration to the breeding areas island. They feed in shallow, muddy in Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland and pools but will also go on newly cut possibly Canada. By the end of this silage fields. month, most birds have left and sightings in June are very rare. JACK SNIPE (Lymnocryptes minimus)

This secretive species uses traditional wintering sites year after year. The only such site known on Westray in the Iris bed at Ayre of Roadmire which holds a few birds annually. It is quite possible that there are more undiscovered wintering sites on the island. Otherwise, Jack Snipe occur on migration, especially in October and can be flushed from any marshy habitat at this time.

6 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

WOODCOCK BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Scolopax rusticola) (Limosa lapponica)

October is the peak month for This winter visitor from Woodcock migration and it is then that arctic Russia is found in they can be found in all sorts of good numbers in the Bay of habitats from the tops of the hills to Tuquoy area where 512 were overgrown field edges. The White Moss counted in January 1994. is also a well known place to encounter This total makes it Orkney’s this dramatic species as it flushes up at second most important site close range. A few birds may attempt to for this species after winter as they do elsewhere in Orkney Otterswick/Cata Sand on and there is a small return passage in Sanday. Elsewhere on March and April. Westray there are a few sites which hold smaller numbers of wintering or migrant birds, including the Ouse, Sand o’ Gill, Aikerness Hill and Bay of BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Swartmill. (Limosa limosa)

There are few records of this handsome wader for Westray and most just state WHIMBREL its occurrence without information on (Numenius heaps) numbers. The only recent data is of one at the Ouse on 31st August 1996. A regular spring migrant especially in Elsewhere in Orkney this is an annual May when small flocks move through passage visitor in both spring (April- the island on their journey north to May) and autumn (August-October), Shetland, Faeroes or Iceland to breed; when it can occur in flocks of 20-50 i.e. 6 at Gallo Hill in late May 1997. birds. Returning migrants are in evidence in This species shows a preference for wet late July but especially so in August fields and shallow pools whilst on when groups of up to 15 were seen on passage though it will also use sandy cut silage fields near Rapness in 1998. coastal flats. The birds we see in Birds move quickly through in Orkney breed in Iceland. September and sightings after the end of the month are rare. Whimbrel use similar habitats to its’ larger relative the Curlew though the two species can be difficult to tell apart. In general, Whimbrel are smaller, stockier and a little darker plumaged with a much shorter bill (beware juvenile Curlew in late summer). The call is diagnostic, a descending series of piercing, short whistles.

7 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GREENSHANK TURNSTONE (Tringa nebular) (Arenaria interpres)

An uncommon passage visitor to This arctic breeding wader can be Orkney from northern European found on Westray in every month of breeding grounds. Spring passage is the year though numbers are high in very thin and not recorded every year winter with a peak of north bound in Orkney. Many more birds are migrants in spring. The survey of the recorded in autumn from July to coast between Inganess and Rapness September with peak passage taking found 234 birds in November 1993, place in August. Recent records come 322 in January 1994 and 416 in March from Burness Loch, where six were 1994. seen on 19th August 1987 and Ayre of Roadmire, where a single bird was seen This is not the only island locality for on 1st August 1995. Again, more this species and it would be safe to say coverage would certainly produce that there will be few stretches of additional records. coastline on Westray which are devoid of Turnstones from October to May. This last month sees many adult birds present in their spectacular full GREEN SANDPIPER breeding plumage. Their departure for (Tringa corpus) high latitudes also takes place in May with flocks departing to the north west The only report is of two at the Noup on fine evenings; next stop Iceland, on 17th August 1993. It is likely that Greenland or even Canada. there have been more records than this. Loch edges, small pools and During June and July small numbers of drains are all used by migrant Green non-breeding immatures remain on Sandpipers and August is the best the island and are soon joined by month to look for them. returning adults and young. The Westray coastline is therefore important on two counts; as a winter home and as a last fuelling stop for WOOD SANDPIPER migrating birds in spring. Some of (Tringa gloriole) these could have spent the winter as far away as western or southern Africa! May occur annually but there are no records to date.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus) COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) There have been several records of this former Orkney breeding bird on This uncommon Orkney breeder must Westray; all of single birds on 5th occur at times on Westray. August 1979, 13th-14th August 1982 at Loch of the Stack, 6th July 1983 at the Aikerness Lochs, 20th July 1983, and a female also at the Aikerness Lochs on 14th June 1987.

8 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

POMARINE SKUA GLAUCOUS GULL (Stercorarius pomarinus) (Larus hyperboreus)

The only records are of two adults over The most recent records of Pierowall on 3rd May 1989 and one this uncommon Arctic seen on 20th September 1998. Very species were in 1998 when likely under recorded and seawatching an immature bird was at effort from Noup Head in Rapness on 15th April, with westerly/north-westerly winds during another immature May and August-November would accompanied by an adult probably produce additional records. were in Pierowall on the same day. Comments for the above species apply equally here. It seems that most Glaucous Gulls visiting LONG-TAILED SKUA Britain come from Iceland, but may (Stercorarius longicaudus) also come from as far afield as Bear Island, Spitsbergen and Greenland. One seen off the island on 24th September 1991 appears to be the only record. BLACK TERN (Chlidonias niger)

LITTLE GULL There are two records of single birds, at (Larus minutus) Saintear Loch on 26th May 1965 and Burness Loch on 22nd April 1987. One was seen on 30th July 1984. The next record came in 1995 when one was seen on 5th March. A report of six at the school on 2nd May 1995 may COLLARED DOVE not be reliable. This continental species (Streptopelia decaocto) is an annual visitor to Orkney in spring, summer and autumn; rare in A passage migrant with numbers winter. peaking in June, when small numbers can be readily seen around human habitation. Newly arrived migrants can be seen anywhere from cliff-tops to ICELAND GULL sandy beaches. Some of these may stay (Larus glaucoides) the summer and breeding has been suspected. Elsewhere in Orkney, where There are numerous records of this this species only arrived in 1962, this is Greenland breeding species in spring, a common resident breeder; especially including one at Sand o’Gill on 24th on the Mainland but also locally on April 1991 and two in Pierowall Stronsay and Rousay. Harbour on 6th May 1993. Many more must arrive on the island from October to March, especially as they habitually follow trawlers, but information is lacking.

9 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

TURTLE DOVE SHORT-EARED OWL (Streptopelia turtur) (Asio flammeus)

Single birds recorded in May/June Noted in most recent years with 1985, 1988, and 1989. The only more occasional summer sightings, often recent record is of a single bird on 12th either near Fribo or the White Moss. September 1995. A dead bird, reported as an adult male, was found on 20th June 1993. Otherwise recorded sparingly as a passage migrant in spring and autumn. CUCKOO This is an uncommon breeding species (Cuculus canorus) in the rest of Orkney with the majority of pairs in the West Mainland. The bulk Recorded most years, though only of the population leaves the islands in single birds in May and June, e.g. one winter. near the Old Manse about 6th May 1991. Occasionally calling males are heard. The only possible evidence of breeding comes from the Westside SWIFT Manse in 2001 when a newly fledged (Apus apus) juvenile was seen in summer. This long distance migrant, a non- breeding summer visitor to Orkney, should occur more frequently on LONG-EARED OWL Westray than the records suggest. (Asio otus) The first birds are usually seen in Orkney in May and June. Numbers An uncommon migrant, the few increase in July and August but tail off records almost certainly again through September; October underestimating the true status of this records are scarce. nocturnal species as it passes through the island. Elsewhere in Orkney they use daytime tree roosts, especially conifers. Passage takes place from WRYNECK March-May and again September- (Jynx torquilla) November with the peaks during April and October. One was seen c.1995 at the Westside Manse.

10 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GREAT-SPOTTED WOODPECKER WAXWING (Dendrocopus major) (Bombycilla garrulus)

There are two recent records of single On 24th October 1988, up to four were birds; 12th October 1988 and near seen on Westray though there are no Noup Farm on 17th May 1991. This details of the locality. The next record striking species always looks a bit out came in 1995 when one bird was of place in the Orkney landscape. recorded in the last week of the year. As far as is known, all Orkney records It is likely that most of these records refer to immigrants from the Continent came from Pierowall where there are which occasionally irrupt from their several berry bearing bushes to which normal range in large numbers. Peak Waxwings are irresistibly attracted. timing for such an irruption is from late August to October

DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis) SHORE LARK (Eremophila alpestris) Several were seen in Pierowall and at the Noup during a very large arrival of This rare visitor to Orkney is continental migrants on 22nd-24th represented on the island list by a October 2000 (pers obs). Otherwise record of two at Noup Head on 15th there are very few records of this November 1981. unobtrusive bird. On passage this species can sometimes be quite abundant but in other seasons, virtually absent. It probably SAND MARTIN reaches Westray annually in small (Riparia riparia) numbers.

Almost certainly under recorded with only two documented records; a single on 15th May 1992 and four at Burness ROBIN Loch on 3rd June 1998. A summer (Erithacus rubecula) visitor to Orkney though always uncommon. Best looked for over lochs Though there is one breeding record, and areas of fresh water where they this familiar species is much better feed by catching insects on the wing; known as a seasonal migrant from the especially active in the evening. Continent in spring and autumn; sometimes appearing in abundance. At these times there are birds around each house and foraging along dykes, ditches and fences. When birds are actually arriving, they can be found anywhere on the island, including along the western cliffs. A large autumn passage can encourage a few to attempt to winter. These attempts can be successful but it can also be difficult to discern wintering birds from newly arrived migrants in March.

11 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

BLUETHROAT STONECHAT (Luscinia svecica) (Saxicola torquata)

A male at Skaill Farm on 20th May The only record seems to be 1998 appears to be the only record. of one at Noup Head on 3rd April 1993. This species is a scarce migrant in the outer north isles of Orkney, despite BLACK REDSTART the fact that over 100 pairs (Phoenicurus ochruros) breed elsewhere in the county.

One was seen on 17th September 1995. There may well have been more records, especially during WHEATEAR April-May and September-October. (Oenanthe oenanthe)

As well as being a common breeder, large numbers of Wheatears pass COMMON REDSTART through Westray on migration. Many of (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) these, especially in late April through May and late August The only recent records of this to October, are of the uncommon passage visitor are of one Greenland race. These are on 1st- 4th May 1990 and eight at larger than our breeding birds and have a brighter plumage Noup Head on 3rd October 1998. and a more upright stance. Almost certainly under recorded. Noup Head in spring is a well known place to find these far travelled birds as they prepare for the last leg of a marathon journey from WHINCHAT southern Africa. (Saxicola rubetra)

On 20th September 1984, seven were seen on Westray at a time of a strong RING OUZEL passage through the islands. More (Turdus torquatus) coverage during the spring and autumn migration periods would This is a passage migrant which undoubtedly produce annual records. typically has a widespread distribution throughout Orkney. Given that scores/hundreds are recorded in the county annually, it is very surprising that there are no documented records for Westray. Passage occurs in April- May and again September-October. A strong Thrush passage on 22nd-24th October2000, involving many thousands of birds, did not include any Ring Ouzels.

12 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

BLACKBIRD REDWING (Turdus merula) (Turdus iliacus)

As well as being a common breeder, A common migrant, especially in Blackbirds are also often present as autumn. Given the right weather passage migrants en route to conditions, large arrivals from Scandinavia, in both spring and Scandinavia can take place any time autumn. These migrants are slightly from late September through October. larger than our local breeding birds and Migration is less easy to detect in are typically very wary. On 23rd spring when movements tend to be October 2000, at least 400 were seen all more subtle, involving much smaller over the island, with a particular numbers of birds. Birds of the Icelandic concentration around Noup Head. race are occasionally recorded.

FIELDFARE MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus pilaris) (Turdus viscivorus)

This common passage visitor is a One was seen in March 2002. frequent sight on Westray. Small numbers spend the winter but many more are encountered during the migration seasons. Spring movements SEDGE WARBLER are often quite thin and may only (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) involve small flocks which move on rapidly. In autumn there are usually Occurs sparsely on spring and autumn larger numbers involve and at times passage. there seems to be birds everywhere; this is not unusual in October. There is one breeding record for Westray, in 1974. REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Despite a lack of documentation, this SONG THRUSH uncommon migrant in Orkney has (Turdus philomelos) probably occurred in Westray; most likely during autumn passage in A common, sometimes numerous, September. passage species on migration. A spectacular arrival, rivalling many east coast ‘hot-spots’ was witnessed on 23rd October 2000. Over the island there BARRED WARBLER were at least 700 birds present during a (Sylvia nisoria) huge diurnal movement of thrushes. These were moving through Westray in Westray awaits it’s first record of this a south westerly direction and their uncommon annual autumn migrant. ultimate destination could be as far off as north Africa.

13 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

LESSER WHITETHROAT YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Sylvia curruca) (Phylloscopus inorantus)

This migrant species appears in small This tiny Siberian warbler reaches numbers in Orkney each year with Orkney in small numbers each year peak periods in late May-early June and from mid September to late October. again from late August-early October. The first Westray records await. There are a few undated Westray records.

WOOD WARBLER (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) WHITETHROAT (Sylvia communis) There are a few Westray records of this uncommon passage visitor to Orkney. Comments for the previous species Elsewhere in the county, most records apply here also. come in May and again from late August through September.

GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia borin) CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita) Under-recorded on passage and scarcer in spring than autumn, this numerous A regular and sometimes abundant migrant has been found on a few passage migrant throughout Orkney, occasions on Westray. The most recent though with very few records from record was of one at Noup Farm on Westray. This is undoubtedly related to 23rd October 2000. the amount of coverage the island gets during the peak migration periods of April-May and September-mid November. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla)

Seen annually on the island but not in WILLOW WARBLER the large numbers recorded along the (Phylloscopus trochilus) eastern coastline of Orkney. This species is much more reliable in Though breeding at several sites in autumn than spring and the month of Orkney, this is a passage bird on October sees the peak of a lengthy Westray. However, singing males have passage period from late August to been heard in Pierowall village in early November. spring. Otherwise this is a migrant species appearing in May and again from late August to early October.

14 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GOLDCREST LONG-TAILED TIT (Regulus regulus) (Aegithalos caudatus)

October sees the peak of this tiny birds This rare visitor to Orkney is migration out of Scandinavia and it represented on the Westray list by a appears in good numbers during single bird seen on the unseasonable favourable weather conditions in this date of 27th June 1974. Most county month. Spring migration is much records of this species occur late in the thinner, usually during April and they year, especially October-November. can also be seen in May, September and November.

GREAT TIT (Parus major) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) There is one Westray record of this rare visitor to Orkney, that of a bird which Recorded sparingly throughout Orkney stayed in Pierowall from 22nd to 31st on passage in roughly equal numbers December 1982. in spring and autumn. The few recent records from Westray largely reflect this pattern. Most records from Pierowall Village, GOLDEN ORIOLE where a pair may have bred in 1999. (Oriolus oriolus)

One spring record of a bird feeding on butterfly chrysalis around the porch at PIED FLYCATCHER Hornersquoy in 1997 or 1998. (Ficedula hypoleuca)

Yet another grossly under-recorded migrant species, recorded without RED-BACKED SHRIKE details occasionally over the past 20 (Lanius collurio) years and said to be commoner than the preceding species. In the rest of There are at least two records of this Orkney this is a fairly common passage spectacular migrant on Westray; at bird in May and from late August to Noup Farm on 8th June 1993 and on early October. It can occur anywhere; 11th May 1994. There have also been from gardens to along dykes, beaches some sightings in autumn. and around houses.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE (Lanius excubitor)

Has been recorded once at Jericho, but without details.

15 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

ROOK GREENFINCH (Corvus frugilegus) (Carduelis chloris)

This uncommon passage visitor occurs Several recorded in recent years; most years in small numbers on spring sometimes quite late in the year. migration. The area of the Noup is a favoured haunt (Sam Harcus pers comm). GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

CARRION CROW There is one record of a single bird on (Corvus corone corone) 20th May 1977. More can be expected as this species has become commoner Uncommon on spring migration, this in Orkney over the past 20 years. all black crow is sometimes seen on Westray. Most records are in May and recently from the Noup and Aikerness Hill. SISKIN (Carduelis spinus)

Despite the lack of documented TREE SPARROW records, this tiny finch reaches Westray (Passer montanus) most years. Noted as being especially numerous in autumn 2000. There are two records involving three birds; two at Noup Head and one at Pharay’s Park on 9th June 1997. REDPOLL (Carduelis sp.)

CHAFFINCH There are a few recent records of this (Fringilla coelebs) species group. Most probably refer to Common Redpoll (C.f.flammea) but a This fairly common passage migrant is few may have been Lesser Redpoll seen in small numbers most years on (C.f.cabaret). Westray. Singing males have been heard in spring recently in Pierowall Village. CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra)

BRAMBLING This species appears in Orkney every few (Fringilla montifringilla) years in huge numbers. This appears to be a mass emigration from Scandinavia This migrant is seen most years on triggered by a poor crop of their principal Westray, often in company with the pine cone crop. At these times birds are preceding species. Spring passage is found everywhere, including on Westray. variable, but autumn occurrences are Many of these birds move on quickly. more reliable, especially during Inevitably a number die as a result of an October. inability to find suitable food in sufficient quantities.

16 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

BULLFINCH SNOW BUNTING (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Several seen in the late 1990s. This attractive arctic breeder is present on the island from September-May, with peak numbers, sometimes flocks of several hundred, present in October- HAWFINCH December. (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

There are two recent records; one in the Pierowall Hotel garden on 15th CORN BUNTING May 1988 and another, locality (Miliaria calandra) unknown, on 1st November 1989. A former breeding bird not recorded for at least 40 years.

LAPLAND BUNTING (Calcarius lapponicus)

There seems to be only one record, of a single bird on 20th September 1984. More coverage in autumn, especially during north westerly winds, would probably yield more records. The area of the Noup looks particularly suitable for this unobtrusive species on migration.

17 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PART THREE Rare Birds of Westray The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

WHITE-BILLED DIVER STELLER’S EIDER (Gavia adamsii) (Polysticta stelleri)

An adult flew north through Rapness On 25th October 1974, an immature Sound on 30th May 2000. This species drake was found off Aikerness; staying is a very rare visitor to British waters until 14th November. This bird from breeding grounds on the Arctic remained in the area, being seen off Siberian tundra. Westray on 14th July 1978 and again from 7th May to 24th June 1981. It was also seen off in several years from 1974, with the final sighting LITTLE EGRET being in July 1982. (Egretta garzetta)

One long-staying individual was at the Swartmill Loch from 29th October to COMMON CRANE 24th November 1981. (Grus grus)

There are several recent records. In WHITE STORK 1971, one stayed in (Ciconia ciconia) the Noltland area from 24th-29th There are two records of single May. A long-stayer birds, both seen at the Burness was on the island in Loch. 1988, from 16th The first was on 20th-24th May July-2nd August. 1971 and the second was a bird A migrating flock of four were seen at which had wandered widely several places on the island in May throughout Orkney, taking in 1997 before being later recorded over Westray on 29th-30th May 1977. North Ronaldsay and Fair Isle.

SPOONBILL AVOCET (Platalea leucorodia) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

There is an old record of a flock of four There is one record of this extremely at the Burness Loch on 10th October rare bird in Orkney; two birds were at 1889. the Ouse on 8th May 1974.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)

One was shot at the Burness Loch on 28th August 1889.

1 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

IVORY GULL MELODIOUS WARBLER (Pagophila eburnea) (Hippolais polyglotta)

The sole record of this high arctic One was seen in a ditch near breeder is from 1889, when one was Chapelbrae on 10th June 1993. shot on 9th December.

ICTERINE WARBLER SCOPS OWL (Hippolais icterina) (Otus scops) One was seen around 1998, details not One was seen on 30th April 1948. This known. tiny owl is a vagrant from southern European breeding areas, an a less than annual visitor to Britain. MAGPIE (Pica pica)

SNOWY OWL An individual of this tree-loving species (Nyctea scandiaca) must have looked very out of place at Noup Head on 14th April 1900. One was seen on 19th May 1967 with another twenty years later on 14th March 1987. There is a further un- documented record from Skelwick CHOUGH around 1996. (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)

There are two records of this extremely rare crow on Westray; on 19th October BEE-EATER 1935 and 14th May 1942. The nearest (Merops apiaster) breeding population is in .

One was at Skaill on 29th-30th May 1969. ORTOLAN BUNTING (Emberiza hortulana)

ROLLER The sole record is of one on 7th May (Coracius garrulus) 1970.

There are two records from the 19th Century; of two on 10th November 1890 and one in June 1896. A third LITTLE BUNTING record came in 1950 when one was (Emberiza pusilla) seen in July. A recent addition to the island bird list, one was seen at Noup Farm on 3rd October 1998.

2 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PART FOUR Westray The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

HEDGEHOG (Erinaceus europaeus) ( arvalis orcadensis) Local name Volder Absent from the Westray fauna until the late 1940’s when some were taken This unique native species is well from Netherbutton, Holm, and released distributed in Westray and found from on the island. More were said to have low-lying grassland to at least half way been taken there in 1969-70. The up the hills. It is active in daytime and species is now established on Westray their ‘runs’ (neat tunnels in the and litters of young are seen each year vegetation) are easily found in autumn from mid-July onwards. As elsewhere, and winter. There are no estimates on road casualties are a common sight. population size for the island but it appears to occur in all suitable habitat. Occasional colour variants are seen; black and piebald being two extremes PYGMY SHREW reported. (Sorex minutus) Orkney Voles from Westray were Local name Nebbit moose introduced to Eday in 1987 and 1988 where they now appear to be thriving. This unobtrusive species, much more often heard than seen, is present throughout the island in roadside verges, old grassland and moorland. LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE Said elsewhere in Orkney to enter (Apodemus sylvaticus) houses and sometimes falling victim to mousetraps. The occurrence of this has been well described to me and it is certain that it exists on Westray. This would be contra Booth&Booth 1994 who state it BAT is absent from the island. Nothing is yet known on it’s distribution over the There are several old records but none island. of an amimal identified to species level.

HOUSE MOUSE RABBIT (Mus domesticus) (Orctyolagus cuniculus) Common around human habitation Very common on Westray, and to pest status where easy burrowing is achieved in sandy soil. Myxamatosis arrived in Orkney in 1954 and was BROWN RAT quickly spread through the islands. (Rattus norvegicus) This caused a very high mortality amongst the Rabbit population, though Never established on Westray, this the offspring of survivors appear to unusual situation was threatened in have a degree of resistance to the 1992 when several were found in disease. Colour variants are imported straw in 1992. They were occasionally reported. quickly killed.

1 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

BLACK RAT COMMON SEAL (Rattus rattus) (Phoca vitulina)

A German grain ship, the “Borkum”, The Westray population is of unknown ran aground at Aikerness in 1939 and size but this is by no means Black Rats made their way ashore. The scarce, possibly 500-1000 individuals. ship had been loaded in South Africa Several small colonies exist around the but it is not known when the rats coast with greatest numbers occurring arrived on board. They became at Sponess and on the Holm of established particularly at the north Aikerness. The Bay of Swartmill is a end of the island and around Pierowall. common summer haul-out. Pups are It was, for a time, a common sight to born in June to mid-July and these can see them crawling in and out of the swim soon after birth. Many adults are holes in the pier. They became a pest ashore in August when they moult. on some farms i.e. Noup Farm. They failed to thrive long term and the last confirmed record was in 1968 though it is possible that they hung on for a few years after this. It seems certain that the Black Rat is now extinct in Westray.

OTTER (Lutra lutra)

It is my experience that the north isles present the best opportunities to see Otter in Orkney; and that the best chances are on Westray. They are GREY SEAL distributed around and through the (Halichoerus grypus) island, most often being seen at the coast and in the lochs. A well defined A small breeding colony of perhaps 100 ‘run’ can be seen near Trenabie Mill. adults exists at the Point of Though there is no single site which Weatherness, some 25 minutes walk can reliably be viewed in the hope of from the Rapness Quarry. Pupping seeing this elusive , the new takes place in October-November and Rapness Pier is locally thought to offer the young remain ashore for up to a the best chance. month while they moult the whitish coat they are born with. A large haul- out can be seen at low water on the Skerry below Noup Head. Typically this species prefers more isolated and exposed breeding and loafing sites than its’ smaller cousin above.

2 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

FIN WHALE The peak time for sightings in Orkney (Balaenoptera physalis) is in July-August.

One struck by a fishing boat, the FV “Alma”, off Westray in 12th September 1981. It subsequently stranded alive WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN on Papay and died soon after coming (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) ashore. It was unsexed and measured 13.7 metres in length. This is the commonest dolphin recorded around Orkney in recent years. Sightings in summer and autumn off Orkney’s west coast HUMPBACK WHALE strongly imply that there are (Megaptera novaengliae) opportunities to see this robust dolphin off the Westray coast. Seen almost annually at the North Shoal in several years of the 1980’s, G. Costie pers comm. KILLER WHALE (Orcinus orca)

MINKE WHALE Occasionally seen offshore, and (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) sometimes from land; especially in late spring and summer. Pods of up to 12 Recorded sparingly offshore, have been seen around Orkney particularly off Noup Head and along at this season in recent years. the west cliffs. In the rest of Orkney, this species is commonest from July to October, though can be encountered at any time of year. LONG-FINNED PILOT WHALE (Globicephala melas)

The status of this species offshore is SPERM WHALE unclear but there are records of two (Physeter macrocephalus) mass live strandings. On 14th March 1955, some 67 animals stranded at There is a record of a male which had Point of Cott. Of these 54% were been dead some time, washing ashore females. On 12th May 1983, 36 on 25th November 1988. It measured stranded at Twiness; containing a 14.3 metres in length. proportion of 62% females.

HARBOUR PORPOISE RISSO’S DOLPHIN (Phocoena phocoena) (Grampus griseus) Local name Pallo It should be possible to see this large This is the commonest cetacean seen dolphin off Noup Head in August- around Orkney and it can be found in September. There is one record of a live small numbers around Westray, animal found stranded on Westray on especially in areas of strong tidal flow, 19th November 1983. It was towed into i.e. Weatherness, Papay Sound. deeper water.

3 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

PART FIVE Westray Flora The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Huperzia selago Cystopteris fragilis FIR CLUBMOSS, native, BRITTLE BLADDER-FERN, native, Species-poor heath Wet rock outcrops, usually in heath or peat.

Dryopteris filix-mas Selaginella selaginoides MALE FERN, native, LESSER CLUBMOSS, native, Variable Damp species-rich heath, fens and flushes.

D.affinis ssp affinis Equisetum fluviatile SCALY BUCKLER FERN, native, WATER HORSETAIL, native, tall herb. Standing or slow moving water.Found in the Roadmire area. D. affinis ssp borreri SCALY MALE-FERN, native, E.arvense tall herb, sometimes on soft sea-cliff. FIELD HORSETAIL, native, Various habitats, found at Gairy. D. dilatata BROAD BUCKLER-FERN, native, E.palustre tall herb, species-poor heath MARSH HORSETAIL, native, Fens and flushes, e.g. the Roadmire area. Blechnum spicant HARD FERN, native, Polypodium vulgare blanket peat, species-poor heath COMMON POLYPODY, native, Rock outcrops, shady dykes, storm beaches. Caltha palustris MARSH MARIGOLD, native, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Burns, drains and loch sides BLACK SPLEENWORT, native, rock outcrops. Ranunculus acris MEADOW BUTTERCUP, native in various A. marinum places, tall herb, swamp and fen SEA SPLEENWORT, native, Sea cliffs. Plentiful at Githigeo. R. repens CREEPING BUTTERCUP, native?, A. trichomanes Cultivated and waste ground, grows at Sand MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT, native, o’ Mason. Rock crevices

R. bulbosus A. ruta-muraria BULBOUS BUTTERCUP, native, WALL-RUE, native, Links, machair and dry turf, flowewring in Rock outcrops and Ancient Monuments. late spring.

Athyrium filix-femina R. flammula LADY FERN, native, LESSER SPEARWORT, native, tall herb. various wet places, ditches, fen; on Fitty Hill.

1 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

R. ficaria ssp ficaria Honckenya peploides LESSER CELANDINE, native, SEA SANDWORT, native, Various, mainly damp and shady places, common, sandy beaches and dunes also roadside verges; e.g. at Littlehouse.

R. baudotii Stellaria media BRACKISH WATER-CROWFOOT, native, CHICKWEED, native, open water, usually brackish or near sea. common, cultivated or waste ground and bird cliffs

R. trichophyllus THREAD-LEAVED WATER-CROWFOOT, S. graminea native, small open water LESSER STITCHWORT, native, wet places, usually at roadsides; found in Noup area. R. aquatilis WATER-CROWFOOT, native, small open water areas S. uliginosa BOG STITCHWORT, native, tall herb, swamp Thalictrum alpinum ALPINE MEADOW-RUE, native, Cerastium fontanum ssp vulgare eacliff heath, fen, basic flushes COMMON MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED, native, common, variable habitats

Papaver dubium LONG-HEADED POPPY, native?, C. glomeratum cultivated and waste ground; grows at STICKY MOUSE-EAR CHCKWEED, Hallobrig. native, common, waste or cultivated ground

Fumaria capreolata WHITE RAMPING FUMITORY, weed of C. diffusum cultivation; SEA MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED, native, found at Roadmire. turf near sea

Urtica dioica Sagina nodosa STINGING NETTLE, native, KNOTTED PEARLWORT, native, common, cultivated and waste ground basic flushes, fen

U. urens S. procumbens SMALL NETTLE, native, PROCUMBENT PEARLWORT, native, cultivated sandy ground, dunes abundant

Suaeda maritima S. maritima SEA-BLITE, native, SEA PEARLWORT, native, sheltered sea-shores, sometimes clifftops seashores, cliffs, piers, causeways

Montia fontana agg. Spergula arvensis BLINKS, native, CORN SPURREY, native, various bare damp places; at White Moss. cultivated and waste ground; becoming less abundant. Still found in Skaill area.

2 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Spergularia media R. acetosa GREATER SEA-SPURREY, native, SORREL, SOUROS , common native, Seashores, saltmarsh, cliffs and clifftops at fens, maritime heath, verges and banks Aikerness.

R. longifolius S. marina LONG-LEAVED DOCK, Native, LESSER SEA-SPURREY, native in less common, cultivated ground exposed sties than media. Skaill area. R. crispus CURLED DOCK, native, Lychnis flos-cuculi common, weed of cultivation and on sea RAGGED ROBIN, native, shores fens and marshes, damp verges, species- rich heath. Grows at Rapness Mill but not at the north end of the island. R. obtusifolius BROAD-LEAVED DOCK,BULOWANS, common native, Silene acaulis cultivated and waste ground MOSS CAMPION, native, grows at the back of Fitty Hill, sometimes in close company with scotica. Armeria maritima THRIFT, SEA-PINK, common native, cliffs and exposed clifftop sward, plentiful Silene uniflora around Noup Head. SEA CAMPION, native, sea-cliffs and shingle beaches. Profuse along Rapness Cliffs. Hypericum pulchrum SLENDER ST JOHN’S WORT, native, grassy or species-rich heaths. S. dioica RED CAMPION, native, tall herb and nitrogen-rich sites Viola riviniana COMMON DOG-VIOLET, native, dry often species-rich heath, banks and Persicaria viviparia cliffs; along Noup Road. ALPINE BISTORT, native, usually breck-stony, often species rich heath; found at Backarass. V. tricolor ssp tricolor HEART’S-EASE PANSY, native, as both a weed of cultivation and persistent P. amphibia on machair AMPHIBIOUS BISTORT, native, open water and wet ground V. arvensis FIELD PANSY, native, P. lapathifolia cultivated ground; at Jerusalem. PALE PERSICARIA, weed of cultivation

Salix repens var. repens Rumex aceteosella CREEPING WILLOW, native, SHEEPS SORREL, common native, various types of heath, banks, heathy Acid cultivated ground, species-poor heath, clifftops, Backarass. blanket bog.

3 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

S. herbacea Raphanus raphanistrum DWARF WILLOW, native, WILD MUSTARD, RUNCHO, Common feldfield on the hilltops; also at Backarass. weed of cultivated and waste ground

Arabidopsis thaliana Empetrum nigrum ssp nigrum THALE CRESS, native?, CROWBERRY, native, crevices in paving, walls, waste ground widespread in heaths and hills, especially near sea; found on Fitty Hill.

Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum WATERCRESS, native, Arctostaphylos alpinus open water ALPINE BLAEBERRY, native, feldfield, blanket bog

Cardamine pratensis LADY’S SMOCK, native, Calluna vulgaris damp pasture, fen and marsh, verges and HEATHER, common native, ditches Blanket peat, heaths, hills

C. flexuosa Erica tetralix WAVY BITTER-CRESS, native, CROSS-LEAVED HEATH, native, gardens, waste places; at Lightcost. Hill, wet heath, flushes

Arabis hirsuta E. cinerea HAIRY ROCK-CRESS, native, BELL HEATHER, native, rock crevices, may be extinct on Westray; dryish peat or heath; at Wurhoose. its only Orkney site: at Lightcost..

Primula vulgaris Cochlearia officinalis PRIMROSE, common native, SCURVY-GRASS, common native, grassy sea banks, dunes, grassy heath, Sea cliffs (especially around seabird burnsides and roadside verges. colonies), rocky shores, saltmarsh, cliff-top turf. Primula vulgaris X veris = P. p o lyantha FALSE OXLIP, native, Capsella bursa-pastoris where both parent occur; i.e at SHEPHERD’S-PURSE, Weed of Newcastle. cultivation, common, especially around human artefacts. Primula veris COWSLIP, native, Sinapis arvensis links, grassy sea banks. On Westray grows CHARLOCK, Weed of cultivated and waste at the Westside and on the Links of ground Noltland.

Cakile maritima SEA ROCKET, native, strand lines and sea-shores; grows at Avertaft

4 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Primula scotica P. erecta SCOTTISH PRIMROSE, native, TORMENTIL, native, maritime heath, machair and links. various heaths, grassy sea banks, verges; On Westray, can be found on the western common at Rapness cliffs. maritime heath, especially to the west of Fitty Hill and on the Aikerness Hill. Formerly common on the Hill of Noup. Alchemilla glabra Two flowering seasons from mid-May to LADY’S-MANTLE, native, mid-June and again from mid-July to mid- short turf, banks August. The first period typically produces many long-stemmed, multi-headed blooms. Anthyllis vulneraria KIDNEY VETCH, native, Anagallis tenella not on acidic ground, dry turf, banks, rock BOG PIMPERNEl, native, outcrops; thought to be declining. fen, flushes, wet machair

Lotus corniculatus Glaux maritima BIRD’S-FOOT TREFOIL, native, SEA MILKWORT, native, very common but mainly on species-rich stony cliff tops, seashore, saltmarsh; at heath. Avertaft.

Vicia cracca Sedum rosea TUFTED VETCH, native, ROSEROOT, native, banks, field margins, roadside verges and in geos and on cliffs; plentiful at Githigeo. ungrazed rough pasture; at Coastguards.

S. acre V. sepium WALL PEPPER,introduced?, BUSH VETCH, native, seashores and links, planted on walls and rough heathy and rushy places; at roofs. Coastguards.

Parnassia palustris V. sativa GRASS OF PARNASSUS, common native, COMMON VETCH, introduced, fen and wet machair. cultivated and waste ground, at Russland.

Filipendula ulmaria Lathyrus pratensis MEADOW-SWEET, native, MEADOW VETCHLING, native, common in marshes, fens. burnsides, various, roadside, banks. roadsides

Trifolium repens Potentilla palustris WHITE CLOVER, introduced?, MARSH CINQUEFOIL, native, common in most grassy habitat. swamp, marshes, old peat cuttings; at Fribo and White Moss. T. hybridum ALSIKE, introduced relict of cultivation. P. anserina SILVERWEED, native, persistent in various habitats T. campestre HOP TREFOIL, introduced, rare on cultivated ground.

5 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

T. pratense Polygala vulgaris RED CLOVER, native, COMMON MILKWORT, native, grassy heaths, old pastures, verges and Basic rock outcrops, dunes etc. waysides.

P. serpyllifolia Ulex europaeus HEATH MILKWORT, native, GORSE, WHIN, native?, heaths, dry peat, banks. Grows on Fitty Hill. not common, also known to have been planted. Grows above Sangar. Acer pseudoplatanus SYCAMORE, introduced in gardens and Epilobium hirsutum plantations, GREAT HAIRY WILLOWHERB, occasionally self-sown. introduced; Fribo.

Geranium pusillum E. parviflorum SMALL-FLOWERED CRANES-BILL, not SMALL-FLOWERED WILLOWHERB, native? waste ground in the Pierowall area. native, wet machair

Impatiens glandulifera E. montanum INDIAN BALSAM, introduced, BROAD LEAVED WILLOWHERB, native?, waste places. weed of cultivation but sometimes tall herb.

Hedera hibernica var ‘Hibernica’ E. palustre IRISH IVY, introduced, MARSH WILLOWHERB, native, the most common cultivated Ivy. damp places

Hydrocotyle vulgaris Chamerion angustifolium MARSH PENNYWORT, common native, ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB, could be marshes, wet places in old pasture and native or introduced, heath. found in some wild places.

Anthriscus sylvestris Fuchsia magellanica COW PARSLEY, native, FUCHSIA, introduced, waste ground and verges common, sets fertile seed.

Myrrhis odorata Euphorbia helioscopia SWEET CICILY, MYRRH, garden outcast. SUN SPURGE, weed of cultivation

Aegopodium podagrariai Linum catharticum GROUND ELDER, BISHOP-WEED, PURGING FLAX, native, common, persistent garden weed base-rich sites

Apium inundatum Radiola linoides MARSH-WORT, native, ALLSEED, native, shallow pools, loch margins damp, usually species-poor heath with barish patches

6 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Carum carvi M. arvensis CARAWAY, CARVIE, introduced?, FIELD SCORPION-GRASS, native, sandy pasture, often near houses; grows at weed of cultivation and waste ground Cottahowan.

Stachys sylvatica x palustris = S. x Ligusticum scoticum ambigua SCOTTISH LOVAGE, grows along the LAMB’S-LUGS, almost always introduced, Rapness cliffs and possibly elsewhere. weed of cultivation and waste ground.

Lamium purpureum Angelica sylvestris RED DEAD-NETTLE, common native, WILD ANGELICA, CAIKO, native, weed of cultivation. heath, dales, verges; at Rapness Mill.

L. confertum A. archangelica NORTHERN DEAD-NETTLE, native, GARDEN ANGELICA, introduced weed of cultivation, often with the above around Pierowall and Broughton, species. said to be a relict of Viking colonisation. Possibly declining. Galeopsis tetrahit COMMON HEMP-NETTLE, native?, Heracleum sphondylium abundant weed of cultivation. HOGWEED, native, weed of cultivation or verges and waste ground. Glechoma hederacea GROUND IVY, not native, Gentianella amarella garden outcast, nearly naturalised in places; FELWORT, AUTUMN GENTIAN, native, recently found. found at Backarass and Sand o’ Mason.

Prunella vulgaris Calystegia sepium SELF-HEAL, native, HEDGE BINDWEED, introduced garden various heath types, old pasture e.g. at escape. Skaill.

Menyanthes trifoliata Thymus polytrichus ssp britannicus BOGBEAN, native, WILD THYME, native, fens and loch margins; found at Fribo. especially in species- rich heath and maritime heath; at Backarass and Old Kirk. Anchusa arvensis BUGLOSS, native?, sandy fields and pastures. Mentha aquatica WATER MINT, native, marshes, ditches; common at Roadmire. Martensia maritima OYSTER , native, formerly found at Kirbist but not seen for Hippuris vulgaris several years; possibly exinct. MARE’S-TAIL, common native, Standing water, usually in small lochs or ditches. Myosotis laxa TUFTED FORGET-ME-NOT, native, fens and small pools; at White Moss. Callitriche hermaphroditica AUTUMNAL WATER-STARWORT, native, Lochs, rarely small pools.

7 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

C. stagnalis V. anagallis-aquatica COMMON WATER-STARWORT, native, WATER-SPEEDWELL, native, small pools, ditches, sometimes wet mud. burns, wet ditches and swamp; at Fribo.

C. hamulata V. persica INTERMEDIATE WATER-STARWORT, BUXBAUM’S SPEEDWELL, introduced?, native, not usually in nutrient-rich waters. Weed of cultivation?

Euphrasia agg. Plantago coronopus EYEBRIGHTS, common natives, BUCK’S-HORN PLANTAIN, common very varied habitats. native, strictly maritime.

E. confusa P. maritima EYEBRIGHT, native, SEA PLANTAIN, common native, very variable, usually with grass species. often inland, very common but not on wet peat. E. foulaensis EYEBRIGHT, native, P. major short turf, sea banks, saltmarsh. GREATER PLANTAIN, native?, usually in cultivated or recently abandoned land. E. micrantha EYEBRIGHT, native, wet heath, flushes, perhaps saltmarsh. P. lanceolata RIBWORT, SOLDIERS, native, various habitats including maritime heath Odontites vernus and roadside verges. RED BARTSIA, native, usually sandy sites; found at Rapness Mill and Garth. Littorella uniflora SHOREWEED, native, stony or slightly muddy loch margins. Rhinanthus minor agg. YELLOW RATTLE, native, damp heath, fen and wet machair. Veronica serpyllifolia THYME-LEAVED SPEEDWELL, introduced?, common, often a garden weed Pedicularis palustris RED RATTLE, native, species-rich heath, fen V. officinalis COMMON SPEEDWELL, common native, dry banks, rock outcrops. P. sylvatica LOUSEWORT, native, heaths, hill; Skaill Area and Rapness Mill. V. chamaedrys GERMANDER SPEEDWELL, said to be introduced, Pinguicula vulgaris cultivated or waste ground, found BUTTERWORT, native, around Westside Mill. nutrient-poor heath; at Powdykes.

V. beccabunga Galium palustre ssp BROOKLIME, native, MARSH BEDSTRAW, native, wet ditches, burns, loch margins. marshes; at Roadmire.

8 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

G. verum Cichorium intybus LADY’S BEDSTRAW, native, CHICORY, introduced, mainly machair and links; at Rapness cliffs. relict of cultivation.

G. sterneri Hypochaeris radicata LIMESTONE BEDSTRAW, native, CAT’S-EAR, native, varied, dry machair, flagstone outcrops, dry dryish banks, heaths and grassland. turf.

Leontodon autumnalis G. saxatile AUTUMNAL HAWKBIT, native, HEATH BEDSTRAW, native, near the sea but often well inland, roadside heaths and hill. verges etc.

G. aparine Sonchus arvensis GOOSEGRASS, CLEAVERS, STICKY CORN SOWTHISTLE, native, WILLIE, native, seashore, cultivated and waste ground. waste ground.

S. oleraceus Sambucus nigra COMMON SOWTHISTLE, native, ELDER, introduced, cultivated and waste ground. often near houses and in waste ground.

S. asper Lonicera periclymenum PRICKLY SOWTHISTLE, native, HONEYSUCKLE, planted in gardens, cultivated and waste ground, rock crevices. especially Pierowall.

Taraxacum ssp. Succisa pratensis DANDELIONS, commom native or DEVIL’S-BIT SCABIOUS, common native introduced, in various species-rich habitats. very varied, the sub-species are under- recorded.

Cirsium vulgare SPEAR THISTLE, common native, T. faeroense normally a weed of cultivation, and waste DANDELION, native, ground grassy heath and fen.

T. polyodon C. palustre DANDELION, rare native, MARSH THISTLE, common native, locality unknown. marsh and tall herb community.

Hieracium scoticum C. arvense HAWKWEED, rare native. CREEPING THISTLE, quite common native, weed of cultivation. H. caledonicum HAWKWEED, rare native. Centaurea nigra Antennaria dioica HARDHEADS, KNAPWEED, common native, dry or sandy pastures, links, MOUNTAIN EVERLASTING, CAT’S- roadsides. FOOT, native, dry short heath, rock outcrops.

9 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Inula helenium Tripleurospermum maritimum ELECAMPANE, Introduced, SEA MAYWEED, native, waste places, sea banks, often well strandlines, sea cliffs. naturalised

Senecio jacobaea x aquaticus Solidago virgaurea HYBRID RAGWORT, native cultivated and GOLDEN-ROD, native, waste ground, cliffs, rock outcrops, heath. also invades natural habitats.

Aster tripolium S. vulgaris SEA ASTER, native, GROUNDSEL, native, shingly saltmarsh, and sea cliffs; on both cultivated and waste ground. sides of Bay of Tuquoy at Damaquoy and Tuquoy. Tussilago farfara TUSHILAGO, COLT’S-FOOT, native, Bellis perennis cultivated ground, verges, often on clay. DAISY, common native, short turf and weed of cultivation. Triglochin palustris MARSH ARROW-GRASS, native, Tanacetum vulgare fens, swamp, saltmarsh. TANSY, introduced, only two sites on Westray, i.e. at Pertglen. T. maritima SEA ARROW-GRASS, native, Artemisia vulgaris saltmarsh, seashores. MUGWORT, native, machair and links. Potomageton polygonifolius BOG PONDWEED, native, Achillea ptarmica pools in blanket bog and in hill lochs; at SNEEZEWORT, native, White Moss. swamp and wet meadows, i.e. at Gairy and Garth. P. gramineus VARIOUS-LEAVED PONDWEED, native, A. millefolium open water, absent from nutrient-rich YARROW, common native, lochs. well drained, usually near habitations.

P. perfoliatus Leucanthemum vulgare PERFOLIATE PONDWEED, native, OX-EYE DAISY, native?, open water, sometimes fairly deep. grassy banks, roadside verges and old pasture; formerly found in the old quarry at Cleat but not seen for a few years. May be P. freisii extinct. FLAT-STALKED PONDWEED, native, shallow open water.

Matricaria discoidea PINEAPPLE WEED, common, P. pusillus probably first introduced in 1930s with LESSER PONDWEED, native, chicken feed. open water.

10 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

P. berchtoldii J. conglomeratus SMALL PONDWEED, native, COMPACT RUSH, native, small areas of open water. marshes.

Luzula sylvatica P. crispus GREAT WOODRUSH, native, CURLED PONDWEED, native, increasingly dominant on sea and inland shallow open water. cliffs.

P. filiformis L. campestris SLENDER PONDWEED, native, FIELD WOODRUSH, native, open water except on peat. damp lawns, banks, grassy heath.

P. pectinatus L. multiflora FENNEL-LEAVED PONDWEED, brackish HEATH WOODRUSH, native, open water heaths, often difficult to distinguish from preceding species.

Zostera marina EELGRASS, native, Eriophorum angustifolium marine well below low water mark. COMMON COTTONGRASS, native, fens, marshes and ditches.

Juncus squarrosus HEATH RUSH, native, Trichophorum cespitosum hills and heaths. DEER-GRASS, native, species-poor heath, blanket bog.

J. gerardii MUD RUSH, native, Eleocharis palustris saltmarsh, or in turf above high water mark COMMON SPIKE-RUSH, native, on shores. loch margins and marsh.

J. bufonius E. uniglumis TOAD RUSH, native, ONE-GLUMED SPIKE-RUSH, native, marsh and saltmarsh. marshes, pools, loch edge.

J. articulatus E. quinqueflora JOINTED RUSH, native, FEW-FLOWERED SPIKE-RUSH, native widespread in fens, loch margins. on wet flushes.

J. bulbosus Bolboschoenus maritimus BULBOUS RUSH, native, SEA CLUB-RUSH, not seen for many wet peat, peaty pools, shallow burns. years at its only Orkney site at the Ayre of Roadmire.

J. effusus SOFT RUSH, native, Schoenus nigricans marshes. BLACK BOG-RUSH, native, basic flushes and fens.

11 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Carex arenaria Nardus stricta SAND SEDGE, native, MAT GRASS, native, dunes. heaths and feldfield.

C. maritima Festuca arundinacea CURVED SEDGE, native, TALL FESCUE, introduced, damp machair, dune slacks. loch sides and roadsides.

C. ovalis F. r ubra OVAL SEDGE, native, RED FESCUE, native, often in neglected pastures. everywhere.

C. rostrata F. vivipara BOTTLE SEDGE, native, VIVIPAROUS FESCUE, native, slow-moving water, pools. hill, wet heath.

C. flacca Lolium perenne GLAUCOUS SEDGE, native, PERENNIAL RYEGRASS, native?, species-rich and maritime heath, fens; at good pasture, verges, lawns. Backarass.

L. multiflorum C. panicea ITALIAN RYEGRASS, introduced, CARNATION SEDGE, native, verges and waste ground. species-poor to maritime heath.

Cynosurus cristatus C. binervis CRESTED DOG’S-TAIL, native, GREEN-RIBBED SEDGE, native, pasture, banks, verges. heath.

Puccinellia capillaris C. hostiana COMMON SALTMARSH-GRASS, native, TAWNY SEDGE, native, saltmarsh. fen, damp grassland.

Poa annua C. viridula ssp oedocarpa ANNUAL MEADOW-GRASS, native, YELLOW SEDGE, native, abundant. wet heath, muddy flushes.

P. trivialis C. nigra ROUGH MEADOW-GRASS, native, COMMON SEDGE, native, damp pasture, sometimes sown. species-poor heath, peat.

P. humilis C. pulicaris SPREADING MEADOW-GRASS, native, FLEA SEDGE, native, natural pasture, banks, maritime heath. fen, species-rich heath.

12 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Dactylis glomerata A. canina COCKSFOOT, introduced?, VELVET BENT, native, leys, persisting in rough pastures and permanent pasture. roadside verges.

Ammophila arenaria Catabrosa aquatica MARRAM, native, WHORL-GRASS, native, dunes. burns in machair or outflows to sandy seashores. Alopecurus geniculatus MARSH FOXTAIL, native, wet pasture. Glyceria fluitans FLOATING SWEET-GRASS, native, ditches, loch margins. Phleum pratense TIMOTHY, introduced, persistent relict of cultivation. Arrhenatherum elatius FALSE OAT-GRASS, native?, old pasture, field margins, verges. Elytrigia repens COUCH, native, waste and cultivated ground. Deschampsia cespitosa TUFTED HAIR-GRASS, native. E. juncea SAND COUCH, native, Aira praecox outer dune margins. EARLY HAIR-GRASS, native, poor soils, dry banks. Leymus arenarius LYME GRASS, native, Anthoxanthum odoratum sand dunes. SWEET VERNAL-GRASS, native, old grassland, species-rich heath, banks. Danthonia decumbens HEATH GRASS, native, Phalaris arundinacea heaths, dry grassy banks. REED CANARY-GRASS, native fen and swamp. Molinia caerulea PURPLE MOOR-GRASS, native, Agrostis capillaris various types of heath. COMMON BENT, native, pasture, maritime heath. Phragmites australis REED, native, A. gigantea fen, open water, marsh, i.e. Roadmire. BLACK BENT, not native?, waste ground. Narthecium ossifragium BOG ASPHODEL, native, A. stolonifera common in late summer on the western CREEPING BENT, native, maritime heath; plentiful in August on Fitty damp pasture, fen. Hill.

13 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

Scilla verna Dactylorhiza maculata ssp ericetorum SPRING SQUILL, native, MOORLAND SPOTTED ORCHID, native, good displays above the western cliffs and maritime heath and hills. Noup Head.

D. purpurella Iris pseudacorus NORTHERN FEN ORCHID, marsh, YELLOW FLAG, SEGS, roadside verges, grassy banks. native, marshes, lochs, ditches, burns.

14 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

RECOMMENDATIONS

I believe that one of the main purposes 6 Could the Development Trust, or of this document is to empower the another body, invest in a decent local community to determine, at least pair of binoculars, a telescope and in part, the future of wildlife tripod and a few modern field observation and recording on their guides for their library? I can advise island. I am also hopeful that any user on choice. of the vast wild resources on Westray will make close reference to the list of 7 This should be viewed as a rolling recommendations below. document and supplements/updates should be added every year or two. 1 Establish a local recording database. If it goes on your Community All you need is a willing volunteer; Website, additional information a PC is also very handy. I believe should be added as and when. that “keeping it local” would I would hope that your local encourage more recording effort recorder to-be would be able to within the island. It is fundamental manage this. In any case, I will that any recorder liaise fully with continue to provide onward support the respective county recorder on for this project. an annual basis and copy all data to him / her. 8 As a guide to prospective visitors the most important sites (honey 2Request via the RSPB Reserves pots) and seasonal highlights Manager that the Papay Warden and should be described in full. I am any visiting research staff make a willing to undertake this as an particular effort to record adjunct to the present project everything they see on Westray, and submit this to your island recorder. 9 Consider establishing a hide or two. Further liaison with Scottish The value of these cannot be under- Natural Heritage staff and estimated for both locals and Community Biodiversity Project. visitors alike.

3 Advertise for records from visitors Potential sites that spring to mind: in all accommodation, public places and on the ferries. Ayre of Roadmire; some siting problems given light conditions. 4I hesitate to mention the word “club”, but a “network “ of Castle o’ Burrian; just for Puffins enthusiastic individuals who share (might need to be a large information is a proven way to construction) boost records. Consider establishing an informal local “grapevine”. Swartmill Loch; siting needs careful thought but can avoid lighting 5 What about field classes? problem. These can be done at any season and will build confidence among Remember that you can (potentially) local enthusiasts, and recruit new site a hide then create the habitat in recorders. front of it. Again, I would be willing to I can advise on planning assist; but please note there are more this development. expert sources locally. The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many folk gave freely of their conference sessions which own time and knowledge to linked Westray with North assist with this document. Ronaldsay. It could not have been done without them. I was given huge Eric Meek added some amounts of crucial local significant information. information from, amongst others: Bertha Kent, Katy Costie Innumerable records have been and Sam Harcus. contributed by visitors to Westray over the years. These I would like to thank Peter have become the backbone of Needham for his expertise in the document and without all producing the final document. this effort, it would have been a very thin text. I am also indebted to all those who attended the frequent video The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

REFERENCES

Balfour, E. 1968 Breeding birds of Orkney Bird Reports 1983-2000; Orkney. Scottish Birds. 5:89-104 various editors

Booth, C. Cuthbert, M. and Reynolds, Tay and Orkney Ringing Groups, 1984, P. The Birds of Orkney The shore-birds of the Orkney Islands

Bullock, I.D. and Gomersall, C.H. Wetland and Marginal Moorland sites in 1981, The Breeding Population of Terns Orkney 1993-94. Volume 2. Gray, M. in Orkney and Shetland in 1980. et. al., unpublished. Bird Study 28:187-200. Papa Westray Wardens Report, Cramp, S., Bourne, W.R.P., and 1979-2000; various authors, Saunders, D. 1974 The Seabirds of unpublished. Britain and Ireland.

Lack, D. 1943 The breeding birds of Orkney. Ibis, 1943:1-27 The Flora and Fauna of Westray, Orkney

GLOSSARY

SNH Scottish Natural et al and others Heritage AOT apparently occupied RSPB Royal Society for the territory Protection of Birds AON apparently occupied pers. obs. personal observation nest pers. comm. personal communication