The crossing from Scrabster to Stromness was extremely rough but a few birds showed quite well including a Bonxie which flew along beside the boat before powering away ahead. While settling into our accommodation, I caught sight of a female Hen Harrier flying low over nearby fields, scattering everything before it. Later, a very wet walk along the back roads next to Loch of Kirbister found evidence of breeding for Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank. Also present were Red-throated Diver, Common Sandpiper and Arctic Tern. Swallows and Sand Martins were a pitiful sight as they desperately searched for insects in the pouring rain.