News and Wildlife Sightings

Firstly, this past winter has been quite good for bird of prey sightings. There have been a few Hen Harriers about on the island, as is usual in winter, mostly females but with the odd nice male present. Both Peregrine and Merlin have also been seen regularly whilst a Sparrow Hawk was seen in late […]

 Common Seals have been enjoying the sunny days we have had on Westray .     Fulmars are claiming their territories on ledges around the island.     We  have been lucky to be enjoying the Hen Harriers which choose to spend their winter here. There are definately three individuals and possibly more.   A […]

At last we have seen the beginning of the arrival of white-winged Gulls on Westray this winter. It began with an Iceland Gull being seen in Pierowall Bay, and now we have at least two  Iceland gulls visiting Skelwick Bay and Taft End beach. Two Glaucous Gulls were also seen on the north of Westray […]

 Barnacle Geese   A flock of Greylag Geese were joined by 22 Barnacle Geese near the Old Kirk early in the week, the largest group of Barnacles we have seen on Westray.   Curlew Curlew are still ever present, feeding in large groups in fields and at the shore.   Red-throated Diver A Red-throated Diver […]

  Greylag Geese There are still many flocks of Greylag Geese feeding on the fields of Westray during this first week of January 2018.   Sea Urchin A fully intact Sea Urchin was a nice find on one beach. Once they die, Sea Urchins can sometimes be found on the tideline.   Fulmar Fulmars have been […]

The Autumn has brought a few interesting birds to Westray. A Redstart, two or three Stonechats, 30 or more Chaffinches with a Brambling and two Yellow-browed Warblers. Snow Buntings, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers have also appeared. The first Redwings have arrived. Whooper Swans are beginning to reappear, we have Greylag Geese flocks in abundance […]

Want to learn how to bake something new and chat with some local from Westray? If you’re here on the 13th March you might fancy signing up for the Baking with Rita course at the West Manse.

Friday August 15th 19.30 Exhibition opening with a live sound performance and artist talk. Admission FREE PAPEY LISTSKJUL (Papay Arts Centre): SINCE 2007. A REVOLUTIONARY ARTS & HERITAGE HUB OF THE NORTH Formerly known as Land Art Papa Westray is an Art Venue for around the year programme of exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, talks and a […]

We asked people on Westray to submit photos for consideration as suitable cover photos for the 2014 Islands of Orkney Brochure. The entries were narrowed down to seven before a final assessment including the brochure editor. Below are the other final 6 photos that were included in the final consideration.

ORCAS Pod of 6 killer whales seen off Papa Westray  photo on Facebook Westray  Group. Taken from small fishing boat !

AAKnowledge weekend in Papa Westray, Orkney, commemorating Britain’s last breeding pair of great auks. A long weekend of activities on Papa Westray over 17th – 19th May 2013, organised by the Papay Community Association. AAKnowledge Concert: 17th May 7:30pm ’til late Farmers Market, Kelp Store: 18th May 11am – 2pm   Boat Trip(s) to Fowl […]

The puffins have arrived at The Castle O’Burrian. Spotted on the 14th April this marks the start of this years Puffin season at Westray’s most popular puffin watching spot. A pair of pintails wetre also spotted at Broughton.

A day exploring the spectacular seabird colonies on the wonderful island of Westray. The day will include guided walks to the Castle of Burrian puffin colony, an open day at the RSPB’s Noup Head reserve and a boat tour of the stunning seabird cliffs below. For the full day’s events for Saturday 11th and booking […]

Another general Orkney post about a new online magazine dedicated to the Orkney Science Festival, which highlights Orkney in general, as well as containing stories of science and people. You can see the first issue with stories from Papay, North Ronaldsay, Sanday and Stronsay, new insights into the Ring of Brodgar, a story from Skaill […]

Not news about Westray or Papa Westray as susch but hopefully useful to any visitors all the same. Orkney Nature Festival Saturday 11th May – Sunday 19th May 2013 Orkney’s first festival dedicated to celebrating our amazing island wildlife.  The 9 day programme of events includes boat trips, guided walks, bird watching by horse & carriage, […]

Hen Harrier – 1 ringtail (female or juvenile) seen flying north over Papa Westray on 12th, with another seen on 25th. Kestrel – 1 flying north-east over Papa Westray on 18th. Merlin – 1 seen by Tim Dodman at the south end of Papay on 18th. Corncrake – 1 male heard calling between Nouster and […]

The breeding season is now officially over, for the seabirds anyway, so I can officially reveal that most of the seabird species that breed on the North Hill RSPB reserve on Papa Westray and on the Noup Cliffs RSPB reserve on Westray have had a relatively good season! Despite returning to Papay and Westray in […]

Sandwich Tern – 1 juvenile seen in cut silage field near North Rendall, Papa Westray on 16th plus 6 juveniles seen at Wellpark, Papa Westray on 25th. Dunlin – 21 at North Wick, Papa Westray on 25th. 300+ at Loch of Swartmill, Westray on 29th. Sanderling – 2 at North Wick, Papay on 4th. Purple […]