Birdwatchers flock to North Ronaldsay after rare bird sighting

There has been great excitement on one of our isles these last few days. North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory (NRBO) has been inundated with visitors over the past two days, following the sighting of a Red-winged Blackbird.

As quoted on The Orcadian website: "Though very common in North America, this is the first recorded sighting of the species in Europe. Since it was first spotted last Saturday, April 28, over between 50 and 60 birdwatchers have arrived on the island each day, hoping to catch a glimpse."

North Ronaldsay is the northernmost island in Orkney, and is more commonly known for its sheep who live off of a diet of seaweed, giving them a distinct flavour. However, at Ola Gorie we chose to focus on the St Burrian Cross as inspiration for one of our jewellery ranges. From the Broch of Burrian, in North Ronaldsay, this cross suggests the presence of Celtic Christianity amidst Pictish culture in the middle years of the first millennium. 

But going back to the birds, we dont have any jewellery based on the Red-winged Blackbird, but we do have a few other birds featured in our ranges. The Barn Owl is a firm favourite with two sizes of pendants, drop earrings and a brooch on offer. A fun yet immediately recognizable stylised owl-perhaps drawn from the barn owl that used to hunt at dusk through the Ring of Brodgar standing stones.

Our Birdland collection is drawn straight from nature. It is full of freshness with a sense of freedom. This collection features birds in flight across a northern sky, and available with mixed metal or mother of pearl options.