Probably one of the worst photos!

I was on my way home tonight when I saw a bird at the side of the road. About 200 yards further on I realised this was a corncrake! I have heard plenty of them over the last few years but never seen one until today.

I turned and went back and sure enough there was an adult and three chicks. Corncrakes are on the increase again, especially in Orkney and the Western Isles, but there is still very low numbers of them so it was a wonderful sight to see. They blend in tremendously and can 'coorie-doon' in the long grass and almost be invisible.

Despite my best efforts, this was as near as I could get, but a thrilling sight nevertheless.

Sorry about the quality but I was quite excited! If you have great eyesight you will see an adult and at least two chicks.