The islands of Egilsay and Wyre are similar to each other and very different from Rousay. Both are flat, low-lying and mostly given over to farmland. Wyre is an attractive island to walk around and has good numbers of Artic terns, Arctic skuas and black guillemots. On Egilsay, the RSPB has a reserve the principle aim of which is to increase the number of breeding corncrakes by managing farmland specifically with them in mind. Whilst you are unlikely to see this elusive bird, you may be able to hear their peculiar call if you stay overnight – the male generally only “sings” in the darkest hours.

The whole island has remarkable numbers of birds that are becoming increasingly rare in the rest of Britain. On a calm spring morning the number of skylarks singing is amazing, only equalled by the ‘drumming’ of snipe through the long evenings. All around the wetland areas lapwings tumble and call whilst curlews give their long, bubbling cry. And if you go for a late evening stroll, you might also hear the far-carrying liquid call of a spotted crake from down by the Manse Loch. The other thing you will notice on Egilsay is the beautiful display of wild flowers right across the island and even on the roadside verges where orchids are common. Great swathes of colour from plants with evocative names such as ragged robin, lady’s smock, greater bird’s-foot trefoil and yellow rattle are a feature of summer. With the backdrop of the blue-green sea and the surrounding islands, it’s an unforgettable sight.

There is an information display about the RSPB reserve on Egilsay in the island’s pier waiting room, as well as a leaflet with a map showing the nature trail. Both the Rousay and Egilsay reserves are open all year round.