We are not yet quite sure what species of bird ended-up squashed in the Pictish levels at the entrance to the Neolithic chambered tomb (probably some sort of seabird). The fact that it was entirely articulated minus a head suggests it might not have been entirely accidental… Oddly, 3 years ago, the remains of a cat were found in the same location but higher up in the Norse levels.
Other exiting finds today (apart from yet another wall!) came from our early Iron Age levels down by the sea, where a (possibly seal) tooth pierced for suspension came out of the thick midden deposits.
Follow the story on the Swandro Dig Diary; and on Twitter @SwandroOrkney and @WessexArch.
by Jackie McKinley