The corncrake is a secretive bird that is heard more than seen. Orkney lore gave it a supernatural explanation for its absence in winter: it was said to sink into the ground or to be transformed into a moorhen until spring.
Spotting one in daylight was counted a piece of luck. The belief is listed with the better known creature legends in a Historic Environment Scotland blog on the folklore behind the film The Outrun.
It is a small piece of belief and not a paranormal event. It is included because it is recorded Orkney folk belief about a transformation. The pin is a general Mainland point.
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