28th October

Undoubtedly one of the best days of the autumn with a good selection of migrants, and another good arrival of thrushes with 491 blackbird, 1046 fieldfare, 238 redwing, 23 song thrush and a ring ouzel. Woodcock were also in good numbers with 45, mist netting boosted a few totals such as 17 robin, 8 chiffchaff, 8 goldcrest and 15 blackcap. Single willow warblers were at Gravity still and Nether Linnay, with a little Bunting also at that site. 120 twite are now in the Obs' bird crop, 220 snow bunting is a good count and the goldfinch was seen at Westness. Singles of both long and short-eared owl were seen, the stock dove was still present as were 2 jackdaw, and 4 black-redstarts were scattered around. The day was finished off nicely when the island's 4th record of green-winged teal was found on Gretchen Loch, and a richard's pipit at Ancum.

Little Bunting & Green-winged teal