29th-30th May

Fog descended on the island, making visibility very poor at times. The 29th was fairly quiet although 79 Barnacle Geese were notable. Other migrants included 72 Knot, 2 House Martins, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff. Things picked up on the 30th, with a Stone Curlew found in the fields behind Sangar early afternoon. A very rare bird in Scotland and the 2nd record for the island, it showed well and was still present in the evening. A few other good birds were about, with a female Red-backed Shrike at Ancum Willows, a Black-throated Diver on the sea by Bewan, and a Wood Sandpiper at Brides. Also seen were 23 Barnacle Geese, 8 House Martin, and singles of Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. A Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were seen on both days as was the Corncrake at Holland.

Stone Curlew (photo Carmen Azahara)

 Red-backed Shrike (photo George Gay)

Kestrel (photo George Gay)

House Martin (photo George Gay)


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