15th-17th September

 A very profitable couple of days with a quieter one thrown in the middle. Very slight easterly winds on the 15th and over night and into the morning of the 17th provided a few migrants for us to sink our teeth into. 

An early flurry of migrants provided excitement with Blackcaps and Goldcrests in Holland and around the traps. A flycatcher in Holland was probably a Red-breasted but gave appalling views so we're leaving it for now. Fieldfares at Holland and Southness were new for the Autumn. A Redstart at Westness was another first for the Autumn as were a pair of Whoopers Swans seen flying South. The Baird's Sandpiper was present again but the highlight of the day was a very showy Lanceolated Warbler found skulking around the punds near Trolla. If accepted it will represent the 6th island record. 

The following day was a much quieter affair with the highlights being the Baird's Sandpiper again, it was pursued by a Peregrine at about mid-day but managed to escape, this however was the last time it was seen. Two Merlins and two Peregrines joined the three Hen Harrier on the day list while a lone Willow Warbler at Southness seemed to be all that remained from the previous day.

The 17th also saw a small fall of migrant birds. A Black-throated Diver flew south down the West Coast during the morning while at least 11 Pied Flycatchers made their way onto the island accompanied by a lone Redwing in the obs crop, two Willow Warblers and re-emergence of the Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Holland. A Brambling in off the sea at the foghorn was also a first for the Autumn, two Willow Warblers at the Old Kirk and the Shooting Gallery were good additions as was a Blackcap and a Barred Warbler in Holland. Up to 42 Lapland Buntings made for great viewing meanwhile, a pair of Yellow-browed Warblers at Dennishill were the second and third this Autumn. A Bluethroat at Lenswick was probably the pick of the bunch for the day but despite this we still there has to be more out there to see!   

                                   Lanceolated Warbler

                                    Lanceolated Warbler                                                   

                                   Bluethroat                                                                          

                                   Lapland Bunting                                                        all pics GG