25th-29th June

 A rather mixed bag in terms of weather has seen the island get some long awaited rainfall. With nearly 6 weeks passing since our last substantial downpour the addition of some of the wet stuff to the weather has been more than welcome; especially as the last few weeks have seen most of the lochs drying out significantly, to the point that Ancum resembles a muddy basin as opposed to a loch!  

Bird wise things have been unsurprisingly quiet over the last few days. A Red-necked Phalarope was on Gretchen on the morning of the 25th and was joined on the loch by a 1st Summer Little Gull which re-located the following day to Bewan. Small flocks of waders have been the main focus of our attentions and pockets of Knot, Black-tailed Godwit and returning Golden Plover have already begun to catch the eye with the hopes of them concealing something more exciting. The Rosy Starling remained on the Links until the 27th but has seemingly departed now. The first Hen Harrier of the Autumn (can we call it that yet?) was seen over Ancum before flying over the obs in the evening causing panic for the observers on both occasions! Finally another pair of dodgy Snow Geese have appeared on the island with on Garso on the 29th! 

                                   Red-necked Phalarope

                                   Red-necked Phalarope

                                   Red-necked Phalarope

                                   Rosy Starling (Sand Martin behind)