14-16th April
The past couple of days have seen continued small arrivals of common migrants, along with a few year list additions and some exciting local rarities. 14th saw increased numbers of Robins with 19 scattered across the island, along with 13 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 9 Goldcrests and 44 Wheatears. A Goldfinch was at Waterhouse and a Dunnock was trapped and ringed at Holland House. On the wildfowl front, the Barnacle Goose from the previous day remained, relocating to Peckhole and joining the long-staying White-fronted Goose which reappeared after going missing for a few days.
Barnacle Goose (left) and White-fronted Goose (right) with Greylag (centre) - TG
15th felt like the hottest day of the year so far and the clear blue sky and calm conditions led to the Obs team looking to the sky in the hope of a raptor drifting over. This was quickly rewarded as the island's fifth record of Red Kite (first since 2018) was found drifting low over Phisligar before rapidly gaining height and presumably heading north. The bird of prey action continued when an immature White-tailed Eagle flew north over Hooking, before u-turning at the north end and heading south back over the Obs - always a welcome year list addition and one we had been anticipating over the past week or so. Things then took a more unexpected turn (although not totally as one had been seen on mainland Orkney a few hours previously) when a Spoonbill steamed north over the centre of the island. Again, just the fifth island record, although unfortunately the bird could not be refound, indicating it may have continued straight through. This makes 2022 the third consecutive year with a Spoonbill sighting on the island, suggesting records are on the upturn.
White-tailed Eagle - TG
Spoobill (promise!) - TG
16th was a quieter day, with a Goldfinch and Long-eared Owl at Holland House the day's highlights. Sand Martin numbers crept into double figures, joined by six Swallows on the Links. Further signs of spring progressing over the past few days have included the first singing Wheatears and increased numbers of Fulmars landing around the Sheep Dyke along the coast.
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