23rd - 25th March

The past few days have been a very mixed bag weather-wise, with strong winds and heavy showers slowly making way for what was a very nice day on 25th.

23rd was a slow birding day, with census cut short because of the rain and wind. The highlight was a good movement of Fulmar past the sea watch hide, with 775 being recorded in 1hr 30mins. Otherwise, a Reed Bunting was the only other bird of note.

The weather on the 24th at least allowed us to complete a full census which produced our first Rook of the year when two flew south over Waterhouse. However, it was a quiet day on the whole with two Stonechat at Ancum House providing the only other excitement.

25th was a much nicer day and coverage of the island was up. In 2hrs 30mins of sea watching our first Puffins of the year were recorded as well as a massive 2581 Fulmar passing north. Two other year ticks came in the form of a Carrion Crow that flew west over Scottigar, and a Linnet in with a Twite flock at Haskie. One rather smart male Snow Bunting was seen at Bewan. The main interest of the day came from two colour-ringed Rock Pipits seen on the coast between Nouster and Brides. Photographs and a bit of detective work proved one to have been ringed in Norway in September 2023, and the other to come from Northumberland. 

With some gentle easterlies and a bit of rain forecast for the next few days, we can't help but feel some building spring anticipation!

Colour-ringed Rock Pipit - GG