29th-30th March
After Thursday's (28th) bumper day in the field an early start at nets was almost equally as productive, both of the male Hawfinches were followed into the mist-nets by a Dutch controlled Blackcap and a Norweigan controlled Dunnock, both of these were soon overshadowed when a male 'Northern' Bullfinch was trapped. The morning wasn't finished there either, a very smart adult Mediterranean Gull was found over Gretchen before things simmered down and the obs team managed to get some breakfast! The afternoon seemed to see a bit of a clear out but there were still bits and bobs to be found, a rather dapper Yellowhammer was found at the end of obs track (resulting in Paul missing Bristol City score a winner at home to Leicester on the telly) and the day was rounded off with Black Redstarts at Howar first and then Torness. A special mention to Craig for finding the first of the Black Redstarts as it was his 200th UK bird. Other birds of note included nine Rook, a Brambling, a Chaffinch, and a drake Goosander that was briefly seen on Garso
A quieter day followed on 30th, although that said a Kestrel over West Beach in the morning followed by Sand Martins at Westness and the Links were both year list additions. Both Hawfinches remained around Holland, as did the Mediterranean Gull at Gretchen, the Goosander was also present throughout the day popping up on Hooking and later at Brides. Good weather in the afternoon meant the obs staff could get on with some fencing work that has been put off for quite some time. Elsewhere a smattering of Wheatear and Chiffchaffs around the island gave a spring feeling to the day, this was coupled by sizeable flocks of Meadow Pipit and Skylark arriving in off. Things are starting to feel a little bit like spring here, no doubt a typical mid-April snow shower is just around the corner.
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