3rd - 8th September

With easterlies finally in the forecast, more migrants have been knocking about the island. The 3rd started with a Barred Warbler at Westness, a Spotted Flycatcher at Senness, a Pied Flycatcher and a Black Redstart at Rue, and a Redstart at Bewan. Later on, a Lesser Whitethroat was at Cursitter, and an Icterine Warbler was found at Westness. Reed Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler were added to the year list with birds at Cauldhaim and Sangar respectively. The American Golden Plover remained on the Links.

Four Barred Warblers were present on 4th, with one at Senness, one at Sandback, one at Milldam, and one at Holland. The Spotted Flycatcher remained at Senness, a Lesser Whitethroat was in the Bewan garden, and a Robin was in the Shooting Gallery.

A Marsh Warbler was present at Verracott on 5th, as well as a Blackcap at Brides, and a Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Rue.

Three Pied Flycatcher were present on 6th; one at North Ness, one at the Surgery and one at Lurand. The American Golden Plover was again on the Links. A Redstart was at Rue, two Garden Warbler were at Bewan, and a Grey Plover was in Nouster Bay.

Things kicked off nicely on 7th with a Barred Warbler at Leswick, and really got everyone fired up when a Dusky Warbler was found in the Shooting Gallery. This is the earliest ever Autumn record in Britain by quite some margin! Other highlights of the day were a Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Barrenha' garden, and a Bluethroat on Tor Ness. Also on island were a Pied Flycatcher at Westness, a Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Barrenha', the first Song Thrush of the autumn at Snettan, a Blackcap at Brides and in Holland, a Corncrake at Longar, and a Redpoll at Verracott. The American Golden Plover remained.

The highlight bird on 8th was a Booted Warbler found in East Loch Park. The Red-breasted Flycatcher, Dusky Warbler, and Bluethroat all remained. Other migrants include a Garden Warbler at the School, a Redpoll at the Post Office, Blackcaps at Brides, Nouster and Sangar, a Pied Flycatcher at Cursitter, a Lesser Whitethroat at Rue, a Whitethroat at Nether Breck, and a Pink-footed Goose at Nether Linnay.

Booted Warbler - Maddy Hine

                                                                Dusky Warbler - George Gay

                                                                Bluethroat - George Gay

                                                                Barred Warbler - George Gay

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Maddy Hine