22nd - 30th October

The constant throughout the whole of the past week has been the Black-faced Bunting, gracing the obs and trap areas to be enjoyed in the field by all the staff and just the one twitcher!

The Long-billed Dowitcher has also remained at the north end of the island, as well as the Booted Warbler up until 28th. 

Otherwise, birding has been pretty typical of westerlies at the end of October, quiet with the odd nice bird thrown into the mix. Common migrant numbers remain low with just the last few Blackcaps, Yellow-browed Warblers, and Chiffchaffs clinging on. 

White-fronted Goose passage was up, with four seen on 23rd, and seven seen on 25th.

The Firecrest at North Ness relocated to Newbiggin and was last seen on 23rd, before being replaced by a new individual at Trinley on 29th.

Whooper Swan numbers peaked on 23rd when 51 were on Gretchen, before they all departed in the early morning of 24th. 

Waxwing was added to the year list on 25th when one flew east over the obs.

26th was a big thrush day, with close to 40,000 Redwing passing through the island during the day, and even more sound recorded going over overnight. In the mix were the odd Fieldfare, a Ring Ouzel, and a notable increase in Blackbird numbers.

A couple of late Swallows were recorded, with an adult seen in the middle of the island on 25th and 26th, and a juv seen at Quoybanks on 29th.

A single Brent Goose appeared on Bewan on 28th and was still present on 30th.

The first Greenfinch of the autumn flew north over Holland early afternoon, much to the despair of volunteer Craig who was over the road enjoying a coffee in the farmhouse (200 for his island list will have to wait!).

 

                                               Redwing flock including a leucitic bird - GG 

                                                         Great Northern Diver - GG 

                                                           Long-billed Dowitcher - GG