27th September - 1st October

 Quite a busy few days followed the previous post, with the wind still coming from an easterly base. The Barred Warbler remained around T3, six Barnacle Geese roamed the southern end of the island and Pied Flycatchers remained at Holland and Lochend. The Taiga Bean Geese were still around Howar and remained until 1st. A Common Rosefinch was at Nether Linnay, a Yellow Wagtail was at Twingness and Lapland Bunting was around Kirbest. 

The following day was a bit of a step up, a Yellow-browed Warbler caught at Holland and was the first of the year to be colour-ringed. A Bluethroat was found at the north end of East Loch Park and it was quickly followed by our first Red-breasted Flycatcher of the year. A Long-eared Owl was flushed from the bushes at Cruesbreck, our first Great-spotted Woodpecker of the year was seen around the masts before bounding off towards Rue and a Greenshank flew south over the obs. There was also good numbers of common migrants as in the previous days, with a notable increase in Chaffinch numbers up to 65 birds. Elsewhere 22 Siskin, 11 Goldfinch, 14 Goldcrest, 24 Blackcap, 27 Redwing and 49 Song Thrush gave a real autumnal feel to good day in the field.

A bit of a clear out followed on 29th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was near Cursitter, the Yellow Wagtail remained around the obs, joined by a Grey Wagtail for brief periods. The following day continued in a similar pattern, another Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered near Tor Ness, a Lapland Bunting flew over West Beach and there was a Short-eared Owl near Phisligar. There were a further two Yellow-browed Warblers around the south of the island, including the previously colour-ringed bird.

October started with a Woodcock flushed from T3, quickly followed by another two flushed from Kirbest. Another Lapland Bunting was at Senness, a Whinchat was at Milldam but all in all in it was a much quieter day all said and done. 

Taiga Bean Geese - GG

Yellow-browed Warbler - GG