tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72947865022710845512024-03-18T22:04:35.047+00:00North Ronaldsay Bird Observatorynorthronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-30859820235539020692024-03-16T09:56:00.000+00:002024-03-16T09:56:33.710+00:004th-15th March<p> It's been a very mixed bag weather wise, that's to be expected this time of year I suppose. We've done well year list wise over the past eleven or so days and even had our first rarity of 2024!</p><p>With the group of Stonechats remaining in varying degrees over the course of the ten days it was no surprise to see twelve still knocking about on 4th, the big surprise was a Goldcrest found feeding outside the bar window, possibly wishing it was in the bar! A few days of blustry weather followed and the appetite to go outside was diminished a bit, however the 7th provided a flock of 'Russian' White-fronted Geese near Rue and a very smart <span style="color: #ffa400;">Stock Dove</span> in the stubble field at Nether Linnay. Another period of foul weather followed but a Chaffinch on 9th brightened things up a little, while a flock of five Mistle Thrush and six Woodpigeons continued to feed in the fields around Holland. The bird of the year so far was found on 14th when a <span style="color: red;">Long-billed Dowitcher</span> was discovered in a freshly arrived group of 60 plus Black-tailed Godwits, it was present the following day to round off a good early period in the year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X04l5aM8TgWb9xtnXoOeTTRLRbg8EkmuQ7jwGE0Vam2mSKkuV4qahtPHEJQRVfhHURk2k9sOqDBRNekAiFff7kI_gpF7NOYqoYYCfP53zqt6XaD2pCbGBiz1MboOLstQFCwqa7wOHc7JuU38ZRAoPJ4kaScT_6QrD27fn8XC_KhjP1Hfmn78tyx_5wrT/s3944/White-fronted%20GeeseMar,%20GG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2702" data-original-width="3944" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X04l5aM8TgWb9xtnXoOeTTRLRbg8EkmuQ7jwGE0Vam2mSKkuV4qahtPHEJQRVfhHURk2k9sOqDBRNekAiFff7kI_gpF7NOYqoYYCfP53zqt6XaD2pCbGBiz1MboOLstQFCwqa7wOHc7JuU38ZRAoPJ4kaScT_6QrD27fn8XC_KhjP1Hfmn78tyx_5wrT/w400-h274/White-fronted%20GeeseMar,%20GG1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> White-fronted Geese - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi12zD4UVP64nmrIuRKTrwWHp9jV8nrlaawVXWK_nEv66IMbZQNoU-wacbS3QIVwIZ-RZZ44FzmVrjhH2TXxYCBvSBocI0bPoYLc8r2OArLx7jWwJj8Z49mt6aVBB5QI0iqKFk50uEBPlAN58E-b0Esi0QRovKQgvxIGCplWjWIhFvKsl6DAFtYNk-o42/s2985/Stock%20DoveMar,%20GG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="2985" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi12zD4UVP64nmrIuRKTrwWHp9jV8nrlaawVXWK_nEv66IMbZQNoU-wacbS3QIVwIZ-RZZ44FzmVrjhH2TXxYCBvSBocI0bPoYLc8r2OArLx7jWwJj8Z49mt6aVBB5QI0iqKFk50uEBPlAN58E-b0Esi0QRovKQgvxIGCplWjWIhFvKsl6DAFtYNk-o42/w400-h259/Stock%20DoveMar,%20GG2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Stock Dove - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr-uzBCBjgxGPEi-1Umml2rwM6x_75jxd1KGbAPJQCBpI46AdcCVkR3tY6itRLQllTfhpHlLuiO2RO8_2zadBPwW7NM2rqb6we7KyL0eLENfgvyLZNajwZ-x_fy5AaGTp_BKIiMcYd6DMX-7lXa8LpH7daLCyYRz557m9lwFSYMyjSPAWltHw_MFtTNoL/s2993/StonechatMar,%20GG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="2993" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr-uzBCBjgxGPEi-1Umml2rwM6x_75jxd1KGbAPJQCBpI46AdcCVkR3tY6itRLQllTfhpHlLuiO2RO8_2zadBPwW7NM2rqb6we7KyL0eLENfgvyLZNajwZ-x_fy5AaGTp_BKIiMcYd6DMX-7lXa8LpH7daLCyYRz557m9lwFSYMyjSPAWltHw_MFtTNoL/w400-h278/StonechatMar,%20GG3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Stonechat - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KYdN6TjOv0GNbk62Jv6w4-va53xJfrdfkccdkPxW1BP5Tu0NCfZVESEuu2MHS2-KSW4kNGQuxRFEFK_Ng4b3TjxrN_usuhaNUk6BJ8Bqsf7bPk5LYX0ZcnIYFCBVttGVX-k8_w3s93S4Ke0_UngfpaVpAtLcfTxr6g-ewtO6nprKL69SZK5PFTcHUI7-/s589/67cdb5a2-1f9c-477b-9cbb-f08a3a6d2aab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="589" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KYdN6TjOv0GNbk62Jv6w4-va53xJfrdfkccdkPxW1BP5Tu0NCfZVESEuu2MHS2-KSW4kNGQuxRFEFK_Ng4b3TjxrN_usuhaNUk6BJ8Bqsf7bPk5LYX0ZcnIYFCBVttGVX-k8_w3s93S4Ke0_UngfpaVpAtLcfTxr6g-ewtO6nprKL69SZK5PFTcHUI7-/w400-h296/67cdb5a2-1f9c-477b-9cbb-f08a3a6d2aab.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Long-billed Dowitcher - Paul Gay<br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-87446954553717056932024-03-03T22:34:00.002+00:002024-03-03T22:34:16.801+00:00We're back! Winter Update and Recent Sightings to 3rd March<p> It's a very long time since I last sat down to write an NRBO blog update, a lot has happened and there hasn't been a lot of birdy news to sink our teeth into yet, although we have already broken a totals record this year! </p><p>Last post was sometime in November, after this birds really slackend off, volunteers and staff disappeared for the winter and in came the worst winter seen in Northern Isle for many years! Instead of moaning about the bad weather, which caused significant damage to the slates on the observatory roof, smashed a window, laid waste to the hide at Gretchen and unfortunately knocked Diane (George's mum) off her feet and broke her arm! It's been a good winter break broken bones aside and the 2023 Bird Report is currently in production and we're excited for the spring ahead. Thankfully Di is well on the mend! </p><p>In cheerier news Alison managed to get away on a very well deserved holiday to Costa Rica with Gav, her sister Susan and brother-in-law Paul. They spent just under two weeks travelling around the country and saw well over 300 species of birds! George and Maddy (the new AW for 2024) went away to the Azores for a week, finding the Azores 12th (I'll need to double check that!) Gull-billed Tern and plenty of other goodies and the George and Tom joined forces and went out to Sweden for a week, nearly got frostbite but did see such goodies as Hawk Owl, Pygmy Owl and Ural Owl. </p><p>In bird news on the island its been a predictable start to the year with nothing too exciting happening yet, that said we had a Goosander on a puddle outside of the Farmhouse at Holland on 3rd Jan, multiple Glaucous Gulls, the first Pied Wagtails, Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl and Sparrowhawk of the year. A winter plumaged White-billed Diver was seen from the North end on 12th February, a drake Scaup (an absentee from 2023!) was in Nouster on 27th February and today (3rd March) saw us break the record total for Stonechat, a massive 22 were seen between, the obs, Cursitter, Holland, Greenwall, Quoybanks and Rue. </p><p>With the year list now sat on 82 and spring fast approaching things are very slowly looking better and we're excited for the season ahead. I'll put some holiday photos from various places along with some island bird pics just add some colour to the blog! </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu1O4H0B4XCJ847uVQSs3sc9WTORgYQdbt7wAa4sPxlMUlndlFSR3s33fo81xDk7u2QUO3p1SO2z8yaqEwzYBrdDyVSK2-P0AR0bAHCdGEe9kcOUCS22ixtsini6jPeuYz97TLZ6zaTVM6WT-04Gw3I6EvvQpSfAakzMDKbKGVcHk3WYY3mpIeJmcVqCl/s1024/PHOTO-2024-01-03-11-28-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu1O4H0B4XCJ847uVQSs3sc9WTORgYQdbt7wAa4sPxlMUlndlFSR3s33fo81xDk7u2QUO3p1SO2z8yaqEwzYBrdDyVSK2-P0AR0bAHCdGEe9kcOUCS22ixtsini6jPeuYz97TLZ6zaTVM6WT-04Gw3I6EvvQpSfAakzMDKbKGVcHk3WYY3mpIeJmcVqCl/w400-h300/PHOTO-2024-01-03-11-28-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goosander - Paul Gay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbRcG_ePiBUi8hcBTg_uKz7iD4KXxeUHXITSRvLNJCYcWD76KsfG7Ehh3pprXrQWJaRPyVqxnUUIeXDxd_TO_91E2-QrhSLgXEuS4q5ObmnrLCL_EBaCH_NKJn_KSStwoYiix3eAT-M36mIxqmHBjQl30epvCLjJWQipoGCaGzz2lPhodLJsy8iMqNVE7/s4608/P1100521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbRcG_ePiBUi8hcBTg_uKz7iD4KXxeUHXITSRvLNJCYcWD76KsfG7Ehh3pprXrQWJaRPyVqxnUUIeXDxd_TO_91E2-QrhSLgXEuS4q5ObmnrLCL_EBaCH_NKJn_KSStwoYiix3eAT-M36mIxqmHBjQl30epvCLjJWQipoGCaGzz2lPhodLJsy8iMqNVE7/w400-h300/P1100521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Yellow-throated Toucan, Costa Rica - Alison Duncan <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrd5SASa052jGvoYyZSWj9eQdr1LlyLVuFg0n6VKrrZm_S5oIYrvcjD_j2U3F_4-thEGa5GjZIQUHcoUAH0Ssv216tL4ywCy4hGwO9P6qy21VOh9McoGBjqvYyLKvi74LjL3orZDPZnNMcSLGycEBGMhdXqjXv9o1v7bXH-FnH4OKJi8W4iJN8yNjZx-p/s4406/Hawk%20Owl%20Jan,%20GG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2985" data-original-width="4406" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrd5SASa052jGvoYyZSWj9eQdr1LlyLVuFg0n6VKrrZm_S5oIYrvcjD_j2U3F_4-thEGa5GjZIQUHcoUAH0Ssv216tL4ywCy4hGwO9P6qy21VOh9McoGBjqvYyLKvi74LjL3orZDPZnNMcSLGycEBGMhdXqjXv9o1v7bXH-FnH4OKJi8W4iJN8yNjZx-p/w400-h271/Hawk%20Owl%20Jan,%20GG2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Northern Hawk-Owl, Sweden - George Gay<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2rFiKZ5qwwbI2GkO4tJj5rJrfIhLIMiPz0YS2XF2MZhZabfmYV2SkKTbi2llqO8XOoI0H9Hft_MVPaQx4kV1egyDJ-RqI_DocIggnLq0GSpjogvPNakpzJ72REFB32zyjeTLb_3vtlE3St0WpKR5uQCsaOy4uCHKMq0SC-yZ3j-YWEPE6ET5WYOBx1nl/s3870/Pygmy%20Owl%20Jan,%20GG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="3870" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2rFiKZ5qwwbI2GkO4tJj5rJrfIhLIMiPz0YS2XF2MZhZabfmYV2SkKTbi2llqO8XOoI0H9Hft_MVPaQx4kV1egyDJ-RqI_DocIggnLq0GSpjogvPNakpzJ72REFB32zyjeTLb_3vtlE3St0WpKR5uQCsaOy4uCHKMq0SC-yZ3j-YWEPE6ET5WYOBx1nl/w400-h271/Pygmy%20Owl%20Jan,%20GG3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Sweden - George Gay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81Gr5ld6GLp3Ug9DVwxQuh0EmRdqr6xa2ZgpNdQWw52KuSRx9SbrVD57wBf9-jUTl01D2O2BnNFkPpzLYmjipRmI3whhhBwc1ry6SQlZfSVUpejUoP47u0o2YYpin-ox7ESiSWcLz4b9q_5djkQgahc5aSq4DA7ILvCN5_GYcjX_bJX0t3Ab_pYhBQufE/s3292/Glaucous%20GullJan,%20GG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="3292" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81Gr5ld6GLp3Ug9DVwxQuh0EmRdqr6xa2ZgpNdQWw52KuSRx9SbrVD57wBf9-jUTl01D2O2BnNFkPpzLYmjipRmI3whhhBwc1ry6SQlZfSVUpejUoP47u0o2YYpin-ox7ESiSWcLz4b9q_5djkQgahc5aSq4DA7ILvCN5_GYcjX_bJX0t3Ab_pYhBQufE/w400-h278/Glaucous%20GullJan,%20GG1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Glaucous Gull - George Gay<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-19066777145703940532023-11-05T21:09:00.002+00:002023-11-05T21:15:49.281+00:0030th October - 5th November <p> With continued easterlies, we've had some more great birds during the last week, including a yet more additions to the year list. That being said, especially towards the end of the week, the number of migrants around has noticeably tailed off giving a rather 'end of season' feel to the island, despite the conditions being good for arrivals still. </p><p>30th saw the Oriental Turtle Dove still present around Lurand, being slightly less skittish than previous days although still not hanging about for long! A total of five Northern Bullfinches were present with three at Holland and two around the Obs. Two Waxwings flew in-off at Gairsina Geo and a 1cy Glaucous Gull was at the Beacon (first of the autumn).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHrVIGZzYTcbPhAZFfNoZhznTr1HF6It9rMdnl6LR_y_rb-yOr5lWw4_UdJ4R6xByBRBUXLe2gqjt8nS1rE7ujI4v1f-bcTMe7fgVERR-Gcr41KAr4Lkg94ssiTozk0qyM_C3ZEBL5xoUDV3UX569nqxAkpXnHMtc0F_-HVR7c2o1Hw7Aq1wR7WatBT_G/s2521/Rufous%20Turtle%20Dove%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2521" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHrVIGZzYTcbPhAZFfNoZhznTr1HF6It9rMdnl6LR_y_rb-yOr5lWw4_UdJ4R6xByBRBUXLe2gqjt8nS1rE7ujI4v1f-bcTMe7fgVERR-Gcr41KAr4Lkg94ssiTozk0qyM_C3ZEBL5xoUDV3UX569nqxAkpXnHMtc0F_-HVR7c2o1Hw7Aq1wR7WatBT_G/w550-h371/Rufous%20Turtle%20Dove%201.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oriental Turtle Dove (ssp. <i>meena</i>) - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYeE8giz9u8efvY310HRRwx7NXfRU7zkUBE6zb0erFJWUR3Pq1vGMtj826T1I0DHKB54WXEdk6MRnuM3YSJtHG-kZ1UEbrQULKYUAATPbKy1uz_qyRcvaHdS-xHkIweE-RxvxgHdwNif8xjmvuZJIS4GxRQdhyphenhyphenMhjBIwadFQEgZNeaK_7tSU4Rj9r69Gb/s4678/Northern%20Bullfinch%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="4678" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYeE8giz9u8efvY310HRRwx7NXfRU7zkUBE6zb0erFJWUR3Pq1vGMtj826T1I0DHKB54WXEdk6MRnuM3YSJtHG-kZ1UEbrQULKYUAATPbKy1uz_qyRcvaHdS-xHkIweE-RxvxgHdwNif8xjmvuZJIS4GxRQdhyphenhyphenMhjBIwadFQEgZNeaK_7tSU4Rj9r69Gb/w551-h353/Northern%20Bullfinch%202.JPG" width="551" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Northern Bullfinch - TG</div><p>The final day of October began with an adult Black-throated Diver in Nouster, which was later joined by a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Slavonian Grebe</span> (first of the year). The two Yellowhammers were still near Ancum, where late on in the day a <span style="color: red;">Red-throated Pipit</span> was seen and heard flying high south (another year tick). Other sightings included a Bullfinch and a Hawfinch in Holland and a slight increase in thrush numbers with 288 Fieldfare, 31 Song Thrush, 179 Redwing, 106 Blackbirds and 63 Robins. Two late Wheatears were noted and the Slavonian Grebe was again in Nouster.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmX5D6SxHLE0v-WLqxcqlA-jeUqjsoiYzd_60Sqv1HiFee6GKVkii7iZ-7JBwsQfXl_vwvE3WGqG6f8iH0gp_L2rw73EJIlI4S4q69Kc2u1vbe7Mpn55jUlYAPoMS0iZ90YEuyPe5GkzJV-VSkniy7fReKCnzvSDe6uxesBI_z7O04rUfCOSrr_pIk7TM/s1103/Red-throated%20Pipit%2023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1103" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmX5D6SxHLE0v-WLqxcqlA-jeUqjsoiYzd_60Sqv1HiFee6GKVkii7iZ-7JBwsQfXl_vwvE3WGqG6f8iH0gp_L2rw73EJIlI4S4q69Kc2u1vbe7Mpn55jUlYAPoMS0iZ90YEuyPe5GkzJV-VSkniy7fReKCnzvSDe6uxesBI_z7O04rUfCOSrr_pIk7TM/w481-h197/Red-throated%20Pipit%2023.png" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red-throated Pipit sonogram - TG</div><p>The Red-throated Pipit was relocated back at Ancum during the morning of 1st November, where it showed reasonably well and called frequently. Other sightings included an adult Iceland Gull (first of the autumn) north past West Beach, where two Waxwings flew south, and three Black Redstart. Potentially the same two Waxwings were at Holland House where a Bullfinch remained. The Slavonian Grebe in Nouster was joined by another individual. 2nd was quieter with the lingering Red-throated Pipit at Ancum and a Little Auk flying around Nouster the day's highlights, along with two Black Redstart, 10 Woodcock, 14 Siskin, two Goldfinch, four Bullfinch and a large female Sparrowhawk which flew around the island. There was a slight increase in warblers with five Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap, plus seven Goldcrest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfnImv0EdcNEZ6G4Etn2YfHjDfl5uVKOP0_fJfvjBXlwQr7u8NQZuT8-S-y0wG6yv91mzmpyU9cquWvUfU566nouJkgFyAq0q9-XsN5FQbCe31NhI-kisr-6DPTZnhNbwdwkcqgtJPzgb_J9YfRmnzt4VA-2kc0jiygX0lAJDpeU9XBCfdmBJ7jH6acw7/s1236/REDTHPIPT%20,Oct,%20GG1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1236" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfnImv0EdcNEZ6G4Etn2YfHjDfl5uVKOP0_fJfvjBXlwQr7u8NQZuT8-S-y0wG6yv91mzmpyU9cquWvUfU566nouJkgFyAq0q9-XsN5FQbCe31NhI-kisr-6DPTZnhNbwdwkcqgtJPzgb_J9YfRmnzt4VA-2kc0jiygX0lAJDpeU9XBCfdmBJ7jH6acw7/w400-h294/REDTHPIPT%20,Oct,%20GG1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Red-throated Pipit - GG<br /><p>Early morning rain with the wind switching back to a more direct easterly on 3rd showed some promise when a late <span style="color: #01ffff;">Barred Warbler </span>was trapped and ringed at the Obs. However, this was to be the day's highlight as just a few common migrants were unearthed elsewhere. Totals included a Short-eared Owl, three Bullfinch, four Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest and a Dunnock. The Red-throated Pipit was back at North Manse on 4th and a Hawfinch was at Holland. Other sightings included a Water Rail, Bullfinch, Stock Dove (lingering bird), two Sparrowhawk, a Slavonian Grebe at Brides, the lingering pair of Yellowhammers and two Short-eared Owls. 5th was again quiet with a Peregrine, Yellowhammer, Siberian Chiffchaff, two Greenfinch and a Black-throated Diver the day's notable offerings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwAGSwvd2CwKBo8eljmFqP1VAgNlsOmZu8xPpeWI2Yh1u3kWiEC_5vGse371vgKK-ITNBeqeW_Iwj5lQCdCGTGLXYn6nnn_aAwp3Ozx6fOMHxeuBhpVFRbLyYZOBKZMlgN4YqD3OY6dMaLaSS32Sny2ZjDG0pZj-MVGkIAgvcBrcGah99Tv2c6yd7e4xX/s4235/Siberian%20Chiffchaff%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2936" data-original-width="4235" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwAGSwvd2CwKBo8eljmFqP1VAgNlsOmZu8xPpeWI2Yh1u3kWiEC_5vGse371vgKK-ITNBeqeW_Iwj5lQCdCGTGLXYn6nnn_aAwp3Ozx6fOMHxeuBhpVFRbLyYZOBKZMlgN4YqD3OY6dMaLaSS32Sny2ZjDG0pZj-MVGkIAgvcBrcGah99Tv2c6yd7e4xX/w516-h359/Siberian%20Chiffchaff%203.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Siberian Chiffchaff - TG</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAmHpy85u2NaLzxcyakJrtHG0dFddFBPf6QPc60JPl8FQJelscU1omrcifi8R8xVAu7GPpxkmsJcydDUUNO5wYWwN7LF7_v-0_I9NudtDf_gEdaympUM35I7sl8qIvV8uECUzqMPWrK7x2Nl9bPmcD7XuldSWVsv2FGGrpjPhzC2eH6MnJPbwHQL0bpmM/s5106/Yellowhammer%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3434" data-original-width="5106" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAmHpy85u2NaLzxcyakJrtHG0dFddFBPf6QPc60JPl8FQJelscU1omrcifi8R8xVAu7GPpxkmsJcydDUUNO5wYWwN7LF7_v-0_I9NudtDf_gEdaympUM35I7sl8qIvV8uECUzqMPWrK7x2Nl9bPmcD7XuldSWVsv2FGGrpjPhzC2eH6MnJPbwHQL0bpmM/w516-h347/Yellowhammer%201.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellowhammer - TG</div><br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-83359988832556855162023-10-29T22:09:00.007+00:002023-10-29T22:09:56.527+00:0024th - 29th October <p> A few days of blazing easterlies have produced plenty of migrants, given us lots of late season birding and even a mega-rarity, but more on that later!</p><p>The 24th, which seems an eternity ago in the world of late October birding, started with a late Barred Warbler around the obs before the Goldcrests started arriving en-masse. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was by T5 in the afternoon, as was a Hawfinch at Sangar, a female 'Northern' Bullfinch in Holland and a flock of 35 Redpoll in the Shooting Gallery. The star bird was an interestingly pale Great Grey Shrike found near Bewan, it was watched devouring Goldcrests almost on arrival, it was later trapped further down the island at Ancum Willows, but not before it had eaten a Redpoll and part of George's hand for good measure!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3TvcD5J_tkw47S-hNOHlzkLGwhPjemZsC6CMSaDuto34DY_ul2crf7JOz_Uybj5iXFMDS9UMSIKaHsTuMYmY7xHFlIG_eMdAWn9CaIq47hSEZSYRU_TYggmZi5EjrwpguHGcAH84XiM1wT1rKQ8HFy63_emgvQlw0TPj66wQyYJSEgHUtXkiTP9AJflu/s1556/GGSH%20,Oct,%20GG9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1556" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3TvcD5J_tkw47S-hNOHlzkLGwhPjemZsC6CMSaDuto34DY_ul2crf7JOz_Uybj5iXFMDS9UMSIKaHsTuMYmY7xHFlIG_eMdAWn9CaIq47hSEZSYRU_TYggmZi5EjrwpguHGcAH84XiM1wT1rKQ8HFy63_emgvQlw0TPj66wQyYJSEgHUtXkiTP9AJflu/w400-h295/GGSH%20,Oct,%20GG9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Great Grey Shrike and an unfortunate Goldcrest - GG<br /><p>A quiet morning the following day saw the Great Spotted Woodpecker remain in the vicinity of the obs, another 'Northern' Bullfinch at Howar and a Grey Wagtail at Trebb. A Hawfinch was seen at Holland in the early afternoon before a year-list breaking Dusky Warbler was discovered at West Beach hopping around the rocks, only for another to be discovered about 20 minutes later at Senness! The day also saw an astonishing 180+ Redpoll throughout the island! The Woodlark was seen at North Gravity while a Yellowhammer was at South Gravity to end a landmark day in observatory year listing!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHnWJGkBA-k1lXjn3mglA5jgUwC-6MHn874_8FwVaYNqnd7vLXcJDE5M19LtZ7_PPKmbT_-a1JTBWGvVaFgWc-PS9Zi4bYPacPnisWWzWojh5mV18JXvfi5BPM5cj_W0MaWzDm0dpbeEx-EtV_P0w99rXcOc0pIMS91_F0rqwz7GLZ-78EsRy8S-0PcMh/s2195/DUSKYWA%20,Oct,%20GG17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2195" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHnWJGkBA-k1lXjn3mglA5jgUwC-6MHn874_8FwVaYNqnd7vLXcJDE5M19LtZ7_PPKmbT_-a1JTBWGvVaFgWc-PS9Zi4bYPacPnisWWzWojh5mV18JXvfi5BPM5cj_W0MaWzDm0dpbeEx-EtV_P0w99rXcOc0pIMS91_F0rqwz7GLZ-78EsRy8S-0PcMh/w400-h284/DUSKYWA%20,Oct,%20GG17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Record Breaker! - Dusky Warbler - GG<br /><p>A day of rain and wind on the 26th meant birding was at a minimum, a Stonechat and Black Redstart were together at Poor Man's Corner, the Woodlark and Stock Dove remained while a new Great Spotted Woodpecker was at Nether Linnay. Our first male Bullfinch of the influx narrowly avoided becoming roadkill as it flashed across the path of the obs van near Holland, but eventually showed superbly in the Sycamores despite the horizontal rain. Late news in the evening of a Coal Tit near T5 put the island running total into near double figures, as this amazing influx continues, although it seems to be dying down now.</p><p>The 27th was a very quiet day, although a smart Coue's Arctic Redpoll in the Shooting Gallery did brighten the day considerably! The late afternoon was spent chasing around a Yellowhammer and another Bunting, both birds were very flighty to start with but eventually settled down revealing a second Yellowhammer, much to our frustration! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYyvTbB5ZhJ93Lm6nN87Xsn-RULshU5xrE6jjcGlfGoy0V9DywY_7jjRCXocuxZ-1XLde9t15TK3jPfLYn0XlEilr4wBYc1GsT-WuVhIFwBq2pEZtG6kKR672eRr15-sOVMWdxFlD_FTEX3dRlTblGD897AgXDUX_ASW02ttUSw6qVl_gZnll1JRArI6r/s1893/COUESARREDPOLL%20,Oct,%20GG14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1893" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYyvTbB5ZhJ93Lm6nN87Xsn-RULshU5xrE6jjcGlfGoy0V9DywY_7jjRCXocuxZ-1XLde9t15TK3jPfLYn0XlEilr4wBYc1GsT-WuVhIFwBq2pEZtG6kKR672eRr15-sOVMWdxFlD_FTEX3dRlTblGD897AgXDUX_ASW02ttUSw6qVl_gZnll1JRArI6r/w400-h258/COUESARREDPOLL%20,Oct,%20GG14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Coue's Arctic Redpoll - GG<br /><p>The 28th saw the highlight bird of the period as an Oriental Turtle Dove was flushed from cover near Lurand just before lunchtime, the bird managed to escape staff for a further three hours after its disappearance and took up a large portion of the day before it re-discovered in the same spot. It then spent what remained of the day bombing around giving awkward views that left us frustrated but altogether very pleased to have had a really good bird in this set of easterlies! Otherwise the bird totals were very much 'singing from the same hymn sheet' with a total of five Bullfinches present, the Coue's Arctic Redpoll remained in place at the Shooting Gallery and an unseasonal Ring Ouzel was at North Gravity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK_2gV_C-ScO56sC2rWiQXSOMgTQBu-S30Xlc0KH_0jmvRJerULThoY_L8Kh-AcD1q5tInAlSYdZKUmoj3u4KOZVAoWQ8t_ddcdyNwUxrCNQNcss_SKUupOwqsM99jI1AMa97X50g89vm_jOKXG9Xs774UNDMVsuR7_wgEaDYa9xOVeAskgaPRPzsBGGy/s1765/ORITURDO%20,Oct,%20GG15-DeNoiseAI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1765" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK_2gV_C-ScO56sC2rWiQXSOMgTQBu-S30Xlc0KH_0jmvRJerULThoY_L8Kh-AcD1q5tInAlSYdZKUmoj3u4KOZVAoWQ8t_ddcdyNwUxrCNQNcss_SKUupOwqsM99jI1AMa97X50g89vm_jOKXG9Xs774UNDMVsuR7_wgEaDYa9xOVeAskgaPRPzsBGGy/w400-h309/ORITURDO%20,Oct,%20GG15-DeNoiseAI.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div> Oriental Turtle Dove - GG<br /><p>Finally the 29th started and finished with the Oriental Turtle Dove giving typical in flight views, although a short perching session on a dyke was appreciated! Other birds for the day included 12 Short-eared Owls, this included eight flushed from Loch Park, the now long-staying Stock Dove was present in its usual haunt, six Bullfinch, a Hawfinch around the obs, another Ring Ouzel this time at Iris Taing and a third Yellowhammer of the week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB48KvP_ueYCbW5mvkYmz1t9F_D4vTmfTBvOqDjCEG8BBLw3hkW7_VcJUeugT0k7-1xYxJ8QdbXCqYvTBiwFoZIuNEF86qX-ewKA2PovFQjAU3S7EREdby6nOHELHjLr-XQ9EGnCplQHJ5ktgHWxHghP8nzExpg-uytQgXJSBstK2YzeFFwiT3kdHGMv3P/s1017/ORITURDO%20,Oct,%20GG16-DeNoiseAI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1017" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB48KvP_ueYCbW5mvkYmz1t9F_D4vTmfTBvOqDjCEG8BBLw3hkW7_VcJUeugT0k7-1xYxJ8QdbXCqYvTBiwFoZIuNEF86qX-ewKA2PovFQjAU3S7EREdby6nOHELHjLr-XQ9EGnCplQHJ5ktgHWxHghP8nzExpg-uytQgXJSBstK2YzeFFwiT3kdHGMv3P/w400-h323/ORITURDO%20,Oct,%20GG16-DeNoiseAI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Oriental Turtle Dove - GG<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="361" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/snXho4r1NM4" width="510" youtube-src-id="snXho4r1NM4"></iframe></div> Some bonus Great Grey Shrike content! - GG<br /><br /><p></p><p>The wind still seems easterly for the foreseeable future and it's late October so who knows what's going happen!! </p><p> </p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-4426632235687683482023-10-23T21:49:00.002+01:002023-10-23T21:49:40.827+01:0017th-23rd October<p>Highlights on 17th: Grey Phalarope (Ancum), 3 Waxwing, Whinchat, 4 Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 <span style="color: #01ffff;">Orca </span>(off Dennishead)</p><p>18th saw the return of easterly winds and brought a flurry of migrants to the island. Most notable were Goldcrests with 229 recorded. The rarity highlight was the third<span style="color: red;"> Red-flanked Bluetail</span> of the year, which was trapped and ringed at Holland. Also seen were 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, the lingering Grey Phalarope, the first Yellow-browed Warbler for a while, 12 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, 11 Twite, 650 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, 67 Blackbird, 2 Wheatear, 37 Fieldfare, 13 Robin and 8 Waxwing. 2 Velvet Scoter flew past the Seawatch Hide (first of the year).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJalgRnmXwTWMpBcrHs1XalnBcrCUieIRKCrhbXzXTTupXSrJz1zCNbMyryR_2AMUCS3FROGT-JrvafV_adHci_Prb6pS0EZo2EkCw34lybCwJtCG2gyaBAURnehut0oSQXRwagDH6l4ASa7CcokTqFKxbQozLJTiYo84PqDNZnkNyP6-noIMg2C6Vjg1/s3262/Red-flanked%20Bluetail%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3262" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJalgRnmXwTWMpBcrHs1XalnBcrCUieIRKCrhbXzXTTupXSrJz1zCNbMyryR_2AMUCS3FROGT-JrvafV_adHci_Prb6pS0EZo2EkCw34lybCwJtCG2gyaBAURnehut0oSQXRwagDH6l4ASa7CcokTqFKxbQozLJTiYo84PqDNZnkNyP6-noIMg2C6Vjg1/s320/Red-flanked%20Bluetail%202.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red-flanked Bluetail - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>19th saw the easterly wind increase in strength with 60+mph gusts recorded. Totals included 190 Blackbird, 429 Redwing, 38 Song Thrush, 63 Fieldfare, Wheatear, 6 Robin, 26 Goldcrest, Short-eared Owl, 3 Woodpigeon and 4 Woodcock. 630 Herring Gulls and 210 Great Black-backed Gulls were logged, the first high counts of the year.<p></p><p>20th was a similar story with the easterly wind remaining strong making it difficult to bird anywhere other than the sheltered west coast. The standout highlight of the day was the arrival of 6 <span style="color: red;">Coal Tits</span>, which were the first island records since 1985! The species has been moving in huge numbers in Scandinavia this autumn with the unusually strong easterlies also contributing to a significant influx into the Northern Isles. Other highlights included a Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 16 Goldcrest, 88 Blackbird, 83 Fieldfare, 139 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail, 5 Waxwing, 5 Short-eared Owl and 10 Woodpigeon, 8 Robin and 15 Woodcock.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6xY28LGwloM2K4x2rStgt3AEA1ChbVF0e6aUdXQ5FhKu_THpQBanfPE4FZeerl56byhqICu3acUxVWAAAZ9ONkvgrZjz1KE3Z0CssAOb71saiChJuXR2JyyN84lc6vVS6HZK42MTQeG0KSucQPot7PReN-OodiprfV1ScgvSRA7vmpksVQWIfFlR1gbN/s3024/IMG_1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3006" data-original-width="3024" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6xY28LGwloM2K4x2rStgt3AEA1ChbVF0e6aUdXQ5FhKu_THpQBanfPE4FZeerl56byhqICu3acUxVWAAAZ9ONkvgrZjz1KE3Z0CssAOb71saiChJuXR2JyyN84lc6vVS6HZK42MTQeG0KSucQPot7PReN-OodiprfV1ScgvSRA7vmpksVQWIfFlR1gbN/s320/IMG_1854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coal Tit - TG</div><p></p><p>Conditions on 21st were foul, with heavy rain and continued strong winds, and it was clear that the remaining birds were struggling. One of the Coal Tits from the previous day was found dead, along with several other migrants, which was a rather sobering reminder of the challenges birds face during migration. Census was quickly abandoned in the interest of both birds and staff with the day's species list consequently rather small. Highlights included 3 (live) Coal Tit, Wheatear, 2 Waxwing, 6 Woodpigeon, 17 Woodcock, 8 Jack Snipe and a Goldeneye again on Gretchen.</p><p>The gale force easterlies finally gave way on the 22nd with a lovely calm day filling the Obs with optimism for the chance to uncover what had been hiding during the previous days. The result was perhaps not quite the big day we'd hoped for, although overall it was still an enjoyable day's birding. Totals included a Stock Dove (new for the year), 9 Russian White-fronted Geese (first of the autumn), a Grey Phalarope (flew down west coast), a Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch, 11 Blackcaps and 3 Coal Tits.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNe-rVisjQJT0G5-G6c4V_G2haK5ZJrdI6IUea-uGFUXztaBDEofw5M0hb6ClkRq5p0qcqsGUJgK35FFjRXbh8Hy4e9Bq7_ZuDaH0O6E2TS08b-hOYWUcwrBhgN0TIskV1pp2UvXrpcs5_GgSLCyUxuB6i0FUUkTTecNFEyx6yEMtSdIL2IEycDcY-_iS/s5472/Coal%20Tit%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNe-rVisjQJT0G5-G6c4V_G2haK5ZJrdI6IUea-uGFUXztaBDEofw5M0hb6ClkRq5p0qcqsGUJgK35FFjRXbh8Hy4e9Bq7_ZuDaH0O6E2TS08b-hOYWUcwrBhgN0TIskV1pp2UvXrpcs5_GgSLCyUxuB6i0FUUkTTecNFEyx6yEMtSdIL2IEycDcY-_iS/w457-h304/Coal%20Tit%202.JPG" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coal Tit - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>23rd was another calm sunny day. There was a scattering of thrushes and late autumn migrants, although generally smaller numbers than the previous days. The highlight was a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Woodlark </span>discovered in the fields around Sangar, loosely associating with a Skylark flock (10th island record and first since the early stages of 2021). A new Waxwing was trapped and ringed at Holland and 2 Greenfinches were at the Obs.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-VPB_yrRv9OGDH2uwUTkxS8s8rIsM1hlL7FCE3gT1z6LMBah_uFQfNjjDZH9dEHvwttGn77AuZqvoQXK1mz7pTWA5I9xKjER8gLMHL4qiEBwwrphXTntNcYIQJwEB-ntdB8my2SvPjXJDmLooYtDGKx43BNEzStEpcPxoK2_hE04RxfDM0f2t12DH-hS/s2694/Woodlark%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1796" data-original-width="2694" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-VPB_yrRv9OGDH2uwUTkxS8s8rIsM1hlL7FCE3gT1z6LMBah_uFQfNjjDZH9dEHvwttGn77AuZqvoQXK1mz7pTWA5I9xKjER8gLMHL4qiEBwwrphXTntNcYIQJwEB-ntdB8my2SvPjXJDmLooYtDGKx43BNEzStEpcPxoK2_hE04RxfDM0f2t12DH-hS/w454-h302/Woodlark%201.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Woodlark - TG</div><br /><p><br /></p><br />northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-71594300943548465122023-10-16T21:34:00.005+01:002023-10-16T21:40:43.069+01:0012th-16th October<p> A mixed few days with some days being a complete write-off due to the weather, whilst others have allowed some nice days' birding along with one mega seawatch!</p><p>12th highlights: 122 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Dunnock, 15 Robin, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, 530 Redwing, 29 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Barred Warbler, 4 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, 26 Goldcrest, 42 Brambling, 3 Goldfinch, 5 Redpoll, 155 Snow Bunting, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Arctic Tern</p><p>13th highlights: 46 Whooper Swan, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, 179 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, 27 Brambling, 1 Lapland Bunting, Arctic Tern.</p><p>14th was more or less unbirdable due to strong northwesterly winds and heavy rain showers. A new Ring Ouzel was found along with small numbers of thrushes. 15th, however, produced one of the highlights of the year! The morning saw us join in with the influx of <span style="color: #01ffff;">Waxwings </span>into northern Scotland, with 7 recorded (3 trapped and ringed around the Obs, plus singles at Holland, Verracott, Sangar and Scottigar). Other census counts included 176 Redwing, 13 Fieldfare, 25 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch and 65 Black-tailed Godwit. An afternoon seawatch saw began with a pair of <span style="color: #01ffff;">Grey Phalarope</span> (first of the year), along with a Little Gull and a reasonable passage of Sooty Shearwater with 57 recorded. Things then took a turn to the more unexpected as a dark seaduck was picked up flying head-on in towards the hide. After considering various Scoter species, something wasn't quite adding up, and the bird then banked revealing the distinctive head pattern and structure of a female/1cy <span style="color: red;">HARLEQUIN DUCK!!! </span>The bird then passed the hide close inshore, allowing good views to be obtained before it headed towards the foghorn and out of sight. What a fantastic experience for those lucky enough to be in the hide!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6oeYkhKzWM9wxNDI6eGeFz9IXFjlTzUzNnJQ11gtGC_RjJQCFmtlWawhAcjWZOYJ_V7Y7J1_t9_sjpfnSdMt7th6_Yw3riAnG8u4BPPrZCvGDnWsHogSit1Xe34LSZ8X9utg12PlLfq6Q1CE0L0LKiURhZ0kBUbTDHkwUXsE5uIQ6YhyzPggxH0BL_6m/s3899/IMG_1817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2451" data-original-width="3899" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6oeYkhKzWM9wxNDI6eGeFz9IXFjlTzUzNnJQ11gtGC_RjJQCFmtlWawhAcjWZOYJ_V7Y7J1_t9_sjpfnSdMt7th6_Yw3riAnG8u4BPPrZCvGDnWsHogSit1Xe34LSZ8X9utg12PlLfq6Q1CE0L0LKiURhZ0kBUbTDHkwUXsE5uIQ6YhyzPggxH0BL_6m/w530-h333/IMG_1817.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Harlequin Duck notes - TG</div><p>16th was back to more routine fare. Morning and evening seawatches failed to produce a repeat viewing of the Harlequin Duck, with 2 Common Scoter, 49 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Pomarine Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, a Bonxie, 518 Kittiwake, 182 Gannet and 284 Auk sp. Other sightings included 4 Waxwing, 2 Little Auk and a Barred Warbler. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx-6qAYZj8DqmATBVLZ6xNi7j2vuCI2yX8DIMJ4XzPUCHr65nsPOHT9CKpF02e8Z8LO-TJOXoOUWlZrJB072gMY_fHd8NLYKrwO7tid3ZvauQFCgcshwmCLU3VGh0yT8y5y6mDy-H6jqarIfP67W3WrjPW2Bul7w7RH2XajMaP-S-7qHcdaD-MdaDpdD0/s4332/IMG_7851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3273" data-original-width="4332" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx-6qAYZj8DqmATBVLZ6xNi7j2vuCI2yX8DIMJ4XzPUCHr65nsPOHT9CKpF02e8Z8LO-TJOXoOUWlZrJB072gMY_fHd8NLYKrwO7tid3ZvauQFCgcshwmCLU3VGh0yT8y5y6mDy-H6jqarIfP67W3WrjPW2Bul7w7RH2XajMaP-S-7qHcdaD-MdaDpdD0/w469-h355/IMG_7851.jpg" width="469" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Waxwing - GG</span></div><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-64273179318335341382023-10-12T20:36:00.004+01:002023-10-12T20:36:46.762+01:008th-11th October <p> A real mixed bag of good and bad weather with some superb days thrown in to keep the obs staff going despite howling gales and pouring rain. </p><p>The 8th started with good promise and duly delivered, a system of overnight easterlies with a few drizzly showers felt like the perfect mix to produce some much needed migrants on the land. The first of the day was a Lapland Bunting that shot south past the Bothy, two Jackdaws left to the south from Twingness before the rain set in. One of the birds of the day was also discovered before the rain set in, our second <span style="color: red;">Lanceolated Warbler</span> was discovered in the middle of Gue Park, the bird was initially flushed and needed some effort to relocate it but it eventually showed superbly in short grass as it scuttled around in grassy furrows. From this point onwards the rain was pretty relentless but birding continued with good numbers of Goldcrests, Redwings and Bramblings all arriving. At least three Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen throughout the day. The second major discovery of the day was the islands first <span style="color: red;">Red-flanked Bluetail</span> since 2019, at Claypows. Despite terrible showers the bird showed at close range on the Breckan track. </p><p>The following day felt like a race against time in the knowledge that poor weather was arriving and would scupper our chances a little bit. The day started well with a large flock of c60 Brambling near Ancum, a new Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped at Ancum Willows, a Corncrake was flushed from cover near the Old Kirk and a couple fresh Siberian Chiffchaffs were seen around Holland, this all preceded our second <span style="color: red;">Red-flanked Bluetail</span> in as many days, with the previous days bird still in place a new one was found around Lurand and again gave superb views throughout the day until dusk. A flurry of late morning sightings saw our first Greenfinch of the year at Veracott, a smart Bluethroat at Barrenha' and a rather bedraggled Barred Warbler was at Scottsha'. After lunch the first Olive-backed Pipit of the season was found calling around the Camping Field in what was turning into a superb day! The bird of the day would appear just after 2pm in the shape of an <span style="color: red;">'Eastern' Stonechat</span>, in field views suggested the bird was most likely a <span style="color: red;">Stejneger's Stonechat</span>, but that will be up to the BBRC to decide! If accepted it will be a first for Orkney and third for Scotland (although this is likely to change with review of records!).</p><p>The 10th saw bad weather set in that made birding challenging, however a huge movement of Thrushes was apparent with between 7000 and 10,000 Redwings being seen throughout the day. A new Yellow-browed Warbler was at Brigg while Great Spotted Woodpeckers were at Holland and Brigg.</p><p>The 11th was for the most part a total write-off. 60mph gales and driving rain made standing up a challenge but those that did venture out recorded six Barnacle Geese (one of which became the first ever ringed on the island!!) and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. The Stejneger's Stonechat was also seen late in the day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Uwc_bDwUUMYCGW-LBYYjRV0zT24Lbb_dAaXjXX7zy6EjbrA_M9gbVcZhL9ritkVyHW8zR-MTVhCp_tm4lug61vQwuSmxm23hB8mMG4c8EyRRUhFWzna1u1VTGg0MTmEiilLukW5jxvYlm2FXf0HQsZJY7gAx3X5evqeHZcjU7ctpUBzwiSmu68PqnfcN/s3384/RFB%20,Oct,%20GG14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="3384" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Uwc_bDwUUMYCGW-LBYYjRV0zT24Lbb_dAaXjXX7zy6EjbrA_M9gbVcZhL9ritkVyHW8zR-MTVhCp_tm4lug61vQwuSmxm23hB8mMG4c8EyRRUhFWzna1u1VTGg0MTmEiilLukW5jxvYlm2FXf0HQsZJY7gAx3X5evqeHZcjU7ctpUBzwiSmu68PqnfcN/w400-h295/RFB%20,Oct,%20GG14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvlReyeeG7qsSAJ1AfsQsJ-mgqr_MNGCSJi8nuqnfeKDsjaLTt5i08TbtvFfNbFKVKpV8ld4g5zRx2dPRbek_Nf2tHXiqnu20LnNfsbd-NoT77-8zBOl7Zaem9j9bLSff7Ct9sDzl2di8sYRVCq9e_F-IFOIsURhKG6zPiPNiqe5aknCZjPYl3A5xJmuI/s2772/RFB%20,Oct,%20GG15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2097" data-original-width="2772" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvlReyeeG7qsSAJ1AfsQsJ-mgqr_MNGCSJi8nuqnfeKDsjaLTt5i08TbtvFfNbFKVKpV8ld4g5zRx2dPRbek_Nf2tHXiqnu20LnNfsbd-NoT77-8zBOl7Zaem9j9bLSff7Ct9sDzl2di8sYRVCq9e_F-IFOIsURhKG6zPiPNiqe5aknCZjPYl3A5xJmuI/w400-h303/RFB%20,Oct,%20GG15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Red-flanked Bluetail - both GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2oO8ZOFiYvYyH5j2z2FAkxo20Qn8qHuftLHy54TO8gR9cF-QybFYh-ECx9uM_r1iJw4xijnOay0HZ_wL3JLfPQwqp3y-DB4VU6cR3UCsiQtVrgaaCJ_RPR8v5mvCSsFmvcE6FKzOEUDaIZIZOXdSQCWrF1z_uJXeAk0OI8WwpqH_W3nuR5mgihxAURf2/s1994/Lancey%20,Oct,%20GG17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1994" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2oO8ZOFiYvYyH5j2z2FAkxo20Qn8qHuftLHy54TO8gR9cF-QybFYh-ECx9uM_r1iJw4xijnOay0HZ_wL3JLfPQwqp3y-DB4VU6cR3UCsiQtVrgaaCJ_RPR8v5mvCSsFmvcE6FKzOEUDaIZIZOXdSQCWrF1z_uJXeAk0OI8WwpqH_W3nuR5mgihxAURf2/w400-h283/Lancey%20,Oct,%20GG17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Lanceolated Warbler - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoOROPuW6Jhrfwqc_paMpHD8P7jc5Av0PQiVcu4jWGd1o0CmQugOJMxD2cKudT2jPRRV3egW0A7UPcquc0YpUytDU9bULBi0ucnKTu0cP8asU8goAf7bTtZP3QBNbRb-FmvQN9JakRrmzba7yrK3nQxtir1BQJcljqOGSFpmCp8ibG152fSuzBKMRIBd8/s982/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG8-DeNoiseAI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="982" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoOROPuW6Jhrfwqc_paMpHD8P7jc5Av0PQiVcu4jWGd1o0CmQugOJMxD2cKudT2jPRRV3egW0A7UPcquc0YpUytDU9bULBi0ucnKTu0cP8asU8goAf7bTtZP3QBNbRb-FmvQN9JakRrmzba7yrK3nQxtir1BQJcljqOGSFpmCp8ibG152fSuzBKMRIBd8/w400-h315/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG8-DeNoiseAI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pM-MexHDZYWL5_NmPlN_bb7EEDs7NLvTbV2ALSlv4CapMAoBNC5eVlqyvWWxoWjSa773XS09a0z653Kzxj9p0qDHeyWzx9OyUQ4RWmQnAYQNDb7RYIph3sfnTnhxW66Cp3nxl6_bwFa-zbH8NUS0hqieELDaT0__FiO6RBhJ7Kx-Szizc8apkOMl8WGh/s1396/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG3-DeNoiseAI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1396" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pM-MexHDZYWL5_NmPlN_bb7EEDs7NLvTbV2ALSlv4CapMAoBNC5eVlqyvWWxoWjSa773XS09a0z653Kzxj9p0qDHeyWzx9OyUQ4RWmQnAYQNDb7RYIph3sfnTnhxW66Cp3nxl6_bwFa-zbH8NUS0hqieELDaT0__FiO6RBhJ7Kx-Szizc8apkOMl8WGh/w400-h272/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG3-DeNoiseAI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIztc-nQRsDIkIJO0N2F1oQRQ8jyt-IrtdSFR5ImelgugJeDnKAEljm3OgyXMHGIuA9sYiuc3zzCjoR81qoFwtqnKHYdCi9UlrD95vi1qexgWDN-S3hufoH7VfdhIn6SWrPHphs1IFhXoS4tzetKqx3cR1UfidRdEehiBwyGrTOZBTjy9SmZ8fEvM4LWy1/s804/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG6-DeNoiseAI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="804" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIztc-nQRsDIkIJO0N2F1oQRQ8jyt-IrtdSFR5ImelgugJeDnKAEljm3OgyXMHGIuA9sYiuc3zzCjoR81qoFwtqnKHYdCi9UlrD95vi1qexgWDN-S3hufoH7VfdhIn6SWrPHphs1IFhXoS4tzetKqx3cR1UfidRdEehiBwyGrTOZBTjy9SmZ8fEvM4LWy1/w400-h299/Amur%20Stonechat%20,Oct,%20GG6-DeNoiseAI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> 'Eastern' (Amur/Stejneger's) Stonechat - all GG <br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-5108976805697417122023-10-08T20:46:00.001+01:002023-10-08T20:46:15.628+01:004th-7th October<p> 4th: Richard's Pipit still, 2 House Martin, 7 Jackdaw, Whinchat, 2 Pomarine Skua, Short-eared Owl, Pectoral Sandpiper still, Redstart, 2 Song Thrush, 12 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Redpoll, 3 Redwing.</p><p>5th: 2 Brambling, Lapland Bunting, Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Fieldfare, Whinchat, 4 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 412 Meadow Pipit, House Martin, 2 Jackdaw.</p><p>6th: Strong winds saw limited coverage of the island. At least 2 Orca were seen from the Seawatch Hide - our first sighting for a few months. Also seen past the Seawatch Hide were 20 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua and 104 Kittiwake. 21 Redwing were the only notable passerine sightings.</p><p>7th: A much calmer day saw us back to normal proceedings. A good combined effort at the Seawatch Hide saw one each of <span style="color: #01ffff;">Great Shearwater</span> and <span style="color: #01ffff;">Cory's Shearwater</span>, along with 9 Pomarine Skua, 2 Little Auk (first of the year), 4968 Fulmar (including 12 blue morphs), 238 Sooty Shearwaters, 50 Manx Shearwaters, 490 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua and 20 Common Dolphins. Other sightings included a Greenland/<i>rostrata</i> Redpoll, Short-eared Owl and 2 Jack Snipe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsrrFcl7Ca3Y2wpfmcm5d-aP2_Ps3e_kukrBsteYCEqyjI7SjvQ6_joSRNibpb4oC1-TEcZ5l0pVoz52d7gzmy_b8hIl2URjy3ymzpbjdgTbw5x5Q2c6aLB7DvS6UjQcgPMbuoax01a_LDV4JLc1Bv-Gcz4GYdaGo7SVeczhyphenhyphenCkThN9-HPNxw2vuMf1BN/s4000/20231007_083044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsrrFcl7Ca3Y2wpfmcm5d-aP2_Ps3e_kukrBsteYCEqyjI7SjvQ6_joSRNibpb4oC1-TEcZ5l0pVoz52d7gzmy_b8hIl2URjy3ymzpbjdgTbw5x5Q2c6aLB7DvS6UjQcgPMbuoax01a_LDV4JLc1Bv-Gcz4GYdaGo7SVeczhyphenhyphenCkThN9-HPNxw2vuMf1BN/w304-h405/20231007_083044.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Greenland' Redpoll - GAW</div><br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-39752975520562950392023-10-03T20:44:00.001+01:002023-10-03T20:44:40.235+01:0030th September - 3rd October<p> October hasn't quite started in the style we'd have hoped for, being dominated by strong southwesterlies which have largely halted any significant arrivals of passerines - slightly frustrating when you know what it can be like at this time of year given the right conditions. Nevertheless, we've had a trickle of decent birds during the last few days to show for people's efforts. 30th September saw two Jackdaws at Vincoin, a Little Bunting at Haskie, Pectoral Sandpiper still at Ancum, Icterine Warbler still at Dennishill, a Grasshopper Warbler trapped at the Obs, two Whinchats, 84 Snow Buntings, 11 Blackcaps and one each of Willow Warbler, Redstart, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Lesser Whitethroat Common Whitethroat, Redwing, Tree Pipit and Dunnock. 27 Barnacle Geese were present along with six Pink-footed Geese. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO8UP9S3BadzM1vnRAlPB5fuSftlle6Y2Wm_KVg5WJfkVvTTKTbB6PbtThcwXfsqXq9MWS9PkBLcZewQCliI0Xb9SUf0r8ANR_a_iXqgrKusX_n3sTrS1xk2rTQYz95x3XJEvdh-lHATss2Mfw__b6WDPDRE-o5gz7NMkT0JMg2bhFuhXP3oerqQuj34S/s3778/IMG_7765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="3778" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO8UP9S3BadzM1vnRAlPB5fuSftlle6Y2Wm_KVg5WJfkVvTTKTbB6PbtThcwXfsqXq9MWS9PkBLcZewQCliI0Xb9SUf0r8ANR_a_iXqgrKusX_n3sTrS1xk2rTQYz95x3XJEvdh-lHATss2Mfw__b6WDPDRE-o5gz7NMkT0JMg2bhFuhXP3oerqQuj34S/w465-h349/IMG_7765.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Icterine Warbler - GG</div><p>Highlights on 1st October included a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Buff-breasted Sandpiper</span> at Southness (presumably the same as the Links bird on 29th September), Red-breasted Flycatcher at Holland, two Little Buntings, Pied Flycatcher, two Yellow-browed Warblers, 14 Blackcaps, two Garden Warblers, two Barred Warblers, three Redwings, three Whinchats, 90 Pink-footed Geese and a Peregrine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PsMlVnVIaguNeMUQHFR6BpefFfb-2bV09Hy2-osvLZPmOZZAuhW87PWDEFrA0PpEdKEwTkJZQkxmcyPtKNrwQE7n1YaWNsWO_pj8_j7Rl8yveSEtdhs3jMdYH5y3GZMzU4xUv_1Qmf8oPpqdyYbclDGs7Fn7R2LJxJQ-9Ukzdd9Bf-A4UXSeQloUGP9j/s3106/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="3106" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PsMlVnVIaguNeMUQHFR6BpefFfb-2bV09Hy2-osvLZPmOZZAuhW87PWDEFrA0PpEdKEwTkJZQkxmcyPtKNrwQE7n1YaWNsWO_pj8_j7Rl8yveSEtdhs3jMdYH5y3GZMzU4xUv_1Qmf8oPpqdyYbclDGs7Fn7R2LJxJQ-9Ukzdd9Bf-A4UXSeQloUGP9j/w530-h333/IMG_0923.JPG" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buff-breasted Sandpiper - SJD</div><p>2nd saw the first<span style="color: #01ffff;"> Richard's Pipit</span> of the year found at Scottigar, the first record since 2021 after drawing a blank last year. Other notable sightings included a Collared Dove, three Little Buntings, Pectoral Sandpiper, Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Redstart. The Buff-breasted Sandpiper also relocated to Scottigar briefly. 3rd saw strong winds and frequent heavy showers make birding rather challenging. Highlights included the lingering Richard's Pipit at Dennishill, Short-eared Owl, Grey Wagtail, 15 Whooper Swans, 83 Pink-footed Geese, Long-tailed Duck (first of the autumn), Yellow-browed Warbler, Siskin, five Blackcaps, Willow Warbler, two Chiffchaffs, six Goldfinches and 46 Black-tailed Godwits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-68960427184300341382023-09-29T22:03:00.003+01:002023-09-29T22:03:36.348+01:0026th-29th September<p> Strong southwesterlies have dominated the last four days, although a brief spell of overnight southeasterlies also brought a small flurry of migrants to the island. 26th started with the <span style="color: #01ffff;">Bluethroat </span>still present at Verracott and a male Stonechat on the Obs track. A Little Gull was feeding in the surf at Brides, two Little Stints were at Gretchen and a Little Bunting was at Ires Taing. Other highlights included a Yellow-browed Warbler at Haskie, the lingering Red-backed Shrike at Holland, a Common Swift at the Obs and the Pale-bellied Brent Goose was at Bewan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMU7MIb3eA76BLem5ETA0jQsqALO2Ru6Tl0aakwwcd99TdqZ7zxF_iyMkmxUQzgm2FbMdKlDvFylqXq207Y0Q408ZVVwFhwCsyz5Y4h-0V19DcUet-xc_e7sf81CBnlH9FzMpCnq_OOH7TVZlkAKJwOnrVTNor4iovyiLS-EAMEL9TqgTda0RKfB4cEZc/s4891/Little%20Gull%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3191" data-original-width="4891" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMU7MIb3eA76BLem5ETA0jQsqALO2Ru6Tl0aakwwcd99TdqZ7zxF_iyMkmxUQzgm2FbMdKlDvFylqXq207Y0Q408ZVVwFhwCsyz5Y4h-0V19DcUet-xc_e7sf81CBnlH9FzMpCnq_OOH7TVZlkAKJwOnrVTNor4iovyiLS-EAMEL9TqgTda0RKfB4cEZc/w503-h328/Little%20Gull%201.JPG" width="503" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Gull - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">27th saw a total of seven Goldfinches at Peckhole and Inglis Geo, four Barred Warblers, a Redstart at Verracott, 20 Blackcaps, the Icterine Warbler at Dennishill, 49 Snow Buntings, a Crossbill, 2 Common Redpolls, four Garden Warblers, two Yellow-browed Warblers, two each of Lesser and Common Whitethroat, two Chiffchaffs, two Whinchats, a Dunnock and four Goldcrests.</div><p>Overnight southeasterlies and rain raised hopes for 28th, although by the morning the wind had switched back to a strong southwesterly. A Barred Warbler and a Willow Warbler were trapped at Holland with 11 Blackcaps early on, with a Little Bunting at West Beach and Yellow-browed Warblers at the Shooting Gallery and Brigg. The lingering Red-backed Shrike, Icterine Warbler, Pectoral Sandpiper and Bluethroat were all present and a total of 40 Barnacle Geese were logged (first of the autumn). With the wind calming down in the late afternoon, a few more migrants were unearthed including a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Corncrake </span>at Longar, a new Little Bunting at Haskie, with birds also logged at the airfield and Shooting Gallery (presumably one of these relating to the morning's bird), another <span style="color: #01ffff;">Bluethroat </span>at Barrenha, another Yellow-browed Warbler at Hooking, Black Redstart at Cott, Tree Pipit at Inglis Geo, Grasshopper Warbler at Lenswick and four Barred Warblers. A total of 33 Blackcaps over the day was a good total. Perhaps the highlight of the day were the five <span style="color: #01ffff;">Goosanders </span>which flew past the Lighthouse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFPPap5-tS0ndYzb3Mnk69EnydR_Sj70ZpSPIEs0tSmCWP_tcbiMGdrPhpaP7AMvEJnr5RARvFt9s68BhfMMyJZ1HkzstaAK0MILL_8cZ_9Hm-_ubnbg_-Ygh9umUrOclTDVEaB4I9V9aCN7JGSeHyoA3ye6hiy6G8dEWIw9T9OnHlYpbAbDp411UOPKE/s4361/Yellow-browed%20Warbler%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2845" data-original-width="4361" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFPPap5-tS0ndYzb3Mnk69EnydR_Sj70ZpSPIEs0tSmCWP_tcbiMGdrPhpaP7AMvEJnr5RARvFt9s68BhfMMyJZ1HkzstaAK0MILL_8cZ_9Hm-_ubnbg_-Ygh9umUrOclTDVEaB4I9V9aCN7JGSeHyoA3ye6hiy6G8dEWIw9T9OnHlYpbAbDp411UOPKE/w484-h316/Yellow-browed%20Warbler%203.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellow-browed Warbler - TG</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsIrQKJ-xqDNbMcy_k-0Yy0FIX1pEyYpkD-UGx13OSMjDemNX6Lax-9Jk5DM3kFe8AFe-a5FPOgAztsj1X7Ft8JwfZ5m8c5gk4DbEUsFD2Fm2LgZ5aaDve3fe07Uq4_mePKpZs4KvLXsCTzJa_CaUGyqiwYLLc55T95ukgNcoIJsft2JDQxIHbzxs_7xw/s4475/Grasshopper%20Warbler%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4475" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsIrQKJ-xqDNbMcy_k-0Yy0FIX1pEyYpkD-UGx13OSMjDemNX6Lax-9Jk5DM3kFe8AFe-a5FPOgAztsj1X7Ft8JwfZ5m8c5gk4DbEUsFD2Fm2LgZ5aaDve3fe07Uq4_mePKpZs4KvLXsCTzJa_CaUGyqiwYLLc55T95ukgNcoIJsft2JDQxIHbzxs_7xw/w495-h336/Grasshopper%20Warbler%201.JPG" width="495" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grasshopper Warbler - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>29th saw the wind pick up again from the southwest making searching for migrants rather challenging. Totals included two Little Buntings, Grey Wagtail, a Barred Warbler at North Gravity and two Spotted Flycatchers along with the usual lingering birds from the previous few days. The day's highlight was the discovery of a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Buff-breasted Sandpiper </span>at Sandsheen amongst a flock of Ringed Plovers.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3lD9ZWkOb8y4cjuhs7iLKpHcyKXwrPTyFB87Va_mbpPSNleWDUBjW0tK5igUIF2U4hi50ad8BUVoGZq_zyEHKrFagJQ7x7dzO_Ly-2GTqOdlmo8sRPWp1Rhr82pbKED7j5qy_2YPx2XgMi-JDTRQNENKOq-4FJMgMnF_2g9x0pybAmMDRYhu4BVFme7A/s4530/Little%20Bunting%203_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="4530" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3lD9ZWkOb8y4cjuhs7iLKpHcyKXwrPTyFB87Va_mbpPSNleWDUBjW0tK5igUIF2U4hi50ad8BUVoGZq_zyEHKrFagJQ7x7dzO_Ly-2GTqOdlmo8sRPWp1Rhr82pbKED7j5qy_2YPx2XgMi-JDTRQNENKOq-4FJMgMnF_2g9x0pybAmMDRYhu4BVFme7A/w507-h334/Little%20Bunting%203_edited.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Bunting - TG</div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-73214930291701143672023-09-25T21:05:00.005+01:002023-09-26T20:24:16.578+01:0022nd-25th September<p> Another busy few days of migrants that kept things over without really producing anything too spectacular. </p><p>The 22nd started with a Yellow-browed Warbler, Blythi Lesser Whitethroat and Sparrowhawk in Holland while the two Yellow Wagtails and Pale-bellied Brent Goose remained around Bewan. A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen briefly as it landed near Ancum. The Greenish Warbler remained present around Cursitter with viewing becoming slowly more difficult due to grumpy islanders fortifying empty fields, the site now looks like a high security prison as opposed to a vacant cattle field! Madness, its not all like that! Other hangers-on included the Yellow-browed at Ancum, the Little Bunting at Doo Geo and the Barred Warbler at Bewan.</p><p>The following day saw the Greenish Warbler joined by a possibly unwelcome Red-backed Shrike, unwelcome if you're the Greenish anyway! It was otherwise a day much the same as the previous with very few new incoming migrants but still plenty of lingering birds about.</p><p>The 24th saw new arrivals in the shape of a very smart looking male Red-breasted Flycatcher at Lochend and an almost equally smart Bluethroat on the track leading to Veracott. The Pectoral Sandpiper remained throughout the day and was later trapped and ringed on Ancum. Two Whooper Swans toured the island but remained elusive for long periods often popping up unexpectedly. A late Whimbrel was seen around Brides but otherwise the long wait for an American passerine in Orkney or Shetland continued!</p><p>Finally the 25th was a day dominated by a strong and quite balmy southerly wind that produced a few bits and bobs but nothing too outlandish. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper found its way onto the year list after being seen around Dennishead in the morning. An interesting 'calidus-type' Peregrine was also present around Bewan. The now ringed Pectoral Sandpiper was still on Ancum and the Bluethroat and Red-breasted Flycatcher also remained in situ, the latter also being trapped and ringed in the afternoon. Elsewhere on the island the Icterine Warbler that has spent nearly a week between Dennishill and Senness re-emerged and was subsequently seen in the Lochend garden with the Red-breasted Flycatcher.</p><p>It seems as though we're set in this westerly air-flow for the foreseeable future but the hope of an American passerine is fuelling us for now, its also worth noting migrants from Scandinavia are still appearing here and on neighbouring islands, it's turning into a very unpredictable Autumn so far, which is good! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPUvIkqYfCHIEPXK_K3WM9IlUNCLwkYBCMQp309CBoo-WJ-xZL5p0IWmPgtceWt0POSvEjK3GmFJi_T8m_dG_WHbslKVlTpB9yo4nps8hIDCNUYYEQv7bUbvLMvHI-v2lhRFGZ4moQn1KVBfGDRA5Qlh-ChHzUcRUW-cLaXmbET3zPQCXQ34ZPLfepX1y/s3023/yewa,%20GG7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="3023" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPUvIkqYfCHIEPXK_K3WM9IlUNCLwkYBCMQp309CBoo-WJ-xZL5p0IWmPgtceWt0POSvEjK3GmFJi_T8m_dG_WHbslKVlTpB9yo4nps8hIDCNUYYEQv7bUbvLMvHI-v2lhRFGZ4moQn1KVBfGDRA5Qlh-ChHzUcRUW-cLaXmbET3zPQCXQ34ZPLfepX1y/w400-h253/yewa,%20GG7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Yellow Wagtail sp. - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOiaJ9MEgswwV19sCEmLWsqr3QxQV6_rnBjFUnNd1OZIjBiJ0zjg0ouOdu1gjnDZ2wxtqeMfXJ5ufi7e3y-Wqje9T7KkEtu0gQdmsmFjPQ-Lgnq9cYlOqcZGauNepLO9ICzpI6L50tQp_kE_mGOP-Ur-2or4UJm5B2ZwQ9rY8ESS_NGZ-C5TMOwyJ-OPr/s5184/pbbrent,%20GG6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOiaJ9MEgswwV19sCEmLWsqr3QxQV6_rnBjFUnNd1OZIjBiJ0zjg0ouOdu1gjnDZ2wxtqeMfXJ5ufi7e3y-Wqje9T7KkEtu0gQdmsmFjPQ-Lgnq9cYlOqcZGauNepLO9ICzpI6L50tQp_kE_mGOP-Ur-2or4UJm5B2ZwQ9rY8ESS_NGZ-C5TMOwyJ-OPr/w400-h300/pbbrent,%20GG6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Pale-bellied Brent Goose - GG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9GaGpLutLVQSNuFySpfWqCxsXOqesCeOmjocV1QX-IPveFEczAwfu9oWFoNaWWZNeHahuqKq8GfvW6NT_kFcV3zN2D_LN_SwKjZtZxwYkpxaNkshBr7ir9LG4eB7H7zaP0sToZEi8CSYuRX_hf8CvLsVe8M0QwGTimDuNtLKPtA-Xq0n48WE1v9TzAA0/s4054/Red-breasted%20Flycatcher%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2568" data-original-width="4054" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9GaGpLutLVQSNuFySpfWqCxsXOqesCeOmjocV1QX-IPveFEczAwfu9oWFoNaWWZNeHahuqKq8GfvW6NT_kFcV3zN2D_LN_SwKjZtZxwYkpxaNkshBr7ir9LG4eB7H7zaP0sToZEi8CSYuRX_hf8CvLsVe8M0QwGTimDuNtLKPtA-Xq0n48WE1v9TzAA0/w407-h258/Red-breasted%20Flycatcher%202.JPG" width="407" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red-breasted Flycatcher - TG</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81VKHxCPXpiESkdUpTAG-cBaxiDH8TCvnWqrqYXeECvOn0jUqUSLQVWGLWqdDY9AUNQuzhaXZiHxs5hFImWGHOmXBjd-IZ9Bfg204Wb_m6bNk113PjRldfxpVcqQTDYU-uB9MuSRORDLL--Vs5SOC5IkE84prA53AccpmOx7zzZslbWteR6UUQSm2ukw9/s4911/Red-breasted%20Flycatcher%205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3335" data-original-width="4911" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81VKHxCPXpiESkdUpTAG-cBaxiDH8TCvnWqrqYXeECvOn0jUqUSLQVWGLWqdDY9AUNQuzhaXZiHxs5hFImWGHOmXBjd-IZ9Bfg204Wb_m6bNk113PjRldfxpVcqQTDYU-uB9MuSRORDLL--Vs5SOC5IkE84prA53AccpmOx7zzZslbWteR6UUQSm2ukw9/w408-h277/Red-breasted%20Flycatcher%205.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red-breasted Flycatcher - TG</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-6816790003446906722023-09-24T21:30:00.000+01:002023-09-24T21:30:00.221+01:0019th-21st September<p> Following the influx of birds into the island during the previous day, there were plenty of leftovers on 19th. The <span style="color: #01ffff;">Icterine Warbler</span> remained at Senness and the <span style="color: #01ffff;">Blyth's Reed Warbler</span> was still at Gretchen. New in were four Yellow Wagtails, with two each at Brigg and Bewan, a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Common Buzzard</span> which flew off south (first of the year), Rosefinch at the Shooting Gallery and a Barred Warbler at Bewan. Other migrant totals included five Yellow-browed Warblers, 11 Blackcaps, four Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat, eight Willow Warblers, two Goldcrests, two Spotted Flycatchers, four Song Thrushes, three Whinchats, four Redstarts, seven Robins, 103 'Alba' Wagtails, six Tree Pipits, three Chaffinches and a Lapland Bunting. </p><p>20th began with a mobile <span style="color: #01ffff;">Turtle Dove</span> at the Broch (first of the year) and<span style="color: #01ffff;"> Little Buntings </span>at Doo Geo (same as 18th) and Inglis Geo. The Rosefinch was still at the Shooting Gallery, the Icterine Warbler was again at Senness and Lapland Buntings were at Sandar and Bridesness. Other totals included a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Corncrake </span>at North Gravity, Reed Warbler at Westness (with another elusive unstreaked <i>Acrocephalus </i>warbler near Hooking), three Lesser Whitethroats (all <i>blythi</i>-types), a Barred Warbler, three Yellow-browed Warblers, 13 Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers, three Goldcrests, five Garden Warblers, nine Blackcaps, two Song Thrushes, seven Redstarts, two Whinchats, 17 Robins and five Tree Pipits. Bird of the day went to a smart <span style="color: red;">Greenish Warbler</span> at Cursitter, found in the afternoon - a species well overdue with this being the first record since 2019. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wo6oHZJAQtFFlKNUo4LIn98yZem2WbRNaUT8aTjUpPihg58X_-WJ6Z6cseiUS7Y_1BHbM6xiSo_duS8Cu7MkRUsg7aoqSM2NdRbllwDxNdhNIgllNyEGWSpMIDWfe6o8VS0GCN2vVZpdwpX-dAk-___k9oNpoUhsNFlyHM8tdiwR3F38Ke1_FvcYS_yl/s4161/Greenish%20Warbler%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2819" data-original-width="4161" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wo6oHZJAQtFFlKNUo4LIn98yZem2WbRNaUT8aTjUpPihg58X_-WJ6Z6cseiUS7Y_1BHbM6xiSo_duS8Cu7MkRUsg7aoqSM2NdRbllwDxNdhNIgllNyEGWSpMIDWfe6o8VS0GCN2vVZpdwpX-dAk-___k9oNpoUhsNFlyHM8tdiwR3F38Ke1_FvcYS_yl/w451-h306/Greenish%20Warbler%201.JPG" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Greenish Warbler - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnAY6uH5Z1_khHASCsuBu0wqifnRSVD5Vt4Wgb2ETVr4kwBEZKzsRDqZxNzzqYuBA7gpu-qszSVh1aStroL3cTA-yYsCDx0GM3aq1S4Cf1xVuhuf91X4TlBCn90j6826PA6Fnzdw8QoRj9Yq-YVWtFc_NwreHGV3bzPLvGftBXFpJD3cvZuALRgWoDcLr/s3614/Turtle%20Dove%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2518" data-original-width="3614" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnAY6uH5Z1_khHASCsuBu0wqifnRSVD5Vt4Wgb2ETVr4kwBEZKzsRDqZxNzzqYuBA7gpu-qszSVh1aStroL3cTA-yYsCDx0GM3aq1S4Cf1xVuhuf91X4TlBCn90j6826PA6Fnzdw8QoRj9Yq-YVWtFc_NwreHGV3bzPLvGftBXFpJD3cvZuALRgWoDcLr/w438-h305/Turtle%20Dove%201.JPG" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turtle Dove - TG</div><p>Persistent strong southerlies meant that new arrivals were slowing down by 21st. Nevertheless, there were still some nice highlights with a new Little Bunting at Twingness Pund (the Doo Geo bird was still present), the lingering Blyth's Reed Warbler at Gretchen, <span style="color: #01ffff;">Pale-bellied Brent Goose</span> over Trinley, 10 Snow Buntings (first of the autumn), two Yellow-browed Warblers, a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Corncrake </span>at Peckhole and a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Spotted Crake</span> was seen briefly by the Hooking track.</p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-49887655106341164722023-09-19T21:10:00.001+01:002023-09-19T22:13:16.344+01:0015th-18th September<p> Although initially remaining quiet on 15th, the following few days saw the autumn roar back into life delivering some quality rarities and a decent scattering of common migrants. Highlights on 15th included a Little Stint on Gretchen, Little Gull in Linklet Bay, Rosefinch at Lurand, and a Pied Flycatcher at Ancum Willows, although common migrantss were very thin on the ground. 16th began with a <i>blythi</i>-type<i> </i>Lesser Whitethroat at the Shooting Gallery, hinting at the quality which was to follow - later in the morning a smart <span style="color: red;">Rustic Bunting</span> was discovered feeding around the Sheep Dyke at the Lurn. Amazingly a <span style="color: red;">Blyth's Reed Warbler</span> was then found only 200m away, feeding around the rocks by the sea, clearly having just arrived in off the sea. Despite the morning rarity bonanza, it remained quiet for the rest of the day with a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Convolvulus Hawkmoth</span> and a Curlew Sandpiper providing some rewards for the afternoon's efforts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDgi2RE5_cCGWypYtlOrCtJ3mPv55MBQsKR_--MQjc4COTOFEEX0pC9sYalhuPGZ5mtt2U49ehEmTXC-lbEVGpycvv8HI3c1UAN0mguCT2OcNrxRbH9l3GNhyTk3zOtkLfZdOyCmuv5k0ExY-OSUlYGs--3f0WILwlp4ae_8RHUWt7AHM7529IwoiJbB_/s3502/Rustic%20Bunting%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3502" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDgi2RE5_cCGWypYtlOrCtJ3mPv55MBQsKR_--MQjc4COTOFEEX0pC9sYalhuPGZ5mtt2U49ehEmTXC-lbEVGpycvv8HI3c1UAN0mguCT2OcNrxRbH9l3GNhyTk3zOtkLfZdOyCmuv5k0ExY-OSUlYGs--3f0WILwlp4ae_8RHUWt7AHM7529IwoiJbB_/w470-h304/Rustic%20Bunting%202.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rustic Bunting - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxArUmRF3jRuSP9ONiJeOMxEngv33q8qwjhOG3Z3XxRY6bu6O23XS0VfDUO9PzgRYdWZ5f2HInL-dVlZvwEpOqDbXqHf6I7zdOHwrklddoBkBGkJPAmmud7EKaPmSBdhqv8oz4cOjAV6BrT11tuUH1F-jRTpYOBxc2ZQ79Iw_2rcN7QyLpbV4ciWlw5Sn/s3873/Blyth's%20Reed%20Warbler%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="3873" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxArUmRF3jRuSP9ONiJeOMxEngv33q8qwjhOG3Z3XxRY6bu6O23XS0VfDUO9PzgRYdWZ5f2HInL-dVlZvwEpOqDbXqHf6I7zdOHwrklddoBkBGkJPAmmud7EKaPmSBdhqv8oz4cOjAV6BrT11tuUH1F-jRTpYOBxc2ZQ79Iw_2rcN7QyLpbV4ciWlw5Sn/w467-h310/Blyth's%20Reed%20Warbler%202.JPG" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blyth's Reed Warbler - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp7_nyReN-QQBOl4CX4nv6TkbLkqKstTnN2_Vfmzx6DiSdG60ZdeluALmqEdyxSkI8Y8tpjBP09C4GQyM25noLc9n5h3SFF_WbIPTS0yernQoG6VM7Adk2mOdj4KFNi8Mc_JI1iyLz0lngqAEp-ZUthnicvh2V5Gz6CX38scnIkoE_KtCMpVLa6ylwLkr/s5380/Lesser%20Whitethroat%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3630" data-original-width="5380" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp7_nyReN-QQBOl4CX4nv6TkbLkqKstTnN2_Vfmzx6DiSdG60ZdeluALmqEdyxSkI8Y8tpjBP09C4GQyM25noLc9n5h3SFF_WbIPTS0yernQoG6VM7Adk2mOdj4KFNi8Mc_JI1iyLz0lngqAEp-ZUthnicvh2V5Gz6CX38scnIkoE_KtCMpVLa6ylwLkr/w468-h315/Lesser%20Whitethroat%201.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>blythi</i>-type Lesser Whitethroat - TG</div><p>17th began slowly with a Rosefinch at Holland the morning's sole highlight. The early afternoon saw a Lesser Whitethroat at the New Kirk followed by a Jack Snipe at Lenswick and a Lapland Bunting at Bridesness (first of the autumn). However, the evening's arrivals hinted at what was likely to follow with the first <span style="color: #01ffff;">Yellow-browed Warblers </span>of the year at Lenswick and the Lurn, with a Barred Warbler also seen at Westness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHzPnQZO7YRGX-QCcE4O81aWgMrvpHn9zCME8lUl43vhhquiHfuVHJZWCg5FOcnuVKMiGeDx8xLO7ktLbpcCsiDbtMrSy0ji8LYTyfjJrNzWMi_PsaAn73oou25oseRolh7EfFyKx1oPTAcp67kBxRkzOVvzQC3Trub58kXdh07hHdzP_mziBAuVk9DXw/s4217/Yellow-browed%20Warbler%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2858" data-original-width="4217" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHzPnQZO7YRGX-QCcE4O81aWgMrvpHn9zCME8lUl43vhhquiHfuVHJZWCg5FOcnuVKMiGeDx8xLO7ktLbpcCsiDbtMrSy0ji8LYTyfjJrNzWMi_PsaAn73oou25oseRolh7EfFyKx1oPTAcp67kBxRkzOVvzQC3Trub58kXdh07hHdzP_mziBAuVk9DXw/w480-h326/Yellow-browed%20Warbler%201.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellow-browed Warbler - TG</div><p>18th was the most eagerly anticipated day with easterlies and rain forecast meaning the Obs was full of hope for what might arrive. Morning ringing produced a few signs with a Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon and Barred Warbler trapped. Another <i>blythi</i>-type Lesser Whitethroat was then caught at Holland, followed by the discovery of an Icterine Warbler at Senness and then a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Little Bunting</span> at Inglis Geo. As the day drew on it was clear that birds were arriving with more Yellow-browed Warblers discovered amongst a scattering of common migrants. A <i>Locustella </i>warbler at Nether Linnay unfortunately could not be pinned down, leaving us wondering what could have been given what was turning up in Shetland... However, this disappointment did not last long as the second <span style="color: red;">Arctic Warbler </span>of the year was soon discovered at Brigg, shortly followed by a <span style="color: red;">Lanceolated Warbler</span> at Upper Linnay! Pending acceptance, this will be the sixth 'Lancy' sighting since 2018, continuing a remarkable run of records here. Two Tree Pipits flew over Upper Linnay just as the heavens began to open. For those brave enough to suffer the deluge, the afternoon produced a more significant arrival of common migrants and also saw the rediscovery of the <span style="color: #01ffff;">Blyth's Reed Warbler</span> at Gretchen, followed by another at Doo Geo. Unfortunately, the rain strengthened significantly by 5pm, making conditions unbirdable and preventing any further discoveries - not that we had anything to complain about! Migrant totals by the end of the day (excluding the rarities already mentioned) were as follows: four Yellow-browed Warblers, eight Goldcrests, six Willow Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher, two Pied Flycatchers, Crossbill, Lapland Bunting, Rosefinch, Redpoll, Whitethroat, four Redstarts, six Whinchats, Reed Warbler, four Chaffinches, three Song Thrushes, 12 Blackcaps, 10 Robins, two Dunnocks, four Garden Warblers, six Lesser Whitethroats and an additional Barred Warbler. The day certainly made up for the quiet start to September! Hopefully there is more to come...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehQTcGURSIYS9Ejr5z8VUFZWW7jd7-eBJVI_Cf60F7vfzCODe4yNVqP6BoKuBgmL98eK80lYQewPr3MVH3K3RMQLwGuijFhot_0qaOW-TEw6jZHqLMt6K1ML8-uJkrb4C82f4-DJ9Xmohzbw64ymLIJDoFzK1Fdlf-HRmXj2eKkJDPa1GuFneuQQNpy1J/s2538/lancie,%20GG5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="2538" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehQTcGURSIYS9Ejr5z8VUFZWW7jd7-eBJVI_Cf60F7vfzCODe4yNVqP6BoKuBgmL98eK80lYQewPr3MVH3K3RMQLwGuijFhot_0qaOW-TEw6jZHqLMt6K1ML8-uJkrb4C82f4-DJ9Xmohzbw64ymLIJDoFzK1Fdlf-HRmXj2eKkJDPa1GuFneuQQNpy1J/w400-h261/lancie,%20GG5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Is it a mouse? Is it a vole? No! It's a Lanceolated Warbler! - GG <div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-82144997480341964662023-09-14T19:37:00.002+01:002023-09-14T19:37:33.757+01:0011th-14th September Passerine migrants have remained rather thin on the ground in recent days, although a few interesting bits have still made their way through. The main event has been the best seawatching weather in a month or so, along with a couple of nice wader highlights to keep us going. 11th saw some early morning rain showers drop a Wryneck at Senness, with presumably the same bird seen later at Westness. One of the Rosefinches from previous days was trapped at the Obs (with the other two still present) and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was discovered at Bewan. Other sightings included the first Song Thrush of the autumn at Breck, three Blackcaps (also new for the autumn), the lingering Pectoral Sandpiper at Ancum, three Willow Warblers, five Hen Harriers, 171 Knot, 2 Whimbrels, 622 Meadow Pipits, 128 Alba Wagtails, 2 Whinchats and 222 Wheatears, with the Barred Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat remaining at Holland.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonBX89pSPhynqNPto7fy9ue9aJXHWT6PVUj6lU7uQGCt1zktUrAE0Ewl4hMTldQdIj6JFRKoeXtGj_OqL4cozJs4WVFIXuzpieHQ9-N9rQI246HEl80BhzPGX73IshSpTT-G2h0gf5AHgZW87-XQ-b8B53xoQQg2DVUd2XGbBFD_6HqxTIc3LFRszgfWu/s3553/Wryneck%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2423" data-original-width="3553" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonBX89pSPhynqNPto7fy9ue9aJXHWT6PVUj6lU7uQGCt1zktUrAE0Ewl4hMTldQdIj6JFRKoeXtGj_OqL4cozJs4WVFIXuzpieHQ9-N9rQI246HEl80BhzPGX73IshSpTT-G2h0gf5AHgZW87-XQ-b8B53xoQQg2DVUd2XGbBFD_6HqxTIc3LFRszgfWu/w484-h330/Wryneck%201.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wryneck - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijalKeoe8KYeZS-0CW49dZPQfJI7_06Uzuz3Bz3OqVHwqV01aeJRBKLrzaaStfd4FqOxr1etjTs7Rwa3f13-HrOm2YMC7QiKPFzn9i3R8GveyBF_zBaKkNKZSgcozXZ-FfYPu2UQ0aI_9WP02g0nlbQCd7D8gSAPs2upOx5RZr4uKSJjTiB5McmCe3g9bi/s3350/Curlew%20Sandpiper%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="3350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijalKeoe8KYeZS-0CW49dZPQfJI7_06Uzuz3Bz3OqVHwqV01aeJRBKLrzaaStfd4FqOxr1etjTs7Rwa3f13-HrOm2YMC7QiKPFzn9i3R8GveyBF_zBaKkNKZSgcozXZ-FfYPu2UQ0aI_9WP02g0nlbQCd7D8gSAPs2upOx5RZr4uKSJjTiB5McmCe3g9bi/w486-h320/Curlew%20Sandpiper%202.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Curlew Sandpiper - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>12th was largely quiet with few migrants around, although a Wryneck landed briefly on the ringing hut roof outside the Obs, a female Common Scoter was seen on the sea off the Links and a Short-eared Owl was at Trolla. 13th saw 11 hours put in at the Seawatch Hide throughout the day which was rewarded well with singles of both Great and Cory's Shearwater within the first few hours. Other totals by the end of the day included a massive 721 Sooty Shearwaters (comfortably the highest count of the year so far), 66 Manx Shearwaters, 4094 Fulmars, 8 Storm Petrels, 377 Gannets, 5 Arctic Skuas, 4 Bonxies, 198 Kittiwakes, 5 Arctic Terns, 110 Auk sp., 19 Puffins, 5 Red-throated Divers and 3 Great Northern Divers. Away from the sea, a Greenshank at Bewan was the only notable new sighting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEPrpX2c73IEentyh_pywHdri5h4LG7-BhFaO7ei1-0TUkG9Y9g3VRYhIhG9zI9PvJteeWDjobv-CubcLofkm56YyiPOMLLRT-IcisfU87-BS-cd9WB7MrPYWTPlpw8rcHQn5pRORDW32krDsNSVYq15mXXGMYrcNNVJU4yG9AD06AoYPaNUqw2w2Mxdw/s1667/Great%20Shearwater%20GG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1667" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEPrpX2c73IEentyh_pywHdri5h4LG7-BhFaO7ei1-0TUkG9Y9g3VRYhIhG9zI9PvJteeWDjobv-CubcLofkm56YyiPOMLLRT-IcisfU87-BS-cd9WB7MrPYWTPlpw8rcHQn5pRORDW32krDsNSVYq15mXXGMYrcNNVJU4yG9AD06AoYPaNUqw2w2Mxdw/w431-h323/Great%20Shearwater%20GG.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Shearwater - GG</div><div><br /></div><div>Morning rain on 14th brought some promise, although the strong southerly/southwesterly wind largely hampered our efforts to turn up any notable numbers of migrants. The day's highlights included a Blackcap, Robin and Crossbill along the west coast, Pied Flycatcher at Holland, Whinchat around the Obs, along with a Little Stint near the Broch. The three Rosefinches also remained around the Obs and the Curlew Sandpiper was still at Bewan. Moving into the second half of September, we are now firmly in the zone where anything is possible and we are now hoping for some favourable weather conditions to materialize!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQB3DwoQTS4NuL1FheNOmLLcnPnRvbKe-3kH-IIYQodQtks_c9psb144FyHJ31i0ZNhYcaM546p6eK3tnIj-ZWqu4OXI5naNgShV6s9MiYTZrQtrLh6C-ARRRsdjXrPVVX-r71QYDJKwMetstR4HpD0DEy4-P79sgTtl191lleXCtaBogFP3fh8c4Edx3/s2811/Little%20Stint%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1934" data-original-width="2811" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQB3DwoQTS4NuL1FheNOmLLcnPnRvbKe-3kH-IIYQodQtks_c9psb144FyHJ31i0ZNhYcaM546p6eK3tnIj-ZWqu4OXI5naNgShV6s9MiYTZrQtrLh6C-ARRRsdjXrPVVX-r71QYDJKwMetstR4HpD0DEy4-P79sgTtl191lleXCtaBogFP3fh8c4Edx3/w500-h344/Little%20Stint%201.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Stint - TG</div><br /><div><br /></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-9575987456128485752023-09-10T20:55:00.001+01:002023-09-10T20:55:21.333+01:006th-10th September<p> A period of warm, unseasonal and dry weather has meant that migration through the island has ground nearly to halt, however a few good birds have kept us going. </p><p>The 6th was perhaps the pick of the bunch, two Pectoral Sandpipers on Ancum and Gretchen respectively were joined on the days bird list by 21 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater and a lone Arctic Skua. The bird of the day however went to a very smart Citrine Wagtail discovered by the Broch in the late morning. Amazingly this is the first island record in just over eight years! </p><p>The following day saw a few extra migrants join the Citrine Wagtail which was still present. A total of four Rosefinches were present throughout the day with three around Lurand and a single at Westness. A Whinchat was present at Kirbest, while a Crossbill and Spotted Flycatcher around the south-end of the island completed a rather promising day that ultimately failed to delivered!</p><p>The 8th was possibly one of the hottest days of the years making birding almost unpleasant at times. The morning started with an unringed Rosefinch at Holland, plus three around the observatory again. Both Pectoral Sandpipers remained faithful to Gretchen and Ancum. A Tree Pipit at Senness, a Barred Warbler at Kirbest and a Curlew Sandpiper at Bewan appeared to be new arrivals. The days highlight came from an unlikely source as between 2 and 4 Tuna sp. were seen feeding off of Tor Ness. </p><p>The 9th was a very quiet day with the only birds of note being six Common Scoter passed Dennishead, the three Rosefinches at Lurand and both Pectoral Sandpipers. However a Convolvulus Hawkmoth found on the tractor shed near the obs in the morning provided some excitement. </p><p>Finally the 10th saw a smattering of new arrivals in various locations, a Barred Warbler was present in Holland while a female Common Scoter spent the early parts of the morning in the bay at Nouster. A Little Stint was seen flying between Quoybanks and Westness and a Short-eared Owl was at Lenswick. The afternoon was largely dominated by some much awaited rain, although it appears to have delivered little for the time being we remain hopeful for the next few days. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQmcnMZv2nWzswN4PJ-ml2_YlqcU-wzAJ4ZjzIH4B72Jk0SjvSLLgK6slLgA0SgS4177T7lWATmLw2kPGOmvV5Iiwoh-7Ed88TTkEjUo6cW9e68KYueXmC40EiSRzsGp8WHI-uh-gGS9SOzAJ1pi0uvaghBsFhEMj8IqjxPyHAPaZpanePHiuZirxRaFf/s1779/CitWag,%20GG1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1779" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQmcnMZv2nWzswN4PJ-ml2_YlqcU-wzAJ4ZjzIH4B72Jk0SjvSLLgK6slLgA0SgS4177T7lWATmLw2kPGOmvV5Iiwoh-7Ed88TTkEjUo6cW9e68KYueXmC40EiSRzsGp8WHI-uh-gGS9SOzAJ1pi0uvaghBsFhEMj8IqjxPyHAPaZpanePHiuZirxRaFf/w400-h276/CitWag,%20GG1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Citrine Wagtail - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-GylmNhnHObLciVlcrEoOBtHI6jWymeKrEDjCvxQJdAaWLHEDt1F9kSjqU08nBQOsJWcz0fG7Iz9-LrSWegi9gwmvCUOj8eDwvmAAFM0xExmyg7DQbdJa7XDAUCUw-P0YsZ7zFEDtwuTaSJpE-0tja-FeaN-ZZ2PTLI4H3IGhz10xybSPdJb6v_TxN2l/s2602/Pec,%20GG3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1906" data-original-width="2602" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-GylmNhnHObLciVlcrEoOBtHI6jWymeKrEDjCvxQJdAaWLHEDt1F9kSjqU08nBQOsJWcz0fG7Iz9-LrSWegi9gwmvCUOj8eDwvmAAFM0xExmyg7DQbdJa7XDAUCUw-P0YsZ7zFEDtwuTaSJpE-0tja-FeaN-ZZ2PTLI4H3IGhz10xybSPdJb6v_TxN2l/w400-h293/Pec,%20GG3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Pectoral Sandpiper with Teal - GG<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroPKTNVrKsxMEfm9ZUHwl1OZg27kF5if-cISWV5qmQG_D63_u1W9bcYdDBqdUnC0hK2TlvX_geqXj1_eVKuhwC2OGEldWuZscto6K7XETtRYA17U2zeUKH-KXGNkia00Rg3hySya-PVCzI_r0QSeUsJV3gwempva1nQsqVe8qpq7_fjz48ks2f4HJsJfM/s3719/CH,%20GG4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3719" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroPKTNVrKsxMEfm9ZUHwl1OZg27kF5if-cISWV5qmQG_D63_u1W9bcYdDBqdUnC0hK2TlvX_geqXj1_eVKuhwC2OGEldWuZscto6K7XETtRYA17U2zeUKH-KXGNkia00Rg3hySya-PVCzI_r0QSeUsJV3gwempva1nQsqVe8qpq7_fjz48ks2f4HJsJfM/w400-h286/CH,%20GG4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Convolvulus Hawkmoth - GG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-fPP6s99dNtYxSbsRp7w20vQEqLzfLPjYr-PaYXBsQdjm_J8oE3nHd6nrywwFRS0_qw68-oHLWWCRL49basddNcyS5LrPPnsSR5P2rtcxJfQukrheFboAfowywcJGJamahE1nfqAxn2Q6MknNO5rkgFgRJ_VdR-4xtx4vkafXvGfN4lPv1FasQ2JrP29/s3970/GbbgRaz,%20GG2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2442" data-original-width="3970" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-fPP6s99dNtYxSbsRp7w20vQEqLzfLPjYr-PaYXBsQdjm_J8oE3nHd6nrywwFRS0_qw68-oHLWWCRL49basddNcyS5LrPPnsSR5P2rtcxJfQukrheFboAfowywcJGJamahE1nfqAxn2Q6MknNO5rkgFgRJ_VdR-4xtx4vkafXvGfN4lPv1FasQ2JrP29/w400-h246/GbbgRaz,%20GG2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>A rather unfortunate Razorbill being picked off by a Great Black-backed Gull. It did survive this attack but was later killed by a different GBBG, not the best day for a clearly exhausted bird! - GG</div><div><p><br /></p></div></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-51447015413143401392023-09-05T21:59:00.002+01:002023-09-05T22:14:30.499+01:001st-5th September<p> The first five days of September have been a mixed bag with generally few common migrants around, although there's been a few nice arrivals and some excellent rewards for those putting in the hours seawatching. 1st saw a Barred Warbler at Kirbest along with eight Grey Herons, three Ruff, 93 Black-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel, 741 Turnstone, a Common Tern, 10 Willow Warblers, and one each of Whinchat, Robin, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher and Chiffchaff. Highlights on 2nd included a Common Rosefinch trapped at Holland, two Whinchats, a Crossbill, two Wood Pigeons, a good count of seven Common Terns and the lingering two Reed Warblers. A Collared Dove was also ringed at Holland and the Little Gull reappeared at Nouster.</p><p>3rd saw a new <span style="color: #01ffff;">Pectoral Sandpiper</span> found at Ancum (showing more gingery tones than the last bird), although the main event of the day was an arrival of 479 Wheatears (a conservative count since birds were moving throughout the day) brought down by the strong westerly wind and morning rain. A Cory's Shearwater was the highlight from the day's seawatching. 4th was fairly quiet with the lingering Common Rosefinch and Pectoral Sandpiper the day's highlights on the land. 65 Sooty and 48 Manx Shearwaters passed the Seawatch Hide.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS-yviRI4WKvlso9aNkgIvM1fWtYEmx_ROeJLOuDmDFthdHuCJbxYX15FhtTK0XzAwLrU8tRJDS62VKcvM7gYOKSy6o-1N64oXPftVsqbHUXcMutmUMgylbRed6nzMXL7b2vV0Ng81sTF75KpNyhcWsUv5yH27U-Uig8PZFxE7hJ4aunL6QUmKyULaQ4n/s4769/Wheatear%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3129" data-original-width="4769" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS-yviRI4WKvlso9aNkgIvM1fWtYEmx_ROeJLOuDmDFthdHuCJbxYX15FhtTK0XzAwLrU8tRJDS62VKcvM7gYOKSy6o-1N64oXPftVsqbHUXcMutmUMgylbRed6nzMXL7b2vV0Ng81sTF75KpNyhcWsUv5yH27U-Uig8PZFxE7hJ4aunL6QUmKyULaQ4n/w486-h319/Wheatear%201.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wheatear - TG</div><p>5th began with an early Long-eared Owl trapped and ringed at Holland. The Pectoral Sandpiper was again on Ancum, with the first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn also moving through. Seawatching stole the show, however, with a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Great Shearwater </span>flying north at half 12, shortly followed by a <span style="color: red;">Fea's-type Petrel</span>! Further efforts seawatching produced another Great Shearwater in the afternoon and a dark morph Pomarine Skua, with 174 Sooty Shearwaters, 76 Manx Shearwaters, 589 Fulmars, 15 Storm Petrels and 360 Gannets logged throughout the day.</p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-83605397693879808172023-08-31T21:13:00.005+01:002023-08-31T21:13:56.326+01:0029th-31st August<p> With autumn now fully underway, each day brings the chance of new sightings regardless of whether the weather conditions are perfect or not. Drifty conditions over the past few days have seen a trickle of arrivals, although a lack of rain has meant that numbers have remained rather low. 29th was relatively quiet with a Crossbill at Neven, Redstart at Antabreck, two Pied Flycatchers, a Common Whitethroat and three Grey Wagtails the most notable sightings, along with 17 Swifts and a Green Sandpiper. </p><p>30th was a calm sunny day with the slightest hint of a north easterly breeze. The day began with a <span style="color: #01ffff;">Cory's Shearwater</span> north past the Sea-watch Hide, followed by three new Barred Warblers at Rue, Antabreck and Holland, a Little Stint at Ancum and finally our third <span style="color: #01ffff;">Pectoral Sandpiper</span> of the year at Bewan. Other totals included two Reed Warblers (same bird at Holland and a new individual trapped and ringed at Ancum), 8 Willow Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers and one each of Garden Warbler, Lesser Redpoll, Crossbill and Grey Wagtail. The long staying Robin was rediscovered at Holland and two of the Great Spotted Woodpeckers from previous days were seen. 26 Risso's Dolphins were seen passing the Sea-watch Hide also.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7S3jjYKktTD6lrRKnvH6M4fP1KewPq28k_pyLWxUMpKuXgpIxmaW1tpCTftsq2RQ4dKLvvVHi9iTdUiFU3f_ARknxBjhSik67HHm4vRvk_FwH0LZE8INpU6xvvdfla48lPr-Dmy0SuPO0tChdDVCSJ6AKG42dZmnwJNB2yyZFfYF27T38-q7pv6wkJfz/s2873/Pectoral%20Sandpiper%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="2873" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7S3jjYKktTD6lrRKnvH6M4fP1KewPq28k_pyLWxUMpKuXgpIxmaW1tpCTftsq2RQ4dKLvvVHi9iTdUiFU3f_ARknxBjhSik67HHm4vRvk_FwH0LZE8INpU6xvvdfla48lPr-Dmy0SuPO0tChdDVCSJ6AKG42dZmnwJNB2yyZFfYF27T38-q7pv6wkJfz/w561-h360/Pectoral%20Sandpiper%203.JPG" width="561" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pectoral Sandpiper - TG</div><p>31st starting in promising style with a Wryneck and Wood Warbler at Holland, the latter of which was trapped and ringed, and a Tree Pipit around the Obs. The early morning also delivered three <span style="color: #01ffff;">Cory's Shearwaters</span> which flew past the Sea-watch Hide. The ringed Barred Warblers reappeared at Holland and the Obs, with another individual discovered at Holland. The afternoon delivered two juvenile Little Gulls, with one north past the Sea-watch Hide and another found in Nouster Bay. An evening ringing session saw one of the Reed Warblers retrapped at Ancum Willows. We now look forward to what September will bring us!</p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-167496120005327742023-08-28T21:23:00.002+01:002023-08-28T21:23:49.515+01:0025th-28th August<p> With conditions generally being less favourable for large arrivals, we've seen slightly lower numbers of migrants around in the past few days, although there's still been a nice scattering of birds with some individuals still hanging around from the larger arrivals from previous days along with a couple of new additions.</p><p>25th began with a Crossbill and a Rosefinch around the Obs/Lurand, along with a Cuckoo at Holland. A Wood Sandpiper was new in at Brides, as was an Icterine Warbler at the Shooting Gallery. Lingering birds included the Icterine Warbler at Neven and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Ancum House and the Shooting Gallery. The afternoon saw four more Crossbills, a new Great Spotted Woodpecker found near the Obs (taking the total present to three, confirmed by two birds being trapped at Ancum Willows in the evening whilst the bird was still present around the Obs), with Wrynecks discovered at the Shooting Gallery and Ancum Willows. A Black Redstart was at Antabreck and the first Wood Warbler of the autumn was found on the coast near Lurand in the early evening. Other totals included a Common Whitethroat (first of the autumn), 17 Willow Warblers, four Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Sparrowhawk, 5 Common Sandpipers, 15 Ruff and a Greenshank.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfTh0GRLOjTaIS6-uiFBrhB4kpnfPpXWdBBzZJpt3lpKI3LWG7KI6k89C4qGSvaQiaKEvqwQQSudtdz8uYLEy-3YnnBpcoY_1RZtvmrPAffk-b6GX_VaZ6Y_70rhHmfFTChhT2j_LtS-AUUNvPWoMZR866kGsfjM-bcV2XckUrKEeiYzxK8T3UdTh3hvW/s3124/GS%20Wood.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="3124" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfTh0GRLOjTaIS6-uiFBrhB4kpnfPpXWdBBzZJpt3lpKI3LWG7KI6k89C4qGSvaQiaKEvqwQQSudtdz8uYLEy-3YnnBpcoY_1RZtvmrPAffk-b6GX_VaZ6Y_70rhHmfFTChhT2j_LtS-AUUNvPWoMZR866kGsfjM-bcV2XckUrKEeiYzxK8T3UdTh3hvW/w424-h297/GS%20Wood.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Spotted Woodpecker - MH</div><p>Saturday saw the three Great Spotted Woodpeckers still present with two around Ancum and the other still lingering around the Obs. A Wryneck was seen flying in off the sea at Nouster and a Barred Warbler was trapped and ringed at the Obs. The Wood Sandpiper remained at Brides and an overdue first Reed Warbler of the year was at Holland. 765 Meadow Pipits were logged, the highest day total from a period of passage of this species over the past week or so, and 261 Wheatears indicated some increased movement of this species also. Other migrant totals included 8 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Goldcrest, two each of Crossbill and Redstart, and two Common Whitethroats.</p><p>27th saw the Barred Warbler still present at the Obs, with a new bird discovered at Trollavatn. Crossbills were seen at Midhouse and Nether Linnay (it's proving to be a good period for sightings of this species here after a surprising blank year in 2022) and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen around the Post Office. A Quail was flushed from cover at Cott - the first sighting since late June.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox--3adziT2sPhMT91LqxgB6tP8jGy2dStXIeg6rMdRN7V_RYZ1DJSoY6L5k0j0i0qW9a5nAaWsmAGukOJ8THV2TCzBgHNM4pmxcuh4Nd9jUjc_UlmFEDCF4m_jK7331c0AMoaHXuAloZzJ0sFh0Jl6sn9b7xrWIFR1fuGlvMPwHQN8RsWRWLKZL9dQQP/s704/f99f2cff-24e6-400d-8ff0-7d344fecfe47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="704" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox--3adziT2sPhMT91LqxgB6tP8jGy2dStXIeg6rMdRN7V_RYZ1DJSoY6L5k0j0i0qW9a5nAaWsmAGukOJ8THV2TCzBgHNM4pmxcuh4Nd9jUjc_UlmFEDCF4m_jK7331c0AMoaHXuAloZzJ0sFh0Jl6sn9b7xrWIFR1fuGlvMPwHQN8RsWRWLKZL9dQQP/w331-h259/f99f2cff-24e6-400d-8ff0-7d344fecfe47.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barred Warbler - NB</div><p>28th was the quietest day for sometime with few common migrants around in general. However, a Wryneck at Greenwall and the remaining Barred Warbler, plus the three Great Spotted Woodpeckers gave us nothing to complain about. Passerine migrant totals included a Redstart at Verracott, Lesser Whitethroat at the north end, a Garden Warbler, a Stonechat at North Gravity, a Pied Flycatcher at Greenwall and 12 Willow Warblers.</p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-1377299704562812642023-08-24T21:49:00.004+01:002023-08-24T22:14:16.586+01:0021st-24th August<p> Following the spell of easterly winds, we've had an enjoyable few days with plenty of birds lingering around and a few new bits moving through. 21st started with a new Icterine Warbler discovered at Neven. A Wryneck on the Links near South Gravity was the only other new scarcity discovered, with the Red-backed Shrike and Great Spotted Woodpecker still present around Nether Linnay, Presumably the same<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #01ffff;">Booted Warbler </span>made a reappearance at Haskie Thistles, discovered in the mid afternoon. Common migrant totals were down on the previous day, although there were still reasonable numbers around with 7 Whinchats, 39 Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatchers and 2 Redstarts. The Robin reappeared around the Obs and a Crossbill was trapped and ringed at Holland. On the wader front, 70 Whimbrel passed through the island and Knot numbers started to climb with 139 logged. 2 Common Sandipipers were also seen. Large numbers of Swallows were still present with 339 counted.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7RoKEiP0y9NYXpUV2Q5LAEGLhdP5z0Ju8E2w-mx7bUkyp-xlNV3UGWPJv7hESJjugFeADT4NK96oWytW-zbgPPpJM9wUAfOw8GMCvo0nke3Gm2LmclaYAdF2o00t0buc3SvRZpvgOLp5vP7ND-zhUChLr1yW9fbNdAruBtNsF71ggJDR-o-JK3RUJp0/s3712/Booted%20Warbler,%20GG4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="3712" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7RoKEiP0y9NYXpUV2Q5LAEGLhdP5z0Ju8E2w-mx7bUkyp-xlNV3UGWPJv7hESJjugFeADT4NK96oWytW-zbgPPpJM9wUAfOw8GMCvo0nke3Gm2LmclaYAdF2o00t0buc3SvRZpvgOLp5vP7ND-zhUChLr1yW9fbNdAruBtNsF71ggJDR-o-JK3RUJp0/w478-h305/Booted%20Warbler,%20GG4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div> Booted Warbler - GG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5pSpceELRuo6_7VYPg85ZYlcfI6JGChxfWjphXgtg2-B5OnrIKq3ysgv65b3uhmXvaPP_7bFwuRrLKNUWvzyT7H-YBOR_Y4AdBcMsJMZFtEdSC0Acv5EJD4gPzuB9-y7Gcx8CeOIZAo541vO3DH90amtwmBtDgqiASHnGbVhLW3yxxatYxiMp8QK_Nw8/s3849/Whinchat%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2600" data-original-width="3849" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5pSpceELRuo6_7VYPg85ZYlcfI6JGChxfWjphXgtg2-B5OnrIKq3ysgv65b3uhmXvaPP_7bFwuRrLKNUWvzyT7H-YBOR_Y4AdBcMsJMZFtEdSC0Acv5EJD4gPzuB9-y7Gcx8CeOIZAo541vO3DH90amtwmBtDgqiASHnGbVhLW3yxxatYxiMp8QK_Nw8/w483-h326/Whinchat%201.JPG" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whinchat - TG</div><p>22nd was a similar story with the Great Spotted Woodpeckers still lingering about - potentially a new bird was also seen around North Gravity. In addition to this, a Barred Warbler was discovered perched on the washing lines at Lurand and a juvenile Rosefinch was at Senness. A respectable 143 Swifts were counted, with many birds moving south through the island. Passerine migrant totals generally remained the same as the previous day although 8 Whinchats, 4 Redstarts, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Garden Warblers and 2 Spotted Flycatchers were all increases. The Red-backed Shrike was seen again at Gue Park and the Icterine Warbler present at Holland a couple of days previously was retrapped. Wader numbers continued to climb with 318 Redshank, 258 Knot, 209 Curlews, 421 Turnstone and 33 Black-tailed Godwits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme9pJIgvKnM_h0XiGAwQ00f2OLUshN2UXSi41hyVuafBOXEZ7GuptiyFyUNj4kxdNmUJyECsNmAPZxZK15rx9Cj_fZWFEnrzWHUmjNx0Mcr8TSUU64q-Fs61HV56iXpL9r8ULGrZN3_B1JHF29Bdv3FXMhzOYcO51zlbIJu7VFa3yp0I4oZJAQZREz6ku/s5057/Great%20Spotted%20Woodpecker%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3408" data-original-width="5057" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme9pJIgvKnM_h0XiGAwQ00f2OLUshN2UXSi41hyVuafBOXEZ7GuptiyFyUNj4kxdNmUJyECsNmAPZxZK15rx9Cj_fZWFEnrzWHUmjNx0Mcr8TSUU64q-Fs61HV56iXpL9r8ULGrZN3_B1JHF29Bdv3FXMhzOYcO51zlbIJu7VFa3yp0I4oZJAQZREz6ku/w465-h314/Great%20Spotted%20Woodpecker%201.JPG" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Spotted Woodpecker - TG</div><p>Highlights on 23rd included a Goldcrest at Sangar, a Redstart around the Obs, a Short-eared Owl, a Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whinchats and a Garden Warbler, although totals for most passerine migrants were generally much lower than previous days. 9 Ruff were the highlight of the wader counts and 210 Teal was a notable increase. </p><p>Rain and light easterlies on 24th saw an <span style="color: red;">Arctic Warbler </span>discovered at Ancum Willows in the afternoon. This will be the 16th island record pending acceptance and the first since 2021 after a blank year in 2022. The Icterine Warbler was still at Neven, a juvenile Stonechat was at Howar and a Great spotted Woodpecker was at Garso. Common migrant totals were similar to the previous day with 28 Willow Warblers, 4 Whinchats and 3 Pied Flycatchers. Swifts were again seen in good numbers with 63 logged. A Crossbill was at Ancum Willows and 4 Common Terns were seen throughout the day at Nouster.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1n_9v7UrA2WnT-OrsRSkjRUaKOWTRx67c_tE3v75xvxDzBtr7585K3oAS9dpc5GlGclgtVjWF53K_qoLHuyWsADkM3-UN7wJedw_9V0hxCBixT36QpsO1_K-4OHb7WpThJizhfU6zx_LrELNl7l8dMzwyZ7PPmXj0aTqo1bNjZz2ws4xFXrLYC5J00R6/s2909/Arctic%20Warbler,%20GG1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="2909" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1n_9v7UrA2WnT-OrsRSkjRUaKOWTRx67c_tE3v75xvxDzBtr7585K3oAS9dpc5GlGclgtVjWF53K_qoLHuyWsADkM3-UN7wJedw_9V0hxCBixT36QpsO1_K-4OHb7WpThJizhfU6zx_LrELNl7l8dMzwyZ7PPmXj0aTqo1bNjZz2ws4xFXrLYC5J00R6/w515-h361/Arctic%20Warbler,%20GG1.JPG" width="515" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2u27eIS3rynNmfg6GAoa3JpgBqiigMUZARt8sbsr1Cq4dVC6sULeApWxt8BGavIiAxPGghOr_P6Bew60nk7ZuZY4YZflVUvX-w5GWQ1EklRmWy_TzHrlDf2bFQFfWTthJXaaxmhnJMNDKJua0-WTEJZVs62bsm2hTkiizPPvheXOU-BQ5rdRvodbgNFw/s2614/Arctic%20Warbler,%20GG2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2614" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2u27eIS3rynNmfg6GAoa3JpgBqiigMUZARt8sbsr1Cq4dVC6sULeApWxt8BGavIiAxPGghOr_P6Bew60nk7ZuZY4YZflVUvX-w5GWQ1EklRmWy_TzHrlDf2bFQFfWTthJXaaxmhnJMNDKJua0-WTEJZVs62bsm2hTkiizPPvheXOU-BQ5rdRvodbgNFw/w523-h302/Arctic%20Warbler,%20GG2.JPG" width="523" /></a></div> Arctic Warbler - both GG<br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-41229788948738282062023-08-21T09:53:00.004+01:002023-08-21T09:53:43.035+01:0014th - 20th August<p> The latter half of this week has seen autumn really kick off with some exciting arrivals of migrants as a consequence of the favourable weather conditions. The start of the week was quieter, with efforts on 14th focused on ringing the Fulmar chicks scattered about the island. Sightings on 15th were similar to previous days with reasonable numbers of waders present, although it was quiet on the passerine front. Drifty conditions on 16th saw a <span style="color: red;">Melodious Warbler</span> discovered in the afternoon at Westness, just as the wind was starting to switch to the east. The bird was trapped and ringed to confirm its identification with the wing length and wing formula ruling out Icterine Warbler. This will mark the 10th island record pending acceptance. The autumn's first Garden Warbler was also seen alongside it. A Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff were the only other passerine migrants seen. On the wader front, 406 Turnstone were noted and a Greenshank was heard over Holland in the evening. 93 Teal was a notable increase.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Iq90BsjvHYy2javjLYECHMdgvEmoGJEos5_37eM9kjjTW84Ez7J9exzpIDJBTZc3umJi4eQuiwhMUv_LfTA_91xW_Futsn3DhXqpnUPzCjefftGzekR5OQW6r1LUoxwBCiE0lLkt-Uu21KhDr5oxXy4VdKeZ3xjyH4N0BCJ2YtsK3lFUHg_gDbN4LQi2/s2549/Melodious%20Warbler%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="2549" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Iq90BsjvHYy2javjLYECHMdgvEmoGJEos5_37eM9kjjTW84Ez7J9exzpIDJBTZc3umJi4eQuiwhMUv_LfTA_91xW_Futsn3DhXqpnUPzCjefftGzekR5OQW6r1LUoxwBCiE0lLkt-Uu21KhDr5oxXy4VdKeZ3xjyH4N0BCJ2YtsK3lFUHg_gDbN4LQi2/w492-h303/Melodious%20Warbler%201.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melodious Warbler - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">17th saw a Garden Warbler at Phisligar and just a single Willow Warbler at Senness with a juvenile Stonechat also roaming around. The day's highlight was a ringed Roseate Tern (unfortunately too distant to read the ring) at Neven alongside a Common Tern. With the wind firmly in the east on 18th, hopes were high for a more substantial arrival. Signs were positive with a Pied Flycatcher around the Obs early on, which was followed by 31 Willow Warblers, 5 Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat. The first <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Common Rosefinch</span> of the year was at Holland House and a Common Crossbill was at Westness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAMO07do_Rnw-LN5fhOrEgls51olpM-7nnmzUEQOhufJafbhYfGTZpygPzLsNo6E1r0uS0ggGDBgaIIbNK-QIO---vOAcb9w3dF5Ze_7OJQrCxYASp9ZtqILyIx6IPWnYRzFm1mLbqkdCB0lS25P7e3HMfwks8DHrTI2a89DdfuHFcRpSbJuSpmYpQflC/s3544/Pied%20Flycatcher%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2507" data-original-width="3544" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAMO07do_Rnw-LN5fhOrEgls51olpM-7nnmzUEQOhufJafbhYfGTZpygPzLsNo6E1r0uS0ggGDBgaIIbNK-QIO---vOAcb9w3dF5Ze_7OJQrCxYASp9ZtqILyIx6IPWnYRzFm1mLbqkdCB0lS25P7e3HMfwks8DHrTI2a89DdfuHFcRpSbJuSpmYpQflC/w481-h340/Pied%20Flycatcher%201.JPG" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pied Flycatcher - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Conditions on 19th seemed perfect, with the easterly wind gaining strength and a substantial band of rain forecast. The day certainly lived up to expectations, starting with a <span style="color: red;">Booted Warbler</span> found at Howar, just as the rain was starting. Following the rain, there were good numbers of migrants around with 77 Willow Warblers, 15 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, a Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Garden Warblers, 3 Swifts, 4 Whinchats, a Tree Pipit and a Crossbill. Scarcities included 3 Icterine Warblers, a Wryneck at the Shooting Gallery, the/a Common Rosefinch at Holland and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the west coast. All in all, it was a great day to be out despite the midday soaking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwA1yPbhV_FTLGwNcb9MSpnw1m63T-uPWwC85CSZLBcxkT6wFw2o-fOvXfuLjauQcuu6YR36A6Le0uqrzoXrAhZV9Cg3oWjR40Lj-e4eZd7f5M40tTmlyUubLB25nEbCWAL_A_rBEscm_6OZCM_T-EMtr-P4lm96Ec71rhVlB9szOugFmxKk5jFRniPK/s2728/Booted%20Warbler%201%20crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="2728" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwA1yPbhV_FTLGwNcb9MSpnw1m63T-uPWwC85CSZLBcxkT6wFw2o-fOvXfuLjauQcuu6YR36A6Le0uqrzoXrAhZV9Cg3oWjR40Lj-e4eZd7f5M40tTmlyUubLB25nEbCWAL_A_rBEscm_6OZCM_T-EMtr-P4lm96Ec71rhVlB9szOugFmxKk5jFRniPK/w489-h312/Booted%20Warbler%201%20crop.JPG" width="489" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Booted Warbler - TG</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">20th was much calmer and sunnier with many migrants moving inland to the gardens. Totals included 80 Willow Warblers, 3 Redstarts, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Crossbills, 11 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Garden Warblers, 12 Whinchats and a Grasshopper Warbler. Again, there were some scarcities around with an Icterine Warbler trapped at Holland, 2 Barred Warblers at Brides and Dennishill (first of the year), a new first year Red-backed Shrike at Upper Linnay (the long staying adult female at Ancum seems to have departed) and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The highlights of the day were a Spotted Redshank at Bewan and an Osprey which flew south over Ancum towards Holland in the evening.</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-63963359913881444422023-08-13T22:18:00.001+01:002023-08-14T02:29:38.749+01:008th-13th August<p> With autumn developing, the past week has seen a bit more action, despite remaining relatively quiet on the passerine front. Highlights on 8th included 6 Grey Herons, 47 Black-tailed Godwits, 439 Turnstone, and a Chiffchaff. 9th was dominated by rather strong north westerly winds and was predictably quiet as expected, at least until an adult Long-tailed Skua was found landed near Bewan. Unfortunately the bird was in a rather poor state, last seen flying off in rather unconvincing fashion, suggesting it may have deceased shortly afterwards. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLWvNxfUL1L7_qh0Z8rxs0r6_B6zNIcI4cqX3HesCYIm9QPqsVuP2bRMIwl3wktoo2UnTklWOYZEmw9vkNcDbLy_qMWOK1_Z5jqdewwwWeOxZzY5GMDUGUFVfrFsMKLQtj9Cl8bOKAEM6PzCXdkRF-BjQv_4TNjxHzCewUBUUrlRIv3Ez1F2Tn6LXgRM/s4535/Arctic%20Skua%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3037" data-original-width="4535" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLWvNxfUL1L7_qh0Z8rxs0r6_B6zNIcI4cqX3HesCYIm9QPqsVuP2bRMIwl3wktoo2UnTklWOYZEmw9vkNcDbLy_qMWOK1_Z5jqdewwwWeOxZzY5GMDUGUFVfrFsMKLQtj9Cl8bOKAEM6PzCXdkRF-BjQv_4TNjxHzCewUBUUrlRIv3Ez1F2Tn6LXgRM/w494-h331/Arctic%20Skua%202.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Immature Arctic Skua - TG</div><p>With the wind slackening off the following day, a long shift was put in at the sea-watch hide, producing the best sea-watch of the year so far. Within 10 minutes of arriving, a Great Shearwater flew north, followed an hour later by an adult Long-tailed Skua (this one in seemingly good health this time). By the end of the day, totals included another Great Shearwater, two Cory's Shearwaters (both seen around midday), 370 Sooty Shearwaters, 427 Manx Shearwaters, 240 Storm Petrels, 2961 Fulmars and 2318 Kittiwakes. Wader passage highlights included 20 Knot and 126 Redshank. There was very little in the way of passerine sightings, although 255 Swallows were counted.</p><p>The Pacific Golden Plover was seen again at Westness on 11th. Other highlights included 16 Ruff, 170 Ringed Plovers, 34 Black-tailed Godwits, 66 Bar-tailed Godwits and 22 Knot. A Short-eared Owl was around the west coast and a Lesser Redpoll was near Ancum. 44 Teal was a notable increase. Both the Pacific Golden Plover and Red-backed Shrike were seen on 12th, with the latter relocating a short distance to Verracott. Golden Plovers crept back into four figures, with 1075 logged, and the first Green Sandpiper of the autumn was seen at Hooking.</p><p>13th saw the first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn found at Ancum Willows. A Willow Warbler at Stennabreck was the only other passerine migrant, however. A Little Stint at Senness and a Wood Pigeon (likely a lingering individual) were the other highlights. We are hoping the following week will see the autumn move into the next gear - easterlies are forecast towards the end of the week, although it's still too early to get excited yet!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT__Rz1_3rPaLQexzOeYux3C48IQkW52BpzIG0Ovln3ov5nm9BxM1rZkIzhxAVX0epUJZouIg8DLRTX6C8t3G5AVGh4PoFGsochzVabv6OrnC2TArQnLktXEhTmxciGu7rOukYKv98eGsTN2gDQpxzGfbfxuZmnj7hTnEKmnVnsV-04kG0h0So0Ni_KHE-/s4417/Bonxie%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2897" data-original-width="4417" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT__Rz1_3rPaLQexzOeYux3C48IQkW52BpzIG0Ovln3ov5nm9BxM1rZkIzhxAVX0epUJZouIg8DLRTX6C8t3G5AVGh4PoFGsochzVabv6OrnC2TArQnLktXEhTmxciGu7rOukYKv98eGsTN2gDQpxzGfbfxuZmnj7hTnEKmnVnsV-04kG0h0So0Ni_KHE-/w499-h327/Bonxie%201.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bonxie "3C" was ringed in Rousay in 2017 and has been present on North Ronaldsay since May. It appears to be paired up with another individual although no successful breeding attempt was made this year. </div><br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-82231935353155157222023-08-07T22:03:00.000+01:002023-08-07T22:03:03.388+01:001st - 7th AugustMoving into August we have seen the first full week of autumn census with the whole island being covered again each day. However, as is often the case with the first week of August, it has been a relatively quiet week, with just a sprinkling of new arrivals alongside a few long staying birds. <div><br /></div><div>A Little Stint at Bewan on 1st was the first of the autumn. Other wader sightings including a total of 104 Ringed Plovers (first triple figure count since early June), 3 Ruff (2 juveniles at Gretchen and the lingering adult at Ancum), 48 Bar-tailed Godwits and 161 Curlews. The Pacific Golden Plover was seen again at Laird's Park. A Risso's Dolphin was seen from the Sea-watch Hide. 2nd saw slight increases in most wader counts, with a notable increase in Lapwing from 96 to 298. Two Merlins were seen at the Links and a Redpoll flew over Ancum Willows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Golden Plover totals on 3rd moved comfortably into four figures with 1581 logged. A Grey Plover was at Howar and two Whimbrels were around the north end, with counts for most common wader species remaining high. A Cuckoo was seen at Cauldhame, which was potentially the same juvenile present in July. Highlights on 4th included a Leach's Petrel seen passing the Sea-watch Hide and the first Willow Warblers of the autumn seen at Senness and Rue. The following day saw three Willow Warblers logged, with a Short-eared Owl seen flying south over Howar. 44 Sooty Shearwaters, 93 Manx Shearwaters and 159 Storm Petrels were seen from the Sea-watch Hide, with a Minke Whale, Risso's Dolphin and 2+ Tuna making up the non-avian highlights. Six Ruff were on Ancum also.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1i9pSyZ4MJpU8HRMIYEZ7tCSj1A2DK-TGPoN4Fy0qou8KWObo3PwC5Ufnq9WnXcLtl0ZnvnuBP33YltiujQwIMfORDwygbHXquiD8WDsHPfEcuBvLXU5jnFtEHafC3CtlnGVu2jVWe5W4m9fUN60Uyo5TVl__m_EkKOLN2IaT99VtFN2RqF7rUcz1C4W/s3739/Cuckoo%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="3739" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1i9pSyZ4MJpU8HRMIYEZ7tCSj1A2DK-TGPoN4Fy0qou8KWObo3PwC5Ufnq9WnXcLtl0ZnvnuBP33YltiujQwIMfORDwygbHXquiD8WDsHPfEcuBvLXU5jnFtEHafC3CtlnGVu2jVWe5W4m9fUN60Uyo5TVl__m_EkKOLN2IaT99VtFN2RqF7rUcz1C4W/w521-h328/Cuckoo%201.JPG" width="521" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cuckoo - TG</div><div><br /></div><div>Three Hen Harriers arrived on 6th (one adult female and two juveniles) and a Greenshank was at Ancum. The escaped Snow Goose also made a return, reappearing at Garso. 7th was a quiet affair, with an unseasonal Goldcrest at Bewan Pund the most notable arrival. The Pacific Golden Plover was back at Westness and the Red-backed Shrike remained around its favoured spot near Ancum Willows.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-42898609116198920072023-07-31T22:43:00.002+01:002023-08-01T00:12:13.805+01:0024th July - 31st July<p>The main event this week has been the return of the annual North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival, meaning it's been a busy period with a good atmosphere at the Observatory. Bird sightings have been slightly reduced as a consequence, however, although signs of autumn continue with wader passage and the departure of some breeding species, notably Arctic Terns and Black-headed Gulls towards the end of the month. </p><p>The highlight of 24th was the reappearance of the second Pacific Golden Plover at Laird's Park following a 13 day absence. The bird often hid unseen for long periods amongst the rough grass, providing a likely explanation as to why it had gone missing for so long (along with reduced birding hours due to seabird ringing).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdY5Orr8igH7a9iVmEhz7T8XsTOqXnlEyHS0vyOZsYO_QXtpiSqesKQiKo7YSuoJ26Iv1fZd6zC1FLzI0AFRjPoD9jh7bjoWlkdNF7f1QvhR225CGWjOJKGeSl5jNTN87m1dFwJK9qFn9vx1dlP5McheJLr0_nik4NtXN-iiaXUA5Rejp5v640pE8RRR1/s5174/Pacific%20Golden%20Plover%20July%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3182" data-original-width="5174" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdY5Orr8igH7a9iVmEhz7T8XsTOqXnlEyHS0vyOZsYO_QXtpiSqesKQiKo7YSuoJ26Iv1fZd6zC1FLzI0AFRjPoD9jh7bjoWlkdNF7f1QvhR225CGWjOJKGeSl5jNTN87m1dFwJK9qFn9vx1dlP5McheJLr0_nik4NtXN-iiaXUA5Rejp5v640pE8RRR1/w509-h313/Pacific%20Golden%20Plover%20July%202.JPG" width="509" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pacific Golden Plover - TG</div><p>The Red-backed Shrike and Ruff were still around Ancum on 26th, although the highlight of the day was the three Orca which moved south past the seawatch hide very close in shore. Seawatch totals from the hide included 151 Manx Shearwaters, 26 Sooty Shearwaters, 25 Storm Petrels and 2259 Kittiwakes. A Grey Plover was seen on the beach at Nouster also.</p><p>A quiet few days followed until 29th when two Greenshanks were seen calling over the Observatory. The Pacific Golden Plover was also seen again at Sandar. 30th began with a pod of 10 Common Dolphins feeding in Nouster Bay, with the first juvenile Sedge Warblers of the year seen at Ancum Willows. The final day of July saw the Pacific Golden Plover and Red-backed Shrike still present, along with two Ruff which have been seen on and off recently. Numbers of waders showed further signs of building with 158 Turnstone, 130 Redshanks, 74 Curlews, 18 Bar-tailed Godwits and 7 Knot seen. Today has seen the return of autumn census and we now look forward to see what August will produce!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_ySNiAJhzxPI5lzIpItFSJavr5JqLJ1s-DeYPHW-boiafHODJTdMcTlRc5kdqURpBZ9tjYdEZ1ApHvG67yGKYpWVmtTmKXFch3354VLADlN18inxlLeqQiPh4ZjKxybT4kNfIpIg-cBLyVRK7YDJ_kolslkw1wounbCos3fGMytBopTXtk4GOIWmWHUn/s3376/Knot%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2284" data-original-width="3376" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_ySNiAJhzxPI5lzIpItFSJavr5JqLJ1s-DeYPHW-boiafHODJTdMcTlRc5kdqURpBZ9tjYdEZ1ApHvG67yGKYpWVmtTmKXFch3354VLADlN18inxlLeqQiPh4ZjKxybT4kNfIpIg-cBLyVRK7YDJ_kolslkw1wounbCos3fGMytBopTXtk4GOIWmWHUn/w520-h351/Knot%201.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Knot - TG</div><br /><p><br /></p>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-91237788570532250732023-07-23T22:00:00.005+01:002023-07-24T00:53:33.314+01:0017th-23rd July<p> The last week has again been largely dominated by seabird ringing and monitoring, with visits to Arctic Tern colonies and Tystie (Black Guillemot) burrows. Despite the depressing scenes from further south, Arctic Terns appear to be faring reasonably well so far, with several colonies producing small numbers of fledged juveniles. The threat of avian flu continues to linger so we will stay hopeful that the breeding seasons can reach a close without any outbreaks. We are close to reaching 150 Tystie chicks rings for the year, a good total which reflects the high number of adults counted earlier in the season. In other breeding bird news, hirundines appear to have had another reasonable year with plenty of fledged birds on the wing in recent days. Many of our Swallows will also attempt to raise a second brood in the coming weeks. </p><p>As a consequence of the increased effort monitoring breeding birds, new sightings have been slightly more thin on the ground. However, a few seawatches have produced reasonable totals of shearwaters given the time of year. 18th saw the lowest totals of shearwaters, with three Sooty and 10 Manx Shearwaters, although a pod of at least 4 Orcas passing through at speed was an impressive sight. 20th saw totals improve with 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 35 Manx Shearwaters and 31 Storm Petrels, along with 109 Puffins and 168 Kittiwakes. 21st posted similar totals, with increased effort on 22nd resulting in 12 Sooty Shearwaters, 68 Manx Shearwaters, 1233 Kittiwakes, 75 Guillemots, 10 Razorbills (plus a further 75+ auk sp.), 301 Puffins, and 3 Risso's Dolphins logged.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKIdw7sUa7fFUTV4qUOJRT2i6zaGmaHWbRNbjMDqp81eCsMT7X5nXxGypy7-vIYLb0CB613AL5lwg8IWa12FX5LLR7skuRZ27vKPfdR_KQThEgRaclivygVc8dh9PzBf4rD-9ckP_JoNL-0EcChv91y71Xvzi-ktOb9cel30rYxGevsOG26Cq-xzqF543/s4032/IMG_1260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKIdw7sUa7fFUTV4qUOJRT2i6zaGmaHWbRNbjMDqp81eCsMT7X5nXxGypy7-vIYLb0CB613AL5lwg8IWa12FX5LLR7skuRZ27vKPfdR_KQThEgRaclivygVc8dh9PzBf4rD-9ckP_JoNL-0EcChv91y71Xvzi-ktOb9cel30rYxGevsOG26Cq-xzqF543/s320/IMG_1260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tystie chick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz_qYt2OAs8wKHSx30_ameJRO2AvAYDYH1K9WZUjOPNcB5qvaeJJFvLtG4nPTOT5T8u9OLy7DcigvC0sUbtskRVbU3ao7XBaiat7vN-yOPxZBoKVzipVMG_SaWVKHITQgiLPzJWWVa-S0IpIoCIhxLiCN1xSetqhHfD7qxdpUb_CgNeJZX5h5wxZ8elNn/s4032/IMG_1265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFz_qYt2OAs8wKHSx30_ameJRO2AvAYDYH1K9WZUjOPNcB5qvaeJJFvLtG4nPTOT5T8u9OLy7DcigvC0sUbtskRVbU3ao7XBaiat7vN-yOPxZBoKVzipVMG_SaWVKHITQgiLPzJWWVa-S0IpIoCIhxLiCN1xSetqhHfD7qxdpUb_CgNeJZX5h5wxZ8elNn/s320/IMG_1265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arctic Tern egg</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz4DWngmc4hKSmHKoIHW29MqThlQffAQJ1xED0IZGLkN7at6CZsshO1ILX79KRaTQn8Uh6eQhe9OdLHwbepvCBlOvZRHoZ7nCHlv3aAu0z1AeSw8YDzzR4RzuPe49u6maxV4KuCew9qLO6265o4kCX0pprRdqQYS2Op2qgQQBm9yU8DpFgX9R5VnIkSSj/s4032/IMG_1268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz4DWngmc4hKSmHKoIHW29MqThlQffAQJ1xED0IZGLkN7at6CZsshO1ILX79KRaTQn8Uh6eQhe9OdLHwbepvCBlOvZRHoZ7nCHlv3aAu0z1AeSw8YDzzR4RzuPe49u6maxV4KuCew9qLO6265o4kCX0pprRdqQYS2Op2qgQQBm9yU8DpFgX9R5VnIkSSj/s320/IMG_1268.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tystie chick - much closer to fledging! (All above images - TG)</div><p>Away from the sea, sightings have included the Curlew Sandpiper remaining at Gretchen on 17th. The Red-backed Shrike remains at its favoured location near Ancum Willows. A Ruff was present on 19th amongst an ever increasing tally of Golden Plovers, which totaled 472 birds on 22nd. 22nd also saw an impressive (by North Ronaldsay standards) 33 Swifts move through the island.</p><p>In other news, whilst compiling photos for the rarity submission for the Pacific Golden Plover earlier in the month, we noticed some distinct differences in plumage between photos taken during the first run of sightings (30th June-1st July) and those taken during the second period of sightings from 8th-11th July (no sightings in between these periods). We are now confident that these in fact relate to two different individuals, with plumage differences briefly summarised in the images below. We would like to thank those who have provided their opinions on this and for pointing out additional features!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXWFcjJHvFb5-Zp4_TSwQvjosgSBPhH_s4GUAvasC4lsBcTdWeGfnWNpwISw59jj5X-X7GK22QurctW-jv1aGPSnylmJ6CqeLM1EFyLGFCp98Q-BuKcSbVGc2dCmaJdzRxipto3JAYIsotd0fJV3dqYb7e5NeHk73O_R9KuLgPIl0V9Y4q8ExyGTX6drm/s1008/twitter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1008" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXWFcjJHvFb5-Zp4_TSwQvjosgSBPhH_s4GUAvasC4lsBcTdWeGfnWNpwISw59jj5X-X7GK22QurctW-jv1aGPSnylmJ6CqeLM1EFyLGFCp98Q-BuKcSbVGc2dCmaJdzRxipto3JAYIsotd0fJV3dqYb7e5NeHk73O_R9KuLgPIl0V9Y4q8ExyGTX6drm/s320/twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 1 - GG - taken 01/07/23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r-KNW1xFkqBquKsVwiomayrlIp4jEaeYD2rDkX_m1CA2yseK7D-8D7VUS6VlQrYgTJnsCQuG0aT2N5RF3UZ9rRML7Ql47rYzomM4DJ4CGQZIjl3Uq33sP2uaQuBGX-2BZuvtB9u9I7-qcLOkdcUBqVrJe5PKN0qJ8lwGYZxR_frMJ50UPDR5GaWg0Nom/s1483/twitter%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1483" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r-KNW1xFkqBquKsVwiomayrlIp4jEaeYD2rDkX_m1CA2yseK7D-8D7VUS6VlQrYgTJnsCQuG0aT2N5RF3UZ9rRML7Ql47rYzomM4DJ4CGQZIjl3Uq33sP2uaQuBGX-2BZuvtB9u9I7-qcLOkdcUBqVrJe5PKN0qJ8lwGYZxR_frMJ50UPDR5GaWg0Nom/s320/twitter%201.png" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 2 - GG - taken 11/07/23 (16:30)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVQFb8PwBSwcfSZDkSeBBKi9y-VJfpgbTqZL1WLcWwgjPGB9MuF5IpmXLSrY5vDny_0WLnr7m8LbuhtFllHeFhbmO0zGqFwF9F2VQTfivZanB260R6tEAQdLSmcyaDKDQuQJ9Z8KLg-2mOAXE4Qc5B3coAFMXbEAW-wMTUqCUvZ2pNK72HN5DHyMwuslf/s1008/twitter2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1008" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVQFb8PwBSwcfSZDkSeBBKi9y-VJfpgbTqZL1WLcWwgjPGB9MuF5IpmXLSrY5vDny_0WLnr7m8LbuhtFllHeFhbmO0zGqFwF9F2VQTfivZanB260R6tEAQdLSmcyaDKDQuQJ9Z8KLg-2mOAXE4Qc5B3coAFMXbEAW-wMTUqCUvZ2pNK72HN5DHyMwuslf/s320/twitter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 1 - GG - taken 01/07/23<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbE1RAzY0vJHoEPmWzB4z5JuzQ0-h0dcA_yIrdaqPRVuJ67H5LxPCQz8eOvwuLaHRiKAGb4yqYk1WhtOlQ0GnmVP6TxmjmYCv4458lqrojL5i0GBDg1LpavCbejYUSDSBUxurgXviiIVsZDvebMZJ0izlQJ6ow3XtoLlFR8e3Nxl9XuFZ9hHH_n_ejt1M/s2009/twitter3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2009" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbE1RAzY0vJHoEPmWzB4z5JuzQ0-h0dcA_yIrdaqPRVuJ67H5LxPCQz8eOvwuLaHRiKAGb4yqYk1WhtOlQ0GnmVP6TxmjmYCv4458lqrojL5i0GBDg1LpavCbejYUSDSBUxurgXviiIVsZDvebMZJ0izlQJ6ow3XtoLlFR8e3Nxl9XuFZ9hHH_n_ejt1M/s320/twitter3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 2 - MEH - taken 11/07/23 (12:30)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WTo7WR6bFntPmYBxVAUZ0jaZ_UPvX5054hxuqktank9RUmVw7DCVb-WdLr5lmGFAX7P-3oP-pBndytlWtM8MRQgYVswkm-2PKknfj0SVpeu2hpCWG_mKpBoAViui_LZPFr3C4fwDGdH4nEvMZHJyHPlfxfLlKh4aio84gK_GXKK8AI5pnDckoyojvivz/s1376/twitter4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1376" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WTo7WR6bFntPmYBxVAUZ0jaZ_UPvX5054hxuqktank9RUmVw7DCVb-WdLr5lmGFAX7P-3oP-pBndytlWtM8MRQgYVswkm-2PKknfj0SVpeu2hpCWG_mKpBoAViui_LZPFr3C4fwDGdH4nEvMZHJyHPlfxfLlKh4aio84gK_GXKK8AI5pnDckoyojvivz/s320/twitter4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 1 - GG - taken 30/06/23<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0zD2ypqAX8G1bb5ym0T5XyESPQqvG-SuisggY0RESODFGclk-pa34h1-dgGh1yU-XRY-iTu6m96wXlEjnR0oWHx3RWu7TmsXVkH9tqJS6GP1CbRWrRnrph-U-rRME-QN8dgbs2BQeu0H9tYc3827JX0i7Ws9Ioqrb-ap84O7B7Ncmt_F-fvuKRhnJGzn/s1581/twitter5%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1581" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0zD2ypqAX8G1bb5ym0T5XyESPQqvG-SuisggY0RESODFGclk-pa34h1-dgGh1yU-XRY-iTu6m96wXlEjnR0oWHx3RWu7TmsXVkH9tqJS6GP1CbRWrRnrph-U-rRME-QN8dgbs2BQeu0H9tYc3827JX0i7Ws9Ioqrb-ap84O7B7Ncmt_F-fvuKRhnJGzn/s320/twitter5%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bird 2 -GG - taken 11/07/23 (16:40)<br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294786502271084551.post-10377108636338393802023-07-16T21:09:00.006+01:002023-07-16T21:09:41.783+01:0011th - 16th July<p>The week has mainly been dominated by tern colony surveys and Tystie ringing, so there has been little in the way of birding going on. Re-sightings of previous days birds has made up most of the Whatsapp messages, but the odd new bird has kept the week interesting.</p><p>A Grey Plover on 11th was the first we've had for a while, and the Pacific Golden Plover was seen once again at Sandar, showing well despite the rain. A moulting adult male Ruff was seen flying south toward Gretchen, joining a Common Tern there. An extremely early juvenile Black Redstart was a surprise to see feeding in the Lighthouse courtyard. A juvenile Cuckoo sat by T4 late afternoon made for the end of a very wet day</p><p>12th started with the Cuckoo being re-sighted by T4, before another, or potentially the same bird, was seen at Breck. The Black Redstart remained at the Lighthouse, the male Ruff relocated to Ancum, and the Red-backed Shrike seen sporadically in previous days turned up again at Ancum Willows.</p><p>13th and 14th were filled with Black Guillemot chick ringing, with 70+ being ringed across the two days, so little else was reported in the way of birds. Sea watching was squeezed in in the evening of 13th and 14th, producing a very unseasonal summer plumaged Little Auk passing Dennishead just after 9pm on 13th, and 40+ Storm Petrel and 3 Manx Shearwater on 14th. The Cuckoo was seen again at Burray.</p><p>15th saw a Curlew Sandpiper turn up on Gretchen, and the Red-backed Shrike and Snow Goose remained at North Manse and Garso respectively. An evening sea watch saw one Sooty Shearwater, five Manx Shearwater and a Red-throated Diver go north past Dennishead. The Cuckoo was seen once again, this time at Ancum Willows.</p><p>A tern colony count in the morning of 16th produced our first fledged birds of the year. The male Ruff was seen again on Ancum along with the Cuckoo between Antabreck and Ancum Willows.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15SR_uxd02ieH8GjxNDiHOMHkJSvI7ZbTqnmmpapBK4hDIKyssLGu9m0146hL7TODlj8HHBtxz_1GSdRtrrJDZhQ1FqHPyF1_SYytWcXKrSZJVEgP9q2wkkMCjZ1YttQRo55mQ2zDDmHOOFoCEiBzyEQBiRRii7IxfskBRaN31YzjZwtuvgma0u4w6j8/s2009/PGP,%20April,%20MEH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2009" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt15SR_uxd02ieH8GjxNDiHOMHkJSvI7ZbTqnmmpapBK4hDIKyssLGu9m0146hL7TODlj8HHBtxz_1GSdRtrrJDZhQ1FqHPyF1_SYytWcXKrSZJVEgP9q2wkkMCjZ1YttQRo55mQ2zDDmHOOFoCEiBzyEQBiRRii7IxfskBRaN31YzjZwtuvgma0u4w6j8/w400-h279/PGP,%20April,%20MEH.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Golden Plover (MEH)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRjZb9y3J5cSTrlXAIipjH8n_Tfvgu3myMECjUQ0cUacDCYNG-_dgL8kyskkljvmzaMl6FTMI93gxKacAOkUqfQZxlaO8FmHK_nH5NemIJX2neyO8lCljt6agx3HGBk8R7oWIM335G7ost19peCVWKJvQzA1cmUfFuQZvFv2a1pdrdelcmCmpKjwLG76n/s4365/Wheatear%202,%20April,%20MEH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="4365" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRjZb9y3J5cSTrlXAIipjH8n_Tfvgu3myMECjUQ0cUacDCYNG-_dgL8kyskkljvmzaMl6FTMI93gxKacAOkUqfQZxlaO8FmHK_nH5NemIJX2neyO8lCljt6agx3HGBk8R7oWIM335G7ost19peCVWKJvQzA1cmUfFuQZvFv2a1pdrdelcmCmpKjwLG76n/w400-h275/Wheatear%202,%20April,%20MEH.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly fledged Wheatear (MEH)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRjZb9y3J5cSTrlXAIipjH8n_Tfvgu3myMECjUQ0cUacDCYNG-_dgL8kyskkljvmzaMl6FTMI93gxKacAOkUqfQZxlaO8FmHK_nH5NemIJX2neyO8lCljt6agx3HGBk8R7oWIM335G7ost19peCVWKJvQzA1cmUfFuQZvFv2a1pdrdelcmCmpKjwLG76n/s4365/Wheatear%202,%20April,%20MEH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />northronbirdobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988624064711808257noreply@blogger.com0