4th March - 11th March
The highlight over the past week has been the returning Long-billed Dowitcher which has remained in situ on Ancum ever since its arrival at the beginning of the month, surrounded by an ever increasing number of Black-tailed Godwit (ten at the last count on 10th). A few Stonechat have continued to push through, with five together at the school brae on 4th the highest count of the spring so far. Pied Wagtail numbers are also on the rise, with this species now being seen daily alongside less sporadic sightings of Meadow Pipits - all good signs of the ever approaching spring. Up to six Whooper Swans have been present across various island lochs and puddles. Good numbers of Fieldfare have been present throughout with 64 at Howar on 9th the highest count of the week, with the odd Redwing seen in amongst the groups. A rare sunny day on the 6th saw a Jack Snipe flushed from Ancum and two Iceland Gull cruise round the coast (a second-calendar-year at Nouster and an adult at Westness), as well a...
