23rd April

Numbers of migrants fell noticeably, clear skies providing the green light for many to move on during the night. That said, there were still enough birds for another enjoyable day of census work, including counts of 75 Robins and 29 Dunnocks. The most unusual bird of the day was a female Garganey at Hooking Loch, while a Knot, a Jacksnipe and a Whimbrel were notable waders. A Long-eared Owl and a Short-eared Owl, 3 Sparrowhawks and a Collared Dove were seen, and the 3 Common Scoters were still present.

Counts of small migrants included 21 Bramblings, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Willow Warbler, 29 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 32 Song Thrushes, 7 Fieldfares, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 White Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits and 3 Swallows.

For the last few days we have enjoyed one of the biggest spring falls of Robins the observatory has ever recorded.

Today's Knot was the first for a few weeks.