22nd October

Another fine autumn day with it almost becoming flat calm by mid-afternoon, there were still hundreds of migrants across the island but smaller counts than yesterday were noted; the best birds today included our overdue first Great Grey Shrike of the year in Laird's Park and the Richard's Pipits still near Garso.   Thrushes again dominated the evening's bird log with counts of 360 Blackbirds, 650 Fieldfares and 850 Redwings recorded along with 72 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 104 Bramblings, 31 Robins and 15 Goldcrests.   Other bits and pieces included three Ring Ouzels, a Whinchat, a Long-eared Owl trapped at Holland, two Yellowhammers also trapped, a handful of Redpolls with Lessers and Mealies forming small mixed flocks and a single Little Auk past on the sea.   There were now two Scaup on Bewan and the single Canada Goose and 13 Barnacle Geese remain. 

Long-eared Owl