26th to 28th March

The last few days have seen a steady trickle of arrivals in much more favourable easterly winds and some rather pleasant weather. The 26th was simply a stunning day with glorious sunshine throughout, which must have been ideal for passing migrants to make good progress without needing to land on North Ronaldsay. It was a little bit quieter than expected but the first Dunnocks (3) and White Wagtail were the most notable sightings of the day and there was a significant build up of Meadow Pipits to 140 and a juvenile Iceland Gull also seen. The Glossy Ibis was at Gravity again on 27th, 4 Chiffchaffs were scattered about while late arriving migrants included the first Wheatear, a Chaffinch and a handful of Robins new into the Observatory area in the last hour of daylight. The Golden Plover flock has built up to 224 individuals in the last few days although 3 Jack Snipes at Westness were perhaps wintering birds rather than incomers. Vocal Goldcrests were evident from dawn on 28th in the gardens at Holland with 9 on the island altogether and other passerines included 9 Dunnocks, 11 Robins, another Wheatear and at least 2 Siskins. Another 'littoralis' Rock Pipit was at West Beach and the Tundra Bean Goose was seen again.

Wheatear