20th - 21st April

Once again a raptor was the highlight, this time a male Marsh Harrier, with single Merlin and Sparrowhawk also. The first Whimbrel arrived, a Ruff was near Phisligar and 35 Black-tailed Godwits included 18 heading south. Other southbound migrants were 2 Woodpigions, many Meadow Pipits and 8 Skylarks. The Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still present but with a touch of east in the wind smaller migrants began to appear with 4 each of Blackcap and Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, and singles of Common Redpoll and Snow Bunting. The 19th was previously decided to be the 'Tystie' count, the local name for Black Guillemot, as the sea state was flat calm. Fog first thing thankfully cleared enough and a healthy 551 were counted. Other notable migrants during the count were a Bean Goose at Bride's, 3 Willow Warblers, a Song Thrush and the earliest island record of Lesser Whitethroat. Later in the day with improved visibility a fine summer-plumaged Slavonian Grebe was found in Linklet Bay.

Marsh Harrier