23rd-24th September

With the westerly winds having now set-in, it's not really that surprising that there haven't been too many new arrivals. We persist with our efforts though and old favourites seen on 23rd were the Pectoral Sandpiper (on Gretchen briefly), Short-toed Lark (Kirbest), Barred Warbler (Upper Linnay), Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler (both Holland). On 24th, it was worth being up early morning with the some southbound Goose passage taking place during the first couple of hours. With the clear conditions the birds passed very high up but 599 Pink-footed and 182 Greylag Geese were counted, and there were also 332 unidentified 'Grey Geese' which passed down the east side of the island in the sun. There was much debate over the finding rights of the autumn's first Woodpigeon (that's what happens when it goes westerly!!), and it seems likely there might have been 2 birds. Lingering passerines were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers and the Red-breasted Flycatcher at Holland House, Common Rosefinch in the Ancum area and a 'flava' Wagtail on the beach at Westness. A Wood Warbler was also in Holland, 2 Lapland and 3 Snow Buntings will hopefully increase in number over the next week and at least 7 Grey Herons and 3 Hen Harriers were present.

Found at the base of the lighthouse-this slightly confused Manx Shearwater was in good health and upon release in the evening, flew out into Nouster Bay and began feeding.