4th September

A busy day, in which it was clearly evident there were birds on the move in the morning and plenty of Warblers were grounded in the afternoon. Early on Meadow Pipits and Wheatears (mainly Greenland) were prominent recording figures of 562 and 76 respectively. From the afternoon, newly arrived Warblers included 2 new Barred, a Wood Warbler, 2 Sedge, 3 Blackcaps and 9 Willow and there were also 2 Whinchats and 3 Pied Flycatchers. But the star bird-a Paddyfield Warbler in thistles at Stennabrek wasn't found until 6.30pm just as Fish and Chips was being served up to the guests. Dinner was delayed and this 4th for the island (and the 3rd in 3 years) was generally elusive but did show well a few times. There were also a few raptors about with at least 3 Kestrels, the first Merlin of the autumn (a female), Hen Harrier and Sparrowhawk all seen, while 3 Little Stints and the lingering Spotted Redshank were the best of the waders. A couple of Rock Pipits were new and 3 Common Rosefinches probably included a new bird which shared a field at Stennabrek with the Paddyfield.