2nd October

It was another blustery one, with a strong southerly wind throughout making the birding tricky at times. The days highlights comprised the Bluethroat still at Viggay banks early in the morning only and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers in the north of the island. An elusive 'locustella' Warbler provided some fun and games in the Irises at Garso Loch before eventually giving itself up to be confirmed as a Grasshopper Warbler while 4 Jack Snipe were found in the process. An adult Pomarine Skua and 31 Sooty and 3 Manx Shearwaters were clocked during a 2 hour sea-watch, the Brent Goose remains at the north end and raptors included 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Merlins, a Kestrel and a Peregrine.

 

Grasshopper Warbler

Hen Harrier