1st November

Inevitably, in brighter conditions and a moderate southerly wind there wasn't quite the sheer volume as yesterday, but nonetheless it was a very enjoyable day in the field with plenty of newly arrived birds. Highlights included the Bluethroat at Hooking again (which was still being ultra elusive and its exact race has still to be determined), a Yellow-browed Warbler in the irises at Garso Loch while a late female Redstart at the Lighthouse was surprisingly, ordinary looking! Counts of passerines came to 124 Robins (with 59 of them in section F-the only route fully covered today!!), 3 Black Redstarts, 2 Ring Ouzels, 133 Blackbirds, 589 Fieldfares, 13 Song Thrushes, 1705 Redwings, 10 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 16 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins and a Mealy Redpoll. A Common Scoter off the north end was perhaps the bird off the links a few days ago, while other wildfowl of note were 391 Wigeons, 6 Gadwalls, 9 Pintails, 7 Whooper Swans, 41 Pink-footed and 7 Barnacle Geese. At least 4 Hen Harriers were present as were single Long-eared and Short-eared Owls. Just 6 Woodcocks were typical of the brighter skies, 3 Jack Snipes were also flushed, a Grey Plover at Bewan and 2 Great Skua's passed by at sea.

Water Rail