8th-9th November

Much more pleasant conditions over the last few days have allowed us to have a good look around the island in the aftermath of the latest south-easterly storm. The 8th was definitely a day for the ringers with the mist-nets at Holland House open all day and 110+ birds were trapped and ringed. A good total of some 88 Blackbirds were processed while the 12 Woodcocks caught and ringed represents a new annual record in itself-a total of 9 were ringed in 2013, and the annual total most years is of only 4 or less! A Yellow-browed Warbler in the Nether Linnay crop and Great Grey Shrike near the School were the highlights and counts from the day came to 6 Barnacle Geese, a Sparrowhawk (trapped on 9th and found to be wearing a Norwegian ring), 39 Woodcocks, 2 Woodpigeons, a Short-eared Owl, a Dunnock, 22 Robins, 228 Blackbirds, 230 Fieldfares, 11 Song Thrushes, 182 Redwings, 3 new Blackcaps and a Common Redpoll. Most of those listed above were present in similar numbers on 9th, but 33 Rock Pipits were counted, Robins increased to 33, there were also 3 Black Redstarts, 308 Fieldfares, 3 more new Blackcaps and 6 Chiffchaffs included 3 'Siberian' type birds with newcomers at Newbiggin and Holland gardens. Presumably the same juvenile Pale-bellied Brent Goose reappeared at Trolla Vatn, likewise a Great Grey Shrike in the middle of the island was presumed to be yesterday's, but 10 Rooks were new in as was a Water Rail in the rocks at Stromness Point and Snow Bunting numbers were up to 95.