25th to 26th May

There's still plenty of interest for visiting birders despite the persistent north-westerly winds 'blocking' large numbers of potential newcomers. The singing male Rustic Bunting at Ancum willows on both dates continues to be the star draw, although it can be frustrating and elusive. More of a surprise was the return of the Bee-eater, seen on a gate near the Observatory late afternoon on 26th before being chased off by Swallows and climbing high in the direction of Sanday (after 1 was reported there on 25th). The adult Glaucous Gull was seen again on 26th as was a drake Garganey and 3 Common Redpolls, while the only new birds to make it to the island were a summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper among commoner waders at Trolla Vatn and a group of 7 Jackdaws which flew south.