31st May

After a bright start, the first strong south-easterly winds for weeks whipped up and with heavy rain from lunchtime, expectations developed that there would be a few migrants. The day began once more with the VEERY which re-appeared in a mist-net at Holland gardens early doors, though it generally remained elusive in the dense fuscia and proved difficult to catch up with during the day. The most notable arrival though was another bird likely to have originated from the other side of the Atlantic and another surprise arrival-a North American (or small race) Canada Goose at Stromness Point. After our awareness was very much raised to the numerous forms by an individual on the island last October, this bird instantly stood out and though we're far from experts, features suggest its another of the form interior or Todd's Canada Goose. Most of the other sightings were after the rain started lashing down and understandably came from the sheltered west coast. Presumably, yesterdays Red-necked Phalarope was seen briefly on pools at Torness, before re-locating to Ancum Loch and a female Bluethroat along walls near Upper Linnay was the first of the year. Other migrants in this area to offering encouragement for tomorrow include 2 Spotted Flycatchers (first of year), a Short-eared Owl, Cuckoo and a Pied Flycatcher, while the 2 Curlew Sandpipers remained at Bewan Loch

 

 Small race, probably Todd's Canada Goose (5 photos by Stephen Rutt)

Bluethroat in the rain (photo MW)