6th to 7th June

June 08, 2015

6th to 7th June

Though it was obvious from the onset of the 6th the majority of the previous nights migrants had moved on, there were birds to see with a few new arrivals unearthed too. An Icterine Warbler at Kirbest was the best find (and still present there on 7th) with a flava Wagtail at Howar also new. Totals for the day came to 64 Knot, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 11 House Martins, the Black Redstart, a handful of warblers, 11 Spotted Flycatchers and a Tree Sparrow. The 7th brought more excitement with an early morning Nightjar discovered in Holland gardens. Formerly a great rarity seven of the previous eighteen records were been found between 2012-2014 and after a little confusion over the sexes it transpired that there were actually 2 Nightjars present (male and female) taking the total to 20 records (9 in 4 years!). Other newcomers included a male Red-backed Shrike at South Ness, female Hen Harrier roaming, a 1st summer Little Gull, 2 Robins, 2 Common Redpolls, a few new warblers while the Pink-footed Goose was seen again.