10th September

Despite the promising conditions it was once again a bit of a struggle to find too many new birds but hopes remain high with the easterlies set to continue and rain forecast at the weekend. There was no sign of the Citrine Wagtail today so 'top of the tree' were a Yellow-browed Warbler at North Manse and 2 Barred Warblers - at Holland gardens and Senness. The best of the rest comprised 3 Grey Herons, the Marsh Harrier, a Wood Sandpiper, 238 Great-black backed Gulls (the highest count for some time), a Reed Warbler, 4 Willow Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher. At least 1 Risso's Dolphin was seen off the north end while a pretty good showing of the Aurora Borealis from 10.30pm onwards drew a crowd.

Aurora Borealis (both photos George Gay)