24th September

A bright and sunny morning transformed later in the afternoon with some horrible, heavy showers in a light westerly wind. Our second Common Buzzard of the year, over the north of the isle was a surprise arrival and along a similar theme a Hen Harrier was also new. Another 70 Pink-footed Geese passed south in 3 flocks hinting at things to come while 10 Red-throated Divers were seen off the coasts, 2 Sooty Shearwaters on a brief sea-watch and there were 2 Little Stints at Bridesness Loch. An obliging Red-breasted Flycatcher at Howar was the pick of the passerines and also of note were 3 Redwings, 17 Yellow-browed Warblers, a handful of other warblers which included yesterdays Barred Warbler and a Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins, a male Crossbill and an impressive 499 Snow Buntings.

 Goldcrest and Snow Bunting (photos George Gay)