11th October

The south-east wind which had pepped up during the night grew stronger as the day went on bringing with it a large number of migrants with Redwings and Goldcrests particularly prominent. Their respective totals of 1672 and 159 perhaps better treated as estimates while it was noticeable that the 'crests' were absent first thing but arrived in force from mid-morning onwards whereas many of Redwings had already gone by lunchtime. With the Harrier seemingly moving on the Temminck's Stint now on Gretchen Loch took top billing, with the Bluethroat still near Garso and a new Great Grey Shrike in the Hooking area the days other highlights. A Long-eared Owl at Ancum Willows was also nice to see and 2 Short-eared Owls were in the same area. A Common Sandpiper at Stromness Point being so late was well scrutinised and Geese on the move included the first groups of Greylags in, and out south totalling 57 birds, 77 Pink-footed Geese and 18 Barnacle Geese. The day was all about common passerines and those seen included a Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 8 Robins, 2 Whinchats, 5 Ring Ouzels, 41 Blackbirds, 44 Fieldfares, 74 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackcaps, 6 Yellow-browed Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Brigg, 4 Chaffinch and 11 Bramblings. With rain due overnight - roll on tomorrow!

 Goldcrest (photo George Gay)

Chiffchaff (photo George Gay)