15th October

The unexpected, calm spell continues with a similar range of species and numbers to yesterday although there is clearly some turnover of newcomers and departing migrants taking place on a day to day basis. The days highlights comprised the Northern Harrier, a new Red-breasted Flycatcher at Senness, the Firecrest still at the Observatory, a Richard's Pipit at Gretchen and the Great Grey Shrike around the middle of the island. Noteworthy passerines included 64 Meadow Pipits, 26 Rock Pipits, a Tree Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtails, 9 Robins, 16 Wheatears, an increase to 44 Blackbirds, just 7 Fieldfares, 22 Song Thrushes, 169 Redwings, a Garden Warbler, 27 Blackcaps, 5 Yellow-browed Warblers (at least one a new bird), 9 Chiffchaffs, 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 98 Goldcrests, 2 Chaffinches, 20 Bramblings and 2 Siskins. In rough swell off the east side of the isle fed 282 Common Gulls and joining them were 28 Black-headed Gulls - a good count for the time of year and there were also 2 'standard' Hen Harriers, 2 Kestrels, a Short-eared Owl, 6 Jack Snipes and 3 Geat Skuas seen.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (both photos George Gay)

Richard's Pipit (photo Espen Quinto-Ashman) 

Siskin (photo George Gay)