30th September

A bright and sunny day with a moderate southerly wind was clearly perfect  conditions to prompt a significant Goose movement over the island (so they hadn't all passed just yet). Skein after skein of Pink-footed Geese could noisily be heard overhead, mainly during a 4 hour period (10.30-14.30) with a total of 2248 recorded of which 2230 went out south. A couple of flocks of Whooper Swans also passed through totalling 29 birds (with the long-staying single still at Bridesness) and the first 2 Barnacle Geese tagged onto the Pinkies. The male Northern Harrier continued to show well, mainly in the south-east and at one point it was seen tussling with a Short-eared Owl while 3 Kestrels, 2 Merlins and 2 Peregrines were also noted. Increased wildfowl and wader figures resulted in a record equalling flock of 57 Tufted Ducks at Bridesness where there were also 4 Pochards, 281 Wigeon mainly occupied the coast, 321 Lapwing, 246 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, 7 Black-tailed Godwits and a late Common Sandpiper was at the Pier. The Richard's Pipit was re-found at Sandar and there was also a Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Barred Warbler (Holland), 9 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Lapland Buntings and 725 Snow Buntings seen.

Pink-footed Geese (photo Mark Warren)

Whooper Swans (photo Mark Warren)

 

Yellow-browed Warbler (Photo Mark Warren)