4th October

Nicer weather but quieter on the bird front. The male Northern Harrier performed much better today being seen a number of times while new in were 2 Hen Harriers (adult male and juvenile). There was also a marked increase in Wheatears to 59 (after just 18 yesterday) and Rock Pipits to 27. A Barred Warbler was near Scottigar and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers in Holland gardens were the best passerines with 2 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Lapland Buntings and at least 500 Snow Buntings also seen. Another 363 Pink-footed Geese passed over while on calmer seas 21 Red-throated Divers and 3 Great Northern Divers were counted plus a minimum of 19 Harbour Porpoise plus and a few unidentified Cetaceans.

 

Northern Harrier (photo George Gay)



Barred Warbler (photo Mark Warren)

Storm Petrel - juvenile found at the Pier and later released back to the sea (photo George Gay)