9th October

After a clear night, it perhaps wasn't surprising that 50% of yesterdays migrants appeared to have moved on. A Richard's Pipit south over Greenspot into the cool southerly wind was one of the few new birds present while the male Northern Harrier and the Bluethroat again showed well. A group of 20 Barnacle Geese lingered and at least 3 Merlins, 2 Kestrels and 2 Hen Harriers harassed the islands land-birds. There was also a Short-eared Owl, a late Ruff with 2 Jack Snipes more typical for the time of year. At least 6 Yellow-browed Warblers were still present and other warblers consisted of 10 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Ancum Loch but just 9 Goldcrests, thrush numbers were roughly half those of yesterday, 7 Robins and 2 Redstarts seen along with 7 Chaffinches, 17 Bramblings and 236 Snow Buntings.

Northern Harrier (photo George Gay)

 

Hen Harrier (photo George Gay)

Short-eared Owl (photo George Gay)