11th to 12th November

The 11th was a mixed bag with sunshine and showers but it was a decent days birding and among a few scarcities, the standout bird was the male Northern Harrier (making a welcoming return since last seen on 2nd). A Pale-bellied Brent Goose seen at a few locations was typical in its timing on the island but nonetheless it was only the second occurrence of the 2015. Meanwhile the Smew and Common Scoter were both seen again, 20 Pink-footed Geese were noted and 13 Whooper Swans included a new group of 9 south. A juvenile Glaucous Gull flew up the Links, 8 Little Auks and 3 Great Skuas were the best from an hours sea-watch and 10 each of Great Northern and Red-throated Divers were logged off sheltered coasts. 6 Grey Herons, a juvenile Hen Harrier, 3 Merlins, a Black Redstart at Westness, similar numbers of thrushes to yesterday, a single Snow Bunting and 32 Twite completed the days totals. By the 12th a storm was brewing but a calm window from midday prompted a 2 hour sea-watch and a female/immature Velvet Scoter was a great reward and nice addition to the 2015 year list. Also seen were 7 Sooty Shearwaters, a 'blue' Fulmar, a Pomarine Skua, a Great Skua, 262 Kittiwakes, 11 Little Auks and 1368 Auk sp. (in a sample 1 hour long count). Otherwise it was just the Smew and yesterdays Pale-bellied Brent Goose seen from a brief 'drive-about' and with gale force westerly winds having whipping up quickly by dusk we'll be hoping for something interesting tomorrow -if we can stand up! 

Pale-bellied Brent Goose (photo George Gay) 

Smew (photo George Gay)