The 13th started quietly with very little being seen until the afternoon, 5 Red-throated Divers kicked-off proceedings and from there on in things began to improve.
A Curlew Sandpiper was the only noteworthy wader, but passerine wise things were getting better 11 Chaffinch got things moving, followed by 4 Lapland Buntings, 2 Whinchats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 2 Pied Flycatchers, but it didn't end there by any stretch.
A Grey Wagtail was found in the Cauldhaim irragation ditch, this seems to be a popular spot for them this year.
This was followed by a Corncrake bursting out the roof of the shed by the Old Manse, the second for the year after the long staying spring bird and a very welcome addition to the day list.
Finally Britains first Yellow-browed Warbler of the year was discovered at the Old Beacon, a bit of surprise, but hopefully a sign of things to come, if last years invasion was repeated I don't feel there would be too many complaints. To round the day off we were treated to a fantastic sunset, not a bad way to end the day!
Despite our best efforts the 14th didn't produce very much at all, 14 Willow Warblers, a repeat of the previous days doubles of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, another single Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 5 Rock Pipits showed a small increase in birds.
741 Golden Plovers made for a decent count, these were joined by a Grey Plover, a surprising 4th of the year. A Little Stint was present on Gretchen and big count of 313 Snipe was more than noteworthy, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Lapland Buntings rounded off the birding for the day and left us hoping for more tomorrow! Last but not least a Minke Whale was seen close off shore on the West coast before dissappearing out to sea.
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| Yellow-browed Warbler - George Gay |
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| Sunset over Lurand - George Gay |
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| Lesser Whitethroat - George Gay |
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| Rock Pipit - George Gay |
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