Despite unfavorable winds we've managed to turn up some good birds, the 9th saw a further build up in duck species and numbers, our first Pintails of the autumn made an appearance along with 92 Wigeon, 88 Teal, 37 Mallard, 11 Shoveler and 2 Tufted Duck.
a Kestrel was seen hanging around up the top end of the island and a Juvenile Grey Plover was on Gretchen.
Passerine wise it was fairly quiet a theme that would continue into the next day, the 9th bought us singles of Rock Pipit, Common and Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warblers and 2 Goldcrests in Holland.
The big highlights on the 9th were a very credible 57 Lapland Buntings and our first
Red-backed Shrike of the autumn, seen briefly at Scottsha' before flying off towards Hooking Loch.
The 10th was ever so slightly quieter despite the unbroken sunshine, 2 Peregrines, an adult Female and a juv male at Lenswick, were seen hunting the coasts, another Grey Plover this time an adult was seen in flight near Nether Linnay.
As previously stated passerine wise things were quieter and lone counts of Rock Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Common Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warblers were propped up by 34 Lapland Buntings, but still a decrease from the previous days total.
Wader numbers weren't much to shout about with 1 Little Stint, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Ruff and a very obliging and very much welcomed first
Grey Phalarope of the year at Westness found in the early evening. Yet another
Pale-bellied Brent Goose was found in the field opposite the airfield with Greylags.
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| Grey Phalarope - George Gay |
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| Grey Plover - George Gay |
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| Lapland Bunting - George Gay |
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| Tufted Ducks - George Gay |
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