16th - 18th August

The last few days have been very typical in terms of expected early Autumn migrants, with more falls of common migrants and the odd scarcity thrown into the mix. The weather has been fairly favourable for sea watching too, which allowed us to add a few more species to the year list.

The 16th saw more Willow Warblers arrive on the island, with individuals seen at Scottigar and Nouster, and 2 in Holland House Gardens. The highlight however was the first Reed Warbler of the Autumn that turned up in the Beacon punds.

The 17th was the much anticipated day of sea watching, with northerly winds having finally slackened off, excitement was high for what would pass Dennishead. Things started well when a drake Velvet Scoter flew north, a nice year tick to get things going. After a small lull in Shearwater passage, more started to move through again, giving things a slightly rarer feel. This feeling soon paid off when a Great Shearwater flew close past the rocks following three Manx Shearwater, giving stunning views as it cruised by. Before the excitement of the Great Shearwater had chance to die down, a Leach's Storm Petrel was picked up flying north, adding two species to the year list in the space of two minuets. The sea remained watched for much of the day, but it seemed the morning effort wasn't to be beaten. Overall throughout the day a total of 125 Sooty Shearwater, 90 Manx Shearwater, around 50 Storm Petrel, and 3 Great Northern Diver were seen past the north end. Away from sea watching, the first Barred Warbler of the Autumn was seen in the dyke at Brides.

The 18th saw a small influx of Common Tern to the island, with 2 seen on the Links, 1 seen by the Beacon and another seen on Bewan. There was also a juvenile Mediterranean Gull sat on the rocks by the lighthouse, before it flew north. A Willow Warbler was also seen late in the day at Purtabreck, along with a Little Stint on Ancum.

As more migrants seem to be arriving, excitement for what the rest of the Autumn could bring continues to rise. The year list is also doing well, currently standing at 183.

Barred Warbler - GG

Common Tern - GG