10th September

A near windless day has meant we've had a big clear out of migrants, but there was still plenty around to keep us entertained. The easterlies also seem to have come to end without producing the biggy we've been hoping for, but as the winds switch and turn drifty, we can't yet relax as our sights are still set on what will turn up next.

There were still lots of Willow Warbler about, with a conservative 85 counted over the whole island. There were also still high numbers Redstart, with 18 in census F, 13 in D, 13 in E, 25 in A and 3 in B. Overall there were 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 17 Pied Flycatcher, 11 Garden Warbler, 2 Common Whitethroat, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Tree Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest. There seemed to be a small arrival of Robin, with 1 at Ancum, 2 on the west coast and 1 in Holland. There were far fewer Whinchat on the island, with just one in census F, 2 in D, 2 in A and 6 in E. The biggest flock of Siskin were in census A, with 23 flying round the crop field, there were 41 across the rest of the island. Lots of migrants were caught throughout the day in Holland, with the highlight being a Czech ringed male Blackcap. There were at least 23 Blackcap on the rest of the island. The Icterine Warbler from the previous day was still in Holland, and the Nightjar was seen again as it flushed from the garden. The Great Spotted Woodpecker remained, being seen at North Manse. There was also a Grasshopper Warbler at Scottigar, 2 Dunnock in Holland, Reed Warbler at Holland and Verracott, a Stonechat at Longar and 4 Song Thrush across the island.

There were good numbers of waders about, the highlights being 1 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Common Sandpiper and 1 Greenshank.

A few raptors remained but in far less number than the previous days, with just 2 Hen Harrier, the Short-eared Owl still, and 2 Merlin.

In the evening a bat was seen flying round Holland, identified as a Nathusius Pipistrelle by a bat detector.

The year list now stands at 198.

Spotted Flycatcher - MH

Willow Warbler - MH