12th September

Strong westerlies with intermittent heavy showers prevailed today, making for difficult birding conditions, but at least a few more migrants stuck around to keep things interesting.

Our Great Spotted Woodpecker count got upped to two, with one at Garso and one at Ancum. Our first Snow Bunting of the Autumn arrived at Garso Wick, and the two Rosefinch remained in the Lurand and obs area. An evening ringing session caught good numbers of migrants, but the highlight was a juvenile male Sparrowhawk. The only other raptors on the island were the 2 Hen Harrier still, and 3 Merlin. Some more interesting waders also seemed to have moved in, with a Grey Plover being seen in Nouster Bay and a total of 17 Ruff across the island.

Totals of more commons migrants across the whole island include: 2 Robin, 25 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 39 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 9 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, and 33 Siskin.

Sparrowhawk - MH

Redstart - HC