5th - 10th April
A mixed bag in terms of weather over the last few days has bought a few birds in and with it some all important year ticks.
The 5th brought about much of the same as we'd been having, five Pink-footed Geese were with the White-fronted Goose behind the Kirk, a smattering of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrest kept the bushes ticking over and a Dunnock in Holland was new for the year.
A horrendous day of weather on 6th saw most the staff hiding inside working on indoor tasks, however those brave enough to venture saw a Black Redstart at Dennishill and the Lapland Bunting was still at Neven.
The 7th was largely taken up by punding, an annual event in which we round up the islands sheep for lambing. Usually spread over two or three days a mammoth effort from islanders saw all sheep punded by 14:00! A cracking effort! Bird-wise we conducted the first Tystie census in less than ideal sea conditions with rolling waves and good sized breakers making seeing birds a bit of an issue! However 1106 birds is only 39 fewer than last years record count, a Blackcap near Brides and Peregrine on Tor Ness was new for the year, four Brambling were in Holland and a Stonechat was by the Post Office.
The following day was relatively quiet despite it feeling good on the surface, the four Brambling remained in Holland with a couple of Goldcrest and a Collared Dove, a Litoralis Rock Pipit was at Brides and Blackcaps were seen in singles on the West side near Doo Geo and in the Brides Kirk Pund.
A slightly windier day on the 9th saw Black-throated Diver and Common Scoter make the year list, with the Diver in Nouster and the Scoter off the Broch. A Black Redstart was at Poor man's corner and a Bonxie rounded the coast near the obs.
The 10th was a day of two halves! The morning was a total wash-out, driving rain and buffeting winds made even venturing out towards the ringing hut an unpleasant prospect! The afternoon was still, calm and sunny and it seemed the bad weather had dragged a few migrants with it. At least three Sparrowhawks were on the island, a foreign control Siskin (we can't quite read where its from!) was around Trolla while the first Swallows were seen at Iris Taing and Ancum.
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