12th-14th June
A period dominated by drifty southeasterlies and calm conditions brought a steady stream of migrants and some more surprises. 12th opened in style with a Great Reed Warbler trapped and ringed at Holland House early on. Despite spring 2023 proving rather fruitful for this species further south, this was just the 3rd island record for this species (and 4th for Orkney) so certainly made for an exciting catch! The bird disappeared following release, although was later seen in the flax near the entrance to the gardens during the evening. Later in the morning, our first Marsh Warbler of 2023 was discovered singing at Dennishill, with a female Pied Flycatcher, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs and one each of Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Whinchat, Blackcap and Mealy Redpoll making up the rest of the passerine highlights. A Little Stint was at Westness and a Cuckoo was found at Sandar around midday.
13th was a quieter day, with Spotted Flycatchers at the Obs and Ancum Willows. An unseasonal Redwing was at Sangar and 3 Siskins were found feeding on dandelion heads near Scottigar. 14th saw a return to form with another Great Reed Warbler discovered around the Observatory - originally flushed from the palette garden towards Lurand, the bird then magically disappeared despite being seen briefly in a small patch of flax. Thankfully, the bird soon reappeared in the rosa bushes at the mouth of T4, allowing it to be swiftly captured, revealing it to be a new unringed individual! The bird was processed and released, later seen again around the Observatory Heligoland traps. Other highlights of the day's census included a Little Stint at Bewan, a Kestrel at Breck and 5 Spotted Flycatchers spread about the island. The day had one more surprise instore, as a male Nightjar was discovered on the wall around the outside of Holland House just before dinner. The bird was later trapped and ringed, proving popular with Observatory staff and guests.
Comments