9th-11th June
South easterly winds on the Northern Isles during late spring always get the pulse racing, with the possibility that just about anything might turn up. Whilst the last three days haven't produced any more standout rarities, there has been a nice trickle of late spring migrants to keep us going. However, it's been hard work finding them, with most census areas containing just a few new birds each day.
9th began with a Siskin at Purtabreck followed in similar finchy fashion by a Mealy Redpoll trapped at the Obs. The/a Canada Goose was at Ancum, along with a Whinchat, which was likely the same bird seen on 6th. Other lingering birds included a Snow Bunting at Sandar (presumably the same female seen on the Links over the past couple of weeks). The highlights of the day came in the evening with a Wood Sandpiper found at Ancum amongst 10 Black-tailed Godwits and a Whimbrel, followed by our first Osprey of the year, which flew north.
10th saw a small selection of passerine migrants discovered, including a Garden Warbler at Holland, Spotted Flycatchers at Nether Linnay, Ancum, Westness (2) and Dennishill. A male Pied Flycatcher at Senness was the first since 11th May (now at level pegging with Collared Flycatcher for June).
11th was the pick of the bunch, with a female Red-backed Shrike found at Holland House, which proved rather elusive until the end of the day when it was rediscovered on top of the fuchsias. Other migrant highlights included 3 Willow Warblers (at least one acredula type), 6 Spotted Flycatchers (highest count of the year so far), 2 Garden Warblers and a Chiffchaff. Additionally, there was a Little Stint on Ancum, a Siskin at Ancum Willows, Collared Doves at the Obs, Holland and Garso, and the Canada Goose was at Bewan. The highlight of the day was a huge bull Orca (confirmed as lone bull 18 from the Scottish catalogue - thanks to Emma Neave-Webb and co. for the help here!) found close inshore at Nouster, presumably hunting seals, which hung around for a couple of hours. This was our first Orca sighting of the year, following a few sightings at nearby locations.
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