8th-13th August
With autumn developing, the past week has seen a bit more action, despite remaining relatively quiet on the passerine front. Highlights on 8th included 6 Grey Herons, 47 Black-tailed Godwits, 439 Turnstone, and a Chiffchaff. 9th was dominated by rather strong north westerly winds and was predictably quiet as expected, at least until an adult Long-tailed Skua was found landed near Bewan. Unfortunately the bird was in a rather poor state, last seen flying off in rather unconvincing fashion, suggesting it may have deceased shortly afterwards.
With the wind slackening off the following day, a long shift was put in at the sea-watch hide, producing the best sea-watch of the year so far. Within 10 minutes of arriving, a Great Shearwater flew north, followed an hour later by an adult Long-tailed Skua (this one in seemingly good health this time). By the end of the day, totals included another Great Shearwater, two Cory's Shearwaters (both seen around midday), 370 Sooty Shearwaters, 427 Manx Shearwaters, 240 Storm Petrels, 2961 Fulmars and 2318 Kittiwakes. Wader passage highlights included 20 Knot and 126 Redshank. There was very little in the way of passerine sightings, although 255 Swallows were counted.
The Pacific Golden Plover was seen again at Westness on 11th. Other highlights included 16 Ruff, 170 Ringed Plovers, 34 Black-tailed Godwits, 66 Bar-tailed Godwits and 22 Knot. A Short-eared Owl was around the west coast and a Lesser Redpoll was near Ancum. 44 Teal was a notable increase. Both the Pacific Golden Plover and Red-backed Shrike were seen on 12th, with the latter relocating a short distance to Verracott. Golden Plovers crept back into four figures, with 1075 logged, and the first Green Sandpiper of the autumn was seen at Hooking.
13th saw the first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn found at Ancum Willows. A Willow Warbler at Stennabreck was the only other passerine migrant, however. A Little Stint at Senness and a Wood Pigeon (likely a lingering individual) were the other highlights. We are hoping the following week will see the autumn move into the next gear - easterlies are forecast towards the end of the week, although it's still too early to get excited yet!
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