6th-10th September
A period of warm, unseasonal and dry weather has meant that migration through the island has ground nearly to halt, however a few good birds have kept us going.
The 6th was perhaps the pick of the bunch, two Pectoral Sandpipers on Ancum and Gretchen respectively were joined on the days bird list by 21 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater and a lone Arctic Skua. The bird of the day however went to a very smart Citrine Wagtail discovered by the Broch in the late morning. Amazingly this is the first island record in just over eight years!
The following day saw a few extra migrants join the Citrine Wagtail which was still present. A total of four Rosefinches were present throughout the day with three around Lurand and a single at Westness. A Whinchat was present at Kirbest, while a Crossbill and Spotted Flycatcher around the south-end of the island completed a rather promising day that ultimately failed to delivered!
The 8th was possibly one of the hottest days of the years making birding almost unpleasant at times. The morning started with an unringed Rosefinch at Holland, plus three around the observatory again. Both Pectoral Sandpipers remained faithful to Gretchen and Ancum. A Tree Pipit at Senness, a Barred Warbler at Kirbest and a Curlew Sandpiper at Bewan appeared to be new arrivals. The days highlight came from an unlikely source as between 2 and 4 Tuna sp. were seen feeding off of Tor Ness.
The 9th was a very quiet day with the only birds of note being six Common Scoter passed Dennishead, the three Rosefinches at Lurand and both Pectoral Sandpipers. However a Convolvulus Hawkmoth found on the tractor shed near the obs in the morning provided some excitement.
Finally the 10th saw a smattering of new arrivals in various locations, a Barred Warbler was present in Holland while a female Common Scoter spent the early parts of the morning in the bay at Nouster. A Little Stint was seen flying between Quoybanks and Westness and a Short-eared Owl was at Lenswick. The afternoon was largely dominated by some much awaited rain, although it appears to have delivered little for the time being we remain hopeful for the next few days.
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