30th October - 5th November

 With continued easterlies, we've had some more great birds during the last week, including a yet more additions to the year list. That being said, especially towards the end of the week, the number of migrants around has noticeably tailed off giving a rather 'end of season' feel to the island, despite the conditions being good for arrivals still. 

30th saw the Oriental Turtle Dove still present around Lurand, being slightly less skittish than previous days although still not hanging about for long! A total of five Northern Bullfinches were present with three at Holland and two around the Obs. Two Waxwings flew in-off at Gairsina Geo and a 1cy Glaucous Gull was at the Beacon (first of the autumn).

Oriental Turtle Dove (ssp. meena) - TG

Northern Bullfinch - TG

The final day of October began with an adult Black-throated Diver in Nouster, which was later joined by a Slavonian Grebe (first of the year). The two Yellowhammers were still near Ancum, where late on in the day a Red-throated Pipit was seen and heard flying high south (another year tick). Other sightings included a Bullfinch and a Hawfinch in Holland and a slight increase in thrush numbers with 288 Fieldfare, 31 Song Thrush, 179 Redwing, 106 Blackbirds and 63 Robins. Two late Wheatears were noted and the Slavonian Grebe was again in Nouster.

Red-throated Pipit sonogram - TG

The Red-throated Pipit was relocated back at Ancum during the morning of 1st November, where it showed reasonably well and called frequently. Other sightings included an adult Iceland Gull (first of the autumn) north past West Beach, where two Waxwings flew south, and three Black Redstart. Potentially the same two Waxwings were at Holland House where a Bullfinch remained. The Slavonian Grebe in Nouster was joined by another individual. 2nd was quieter with the lingering Red-throated Pipit at Ancum and a Little Auk flying around Nouster the day's highlights, along with two Black Redstart, 10 Woodcock, 14 Siskin, two Goldfinch, four Bullfinch and a large female Sparrowhawk which flew around the island. There was a slight increase in warblers with five Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap, plus seven Goldcrest.

                                                                Red-throated Pipit - GG

Early morning rain with the wind switching back to a more direct easterly on 3rd showed some promise when a late Barred Warbler was trapped and ringed at the Obs. However, this was to be the day's highlight as just a few common migrants were unearthed elsewhere. Totals included a Short-eared Owl, three Bullfinch, four Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest and a Dunnock. The Red-throated Pipit was back at North Manse on 4th and a Hawfinch was at Holland. Other sightings included a Water Rail, Bullfinch, Stock Dove (lingering bird), two Sparrowhawk, a Slavonian Grebe at Brides, the lingering pair of Yellowhammers and two Short-eared Owls. 5th was again quiet with a Peregrine, Yellowhammer, Siberian Chiffchaff, two Greenfinch and a Black-throated Diver the day's notable offerings. 

Siberian Chiffchaff - TG

Yellowhammer - TG