29th-30th April
With April drawing to a close it certainly been done the way we wanted too, the last few days have seen a steady arrival of migrants and a number new additions to the islands year list. It also strikes a resounding resemblance to this time last year when a similar weather system bought similar migrants, so we feel there is more to come in the next week or so.
The 29th started with another female Ring Ouzel at Holland this would be one of 20 seen throughout the day, including flocks of five and three at the airfield and Westness. The first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was by T5 and a Short-eared Owl was flushed from cover near Parkhouse just prior to the second Green Sandpiper of the year being found at Garso. Flocks of Carrion Crow continued to move through the island and male Redstarts were seen at Holland and at Breck. Two Jackdaw were seen briefly heading south and the day finished with a male Pied Flycatcher trapped Holland, all this went on with a background of Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs feeding along the walls and other sheltered spots around the island on what was a good day of birding.
The 30th was supposed to see the first cruise ship of the year arrive on the island, however prevailing southerly based winds stopped it from making berth. A Long-eared Owl and a Tree Pipit were trapped in Holland in the early parts of the morning and three Collared Doves quickly became four as they bombed around the south end of the island. Our first Whitethroat of the year was discovered at Senness and was closely followed by the second Common Sandpiper and third Green Sandpiper of 2024. The bird of the day went to a male Dotterel found in the stubble field at Nether Linnay. The final year list addition for the day was a Sedge Warbler found in the irises at Scottigar to end another day of birds and fine weather.
The coming days are also set easterly with a variety of other conditions to accompany them, so the mood remains optimistic with staff remaining pleased that for the northerly gales of a week ago appear to be behind us for now!
Year List: 142
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