18th - 26th June

It has been a while since our last blog post but that doesn't mean things have settled down here at the obs. Attention has turned to breeding bird surveying and chick ringing, all whilst still completing the daily census.

Highlights from the period include;

A Nightjar in Holland and two Redpoll at Ancum on 18th.

Two Barnacle Geese at Bewan, four Ruff on Ancum, and two Common Scoter past the sea watch hide on 19th.

21st saw some Hen Harrier arrive back on the island after absence during the breeding season, as well as a Swift at Holland, and a Kestrel at Antabreck.

22nd started with a Whitethroat singing in Holland, as well as seven Swift seen over the garden. Also seen were two House Martin and a Merlin at the airfield, and a Spotted Flycatcher at Brides. The Stone-curlew put in a brief reappearance at Ancum, leaving us all slightly baffled as to where the bird has been hiding during its long absences! 

A male Blackcap was in Ancum Willows on 23rd, along with a Short-eared Owl at the airfield. 

A brief Buzzard sp. sighting at Trolla on 23rd gave frustratingly bad and unidentifiable views, but then performed much better on 24th when it could be confirmed from photos as a Honey-buzzard as it flew low over the pier. Also seen on 24th was a juvenile Stonechat at Lenswick, a Swift over Cursitter, a Spotted Flycatcher in Ancum Willows, and five Common Tern on Ancum.

Highlights on 25th included a Crossbill flying south over Peckhole, shortly followed by a Short-eared Owl also in the same place. A group of 15 Black-tailed Godwits was seen roaming between Hooking and Ancum, and presumably the same juvenile Stonechat had moved to Ancum Willows. Whilst the obs staff were crammed into the flat watching the England game, a cacophony of Oystercatcher alarms had us rushing to the window to year tick Osprey as one flew north.

26th saw the juvenile Stonechat move down into the obs area, as well as two House Martin at the Lighthouse and two at Hooking. A female Crossbill flew south over Phisligar and the first Rock Pipit returned to the island at the north end.

Honey-buzzard (DJH)