A surprise guest blog post today from an ex-AW attempting to relive the glory days; the last few days have seen a definite departure of any remnant of easterly winds and summer as it seems, with a batch of ghastly north-westerlies bringing persistent rain and hail showers (complete with chill blains) and a chilling wintry feel to the island. This has been partially reflected in the bird sightings - a midsummer goose fest has ensued with the highlight of 3rd coming in the shape of another unseasonal White-fronted Goose sighting, with a single bird seen ranging between Dennishill and Bewan. A Barnacle Goose was also present at Ancum. Other more highlights, more expected given the season, included a Grey Plover at Bewan, female Red-backed Shrike still at Ancum, female Redstart still at Ancum, Tree Sparrow at Holland, and 11 Manx Shearwaters past the Seawatch Hide. 14 Knot at Bewan was the first notable count in a while.
White-fronted Goose - TG
4th was a difficult day to be outside, with highlights restricted to a male Red-backed Shrike at Sangar, Short-eared Owl at Scottsha and the two Tree Sparrows remaining around Lurand. 5th was again a rancid day. A Curlew Sandpiper was sheltering from the wind on the rocks at Bewan, along with 31 Knot. Barnacle Geese were at Hooking and Vincoin, and a seemingly new male Red-backed Shrike appeared around the Lighthouse area (lingering birds took the day total to three).
Arctic Tern - TG
6th was a similar story. Between regular heavy rain showers, a Carrion Crow was unearthed at Trolla, with the Curlew Sandpiper from the previous day also seen on the scrape here. Also at the north end, a flava Wagtail was found at Rue, with a Short-eared Owl at Garso. Knot continued to build, with 65 at Bewan. Two Pink-footed Geese joined the Barnacle Goose around Hooking. A Spotted Flycatcher was new in at Ancum Willows and two Red-backed Shrikes were logged. The highlight of the day (and mega island grip-back) was the reappearance of the Stone Curlew, which was seen flying from the Airfield towards Cruesbreck following the departure of the evening plane.
Curlew Sandpiper - TG
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