12th - 17th September

Things have remained quiet but have continued ticking over in the last few days. Highlights from 12th include a Blackcap and Garden Warbler in the Trolla pund, a Lapland Bunting remained at Howar, a Scaup was on Garso, and a Red-breasted Flycatcher remained at Barrenha'. The highlight of the day was a Fea's-type Petrel that cruised north past the sea watch hide at 1300. We are currently in the process of trying to nail a definitive ID for this bird, so hopefully more news on this soon...

A sea watch on 13th produced a total of three Great Shearwater, over 300 Sooty Shearwater, 50 Manx Shearwater, one Long-tailed Skua, and one adult Little Gull. On the land, the bird of the day was the returning Long-billed Dowitcher near Bewan, presumed to be the same bird from the spring that had been on Sanday in previous days. Elsewhere, a Peregrine was around the obs, and the Red-breased Flycatcher remained at Barrenha'.

The Long-billed Dowitcher remained on 14th, and were accompanied by a Peregrine at Gretched, a Barred Warbler and Blackcap at Ancum Willows, and a Snow Bunting on the Links. A brief afternoon sea watch produced a Balearic Shearwater feeding off Dennishead with a group of Kittiwakes.

More Redpoll arrived on 15th, adding to the singles that had already been present across the island. A Bluethroat was found at North Gravity, a Reed Warbler was at Ancum, 19 Pink-footed Geese were at Nether Linnay, a Snow Bunting at Viggay, and Long-tailed Duck flew past the sea watch hide. The Long-billed Dowitcher remained.

Both the Long-billed Dowitcher and Reed Warbler were present on 16th, with the latter being joined by a Rosefinch. The Red-breasted Flycatcher relocated to the Surgery garden. In Holland garden there were three Blackcap, one Robin, two Chiffchaff, two Willow Warbler, and a Garden Warbler.

17th was much quieter with the Red-breasted Flycatcher relocating to Milldam, and the previous days Reed Warbler roamed between Ancum Willows and Longar.

(over exposed) Redpolls - Charles Gunn