9th-11th September
Another mixed bag of weather over the last few days have seen east meet north-west, as the easterlies stopped abruptly and rapidly changed as the first Atlantic storm of the autumn hit providing a day of driving rain and howling wind on the 10th. It calmed down on the 11th, but it's still fairly blustery outside as I write this.
The 9th was a fairly busy day with many of the previous days birds still in situ or having shuffled about a bit. However, a new Rosefinch at the Shooting Gallery gave us early hope. The Booted Warbler was still well ensconced in East Loch Park, while the Bluethroat was still at Lenswick and the Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in the Barrenha' garden. The American Golden Plover made its potentially final appearance on the Links, as an adult was recorded Sanday on 11th (we assume it's our bird having not seen any photos of it on Sanday yet). Other migrants included a Stonechat near the Sugarhouse, and an arrival of Redpolls, seemingly of the North-western type, not that it matters now they've been lumped together by the pigeonhole brigade!
The 10th was, for the most part, a wash out. Pouring rain and howling winds persisted from around 0930, however those quick enough to get out in the morning were rewarded with the Booted Warbler, the Dusky Warbler made a surprise re-appearance near Nether Linnay, with the previous days Rosefinch also at Nether Linnay. A total of 43 Pink-footed Geese were seen either heading south or settled in fields and a Pied Flycatcher was still around Lurand, while a Robin was in Holland.
The 11th was better but still not great, the Booted Warbler wasn't seen throughout the day, but was potentially hiding so we'll see if its present tomorrow. Redpolls were present throughout the day, on request Reuben would like it mentioned he had a North-western type, although in truth I think most of them are of that origin, sorry Reuben! Our first Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting were present at Scottigar and Howar respectively. The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still hanging on at Barrenha' and the Rosefinch had moved to Westness.
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