8th - 9th March

Flat calm conditions gave way to fog early on 8th, which is often considered poor weather for dropping birds in. However, at the north end of the island at least a few bits had arrived. A total of seven Stonechat were in census area 'F', the biggest group being a male and two female types in the garden at Bewan. Also up north a Reed Bunting was in the pund at Rue, the first of the year to be seen after one was sound recorded on 7th. A further two Stonechat were present in Ancum Willows, with the Long-billed Dowitcher remaining close by on the loch. A single Pink-footed Goose was near Antabreck and a Merlin flew south down the island. An evening nets session proved to be a quiet one, but a Hooded Crow was trapped just as dusk fell, a species rarely caught in Holland. 

The fog continued into 9th and gave way to rain in the early afternoon. Census efforts in the morning were rewarded with a 'redhead' Smew that was flushed off Brides as the island plane flew over. The bird appeared to fly off over South Ness and towards Hooking, but despite extensive searches could not be relocated. Elsewhere good numbers of Stonechat were still present, with three still in the Bewan garden, two at the War Memorial, and one at Verracott. The first Redpoll of the year was at North Gravity, and the first arrival of Linnet came at various points across the island. Pied Wagtail numbers were boosted, with three at Brides the biggest group. A Kestrel which has been seen sporadically throughout the winter was also logged again, and twelve Snow Bunting were on the coast by Howar.

Year List: 79

Stonechat (Maddy Hine)

Reed Bunting (Maddy Hine)