14th-24th April
It's been an interesting few days with a few migrants about to keep hopes of an early Spring rarity alive, although with most of the easterly based winds having a northerly swing to them nothing has materialised as of yet.
The 14th produced four Rooks and two Siskin as we prepared to start punding sheep from Nouster, while the other days highlight was a female Ring Ouzel in Gairsna Geo. The following day saw the 8th record of Mandarin with a pair sat on Gretchen in the morning, while a Whimbrel was seen near Brides.
Five Chiffchaffs on 16th were accompanied by a Willow Warbler near Rue, the 17th produced the first Brambling of the year and a Black Redstart was near Bridesness, a Peregrine streaked over Ancum, a Goldcrest was in the garden at the Post Office and short sea-watch saw 18 Puffin pass the sea-watch hide.
The 18th was much quieter with three Rook over the old Mill, a Whimbrel at Doo Geo, an Acredula Willow Warbler at Upper Linnay and four Pink-footed Geese near Cott. Two Brambling on 19th were the only birds reported throughout the day. The 20th saw a Black-throated Diver off Husmire and a Blue Fulmar off of Tor Ness.
A Collared Dove was found touring the island on 21st and a Goldfinch was at the Post Office. The 22nd was the start of the easterlies, a female Ring Ouzel was at Holland as was a Brambling. A Grasshopper Warbler was in a ditch near Senness and a Short-eared Owl was at Trolla following a bird seen by a resident on 17th at Scottigar. A good Corvid day saw over 30 birds cutting about, seemingly picking up more numbers as the went! A Blackcap sporting a Norwegian ring was trapped in holland in the afternoon, there was two Black Redstarts at Grind and a Common Whitethroat was also nearby.
The easterlies continued on 23rd with up to 19 Chiffchaffs on the island, a Dunnock was around the Farmhouse with two Collared Doves. Black Redstarts were at Inglais Geo and Bridesness. Two Little Tern tracked south over the lighthouse. A male Ring Ouzel was at Purtabreck and a female Brambling was caught in T4. The 24th was bright and clear and a very quiet day unfolded, the Black Redstart was still at Inglais Geo, a Siskin was at Kirbest and Knots were at Brides and Bewan.
The weather looks slightly better for the weekend but we'll have to wait and see.
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