2nd - 10th October

The past week has been largely bereft of any form of passerine migration with most days featuring 50mph westerlies, which put a stop to any significant arrivals and can make it a rather soul-destroying task to find anything that does make landfall. Despite this, we’ve been lucky to have a few excellent rarities pulled out of the bag, showing it’s never safe to let your guard down…

2nd was perhaps the last chance for finding any remnants from the last batch of south easterlies (now a distant memory). The day warmed up nicely with a scattering of Song Thrushes, Phylloscs, Blackcaps and finches, followed by a few Yellow-browed Warblers (the final day count of five looks set to be the highest count of the autumn, which marks a disappointing return compared to 2024), giving some encouragement for further eastern finds. This idea was then completely turned on its head with the news of a Hudsonian Whimbrel found by Ken Arber flying along the coast north past Torness. With everyone rushing to the scene, it quickly became apparent that the bird had unfortunately done a bunk, meaning no one else was able to see this mega American wader. Hudsonian Whimbrel currently resides under full species status (although after being split, lumped and re-split its status never feels completely safe from the wrath of taxonomists) and remains incredibly rare, with just 13 previous British records.

3rd saw a small selection of migrants on offer with counts generally slightly down on the previous day. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were present at Westness and Viggay, with Schrodinger’s Black Redstart still present (or not, depending on how lucky you are) at the Lighthous, plus up to 4 Whinchat, 2 Garden Warbler, singles of Grey Wagtail, Goldfinch Jack Snipe and Arctic Tern (a late individual at Bewan), and a Greenshank at Howar. The five Taiga Bean Geese were again at Howar, where they remain to this day.

Saturday was a totally un-birdable day with gusts of over 70mph and frequent bouts of heavy rain. We had hoped this would be dropping hordes of American passerines on the island, but in reality the following day proved to be a quiet affair, with 11 Whooper Swans (first of the autumn). two Jack snipe, three Goldfinch and a Slavonian Grebe present at Haskie. 6th was a nicer day weather-wise but remained uneventful, the highlight being a Yellowhammer at Milldam, plus a Woodcock (first of the autumn), a Bonxie, 11 Song Thrushes, 13 Goldfinches, 7 Redwing, a Lesser Whitethroat and 4 frosty looking North-Western Redpolls (most likely Icelandic birds based on plumage).

Highlights of 7th were primarily wader-based with a rather late Little Stint on Gretchen that required some grilling, joined by 82 Black-tailed Godwits in the late afternoon. A colour-ringed Sanderling was also sighted, with the combination indicating the bird was originally ringed in Greenland. There was also a noticeable increase in Wheatears with 49 sighted around the island. 8th saw an increase in Redwing to 51, with most of these being rather distinctive Icelandic birds, fitting the weather conditions. An adult Glaucous Gull flew south down the Links and a Ruff was present at Phisligar. Wildfowl movement continued with 90 Barnacle Geese flying south plus 16 Whooper Swans.

9th was again a rather challenging day in the wind although 65 Whooper Swans made for some respite amongst the dearth of migrants. The day ended on a high when rarity magnet Craig witnessed a White-rumped Sandpiper drop out of the sky and land in front of him at Sandsheen (in typical form). Perhaps not entirely unexpected given the weather conditions but this marks the first island record since two birds were present in 2015, making this sighting very welcome for the latest batch of island listers! Thankfully the bird stayed put and showed well throughout the evening.

10th again seemed like a boom or bust day, which is certainly how it played out. There were slim pickings out in the strong winds in the morning, with 25 Whooper Swans and a scattering of Redwing, plus singles of Whinchat and Woodcock. By midday, it seemed there was little on offer until news of cracking (if simultaneously rather brown and non-descript) Black-headed Bunting came through from Maddy, sparking a manic dash to the Beacon! The bird again showed well as it fed amongst the rocks and seaweed, clearly fresh-in from battling against the westerlies from wherever on earth it had come from! A rarity from the east was certainly not on the cards today but just proves you can never quite predict what will turn up during the peak autumn weeks. First winter birds are notoriously difficult to separate from Red-headed Bunting, but the warmer brown tones to the rump and mantle (as opposed to green/yellow tinged), plus darker streaked crown support the identification, which will hopefully be backed up by the poo sample collected!

Looking to next week, the chances of some magic easterlies still seem a little way off, but the westerlies at least look set to ease off with some drifty conditions forecast. Hopefully this will bring a few more migrants and the island’s luck with rarities will continue!

Black-headed Bunting - GG

Black-headed Bunting - GG

Black-headed Bunting - GG

Black-headed Bunting - GG

White-rumped Sandpiper - GG