Fair Isle Bird Observatory

30th-31st October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and showers with a force 5-8 NE wind
Our final couple of days in Fair Isle were busy with packing, last minute posting and other end of season jobs, and unfortunately not much birding! It has been another excellent season with plenty of common, rare and scarce migrants to enjoy, plus the seabird monitoring work in the summer was almost completely back in full swing after last year's limitations due to bird flu, which luckily stayed mostly absent amongst our breeding seabirds. Thank you to all who take the time to visit this webpage every day to catch up with what we're up to and enjoy our photos, and farewell to Fair Isle for another season!


Final views of Fair Isle from the plane (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 209
________________________________________________________________________________________________

29th October 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 6-8 NE wind
The team managed to cover the west cliffs and crofts today, with lots of common migrants still present, plus the Black-bellied Dipper reappearing in Gully, two Coal Tits new in at Skinner's Glig and Steensi Geo and another male Bullfinch joined the small group in Boini Mire.


Sunset from South Harbour (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one reappeared in Gully
Gadwall: one still present
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at North Raeva
Coal Tit: two; singles at Skinner's Glig and Steensi Geo
'Northern' Bullfinch: five present in Boini Mire (4 male, 1 female)

Sightings of note: 17 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 61 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 5 Woodpigeon, 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 15 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Woodcock, 4 Jack Snipe, 1 Kittiwake, 10 Common Gull, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Short-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 19 Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrush, 42 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 52 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 10 Snow Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting


Spot the Woodcock! (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 209
________________________________________________________________________________________________

28th October 2023
Weather: Cloudy with a force 6-8 ESE wind
The strong easterly winds continue as the season draws to a close, with the team keeping busy with end of season jobs before leaving the isle in the next week. Four Northern Bullfinch are still adding some colour to the isle, all seen in Boini Mire, and an Olive-backed Pipit made a brief appearance at the coastguard hut this afternoon.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: one briefly seen at the coastguard hut then disappeared over the Houll
'Northern' Bullfinch: four present in Boini Mire
Yellowhammer: one at Plantation

Sightings of note: 40 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 46 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Woodpigeon, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Common Gull, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Snow Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting

Year list: 209
________________________________________________________________________________________________

27th October 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 5-6 ESE wind
Better conditions meant that the west cliffs could be birded properly today, with much of the same numbers of birds around to recent days, plus a few new Northern Bullfinch scattered around the isle.


A pair of male 'Northern' Bullfinch at Boini Mire (by Alex Penn)


Female 'Northern' Bullfinch at Troila Geo (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'Dark-bellied' Brent Goose: one at Skadan
Gadwall: one still present
Great Spotted Woodpecker: three present around the isle
Waxwing: 20 south over Boini Mire
'Northern' Bullfinch: four present; female at Troila Geo, two males in Boini Mire and another male at Setter
Yellowhammer: two at Lower Leogh


'Dark-bellied' Brent Goose at Skadan (by Alex Penn)


Gadwall with Wigeon and Teal at Hesti Geo (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 28 Greylag Goose, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 48 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 6 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 12 Curlew, 23 Purple Sandpiper, 35 Woodcock, 4 Jack Snipe, 1 Kittiwake, 6 Common Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 94 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, 107 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 11 Snow Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting

Year list: 209
________________________________________________________________________________________________

26th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with some low cloud and showers and a force 7-9 easterly wind
Another bout of strong winds and rain made conditions challenging, although some birding around the south-west in the morning saw plenty of common migrants still sheltering on the cliffs. A Gadwall was discovered amongst the Wigeon flock (although only when looking at photos of the flock at the end of the day!) and became another addition for the year list, and the Pallas's Warbler was still present, now at Upper Stoneybrek.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Gadwall: one with the Wigeon flock around Meadow Burn (new for the year list)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still at Shirva
Waxwing: two present
Pallas's Warbler: one still present, now at Upper Stoneybrek
Hawfinch: one still at Vaila's Trees
Yellowhammer: one at the traps

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 51 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Woodpigeon, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 21 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 4 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 18 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 44 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting

Year list: 209
________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with sunny spells and a force 5-6 easterly wind
A long day consisted of another round of Sheep Hill in the morning, followed by an afternoon of birding, with plenty of birds around the isle to keep things interesting. Whilst on the hill this morning the north of the isle was lifting with Goldcrest, Woodcock and thrushes, with a Coues's Arctic Redpoll found in amongst a large flock of Mealy Redpoll around Skinner's Glig. The Pallas's Warbler from yesterday was still present and had relocated to Barkland, and several groups of Waxwing were seen around the isle throughout the day, with numbers peaking at a flock of 31 in the south-west. Several Great Spotted Woodpecker were also bouncing around the isle, and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose was doing the rounds for most of the day.


Great Spotted Woodpecker at Setter (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one still in Gully
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL: one with large flock of Mealy Redpoll at Skinner's Glig (new for the year list)
'Pale-bellied' Brent Goose: one touring the isle most of the day
Great Spotted Woodpecker: three present around the isle
Waxwing: 31 around the isle
Pallas's Warbler: one still present; yesterday's ringed bird now at Barkland
'Northern' Bullfinch: one at the back of Ward Hill
Yellowhammer: one still present, now at Shirva

Sightings of note: 11 Barnacle Goose, 33 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 14 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 7 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Woodcock, 5 Jack Snipe, 1 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 8 Chiffchaff, 18 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 236 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 78 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 49 Brambling, 171 Mealy Redpoll, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 44 Snow Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting


Goldcrest at South Felsigeo (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 208
________________________________________________________________________________________________

24th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with showers and a force 4-6 SE wind
Today saw a few new birds as the wind turned easterly again, with a host of very attractive species making up the highlights list. A Pallas's Warbler at Setter was an exciting sight amongst the Goldcrests, with this being new for the year list, a lifer for the team and the first since 2019, and was later trapped. A Firecrest at Dog Geo in the late afternoon was also a year tick, with other Fair Isle scarcities such as Hawfinch, 'Northern' Bullfinch and a few Waxwing also present. The Black-bellied Dipper still remains in Gully, and a good number of Goldcrest and thrushes were also scattered around the isle.


Pallas's Warbler at Setter (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one still in Gully
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Raeva
Waxwing: five at Setter
Pallas's Warbler: one trapped at Setter (first since 2019 and second since 2005, 44th Fair Isle record)
Firecrest: one at Dog Geo (12th Fair Isle record)
Hawfinch: one at Vaila's Trees
'Northern' Bullfinch: female over the Parks and later at Dog Geo

Sightings of note: 28 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 54 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 8 Curlew, 3 Dunlin, 18 Woodcock, 6 Jack Snipe, 39 Snipe, 4 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 137 Goldcrest, 23 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 13 Brambling, 40 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting

Year list: 207
________________________________________________________________________________________________

23rd October 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 3-4 SW wind
Another pleasant day as the more settled weather continues, with a slight clear-out of migrants apparent in the isle. The Black-bellied Dipper is still present at Finnequoy, and a Coal Tit at Wester Lother was the first seen in a couple of days since the influx.


Coal Tit at Wester Lother (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one still in Gully
Coal Tit: one at Wester Lother
Hawfinch: one at Vaila's Trees
Yellowhammer: one still at Upper Leogh

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 54 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 53 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 143 Turnstone, 6 Dunlin, 32 Woodcock, 5 Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe, 36 Redshank, 17 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 59 Skylark, 13 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 332 Blackbird, 186 Fieldfare, 629 Redwing, 60 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 14 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 62 Meadow Pipit, 50 Rock Pipit, 21 Brambling, 123 Twite, 1 Linnet, 26 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 24 Snow Bunting, 9 Reed Bunting


A smart drake Common Scoter in North Haven (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 White-beaked Dolphin (off Sheep Rock), 1 Common Seal (freshly dead in North Haven)

Year list: 205
________________________________________________________________________________________________

22nd October 2023
Weather: Cloudy with some sun and a force 4-5 SW wind
A break in the weather finally allowed for census to resume, with a fairly light south-westerly wind and sunny spells making for pleasant birding. A nice number of thrushes were still around, along with an increase in Woodcock, symbolising that we are well into the late autumn period now. The Black-bellied Dipper from a couple of days ago reappeared in Gully (confirmed as the same individual) and was later trapped, becoming the 19th of this species to be ringed in the isle.


'Black-bellied' Dipper in the hand at Gully (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one reappeared in Gully, later trapped and ringed
Bewick's Swan: one still present, now at Da Water
Slavonian Grebe: one off Linni Geo (first of the year)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one between Raeva and Shirva
Waxwing: three present around the isle
Hawfinch: two; singles at Vaila's Trees and Springfield
Yellowhammer: one still at Upper Leogh

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 77 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 68 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Common Scoter, 6 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 176 Turnstone, 6 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 84 Woodcock, 5 Jack Snipe, 96 Snipe, 43 Redshank, 22 Kittiwake, 18 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Short-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 56 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 565 Blackbird, 420 Fieldfare, 847 Redwing, 86 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 11 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 57 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 18 Brambling, 109 Twite, 1 Linnet, 24 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 14 Snow Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting


Short-eared Owl on the cliff at Hunds Heelor (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y

Year list: 205
________________________________________________________________________________________________

21st October 2023
Weather: Mostly heavy rain with a force 8-10 easterly wind
Consistent heavy rain put a stop to most birding today, with just one Coal Tit seen at Malcolm's Head after yesterday's influx. A female 'Northern'-type Bullfinch was new in at Burkle, two Hawfinch were seen at the Haa and the Bewick's Swan was still at Helli Stack in the morning, then was seen at Utra Scrape with Greylags around midday.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Bewick's Swan: one still present at Helli Stack then moved to Utra Scrape
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still at Dog Geo
Waxwing: one at Shirva
Coal Tit: one at Malcolm's Head
'Northern' Bullfinch: female at Burkle
Hawfinch: two at the Haa

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 25 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 25 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Woodcock, 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Razorbill, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 1 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Snow Bunting

Year list: 204
________________________________________________________________________________________________

20th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with sunny spells and brief showers with a force 7-9 easterly wind
With the storm still blowing a strong easterly wind but slightly reduced in speed from yesterday, birders in the isle spent most of the day braving the weather and finding birds! A 'Black-bellied' Dipper looking very out of place on the cliffs at Easter Lother was the first rarity (and year tick) of the day, quickly followed by a Coal Tit at Linni Geo, which turned out to be part of a flock of six! This mega Fair Isle rarity has only four previous records in the isle, the most recent being from 1997, so it was excellent to see a small group of these energetic birds picking around the cliffs and chattering away to each other. There were then a further eight discovered, consisting of another six scattered around Malcolm's Head and two at North Naaversgill, bringing the total to 14 birds.


Coal Tit at Dog Geo (by Georgia Platt)

Another (quite unexpected) year tick came in the form of a lone Bewick's Swan, resting at the base of Helli Stack, becoming the eighth Fair Isle record for this species and just the fourth record since 1925. A 'Northern' Treecreeper at Tineside added to the day's rarities and was the second of the autumn, with a Yellowhammer at Lower Leogh also new in, plus a smart male Hen Harrier heading north over Meadow Burn, with a ringtail also still present around Hoini. Overall a very productive and enjoyable day of birding despite the challenging conditions, with hopefully more to find when the wind drops away a bit more.


'Northern' Treecreeper on the cliff at Tineside (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'BLACK-BELLIED' DIPPER: one on the cliffs at Easter Lother (new for the year list)
'NORTHERN' TREECREEPER: one at Tineside (second of the autumn, 13th Fair Isle record)
Bewick's Swan: one at Helli Stack (new for the year list, eighth Fair Isle record)
Hen Harrier: two; ringtail over Hoini and a male over Meadow Burn
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Dog Geo
Waxwing: two at Obs
Coal Tit: 14 present; 12 on the south-west cliffs and two at North Naaversgill (new for the year list, fifth Fair Isle record)
Yellowhammer: one at Lower Leogh


'Black-bellied' Dipper at Easter Lother (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 11 Barnacle Goose, 20 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 61 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 25 Common Scoter, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 33 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 30 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Woodcock, 11 Jack Snipe, 15 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 66 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Blackcap, 26 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 5 Snow Bunting, 7 Reed Bunting

Year list: 204
________________________________________________________________________________________________

19th October 2023
Weather: Low cloud with a force 8-11 SE wind
Today saw the start of Storm Babet, the first official storm to hit the UK this winter with strong south-easterly gales and rain. It will come as no surprise that there was no census today, although a bit of birding saw a few Waxwing present, plus an Iceland Gull on Meoness and still lots of thrushes scattered about the isle.


Waxwing at Stackhoull (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Iceland Gull: one at Meoness
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Nedder Taft
Waxwing: five in the south
Hawfinch: one at Springfield

Sightings of note: 22 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 24 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 7 Kittiwake, 30 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

18th October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and heavy showers with a force 6-7 SE wind
At last the wind has turned south-easterly again after weeks of mostly prevailing westerlies, bringing another wave of common autumn migrants into the isle. With the combination of lots of birds in and the autumn session of rounding up hill sheep, the team were in for a long and tiring day out in the wind and rain, with census moved to the afternoon after a morning of running around chasing sheep. A good number of thrushes and Goldcrest were covering the isle again, which is a thrilling autumn spectacle on its own, but with this being Fair Isle, we were all slightly disappointed that nothing a bit rarer could be found amongst them.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present
Waxwing: two; one at Vaila's Trees and one over Double Dyke
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Burkle
Hawfinch: one in the south

Sightings of note: 29 Barnacle Goose, 49 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 121 Turnstone, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 36 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 12 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 82 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 3 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 57 Skylark, 4 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 229 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 120 Blackbird, 121 Fieldfare, 1,577 Redwing, 104 Song Thrush, 17 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 67 Meadow Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 17 Brambling, 140 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 17 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and showers with a force 3-5 westerly wind, decreasing throughout the day and changing to a calm SE breeze by evening
The day was off to a strong start with the ringing of a Hen Harrier that Alex had dazzled the night before, which had then been roosted overnight - the bird was a large juvenile female, who was very well behaved as we took the chance to admire her in the hand. A quiet census followed, with still not many birds around, although three Hawfinch at Shirva were also a good start to the day, with a small handful of new common migrants also noted as the wind dropped.


Hen Harrier in the hand at South Light (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present (now ringed)
Waxwing: one at Vaila's Trees
Hawfinch: three at Shirva

Sightings of note: 111 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 9 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 224 Turnstone, 1 Jack Snipe, 28 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Razorbill, 3 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 80 Skylark, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (blythi), 3 Goldcrest, 76 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 154 Redwing, 48 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 89 Meadow Pipit, 51 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 83 Twite, 2 Linnet, 5 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 11 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Common Seal


A very sleepy Common Seal at North Haven (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

16th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with occasional showers and a force 6-7 SW wind
The team braved a full census today, with a force 6-7 wind feeling like a slight breeze in comparison to the winds we've had recently! The island generally felt quiet, with not many common migrants left, although a couple of Waxwing around the crofts brightened things up a bit, and a confiding Lapland Bunting at the Haven was a nice surprise.


Lapland Bunting at the Haven (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present
Waxwing: two in the south

Sightings of note: 173 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Woodpigeon, 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 267 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 43 Snipe, 79 Redshank, 27 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 79 Skylark, 4 Goldcrest, 49 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 181 Redwing, 47 Song Thrush, 5 Pied Wagtail, 62 Meadow Pipit, 35 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 45 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 9 Snow Bunting


A striking leucistic Meadow Pipit at Linni Geo (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y


The first alive and healthy Grey seal pup of the season at Gorsen's Geo (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

15th October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and scattered showers with a force 6-8 NW wind
As the weather continues with brisk north-westerly winds, there was again no full census today, although the team did get out and about a few times. As for birds, the first Glaucous Gull of the autumn glided past South Light, a Waxwing was at Obs and a good passage of Kittiwake was also noted, with over 100 seen in a couple of hours.


Glaucous Gull past South Light (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Glaucous Gull: 1cy at South Light
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present
Waxwing: one at Obs
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Utra
Hawfinch: one at Springfield

Sightings of note: 206 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 7 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 17 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 1 Knot, 5 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 117 Kittiwake, 6 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 1 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 30 Brambling, 9 Mealy Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting


Redwing at Barkland (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 1 Common Seal (North Haven)

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

14th October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and rain/hail showers with a very strong force 8-11 NW wind
Another day of random birding and no census, with cold gale force winds and heavy showers to contend with making the isle feel distinctly wintry. However, a nice addition to the year list came in the form of a few early Waxwings, adding to the wintry feel as their trilling calls could be heard over the wind. An Arctic-type Redpoll was also seen briefly a couple of times around Stoneybrek/Barkland, but unfortunately not for long enough to pin down and confirm the ID.


Adult Waxwing at Chalet (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present
Waxwing: three; singles at Lower Stoneybrek, Chalet and Buness (first of the year)
Hawfinch: one still at Vaila's Trees

Sightings of note: 95 Greylag Goose, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 320 Turnstone, 6 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 37 Redshank, 14 Kittiwake, 11 Common Gull, 4 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 8 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 201
________________________________________________________________________________________________

13th October 2023
Weather: Sunny spells and heavy showers with a force 6-8 SW wind
Today saw the return of strong winds and rain after a break of just one day, so census was halted again. A few birds were noted whilst out and about birding and in the car however, including the Red-tailed Shrike making a reappearance at Boini Mire (now present for 3 weeks). A number thrushes are still scattered about the island as well, and 15 Whooper Swan at Utra Scrape were a sign of some movement today despite the weather. As an unexpected bonus, the team managed to catch a Red-throated Diver at Easter Lother Water - an adult in winter plumage, and just the second of this species to be ringed in the isle, the first being in 1996.


Red-throated Diver in the hand (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male reappeared at Boini Mire
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present

Sightings of note: 12 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Dunlin, 16 Kittiwake, 5 Common Gull, 2 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 9 Snow Bunting

Year list: 200
________________________________________________________________________________________________

12th October 2023
Weather: Cloudy with some sunny spells and showers in the afternoon with a force 4-7 NW turning SW wind
The team were finally able to get out for a full census this morning, with still some moderate winds but staying mostly dry. A good number of thrushes were still present around the isle, with the Eastern Stonechat also remaining, plus a new Little Bunting at Copper Geo.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'EASTERN' STONECHAT: female still again at School Brae
Velvet Scoter: one still, now at Furse
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present around Hill Dyke
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Shirva/Meadow Burn
Hawfinch: two; male and female at various places in the south
Little Bunting: two; one at the power station and one at Copper Geo

Sightings of note: 13 Barnacle Goose, 220 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 6 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Woodpigeon, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 300 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 12 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Jack Snipe, 28 Snipe, 62 Redshank, 47 Kittiwake, 4 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 3 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 3 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 122 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Goldcrest, 6 Ring Ouzel, 175 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 792 Redwing, 80 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 6 Pied Wagtail, 130 Meadow Pipit, 45 Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 51 Brambling, 98 Twite, 3 Linnet, 5 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 43 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting


Drake Long-tailed Ducks in South Harbour (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 1 Harbour Porpoise (off South Light), 6 White-beaked Dolphin (off Meoness), 1 Common Seal (Furse)

Year list: 200
________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th October 2023
Weather: Heavy showers and sunny spells with a very strong force 8-11 westerly wind
Another day of no census, as gale-force winds and very heavy showers didn't allow for much birding away from South Light or the car! Two year ticks were gained today however, with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose west past South Light and a Velvet Scoter in North Haven, whilst a good number of mixed thrushes and Brambling still remain.


Velvet Scoter at North Haven (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
'Pale-bellied' Brent Goose: one west past South Light (first of the year)
Velvet Scoter: one at North Haven (new for the year list)

Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 12 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 7 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 6 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 32 Kittiwake, 42 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Dunnock, 6 Snow Bunting


Fieldfare at the Haven (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 1 White-beaked Dolphin (off South Light)

Year list: 200
________________________________________________________________________________________________

10th October 2023
Weather: Low cloud and heavy rain for most of the day, with a force 5-7 SW wind
After the last couple of days of nice weather and good birding, today was a bit of a write-off, with heavy rain showers putting a stop to census. As a result not much was seen today, althought the Eastern Stonechat still remains present and mobile around Schoolton/Boini Mire, with plenty of thrushes, Goldcrest and Brambling also seen but not counted.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'EASTERN' STONECHAT: female still at Boini Mire/Schoolton
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present
Siberian Chiffchaff: one at Boini Mire
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Lower Leogh
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at Utra
Hawfinch: two at Vaila's Trees

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 6 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Woodcock, 6 Jack Snipe, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Bonxie, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 8 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 5 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting

Year list: 198
________________________________________________________________________________________________

9th October 2023
Weather: Cloudy with some sun in the morning and heavy drizzle showers, with a calm force 2-3 southerly-based wind
Another fantastic day with calm weather making for very pleasant birding, plus plenty of birds to look at! A smart female Eastern Stonechat (thought to be Stejneger's) was a nice find at Boini Mire in the afternoon, and two Olive-backed Pipit were found together on the road at Utra, with one hanging around in the area all day and granting excellent views as it crept around in the long grass. An array of scarce and common migrants made up the supporting cast, with a few thousand thrushes (including 49 Ring Ouzel), five Hawfinch amongst a host of other finches, a new Red-breasted Flycatcher at North Gunnawark, over 250 Goldcrest and a total of 18 Short-eared Owl. The team took advantage of the calm evening and abundance of owls, and managed to trap six Short-eared Owl at Pund over a couple of hours - always brilliant birds to see in the hand.


Eastern Stonechat at Boini Mire (by Alex Penn)


Short-eared Owls in the hand at Pund (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, mostly around the Raevas and Shirva
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
'EASTERN' STONECHAT: female at Boini Mire, thought to be Stejneger's but DNA likely to be needed to prove the record (new for the year list)
Hen Harrier: ringtail around the isle all day
Great Spotted Woodpecker: three around the isle
Siberian Chiffchaff: three; singles at Upper Leogh, Lower Stoneybrek and Upper Stoneybrek
Yellow-browed Warbler: four around the south
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at North Gunnawark (different to yesterday's bird)
Olive-backed Pipit: two at Utra
Hawfinch: five; two in the north and three mobile in the south
Common Rosefinch: one at Hesti Geo
Little Bunting: one north over Setter


Olive-backed Pipit at Utra (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 5 Barnacle Goose, 155 Greylag Goose, 27 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Whooper Swan, 5 Wigeon, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 7 Curlew, 148 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 11 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 26 Snipe, 52 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 18 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 144 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 22 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 255 Goldcrest, 49 Ring Ouzel, 281 Blackbird, 57 Fieldfare, 2,595 Redwing, 273 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 168 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 59 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 182 Brambling, 97 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 13 Siskin, 8 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting


Goldcrest on thistles at Field (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 25 White-beaked Dolphin (5 off South Harbour and 20 off Sheep Rock), 1 bat sp. (at North Haven)

Year list: 198
________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th October 2023
Weather: Cloudy but bright until low cloud and rain came in mid-afternoon, with a force 4-7 SE wind
An excellent day of autumn birding as we were finally blessed with a south-easterly wind, with mixed thrushes, Goldcrest and Brambling being the main theme of the day in terms of numbers. A couple of new scarcities were in as well, with the first Red-breasted Flycatcher of the autumn (and just the second of the year) at the south-west cliffs, plus another new Little Bunting and the first few Siberian Chiffchaff of the year. Several Great Spotted Woodpecker were mobile around the isle, and a nice total of six Short-eared Owl was also noted.


Red-breasted Flycatcher at South Raeva (by Steve Arlow)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, mostly around the Raevas and Shirva
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Great Spotted Woodpecker: four around the isle
Siberian Chiffchaff: four; one at South Naaversgill, one at Walli Burn and two at Chapel Plantation/Burkle
Yellow-browed Warbler: two in the south
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Steensi Geo, then moved to South Raeva
Little Bunting: two; one around Linni Geo and one at the Parks/Gully


The long-staying Red-tailed Shrike with an unfortunate Goldcrest as prey, at South Raeva (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 77 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 22 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 15 Teal, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 10 Curlew, 48 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Jack Snipe, 28 Snipe, 43 Redshank, 13 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 97 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 92 Goldcrest, 8 Ring Ouzel, 61 Blackbird, 126 Fieldfare, 1,829 Redwing*, 47 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 12 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtail, 147 Meadow Pipit, 62 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 176 Brambling, 78 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 42 Snow Bunting

*Note that the thrush totals are of the morning census counts only, and are probably conservative figures as birds were seemingly arriving and leaving throughout the day


Short-eared Owl in the grass at the Parks (by Sam Langlois)

Other wildlife: 1 Minke Whale (off the NW cliffs), 4 White-beaked Dolphin (off South Light)


Minke Whale off Meoness (with its white pectoral 'Minke mittens' showing!) (by Sally Kunzig)

Year list: 197
________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th October 2023
Weather: Overcast but bright with a force 4-5 NE wind
The morning was off to a good start with a year tick in the form of a Goosander flying south over Burkle, followed by a Great Spotted Woodpecker in Busta Geo, which was then mobile around the isle for the rest of the day. Sadly that seemed to be it for new birds in the isle, aside from a handful of common autumn migrants, but at least the wind is now easterly-based rather than westerly for a couple of days, so we still have hope! Cetaceans are still putting on a spectacle around the east coast, with a few Minke Whale very close in to Meoness, plus around 50 White-beaked Dolphin following a fishing vessel and being very active.


Jack Snipe in flight at Obs scrape (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, mobile around the south
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Goosander: one flew over Burkle (new for the year list)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one mobile around the south
Little Bunting: one still Walli Burn

Sightings of note: 9 Barnacle Goose, 46 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 9 Teal, 82 Eider (32m, 50f), 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 17 Curlew, 1 Knot, 8 Dunlin, 10 Jack Snipe, 14 Snipe, 54 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 4 Common Gull, 5 Bonxie, 4 Razorbill, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 182 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 372 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtail, 225 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 68 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 61 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 47 Snow Bunting


Short-eared Owl at Ward Hill (by Sam Langlois)

Other wildlife: 1 Orca (seen once distantly off Meoness), 8 Minke Whale, c.50 White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 197
________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th October 2023
Weather: Overcast with spells of low cloud, rain and sun, with a strong force 7-9 south-west turning northerly wind
No census this morning due to strong winds and heavy showers, but the team and visiting birders were still able to get out for a bit and have a look around.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, back at Shirva
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Yellow-browed Warbler: one trapped at Plantation
Little Bunting: one at the Haa

Sightings of note: 61 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 215 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 12 Dunlin, 38 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Bonxie, 1 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing (minimum count), 1 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Snow Bunting

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

5th October 2023
Weather: A bright, calm morning with a force 3-4 westerly breeze, clouding over by midday with some rain later in the afternoon/evening, and a force 5-7 southerly-based wind
A drop in the wind overnight and this morning lead to the first proper arrival of Redwing of the autumn (finally!), with just over 400 noted around the isle. A count of 11 Yellow-browed Warbler was the highest of the year so far, and a new Little Bunting was seen at Shirva, but sadly still no new rarities were to be found. The calm weather this morning allowed the large group of cetaceans to be seen again, seemingly quite well spread along the east coast of the island, but still most concentrated around Sheep Rock, with no sign of the Humpback Whale.


Redwing at the Haa (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, back around Stackhoull
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Hen Harrier: ringtail still present, seen at Linni Geo heading towards South Light then out to sea
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 present around the isle
Common Rosefinch: two; singles still at Stackhoull and Burkle
Little Bunting: two; one still at waterworks and one at Shirva

Sightings of note: 12 Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 3 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 13 Curlew, 147 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 9 Jack Snipe, 34 Snipe, 59 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 30 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 314 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 403 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail, alba Wagtail sp., 291 Meadow Pipit, 69 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 82 Twite, 7 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Crossbill, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting


Jack Snipe at Obs scrape (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 23 Minke Whale, 26 White-beaked Dolphin


Breaching White-beaked Dolphin off Da Burrian (by Georgia Platt)

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

4th October 2023
Weather: Heavy rain first thing clearing by mid-morning, with the odd shower in the remainder of the day and a mostly calm westerly-based force 2-5 breeze, picking up to force 6-7 by evening
Still not much change in the way of migrants in the isle, with the male Red-tailed Shrike still present around the crofts and a Lanceolated Warbler still at Setter, plus a handful of Yellow-browed Warbler, a couple of Rosefinch and a Little Bunting remaining as well. A Hen Harrier around the Parks and two Goldfinch at Field were the first of the autumn, and the large group of feeding cetaceans were seen again - this time off Sheep Rock and Buness - with final estimations consisting of c.20 Minke Whale, c.15 White-beaked Dolphin and one Humpback Whale still.


Goldfinches at Field (by Steve Arlow)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, still around Shirva/Schoolton/Burkle
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Hen Harrier: ringtail around the Parks
Yellow-browed Warbler: three; singles at Brecks, Setter and Obs
Common Rosefinch: two; singles at Stackhoull and Brecks
Little Bunting: one still at waterworks

Sightings of note: 45 Barnacle Goose, 34 Greylag Goose, 25 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 4 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 17 Curlew, 179 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 5 Jack Snipe, 80 Snipe, 87 Redshank, 23 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 9 Wheatear, 5 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 4 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 2 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 19 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting


Spotted Flycatcher at Kirki Geo (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 5 Silver Y, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee, c.20 Minke Whale, 1 Humpback Whale, c.15 White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd October 2023
Weather: Sunshine and showers with a force 6-8 westerly wind

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, now back around Shirva/Midway
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Setter
Yellow-browed Warbler: four; two still at obs and singles still at Kenaby and Field
Common Rosefinch: two at Burkle
Little Bunting: one (yesterday's ringed bird) at waterworks

Sightings of note: 36 Barnacle Goose, 16 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 8 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Golden Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 153 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 21 Jack Snipe, 44 Snipe, 58 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 1 Bonxie, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 306 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 18 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 19 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 170 Meadow Pipit, 77 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 42 Twite, 5 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 8 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 6 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

2nd October 2023
Weather: Sun in the morning and clouding over with heavy showers in the afternoon, with a force 6-7 SW wind
Another fairly quiet day of strong westerly-based winds, with a handful of long-staying scarcities and rarities still lingering.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present around Vaila's Trees then Burkle
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: ringed bird still at Setter
Yellow-browed Warbler: five; singles at Setter, Field and the school and two still at Obs
Richard's Pipit: one heard again on Meoness
Common Rosefinch: two at Schoolhouse
Little Bunting: one trapped in Vaadal


Little Bunting in the hand at Vaadal (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 35 Barnacle Goose, 1 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 242 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 22 Snipe, 50 Redshank, 8 Common Gull, 2 Bonxie, 6 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 237 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 16 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 22 Wheatear, 4 Grey Wagtail, 16 Pied Wagtail, 170 Meadow Pipit, 84 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 154 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 8 Siskin, 71 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

1st October 2023
Weather: Heavy rain showers, low cloud and a force 6-7 SE wind in the morning followed by a clear and bright afternoon, with a force 4-5 westerly wind
A dreich morning put a stop to census, so the team kept themselves busy with various bits of computer-based admin work until the weather cleared early afternoon. Although a very pleasant afternoon, there weren't many new birds to be seen other than a handful of common migrants plus a few Yellow-browed Warbler around the isle.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, still around Vaila's Trees/Stoneybrek
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: two; ringed bird still present at Setter and a brief view of the one at Quoy
Yellow-browed Warbler: four; two trapped at Obs, one at Kroga Geo and one still Busta
Common Rosefinch: one at Burkle
Little Bunting: one still around Vaadal, flew towards Setter

Sightings of note: 36 Barnacle Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 29 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 4 Woodpigeon, 2 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 79 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 2 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 7 Jack Snipe, 48 Snipe, 56 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 3 Bonxie, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 9 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 81 Snow Bunting


Jack Snipe in Steensi Geo (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 1 White-beaked Dolphin, 9 Minke Whale

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

30th September 2023
Weather: Cloudy with some sunny spells and light showers, with a force 6-8 WNW wind in the morning decreasing to a very light force 2 breeze by the afternoon
Much of the same to report from recent days for this morning, although the late afternoon was far more exciting, with Deryk finding a Richard's Pipit on Meoness (the first twitchable record since 2019) followed by Sally spotting a cetacean feeding frenzy also off Meoness. This amazing spectacle, which could have been straight out of an Attenborough documentary, was enjoyed by many visitors and islanders, and final estimates consisted of c.30 Minke Whale, c.40 White-beaked Dolphin and one Humpback Whale in the middle of it all. An unfortgettable event to witness, and the flat sea made the few hours of calm weather in the afternoon even more appreciated!


Richard's Pipit on Meoness (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, now at Stackhoull
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still in Setter garden
Tundra Bean Goose: one still present, now around Stackhoull
American Golden Plover: one still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Kenaby
Richard's Pipit: one on Meoness (new for the year list, first since 2021)
Common Rosefinch: three still present around the isle
Little Bunting: two; one still at Barkland and one at the waterworks

Sightings of note: 11 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 13 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Whooper Swan, 9 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 148 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 1 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 31 Snipe, 76 Redshank, 17 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 14 Bonxie, 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 6 Razorbill, 2 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 339 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 27 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 212 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 70 Rock Pipit, 130 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 42 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 3 Silver Y, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee, c.30 Minke Whale, 1 Humpback Whale, c.40 White-beaked Dolphin


Humpback Whale with White-beaked Dolphins off Meoness (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 196
________________________________________________________________________________________________

29th September 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with some heavy showers and a force 6-8 SW wind, turning to force 7-8 westerly by early afternoon
Another day of strong winds and not many new birds in, although the two Lanceolated Warblers of the autumn so far were both relocated by visiting birder Brendan - one at Setter, last seen when it was first found on 24th, and one at Quoy, last seen on 26th but present since 18th. Two Little Bunting were new in around Vaadal, with a further one still hanging around Barkland, and a large flock of over 100 Barnacle Geese were a nice sight as they grazed at South Green for most of the day.


This Moorhen was also new in, trapped in Vaadal and fitted with a colour ring as part of the National Moorhen Project (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, now at Shirva
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: two present; a ringed bird reappeared in Setter garden, presumably the same bird that was present and trapped near Setter on 24th, plus the ringed bird at Quoy also reappeared, which has been present since 18th
Tundra Bean Goose: one still present, now around Shirva
American Golden Plover: one still on Hoini
Yellow-browed Warbler: three; singles at Setter, Busta and Klingers Geo
Barred Warbler: one at Vaila's Trees
Common Rosefinch: at least four still around the isle
Little Bunting: three; two at Vaadal and one still at Barkland


American Golden Plover still at Hoini (by Sam Langlois)

Sightings of note: 156 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 12 Teal, 2 Swift, 1 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, 52 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 18 Snipe, 54 Redshank, 58 Common Gull, 9 Bonxie, 2 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 265 Skylark, 11 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 16 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Pied Wagtail, 201 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 67 Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 140 Twite, 15 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin, 74 Snow Bunting


Barnacle Geese at South Green (by Sam Langlois)

Year list: 195
________________________________________________________________________________________________

28th September 2023
Weather: Overcast but bright with occasional showers and a force 6-8 SW wind
An impressive 'Highlights' list today, with lingering rarities and scarcities joined by a few new additions. The isle's 11th Radde's Warbler was discovered by Sam in Gilsetter, which then gradually worked its way along the base of the stone walls (much like a Lanceolated Warbler!) and settled at Setter, giving excellent views whilst doing so. A Corncrake hiding in a crevice in Linni Geo was picked up by Alex with his thermal imager, the second record of the autumn for this elusive speices, whilst a Bluethroat was at Chalet and an Osprey was seen over South Harbour. A few new Common Rosefinch and Yellow-browed Warbler were also present around the isle, and the American Golden Plover remains around Hoini but is still mobile.


Radde's Warbler at Gilsetter (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, retrapped at Burkle in the morning
Tundra Bean Goose: one still present, now around Chalet
Corncrake: one in Linni Geo
American Golden Plover: one still around Hoini
Osprey: one over South Harbour
Yellow-browed Warbler: six; three at Plantation and singles at Setter, Jivvi Geo and Busta
Radde's Warbler: one in Gilsetter, which eventually worked its way to Setter (new for the year list, 11th Fair Isle record)
Barred Warbler: one still Upper Stoneybrek
Bluethroat: one at Chalet
Common Rosefinch: at least four around the isle
Little Bunting: one still around Chalet/Barkland


Corncrake in Linni Geo (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 153 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 195 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 3 Jack Snipe, 29 Snipe, 45 Redshank, 13 Common Gull, 12 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 360 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 21 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Robin, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail, 195 Meadow Pipit, 5 Tree Pipit, 71 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 40 Twite, 11 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 8 Siskin, 55 Snow Bunting

Year list: 195
________________________________________________________________________________________________

27th September 2023
Weather: Blue sky and sun in the morning and overcast in the afternoon, with a force 4-5 SW wind turning SE later in the day
Today's weather saw a brief lull in the wind, as the team enjoyed the novelty of being out and about and actually being able to hear birds! A nice handful of scarcities and rarities are still present and unchanged, although an American Golden Plover was a welcome surprise, with it being the first North American vagrant of the year in the isle. Some new common migrants were around the crofts and on the cliffs as well, and hopefully tonight's strong south-easterlies and rain should bring a few more birds in.


American Golden Plover on Hoini (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, still around Burkle/Chapel Plantation/the Haa
Tundra Bean Goose: one still present, now below Shirva
American Golden Plover: one on Hoini then mobile (new for the year list, 13th Fair Isle record)
Yellow-browed Warbler: one still at Busta
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Common Rosefinch: two; singles at Chalet and Busta Geo
Little Bunting: one still around Barkland/Chalet

Sightings of note: 54 Barnacle Goose, 4 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 192 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 1 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 35 Snipe, 66 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 16 Common Gull, 3 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 383 Skylark, 16 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 26 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 17 Pied Wagtail, 259 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 104 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 84 Twite, 5 Linnet, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 27 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 67 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 4 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee


Buff-tailed Bumblebee at Hesswalls (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 194
________________________________________________________________________________________________

26th September 2023
Weather: A bright morning clouding over in the afternoon, with a force 6-7 SSE wind
More strong winds made for challenging conditions, although rarities and scarcities of recent days still remain present, plus a couple of new Yellow-browed Warbler in the crofts.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, still around Burkle
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Quoy
Tundra Bean Goose: one still present, now around Barkland/Chalet
Yellow-browed Warbler: two; singles at Utra and Busta
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: two; singles still at Chalet and Upper Stoneybrek
Little Bunting: one at Barkland

Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 218 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 21 Snipe, 64 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 397 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 20 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 198 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 96 Rock Pipit, 188 Twite, 1 Linnet, 29 Snow Bunting

Year list: 193
________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th September 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 6-8 SW wind
The day was off to a fantastic start, with Alex scoring a first for Fair Isle from the door at South Light as a Cattle Egret flew past! Unfortunately the bird didn't stop over in the isle for better views, but an excellent record nonetheless. On the same theme as surprising year ticks, a 'Northern' Treecreeper was in Swarzie Geo in the afternoon, picking through the lichen on the cliffs and looking very out of place, becoming the 12th Fair Isle record of this species. In addition to the local rarities, some national rarities still remain, with the Red-tailed Shrike still around the crofts and the Lanceolated Warbler from a few days ago (different to yesterday's bird) reappearing at Quoy in the late afternoon. An unusually early Tundra Bean Goose was also present, seen with a small group of Pink-footed Geese opposite Stackhoull, and is the earliest autumn occurence of any Bean Goose sp. since an individual on 20th September 2006 that wasn't assigned to race.


Cattle Egret flying east past South Light (by Alex Penn)


'Northern' Treecreeper in Swarzie Geo (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still present, now around Burkle/Lower Leogh
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one reappeared at Quoy (last seen on 22nd Sept)
Tundra Bean Goose: one with Pink-footed Geese opposite Stackhoull
Cattle Egret: one east past South Light (first record for Fair Isle and fourth for Shetland)
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: two; singles still at Chalet and Stackhoull
'Northern' Treecreeper: one at Swarzie Geo (12th Fair Isle record)


Tundra Bean Goose opposite Stackhoull (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 182 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 32 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 44 Common Gull, 13 Bonxie, 3 Guillemot, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 370 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Pied Wagtail, 209 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 78 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 61 Twite, 1 'North-western' Redpoll, 7 Snow Bunting

Year list: 193
________________________________________________________________________________________________

24th September 2023
Weather: Low cloud and rain until mid-morning then mostly overcast, with a force 5-7 southerly wind
Dreich conditions in the early morning delayed census for a while, although the weather cleared mid-morning and stayed clear for the rest of the day, allowing for a full census eventually. The Red-tailed Shrike from recent days was seen around Shirva in the morning, with a few common migrants also around, but the main bird in the spotlight today was a new Lanceolated Warbler at the ringing hut marsh. The bird was flighty initially, but then showed very well as it worked along the dyke above the marsh and occasionally ventured into the long grass, giving a classic Fair Isle birding experience as observers enjoyed the bird's iconic mouse-like behaviour.


Lanceolated Warbler in the ringing hut marsh (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male still around Shirva
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one at the Cru/ringing hut marsh and later trapped (second of the autumn, 101st Fair Isle record)
Yellow-browed Warbler: one still at Obs
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: two; singles at Chalet and Lower Stoneybrek
Common Rosefinch: one at Vaila's Trees
Little Bunting: two; one at Quoy and one at the base of Malcolm's Head

Sightings of note: 3 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 7 Curlew, 211 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 33 Snipe, 81 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 9 Bonxie, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 512 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 8 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 9 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 25 Wheatear, 4 Dunnock, 20 Pied Wagtail, 276 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 94 Rock Pipit, 25 Twite, 1 Linnet, 33 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral

Year list: 191
________________________________________________________________________________________________

23rd September 2023
Weather: Mostly cloudy with some sunny spells and a force 6-7 NW wind, decreasing to a force 3-5 westerly by the evening
A fairly quiet census with fewer common migrants around this morning, although there was excitement to be had when yesterday evening's possible Red-tailed Shrike was relocated in the early afternoon, allowing observers to confirm the identification as fortunately it was a stunning adult male. The bird showed very well around Midway and Shirva as it navigated around the fence posts and thistle patches, giving all of its onlookers excellent views, and was later trapped with feathers collected for DNA analysis.


Male Red-tailed Shrike at Midway (by Alex Penn)


The Shrike with its 'crowd' of observers (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-TAILED (TURKESTAN) SHRIKE: adult male around Midway, Schoolton and Shirva, trapped and DNA collected (first for Fair Isle and Shetland if accepted, pending potential review of previous Isabelline Shrike sp. records)
Yellow-browed Warbler: two; one at Klingers Geo and one trapped at Obs
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: one at Stackhoull


Male Red-tailed Shrike in the hand at Midway (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 10 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 57 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 1 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 30 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 2 Common Gull, 20 Bonxie, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 236 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 16 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 427 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 71 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 161 Twite, 1 Linnet, 59 Snow Bunting

Year list: 191
________________________________________________________________________________________________

22nd September 2023
Weather: Sunshine and showers with a force 4-5 westerly wind in the morning, changing to force 6-7 NW by midday
A handful of new birds in today despite the strong westerly winds, although none from North America as yet. The third Rustic Bunting of the year was a welcome sight as it fed briefly along the fence line at the Airstrip, whilst Little Buntings were seen at Charlie's Trees/Field and Wirvie Burn, with the latter bird confirmed to be a different individual from the two at North Haven a couple of days ago. A Barred Warbler just north of the Haa was also new, plus a large flock of c.80 Barnacle Geese and a lone Whooper Swan south over the isle first thing this morning.


Rustic Bunting at the Airstrip (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Quoy
RUSTIC BUNTING: one at the Airstrip
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Obs
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: one just north of the Haa
Little Bunting: two; one at Charlie's Trees and one at Wirvie Burn


Little Bunting at Wirvie Burn (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: c.80 Barnacle Goose, 7 Greylag Goose, 56 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 14 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 211 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 6 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 8 Jack Snipe, 46 Snipe, 54 Redshank, 8 Kittiwake, 8 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Bonxie, 1 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 221 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 18 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 21 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 366 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 118 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 76 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 13 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 190
________________________________________________________________________________________________

21st September 2023
Weather: A dry morning with showers later in the day, with a strong force 6-8 southerly wind
Very strong southerly winds made for challenging conditions when the team were out in the morning, with birds in the vegetation in the crofts especially hard to see. The Lanceolated Warbler was back in the same place at Quoy, with the Blyth's Reed also still present, while one Little Bunting was still at North Haven and a Rosefinch new at the Haa.

HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Quoy
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Common Rosefinch: one at the Haa
Little Bunting: one still at North Haven

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 12 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 172 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 7 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 28 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Brambling, 37 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral

Year list: 190
________________________________________________________________________________________________

20th September 2023
Weather: Low cloud for most of the day with some rain around midday/early afternoon but clearing towards the late afternoon, with a force 6-7 easterly wind in the morning changing to a southerly mid-afternoon
A very mixed day of wind and weather meant no census this morning, although it was dry enough to bird around the isle for most of the day. The first Little Bunting of the autumn was a new arrival at North Haven this morning, which was joined by another in the afternoon, and a few common migants still remain at the Obs and around the crofts.


Little Buntings at North Haven (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Tern: adult and juv at North Haven
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Vaila's Trees
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Little Bunting: two at North Haven

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 13 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 127 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 58 Redshank, 5 Common Gull, 4 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 23 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Song Thrush, 7 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 2 Dunnock, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 5 Red Admiral

Year list: 190
________________________________________________________________________________________________

19th September 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 5-6 SW wind
An early start for the team, as we headed out for another morning round of Obs nets and traps - a nice number of common migrants were trapped and ringed (mainly Garden Warbler and Blackcap), as well as the Arctic Warbler that is still at the Obs garden. Otherwise it seemed like a general clearout of scarcities compared to yesterday, apart from the Lanceolated Warbler remaining in the same place at Quoy, the Blyth's Reed Warbler also still at Quoy and just one Yellow-browed Warbler in the south.


Arctic Warbler in the hand at Obs (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one still at Quoy
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Nedder Taft
Arctic Warbler: one still at Obs (trapped)
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 8 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 5 Oystercatcher, 5 Golden Plover, 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 155 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 26 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 53 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 93 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 25 Bonxie, 2 Razorbill, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 229 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 23 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 37 Blackcap, 18 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 16 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 18 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 25 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 30 Pied Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 389 Meadow Pipit, 11 Tree Pipit, 143 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, 76 Twite, 2 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 61 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 190
________________________________________________________________________________________________

18th September 2023
Weather: Overcast but bright in the morning, with low cloud and heavy rain coming in early afternoon and staying for the remainder of the day, with a force 4-5 SE wind
Another excellent day for rarities, scarcities and common migrants despite being forced to hide inside for the afternoon due to unrelenting heavy rain. An early trap/Obs nets round first thing this morning saw a handful of migrants caught, but subsequent trap rounds revealed birds arriving throughout the day, with Gully being particularly good for common migrants. There was a brief interruption to census later in the morning, as Alex unearthed a probable Lanceloated Warbler at Quoy, so the team gathered to trap the bird and confirm the ID. After a textbook capture of the bird, we could see that it was indeed a 'Lancey', and also Fair Isle's 100th record of this iconic Siberian skulker. Unfortunately the bird was in heavy body moult so wasn't looking its best, but still brilliant to see this milestone record!


Lanceolated Warbler in the hand at Quoy (by Georgia Platt)

The team then managed to cover a good amount of their census routes before the rain, and with the help of a few islanders and visitors, plenty of scarcities and common migrants were recorded around the isle.

HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one trapped at Quoy (new for the year list, 100th Fair Isle record)
Common Tern: adult still at North Haven
Great Spotted Woodpecker: two; one at Tineside and one at Burkle
Wood Warbler: one at Schoolton
Yellow-browed Warbler: ten around the isle
Arctic Warbler: two; one still at Klingers Geo and one still at Obs
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds/Schoolton
Barred Warbler: two; one at Shirva and one at Setter
Bluethroat: male at the North Haven fish store
Common Rosefinch: four at Chalet

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 11 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 180 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 65 Snipe, 92 Redshank, 28 Common Gull, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 9 Swallow, 21 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 31 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 22 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 11 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Redstart, 19 Wheatear, 4 Dunnock, 28 Pied Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Linnet, 1 Crossbill


Short-eared Owl at Leogh (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 11 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 190
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th September 2023
Weather: Cloudy with a force 2-3 SE breeze in the morning turning to force 5-6 by afternoon
A full day of south-easterlies brought a good number of new migrants featuring some very nice scarcities, including the first Red-flanked Bluetail of the autumn - a shy bird in Troila Geo that was always distant and disappeared occasionally, but always a nice species to see, which has been an annual occurence in Fair Isle since 2014.


Red-flanked Bluetail in Troila Geo (by Alex Penn)

Other new arrivals included an Arctic Warbler at the Obs in the afternoon, with the bird from the previous two days still present in Klingers Geo, and a Bluethroat seen briefly skulking around in Meadow Burn. Around the isle there were nine Yellow-browed Warbler and five Barred Warbler, plus yesterday's Blyth's Reed Warbler still in the Quoy reeds, whilst the White-tailed Eagle was still present and giving excellent views in the south-west for a couple of hours in the morning.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Tern: adult still at North Haven
White-tailed Eagle: immature still present from mid-morning to midday
Yellow-browed Warbler: nine around the isle
Arctic Warbler: two; one still at Klingers Geo and a new bird at Obs
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at Quoy reeds
Barred Warbler: five; singles at Dronger, Midway, Vaila's Trees, Upper Stoneybrek and Chalet
Bluethroat: one at Meadow Burn
Red-flanked Bluetail: one at Troila Geo (first of the year, 27th Fair Isle record)
Common Rosefinch: one at Shirva


Arctic Warbler at Obs (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 17 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 15 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 67 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 4 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 24 Snipe, 44 Redshank, 42 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 36 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, 181 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 19 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 19 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 25 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 401 Meadow Pipit, 149 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 130 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee, 1 Green Lacewing

Year list: 189
________________________________________________________________________________________________

16th September 2023
Weather: Bright and sunny with a force 4-5 northerly wind
A decent day despite the northerly wind, with the Arctic and two Yellow-browed Warblers still present, plus a Blyth's Reed Warbler at Quoy, three Common Rosefinch around the south and an immature White-tailed Eagle making a brief appearance over the isle in the afternoon.


Blyth's Reed Warbler at Quoy reeds (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Tern: two; adult at North Haven and one off South Light
White-tailed Eagle: immature flying south from Buness to Vaasetter, then disappeared towards the west cliffs
Yellow-browed Warbler: two; one at Setter (later trapped at Chalet) and one still at Klingers Geo
Arctic Warbler: one still at Klingers Geo
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one at Quoy reeds
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet
Common Rosefinch: three present around the south (one trapped at Chalet)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 7 Teal, 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 76 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 26 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 49 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 28 Bonxie, 3 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 170 Skylark, 18 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 21 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 499 Meadow Pipit, 163 Rock Pipit, 137 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting


Snow Bunting on Dronger (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee, 6 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 188
________________________________________________________________________________________________

15th September 2023
Weather: Overcast but bright with a force 4-6 westerly wind
A cold and windy census this morning didn't produce many migrants, although two Yellow-browed Warbler and an Arctic Warbler were found in the late afternoon, the latter a year tick after none occuring in the usually-reliable last week of August.


Arctic Warbler at Klingers Geo (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Tern: two past Meoness
Yellow-browed Warbler: two; one at Charlie's Trees and one at Klingers Geo
Arctic Warbler: one at Klingers Geo (new for the year list)
Common Rosefinch: two present between Chalet and Setter


Yellow-browed Warbler at Klingers Geo (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 121 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 27 Snipe, 69 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 46 Common Gull, 43 Bonxie, 2 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, 1 Puffin, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Carrion Crow, 133 Skylark, 17 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 26 Wheatear, 22 Pied Wagtail, 450 Meadow Pipit, 106 Rock Pipit, 53 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee, 3 Harbour Porpoise (off Meoness)

Year list: 188
________________________________________________________________________________________________

14th September 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a few showers in the afternoon and a strong force 6-9 wind, swinging from SE to SW
Today's weather was far better than the forecast had predicted, with strong winds but lots of sunshine making conditions not too bad to be out in. The morning started in one of the best ways, with Orca seen from the door of our flat at South Light - they appeared to be actively hunting fish and being followed by a hundred-or-so Gannets, which were very helpful for keeping track of the Orca in the choppy sea, and we enjoyed watching as they milled about for about an hour and a half. Looking at photos, we were able to identify the individuals as female #049 and bulls #046 and #218 from the Scottish Orca Catalogue, a small group of transient animals that have been seen from Fair Isle before, in September 2019 and 2020, so it's interesting that they have turned up here in September again. We are clearly a stable part of their annual route!


Orca off South Light - above left; female #049 (by Alex Penn), below left; bull #218 (by Sam Langlois), right; both bulls with Gannets overhead (by Georgia Platt)

As for birds, seawatching was productive, the most notable movement being 59 Common Tern seen throughout the day, which is potentially the highest day-count since a good number of pairs bred here in the late 80s. A handful of Sooty Shearwater, four Red-throated Diver, one Great Northern Diver and some common seabirds kept things interesting, and three Rosefinch at Burkle were the only new passerines of note.


Common Tern in North Haven (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Tern: 59 throughout the day (56 past South Light, one heading south down the isle, one in North Haven and one past Buness)
Common Rosefinch: three at Burkle

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 35 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 9 Teal, 29 Oystercatcher, 10 Golden Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 65 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 6 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 16 Purple Sandpiper, 43 Redshank, 12 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 80 Common Gull, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 17 Razorbill, 1 Puffin, 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Sooty Shearwater, 5 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Linnet, 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 3 Orca - off South Light from 0915 to 1030 (#s 046, 049 & 218)

Year list: 187
________________________________________________________________________________________________

13th September 2023
Weather: Bright and sunny with a calm force 2-3 easterly-based breeze
A settled and sunny day made for a quiet but pleasant census, and a good introduction to the two southern census routes for Sam, with a couple of Barred Warbler and a Rosefinch still around the south of the isle. It was a good day for cetacean sightings with a nice flat sea, with at least seven Harbour Porpoise seen off Meoness in the early afternoon, followed by a group of at least seven Risso's Dolphin milling around the south-west cliffs later in the day.


Rosefinch at Boini Mire (by Sam Langlois)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: two; one still at Chalet and one still at Vaila's Trees
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Boini Mire

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 6 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 9 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 70 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 28 Snipe, 57 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 36 Bonxie, 1 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Cormorant, 13 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 165 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 17 Wheatear, 23 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 521 Meadow Pipit, 134 Rock Pipit, 197 Twite, 2 Redpoll Sp., 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee, 7+ Harbour Porpoise (off Meoness), 7+ Risso's Dolphin (off Raeva then Malcolm's Head)

Year list: 187
________________________________________________________________________________________________

12th September 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with occasional showers and a force 5-6 NW wind
This morning we said farewell to long-term volunteer Matt, who left on a very bumpy Good Shepherd, and welcomed our new volunteer Sam, who will be helping us out with census from now until the end of the season.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: one at Chalet

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 39 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Guillemot, 14 Razorbill, 2 Puffin, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 6 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Whinchat, 1 Linnet

Other wildlife: 1 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 187
________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th September 2023
Weather: Mostly cloudy with sunny spells and some rain in the afternoon, with a force 4-5 westerly wind
A very slow day for birds, with nothing new in of note other than a very swish cruiseship, the Scenic Eclipse II.


The Scenic Eclipse II anchored in Furse (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Lower Stoneybrek fist thing, then sadly found dead on the road by Chalet later on
Barred Warbler: one still at Vaila's Trees
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Burkle

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Golden Plover, 35 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, 66 Turnstone, 13 Knot, 1 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 16 Snipe, 57 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 9 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 85 Skylark, 21 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Whinchat, 88 Wheatear, 40 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 522 Meadow Pipit, 101 Rock Pipit, 75 Twite

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 187
________________________________________________________________________________________________

10th September 2023
Weather: A cloudy but bright morning followed by showers turning into heavy rain in the afternoon, with a force 2-3 southerly breeze
The quiet spell continues as the winds stay light and southerly based, with a handful of new birds around, including a new Barred Warbler in Gully, a flock of 18 Siskin in the north and a Corncrake seen dropping into Da Water, before being flushed towards Klinger's Geo - a very brief sighting but brilliant nonetheless, and a good one for the year list. Another Merlin was trapped in Gully in the early afternoon, this time a male, which was tiny compared to the females we have previously caught - always a treat to see in the hand!


Juv male Merlin in the hand at Gully (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Corncrake: one at Da Water (new for the year list)
Yellow-browed Warbler: ringed bird still at Burkle
Barred Warbler: two; one still at Vaila's Trees and one trapped in Gully
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Shirva


Corncrake in flight at Da Water - these photos won't win any prizes, but they're enough to tell what it is! (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 166 Eider (75m, 91f), 104 Rock Dove, 9 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 19 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 107 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 5 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 19 Snipe, 58 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Guillemot, 12 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, 67 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 67 Wheatear, 252 House Sparrow (82m, 170f), 36 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 385 Meadow Pipit, 126 Rock Pipit, 125 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 18 Siskin


One of four Sooty Shearwater off the North Light foghorn (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 33 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 4 White-tailed Bumblebee, 3 Harbour Porpoise (off Buness)

Year list: 187
________________________________________________________________________________________________

9th September 2023
Weather: Sun first thing but clouding over by mid-morning, with a force 3-4 SW wind
A fairly quiet day for migrants, although a Melodious Warbler at North Raeva was a nice addition to the year list, and just the 27th Fair Isle record.


Melodious Warbler at North Raeva (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Shirva
Yellow-browed Warbler: ringed bird still at Burkle
Melodious Warbler: one at North Raeva (27th Fair Isle record)
Barred Warbler: one still at Vaila's Trees
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Burkle

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 44 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 4 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 21 Snipe, 30 Redshank, 6 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 41 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 40 Wheatear, 34 Pied Wagtail, 7 White Wagtail, 417 Meadow Pipit, 138 Rock Pipit, 108 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 11 Red Admiral, 6 Shetland Bee, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee, 2 Minke Whale (one moving east off Buness and one long-dead floating in Ditfield)

Year list: 186
________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th September 2023
Weather: A clear, sunny day with a calm force 2-3 SW turning SE breeze
A record-breaking day for September temperature in the isle, which the team certainly felt whilst going around census this morning! A few scarcities are still about, with the Yellow-browed Warbler trapped and ringed at Burkle earlier today, and a pod of 7+ White-beaked Dolphin close-in off North Light were a nice sight for Matt on North census.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Burkle
Yellow-browed Warbler: one trapped at Burkle
Icterine Warbler: one still at Vaila's Trees
Barred Warbler: two; one still at Vaila's Trees and one at Burkle
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Gully

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 4 Swift, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 58 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 17 Snipe, 35 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 4 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 3 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 6 Carrion Crow, 92 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 17 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 36 Wheatear, 49 Pied Wagtail, 16 White Wagtail, 480 Meadow Pipit, 145 Rock Pipit, 98 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 19 Red Admiral, 6 Silver Y, 8 Shetland Bee, 11 White-tailed Bumblebee, 7+ White-beaked Dolphin (off North Light), 16 European Eel (Muckle Uri Geo)

Year list: 185
________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th September 2023
Weather: Very thick fog until mid-morning, followed by blue skies and sun and fog reappearing in the evening, with a force 3-4 southerly breeze
Thick fog was not what the team wanted to see first thing this morning, although fortunately it burned off fairly quickly to reveal a glorious, warm sunny day accompanied by a light southerly breeze, with the fog rolling in again in the evening. The morning didn't have much to report other than a Wryneck at Lower Leogh and an early Brambling on Dronger, however the late afternoon saw a few new scarcities around the crofts, including the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the year.


Brambling at Dronger (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Setter
Wryneck: one at Lower Leogh
Wood Warbler: one at Chalet
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Vaila's Trees (first of the year)
Icterine Warbler: one at Vaila's Trees
Barred Warbler: one still at Vaila's Trees
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Setter

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 3 Swift, 8 Oystercatcher, 25 Golden Plover, 30 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 52 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 15 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 21 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 27 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 14 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Brambling, 5 Siskin


Swift at Easter Lother (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 21 Red Admiral, 3 Silver Y, 9 Shetland Bee, 6 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 185
________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th September 2023
Weather: Fog coming and going frequently for most of the day, at times very thick with heavy drizzle, and a force 5-6 SE wind
A classic (and frustrating) combination of south-easterlies and fog was the theme of today, with persistent drizzle at times making conditions pretty miserable. A handful of migrants were in despite the weather, with a new Great Spotted Woodpecker around Finnequoy, a new Barred Warbler in Gully and a few new common migrants around the south.


Whinchat in the hand at the ringing hut (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: two; one still at Shirva and a new bird at Finnequoy
Barred Warbler: two; one still at Vaila's Trees and one at Gully
Common Rosefinch: one still, now at Aesterhoull

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 10 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 10 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 10 Oystercatcher, 43 Golden Plover, 33 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 65 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 38 Snipe, 60 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 15 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 48 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 15 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 52 Wheatear, 51 Pied Wagtail, 10 White Wagtail, 571 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 125 Rock Pipit, 165 Twite, 3 Linnet

Other wildlife: 8 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 184
________________________________________________________________________________________________

5th September 2023
Weather: Light fog in the early morning burning off into bright sunshine by mid-morning, with a calm force 2-3 northerly breeze
An early-morning report of a possible 1cy Pallid Harrier flying high south over the isle was an exciting start to the day, although unfortunately the bird wasn't seen again to confirm the ID. At the same time, the first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were seen coming in and landing on Meoness, providing one of the most iconic sounds of the season - always a momentous occasion! A couple of new scarcities were around, including a Hawfinch south over Wester Lother and an adult Hobby flying low over the airstrip in the early evening, which was finally a year tick after a few possible sightings in the spring. A few Barred Warbler remain around the crofts, as does the juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, and a few more cetaceans were seen today as well, including a pod of 6 Risso's Dolphin lingering around the south in the morning.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hobby: adult south over the airstrip
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Shirva/North Raeva
Barred Warbler: three still; singles at Chalet, Vaila's Trees and Chapel Plantation
Hawfinch: one south over Wester Lother
Common Rosefinch: one at the Haven

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 58 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 6 Teal, 2 Swift, 9 Oystercatcher, 18 Golden Plover, 35 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 136 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 28 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 37 Redshank, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Storm Petrel, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 81 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 22 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Whinchat, 72 Wheatear, 66 Pied Wagtail, 15 White Wagtail, 690 Meadow Pipit, 141 Rock Pipit, 124 Twite, 2 Linnet


Pintail (with Mallard) in flight at Da Water (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 17 Red Admiral, 12 Shetland Bee, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee, 6 Harbour Porpoise (four at Hesswalls, two off Meoness), 6 Risso's Dolphin (moving east off South Light/Meoness), 1 Minke Whale (four miles north of the isle, seen from Good Shepherd IV)

Year list: 184
________________________________________________________________________________________________

4th September 2023
Weather: Mostly cloudy with light showers and sunny spells, and a force 5-6 SW wind
Still not much happening in terms of migrants today, with a couple of lingering scarcities and a new Rosefinch at Wester Lother. Whilst seawatching in the afternoon, Matt saw a large whale (suspected Humpback) distantly breaching at quite a distance off South Light, and after seeing a couple of blows it was confirmed to definitely be a Humpback Whale - sea conditions were far from ideal to look for cetaceans in, with a huge southerly swell and lots of turbulence, so unfortunately it was not seen again. An excellent record however, as it is the first confirmed sighting of this species around Fair Isle since 2016, the last record being a brief sighting also off South Light in late September.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Schoolton
Barred Warbler: two still; one at Schoolton and one at Lower Stoneybrek
Common Rosefinch: one at Wester Lother

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Swift, 19 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 158 Turnstone, 12 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 26 Snipe, 51 Redshank, 12 Kittiwake, 3 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, 1 Puffin, 7 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 41 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 22 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Whinchat, 63 Wheatear, 25 Pied Wagtail, 532 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 94 Rock Pipit, 68 Twite, 2 Linnet


A few Greenland Wheatear have arrived over the last couple of days, including this strikingly orange female at North Light (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 20 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee, 1 Humpback Whale (two blows and one full breach seen at distance off South Light)

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd September 2023
Weather: Low cloud and rain in the morning followed by a brighter afternoon, with a strong force 5-7 SW wind
No census today due to dreich conditions in the morning, although some birding around the crofts in the afternoon didn't reveal many migrants. Seawatching off South Light and Meoness was a success, with 19 Sooty Shearwater and 2 Manx Shearwater the highlights, and hopefully more to come (or something a bit rarer!) in the next day or so.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Midway

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 21 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 3 Swift, 12 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 135 Turnstone, 19 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 8 Purple Sandpiper, 13 Snipe, 50 Redshank, 27 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 18 Razorbill, 5 Puffin, 19 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 3 Linnet

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

2nd September 2023
Weather: A sunny start then turning overcast, with a force 4-5 southerly wind
Although it felt far quieter for migrants today, a handful of new birds still made an appearance, with a Blyth's Reed Warbler trapped in Gully a good way to start the morning, followed by a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Stackhoull, looking out of place like they always do here. A bit of seawatching from both the South and North Lighthouses in the afternoon didn't produce much, other than a few common seabirds, two Swift and four Harbour Porpoise.


Great Spotted Woodpecker navigating the stone wall around the shop (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Burkle
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Stackhoull
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one ringed in Gully
Barred Warbler: two; one at Shirva and one at Chalet

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 5 Teal, 6 Swift, 15 Oystercatcher, 38 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 53 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 16 Snipe, 36 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 6 Common Gull, 3 Common Tern (past South Light), 3 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 65 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 21 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 9 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 33 Wheatear, 34 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 452 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 94 Rock Pipit, 103 Twite, 2 Linnet

Other wildlife: 16 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 4 Harbour Porpoise (off North Light)

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

1st September 2023
Weather: Sunny with a force 3-4 ENE breeze
An excellent start to the month saw a nice number of early autumn scarcities and a slight increase in common migrants, as well as the ongoing and very enjoyable sunny, breezy weather. At least seven Barred Warbler were present around the south of the isle, with one trapped at Chalet, and a smart male Red-backed Shrike was showing well around Burkle, moving to Stoneybrek/Boini Mire in the afternoon. A new Marsh Warbler was trapped in Gully, four Wood Warbler were seen around the south and four Common Rosefinch were also noted.


Barred Warbler at Quoy (by Georgia Platt)


Marsh Warbler in the hand at Gully (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: two; juvenile still around Vaila's Trees and an adult male at Burkle
Wood Warbler: four; two at South Raeva and singles at the Haa and Hjukni Geo
Marsh Warbler: one ringed in Gully
Barred Warbler: seven; two at Burkle, two at Midway and singles at Setter, Hill Dyke and Smirri Geo
Common Rosefinch: four; singles at Gully, Dronger, the Haven and Burkle


Male Red-backed Shrike at Burkle (by Georgia Platt)


Wood Warbler at South Raeva (by Matt Broadbent)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 7 Swift, 11 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 21 Redshank, 16 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 55 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 45 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 34 Wheatear, 32 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 503 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 110 Rock Pipit, 138 Twite, 3 Linnet

Other wildlife: 13 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 9 Shetland Bee, 5 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

31st August 2023
Weather: Sunny with a force 2-3 NE breeze
Another pleasant day of settled weather with a few new birds around the isle, and some scarcities reappearing. Two Common Rosefinch were typically mobile and seen in several places around the south, and new Barred Warblers were discovered at Setter and Schoolton, adding to the two already present. Exciting news of American Cliff Swallows building in numbers in Iceland is keeping our eyes to the skies, with hopefully something appearing from across the Atlantic over the weekend as the wind turns into a strong westerly.


Common Rosefinch at Brecks (by Matt Broadbent)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile reappeared at Shirva
Marsh Warbler: ringed bird still at Lower Leogh
Barred Warbler: four; one still around Chalet, one still at Vaila's Trees and news birds at Setter and Schoolton
Common Rosefinch: two mobile around the south


Barred Warbler at Lower Stoneybrek (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 5 Teal, 1 Swift, 16 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 35 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 46 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 13 Snipe, 28 Redshank, 8 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Puffin, 2 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 37 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 25 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 38 Wheatear, 31 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 429 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 93 Rock Pipit, 118 Twite, 2 Linnet

Other wildlife: 8 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

30th August 2023
Weather: Sunny with a force 3-4 northerly breeze
Bright sunshine and a fairly uninspiring light northerly breeze was on the cards today, although the saying about rarities travelling alone was again proven to be true, with a Booted Warbler discovered in Gully late morning. The bird was happily feeding in the small plantation at the bottom of the Gully, and regularly flitting across to one of the sunny banks to gorge on craneflies, all the while giving excellent views as it was seemingly unbothered by the team's presence. An excellent bird to get as the month draws to a close, and our first national rarity of the autumn.


Booted Warbler in Gully (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
BOOTED WARBLER: one trapped in Gully (19th Fair Isle record)
Barred Warbler: one still around Barkland

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 4 Swift, 18 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 34 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 36 Turnstone, 25 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 11 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 26 Redshank, 9 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 62 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 69 Wheatear, 33 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 484 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 113 Rock Pipit, 112 Twite, 2 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 14 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee

Year list: 183
________________________________________________________________________________________________

29th August 2023
Weather: Sun followed by cloud with some drizzly showers early evening, and a force 2-3 westerly wind
A dry and calm morning made for a pleasant census, which was briefly paused at the start to go and see a Merlin that Alex had trapped in Gully - such stunning and feisty little raptors! Common migrants remain in similar numbers around the crofts, with scarcities including a new Barred Warbler at Vaila's Trees and the ringed Marsh Warbler reappearing at Lower Leogh. The highlight of the day was a Honey Buzzard initially seen high over Hoini, which then continued to soar over the traps and gain height, not to be seen again - there are currently good numbers of Honey Buzzard migrating across Scandinavia, so it was a perfect drifty day for one to end up here.


Merlin (juv female) in the hand at Gully (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Honey Buzzard: one briefly over Hoini then towards Setter and the traps, which quickly gained height and was not seen again
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Vaila's Trees
Marsh Warbler: ringed bird still at Lower Leogh
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet and one at Vaila's Trees


Honey Buzzard over Setter (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 9 Teal, 1 Swift, 10 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 41 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 48 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 16 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 24 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Guillemot, 4 Puffin, 1 Storm Petrel (off South Light), 1 Sooty Shearwater (past North Light), 3 Cormorant, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 62 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 20 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 124 Wheatear, 37 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 506 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 124 Rock Pipit, 95 Twite, 3 Linnet, 8 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Silver Y, 9 Shetland Bee, 5 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 182
________________________________________________________________________________________________

28th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with a force 4-5 westerly wind
Another quiet census this morning, as migrants remain mostly the same as the last few days, with scarcities slowly dwindling.


Barred Warbler at Chalet (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Boini Mire
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal, 2 Swift, 7 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 47 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 45 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 4 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 12 Snipe, 19 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 6 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 3 Puffin, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 44 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 83 Wheatear, 31 Pied Wagtail, 401 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 102 Rock Pipit, 99 Twite, 2 Linnet, 23 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 10 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 3 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 181
________________________________________________________________________________________________

27th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with some light drizzle in the morning and a force 3 north-westerly breeze
Not too much to report from today, with a small handful of new common migrants in, and a few scarcities remaining. A good number of Crossbill are still present, with 26 scattered about the isle this morning.


Lesser Whitethroat at Quoy (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Stint: one still at North Haven
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Boini Mire
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 13 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 21 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 29 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 16 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 29 Redshank, 3 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 3 Puffin, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 60 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 21 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 105 Wheatear, 38 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 519 Meadow Pipit, 117 Rock Pipit, 92 Twite, 3 Linnet, 26 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 10 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 8 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee

Year list: 181
________________________________________________________________________________________________

26th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with some low cloud on the cliffs in the morning followed by a bright afternoon, with a force 2-3 northerly breeze
A mostly dry day allowed the team to cover most of the isle in the morning, as well as going back out for a bit in the afternoon. A handful of new scarcities were in, with a Greenish Warbler in the north at Kirn O' Skroo, a Wryneck around Boini Mire, a Marsh Warbler trapped at Lower Leogh and the ninth Icterine Warbler of the autumn at Chalet. A group of three Orca moving slowly west off South Light in the evening was a nice surprise - unfortunately they were too distant to identify down to individuals, but were most likely a transient fish-eating pod that are more frequently seen at this time of year, rather than any of the resident Northern Isles individuals.


Greenish Warbler at Kirn O' Skroo (by Alex Penn)


Wryneck at Boini Mire (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Stint: one still at North Haven
Wryneck: one at Aesterhoull then Boini Mire
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still at Vaila's Trees
Woodchat Shrike: one juvenile still, now at Meadow Burn
Wood Warbler: two; singles at the Haa and Hill Dyke
Greenish Warbler: one at Kirn O' Skroo
Marsh Warbler: one trapped at Lower Leogh
Icterine Warbler: one at Chalet
Barred Warbler: two; one still at Setter (then Chalet) and one at Wirvie


Marsh Warbler in the hand at Lower Leogh (by Matt Broadbent)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 6 Teal, 1 Swift, 1 Water Rail, 12 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 71 Ringed Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 24 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 49 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 9 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 15 Dunlin, 18 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 33 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 8 Storm Petrel, 1 Sooty Shearwater (from Good Shepherd), 5 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 48 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 34 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 11 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 45 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, 117 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 19 Crossbill, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 22 Red Admiral, 3 Silver Y, 11 Shetland Bee, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee, 3 Orca (two bulls and a female, moving west distantly off South Light)

Year list: 181
________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th August 2023
Weather: A dreich morning with heavy showers clearing into a pleasant, dry afternoon, with a force 2-4 NE breeze
More persistent rain for the entire morning meant another day with no full census, although at 1pm the isle was suddenly visible again and the sun even came out for a few hours, just in time for one of the last visiting cruiseships of the season to land. A few new birds were in, with Barred Warblers at Chapel Plantation and Setter, Wood Warblers at Dog Geo and Brecks and 21 Crossbill roaming the isle. The Woodchat Shrike was refound around Lower Leogh late afternoon, although still being highly elusive.


Crossbill eating thistle seeds at Vaila's Trees (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one at Muckle Uri Geo
Little Stint: one (different bird to the one at Da Water) at North Haven
Red-backed Shrike: two still; juveniles at Vaila's Trees and Chalet
Woodchat Shrike: one juvenile still, now at Lower Leogh
Wood Warbler: two; singles at Brecks and Dog Geo
Barred Warbler: two; singles at Chapel Plantation and Setter


Wood Warbler at Brecks (by Matt Broadbent)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 8 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 26 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 70 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 74 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 8 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 44 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 26 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 5 Swallow, 35 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Warbler, 8 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 13 Whinchat, 1 flava Wagtail ssp., 2 White Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 21 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 11 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 8 Shetland Bee

Year list: 181
________________________________________________________________________________________________

24th August 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast with low cloud and heavy showers but some occasional brighter spells, with a force 4 SE wind
Despite the poor conditions and heavy rain putting a stop to census, a few new birds were around, the highlights being a juvenile Woodchat Shrike around Boini Mire and a new Greenish Warbler at Shirva. Tomorrow's weather looks brighter, so the team are hoping for that to be the opportunity to dig out any other scarcities and rarities that might have arrived with today's south-easterlies and rain.


Juv Woodchat Shrike at Boini Mire (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Da Water
Little Stint: one still at Da Water
Red-backed Shrike: one still at Setter
Woodchat Shrike: juvenile at Boini Mire (34th Fair Isle record)
Greenish Warbler: one at Shirva
Icterine Warbler: one at Shirva

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 18 Swift, 1 Water Rail, 6 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 48 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 2 Knot, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 40 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 8 Puffin, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Linnet, 10 Crossbill, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 181
________________________________________________________________________________________________

23rd August 2023
Weather: Overcast with showers in the morning followed by sunny spells in the afternoon and a force 4-6 SW wind
A far quieter census this morning, with a clear-out of migrants overnight leaving a handful remaining, although still including two Icterine Warbler in the crofts, Red-backed Shrike at Setter, Little Stint at Da Water and still 52 Swift present. The wind is due to turn south-easterly again overnight and throughout tomorrow, so hopefully that will bring another few migrants with it.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water
Little Stint: one still at Da Water
Red-backed Shrike: one still at Setter
Icterine Warbler: two still present; singles at Vaila's Trees and Chalet

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 52 Swift, 1 Water Rail, 36 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 22 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 6 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 19 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 52 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 38 Common Gull, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 4 Puffin, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 57 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 20 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 134 Wheatear, 28 Pied Wagtail, 412 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 99 Rock Pipit, 51 Twite, 5 Crossbill


Male Crossbill at the Haa (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, Soprano Pipistrelle bat - one seen around the coastguard hut in the late evening, species confirmed using a bat detector

Year list: 180
________________________________________________________________________________________________

22nd August 2023
Weather: Overcast with showers in the morning and a force 4-5 SW wind
Migrants still remain fairly similar to the last few days minus a handful of scarcities, although an increase in Swift numbers to yesterday saw 50 present in the isle, which is now the highest count for Fair Isle since 1998. An attempt at opportunistic catching at North Light was successful in trapping just a single Swift, but it was the first time seeing the species in the hand for all of the team, so an amazing moment nonetheless!


Juvenile Swift in the hand at North Light (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: singles still at Easter Lother Water and Da Water
Little Stint: one still at Da Water
Wryneck: one still, now at Walli Burn
Red-backed Shrike: one still at Setter
Great Spotted Woodpecker: two at Gorsens Geo
Icterine Warbler: three still present; singles at Vaila's Trees (ringed), Shirva and the Haa


Wryneck at Walli Burn (by Matt Broadbent)

Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 50 Swift, 37 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 51 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Turnstone, 45 Knot, 4 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 32 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 54 Redshank, 3 Common Gull, 8 Arctic Skua, 12 Puffin, 2 Storm Petrel, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 48 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 46 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 178 Wheatear, 22 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 296 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 125 Rock Pipit, 76 Twite, 2 Linnet, 7 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 4 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee, 5+ Risso's Dolphin (seen from North Light to Buness)

Year list: 180
________________________________________________________________________________________________

21st August 2023
Weather: Sunny spells with a force 4 southerly-based wind
A similar day to yesterday in terms of migrants present, with the addition of a flock of 17 Swift in the north plus another two in the south, giving the highest day count since 2018. A host of scarcities remain including Little Stint, Wryneck, one Red-backed Shrike, Greenish Warbler, five Icterine Warbler and two Wood Warbler.


Swift with mainland Shetland in the background (by Sally Kunzig)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: singles still at Easter Lother Water and Da Water
Little Stint: one still at Da Water
Wryneck: one still, now at Schoolton
Red-backed Shrike: one still, now at Boini Mire
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still at Hoini
Wood Warbler: singles still at Guidicum and Tineside
Greenish Warbler: ringed bird still at Upper Leogh
Icterine Warbler: five still present; two at Vaila's Trees and singles at Shirva (ringed), Lower Leogh and Wirvie Burn

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 19 Swift, 1 Collared Dove, 29 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 32 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 61 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 7 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 15 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 32 Redshank, 8 Common Gull, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 11 Puffin, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 55 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 43 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 12 Whinchat, 194 Wheatear, 21 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 246 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 126 Rock Pipit, 48 Twite, 3 Linnet, 5 Crossbill, 1 Siskin


Cormorants at Hjukni Geo (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 3 Painted Lady, 7 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale (off North Light)

Year list: 180
________________________________________________________________________________________________

20th August 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast but bright with some sunny spells and a force 3-4 SSW breeze
Today saw a good turnover of birds with some new migrants in, including an impressive eight Icterine Warbler scattered across the isle, the highest autumn day count since 1997. The second Greenish Warbler of the autumn was reported at Shirva first thing, which was later relocated and trapped at Lower Leogh, and a year tick in the form of a smart Little Stint at Da Water was a welcome sight in the afternoon. Juvenile Red-backed Shrikes were seen at Setter and Lower Leogh, and an increase in Whinchat around the crofts was also noted. A good number of common early autumn migrants are still moving through, with a handful of Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler around the isle and nine Crossbill over Leogh in the early evening.


Little Stint at Da Water (by Georgia Platt)


Icterine Warbler at Vaila's Trees (by Matt Broadbent)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: two present; one still at Easter Lother Water and a new bird at Da Water
Little Stint: one at Da Water (first of the year)
Wryneck: one still, now at Stackhoull
Red-backed Shrike: two present; juveniles at Setter and Lower Leogh
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still, now at Shirva then along the south-west cliffs
Wood Warbler: three present; singles at Smirri Geo, Guidicum and Tineside
Greenish Warbler: one at Shirva, later trapped at Lower Leogh
Icterine Warbler: eight present; two at Shirva (one ringed) and singles at Obs, Furse, Troila, Vaila's Trees, Chalet and the Haa


Greenish Warbler in the hand at Lower Leogh (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 8 Teal, 34 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 26 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 1 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 17 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 26 Redshank, 6 Common Gull, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 5 Storm Petrel, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 60 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 66 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 21 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 272 Wheatear, 38 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 293 Meadow Pipit, 7 Tree Pipit, 125 Rock Pipit, 99 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 10 Crossbill


Adult male Crossbill at Lower Leogh (by Matt Broadbent)

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock, 9 Silver Y, 17 Shetland Bee, 2 White-tailed Bumblebee, 6 Risso's Dolphin (off North Light)

Year list: 180
________________________________________________________________________________________________

19th August 2023
Weather: Low cloud and heavy rain from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with fog clearing by early evening and a force 6-8 SE wind throughout
The weather provided far more challenging conditions to contend with compared to yesterday, with heavy rain in the middle of the day putting a stop to census. However, some birding either side of the rain still saw a few scarcities, including Blyth's Reed Warbler again at the Haa, Wryneck still at Shirva, Icterine Warblers at Shirva and Schoolton and a juvenile Red-backed Shrike at the Obs scrape, which was new for the day. A few Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher were also new around the isle, plus a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Geo o' Hoini, with a similar common migrants to yesterday noted around the crofts.


Great Spotted Woodpecker at Geo o' Hoini (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water
Wryneck: one still at Shirva
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile at Obs scrape
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Geo o' Hoini
Wood Warbler: two present; one at Smirri/Dog Geo and one at Burkle
Marsh Warbler: one still, now at Walli Burn
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one still at the Haa
Icterine Warbler: two present; one at Shirva (ringed bird) and one at Schoolton


Red-backed Shrike (with Rock Pipit) at Obs scrape (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 70 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 45 Turnstone, 26 Knot, 12 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 37 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 29 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 81 Common Gull, 8 Arctic Skua, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 44 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 16 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 8 Tree Pipit, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 2 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 179
________________________________________________________________________________________________

18th August 2023
Weather: An overcast start but mostly sunny for the remainder of the day, with a force 3-5 ESE wind
An excellent day full of birding as the wind pushes off of the southern tip of Scandinavia, giving us a small arrival of nice early autumn migrants and scarcities. A Wood Warbler at Smirri Geo was the first scarcity of the day to be reported, which was promptly followed by several others seen around the isle, giving an amazing total of nine birds, the second-highest autumn day count ever recorded (after 12 on 25th August 1999).


Wood Warbler at Burkle (by Alex Penn)

At least three Icterine Warbler were present, with singles at Chalet, Vaila's Trees and Lower Leogh/Haa/Chapel, and a Blyth's Reed Warbler was also at the Haa in the morning. A Nightingale sp. was flushed from Kulsta towards Burrashield but unfortunately could not be relocated, whilst the Wood Sandpiper still remains in the north, the Rosefinch still at Setter, and a Wryneck was found near North Shirva in the evening. A supporting cast to the scarcities featured double figures of Willow Warbler, 13 Pied Flycatcher and the first Lesser Whitethroats and Whinchats of the autumn.


Icterine Warbler at Vaila's Trees (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water
Wryneck: one in field west of North Shirva
Wood Warbler: nine present; singles at Smirri Geo, Chapel (trapped), Burkle, Barkland, Stackhoull and Skinner's Glig and three at Tineside
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one at the Haa
Marsh Warbler: one still at Quoy
Icterine Warbler: at least three present; singles at Chalet, Vaila's Trees and Lower Loegh/Haa/Chapel (trapped at Chapel in evening)
Nightingale sp.: one seen breifly as it flushed from Kulsta to Burrashield
Common Rosefinch: one still at Setter


Blyth's Reed Warbler at the Haa (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 5 Swift, 1 Moorhen, 39 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 35 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 29 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 3 Ruff, 6 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 35 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 40 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Tern, 14 Arctic Skua, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 73 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 75 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 9 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 13 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 279 Wheatear, 25 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 282 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 166 Rock Pipit, 62 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Crossbill


A trio of Willow Warbler at North Shirva thistles (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee

Year list: 179
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with a force 3-4 ESE wind
A few more migrants in around the crofts today as the wind has turned easterly, including the first Barred Warbler of the year, with the afternoon also bringing a handful more Willow Warbler and a Rosefinch. The ringed Marsh Warbler was still around Quoy rig and the Wood Sandpiper remains at Easter Lother Water, with a nice variety of waders still present in the isle.


Barred Warbler at Lower Leogh (by Matt Broadbent)

A Minke Whale close in off North Light continued an excellent run of land-based cetacean sightings, and a Common Wainscot moth trapped at South Light overnight was just the fourth Fair Isle record and the first since 2007. Also overnight (16th-17th) was the final Storm Petrel ringing session of the year, bringing us to a total of around 1,050 birds trapped over the season, including 5 foreign controls - a great effort all round! Additionally, two Leach's Petrel were seen around the net but unfortunately not caught.


Minke Whale off North Light (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water
Leach's Petrel: two seen around the Storm Petrel net at South Haven overnight
Marsh Warbler: one still at Quoy
Barred Warbler: one at Schoolton then Lower Leogh (first of the year)
Common Rosefinch: one at Setter

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 6 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 37 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 45 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 24 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 2 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 53 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 79 Common Gull, 10 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 93 Storm Petrel, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 6 Carrion Crow, 59 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 17 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Black Redstart, 278 Wheatear, 37 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 246 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 136 Rock Pipit, 77 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll

Other wildlife: 4 Silver Y, 12 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale (off North Light)


Common Wainscot, trapped at South Light (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 179
________________________________________________________________________________________________

16th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with a force 3-4 northerly wind
Another fairly quiet day for migrants, although a Marsh Warbler at Quoy was the first of the autumn and a sign of good things to come with a few days of strong south-easterlies in the forecast.


Marsh Warbler in the hand at Quoy (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water
Marsh Warbler: one at Quoy, later trapped and ringed

Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 64 Eider, 7 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 38 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 31 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 34 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Kittiwake, 8 Common Gull, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 3 Peregrine, 6 Carrion Crow, 61 Skylark, 37 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 219 Wheatear, 32 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 215 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 140 Rock Pipit, 82 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 11 Shetland Bee, 6 Harbour Porpoise (off South Light), 4 Risso's Dolphin (off South Light)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

15th August 2023
Weather: Overcast with low cloud and drizzle in the morning and a force 3-4 northerly wind
The day was off to a fairly dreich start, with fog and drizzle persisting for the first half of census, but fortunately the weather had brightened up a bit by late morning. Migrants remained similar to yesterday, with the crofts and traps very quiet, although another nice cetacean encounter of 5 White-beaked Dolphins actively feeding off the end of Meoness was a highlight for Alex on SE census.


White-beaked Dolphins off Meoness (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one still at Easter Lother Water

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 57 Eider, 4 Swift, 59 Oystercatcher, 19 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 29 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 2 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 41 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 11 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 63 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 211 Wheatear, 21 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 206 Meadow Pipit, 137 Rock Pipit, 58 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Crossbill


Swift with the museum and Nedder Taft in the background (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee, 1 Harbour Porpoise (off Meoness), 1 Minke Whale (off Meoness), 5 White-beaked Dolphin (off Meoness)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

14th August 2023
Weather: Mostly blue sky and sun with some constant patchy but light fog, with a very calm force 1-2 SE breeze
A handful more new migrants in today, including Wood Sandpiper at Easter Lother and Black Redstart at North Restensgeo in the north. After census, a final trip to the Puffin productivity monitoring plot at Greenholm saw lots of empty burrows, although the highlight of the afternoon was a pod of 15 Risso's Dolphin off South Light, being fairly active with some staying in the area for an hour or so.


Wood Sandpiper at Easter Lother Water (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: one at Easter Lother Water

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Swift, 36 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 31 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 47 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 6 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 18 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 32 Redshank, 17 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 103 Storm Petrel (trapped in the Haven), 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 81 Skylark, 33 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 274 Wheatear, 25 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 215 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 140 Rock Pipit, 113 Twite, 5 Linnet, 1 Crossbill


Pied Flycatcher at Skinner's Glig (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 3 Silver Y, 14 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale (off North Light), 15 Risso's Dolphin (off South Light)


Peacock at Homisdale (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

13th August 2023
Weather: Fog in the morning clearing by mid-afternoon, with a force 2-3 southerly-based breeze
The combination of fog and south-easterlies finally brought us a handful of migrant passerines, including Pied Flycatcher at Obs and Reed Warbler at Hesswalls, which are both firsts for the autumn. Some more wader movement also saw a flock of 10 Ruff flying south over the isle and a Green Sandpiper at Gilly Burn.

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Swift, 29 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 41 Ringed Plover, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 11 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 21 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 67 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 19 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 15 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 10 Storm Petrel (at South Light), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 62 Twite, 2 Linnet

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 14 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee (near Setter), 1 Minke Whale (off South Harbour), 6 European Eel (in Muckle Uri Geo)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

12th August 2023
Weather: Sunny spells with a force 4-5 SE wind
A pleasant morning for resuming census, with a moderate south-easterly wind giving some hope for migrants. Although not many migrant passerines were to be had, some wader movement featured a good number of common species plus a Bar-tailed Godwit over Meoness, a Sanderling in South Harbour and a Welsh-ringed Dunlin in Muckle Uri Geo.


Bar-tailed Godwit over Meoness (by Alex Penn)


Dunlin at Muckle Uri Geo (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 44 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 31 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 29 Redshank, 5 Kittiwake, 25 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 70 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 235 Wheatear, 18 Pied Wagtail, 211 Meadow Pipit, 148 Rock Pipit, 106 Twite, 3 Linnet

Other wildlife: 1 Peacock, 1 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th August 2023
Weather: A mixed day of heavy showers, low cloud and sunny spells with a force 5-7 SE wind
The weather already put a stop to census today due to fog and heavy rain showers, although a couple of breaks in the weather allowed for a bit of birding around the isle, with not many migrants of note seen.

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Lapwing, 57 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 5 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 44 Common Gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 11 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

10th August 2023
Weather: An overcast start clearing to blue sky and sun by mid-morning, with a calm force 2 SE breeze in the morning increasing to force 4 in the afternoon
This morning marked the first official autumn census of the season, with daily census now to be carried out until the end of October. Not too many birds of note to report, with a couple of Collared Dove new in around the crofts and a juvenile Crossbill still hanging around the traps and Gilsetter. It was a decent day for cetacean sightings, the highlight being a lone bull Orca seen very distantly off South Light heading south-west, as well as a couple of Minke Whale and several Harbour Porpoise.


Juvenile Crossbill at Gilsetter (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Collared Dove, 34 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 44 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 8 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Snipe, 56 Redshank, 9 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Arctic Tern, 8 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 94 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 294 Wheatear, 29 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 218 Meadow Pipit, 160 Rock Pipit, 88 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee, 5 Harbour Porpoise (off Buness), 1 Orca (lone bull seen distantly off South Light heading SW), 2 Minke Whale (one off Buness and one off South Light)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th-9th August 2023
Weather: Sunny spells with a strong force 6-9 NW wind
Despite the gale-force winds, the weather stayed dry and was nice enough to get around the south-east census route on 8th, and the second Sheep Hill of the summer on 9th. Migrants still remain thin on the ground, although some upcoming south-easterlies should hopefully bring some birds in time for the official start of autumn daily census.

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 1 Lapwing, 33 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Arctic Tern, 3 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Linnet

Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th August 2023
Weather: Sunny with a force 3-4 NW wind
A stunning day with a light breeze was perfect conditions for showing Matt (our new volunteer) the north census route, with not many migrants around other than a Green Sandpiper at Easter Lother Water and a Merlin at Furse. The afternoon was occupied by different jobs for various members of the team, with a visiting cruise ship, Gannet productivity monitoring and some birding around the crofts, taking advantage of the fine weather before the northerly gale that is due to hit the isle tomorrow and Wednesday.


Alex and Matt looking at the juvenile Peregrines at Guidicum (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 61 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 4 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 2 Common Gull, 4 Arctic Tern, 1 Guillemot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 11 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Linnet, 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 5 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee (near Setter)

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd-6th August 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast with a brisk force 4-6 northerly wind on 3rd and 4th, calming down to a force 3-4 northerly breeze on 5th and 6th with some sunny spells
Mostly quiet over the last few days, although on 5th the team welcomed our latest long-term volunteer Matt to the isle, who will be here for the early autumn period until mid-September. A walk-through of the Bonxie breeding territories on the morning of 5th revealed a good number of fledged birds, and the calmer weather was a good opportunity for another Storm Petrel ringing session at the Haven, with 138 trapped over a couple of hours including one each of Danish and Norwegian controls, with a Leach's Petrel also seen around the net but not caught. The team were also able to get out in the boat to check on some Shag nests previously noted in the season around the east coast, many of which contained large chicks, which is good news for this species that is generally struggling in the Northern Isles.


Adult Shag in the hand at South Ramnigeo (by Alex Penn)


Shag chick in the hand at South Ramnigeo (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 55 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 47 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 20 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot, 139 Storm Petrel (138 trapped 5th/6th, one from Good Shepherd on 5th), 1 Leach's Petrel, 2 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 3 Linnet, 1 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 6 Harbour Porpoise (off South Light on 6th), 1 Minke Whale (off the south on 5th), 1 Common Seal (juvenile, at North Haven on 5th), 2 Silver Y, 21 Shetland Bee

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

30th July-2nd August 2023
Weather: A mix of sun and low cloud with some patchy drizzle on 2nd, with a fairly calm force 3-4 SE wind on 30th and 31st changing to northerly on 1st and 2nd
The last couple of days of July were busy with some leftover seabird work, such as a visit to the Greenholm Puffin productivity plot, where a few chicks are still yet to fledge. Some opportunistic nighttime Arctic Tern catching at Buness on 30th saw a handful of adults caught, including three retraps, one of which was ringed as a chick on Westray, Orkney in 2002. In addition to the nocturnal seabird ringing, a Storm Petrel ringing session at South Haven on 1st was busy with just over 120 birds trapped in just a couple of hours, including a control from Stavanger, Norway.


Arctic Tern after ringing at Buness (by Georgia Platt)

Autumn seemed to arrive as soon as August began, with the 1st of the month producing the first juvenile migrant Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler of the autumn, as well as a couple of Swift flying south over the School. In a wander around the crofts mid-afternoon on 2nd, a skulky phyllosc was found being very difficult to pin down at Chalet, with very brief glimpses giving the impression of Greenish Warbler. The bird eventually showed itself and was subsequently trapped, confirming the identification and providing an excellent start to the autumn scarcities.


Greenish Warbler in the hand at Chalet (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Greenish Warbler: one trapped at Chalet on 2nd (new for the year list)

Sightings of note: 2 Swift, 46 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 4 Ruff, 7 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, 4 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Guillemot, 123 Storm Petrel, 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 13 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet

Other wildlife: Harbour Porpoise - 13 on 30th (10 off South Light and 3 off Buness), 4 on 31st (2 off Dronger and 2 off South Light, 2 on 1st (off South Light), 4 Dolphin sp. (on 31st off Dronger, too distant to identify), 7 Shetland Bee

Year list: 178
________________________________________________________________________________________________

26th-29th July 2023
Weather: Sunny spells on 26th and 27th turning into low cloud and showers, with a force 3-6 NW wind on 26th changing to a force 4-6 SE wind on 27th
Another varied but quiet few days for the team as seabird work winds down for the season. A brief calm spell on the evening of 26th and into 27th allowed for another Storm Petrel ringing session, with 225 birds trapped including 8 retraps, plus a bonus year tick in the form of two Leach's Petrel. The last of the Guillemot and Razorbill productivity monitoring has now been carried out, with no adults or chicks remaining in the plots and very few around the coast, although plenty of Puffin are still seen to be carrying fish into burrows.


Leach's Petrel in the hand at South Haven (left by Alex Penn, right by Georgia Platt)

On 29th the first juvenile Dunlin of the autumn was seen, with other notable sightings including a Ruff at Da Water and the first Sooty Shearwater of the year, seen by our departing summer volunteer Marcela from the Good Shepherd.


Arctic Skua fledgling at the airstrip (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 45 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 1 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 91 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 225 Storm Petrel, 2 Leach's Petrel (first of the year on 27th), 1 Sooty Shearwater (first of the year on 29th), 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 1 Crossbill (over Obs on 26th)

Other wildlife: 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 177
________________________________________________________________________________________________

22nd-25th July 2023
Weather: Generally overcast with some sunshine and showers, with a force 3-6 NW wind
A fairly calm and mostly sunny day on 22nd was a good chance to get over to Greenholm in the morning, to check on the Puffin burrows in the productivity plot. Lots of large and healthy chicks were still occupying the burrows, with a few fully-feathered and ready to fledge, which was encouraging to see given the apparent lack of large sandeels available this year.


Puffling on Greenholm, ready to fledge (by Georgia Platt)

Some checks around the Arctic Skua territories on 23rd saw a handful of decent-sized chicks still going strong, one of which had fledged, and the first Bonxie fledgling of the year was also seen at the airstrip. A few more GLS tags were deployed on breeding Puffins at Buness, although unfortunately none that were fitted two years ago have been resighted. The birding scene remains quiet, although common wader numbers are starting to build again around South Harbour and South Light, with some groups of small gulls and waders also loafing in the cut hay fields.

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Collared Dove, 4 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 25 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 16 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp.

Other wildlife: 2 Harbour Porpoise (off Buness on 25th), 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 175
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th-21st July 2023
Weather: Overall a mix of overcast with sunny spells and showers, with a fairly consistent force 4-6 westerly wind turning north-westerly on 19th
Not too much to report over the last few days, with the continuous seabird productivity monitoring still being carried out as and when it is required, although some species are already starting to disperse - Guillemot and Razorbill are noticeably dwindling on the cliffs, with not many adults left in the plots as their chicks have braved the North Sea. In addition, regular visits to the Arctic Tern colony at Buness have seen up to 50 fledglings, plus a few more that still have some growing to do. On 19th most of the isle's residents and visitors took to the north for the first Sheep Hill of the year, where all of the semi-feral hill sheep and their lambs are rounded up to be clipped and dosed, which is quite a task when there are several hundred of them!


Clipping sheep at the Cru, Obs team in foreground (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Swift, 6 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 8 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 30 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 20 Redshank, 26 Black-headed Gull, 50 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird

Other wildlife: 1 Harbour Porpoise (off North Light on 21st), 1 Minke Whale (distant off Buness on 21st), 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth (at the Cru on 18th), 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 175
________________________________________________________________________________________________

14th-16th July 2023
Weather: Starting off sunny with a force 3-4 easterly wind on 14th but turning into thick fog, rain and a strong force 6-7 easterly on 15th, with low cloud still lingering in places on 16th but wind decreasing to force 2-4 NW
A mixed few days in terms of weather, but the team managed to carry out the annual all-day Puffin feedwatch at Roskillie on 14th, where we watch for birds carrying fish entering a number of marked burrows from dawn to dusk. The 15th brought lots of rain in the early morning, turning into fog in the late morning but clearing to bright sunshine by mid afternoon, so it was a good opportunity to catch up on some seabird admin and go birding around the crofts to see if anything was about when the fog had cleared after a strong blast of south-easterlies. It was another early start on 16th, as the team headed to Toor 'o da Ward Hill at 5am to carry out the Puffin food sampling monitoring - 31 samples were collected and processed a few hours later, which matched our field sightings of catches mainly consisiting of very small, translucent sandeels and fairly good-sized Rockling.


Alex, Sally and Marcela waiting to collect the first samples of the morning, at Toor 'o da Ward Hill (by Georgia Platt)


The team processing food samples, at South Light (by Georgia Platt)

Some birding in between feedwatch shifts on 14th produced a few nice birds, including a Bar-tailed Godwit flying over South Harbour, a Red-throated Diver singing over the isle for most of the day and a couple of Swift. Birding around the isle and the crofts on 15th was quiet, although the first two Sand Martin of the autumn were seen, as well as the first Swallow and Arctic Tern fledglings of the season, with the Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper also still around on 15th.


Arctic Tern fledgling at Buness (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 40 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 34 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet

Other wildlife: 3 Harbour Porpoise (off North Light on 14th), 5 Red Admiral, 10 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 1 Green Lacewing (one at South Light on 16th)


Juv Golden Plover amongst the seeding Thrift on Meoness (by Georgia Platt)

Year list: 175
________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th-13th July 2023
Weather: Mostly cloudy with some sunny spells and showers, and a fairly calm force 2-4 wind ranging between SE and NW
Another busy few days, as some settled weather allowed for continued seabird monitoring and the first Storm Petrel ringing sessions of the season. Just over 200 birds were trapped in two sessions over consecutive nights, including several retraps originally ringed in Fair Isle or elsewhere in the Northern Isles, and most excitingly a Portugese control. On 13th the team were on the go almost all day, carrying out Gannet and Guillemot productivity checks and another 2-hour Guillemot feedwatch in the morning, followed by a Razorbill productivity visit at Easter Lother and going around some Arctic Skua nests to check on and ring any chicks in the afternoon. In addition, 30 apparently occupied Puffin burrows were marked at Roskillie in preparation for the all-day Puffin feedwatch planned for 14th - a busy day indeed!


Storm Petrel in the hand at South Haven (by Sally Kunzig)

Several nice migrants have been around, including the first juvenile cuckoos of the autumn on 11th and 13th, as well as a Wood Sandpiper (with a Green Sandpiper) at Golden Water on 13th. A Common Tern was picked out amongst a small roost of Arctic Tern off South Light on 13th, which was new for the year list.

Sightings of note: 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Tern (first of the year), 127 Storm Petrel (11th-12th), 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Linnet

Other wildlife: 1 Common Seal (South Harbour on 12th, first of the year), 10 Red Admiral, 4 Silver Y, 1 Hummmingbird Hawkmoth (Houll on 12th), 2 Shetland Bee, 4 Green Lacewing (various locations on 13th)


Common Seal in South Harbour (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 175
________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th-10th July 2023
Weather: Warm sunshine on 8th turning into heavy showers and low cloud on 9th, persisting as patchy thick fog through to 10th, with a force 4-6 SE wind throughout
A breezy but warm and sunny day on 8th saw a good opportunity for continuing some seabird monitoring, starting with a visit to the Easter Lother Razorbill plot first thing, where a good number of large and healthy chicks were found with a few appeared to have already fledged. On our way back south we stopped off at the gull colony at Goorn to ring any chicks that were too small on the last visit, which saw a further 20 Herring Gull chicks ringed. The afternoon was spent fitting a couple more breeding Puffins with GLS tags at Roskillie, continuing work for Norwegian project SEATRACK that we first started in 2021. Unfortunately we have not retrapped any birds that were fitted with tags in 2021 yet, but we have another few weeks to keep trying, whilst also tagging new birds.


Herring Gull chick at Goorn (by Georgia Platt)

The south-easterly winds paid off by delivering a nice 2cy Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gulls in South Harbour on the evening of 8th - just the fifth Fair Isle record of this species that will surely increase in regularity over the coming years. The bird was still present around South Harbour and Walli Burn on 9th, and a Long-tailed Skua was briefly on the rocks off Bergaroo in the morning, the second record of the year.


2cy Mediterranean Gull at South Harbour (by Alex Penn)

It is worth mentioning that the last few days have been fantastic for arrivals of insects, also probably influenced by the strong and warm south-easterly wind. An arrival of Willow Ermine on 8th was amazing to see, with at least 30-40 seen around the cliffs of Roskillie and a handful elsewhere. This being the first time the species has been recorded in Fair Isle, the influx of this smart micro moth was also seemingly ubiquitous along other parts of the UK's east coast. A large number of at least several hundred Silver Y also arrived on 8th and were seen all across the island, with several buzzing over heathland and flowers at every turn. On 10th, an incredible FOUR Hummingbird Hawkmoth were seen together enjoying the bank of wildflowers behind the old coastguard hut, which was a very special sight and reminiscent of somewhere in the Mediterranean, had it not been for the fog also present. In addition, c.100 Green Lacewing were seen around Walli Burn on 10th, which is also a scarce species and an unprecedented number for Fair Isle.


Willow Ermine at Roskillie (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Mediterranean Gull: 2cy around South Harbour and Walli Burn on 8th and 9th (fifth Fair Isle record, first since 2020)
Long-tailed Skua: one reported on the rocks off Bergaroo, North Light

Sightings of note: 1 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 26 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 34 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 10 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 86 Storm Petrel (10th-11th), 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Linnet, 1 Crossbill, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 20 Red Admiral, 100+ Silver Y, 5 Diamond-backed Moth (on 10th), 4 Hummmingbird Hawkmoth (one on 9th at Shirva and four on 10th behind coastguard hut), c.40 Willow Ermine (first record for Fair Isle on 8th), 6 Shetland Bee, 100+ Green Lacewing


Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding on wildflowers behind the coastguard hut (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 174
________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd-7th July 2023
Weather: Fairly mixed, ranging from low cloud and rain to blue sky and sun. Wind has been mostly force 3-5 south-easterly, with some additional calmer spells
A mixed few days in terms of weather, but mostly brightening up from the previous days of greyness. On 4th conditions had improved enough for the team to resume seabird monitoring, where we revisited all of the Arctic Skua nests to assess what stage they were at - many had small chicks, a couple were only just hatching and a few adults were still incubating, so it looks like the season will be fairly protracted for this species.

The all-day Guillemot feedwatch was carried out on 5th, where the colony at Pietron is watched continuously from dawn til dusk (about 3am-11pm). It was a similar story to the two hour feedwatch conducted a few days previously, with birds bringing in quite a variety of fish species and sizes, and many birds not bringing anything back at all. On 6th we were finally able to revisit the Puffin productivity monitoring plot at Greenholm, as the swell for the past couple of weeks had been too rough to make it over in our little inflatable dinghy. The majority of marked burrows contained healthy chicks of various sizes, which was encouraging to see given the lack of adults seen carrying good sized sandeels. Afternoon visits into the Arctic Tern colony at Buness on 6th and 7th saw nearly 150 chicks ringed, with these chicks also seemingly well-fed and healthy.


A small and very cute 'Puffling' at Greenholm (by Georgia Platt)


Marcela (long-term volunteer, left) and Sally (Ranger, right) ringing and handling Puffin and chick on Greenholm (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Storm Petrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

29th June-2nd July 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast with spells of heavy rain with a force 3-5 westerly-based wind
The last few days have been fairly quiet due to some cold, wet and windy conditions, although the team managed a trip out in the boat to land at South Ramnigeo on 29th to ring (and retrap) a few auks nesting in the boulder beach. Two of the breeding adult Razorbills that were retrapped were found to be originally ringed on Fair Isle in the early 2000's as chicks, so that was an interesting and valuable bit of data to get back. A two-hour feedwatch at the Pietron Guillemot colony on 30th revealed a slow but steady number of birds bringing in fish of various sizes and species, although still very few auks have been seen with any large sandeels.


A smart 'bridled' Guillemot in the hand at South Ramnigeo (by Georgia Platt)

Migrants have been thin on the ground (not to much surprise), with a Marsh Warbler still present at Schoolton on 29th and a Quail heard singing also at Schoolton on the morning of 30th.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: one singing briefly below Schoolton on 30th
Marsh Warbler: one still at Schoolton on 29th

Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Dunlin, 14 Redshank, 17 Black-headed Gull, 38 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 2 Linnet, 1 Crossbill, 6 Siskin

Other wildlife: 4 Silver Y, 2 Magpie moth, 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th-28th June 2023
Weather: Sunny spells with some overnight rain and a force 3-5 mostly south-westerly wind
The team have been busy continuing with seabird work over the last few days - a trip to the mixed gull colony at Goorn saw a good start to ringing chicks that were large enough, with plenty still with some growing to do. Another visit to the Easter Lother Razorbill monitoring plot was productive, as a few more chicks were ringed and repeat biometrics were taken of the chicks ringed several days before - generally chicks seem to be quite underweight and growing slowly, with adults only seen bringing in small Rockling and very small translucent Sandeels, which is a bit worrying at this stage. We will continue to monitor the chicks until they all fledge, so hopefully their parents will find enough food for them to do so.


Herring Gull chick at Goorn (by Georgia Platt)

A new Marsh Warbler singing at Schoolton on 27th was the only scarcity, with a handful of other common migrants seen, including a smart pair of Black-tailed Godwit at Da Water on 28th.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Marsh Warbler: one at Schoolton on 27th (presumed different to the previous individual which was last seen five days earlier)

Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 32 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 16 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Peregrine (2 adults & 2 fledged young), 1 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Linnet, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 16 Silver Y, 2 Magpie moth, 1 Small Magpie moth (first record for Fair Isle on 25th), 1 Shetland Bee


Small Magpie moth at Gully (by Alex Penn)

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

21st-24th June 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast with some low cloud and sunny spells, and a force 3-6 mostly southerly wind
A quiet few days for migrants as we move further away from spring and into summer, with the longest day of the year on 21st giving us just short of 19 hours of daylight. An elusive Turtle Dove at the Haa on 21st was a nice surprise, as was a Quail flushed from Burrashield whilst mapping Bonxie nests on 23rd, and another new Marsh Warbler was around Schoolton from 21st-22nd. A couple of visiting cruiseships have kept the isle and our Ranger busy, and a trip to the Easter Lother Razorbill colony on the morning of 23rd revealed plenty of healthy chicks to monitor closely over the next few weeks. More seabird monitoring on 24th saw the last of the Bonxie nests mapped, and a walk-through of the Arctic Tern colony on Buness to count nests, with 294 nests noted.


Razorbill chick at Easter Lother (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: one flushed at Burrashield 23rd
Turtle Dove: one at the Haa/Burkle on 21st
Marsh Warbler: one at Schoolton/Quoy on 21st & 22nd


Turtle Dove just north of Burkle (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 2 Redshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 25+ Red Admiral, 50+ Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee (at Double Dyke on 23rd)

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th-20th June 2023
Weather: Mostly cloudy throughout with some patchy sun and spells of heavy rain, with a moderate force 3-5 southerly-based wind
The weather turned slightly cooler and more cloudy over the last few days, allowing the team to catch up on some indoor jobs and admin. More Bonxie nest mapping in the sunny spells has brought us to nearly 100 nests - with still a fair bit more ground to cover, the total figure might not be as dire as originally thought, although of course it will be a far cry from the 535 nests of 2021, pre-HPAI. Lots more Gannet chicks are appearing in the productivity plots, and the first Guillemot chick was noted in the Pietron productivity plot on 20th. Shags and Kittiwakes are still incubating or loafing on well-built nests (both species were relatively late to settle), and a couple more Arctic Skua nests have been discovered, bringing us up to 19 nests and 3 territories.


Curlew chicks are starting to make an appearance now as they get a bit bigger, like this one in Kirki Mire (by Alex Penn)

Migrant highlights have consisted of a new, unringed Marsh Warbler at the Pier on the morning of 17th (the ninth individual of the spring), with the Red-breasted Flycatcher still around Vaadal also on 17th, and a male Grey-headed Wagtail was discovered at North Light on 20th. A large Tern sp. was seen flying east past South Light with a small flock of Common Gull on 20th, but frustratingly it was only seen flying strongly away eastwards and gaining height, not allowing for any kind of further identification.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Marsh Warbler: one at the Pier on 17th (unringed)
Red-breasted Flycatcher: 2cy still around Vaadal on 17th
Grey-headed Wagtail: male at North Light on 20th

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 2 Linnet, 2 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 25+ Red Admiral, 50+ Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth (at Quoy on 19th)

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

16th June 2023
Weather: Mostly blue sky and sun with a bit of low cloud in the morning, and a force 3-4 NE wind
A fantastic day for some late spring migrants, most of which were conveniently discovered in the trapping areas around the isle. A new Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped in Plantation this morning, followed by another new Marsh Warbler at Obs Garden, the first Reed Warbler of the spring (the latest arrival since 1986), and much to the team's surprise, a very smart male Rustic Bunting. Later on, a different Marsh Warbler was trapped in Plantation, along with the first Red-breasted Flycatcher of the year. In the last six days we have now recorded three Blyth's Reed Warbler and eight Marsh Warbler, with easterly-based winds set to continue for the forseeable future, so spring is far from over yet!


Male Rustic Bunting in the hand at Obs (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
RUSTIC BUNTING: male trapped at Obs Garden
Red-backed Shrike: female back at Vaadal reservoir
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one trapped in Plantation
Marsh Warbler: two; one trapped in Plantation and one trapped at Obs Garden (both new birds)
Red-breasted Flycatcher: 2cy trapped in Plantation (first of the year)


Red-breasted Flycatcher in the hand at Plantation (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Collared Dove, 7 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler (first of the year), 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fiedlfare, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Linnet

Other wildlife: 10 Red Admiral, 15 Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee

Year list: 173
________________________________________________________________________________________________

15th June 2023
Weather: Hot and sunny with a force 3 southerly wind
Today saw lots of Skua monitoring in this glorious summer weather, as we mostly finished off mapping Arctic Skua nests in the morning and made a start on mapping Bonxie nests in the afternoon, the latter a very crucial aspect of monitoring this year given how badly the species have been decimated by bird flu. A new Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped at the Obs garden in the morning, and new Marsh Warblers were trapped at Obs garden and Chapel Plantation, the individual at the Obs treating the team to several bouts of song and showing off its impressive list of imitations.


Bonxie chick at Suka Mire (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Canada Goose: one still at South Harbour
Red-backed Shrike: female now at Chalet
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one trapped at Obs
Marsh Warbler: two; one trapped at Obs and one trapped at Chapel Plantation (both new birds)


Blyth's Reed Warbler in the hand at Obs (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 6 Woodpigeon, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Manx Shearwater (first of the year, seen from the Good Shepherd IV), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 25+ Red Admiral, 50+ Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee

Year list: 171
________________________________________________________________________________________________

13-14th June 2023
Weather: Sunny throughout with a force 3-4 southerly wind
Sunshine and a southerly breeze is the theme for this week, giving the team pleasant conditions for seabird monitoring as well as some hope for late spring migrants. On 13th we made a good start on mapping Arctic Skua nests, with most pairs on eggs and a few left to settle. Another Guillemot population count was also on the cards on 13th, followed by Guillemot and Gannet productivity monitoring, and the morning of 14th was a good opportunity to perform the Gannet whole island count.


Arctic Skua nest with a view! At Easter Lother (by Alex Penn)

As for migrants, the female Red-backed Shrike was still present around Vaadal/South Park and was joined by a smart male around Field Ditch/Setter on 14th, whilst a Marsh Warbler trapped in Plantation on 14th was the third to be ringed out of four that have been sighted in recent days. A Wood Warbler at Obs garden was a more than welcome addition to the year list, rounding off a productive couple of days.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Canada Goose: one still present, at South Harbour
Red-backed Shrike: two; female still at Vaadal on 13th and moved to South Park on 14th, male at Field Ditch on 14th
Wood Warbler: one at Obs garden (first of the year)
Marsh Warbler: one trapped in Plantation

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin


Arctic Skua at Johnny Arcus Park (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 25+ Red Admiral, 50+ Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee, 2 Harbour Porpoise (off South Light)


Red Admiral on Thrift at Dronger (by Georgia Platt)

Year list: 170
________________________________________________________________________________________________

12th June 2023
Weather: Blue sky, sun and a very calm force 2 SSE breeze
A busy day filled with seabird monitoring and some birding in the evening, as the team took full advantage of the fine summer weather. The morning was spent down at the Razorbill productivity plot at Easter Lother, where many adults are still on eggs, but the first few very small (and very cute) chicks in the colony were seen. After a quick lunch it was back up to the Haven to head out in the boat to the west coast Shag population plots, where we landed briefly at South Gunnawark to record just four nests.


Razorbill and its newly hatched chick at Easter Lother (by Alex Penn)

Afterwards, some birding around the crofts and an evening trap/Obs net round produced a few more birds, with an Icterine Warbler and Red-backed Shrike at the traps and a few more common migrants noted. New Marsh Warblers were at Gully and Vaila's Trees, and yesterday's ringed bird at the Obs also still around in the evening, giving a total of three present in the isle. A Canada Goose at Easter Lother Water in the morning was also an unexpected surprise, and the third record of this species so far this year.


Icterine Warbler in the hand at Plantation (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Canada Goose: one at Easter Lother Water
Red-backed Shrike: female at Vaadal
Marsh Warbler: three present; one at Vaila's Trees, one trapped in Gully and yesterday's ringed bird retrapped again at Obs
Icterine Warbler: one trapped in Plantation

Sightings of note: 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Teal, 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 7 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Blackbird, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Linnet, 3 Siskin

Other wildlife: 25+ Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell (first of the year), 50+ Silver Y, 16 Shetland Bee, 2 Harbour Porpoise (off South Light)


The north Gannet stacks, seen from the water (by Georgia Platt)

Year list: 169
________________________________________________________________________________________________

10-11th June 2023
Weather: Mostly bright throughout with showers on 11th in the evening and a force 4-7 SE wind
Although the recent south-easterlies haven't yet brought any proper rarities to the isle, the 11th finally saw our first 'unstreaked Acros' of the year, in the form of one each of Blyth's Reed and Marsh Warbler, both singing at the Obs garden in the morning. Both birds were subsequently trapped, and treated the Obs team to a rare (and educational) comparison of both the species in the hand, side by side. Quite different birds in the spring, but definitely trickier in autumn! Four Crossbill flying south over Steensi Geo in the afternoon on 11th were also new for the year list.


Crossbills in flight over Steensi Geo (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one trapped at Obs garden (first of the year)
Marsh Warbler: one trapped at Obs garden (first of the year)


Blyth's Reed Warbler (above) and Marsh Warbler (below) in the hand at the Obs (by Georgia Platt)

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 3 Linnet, 4 Crossbill (first of the year), 2 Siskin


Male Pied Flycather at the Haa (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 9 Silver Y, 8 Shetland Bee

Year list: 169
________________________________________________________________________________________________

9th June 2023
Weather: Bright but mostly overcast with a force 2-3 easterly breeze
Today marked the last census of the spring, although with the wind now coming from the east the team will still try and get out as often as possible around the seabird monitoring work. A handful of common migrants were new in this morning, but a male Collared Flycatcher at South Raeva in the evening was the saviour of an otherwise quiet few days.

HIGHLIGHTS:
COLLARED FLYCATCHER: male at South Raeva (10th Fair Isle record)

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 20 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 59 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 45 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 7 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, 8 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Peregrine, 70 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 56 Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail, 67 Meadow Pipit, 59 Rock Pipit, 11 Twite

Other wildlife: 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 166
________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th June 2023
Weather: Blue sky and sunshine with a force 3-4 NE breeze
Today saw a hint of an easterly wind for the first time in weeks, which brought with it a Turtle Dove at the Haa, a nice new species for the year list. An Osprey flying north over Burkle in the evening was a late addition to the day, and a smart summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit remains around Mid Geo.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Turtle Dove: one at the Haa (new for the year list)
Osprey: one north over Burkle in the evening

Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 77 Eider (47 male, 30 female), 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Collared Dove, 71 Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, 38 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 6 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Carrion Crow, 67 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 17 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Blackbird, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 71 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 49 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 61 Rock Pipit, 7 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin


Spotted Flycatcher at Obs (by Georgia Platt)


Meadow Pipit carrying food, at Kirn O' Skroo (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 5 Shetland Bee

Year list: 165
________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th June 2023
Weather: Cloudy with a few sunny spells and a force 2-3 NW breeze
Not many new birds in today, other than a handful of Spotted Flycatcher scattered throughout the crofts and in the traps, whilst the male Red-backed Shrike was still around Pund/Chalet. A change in the wind direction is forecast tomorrow, as it turns north-easterly and then easterly over the weekend, which could be fairly promising for some nice late spring scarcities.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male still around Pund/Chalet

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Dunlin, 3 Black-headed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Redwing, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Linnet


Arctic Skua at the Airstrip (by Georgia Platt)

Year list: 164
________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th June 2023
Weather: Mostly overcast with a force 2-3 NW breeze
A few common migrants and new birds about today, the highlights including a smart male Red-backed Shrike around Field/Upper Stoneybrek and three Black-tailed Godwit touring around the south-east.


Male Red-backed Shrike at Field (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: male at Field/Upper Stoneybrek

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Teal, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Collared Dove, 67 Oystercatcher, 22 Lapwing, 44 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Turnstone, 10 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 190 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Peregrine, 74 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 74 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 80 Meadow Pipit, 51 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 18 Twite, 3 Linnet


'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit at South Harbour (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 4 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale (seen in Fair Isle waters from a cruiseship)

Year list: 164
________________________________________________________________________________________________

5th June 2023
Weather: Bright with occasional spells of low cloud and drizzle, and a force 3 NW breeze
No census today, as seabird monitoring is starting to take priority and the wind direction is still pretty uninspriring! The team did another visit to the Fulmar and Guillemot population plots in the morning, and in the afternoon Sally (the Ranger) was busy with a cruiseship in the south, whilst the rest of us went to count gull nests in the mixed colony at Goorn. Numbers of breeding gulls appear to be similar in recent years, with a few nests already containing small chicks that have hatched in the last couple of days.


Gull nest at Goorn with Sheep Rock in the background (by Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Collared Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 5 Black-headed Gull, 78 Arctic Tern, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Linnet

Year list: 164
________________________________________________________________________________________________

4th June 2023
Weather: Generally overcast with a force 2 NW breeze
A further handful of new birds in today, including an Olive-backed Pipit at Wester Lother, two smart male Grey-headed Wagtails and the second Red-backed Shrike of the spring. A cuckoo at Hill Dyke was the first for a little while, whilst a few Swift also made an appearance, as four were screaming over North Ramnigeo when the team were in the boat approaching the Shag population monitoring plots in the afternoon.


Male Grey-headed Wagtail at Obs scrape (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: ringed male still in Gully
Red-backed Shrike: female at the Haa
Grey-headed Wagtail: two males; one at Hesti and one at Obs scrape
Olive-backed Pipit: one at Wester Lother

Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 4 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Collared Dove, 66 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 41 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 5 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 12 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 149 Arctic Tern, 2 Peregrine, 78 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 65 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 54 Meadow Pipit, 40 Rock Pipit, 6 Twite, 3 Linnet

Other wildlife: 6 Shetland Bee

Year list: 164
________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd June 2023
Weather: Low cloud and drizzle in the morning followed by an overcast yet bright afternoon, with a force 2-3 NW breeze
A dreich morning was a stark contrast to yesterday's gorgeous summer weather, with few new birds in of note other than the first Common Rosefinch of the year at the Haa, three Spotted Flycatcher and a single Pied Flycatcher. Fortunately the low cloud had lifted by the afternoon, and the team could carry out the first Guillemot and Fulmar population monitoring plot counts of the season.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Rosefinch: one at the Haa (first of the year)

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Woodpigeon, 8 Collared Dove, 76 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 43 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 7 Dunlin, 23 Snipe, 3 Black-headed Gull, 21 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 136 Arctic Tern, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 15 Storm Petrel (first of the year, seen from the Northlink), 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 85 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 101 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Pied Wagtail, 67 Meadow Pipit, 50 Rock Pipit, 9 Twite, 4 Linnet


Whinchat at Obs garden (by Georgia Platt)

Other wildlife: 8 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale (off the east coast, seen from the Northlink)

Year list: 164
________________________________________________________________________________________________

2nd June 2023
Weather: Sunny with few clouds and very calm
A rare flat calm day brought a handful of common migrants into the isle, but unfortunately nothing scarcer. The afternoon was the perfect opportunity for the team to make the first visit to the Puffin productivity monitoring plot at Greenholm, and mark out the active burrows in preparation for monitoring chicks when they hatch.


A classic sight - Obs staff shoulder-deep in Puffin burrows! (by Georgia Platt)

HIGHLIGHTS:
SNOWY OWL: male seen again very early morning over Gilsetter
WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: ringed male still in Gully

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 3 Wigeon, 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 63 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 29 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 64 Arctic Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 69 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 86 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 77 Meadow Pipit, 47 Rock Pipit, 17 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 10 Shetland Bee

Year list: 162
________________________________________________________________________________________________

1st June 2023
Weather: Mostly sunny with a force 4-5 northerly wind
Finally a change in wind direction today, but not in the direction we would hope for! Nevertheless, a bright sunny day was more than welcome to get June off to a good start, despite there not being much of a change in birds. A Greenshank in South Harbour was new in (as was a cruiseship with 200 passengers in the afternoon) and the Rustic Bunting from two days ago reappeared at the Haa. The next few days are set to be fairly calm, which will allow for a good amount of seabird work and hopefully some new birds to find as well.


The male Western Subalpine Warbler is still present and loving life in the Gully plantation! (by Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS:
WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: ringed male still in Gully
RUSTIC BUNTING: male reappeared at the Haa

Sightings of note: 7 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 56 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 28 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 43 Arctic Tern, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 57 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 113 Wheatear, 6 Pied Wagtail, 77 Meadow Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 11 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Siskin


Arctic Tern at Buness (by Alex Penn)

Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 162
________________________________________________________________________________________________

August, September and October round-up

Hi all! Welcome to the end of the season and the last Ranger blog this year. I hope you’ve been reading the latest sightings as they’ve been coming in. We've had some truly fabulous days in the last few months, when the favourable winds have been blowing! Let’s go back a couple months and start at the end of summer as we finished off the seabird work back in August.


An art installation by the Obs team called ‘walk this way’, or a way of getting our shoes dry, and South Light in the sun with the wader nets up (by Sally Kunzig)

While we were visiting the Restengeos earlier in the summer and ringing auks there, the priority was to locate Shag nests that we could revisit to check their productivity, and hopefully get colour rings on chicks when they were close to fledging size. The Darvic rings are useful as they make resighting data much easier to collect, as you don’t have to recapture the individual, just get the code off the band while observing through bins or a scope. So when you next visit Fair Isle, or are travelling along the UK coast, be sure to check the Shags for colour rings! As well as the clutches in the Restengeos, after our final visit to Greenholm for the Puffins, there was an accessible clutch on the edge of the cliff off South Green. A bonus for the team!


Sally and Georgia ringing Shags (by Alex Penn), Shag chicks showing off their new rings (by Alex Penn) and Alex demonstrating the correct way to catch a Shag chick (by Sally Kunzig)

The end of the summer is the time to tie up loose ends for other seabirds. The team went back to check on the Fulmars and see how many of the nests we surveyed earlier in the year had a chick in them. We also kept an eye on the Bonxies and Arctic Skuas to see how many fledged and left the island. And the final, final bit of seabird monitoring was carried out in October, as the final Gannet chicks fledged and left the cliffs. It’s not been the best year for productivity of most seabirds on the island, but the positive this year was that there’s been no local cases of bird flu during the breeding season. So although the birds had to deal with low fish stocks in the North Sea, they weren’t also battling the flu too!


A nearly ready to fledge Bonxie, the final Fulmar plot count, and a happy team after a successful trip to the Restengeos, with Matt Broadbent, our volunteer at the time (by Sally Kunzig)

The end of summer also saw the end of the tourist season on Fair Isle. We had 5 cruise ships visit the island over August and September, and although the Puffins had left, everyone greatly enjoyed walking around Fair Isle, taking in the scenery and other wildlife, as well as journeying into the past via the museum. It’s been the busiest year so far for cruise ships this year on Fair Isle, with 21 ships landing over the summer, and I can safely say it’s been greatly enjoyed by all involved! Excitingly for me, I was invited aboard on the penultimate ship to visit us, called the Scenic Eclipse II. The ship had only been finished in the last year and boasted a huge range of luxuries on board, including six restaurants, an ‘everything you can think of’ spa and multiple swimming pools - my guide couldn’t remember how many at the time!


The Scenic Eclipse II getting ready to bring passengers to Fair Isle (by Sally Kunzig), Sally sitting in a helicopter, on the cruise ship! (Yes, they have a helicopter!), and the final cruise ship of the summer in South Haven (by Sally Kunzig)

The mark of autumn coming to the island is the return of census. We had two fantastic volunteers join us this season, Matt Broadbent for August and early September, and Sam Langlois up to the end of October. With the wardening team back to marching around the island, the birding group chat had everyone on high alert, waiting to get the call that something of great interest had been found. Birders flocked to the island in the hope of seeing the rarities that are brought to Fair Isle with favourable winds. Unfortunately, many of those favourable winds seemed to take place after the birders had left! Even so, there were twitches left, right and centre across the isle in late September/early October, many also coinciding with birds that were able to be trapped by the Obs team. Some birds were caught quickly and others required quite a bit of patience and/or shepherding by the staff. A Lanceolated Warbler even required a spritely manoeuvre from one of the FIBO science directors! Sorry folks, I didn’t manage to capture that piece of history with a camera!


The group around the Turkestan Shrike (by Sally Kunzig), the Obs team and FIBOT President Roy Dennis after catching the Quoy Lancy (by Sam Langlois), the gathering for the second Lancy caught this autumn (by Sally Kunzig), and photos on photos of the Pallas’s Warbler (by Sally Kunzig)

Autumn also brought actual night to the island, so along with Storm Petrel sessions in August, wader nets were put up at Muckle Uri Geo outside South Light and our red head torches were donned to process any waders that didn’t manage to see the net in the moonlight. We had some really successful sessions, with Redshank, Knot, Ruff and Dunlin caught, to name a few! As the nights got earlier and earlier, Alex also ventured out with his dazzling gear to see what was roosting on the island. Some highlights of his hard work were one of each of both Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, a Whooper Swan and a Hen Harrier! It was amazing to see these birds up close, when normally as soon as they see you they take to the skies. We also had an amazing influx of Short-eared Owls this October, so we got the net out a couple of times to catch as many as we could. Our very first attempt this autumn rewarded us with six SEOs ringed, including three caught at the same time! What a treat!


Adult and juvenile Knot in the hand at night (by Georgia Platt), three Short-eared Owls (by Georgia Platt), Redshank (by Sally Kunzig), and the Whooper Swan dazzled by Alex (by Sally Kunzig)


The Greylag (held by Alex) and Pink-footed Geese (held by Sam Langlois), and the Hen Harrier in the hand, indoors to have a better look! (by Sally Kunzig)

Many of the activities I did with the kids at school this year involved the marine environment. At the end of August we had a great time with our homemade plankton nets, trawling along the pier at the Haven. We had some great finds! Thanks to Nick Riddiford and his microscope, we were able to identify the main plankton we found as the sea butterfly, a planktonic mollusc, that seemed to be having a great bloom at that time. There were also plentiful numbers of shrimp to be found everywhere. We caught a fifteen-spined stickleback, and found some very pretty nudibranchs when we moved from the open water of the pier to the more sheltered and seaweed-covered underside of the floating pontoon. Later in September the kids joined me down in Muckle Uri Geo for a spot of rockpooling, an activity that I knew they had all done and enjoyed many times before. So I set them the challenge of finding things on the shore that they couldn’t already identify, which ended up being a fantastic seaweed hunt!


Sally showing the kids and older kids different plankton (by Georgia Platt), shrimp under a microscope (thanks Eileen!) (by Sally Kunzig) and the nudibranch, Polycera quadrilineata, under a microscope (by Nick Riddiford)

Having given bird walks to cruise ship passengers, day trippers and guests on the island, I finally gave a guided walk to my hardest critics, the school kids...and it went great! With so many thrushes about on the island, as well as the resident birds, it was a good day to be outside and having a look through a pair of binoculars. All five of the school kids came out and saw different bird species that they were able to tick off a bingo sheet I’d created for autumn birding. It’s been such a fun year doing different outdoor and wildlife focused activities with the kids here. I was very glad to hear they’d all enjoyed everything too, and was given the best leaving present I can think of!


The school kids and Sally looking through binoculars (by Hollie Shaw), and a final farewell from the school kids (by Gillian Maxwell)

Coming from a marine biology background, if I’m treated to calm and warm weather and I’m next to the sea, you are almost certain to find me in it! So on those hot days in August and September, I donned my wetsuits and fins to have a look in the Haven with my camera, and see what life I could find underwater. The plankton bloom that we found in the trawls was evident whilst snorkelling. Although the water was clear, there were many tiny things moving in the currents. Plankton blooms can also coincide with an abundance of jellyfish, and we had been seeing a few Lion’s Mane jellies from the coast already, so it was great to get up close to one in North Haven, though thankfully never within touching distance. Other smaller jellyfish included comb jellies (or sea gooseberries) and moon jellies, many of which lined the seabed after recent stormy weather likely washed them ashore. Shoals of small sandeels made way for me in the water, and crabs were constantly running away when they’d see my shadow above me. It’s a great feeling to immerse yourself in that environment, next time I’ll be bringing my drysuit in the hopes that my feet don’t turn blue!


Lion’s Mane jellyfish and a shoal of Sandeel in North Haven (by Sally Kunzig)

We expect late summer and early autumn to be the best time in the year to see cetaceans around Fair Isle, the sea having warmed up from the summer. The mixing of cool and warm water brings high productivity of plankton and fish, which hopefully draws cetaceans closer to shore where there are upwellings. Autumn didn’t disappoint! We had close encounters with a large pod of Risso’s Dolphin and (separately) a group of Orca outside of South Light, and an exceptionally close few Minke Whales off Meoness, almost within touching distance. But what none of us expected was to see a proper feeding frenzy of 10s of Minke Whales and White-beaked Dolphin, and a Humpback Whale in the middle of the fray, off the south coast of the island. It was an incredible sight to witness, with diving birds swooping around the rising fins, and even more amazing that many of these animals stayed around the island for nearly two weeks after. It’s a great sign that there is plentiful fish for not just the cetaceans, so a welcome and hopeful sight.


Minke Whale close in off Meoness (by Sally Kunzig)

So that’s it! The end of the 2023 season at Fair Isle Bird Obs. As a final send off from me, there are some huge thanks in order for making this season on Fair Isle so memorable. Firstly to everyone at the school, Gillian, Hollie, Pat, George and all the kids, it was great to spend so much time with you throughout the year and share so much joy in getting to understand wildlife on Fair Isle. A massive thanks to Nick, for showing me plants and insects I would have otherwise overlooked, and being an amazing help with activities at the school as well. We couldn’t have done it without you - or your kit! ;) Everyone who helped out with the cruise ships, you were all fantastic, extra thanks to Eileen for being chief organiser and also for bringing the most enthusiasm to everything, especially when it’s needed most! Thank you Anne for sharing the history of the isle with me over each cup of tea! Huge thanks to Neil for encouraging me to bring my saxophone to the island and then letting me join the prestigious Fair Isle Band! Was great to “get it right sometimes” with you, Guillermo and Rachel. I could keep naming names, but the biggest thanks to absolutely everyone on the island, for being so welcoming and inviting, what with beach parties and bbqs, swimming sessions or darts, Fair Isle is the most amazing place and, yes, I’m sure I’ll be coming back.


Beach bonfire party (by Sally Kunzig)

Finally, thank you to Alex and Georgia, for sharing such a fantastic season with me. It’s been a blast working with you both and I wish you guys the best of luck!


The 2023 FIBO team, Sally, Georgia and Alex all holding ringed Shag chicks (By Sally Kunzig. Seems we never did get that ‘smart’ team photo! ;) )

Written by Sally Kunzig, Ranger. All photos used with permission.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

July round-up

Hello all! I’m back again to give a round-up of what we’ve been up to at the Observatory in July. From full cliffs with chicks hatching, to seeing our first fledglings, from foggy days where we couldn’t see up the island to sunny flat calm days on the boat, from ringing Arctic Tern chicks to ringing Gannets, it has been a month worth recapping!


Some days you want to work outside, and others, not so much! (By Sally Kunzig)

As July is the main chick rearing month for seabirds, one of the big tasks for the month was doing the all-day feed watch for Guillemots and Puffins. For both species this meant the four of us took it in turns to watch the study plot in two-hour shifts between 3am and around 11pm. We did these on calm (and mostly sunny) days not just out of convenience for sitting outside all day, but to give us the best conditions to view adults coming to the site with food for their chicks. For Guillemots we made use of the hut at Pietron, and for every bird that flew back into the colony, we had to note down the time, whether it was carrying food, and if so, how big and what type of fish it was. Puffins required a bit more setting up, with us decorating the site with numbered flags for each occupied burrow we saw the day before the feed watch. During the feed watch we had to determine the most common type of fish in the bill of the Puffins, as unlike Guillemots where they tend to catch one fish at a time, Puffins bring back a catch of many small fish, usually Sandeels.


Guillemot feed watch and Puffin feed watch sites, and Puffins loafing at the feed watch burrows (by Sally Kunzig)

As Puffins return to the burrows very quickly with their catch, we’re unable to estimate the number of fish in the bill during the feed watch, so we also have a session catching Puffins on Tor o’ da Ward Hill (down the steep slope to the west of Ward Hill). There’s a large Puffin nesting site there, making it the perfect place to set up a mist net very early in the morning (0530!) and catch birds as they’re coming back in. As Puffins bounce into the mist net they release their catch onto the ground, sometimes spreading the fish quite a distance! We then retrieve the Puffin out of the net and ring it, as someone else collects all the fish in a plastic wallet to be sorted through later. For anyone concerned that the Pufflings weren’t getting their breakfast, there were many more birds flying over or past the net than into it, much to our frustration – it took us four hours to get the necessary 30 samples! We then processed all the samples later that morning. It’s nicer to be handling dead fish the fresher they are...although that still doesn’t make it pleasant. Every fish, or bit of fish, in the sample had to be identified, measured and weighed. This meant sorting all the fish by hand – even after being through the wash, I think my jumper still smells slightly of fish! This year hasn’t been great for large Sandeels - the main fish type we’ve seen caught has been very small translucent Sandeels instead. But we’ve also seen many Puffins with a good catch of healthy sized Rockling, so it is good news that they’ve been able to find a food resource without the larger Sandeels being present.


Puffin mist net on Tor o’ da Ward Hill with fish sample bag, the aftermath of the fish sampling, and the Obs team conducting the fish sampling outside (sensibly!) (by Sally Kunzig)

We’ve been very busy with Puffins this month! We’ve been back to our productivity monitoring site on Greenholm three more times. Firstly to check which of the burrows had hatched chicks, and then continue monitoring their growth and see how many of them fledge out of the burrows. This meant seeing the Pufflings in all stages of growth, from some quite small chicks still in downy fluff, to larger ones that have many of their juvenile feathers growing. We’ve also been up to the Puffin burrows on Buness and Roskilie to try and recapture birds that were GLS tagged two years ago and catch currently breeding birds to fit new GLS tags on them. These tags collect data on the whereabouts of the Puffins while they winter out at sea, and where they go foraging for fish while they spend the breeding season on Fair Isle. 20 tags were deployed on breeding Puffins in 2021, and although a couple of individuals with the old tags have been spotted this year, so far we’ve been unable to recapture any of them. Fingers crossed that the birds that got tagged this year will be able to be recaptured next year so we can see where they’ve travelled away from Fair Isle!


The classic Greenholm Puffin monitoring photo (by Marcela Poddaniec). A small downy Puffin chick, a larger Puffin chick with mostly juvenile feathers, and an adult Puffin in the hand (by Sally Kunzig)

Our other auks haven’t taken the backseat though! Alex, Georgia and I were back down in Easter Lother a couple times this month, including the final time of the season. We’ve continued our productivity monitoring of the Razorbill colony down there, finding, measuring and weighing all the chicks from each nest. As both Razorbill and Guillemot chicks leave the nest before they’re fully grown, they are the first seabirds to leave Fair Isle. I hope they enjoy their winter out at sea – brr!


Razorbill chick in the hand, Georgia, Alex and Sally with Razorbills in Easter Lother, Guillemot monitoring at Da Swadin, and the last Guillemots at Pietron (by Sally Kunzig)

Now that the nights are getting darker, although still not true night yet, we’ve set up nets in the Haven to ring European Storm Petrels (more fondly known as Stormies!). For those that don’t know what’s involved, I think we’re a rather strange sight, rocking up to the Haven once it’s dark, setting up a net then blasting Storm Petrel vocalisations out of a megaphone for the next couple of hours. Stormies are the smallest seabird in the world, think the size of a swallow, but live most of their life out at sea. As they are so small they are easily predated so are only found on islands without land predators (such as Fair Isle) and tend to leave and return to the nest under the cover of darkness as a precaution to predation. Hence us ringing under the cover of darkness, as it’s when the birds are the most active. As a trainee ringer, Stormie sessions are a great way to boost my numbers of birds ringed. We’ve had a couple of sessions already, one of them resulting in over 200 Stormies caught in just over three hours! That session was very exciting as we also caught a couple of Leach’s Petrels, similar to Stormies but about twice the size!


Storm Petrel in the hand and a Leach’s Petrel in the hand (by Sally Kunzig)

The beginning of the month saw us walking through the Arctic Tern colony and ringing all the chicks that we could find. We stick to the same lines that we had when we counted nests last month, just this time when we found a chick, we picked it up and put a ring on it. Arctic Tern chicks grow very quickly, when we walked through for ringing chicks we were already coming across birds that nearly had all their flight feathers. At the end of the month, when the juveniles had all fledged, we set up a couple of large mist nets in the colony to try and catch some of the roosting adults and hopefully find a couple of retraps. Similarly to Stormies, we wait for the cover of darkness and blast out Arctic Tern chatter through the megaphone. Georgia and Alex also constructed some decoy terns to place behind one of the nets in the hope to draw the terns to that area and into the net. Unfortunately there wasn’t as big of a roost of birds as we were hoping for, but we were still successful in ringing a couple of adults, and a couple of retraps. We also learnt that if there’s any seabird noise being played through a megaphone, be that Arctic Tern, Manx Shearwater or Leach’s Petrel, you will catch a Storm Petrel!


A recently hatched Arctic Tern chick in the hand next to one maybe a week older, the Arctic Tern decoys pre-deployment, and red lights on for ringing Arctic Tern adults in the dark (by Sally Kunzig)

Other than seabirds, July is a busy month for the islanders as it’s sheep shearing season. Each of the crofts deals with the sheep in their fields individually, but everyone on the island gets involved collecting all the sheep off the north hills together. Luckily for us there were lots of extended family members on isle for parties and the summer holidays, so it was both busy with people and with sheep at the Cru! Once all the sheep (and people) had been rounded up, clipping begins in earnest. I hadn’t clipped a sheep before, and now I’ve done two! It’s quite therapeutic once you get into it, but I am grateful I didn’t need to be there all afternoon clipping every one!


All the hill sheep in the Cru (by Sally Kunzig). Marcela and Sally clipping their first sheep (by Tommy of Auld Haa). Three generations of FIBO Wardens clipping sheep, L->R; Deryk Shaw, Alen Penn, Nick Riddiford (by Georgia Platt)

Although there were a couple of cruise ships in July, I had just as many guided walks to give with day trippers arriving via the plane, or even visitors staying at one of the houses on the island. Fortunately there were more beautifully sunny days in the month than there were foggy ones, and most of the time the seabirds were posing nicely for photos. Getting to the end of the month when Guillemots and Razorbills have left their posts on the cliffs means other wildlife can take to the stage. During one of my monthly biosecurity checks I found the largest frog I’ve seen on the island! Although they were very common to spot in late spring when they were around the ponds laying their frogspawn, I’ve not noticed any in a couple of months, so it was a bit of a surprise to find underneath a biosecurity box. Marcela and I have also been out with Nick Riddiford in the hunt for Frog Orchids and other interesting plants on the island. We’ve not managed to find an orchid in full bloom yet, but there are always more species to have a look at. I hadn’t yet seen the two insectivorous plants that we have on Fair Isle, so it was great to be guided towards them. Interestingly, Nick mentioned that the Sundews seem to have spread quite considerably where we found them at the top of Wirvie burn.


Frog found under a biosecurity box, and Sundews and Butterwort at Wirvie burn (by Sally Kunzig)

The calm nights for Stormies have also led to the moth traps being put out. A light source on top of a box filled with old egg boxes is the perfect way to catch them. We then have to carefully go through the box the following morning and count how many of each species are in there (...I say ‘we’, though it does tend to be Alex!). As South Light isn’t very sheltered and doesn’t have much cover around it, we expect only a couple of species in the trap. So it’s good news that we’ve had up to 16 different species in the trap this month! Though the highlight for moths in July was finding four Hummingbird Hawkmoths on the same bank behind the coastguard hut.
A selection of moths from the moth trap, and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth (by Sally Kunzig)

To complete what has already been a fantastic month, for the first time in 13 years, Gannets have been ringed at the colony on Fair Isle! Having looked through many photos in the archive for Fair Isle Friday posts and seeing old Obs teams going into colonies around the island, we figured it was worth a try. Previously, access to colonies was only possible by roping in, but Georgia had scoped out a couple of access points from her Gannet productivity monitoring spots. Alex, Georgia and I set out to a colony at Dronger, on the north west tip of the island, and after a bit of shimmying down the cliffs (safely!), we made it to the colony. As the chicks are still covered in downy feathers, they stick tightly to their nest, where we slowly approach them and ring them in situ. The adults move off and start swirling around the colony, constantly looking at us to check when we move away. This is true except for the very first one we came across, enabling me to ring my very first Gannet! A very special moment for all of us to be in the colony and so close to these exceptional seabirds.


Sally with an adult Gannet (By Georgia Platt). Alex and Georgia in the Gannetry (By Sally Kunzig)

In non-bird related news, we had some musicians visit the island as part of their tour around the UK isles by sailing boat. Which meant a music night in the hall, with a supporting act by the Fair Isle band, which I had been invited to join at the beginning of the year. Our debut performance was an absolute blast and well worth all the practice we put in beforehand!


Neil on guitar and vocals, Guillermo on bass and Sally on saxophone in the Fair Isle Band! (By Alex Penn)

A very quick final note: we had BBC Radio Shetland day tripping on isle at the beginning of August, mainly to hear about how the building work of the observatory is going, but they also managed to catch me before I gave guided walks to a cruise ship that was in. If you’d like to hear the piece, it’s on BBC Sounds here from the 10-minute mark. Enjoy!

BBC Sounds radio clip

Written by Sally Kunzig, Ranger


Georgia and Sally ringing a Gannet chick at North Felsigeo (By Alex Penn)

________________________________________________________________________________________________

June round-up

Hello all, welcome back to another monthly round up of what the observatory team have been getting up to on Fair Isle in June! Although much of the seabird monitoring started in May, as the daily spring migration census ended at the beginning of June, all of our focus poured into the necessary visits to different seabird colonies around the island.

Before going into all the wonderful seabird work we got up to in June, it would be remiss to not mention the waders that we encountered. All of our breeding waders fledged this month, so right at the beginning we were still able to catch a couple of the chicks to ring.


Ringed Plover chick in the hand, two Curlew chicks in the hand, Georgia and Alex with Oystercatcher chicks (by Sally Kunzig).

After a rather dreary May, the first two weeks of June were exactly what we needed. Lots of calm weather and sunshine to warm up the days and the ability to get out there and work with our seabirds. The first big job was heading out in the dingy over to Greenholm, one of the stacks off the southwest of the isle, and our Puffin productivity monitoring plot. I’m grateful that I could bring my phone across to take photos there as I don’t think there’s any way to describe in words how gorgeous Greenholm was with the Thrift out in full bloom. Plus being able to hear the Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and other seabirds flying around us…it took me a good minute to remember I was there to find occupied Puffin burrows! There is a highly technical way of checking Puffin burrows, using an endoscopic-like camera that has a live feed so you can view if the burrow is occupied by a Puffin and/or egg. But us at Fair Isle Bird Obs are in favour of the traditional method - just stick your hand down the burrow and have a feel around! There is no elegant way of doing this, as I found out, and nor is there a way of doing it whereby your fingers won’t get nibbled by a protective parent Puffin! We found more occupied burrows than last year, a total of 72, a good sign! We mark all the burrows with a painted stone so we can find them again when we return to check on the Pufflings, fingers crossed for another calm day to get there!


Sally, Dan and Alex checking puffin burrows on Greenholm (by Georgia Platt), Great Black-backed Gull chick in the Thrift on Greenholm (by Sally Kunzig), the observatory team checking Puffin burrows on Greenholm (by Mati Ventrillon).

Puffin chicks aren’t the only auks we’ve been looking for. We’ve been back down into Easter Lother three times in June to note how many Razorbill chicks have hatched, and to take biometrics from the chicks (wing length and weight) to assess how quickly they’re growing. It’s great to hear more squeaks from chicks every subsequent time we go down there!


A recently hatched Razorbill chick with adult, and weighing a young Razorbill chick at Easter Lother (by Sally Kunzig)

All the calm days have also meant we’ve been able to get out on the boat (not just the dingy!) and access geos around the island that are otherwise inaccessible. The primary reason for us adventuring around the island was to assess how many Shag nests are currently occupied. All of the landing sites are also bolder beaches that Razorbills, and a handful of other auks, make use of for nesting. So while we’re there we try and catch some adults to ring, so that we can continue to get retrap information about the success of our auks.


The observatory team in the boat in South Ramnigeo (by Sally Kunzig), Sally and Dan looking off the front of the boat looking into Furse (by Georgia Platt). June also saw our second changeover of volunteers with Marcela joining the team! Alex with a net waiting for Razorbills to fly in, while Georgia and Marcela ring Razorbills, in South Ramnigeo (by Sally Kunzig).

May was definitely the busy month for cruise ships, June in comparison seems quiet only seeing six boats land on the island. Due to the building work in the Haven, a couple of them ended up landing in South Harbour, so I took groups on bird walks up to South Green to have a look at the colonies of different seabirds on Greenholm. Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Shags were all present for guests to see – I have a feeling everyone’s camera roll leaves the island much fuller!


A cruise ship disembarking at South Harbour, passengers on South Green with South Lighthouse in the background, and cruise ship passengers at the south end of Buness watching Puffins (by Sally Kunzig).

And the school kids have now broken up for their summer holidays! Just before they did I was able to go out with them on a pond dipping expedition at Sukka Mire with Nick Riddiford, previous FIBO warden and general Fair Isle wildlife know-all (I’ve carefully worded that!). Even with overcast skies above, we all had a good time sweeping nets through the burns and finding plenty of insects that we could inspect in pots to identify using a field key. Nick collected a couple to look at under the microscope, included in our collection were a Wollaston’s Water Boatman, a Soft-haired Water Beetle, and a rather striking Reed Beetle, to name a few. It also turned out to be a surprisingly good spot for non-aquatic insect life as a quick sweep above the vegetation resulted in a good catch of flies and a micro moth (Bactra lancealana). With the weather warming up on the island, the insect life is, quite literally, buzzing!


Wollaston’s Water Boatman, Soft-haired Water Beetle, Reed Beetle under a microscope (by Nick Riddiford). A pooter with the sweep net collection of flies and moth (by Sally Kunzig).

Back to seabirds and June is the month of counting! This year was a full island count for our Gannets, requiring both Alex and Georgia to walk along the north-west cliffs and count the parts of the Gannetries that are visible from land, then on one of the days we were out on the boat, the final part of the count could be conducted from sea. We also counted Guillemots at specific ledges around the island to get a population figure. This required all four of us to return to the same monitoring spots seven times over the first two weeks of the month to get an average. The first part of the Fulmar productivity monitoring also took place at the beginning of the month. We again went back to plots that have been monitored every year for the past few decades, and this time we counted apparently occupied nests. We’ll check back on the Fulmars later in August once the chicks have hatched and grown and see which of the nests we marked were successful!


Georgia counting Gannets from the boat, the Fulmar nest plot in North Haven, the observatory team in the boat around the north coast, Guillemots on ledges in South Ramnigeo (by Sally Kunzig).

Nest counts were also carried out for all our ground-nesting seabirds, Great Skuas (Bonxie), Arctic Skuas (Scootie Alan) and Arctic Terns (Tirrick), and I am pleased to report that there is not one nice bird amongst them! They are all highly protective of their eggs and young, and as such decide that dive-bombing any potential predators that wander near their nest is the best thing to do. Now this works fantastically as a sheep deterrent, the problem only arises when a biologist, such as myself, is trying their best to locate a small scrape in the heath where a Bonxie has laid their eggs, whilst getting showered in waste and my cap knocked off by the parents trying to shoo me away! The Bonxies are by far the worst of the three as you’re unlikely to leave a territory unscathed. If you can’t get the googly-eyes-on-a-stick headband, as previous observatory staff had (have you been following our social media posts? click here), then the next best thing is just to stick your hand above your head - a Bonxie high-five is much kinder! The Arctic Skuas, though more precise if they decide to dive-bomb, often use a broken wing display as a distraction, to try and remove you from their nesting territory. Because the Arctic Terns are in such a close-knit colony we don’t map their nests like we do with both skuas. Instead, we walk through the colony in a very tight line, pointing out each nest that we can see and then use the count of apparently occupied nests as a population count. As we do so, all the adults get up and start shouting and dive-bombing us. Fortunately, there are only a few that “accidentally” hit the top of our heads, though it’s best not to do this fieldwork if you already have a headache!


Georgia and Alex in search of an Arctic Skua nest (by Sally Kunzig).

Although the number of Bonxies dropped considerably due to bird flu, around a 70% decline on Fair Isle, it was great to see many of the nests we surveyed already hatching out and healthy-looking chicks wandering around. The Arctic Terns seem to be having a good year so far, with just under 300 nests found in the colony, and there were already a couple of chicks out – we’ll be back in July to ring the chicks we can find! While we were out we caught a retrap adult Arctic Tern, ringed on Fair Isle as a chick in either 1996/97 – old enough to be part of the obs team!


Recently hatched Bonxie in the nest with an egg, the aftermath of Bonxie nest mapping (note I’m still smiling...just!), Alex with an Arctic Tern dive bombing from above, and a recently hatched Arctic Tern in the nest with an egg (by Sally Kunzig).

Does it sound like we got up to enough in June? The warm weather did leave just enough time for me to dip my toes in the sun-warmed waters of Gunglesund, the tidal pool that is also used as a swimming pool on Fair Isle. I can say it was well worth a dip! Hopefully the sun keeps shining, the chicks keep hatching and I can walk through the island without it looking like I’ve been in a bad paint mishap!


Sally in front of Gunglesund (by Sally Kunzig), and a group of intrepid swimmers in Gunglesund (by Eileen Thompson).

Written by Sally Kunzig, Ranger


The setting sun on the summer solstice at North Light (by Sally Kunzig)

________________________________________________________________________________________________

May round-up

May saw the start of new events, new cruises and unfortunately limited new weather. But even with predominantly north westerlies hitting Fair Isle, a few rarities, along with plenty of new people (in the shape of cruise passengers) kept us quite busy!

I’ve been back to the school a couple of times now, first to finish constructing the bug hotel. After collecting all the materials with me at the end of last month, the kids got busy making little ‘pods’ of sticks and dried grass in tubes, to go into the hotel once the pallet was cut up and put in place. I came back to add the finishing touches to the construction, some stones at the bottom, some more material in between the pods, and then some moss to top it all off! Now the weather's warming up (a little!) we’ll have to check back in and see who’s staying in there.


All the children making the ‘pods’ [by Gillian Maxwell], all of us filling the pallet [by George], and the final product! [By Sally Kunzig]

With the increase in temperature a lot of flowers are now in bloom here. Almost out of my own curiosity, I suggested a plant and flower ID and pressing activity. With both my plant guides in hand, I was fortunate to find them mostly redundant as Freyja, the eldest student in the school, really knows her stuff and almost every plant we came across, she was able to identify! It’s safe to say I was definitely being taught, rather than teaching, this time - thank you Freyja! It’s worth noting that Fair Isle is home to many rare species of plants, and that picking them would not only be counterintuitive, but not allowed in some parts of the isle as it’s a Special Area of Conservation. We kept well within the limits, with Freyja to guide us, and only picking one flower from a patch of flowers, rather than removing individuals from an area where they aren’t abundant. Back at the school, the kids organised the samples onto pressing paper, and they’re currently sitting under a couple of heavy books. Once pressed, they’ll be laminated to keep on show, and used for identification in future years.


The kids and Sally collecting flowers [by Gillian Maxwell], the final collection of plants [by Gillian Maxwell], Cuckooflower [by Sally Kunzig]

I did get a chance to show off my own expertise with the kids at the end of the month. A couple years ago I assisted on a citizen science project called the Big Seaweed Search. Anyone around the UK with access to a rocky shore is able to take part, and the kids agreed it was time to add Fair Isle to the map! We headed down to Muckle Uri Geo at low tide, and formed a survey line to find all the different species of seaweed that reside on the rocks and in the tide pools. We found 6 different species of seaweed on the shore that we were looking for in the guides, and also saw that a couple of the wrack species had hybridised making some identification a little more tricky! I’m happy to say that the kids (and teacher!) all left with a greater knowledge of the seaweeds we find here, and had assisted in a citizen science project!


Sally and the kids in Muckle Uri Geo seaweed spotting [by Gillian Maxwell]

The cruise ships have been coming in thick and fast this last month. We had eight ships actually landing during the month. The smallest was the first arrival of Greg Mortimer bringing only 41 passengers ashore, in comparison the largest was Seabourn Venture with 170 passengers visiting Fair Isle. My role with cruise ships is taking passengers (and guides) on a bird walk up Buness to see the puffins there up close, as well as informing them about the bird observatory and island life. Most years, puffins on the edge of cliffs is a guarantee, and fortunately there have been birds flying around and ducking in and out of burrows for all to see. However this year, although we saw great numbers of puffins back on land earlier in April, they have yet to decide to lounge around on the edge of the cliffs, instead choosing to be rafting on the water at the base of the cliffs, or even just heading back out to sea! Luckily puffins here are very curious to see what the group of people in the same colour jackets are doing at the top of the cliff, so most of the visits have had a steady stream of puffins returning to the tops of cliffs to amuse the guests - thankfully!


Cruise ship passengers and the first puffin of the morning, another cruise ship visit with more puffins on Buness, Greg Mortimer moored outside North Haven and Seabourn Venture with a zodiac in North Haven [by Sally Kunzig]

Ask anyone who was on Fair Isle this May what the best day was and I think they’d all collectively say the 22nd! The day itself didn’t look like much, a little calmer in the winds compared to the previous week, but I can safely say that the obs team were gunning for something exciting, as the majority of May has seen westerlies ploughing through the island, making it quite tricky for any rarities to arrive. Or so we thought. The morning trap round brought the first surprise – a Western Subalpine Warbler! Already in high spirits for the day, the rest of the team set off for census. Just before midday the shout went out that there were two bull Orca coasting along the east cliffs. We later find out that this was Hulk and Nótt, two bulls that have visited Fair Isle a handful of times before. All of us rushed to various points along the south east coastline and were able to get some fantastic views of these magnificent creatures. It was a real treat and the first time I had seen an Orca, so I was especially pleased! After following them south along the cliffs, and running much more than any of us really want to, Hulk and Nótt were last seen heading south out of South Harbour, and later that day picked up off Orkney. Five minutes into having lunch and Alex gets a message there's an unringed Subalpine Warbler sp. hanging around Setter, so very quickly the team head out again to trap it before resuming census. We’re still waiting to hear back about DNA confirmation of the species of the second Subalpine, but we narrowed it down to between Western and Moltoni’s. Census resumes and I don’t think anyone expected anything else interesting to appear…the message ‘SNOWY OWL’ pops up in the group chat, and suddenly I'm picking up everyone that will fit in the car to head up to see the owl at Homisdale. Alex was the one to spot it, the rest of the obs team were second on the scene, but it quickly turned into the biggest twitch that the island has seen for the last few years. Over 20 people came up to see the bird, which was quite understandable, it was a pristine adult male, a bright gleaming white spot among the dark vegetation in the north. We all decided then that was quite enough for the day, the rest of the team finished census around 6pm, potentially one of the longest and most broken up census that’s happened in quite a while. Absolutely worth it! Keep checking our ‘Latest sightings’ page to get these updates daily!


Alex and Georgia watching Hulk and Nótt off Meoness [by Patrick Safford], the big twitch for the Snowy owl [by Georgia Platt]

May also saw our first changeover of volunteers. Patrick departed on the 24th and Dan arrived on the 29th, to finish spring census and assist in the start of seabird work. So far we’ve already done our first visit to the Razorbills down at Easter Lother, which required Alex, Georgia and I to don our harnesses and traverse the via ferrata system. Razorbill nest locations were mapped out by locating an egg, or an adult incubating one. We found 40 nests and we’ll be back next month to ring and count chicks, to get an estimate of success and productivity at the site. Similarly, the Gannet and Guillemot productivity monitoring has started. Georgia has been out to the north-west cliffs to map and check how many Gannets are on nests, hopefully incubating, and when the chicks arrive, how many of them fledge. I’ve got the Guillemots, checking for the same things, I just fortunately don’t have to hike up the west cliffs to see them! Guillemots have a much shorter incubation and chick rearing period to Gannets, so I’m visiting them every 2-3 days, compared to Georgia visiting the Gannets every 7-10 days. Other counts (Shags etc) have started but the first two weeks of June will see the majority of seabird monitoring begin.


First survey of Da Swadin Guillemots, and Sally, Alex and Georgia in the Easter Lother Razorbill nest plot, a Razorbill nest (egg) and adult, and a close up Razorbill egg [by Sally Kunzig]

Although the seabirds are on eggs, some of our waders have already hatched. Lapwings are one the first chicks of the season, as such they’re also the first chicks to ring! Many wader chicks have a very camouflaged downy feather when they first hatch, to give them extra protection hiding in the wetlands. Lapwing chicks are no different, so require us to stand a couple of fields away and view the chicks first at a distance, to get an idea for where they are. Then when we get into the field with the chicks, if we can’t find where they’ve hunkered down to not be seen, we can use the thermal scope to (hopefully) pick them out of the grass and mud. So far we think we’ve ringed chicks from over half the broods on the island, a total of 24 chicks. A couple more warmish days in the future should mean we can find and ring chicks in the final couple of broods left!


Sally and Georgia ringing Lapwing chicks [by Patrick Safford], a Lapwing chick [by Sally Kunzig]

And, in observatory news, the modules have started to arrive back on Fair Isle! We’ve been seeing workmen getting ready to start affixing them to the building and lots more large vehicles on the island to move the modules across the haven. Fingers crossed the weather stays nice to keep up the good work!

Written by Sally Kunzig, Ranger. All photos used with permission.
Orca and Snowy Owl [Sally Kunzig]

________________________________________________________________________________________________

April round-up

Hello everyone! We’re back! I’m Sally, the ranger for this year and I hope to give everyone reading this a bit of an insight into the current bird-obs lifestyle here in Fair Isle. While we’re now in May, right in the midst of spring migration, and even the start of seabird monitoring, this post is a round-up of what we’ve been getting up to since the full team made it to Fair Isle at the end of March.


My first view of Fair Isle, and South Lighthouse (by Sally)

Alex, our acting warden, and Georgia, our assistant warden, have returned this spring making this their 4th year on Fair Isle! They arrived on the 22nd of March, in classic Fair Isle style, with rain and gale force winds! As the bird observatory building is still under construction, this is also the 4th season having the team living down at South Lighthouse. I arrived a couple of days later on the 27th of March, in much calmer (if a bit colder) conditions. I spent the first week or so familiarising myself with Fair Isle, being guided around the crofts, having a talk at the museum and shown where all the biosecurity boxes are on the island (more on that in a bit!). It’s very easy to see the beauty of Fair Isle, and I’m excited to see all the little changes that happen with the coming of warmer weather!

The 31st of March saw our final team member arrive - Patrick, our long-term volunteer, who will be staying with us until the end of spring census. With the whole team in Isle, the first two days of April were spent tracing the 3 census routes on the island, where I quickly realised there are more place names on this island than I am likely to visit places in my life! The map with all the names of each geo and cliff on the island has been very useful! If you’ve been following our updates on the ‘Latest Sightings’ page, you will have seen our year list soar through the month of April. At the end of March we had 85 species on our year list, and by the end of April we reached 129!


Warden team after going through the SE census route, and looking into Swarzie Geo (by Sally)

With census rolling on, calm afternoons became ‘repairs and maintenance’ time. Of the 8 Heligoland traps on the island, only 4 are currently in use, but even they needed a bit of TLC after the winter storms. A lot of stitching of panels and nailing them in place was done on our Plantation trap, now with all the side pieces complete and only the roof to go! We reinflated our semi-rigid boat that we use to get closer to our seabird populations for monitoring. As simple as saying ‘we inflated the boat’ sounds, it required us to put the floor in first, which took a surprising amount of thinking to work out how. Luckily YouTube and older models’ manuals were our saviour - as was a good hard kick! - and the boat is happily in the water. There was even a good enough weather window for Alex and Georgia to take it out on a test drive! We also got out and fixed the fence around our local oysterplant patch in Muckle Uri Geo near South Light. This fence has been put up for over 20 years to maintain and increase the oysterplant patch by not letting the sheep graze on it. Looking at the current fence size compared to one in 2001 showed us that the area that the oysterplant grows in has almost doubled since then (see more here). If you’re not currently following us on social media, then you’re missing out on our #FairIsleFriday posts, where I have a look through our old photos to showcase different parts of Fair Isle’s history, with the Obs and without!


Georgia rolling out the oysterplant sheep fence, and Georgia and Alex mending the Plantation trap (by Sally). Alex pointing back to Buness on the boat (by Georgia).

Some seabird monitoring kicked off in April with a couple of early mornings where we each took a section of the east cliffs to shout “TYSTIE!” down them, intriguing every tystie in the area onto the water so we can count them, as well as confusing every other animal in the vicinity! The earliest count was on a particularly swelly day, hence going out for a second time and getting a total of 194 breeding plumage birds. Pretty consistent numbers with recent years, a good sign! Also in preparation for other seabird monitoring to start again, we had our annual check of our Via Ferrata cliff access systems. After an equipment training session for Patrick and I, we were each led down a cliff system by Will, who was checking the system as we went. Ever grateful I have a head for heights, it was a great experience to go down the systems just to see the sights! Looking forward to the next time where it will be to look at seabirds!


Via ferrata system at Gunnawark with Alex Penn, and view from the bottom of Gunnawark (by Sally)

On the ranger side of things, I’ve been preparing myself for the tourist season by visiting the museum on the island and learning about some of the fantastic history here. I’m constantly astounded by the ingenuity of all the islanders throughout history, what with people handmaking all the furniture pieces with great detailing and artistry, or creating winch and pulley systems for getting sheep (and people) up and down Sheep Rock (though why someone decided that was perfect pastureland is beyond me!), the absolutely gorgeous designs in Fair Isle knitted products, and the bravery of everyone that assisted with all the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred throughout the ages. There are some fantastic stories to be told from the museum here, and if you’re ever visiting Fair Isle, I would highly recommend a stop there! Apart from history, I’ve also been brushing up on my local flora and fauna knowledge. Now that some of our plants are starting to flower it’s getting a lot easier to use my guidebook! On the non-birdy fauna side of things, we have a Shorewatch site here at South Light where I’ve been conducting regular watches for cetaceans (and other marine mammals). Unfortunately, even with calm seas, the only cetaceans so far have been a couple of harbour porpoises (outside of survey effort time, spotted by Patrick). I’m looking forward to later in the season, with hopefully more calm seas, and more fins in the water. I’ve also performed a couple of grey seal counts along the SW cliffs to see if there’s much change in our population when it’s not pupping season. The first count was a particularly busy day with Muckle Geo o’ Hoini having nearly 100 seals hauled out on the beach!


Muckle Geo o’ Hoini grey seal haul out, looking for fins off South Light, and some of our first flowering thrift (by Sally)

The biosecurity monitoring has been running throughout the winter months, but now the ranger is back in Fair Isle I get to take over for the summer months. We have Fair Isle field mice and house mice present on the island, not causing any problems for our breeding birds. Monitoring boxes have been placed around potential access points to the island to ensure that if any harmful invasive non-native species get onto the island (i.e. rats), we will quickly be able to assess their whereabouts and enact a plan to eradicate them. Fortunately, both the March and April checks have shown no sign of anything unexpected - just different mice species enjoying some chocolate flavoured wax!


An oh so glamorous biosecurity box! (by Sally)

As the ranger, I also get to help out with the school, planning some outdoor educational sessions and assisting where I can. It was great to join in last week with Da Voar Redd Up, Shetland’s clean-up and litter picking event. I joined a couple of the teaching staff and the three eldest schoolchildren in going around the crofts and down to the geos around Skadan (by South Light), collecting all the bruck that we found in all the burns, ditches and on the beach. We also conducted a marine litter survey of all the litter that was found on the beaches. Some notable finds are in the images below. After a quick pit-stop at Houll for cakes (thank you Eileen!) and being joined by the nursery kids, we finished up back at the school with a total of six bin bags filled with bruck! This week we’ve started a new project, building a bug hotel at the school, hopefully to be populated with lots of interesting beasties - more news on that later in the year.


A large plastic drinks bottle from potentially Russia, a cardboard bottle from the USA and a boot! (by Sally)


Beach cleaning at Muckle Uri Geo, and beach cleaning at South Harbour (by Pat Thomson). Full Da Voar Redd Up team heading back to school (by Sally)

I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re looking forward to see what May brings. We’ve already had a couple of rare sightings (and rings) in the books, and a week of easterlies can only be good news, right? More tourists and the arrival of cruise ships are new events for this month to come, fingers crossed for some good weather too!


Great end to the month having puffins back on land and starting their nesting building (by Sally)

Written by Sally Kunzig, Ranger. All photos used with permission.