Fair Isle Bird Observatory & Guesthouse



Thursday 12th September 2019
Weather: strong SW winds becoming more W later. Heavy showers, some sustained at first.
Census was washed out mid-morning as conditions become somewhat horrible. There was little in the way of new arrivals, although presumably if there is anything turns up in this weather, it's got a good chance of being pretty impressive. No Good Shepherd sailing today as the sea was pretty horrible (although after a Sunday lamb run, Monday to Lerwick and Tuesday lamb run, it had been a pretty busy week already), but planes did made it. More strong westerlies coming up (and a day of rain on Saturday as well by teh look of it), so let's see what it brings...

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: one still at Stackhoull.
Marsh Harrier: the juvenile still present and wandering around the Isle.

Other sightings:
3 Greylag Goose, 6 Wigeon, 13 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver (South Light), 3 Sooty Shearwater (South Light), 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Knot, 5 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, 3 Arctic Tern, 4 Kestrel, Peregrine, Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest (Gully), 5 Whinchat, Dunnock (Obs), Tree Pipit (Houll), 4 Linnet, 2 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
3 Painted Lady.

Year list: 191
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 11th September 2019
Weather: SW6-7, heavy rain overnight eased by the morning, with occasional showers although mostly sunny.

Highlights:
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still at Setter.
Common Rosefinch: one still at the Haa.
Marsh Harrier: the juvenile still present.

Other sightings:
3 Greylag Goose, 10 Wigeon, 15 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater (Buness), Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, 7 Oystercatcher, 6 Golden Plover, 23 Ringed Plover, 87 Turnstone, Knot, Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 59 Redshank, Common Tern (one in Furse; first of the year of this increasingly rarely recorded species), 7 Arctic Tern, 6 Kestrel, Merlin, 87 Skylark, Wood Warbler (Midway), 15 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest (Gully), 5 Whinchat, 47 Wheatear, 17 White Wagtail (along with 7 alba wagtails and 2 Pied Wagtail), 492 Meadow Pipit, 103 Rock Pipit, 142 Twite, 5 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (South Harbour; first record since February 2017). Harbour Porpoise (one washed up dead in Hjukni Geo).
6 Painted Lady.

Year list: 191
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 10th September 2019
Weather: A light westerly at first going SW then SE by the evening, with the strength increasing during the day. Cloudy with drizzle at first then dry throughout the day, with regular sunny spells until late evening when heavy rain set in.

Highlights:
Red-backed Shrike: one at Bull's Park in the evening.
Wryneck: one at Lower Leogh.
Barred Warbler: 2; singles still at Stackhoull and Haa.
Common Rosefinch: 2; one at Bull's Park with various sightings in the south-east referring to at least one other individual.
Marsh Harrier: the juvenile was seen at Utra early in the morning then roamed the Isle.

Other sightings:
5 Wigeon, 13 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk (one at Easter Lother ate a juvenile Starling), 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 31 Ringed Plover, 50 Turnstone, Knot, 3 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 3 Arctic Tern, 7 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Arctic Skua (most breeding birds having now left the Isle), 91 Skylark, Sand Martin, 2 Swallow (both passage birds heading south), Wood Warbler (Houll), 20 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler (joint highest count of the autumn), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest (highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare (Quoy), Spotted Flycatcher (Gully), 7 Pied Flycatcher, Redstart (Lower Station; first of the autumn), 10 Whinchat, 86 Wheatear, Dunnock (Obs), Yellow Wagtail (flava wagtails at Homisdale and Mast; first of the autumn), 27 White Wagtail (along with 8 alba wagtails and 3 Pied Wagtail), 539 Meadow Pipit, 196 Rock Pipit, 213 Twite, 2 Linnet, 9 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
6 Red Admiral, 17 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, White-tailed Bumblebee (Obs).

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 9th September 2019
Weather: SE 4-5 becoming S 3 later, variable cloud with some sunny spells.
Not the large arrival that was hoped for, but a few new bits and pieces and a pleasant day all in all. A bit of light drifty weather tomorrow might bring a few more birds as well.

Highlights:
Icterine Warbler: one at Chalet; the seventh of the autumn.
Wryneck: one around the Plantation.
Barred Warbler: 3; singles still at Schoolton and Stackhoull and a new arrival at Chalet.
Common Rosefinch: one still at the Haa.
Marsh Harrier: a juvenile over Gilstter in the afternoon then moved to Da Water in the evening.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, 11 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 31 Ringed Plover, Whimbrel (South Harbour), 56 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine (adult male), 98 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 32 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 8 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, Fieldfare (Quoy), Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin (both summering birds), 13 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Whinchat, 57 Wheatear, Dunnock (the Obs bird relocated to the Plantation), 17 White Wagtail (along with 9 alba wagtails and 3 Pied Wagtail), 643 Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit (Boini Mire), 169 Rock Pipit, 111 Twite, Linnet, 10 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
4 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 5 Silver Y, White-tailed Bumblebee.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 8th September 2019
Weather: a calm start with a freshening SSE or SE wind developing through the day. Largely sunny with a few cloudier spells.
After a clear our yesterday, in which several species recorded their lowest total of the month so far, it was a much better day today. A reasonable number of migrants included several scarcities, with the hope that tomorrow may bring more (before westerlies look set to return).

Highlights:
Little Bunting: one flew past the Wirvie Burn before being relocated at Furse. The first of the autumn.
Wryneck: 3; singles at North Shirva, Skadan and Haa.
Barred Warbler: 3; singles at Stackhoull, Lower Leogh and Schoolton.
Common Rosefinch: 2; singles at Furse and at least one in the south-east around the Schoolton/Haa area.

Wryneck, Haa (David Parnaby)

Other sightings:
Wigeon, 8 Teal, Grey Heron, 3 Cormorant, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Golden Plover, 24 Ringed Plover, 57 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 41 Snipe, 59 Redshank, Arctic Tern, Merlin (first of the month), Peregrine, 2 Razorbill, 111 Skylark (highest count of the autumn), 7 Swallow, 31 Willow Warbler (highest count of the autumn), 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Garden Warbler (highest count of the month), 5 Lesser Whitethroat (highest count of the autumn), 4 Goldcrest (highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare (Quoy), Spotted Flycatcher (first of the month), 12 Pied Flycatcher (highest count of the autumn), 4 Whinchat, 55 Wheatear, Dunnock (Obs), 10 White Wagtail (along with 7 alba wagtails and 5 Pied Wagtail), 513 Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit (first of the autumn), 123 Rock Pipit, 215 Twite (highest count of the autumn), 4 Linnet, 6 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
10+ Risso's Dolphin (3 miles north of the Isle, seen from the Good Shepherd IV), 3 Painted Lady.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 7th September 2019
Weather: a fresh SW wind easing through the day, with a rather pleasant sunny afternoon.

Sightings:
Wigeon, 11 Teal, 2 Red-throated Diver (past South Light), Grey Heron, 6 Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, 14 Ringed Plover, 43 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 55 Redshank, 3 Arctic Tern, Kestrel, Peregrine, 5 Razorbill, 76 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, Fieldfare (Quoy), 6 Whinchat, 51 Wheatear, Dunnock (Haa), 10 White Wagtail (along with 8 alba wagtails and 5 Pied Wagtail), 475 Meadow Pipit, 92 Rock Pipit, 130 Twite, Linnet, 3 Lapland Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Painted Lady, White-tailed Bumblebee (Schoolhouse).

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 6th September 2019
Weather: another windy, westerly day, with a few horrible showers with low cloud passing through in the afternoon.
A fairly quiet day all in all. Having got the boat in on Wednesday, it was the end of the season for the Oysterplant fence today. A few net rides around the Isle have been cut and tidied in preparation for migrants (we'll get some eventually, surely) as we're getting ready to concentrate on the birds for the autumn. It's a slow start (this day last year saw the arrival of 2 Arctic Warblers, Yellow-browed Warbler, Ortolan, Marsh Warbler, Wryneck, Corncrake amongst others) and westerlies look set to dominate for a while yet, although there may be some hope of calmer weather tomorrow and maybe a hint of SE on Monday. We'll be out there regardless, so watch this space...

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: still at Stackhoull and Schoolton.
Common Rosefinch: one at Bull's Park and the Plantation.

Other sightings:
4 Greylag Goose, 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, Red-throated Diver (past South Light), Sooty Shearwater (past South Light), 2 Cormorant, 7 Oystercatcher, 10 Golden Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 58 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, 75 Redshank, 7 Arctic Tern, Kestrel, Peregrine (adult female), Guillemot, 10 Razorbill (all auks from South Light seawatching), 97 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 18 Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler (Gully), Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Fieldfare (Quoy), 4 Whinchat, 64 Wheatear, Dunnock (Haa), 16 White Wagtail (along with 12 alba wagtails and 4 Pied Wagtail), 571 Meadow Pipit, 107 Rock Pipit, 164 Twite, 3 Linnet, 3 Lapland Bunting (singles on Vaasetter, Dronger and Eas Brecks).

Other wildlife:
Painted Lady, Red Admiral.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 5th September 2019
Weather: a windy NW start to the day, becoming more W later. Sunny at first, although some showers in the afternoon and then heavy rain overnight.
A somewhat surprising day given that there were a handful of arrivals from the east (not many, but more than we expecetd given the weather).

Highlights:
Wryneck: one at Ditfield was the first record of the autumn.
Common Rosefinch: one at Bull's Park.
Barred Warbler: still at Stackhoull.

Other sightings:
2 Greylag Goose, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Red-throated Diver (past South Light), 8 Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, 48 Turnstone, 10 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 64 Redshank, Arctic Tern, Kestrel, 2 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, Puffin (all auks from a South Light seawatch in the morning), 103 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 17 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Walli Burn), 2 Blackcap (Lower Stoneybrek), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (Chalet), Whitethroat, Fieldfare (summering bird at Quoy), 2 Robin (a summering bird at Chalet and the first migrant of the autumn in Steensi Geo), Pied Flycatcher (Lower Leogh), 2 Whinchat, 82 Wheatear, Dunnock (Haa), 22 White Wagtail (along with 12 alba wagtails and 8 Pied Wagtail), 714 Meadow Pipit (highest count of the autumn), 103 Rock Pipit, Chaffinch (female still at Lower Leogh), 167 Twite, 3 Linnet, 7 Lapland Bunting (4 on Vaasetter and singles at Dronger, Eas Brecks and Pund).

Other wildlife:
5 Painted Lady.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 4th September 2019
Weather: a moderate SW wind to start becoming a strong N later on, with gale force gusts forecast overnight. Sunny at first then cloudy over, with torrential rain arriving late afternoon for a while then generally damp conditions for the evening.

Highlights:
Two-barred Crossbill: sightings of a juvenile at Field, Bull's Park, Stoneybrek and Lower Leogh were all thought to relate to the same mobile individual, which was often hanging around with House Sparrows.
Barred Warbler: one still at Stackhoull.

Other sightings:
2 Greylag Goose, 8 Wigeon, 2 Teal, Cormorant, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 31 Ringed Plover, 103 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 9 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 44 Redshank, 0 Arctic Tern (first blank day), Swift, Kestrel, 94 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler (Walli Burn), Blackcap (Chalet), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (Chalet), Goldcrest (Gully), 6 Whinchat, 130 Wheatear, Dunnock (Haa), 52 White Wagtail (along with 14 alba wagtails and 2 Pied Wagtail), 660 Meadow Pipit, 151 Rock Pipit, Chaffinch (female still), 120 Twite, 3 Linnet, Lapland Bunting (Vaasetter).

Other wildlife:
18 Painted Lady, Peacock.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 3rd September 2019
Weather: a lovely calm, sunny morning, with cloud coming in during the afternoon as the SE wind increased bringing rain just before dark.

Highlights:
Two-barred Crossbill: a juvenile at Lower Leogh was obviously a new arrival and continues the record year for this species on the Isle.
Barred Warbler: a tired individual at Stackhoull.
Common Rosefinch: one flew from Chalet to Bull's Park.

Two-barred Crossbill, Lower Leogh (Richard Cope)

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 2 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, 5 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Oystercatcher, 10 Golden Plover, 25 Ringed Plover, 41 Turnstone, Knot, 9 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 28 Redshank, 32 Common Gull, Arctic Tern, Kestrel, Peregrine, 62 Skylark, Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Gully), 2 Blackcap (Plantation and Barkland; first of the autumn), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (Barkland), Whitethroat (Stackhoull), 3 Goldcrest, Robin (Gully), 10 Whinchat, 105 Wheatear, 78 White Wagtail (along with 16 alba wagtails and 4 Pied Wagtail), 616 Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch (female Lower Leogh; first of the autumn), 90 Twite, 5 Linnet, 2 Lapland Bunting (one on Dronger, with another over Hill Dyke that was probably responsible for the sighting at Bull's Park later).

Other wildlife:
Common Eel (one fighting a Cormorant in Muckle Uri Geo), Harbour Porpoise (Good Shepherd), 36 Painted Lady, 5 Peacock.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 2nd September 2019
Weather: A blustery SW or S wind, easing throughout the day, largely cloudy but dry.

Sightings:
34 Pink-footed Goose (moving south in two groups; the earliest autumn arrival date since 2005), 5 Wigeon, 6 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 10 Oystercatcher, 21 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 95 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 8 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, 30 Redshank, 44 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Tern, Swift, Kestrel, 2 Puffin (from Good Shepherd), 72 Skylark, Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 14 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest (Kirn o' Skroo), Fieldfare (the lingering bird at Quoy), Pied Flycatcher (Gully), 4 Whinchat, 141 Wheatear, Dunnock (Haa), 32 White Wagtail (along with 46 alba wagtails and 2 Pied Wagtails), 620 Meadow Pipit (highest count of the autumn so far), 163 Twite, Linnet, 2 Crossbill.

Other wildlife:
3 Painted Lady.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 1st September 2019
Weather: a fairly windy day, with a W or NW wind that made things feel quite cool. A few showers, especially in the morning, but mostly dry.

Highlights:
Honey-buzzard: one first seen over the Puffinn went up the west coast then returned south shortly afterwards. The third record of the year, making it the best showing since the same number were recorded in 2008
Marsh Warbler: still present at Quoy.

Honey-buzzard (Richard Cope)

Other sightings:
9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Grey Heron, Cormorant, 9 Oystercatcher, 20 Golden Plover, 21 Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 133 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 10 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 38 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 53 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 40 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Arctic Tern, Peregrine, 2 Guillemot, 18 Razorbill, 2 Puffin (all the auk records coming from a South Light seawatch), 3 Carrion Crow, 65 Skylark, Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, Wood Warbler (Burkle), 17 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whithethroat (School), 2 Whitethroat, Goldcrest (Plantation), Ring Ouzel (Wirvie Burn; the earliest autumn arrival since pre-1991), Robin (Gully), Pied Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat, 190 Wheatear, 22 White Wagtail (plus 32 alba wagtails and 1 Pied Wagtail), 484 Meadow Pipit, 121 Rock Pipit, 156 Twite, 2 Linnet.
The following species were also present:
Mallard, Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Purple Sandpiper, Kittiwake, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Black Guillemot, Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Raven, 'Fair Isle Wren', Starling, House Sparrow.


Ring Ouzel, Wirvie Burn (Richard Cope)

Other wildlife:
7 Painted Lady.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 31st August 2019
Weather: a wet day, with a light southerly wind to start with increasing to a stronger W or NW wind later. No full census due to the conditions, with little sign of new birds.

Highlights:
Common Rosefinch:.

Other sightings:
4 Wigeon, Common Scoter (North Haven), 162 Storm Petrel (trapped overnight in the Haven), Grey Heron, 21 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, Kestrel, Merlin, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler (Gully), Goldcrest (Plantation), Pied Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 30th August 2019
Weather: quite a strong SW wind, with a morning of some heavy rain, although a calmer and drier late afternoon and evening (dropping off enough to encourage thoughts of Storm Petrel ringing...).

Highlights:
Marsh Warbler: one in the Schoolton/Quoy area.
Barred Warbler: one at Burkle.
Common Rosefinch: one at the Obs.

Other sightings:
11 Teal, 'blue' Fulmar (past Meoness), 2 Sooty Shearwater (past South Light), Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 15 Oystercatcher, 8 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 129 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 3 Ruff, 13 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 18 Purple Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper (Gully), 24 Redshank, 92 Common Gull, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Swift, Kestrel, Merlin, 5 Razorbill (past South Light), Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, Wood Warbler (Chapel Plantation), 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler (Walli Burn), 5 Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Goldcrest (Plantation), Pied Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat.

Other wildlife:
Harbour Porpoise (off South Light).

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 29th August 2019
Weather: a moderate SSE or SE wind, feeling stronger in exposed areas. Largely sunny, although rain from mid-afternoon for a short while and cloudy into the evening.

Highlights:
Common Rosefinch: one trapped and ringed in the Plantation.
Lapland Bunting: one in Schoolton garden (first of the autumn).

Lapland Bunting, Schoolton (Richard Cope)

Other sightings:
Wigeon, 6 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver (Good Shepherd), 54 Storm Petrel (heard and seen in the early hours of the morning between Easter Lother and Wester Lother; part of a current project looking at the status of Storm Petrel on Fair Isle), 2 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 13 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 17 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 76 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 9 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 30 Snipe, 19 Redshank, 112 Common Gull, 5 Arctic Tern, Kestrel, Merlin, 2 Peregrine, Guillemot (from the Good Shepherd; first record since 11th August), 11 Razorbill (from the Good Shepherd; first record since 2nd August; but no Puffins for the second consecutive day), 71 Skylark, Sand Martin, 19 Swallow, House Martin, Wood Warbler (Midway), 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler (both in Gully), Grasshopper Warbler (Walli Burn), 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, Goldcrest (Plantation), Fieldfare, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 320 Wheatear, Dunnock (Lower Leogh; first of the autumn), 33 White Wagtail (plus 29 alba wagtails and 3 Pied Wagtails), 487 Meadow Pipit, 85 Rock Pipit, 183 Twite, 2 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
98 Painted Lady, Convolvulus Hawk-moth (one in Wirvie Burn), White-tailed Bunblebee (Schoolton).

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 28th August 2019
Weather: a moderate southerly breeze, stiff at times, with early murky fog and drizzle giving way to a largely sunny day with some cloudy spells.
Another good day of birds, although not quite the buzz of new arrivals that infected yesterday evening. Still, a few pleasant bits and pieces in and a few higher counts. All in all, not a bad day!

Highlights:
Icterine Warbler: one in the Gully late afternoon.

Other sightings:
5 Wigeon, 24 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Grey Heron, 27 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 9 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 57 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 3 Ruff, Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 20 Purple Sandpiper, 42 Snipe, Green Sandpiper, 35 Redshank, 212 Common Gull, 6 Arctic Tern, Swift, Kestrel, 2 Merlin, Peregrine, 66 Skylark, Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin (first of the month), 2 Wood Warbler (Burkle and Midway), 20 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler (Wirvie Burn; first of the autumn), 9 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 11 Pied Flycatcher, 12 Whinchat, 185 Wheatear, 41 White Wagtail (plus 20 alba wagtails and 5 Pied Wagtails), 536 Meadow Pipit, 106 Rock Pipit, 147 Twite, 4 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
Red Admiral, 186 Painted Lady, 3 Peacock, Silver Y.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 27th August 2019
Weather: a light SE wind, with a largely dry and bright day.
A decent arrival saw an increase in migrants, including another new species for the year. There was a definite feeling of a late arrival, although birds were also heading south through the day. Grace made it back to the Isle (on the Good Shepherd, the same way she went out), sporting a natty new purple cast, the result of a fall whilst out walking on Friday that caused a fractured arm. She's doing fine though and pleased to be home.

Highlights:
Greenish Warbler: one at Midway in the late afternoon; the 56th record for Fair Isle. This species is occurring with increasing frequency, since 2013 it has been recorded in every year except 2017.
Citrine Wagtail: having spent all day in the South Harbour/South Light area, it was a bit of a surprise when it turned up in the Obs mistnet at roost; just the 8th to be ringed on Fair Isle.

Greenish Warbler, Midway (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings:
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Sooty Shearwater (from Good Shepherd), 4 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorant, Sparrowhawk (first of the autumn), 39 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 21 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 46 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 2 Ruff, 7 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 31 Redshank, 66 Common Gull, 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Swift, 2 Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Woodpigeon, 52 Skylark, 200 Swallow (a good day of southerly passage), 2 Wood Warbler (Midway and Burkle), 22 Willow Warbler (a minimum count, with an apparent arrival in the late afternoon), 4 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Chalet), 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Fieldfare, 2 Robin, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 130 Wheatear, Grey Wagtail (first of the autumn), 18 White Wagtail (plus 30 alba wagtails and 2 Pied Wagtails), 537 Meadow Pipit, 97 Rock Pipit, 157 Twite, 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
Red Admiral, 180 Painted Lady, 8 Peacock, 4 Silver Y.

Year list: 190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 26th August 2019
Weather: calm, with just a light SE breeze at times. Foggy patches, thick at times, with some drizzle in the morning. The evening was largely clear, although fog had started to roll in again by the very end of the night.
Unfortunately, the conditions meant full census wasn't possible (although coverage was near complete during the course of the day). With new birds in, we hope the fog lifts to enable more of the arrivals to be found.

Highlights:
Citrine Wagtail: having been heard over Meoness yesterday, then the Haven this morning, one was heard again in Gilly Burn this afternoon before finally being pinned down at Hesti Geo (having completed an entire lap of the Isle!). The 77th record for the Isle and first since 2017 (2018 being a rare blank year for the species).

Citrine Wagtail, Hesti Geo (Allan Perkins)

Other sightings:
2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 49 Storm Petrel (trapped in the Haven overnight), 2 Grey Heron, 40 Oystercatcher, 9 Golden Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, 47 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 2 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 11 Arctic Tern, Collared Dove (first of the month), 4 Swift, Kestrel, Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Wood Warbler (Burkle and Wester Lother), 13 Willow Warbler (highest count of the month so far), 5 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Chalet), 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher (first of the month), 5 Whinchat (highest count of the month so far), 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
21 Risso's Dolphin off Dronger (including at least 4 calves).
62 Painted Lady, Peacock, Silver Y.

Year list: 189
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 25th August 2019
Weather: sunny at first, and calm, with a light SE breeze. Low cloud droped in, with some fog by later in the day, although it cleared by late evening.

Highlights:
Honey-buzzard: one circling over the Hill Dyke was later seen wandering the Isle.
Corncrake: one flushed from Wirvie Burn; first of the year.
Red-backed Shrike: one near Setter was presumably a new arrival.
Barred Warbler: 2; one at Troila and one roaming the south-east still.

Honey-buzzard, over Hill Dyke (Max Hellicar)


Barred Warbler, Troila (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings:
2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 4 Grey Heron, Cormorant, 28 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 17 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 8 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 40 Snipe, Green Sandpiper, 16 Redshank, 35 Common Gull, 8 Arctic Tern, 3 Swift, Merlin, 62 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 2 Wood Warbler (Quoy and Kroga Geo), 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler (Quoy and Chalet), 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Goldcrest (Obs), Fieldfare (lingering bird), 2 Robin (Gully and Chalet), 2 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 170 Wheatear, 34 White Wagtail (also 5 Pied and 31 alba wagtails), 298 Meadow Pipit, 101 Rock Pipit, 151 Twite, Linnet, Crossbill (juvenile, Busta Geo).

Other wildlife:
6 Risso's Dolphin off South Light (minimum).
9 Painted Lady, 11 Peacock (record count for the Isle), 2 Silver Y.

Year list: 189
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 24th August 2019
Weather: a light to moderate SW breeze.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: one still at Haa.

Other sightings:
2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, Grey Heron, 24 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 16 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 44 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 5 Ruff (including the Norwegian-ringed colour-flagged bird), 8 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 21 Redshank, 42 Common Gull, 7 Arctic Tern, Merlin, 78 Skylark, 24 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Chalet), Garden Warbler, Robin (Gully), Black Redstart (Wirvie; first of the month), 142 Wheatear, 30 White Wagtail (also 2 Pied and 20 alba wagtails), 351 Meadow Pipit, 143 Rock Pipit, 168 Twite.

Other wildlife:
Bat sp?: a small bat was found oustide a workshop at Kenaby before flying off strongly across the Isle.
Painted Lady.

Bat sp? (presumably Nathusius's Pipistrelle), Kenaby (David Parnaby)

Year list: 188
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 23rd August 2019
Weather: SW and rather blustery at first, with rain from mid-morning. The wind switched to a more SE direction later and dropped away as it also dried up, although by that point the Wardening team were rather soggy after census.
A fine netting session at the Obs in the evening saw almost 50 birds ringed, mostly alba wagtails and Twite and a few new migrants in the evening suggested there could be more to look forward to soon.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: 3; an evening arrival saw birds at Haa, Burkle and the Obs.
Red-backed Shrike: still around the Haa.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, Sooty Shearwater (past South Light; first of the year - the latest 'first date' since 2010), 32 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 11 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 145 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 4 Ruff (including a colour-flagged bird), 3 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 20 Purple Sandpiper, 46 Redshank, 76 Common Gull, 17 Arctic Tern, Merlin, 54 Skylark, 11 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (Quoy and Chalet), 2 Garden Warbler, Goldcrest (Obs; first of the autumn), Fieldfare, 90 Wheatear, 14 White Wagtail (also 8 Pied and 21 alba wagtails), 365 Meadow Pipit, 141 Rock Pipit, 127 Twite, 2 Linnet.

Year list: 188
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 22nd August 2019
Weather: a blustery SW wind, with rain overnight into the early hours then again in the afternoon.

Highlights:
Red-backed Shrike: still present near Haa.

Other sightings:
2 Wigeon, 9 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser (male), 53 Oystercatcher, Lapwing (North Light), 4 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 84 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 3 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 71 Common Gull, 11 Arctic Tern, Peregrine (juvenile), 62 Skylark, 6 Swallow, Wood Warbler (Schoolton), 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (Quoy and Plantation), Fieldfare, 147 Wheatear, 14 White Wagtail (also 3 Pied and 23 alba wagtails), 384 Meadow Pipit, 73 Rock Pipit, 138 Twite.

Other wildlife:
Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 21st August 2019
Weather: SE3-4 becoming more southerly and increasing 5-6. Sunny at first, but clouding over and raining by the evening.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: still present around Leogh.
Red-backed Shrike: female still around the Haa and Skerryholm area.

Other sightings:
2 Teal, 42 Oystercatcher, 22 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit (Upper Stoneybrek), 4 Knot, 4 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 48 Common Gull, 14 Arctic Tern, 70 Skylark, 8 Swallow (including four recently fledged juveniles at Bull's Park; the first successful breeding since 2017), Wood Warbler (Midway), 6 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 142 Wheatear, 23 White Wagtail (also 3 Pied and 24 alba wagtails), 344 Meadow Pipit, 145 Rock Pipit, 134 Twite, 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
2 Red Admiral, 10 Painted Lady, 5 Peacock, White-tailed Bumblebee (Setter).

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 20th August 2019
Weather: Another day of blustery SW wind, although mostly sunny.

Highlights:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: reappeared at Schoolhouse, where it showed well at times.
Barred Warbler: Utra.
Red-backed Shrike: female again around Haa.

Blyth's Reed Warbler, Schoolhouse (David Parnaby)

Other sightings:
2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, Fulmar (first fledged youngster seen, having crashed near Nether Taft!), 81 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 18 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpiper, 86 Common Gull, 11 Arctic Tern, Merlin, 69 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff (both lingering birds), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Robin (Gully), 175 Wheatear, 23 White Wagtail (also 6 Pied and 25 alba wagtails), 306 Meadow Pipit, 110 Rock Pipit, 101 Twite, 4 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
3 Painted Lady, White-tailed Bumblebee (Chalet).

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 19th August 2019
Weather: heavy rain at first, but clearing to a cloudy day with some sunny spells and a few more showers. Moderate SW wind.
Although the Good Shepherd sailed and there was just one flight, it wasn't a Tuesday. Generally rather quiet for birds on the move, with not much promise in the forecast for change anytime soon.

Highlights:
Red-backed Shrike: female still around Haa.

Other sightings:
7 Teal, 43 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Knot, 3 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpiper, 72 Redshank, 98 Common Gull, 5 Arctic Tern (almost all gone now), Merlin, Peregrine, 48 Skylark, 4 Swallow, Wood Warbler (still at Houll), 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff (both lingering birds), Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (Plantation), Fieldfare (Quoy), 193 Wheatear, 27 White Wagtail (also 3 Pied and 32 alba wagtails), 221 Meadow Pipit, 119 Rock Pipit, 94 Twite.

Other wildlife:
2 Painted Lady.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 18th August 2019
Weather: a fresh southerly wind with a hint of SE in it, largely dry and sunny, although some showers.
Despite no classic conditions for migration, the autumn continues to tick along nicely with marginal weather bringing us some decent birds. Hopefully we're just saving all the proper easterlies for September/October!

Highlights:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one at Shirva, where it showed well at times. If accepted, the 53rd record for Fair Isle, but just the fourth in August.
Red-backed Shrike: female still around Skerryholm.
Barred Warbler: still present around the Leogh area.
Mandarin: female again on Da Water.

Blyth's Reed Warbler, Shirva (David Parnaby)

Other sightings:
7 Teal, 67 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, 138 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 4 Ruff, 7 Sandlering, 13 Dunlin, 44 Purple Sandpiper, 30 Redshank, 113 Common Gull, 83 Skylark, 2 Swallow, Wood Warbler (Houll), 6 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff (a lingering bird), 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (Schoolton and Meadow Burn), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (trapped in Hjon Dyke), Whitethroat, Fieldfare (the summering bird at Quoy), 194 Wheatear, 27 White Wagtail (also 4 Pied and 22 alba wagtails), 202 Meadow Pipit, 165 Rock Pipit, 135 Twite, 2 Linnet.


Wood Warbler, Houll (Max Hellicar)

Other wildlife:
6 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 17th August 2019
Weather: calm at first, with a sunny SE1-2 becoming SW 4-5 later, bringing cloud and rain.
Back on track with a pleasant start, with full census seeing a few new birds and then some slightly worse weather that was at least good for getting some habitat work done.

Highlights:
Red-backed Shrike: one at Skerryholm then Haa; first of the autumn.
Barred Warbler: one in the area from Lower Leogh to Midway, presumably the bird from 15th.

Red-backed Shrike, Haa (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings:
3 Teal, 109 Eider (including 34 juveniles), Red-breasted Merganser, 107 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Bar-tailed Godwit, 157 Turnstone, 21 Knot, 6 Ruff, 4 Sandlering, 8 Dunlin, 66 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, 56 Redshank, 105 Common Gull, 2 Swift, Merlin, 36 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 9 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff (both lingering birds), Sedge Warbler (Charlie's Trees), 3Reed Warbler (Burkle, Meadow Burn and Schoolton), Lesser Whitethroat (Schoolton), Whitethroat (Skadan; first of the autumn), Robin (Schoolhouse; a summering bird), 140 Wheatear, 24 White Wagtail (also 6 Pied and 23 alba wagtails), 241 Meadow Pipit, 159 Rock Pipit, 123 Twite, 3 Linnet.


Knot, South Light (Max Hellicar)

Other wildlife:
12 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 16th August 2019
Weather:.
S5-6, cloudy with rain throughout.
No full census due to miserable birding conditions.

Sightings:
Wigeon, 2 Teal, Bar-tailed Godwit, 81 Knot (the highest count since 1969), 6 Ruff, Sanderling, Dunlin, 2 Linnet.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 15th August 2019
Weather: a misty start after overnight rain, but clearing to a brighter day with a moderate SW wind.

Highlights:
Icterine Warbler: 2; singles at Buness and South Harbour.
Barred Warbler: one in Schoolton (third of the autumn).
Mandarin: still present on Da Water.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Teal, Grey Heron, 6 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, 19 Knot, 5 Ruff, Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 7 Green Sandpiper, 74 Common Gull, Merlin, Peregrine, 51 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff (both summering birds), Lesser Whitethroat (Schoolton; first of the autumn), Whinchat (Bull's Park; first of the autumn), 134 Wheatear, 15 White Wagtail (also 10 Pied and 20 alba wagtails), 214 Meadow Pipit, 93 Rock Pipit, 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
6+ Risso's Dolphin (east past South Light and frequently breaching)
11 Painted Lady.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 14th August 2019
Weather: SW3-4, sunny.
A full day of baling for the Isle as the weather held for another day, with the Wardening team joining in and also completing census. Not too much in the way of new birds, but the wind had started swinging towards the SE by the evening, so maybe tomorrow...

Highlights:
Common Rosefinch: one at Chalet.
Mandarin: still present on Da Water.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Grey Heron, 6 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Knot, 2 Ruff, 9 Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpiper, Merlin (first of the autumn), Peregrine, 77 Skylark, 6 Swallow, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff (all presumed summering birds), Reed Warbler (still in Meadow Burn), Fieldfare (the lingering bird from July), 224 Wheatear, 11 White Wagtail (also 2 Pied and 8 alba wagtails), 224 Meadow Pipit, 100 Rock Pipit, 120 Twite, 2 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
10 Risso's Dolphin (east past South Light)
54 Painted Lady, 8 Peacock, 3 Silver Y.

Peacock, North Light (David Parnaby)

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 13th August 2019
Weather: SW2-3, sunny and rather pleasant, although cooler in the breeze at times.
A fine sunny day, with the plane and Good Shepherd both running to schedule, and a busy afternoon of baling.

Highlights:
Mandarin: a female or juvenile on Da Water is just the 4th record for the Isle and the first August record.

Mandarin, Da Water (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Lapwing, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Knot, 2 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Peregrine, 65 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff (summering bird), Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn), 237 Wheatear, 19 White Wagtail (also 1 Pied and 25 alba wagtails), 204 Meadow Pipit, 93 Rock Pipit, 124 Twite.

Other wildlife:
93 Painted Lady, 7 Peacock, 2 Silver Y.

Year list: 187
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 12th August 2019
Weather: Light SW wind, largely cloudy with some sunny spells.
A busy day of travel, with catch-up flights following Saturday's cancellations seeing six planes coming and going. The Good Shepherd also sailed, catching up on the weekend's postponed sailing.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: at least two in the south-east of the Isle, one of which at least was a juvenile.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, Storm Petrel (from Good Shepherd), 5 Golden Plover, Knot, 4 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, Peregrine, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
20 Risso's Dolphin (several sightings including two north of the Isle from the Good Shepherd IV, a small group off South Light then at least 20 off North Light in the evening)
7 Harbour Porpoise (5 off Rippack and 2 off North Light)

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th August 2019
Weather: NW 6-7, largely cloudy until later on but visibility good.
A very windy day, with little in the way of movement noted, although another raft of seabird monitoring work saw a few more final counts done as the autumn advances.

Sightings:
Wigeon, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Knot, 2 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Comon Guillemot (off South Light; first sighting since 4th), Cuckoo (South Light), Sand Martin (Chalet), Willow Warbler.

Other wildlife:
Painted Lady (still present).

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10th August 2019
Weather: mild and variable winds, predominantly from a northeasterly direction, with dominant cloud cover deteriorating into fog; dry with moderate to poor visibility.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 4; two males and two juveniles were present between South Green and Dog Geo.
Common Rosefinch: one, a brown individual, was atop Hoini.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Golden Plover, 109 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Ruff, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 20 Redshank, Arctic Tern (22 on Buness, with numbers steadily decreasing), Cuckoo, 28 Skylark, Sand Martin, Wood Warbler (South Raeva; first of the autumn), 5 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 4 Garden Warbler, Pied Flycatcher (Obs; first of the autumn), 175 Wheatear, 139 Meadow Pipit, 128 Rock Pipit, 135 Twite, 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
68 Painted Lady.

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9th August 2019                                                                                                                                                
Weather: moderate to strong northerly winds with dominant cloud cover and good visibility; a dry morning descending into increasingly heavy rain throughout the afternoon.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: a juvenile atop Malcolm’s Head.
Leach’s Petrel: one heard over Busta Brecks during the early hours.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck (Da Water), 3 Storm-petrel, 16 Golden Plover, 2 Knot, 14 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 7 Black-headed Gull, Cuckoo, Willow Warbler, Fieldfare (the lingering bird from mid-July was again present in the Plantation), 2 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
Painted Lady (still present).

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th August 2019
Weather: moderate northerly winds and little cloud cover with prolonged sunny spells; a dry day with excellent visibility.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 5; three males and two juveniles were seen around Malcolm’s Head, with presumably one of these males seen earlier at Gorsen’s Geo.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Golden Plover, 19 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 9 Ruff, 17 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Kestrel, 42 Skylark, 2 Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn), Garden Warbler (Setter), 212 Wheatear, 147 Meadow Pipit, 126 Rock Pipit, 95 Twite, Linnet.

Other wildlife:
130 Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell.

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th August 2019
Weather: continued calm to moderate northeasterly winds with patchy cloud cover; a dry morning with drizzle in the afternoon which resulted in a decrease in visibility from very good to moderate.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 4; two males and two juveniles performed well on South Green.
Barred Warbler: one remained at Schoolton.

Other sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Storm-petrel, Golden Plover, 18 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 16 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, Kestrel, 36 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn [2] and Quoy), Robin (Gully), 188 Wheatear, 159 Meadow Pipit, 118 Rock Pipit, 135 Twite, Linnet.

Other wildlife:
153 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, Silver Y.

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th August 2019
Weather: calm to moderate northeasterly winds with dominant cloud cover descending into fog and frequent rain becoming heavier around lunchtime; poor to moderate visibility.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: one; a male which spent a short while settled in the Observatory garden before being later seen over Koolin.
Common Rosefinch: a cracking singing male roamed the south of the island.

Other sightings:
Wigeon, 2 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 52 Turnstone, 6 Knot, Ruff, 14 Dunlin, 33 Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 172 Common Gull, Peregrine, 2 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn), 3 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
23 Painted Lady.

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5th August 2019
Weather: moderate easterly winds throughout the day; mostly cloudy with heavy rain for a few hours around lunchtime. Otherwise dry with good visibility, turning into a pleasantly sunny evening.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: male at Gorsen’s Geo.
Barred Warbler: 2; still at Schoolton and the Obs.

Other sightings: Teal, Golden Plover, 7 Knot, Ruff, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 24 Redshank, 87 Common Gull, Peregrine, 2 Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn), Robin (Gully), Linnet.

Other wildlife: Painted Lady (still present).

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4th August 2019
Weather:  light northeasterly wind with cloud throughout the day. Dry with very good visibility.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 3; a male south over the Walli Burn in the morning was presumably the same individual later seen over the Plantation, with two very approachable juveniles associating closely with a Crossbill on South Green throughout the afternoon.
Barred Warbler: 2; lingering individuals remaining at Schoolton and the Obs.


Two-barred Crossbills and Crossbill (right hand bird), South Green (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings: Wigeon (Da Water), Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 142 Storm-petrel (trapped overnight, with the first Danish-ringed bird of the season caught), Gannet (first fledged youngsters of the year; at Yellow Head), Cormorant, 4 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 12 Turnstone, Ruff, 11 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 23 Redshank, Cuckoo, 43 Skylark, 2 Swallow, Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn), Garden Warbler (Plantation), 250 Wheatear, 166 Meadow Pipit, 178 Rock Pipit, 140 Twite, 3 Linnet, Crossbill (juvenile on South Green).

Other wildlife: 70 Painted Lady (a large decrease in numbers compared to recent days).

Year list: 186
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 3rd August 2019
Weather: northerly wind, force 2, no rain with 2/8 cloud cover and very good visibility.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: Stackhoull
Marsh Warbler: the ringed bird in the Plantation

Other sightings:
Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Grey Heron, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 16 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Cuckoo, 30 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (Plantation and Meadow Burn), Garden Warbler (Plantation), Robin (Gully), 200 Wheatear, White Wagtail, 161 Meadow Pipit, 131 Rock Pipit, 109 Twite, Crossbill (one south then at South Light).

Other wildife:
2 Red Admiral, 961 Painted Lady, 7 Peacock, Bedstraw Hawkmoth (one trapped overnight at Burkle), 2 Silver Y, Diamondback Moth, 2 Green Lacewing (Schoolhouse).

Year list: 186
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 2nd August 2019
Weather: northwesterly wind, force 1-2, no rain with a foggy start dispelling into variable quantities of cloud cover through the day resulting in visibilty ranging from poor to good.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: still in the North Haven
Hawfinch: still roaming the Isle

Other sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser, 'blue' Fulmar (Malcolm's Head), 4 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 31 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 21 Redshank, 23 Common Gull, Cuckoo, Kestrel (Gully), 43 Skylark, 2 Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler (Plantation), 176 Wheatear, 135 Meadow Pipit, 140 Rock Pipit, 78 Twite.

Other wildife:
552 Painted Lady, Peacock, Silver Y.

Year list: 186
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 1st August 2019
Weather: light E wind becoming W wind, although remaining rather calm. Foggy for most of the day, clearing slightly for a while in the afternoon before returning again in the evening.
First census of the autumn (so there's a full species list below) and a continued small arrival of early migrants.

Highlights:
Barred Warbler: 2; one at Schoolton that then roamed in the south, with another at the North Haven pier later in the day; joint-earliest ever record
Marsh Warbler: still at the Obs
Hawfinch: the female again roaming around the south

Other sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, 116 Storm Petrel (115 trapped overnight, with one seen from the Good Shepherd), 83 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 14 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit (breeding-plumaged adult at Meadow Burn; first of the year), 59 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 36 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 7 Black-headed Gull, 324 Common Gull, Cuckoo (juvenile Springfield), Kestrel (south through the Haven; first of the autumn), 42 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler (adult in the south and juvenile at the Obs; first of the autumn), 2 Chiffchaff (both summering birds), 2 Reed Warbler (Plantation and Meadow Burn), Garden Warbler (trapped in the Gully), Fieldfare (Kirki Mire), Robin (Gully), 136 Wheatear, 13 Pied Wagtail, 135 Meadow Pipit, 109 Rock Pipit, 103 Twite.

Other species present:
Mallard, Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Kittiwake, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Tystie, Puffin, Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Raven, 'Fair Isle Wren', Starling, House Sparrow.

Arctic Skua, Parks (Max Hellicar). One of this season's successfully fledged youngsters in the best season for the species since at least 2016)

Other wildife:
Minke Whale (off Dronger)
Red Admiral, 364 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, Diamondback Moth.

Painted Lady, North Haven, 30th July (Max Hellicar); the first census of the autumn gave a better indication of the numbers present across the Isle compared to recent days.

Year list: 186
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 31st July 2019
Weather: light NE winds, with fog at first clearing to a reasonable afternoon

Highlights:
lcterine Warbler: 2; a lingering ringed bird and a new 1cy was trapped at Burkle (three Icterine Warblers in July is distinctly unusual)
Leach's Petrel: 2 trapped in the Haven overnight
Hawfinch: the female again ranging in the south

Other sightings:
2 Shelduck (adult and juvenile on Da Water), Red-breasted Merganser, 188 Storm Petrel (trapped overnight), 3 Lapwing, Knot, Ruff (one over the airstrip then on Meoness; first of the year), Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 20 Redshank, Cuckoo (juvenile Springfield), Reed Warbler (still in Meadow Burn), 2 Linnet (female with a recently fledged juvenile around the Vaadal; second confirmed successful breeding record for Fair Isle).

Other wildife:
176 Painted Lady, 2 Green Lacewing.

Year list: 184
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 30th July 2019
Weather: largely foggy, with some clearing later on, light E wind.

Highlights:
Icterine Warbler: one of the ringed birds was at the Chalet
Hawfinch: female on the feeders at Schoolhouse

Other sightings:
Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 23 Turnstone, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, Chiffchaff (a summering bird at the Chapel Plantation), Sedge Warbler (Meadow Burn), Reed Warbler (Meadow Burn; first of the autumn and earliest autumn arrival date since 2008), Linnet.

Other wildife:
Red Admiral, 61 Painted Lady, Peacock, Diamond Backmoth.

Year list: 183
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 29th July 2019
Weather: northeasterly wind, force 2-3, no rain with 6/8 cloud cover descending into fog through the day resulting in a decrease visibility from good to poor.

Highlights:
Marsh Warbler: an adult seen briefly in the Plantation was later trapped in the Gully
Icterine Warbler: an adult trapped in the Plantation was a different bird to the one caught yesterday
Hawfinch: the female wasat South Light

Other sightings:
Grey Heron, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 9 Green Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 89 Common Gull, Black Guillemot (first fledged chick seen; in North Haven), 3 Cuckoo (juveniles), Chiffchaff (lingering bird at Plantation), Garden Warbler (Stackhoull; first of the autumn and earliest autumn arrival since 2006), Spotted Flycatcher (Guidicum; first of the autumn and earliest autumn migrant since 2015), Robin (Gully), Linnet.

Other wildife:
13 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, 2 Bedstraw Hawkmoth (one at Homisdale, one at Aesterhoull).

Year list: 183
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 28th July 2019

Highlights:
Icterine Warbler: an adult trapped in the Plantation was an early autumn arrival
Hawfinch: a female in the Plantation

Other sightings:
Whimbrel, 2 Knot, Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, Collared Dove, Cuckoo (juvenile, Utra), Sedge Warbler (Meadow Burn; first of the autumn and first July arrival since 2011), Linnet, 2 Crossbill (females, Obs).

Other wildife:
Red Admiral, 50 Painted Lady, Peacock.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 27th July 2019

Sightings:
Storm Petrel (from the Good Shepherd IV), 2 Grey Heron, 2 Whimbrel, Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Kittiwake (first fledged youngsters seen at Green Holm), 345 Common Gull, Arctic Skua (first fledged chick seen; in the Parks), Cuckoo (juvenile, Field), Swift.

Other wildife:
8 Risso's Dolphin (see to the North of the Isle from a plane)
70 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock.
Bedstraw Hawkmoth (although moth trap sightings from around the Isle are not usually reported here, this was a special one! The first of this species to be recorded on the Isle since 2007 was caught at Lower Stoneybrek)

Bedstraw Hawkmoth, Lower Stoneybrek (Max Hellicar)

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 26th July 2019
Weather: sunny, although with a little haze and a fresh E or SE wind.

Sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Grey Heron, Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 22 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 12 Sanderling, Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper (a single flock in Muckle Uri Geo in the evening; first of the month), 2 Green Sandpiper (Gully and Muckle Uri Geo; first of the autumn), 8 Redshank, 188 Common Gull, Great Skua (first fledged chick seen; at Suka Mire), Arctic Tern (a minimum of 45 fledged youngsters seen in the Buness colony, with some smaller chicks still present, making at a rather good year for this species), Cuckoo (juvenile at Utra), 2 Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), Black Redstart (North Raeva; first of the autumn), Linnet.

Other wildife:
Red Admiral, 2 Peacock, 22 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 25th July 2019
Weather: a SE breeze, quite strong at times, largely sunny.

Highlights:
Leach's Petrel: one seen around the nets in the early hours

Other sightings:
253 Storm Petrel (238 new birds and 15 recaptures), Grey Heron, Moorhen, 3 Whimbrel, 6 Turnstone, Knot, 3 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 215 Common Gull, 2 Swift, Sand Martin, 2 Linnet.

Other wildife:
5+ Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 24th July 2019
Weather: although windy and cloudy at first, a calm evening saw perfect Stormying conditions, with a waning gibbous moon being largely hidden by cloud (although it was never fully dark - still, it was nice to see stars again).

Sightings:
Moorhen, 44 Turnstone, 7 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Black-headed Gull, 114 Common Gull, 120 Arctic Tern (South Light), Sand Martin, Chiffchaff, Robin (Plantation), 3 Linnet.

Other wildife:
Painted Lady (still present).

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 23rd July 2019
Weather: foggy at first, but clearing with a light southerly-based wind..

Sightings:
Red-throated Diver, Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 11 Turnstone, 2 Swift, Peregrine, Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), 6 Common Crossbill (South Light).

Other wildife:
2+ Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 22nd July 2019
Weather: a light SE wind, dropping away to a calm afternoon. Although some fog and drizzle early on, it cleared to a pleasant, warm afternoon.

Sightings:
Grey Heron, Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone, 5 Knot (Muckle Uri Geo; first of the autumn), 5 Sanderling, Dunlin, 84 Common Gull, Short-eared Owl (Da Water), 2 Swift, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Common Crossbill.

Other wildife:
2 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 21st July 2019
Weather: SE3/4, with some cloud and good visibility.

Sightings:
2 Grey Heron, Moorhen, Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, 73 Common Gull, Swift, 2 House Martin, Robin (Plantation).

Other wildife:
6 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 20th July 2019
Weather: A horrible day, with fog for most of the day, heavy rain early on and a moderate SE wind becoming SW later. Another day that must make it hard for seabirds that still have young chicks.

Sightings:
2 Golden Plover, 34 Turnstone, 9 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin (Muckle Uri Geo), 44 Purple Sandpiper, Linnet.

Other wildife:
Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 19th July 2019
Weather: SE3, some cloud with good visibility.

Sightings:
Moorhen, Turnstone, 14 Black-headed Gull, Swift, Robin (Gully), 3 Common Crossbill.

Other wildife:
2 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 18th July 2019
Weather: a foggy start, but then sunshine! We got the first plane since Friday as the weather cleared to a lovely, warm, sunny afternoon.

Highlights:
TWO -BARRED CROSSBILL: a single female around South Raeva

Other sightings:
4 Grey Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher (first fledged chicks, at North Light), Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 51 Common Gull (with southerly passage noted), Arctic Tern (a minimum of 37 fledged birds in the Buness colony, whilst the flock at South Light is building up), Willow Warbler (Schoolton), Chiffchaff (the summering bird still at the Obs), Fieldfare, Robin (Gully), Linnet (male Double Dyke), Common Crossbill (one at South Raeva, with two other 'crossbill sp?' noted flying over).

Other wildife:
7 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 17th July 2019
Weather: fog, some drizzle, not really very nice.

Highlights:
TWO -BARRED CROSSBILL: 6; all at South Raeva, with two males, three females and a juvenile. It is certainly possible that the female is the same that was on Lerness recently.

Other sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser, 38 Storm Petrel (trapped overnight in the Haven), Grey Heron, Moorhen, Whimbrel, 6 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, Robin.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 16th July 2019
Weather: foggy, with the wind dropping away to virtually nothing later on.

Highlights:
Arctic Warbler: still present at the Obs, although elusive
Leach's Petrel: one heard in South Haven during a petrel-ringing session (first of the year)

Other sightings:
33 Storm Petrel (trapped in the Haven in the early hours, including 27 'new' birds), 2 Grey Heron (first of the month), Golden Plover, Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, Chiffchaff (Obs), Fieldfare (Obs), Robin (Gully), 'Mealy Redpoll' (male again at Obs).

Other wildife:
10 Painted Lady.

Year list: 182
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 15th July 2019
Weather: a day full of fog, again scuppering plans for seabird work.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 5; the lingering flock of 2 males, 2 females and a juvenile at South Raeva
Arctic Warbler: heard at the Obs, although not showing

Other sightings:
Moorhen (Da Water), House Martin, Chiffchaff (Obs), Fieldfare (Obs), 'Mealy Redpoll' (male, Obs).

Other wildife:
2 Painted Lady.

Year list: 181
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 14th July 2019
Weather: another day of poor weather, although the worst of the fog did lift for a while in the afternoon. Light NW wind.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 6; the flock of 5 (2m, 2f, juv) at South Raeva and a female that was probably responsible for sightings at North Naaversgill and Lerness.
Arctic Warbler: still present at the Obs.

Other sightings:
4 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, Dunlin (in the North), 9 Redshank, 7 Black-headed Gull, Swift, House Martin, Willow Warbler (Schoolton), Chiffchaff (Lower Stoneybrek), Fieldfare (trapped in the Plantation).

Other wildife:
2 Red Admiral, 15 Painted Lady, Silver Y.

Year list: 181
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 13th July 2019
Weather: foggy and damp, eventually clearing in the evening, allowing Green Holm to be visited for Puffin productivity monitoring (although it did result in a long day for the Wardening team - still, nothing that homemade kebab and a viewing of Muppet Treasure Island couldn't fix!). No Two-barred Crossbills were recorded, although the weather and then seabird monitoring prevented the areas that have been occupied recently being checked. Still, there was a surprise lurking in the Obs garden...

Highlights:
Arctic Warbler: an adult at the Obs showed well at times, although could be elusive in the garden. The fifth record for July (and first in this month since 2002), if accepted then this will be the 98th Arctic Warbler for Fair Isle.

Arctic Warbler, Obs (David Parnaby)

Other sightings:
2 Red-breasted Merganser (South Harbour), Moorhen (Da Water), Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Redshank, Short-eared Owl (School Brae), Swift, House Martin, Chiffchaff (Obs), Fieldfare (Obs).

Year list: 181
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 12th July 2019
Weather: light NE winds, swinging to the west later, largely cloudy. A 3am start for the wardening team to look at Puffin prey items at the colony at Tor o' Da Ward Hill, with a bit of Arctic Skua chick ringing afterwards followed immediately by Sheep Hill (the rounding up of the Hill Sheep), then an afternoon of analysing Puffin prey and visiting the Razorbill colony at Easter Lother. All the Shags and Guillemots and almost all the Razorbills had fledged at the latter site as the end of the seabird season rapidly approaches. No real time for birding, but still an interesting mix of species noted.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 14 (8 males, 6 females); the regular flock of 9 at Triola, a female still at the Naaversgills and 4 (2 males 2 females) at South Raeva. Mostly these were seen by the Wardening team whilst chasing sheep!

Other sightings:
Red-throated Diver (circling in the North, calling), Storm Petrel (remains of a dead bird found on top of Ward Hill), Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin (on breeding grounds), Black-headed Gull (first passage juvenile of the autumn, over the airstrip), Swift (first of the month; over Da Water), 4 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin (first of the month; over Da Water), 3 Crossbill (Tor o' da Ward Hill).

Other wildife:
20 Painted Lady, Diamond-back moth.

Year list: 180
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 11th July 2019
Weather: foggy at first, although clearing later, NE winds.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 16 (nine males, 6 females and a juvenile), a record count for the Isle. The flock of nine (six males, three females) still at Troila, two (male and female) at the Naaversgills, three (two males and a juvnile) at South Raeva and two females at Linni.

Other sightings:
Storm Petrel (one around the Skadan in the evening), Moorhen (still on Da Water), Whimbrel, Dunlin (one still in North), 3 Purple Sandpiper (South Light; first of the autumn), 17 Redshank, Black-headed Gull (adult), House Martin (first of the month), Willow Warbler (Schoolton), Chiffchaff, Fieldfare (Schoolton), Robin (Plantation), Crossbill.

Other wildife:
15 Painted Lady, Large White.

Year list: 180
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 10th July 2019
Weather: thick fog for the day and rather muggy.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: ten. A flock of nine at the south of Troila (six males, three females) and a lone male to the norh of Troila.

Two-barred Crossbills, Troila Geo (Max Hellicar)

Other sightings:
4 Whimbrel, 24 Redshank, Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), Crossbill (female, Obs).

Other wildife:
3 Painted Lady.

Year list: 180
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 9th July 2019
Weather: Initially sunny with a light NE force 2-3, this freshened during the day with increasing cloud cover and stronger winds bringing rain in the evening.

Highlights:
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL: 7 (minimum); following a male at Guidicum that called down another male and two females, a flock of seven (4 female-types and 3 males) flew north over Troila. These sightings (and a lone female seen at Guidicum after the initial sighting) were all assumed to relate to the same individuals, although in truth more individuals could have been involved. The fourth-earliest arrival for the species on Fair Isle, there are 28 previous records of 59 individuals for the Isle.

Other sightings:
Red-throated Diver (north over Buness), 2 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstone, Dunlin (one in the North was acting in a way to suggest a successful nesting attempt had taken place), 18 Redshank, Guillemot (a fledged chick seen from the Good Shepherd!), Woodpigeon, Willow Warbler (Schoolton), Blackbird (female in the Plantation), Robin (Plantation), 8 Crossbill (scattered across the Isle, although none of them associated with the Two-barred Crossbills).

Other wildife:
35+ Painted Lady.

Year list: 180
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 8th July 2019
Weather: A pleasant day with light westerly force 2 breeze and unbroken sunshine.

Highlights:
Hawfinch: the female in the Plantation first thing.
Quail: one flushed from the east road.

Other sightings:
Storm Petrel (from Good Shepherd), Arctic Tern (first fledged chicks seen, on Buness), Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet.

Other wildife:
4 Red Admiral, 50+ Painted Lady, 3 Silver Y.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 7th July 2019
Weather: Winds remained from the NW and remained around force 4-5 with complete cloud cover and the odd light shower.

Highlights:
Hawfinch: a female at Brecks that was later trapped at the Plantation.

Other sightings:
Moorhen (Da Water), 50 Oystercatcher (in the non-breeding/failed breeder flock at Meadow Burn), 24 Lapwing (Kirki Mire), 2 Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), Linnet (male), Crossbill (female in the Plantation).

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 6th July 2019
Weather: Force 5 NNW winds dominated the day, accompanied by occasional sunny spells, it was at least dry.

Sightings:
Greylag Goose, Gadwall (male, Da Water), 4 Red-breasted Merganser, Moorhen (Da Water), Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 20 Redshank, Chiffchaff, Robin (Stackhoull).

Other wildife:
18 Painted Lady.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 5th July 2019
Weather: A day with initially lighter winds from the SW increasing through the day, with frequent rain showers and odd spells of sunshine.

Sightings:
Gadwall (male Da Water), Wigeon, Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone, 30 Redshank, Ring Ouzel (one seen briefly as it flew off the Houll).

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 4th July 2019
Weather: An overcast day with force 4-5 W winds, poor visibility and rain throughout the day.

Sightings:
Gadwall (male still on Da Water), Wigeon, Storm Petrel (from Good Shepherd), Manx Shearwater (South Light), Moorhen (presumably the same bird relocated to Da Water), 4 Whimbrel, 31 Curlew, Dunlin (Muckle Uri Geo), 13 Redshank, Chiffchaff.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
Weather: A switch to SW winds remaining breezy with sunny spells.

Sightings:
Gadwall (male relocated on Da Water), Wigeon, Moorhen (one in the Gully was an unusual mid-summer record), 4 Redshank, 3 Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), Linnet (male).

Other wildife:
23 Painted Lady, Silver Y.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
Weather: Another breezy day, remaining in the NW, with mostly sunny conditions.

Sightings:
Wigeon, Storm Petrel (from Good Shepherd), Cormorant, 9 Redshank, Arctic Tern (12 2CY birds at South Light), 3 Collared Dove, Razorbill (chicks fledged from the Easter Lother study plot), Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Linnet (male).

Other wildife:
2 Red Admiral, 19 Painted Lady.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 1st July 2019
Weather: A cloudy day with a breezy force 4 NW and light rain

Sightings:
Greylag Goose, Gadwall (an eclipse male on Golden Water; first record since 2017), Wigeon, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater (South Light), Whimbrel, Turnstone, 11 Redshank, 2 Collared Dove, Chiffchaff.

Year list: 179
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 30th June 2019
Weather: a foggy start, with a clearer afternoon, although rain from around 3pm. A freshening wind becoming WSW.

Sightings:
Tufted Duck (male, Da Water), 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Redshank, 2 Collared Dove, 3 Swift, Chiffchaff, Linnet (male).

Other wildife:
2 Red Admiral, 15 Painted Lady.

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 29th June 2019
Weather: sunny! warm! with a southerly-based wind. Ideal for seabird work, although a large SE swell was no good for the boat work.

Sightings:
Grey Heron, Redshank, 2 Collared Dove, Swift, Chiffchaff, ‘Mealy Redpoll’ (Obs).

Other wildife:
4 Red Admiral, 20+ Painted Lady, 3 Silver Y, 15 Diamond-back Moth.

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 28th June 2019
Weather: calm at first, although a freshening wind from the SE, with fog arriving from mid-morning and lingering until the evening, which somewhat scuppered seabird work.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: seen in flight over Quoy and then later on Da Water.

Other sightings:
Grey Heron, 3 Redshank, Kittiwake (first chicks seen, at Green Holm and Dog Geo), 2 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Chiffchaff, Robin (Stackhoull), Linnet (the species has been seen nest-building on the Isle in the last week).

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 27th June 2019
Weather: fairly light westerly-based winds, with occasional low cloud. Ideal for getting around the east coast in the Obs boat for seabird monitoring and ringing, with signs looking quite promising for several species.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: a male at Da Water; the fifth spring record, but remarkably, the second of the year following one on 14th May.

Other sightings:
Red-breasted Merganser,Sanderling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Robin (Gully).

Other wildife:
Painted Lady (smaller numbers).

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 26th June 2019
Weather: a calmer day, although still rather grey with some low cloud and drizzle later on.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton was, interestingly, ringed on the left leg.

Other sightings:
Eider (first ducklings of the year seen in several locations), Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, 7 Whimbrel, Turnstone, Redshank, Arctic Skua (first chick seen; in the Parks), Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher (trapped in Gully).

Other wildife:
Painted Lady (small numbers still).

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 25th June 2019
Weather: a fresh NE wind and cloudy.

Sightings:
Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Whimbrel, 6 Chiffchaff, Robin (Gully), 2 Linnet.

Other wildife:
2 Large White, 7 Red Admiral, 10+ Painted Lady, 10 Silver Y, 2 Diamond-back Moth.

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 24th June 2019
Weather: low cloud and a fresh NE wind..

Sightings:
Mallard (first ducklings of the year seen, with broods in the Vaadal and Da Water), Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet.

Other wildife:
2 Large White, Painted Lady (a few still), Silver Y, 2 Diamond-back Moth.

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 23rd June 2019
Weather: a light or slightly fresh ENE breeze, cloudy at first but the forecast fog never appeared and the sun shone until well into the afternoon. A perfect day for seabird monitoring and the wardening team were in the boat for the majority of the day, so sightings elsewhere were very limited.

Sightings:
10 Greylag Goose, 3 Collared Dove, Chiffchaff, Robin, 'Mealy Redpoll' (Schoolhouse).

Other wildife:
10+ Painted Lady, Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 22nd June 2019
Weather: rather pleasant, with sunshine and a light or moderate SW breeze. A good day for catching up on Bonxie monitoring, with the majority of the areas mapped an early indications suggesting just under 500 pairs this year, which seems to be roughly where the population is stabilising.

Sightings:
3 Greylag Goose, Whimbrel, 2 Collared Dove, 2 House Martin, Chiffchaff, 'White Wagtail' (an apparent summering bird at the Obs), 2 Linnet, Yellowhammer.

Other wildife:
27 Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 21st June 2019
Weather: the longest day, it's all autumn from hereon in. Not very pleasant weather, with a generally blustery, cloudy and cool day with occasional showers, although it improved slightly towards afternoon.

Sightings:
15 Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, Swift, 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap (male, Gully).

Other wildife:
22 Painted Lady.

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 20th June 2019
Weather: Somewhat murky for a lot of the day, although a brighter evening.

HIGHLIGHTS:
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER: again seen briefly at Schoolton.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Grey Heron, Golden Plover, 3 Collared Dove, House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap (female, Gully), Spotted Flycatcher (Lower Leogh), Robin, Dunnock, Yellowhammer (Burkle).

Other wildife:
18 Painted Lady, 10+ Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 19th June 2019
Weather: a light SE wind, freshening from the SW. Sunny at first (the best drying day of the year by far), although some light rain late afternoon when it became somewhat cloudier. A busy day for seabird monitoring, which took up most of the staff time, although there were still some good birds on the Isle.

HIGHLIGHTS:
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER: again seen briefly, this time around Barkland, before heading south.
'EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER': a male at Schoolton; presumably all three sightings this month have related to the same (elusively) lingering bird.
Common Rosefinch: the oiled bird still in the south.
Quail: 2; one singing near Busta and another at Yellow Head.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Grey Heron, Turnstone, 11 Black-headed Gull (the first double-figure count of the month), Collared Dove, Swift, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 5 Chiffchaff, Blackbird (female, Lower Leogh), Redwing (a singing bird in the Gully), Spotted Flycatcher (Lower Leogh), Wheatear (first fledged youngsters seen), 'White Wagtail'.

Other wildife:
KILLER WHALE: 3, includinga bull, seen from North Light at around 1500hrs as they headed east
204+ Painted Lady, 6 Red Admiral, 50+ Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 18th June 2019
Weather: fresh south-easterly, cold at times with some showers.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RIVER WARBLER: still present, although relocated to the Gully where it was typically elusive.
Red-backed Shrike: female in the Parks.
Common Rosefinch: 2; the oiled bird at Schoolton and another in the Plantation.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, Teal (male), Manx Shearwater (one off South Light), Grey Heron, Cuckoo (in north), 2 Dunlin, 2 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, 6 Swallow, House Martin, 4 Chiffchaff, Blackcap (female, Plantation), Garden Warbler (Plantation), Spotted Flycatcher (Plantation), 'White Wagtail', Twite (first fledged youngsters seen), Siskin.

Other wildife:
15 Painted Lady, Red Admiral, 5 Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 17th June 2019
Weather: a fresh to moderate SSE wind, a few showers, although a more pleasant late afternoon when the sun came out and the wind eased slightly.

HIGHLIGHTS:
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER: still present, although it was only seen briefly at Schoolton.
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton that appeared to be oiled.
Quail: at Chalet, where it became a rare twitchable individual.

Other sightings:
9 Greylag Goose, Teal (male), Red-throated Diver (one 'singing' over the North of the Isle), Cuckoo (in north), Long-eared Owl (the oiled bird still present at the Obs), Kestrel, 12 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 4 Chiffchaff, Robin, Grey Wagtail (Gully), Linnet (male).

Other wildife:
61 Painted Lady, Red Admiral, small numbers of Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 16th June 2019
Weather: a light or moderate SE wind easing for a while then freshening later, some foggy spells at first then largely sunny.

HIGHLIGHTS:
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER: one found at the Obs in the early afternoon was later trapped and was present at the Obs until around 5pm when it headed towards the Haven.
RIVER WARBLER: one glimpsed briefly at the Obs in the morning was trapped around lunchtime, but was not seen outside of these times.
Quail: one flushed from the Obs whilst opening the nets.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (top) and River Warbler, Obs (Sarah Harris)

Other sightings:
10 Greylag Goose, Teal (male), 3 Golden Plover, Dunlin (one at Mast acting as if it may have had chicks), Common Sandpiper, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Cuckoo, Skylark (first fledged young seen), 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler (Setter), Whitethroat (Obs), ‘Fair Isle Wren’ (first fledged chicks seen; at Finnequoy), Robin (Gully), Dunnock (Stackhoull and Chalet), Grey Wagtail (Gully), ‘White Wagtail’, Linnet.

Other wildife:
116+ Painted Lady, 3 Red Admiral, hundreds of Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 15th June 2019
Weather: a light SSE wind, with poor visibility at times.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hobby: seen briefly again in the north

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, Teal (male), Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Turnstone, Dunlin, Long-eared Owl (still at Obs, although looking badly oiled), Kestrel, 4 Swallow, House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff (including one singing in Gully), Lesser Whitethroat (Gully), Grey Wagtail (Gully), Meadow Pipit (first fledged bird seen).

Other wildife:
5 Red Admiral, 12 Painted Lady, Diamond-back Moth (still plenty, although fewer than yesterday)

Year list: 176
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 14th June 2019
Weather: a strong SE wind, with rain in the afternoon.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hobby: one seen several times across the Isle, presumably the one seen on 9th and 11th

Other sightings:
7 Greylag Goose, Teal (male), Oystercatcher (first chicks seen; at North Light and Buness), Ringed Plover (first fledged chick; on Buness), Dunlin, Arctic Tern (286 nests counted across the Isle and first chicks seen), Guillemot (first chicks seen; at Easter Lother and Pietron), Woodpigeon, Cuckoo (found dead in Gully), 7 Swallow (including a pair nest-building), Robin, Grey Wagtail (Gully), Common Crossbill (one at the Mast; first of the year).

Other wildife:
Large White (Schoolton), Red Admiral, 113 Painted Lady (a large arrival, with this count being a minimum number), Diamond-back Moth (a large arrival likely involving well over 1000).

Year list: 176
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 13th June 2019
Weather: a miserable day of rain and strong winds.

Sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Lapwing (first fledged youngsters seen), Woodpigeon, Cuckoo (Gully).

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 12th June 2019
Weather: strong NE or N wind, grey and cold, with occasional light showers. Little sign of movement, as expected given the weather, and feeling cold. Plenty juvenile Starlings in the traps at least!

HIGHLIGHTS:
Icterine Warbler: still present, at Schoolton

Other sightings:
7 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Golden Plover, Cuckoo (Gully), Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Pied Wagtail (first fledged chicks seen, at Lower Leogh).

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 11th June 2019
Weather: cloudy at first, with some low cloud and showers, but brightening up later as the wind started to freshen from the NW.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER': presumably the male from 9th was at Lower Stoneybrek then Vaila's Trees
Icterine Warbler: the ringed bird from 9th still present, although relocated to Vaila's Trees
Hobby: presumably the bird from 9th seen at Ditfield then Wirvie

Other sightings:
4 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Golden Plover, Bonxie (the first chicks seen; on High Holm), Cuckoo (still in Gully), 3 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Dunnock (Lower Stoneybrek).

Other wildife:
3 Painted Lady

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 10th June 2019
Weather: a reasonable day of weather, with some sunshine and just a moderate SW wind.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: an unringed female at Quoy
Hawfinch: female still in the south of the Isle

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Sparrowhawk, 2 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Collared Dove, Cuckoo (one trapped), Kestrel, Merlin, 4 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Fieldfare (Boini Mire), 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, 'White Wagtail'.

Other wildife:
7+ Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 9th June 2019
Weather: NNW4, cloudy with heavy rain until mid-morning.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER': a somewhat elusive male at Lower Leogh
Hobby: a 2CY bird around Boini Mire, the second of the year
Red-backed Shrike: still present
Hawfinch: female still at Brecks

'Eastern Subalpine Warbler', Lower Leogh (Richard Cope)

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Great Northern Diver (one off South Light), Grey Heron, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Razorbill (first chick seen, at Lericum), 2 Collared Dove, 3 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler (still in Plantation), Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Pied Flycatcher (female at the Mast), 2 'White Wagtail', 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Other wildife:
28 Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 8th June 2019
Weather: N3 with moderate cloud.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Icterine Warbler: one trapped in the Plantation
Red-backed Shrike: female trapped in the Vaadal
Melodious Warbler: still in the Plantation (where it provided a good comparison with the Icterine Warbler)
Hawfinch: female at Gunnawark then Brecks

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, Storm Petrel (another freshly predated bird at the Obs), 3 Whimbrel, Dunlin, Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl (Stackhoull), Short-eared Owl, Kestrel, Merlin, 6 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel (male trapped in Vaadal), 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 'White Wagtail', Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Other wildife:
2 Red Admiral

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday 7th June 2019
Weather: SE3, decreasing later. After a bright early morning, some low cloud (and fog) rolled in before the sun emerged for a very pleasant afternoon (giving us a half-day of summer at last!).

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: female at Tineside
Melodious Warbler: the ringed bird reappeared in the Plantation
Common Rosefinch: one still present at School
Marsh Harrier: the female still present, where it showed well around the airstrip

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Swift, Kestrel, Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (singing bird trapped in the Plantation), 2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Starling (lots of chicks now fledged), Fieldfare (Steensi Geo), 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, Dunnock (Stackhoull), Linnet, 2 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Other wildife:
Minke Whale (one seen from the Airtask plane about three miles north-west of the Isle)
4 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 25 Diamond-back Moth, 'Cabbage White'

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 6th June 2019
Weather: with a mizzly start bringing some low cloud, there was no chance to do a Guillemot count (as we couldn't see the Guillemots!), but the Hondius made it in with around 160 passengers. The cool north breeze was soon joined by heavy rain, but for the birders the weather didn't matter, as Fair Isle's 392nd species (not including 'isabelline shrike sp?') was found on the Isle - having earlier been seen 3km south of us by passengers on the cruise ship!

HIGHLIGHTS:
FRANKLIN'S GULL: an unexpected record involved one seen at around 6.45am from a cruiseship around 3km south of Fair Isle - a somewhat extraordinary way to add a species to the Fair Isle list! Just before 11am it was found in Mansie's Pund (opposite Chatham's Land and west of the Chalet garden), where it lingered for about 45 minutes before heading east until it reached the coast, turning north then not being seen again. New for the Isle and the 7th record for Shetland (and first since 2009). Ten of the last eleven additions to the Fair Isle list have now occured in the spring
Common Rosefinch: at least one still present
Marsh Harrier: the female seen in Homisdale in the morning

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Storm Petrel (remains of a freshly predated bird were found at the Obs), 2 Whimbrel, 5 Collared Dove, Cuckoo (still present around Chatham's Land), Kestrel, 3 House Martin, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher (Hesti Geo), 2 Robin, Dunnock (Chalet), Linnet.

Year list: 175
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 5th June 2019
Weather: a brisk NE wind became NW later and it was cold, with drizzly conditions adding to the unpleasant feel to the day (that also saw flights cancelled), although the evening was more pleasant, with a spectacular sunset.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one trapped in the Plantation in the evening; the 52nd record for Fair Isle and 16th in spring. A nice bonus considering it had been a quiet day for new arrivals and it has been a very quiet spring for acrocephalus warblers generally
Common Rosefinch: two still present, including one singing bird
Marsh Harrier: the female still roaming in the south

Other sightings:
3 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck (female), 'blue Fulmar' (one patrolling the cliffs at Pietron was later seen perched near Lericum), 7 Whimbrel, 4 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Short-eared Owl (Kenaby), Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin (presumed summering individuals at School, Springfield and Gully), Black Redstart (School), 51 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 30 Twite, 2 Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Year list: 174
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 4th June 2019
Weather: strong SSW winds put paid to the cruiseship that was due to land in the morning, but with a calming wind and flattening sea, one was able to make it in the afternoon (when the sun came out as well). With cruiseships, census, ringing and seabird monitoring, it was a busy day for the staff - and then a couple of elusive rarities in the evening meant it kept going! All good fun and it will be interesting to see if there are more new arrivals in the morning.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Melodious Warbler: one at Vaila's Trees moved to Lower Stoneybrek; the 20th for Fair Isle, 7th in the spring and first record since 2017
THRUSH NIGHTINGALE: a very elusive bird around the Shirva area in the evening; 65th record for Fair Isle
Common Rosefinch: 2 still around the School, including one singing
Marsh Harrier: female still present

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck (female), Storm Petrel (from Good Shepherd), 8 Whimbrel, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 57 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, Long-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 41 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher (Gully), 40 Wheatear, Grey Wagtail (female in South Haven), 22 Twite, 3 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Year list: 173
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday 3rd June 2019
Weather: a strong SW wind with occasional showers, with the afternoon in particular being really rather blustery. A decent day for birds though, with a few new arrivals.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Rosefinch: 2 at the School
Hobby: still present in the south of the Isle
Marsh Harrier: female in the Wirvie area

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck (female), Red-throated Diver, 2 Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel, Wood Sandpiper (Boini Mire), 37 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Skua (the first egg of the season was found), 8 Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove (after an abscence in 2018, it was pleasing to have one of these scarce visitors at Notrh Grind then later Stackhoull), 2 Collared Dove, Long-eared Owl (Obs and Lower Leogh), 2 Kestrel, 5 Carrion Crow, Raven (4 fledged chicks at Gunnawark), 3 Sand Martin, 53 Swallow, 27 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, Starling (first fledged bird seen, at Setter), Ring Ouzel (Troila), 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare (Chatham's Land), 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Redstart (male, Leogh), 62 Wheatear, House Sparrow (first fledged bird seen), 'White Wagtail', Chaffinch (male), 26 Twite, 2 Linnet, 3 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Year list: 172
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 2nd June 2019
Weather: another day in which the weather was a significant factor (and not in a good way). A calm, sunny start lasted until about half past seven after which low cloud and rain dominated the day until the evening. Although there were a scatter of new birds, there didn't appear to be any large arrival, but the ability to find the one 'biggy' that is always hoped for in early June was limited by the conditions (although there was a pleasing addition to the year list found in a slightly brighter spell in the afternoon). On the plus side, the cruise ship scheduled for this morning made it in and the passengers who came ashore were treated to the delights of the very cooperative Puffins on Buness. The forecast is at least for sun tomorrow, so we're hoping for a better day in which we can get a few more jobs ticked off.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hobby: one, probably a 2CY bird, flew along South Harbour and out towards Meoness in the afternoon; 66th record for the Isle of this increasingly regularly-recorded visitor.
Common Rosefinch: still present, spending most of the morning eating dandelions at the Schoolhouse.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, Tufted Duck (female), Red-throated Diver, 5 Whimbrel, Puffin (one seen carrying food on Buness showed that the first chick had hatched), 2 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, Cuckoo (Midway), Long-eared Owl (Lower Leogh), 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler (the ringed bird still present at the Obs), Blackcap (female trapped in the Plantation), Garden Warbler (still in the Gully), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (including a new bird trapped in the Obs), 2 Blackbird, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, Robin (Schoolhouse), 'White Wagtail', Chaffinch (the male now singing at the Obs), Linnet, 2 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Other wildlife:
Diamond-back Moth - just small numbers today

Year list: 171
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 1st June 2019
Weather: with two cruise ships due in, as well as census and seabird monitoring, it was all set to be a very hectic day, but the weather played its part. A morning of heavy rain, strong SW wind and then fog scuppered plans for a Guillemot count and made the first cruise ship's visit somewhat soggy (although everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!) and, whilst the weather improved in the afternoon, with sunshine and an easing wind that veered more southerly, too much swell meant the second cruise ship didn't land. There were a few new arrivals, although typically for the time of year, numbers were small.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Rosefinch: a female or 2CY male at Midway.

Other sightings:
Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon, 2 Teal, Tufted Duck (female), Red-breasted Merganser (female),Red-throated Diver, Golden Plover, 10 Whimbrel, Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, Woodcock (Wirvie Burn), 2 Wood Sandpiper (Golden Water), 2 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Cuckoo (singles at Field Ditch and Stackhoull), 2 Long-eared Owl (lingering birds at Obs and Shirva), Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 24 Swallow, 11 House Martin, Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler (trapped in Vaadal), Garden Warbler (trapped in Gully), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel (Obs), 2 Blackbird, Robin (Springfield), Redstart, 'White Wagtail', Chaffinch (singing male now at Haa), Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll', Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
75+ Diamond-back Moth

Year list: 170
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________