Sightings archive: July to December 2015
12th-16th December
Summary: That's it folks, we're away from the Obs now until the second week of January, so no further updates until then (although with two ex-Wardens and a number of other keen eyes scouring the island, there'll still be birds no doubt - hopefully nothing too rare...). A fairly quiet spell for birds, although with end of season jobs and packing to be done, the majority of time was spent indoors (and with only six hours between sunrise and sunset, the majority of time is spent indoors anyway). Some south-easterly winds didn't really bring any birds (not surprising at this time of year), although an interesting selection of wintering stuff remained.
Weather: Light SW winds, dropping away to a calm morning on 14th (with some frost) then an increasing SE becoming strong and bringing heavy rain.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Iceland Gull: juvenile still on 12th
Little Auk: one freshly dead in South Haven on 13th
MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
6 Whooper Swan (the peak count, with three lingereing and another three heading south on 12th), Pink-footed Goose, 394 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 5 Wigeon, 3 Teal, Merlin, 4 Water Rail (individuals noted at Schoolton/Quoy, Burkle, Haa and Chalet, although the latter bird was found dead, having been hit by a car), Oystercatcher (the wintering juvenile still present in the Havens), 2 Purple Sandpiper, Guillemot (lots offshore on 13th and 14th), Long-eared Owl (one tatty looking bird still at Obs on 16th), Skylark, just small numbers of the four common thrush species, 2 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch (12th), 3 Goldfinch (the lingering birds were refound at South Light on 13th then present in the Plantation the following day, so becoming the latest Fair Isle record. Those of you with good memories will recall that the Goldfinch on 27th March this year was the earliest ever Fair Isle record!), 23 Twite, Redpoll sp? (one over the Obs on 14th, with probably the same bird down the island later), 40 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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7th-11th December
Summary: The 8th saw a few arrivals following some very strong SE winds, but a lot of the rest of the time involved sheltering from some poor weather or scanning gulls and wildfowl from the shelter of a vehicle.
Weather: very strong SE winds at first then gale force SW, with the last day of the period seeing calmer WNW winds. Often heavy showers (wintry at times).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Waxwing: one flew south over Homisdale on 8th, just the second of the year following one on 6th-8th November
Iceland Gull: 2 juveniles on 8th, with an adult and juvenile on 10th
Glaucous Gull: juvenile on 10th
MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Whooper Swan, 2 Pink-footed Goose, c300 Greylag, 3 Barnacle Goose, 10 Wigeon, Teal, 31 Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Merlin, Peregrine (adult male, 11th, first sighting this month), Water Rail (Barkland and Lower Stoneybrek), Oystercatcher, Lapwing (8th), 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock (peak count on 8th, with singles on 10th and 11th), 19 Curlew, 8 Common Gull, Long-eared Owl (11th at Obs), 2 Skylark, c20 Blackbird, c15 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, c20 Fieldfare, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch (male on 8th), 10 Twite, 4 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Common Seal (North Haven)
Year list: 213 species
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4th-6th December
Summary: It's beginning to feel a lot like, well, if not quite Christmas, then certainly the end of the season. Bird movement has just about stopped now (although there's always the possiblity of something new, with a variety of big white options always at the back of our minds) and office work is taking over an increasing amount of time. We'll get the volunteer vacancies on the website this week all being well and report writing etc is starting to take over most of our time. Our last working day will be Monday 14th December, so if you need to order anything from the online shop or get in touch about holidays next year, please do so before then, or else wait until 11th January when we should (fingers crossed for the weather of course) be fully operational again.
Weather: Strong, gale force at times, winds, mostly from the SW with frequent heavy showers, wintry at times. Cool.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Iceland Gull: a lingering juvenile still around the North of the island
Glaucous Gull: adult at Furse on 4th (along with an apparent juvenile Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid)
Little Auk: one off South Light on 4th
Slavonian Grebe: one in Furse on 4th appears to be only the second December record for the Isle
MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, 369 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 3 Teal, 22 Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser (male, 6th), 2 Merlin, Oystercatcher (the overwintering juvenile still in the Havens), 20 Curlew, 15 Redshank, 126 Turnstone, Guillemot (present offshore in good number on 4th), c30 Blackbird, c10 Fieldfare, Song Thrush, c15 Redwing, Robin, Snbow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Common Seal (North Haven 4th)
Year list: 213 species
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1st-3rd December
Summary: a quiet start to the month bird-wise, with the weather also being calm enough to open the nets for a couple of hours (although with no birds at all in the Obs Plantation, it proved rather fruitless). The Good Shepherd sailed on 1st for the first time in a couple of weeks, topping up the island's fuel and fresh food. Generally little new of note, although just a couple of hints that there may have been a little bit of movement still going, whilst some late-lingerers provided a slightly less than wintry feel to the bird-life despite the weather.
Weather: the month opened with virtually flat calm weather before a strong SE wind picked up during the day, bringing heavy rain with it. Strong SW winds then dominated for the next couple of days.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
3 Whooper Swan, 'blue' Fulmar (off South Light on 1st), Hen Harrier (a ringtail over the Plantation on 3rd was a surprise and presumably a new arrival), Sparrowhawk (male still at the Obs on 1st at least), Water Rail (still at Quoy), Oystercatcher (still in Havens, the first December record for the island since 2008), 14 Purple Sandpiper, Greenshank (the long-staying bird that has been present since at least September, was noted again at South Light on 2nd and Quoy on 3rd, becoming the latest ever record for Fair Isle), Long-eared Owl (in Plantation on 3rd), 7 Skylark (a relatively high count for winter), 4 Song Thrush (on 1st, when there was possibly also a small arrival of Blackbirds), 3 Robin (minimum number wintering), 2 Meadow Pipit (a species that is not always present in the winter), 2 Goldfinch (still present on 3rd, becoming the second latest ever occurence on Fair Isle - the latest were on 7th December 2005), 14 Twite, 10 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Spotted Ray (an egg case apparently from this species found in South Haven on 2nd)
Year list: 213 species
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24th-30th NOVEMBER
Summary: some white-winger action as the weather worsened, a few surprising winter lingerers, a slight hint of new thrushes on 25th (a couple of very lightweight Blackbirds were trapped) and wildfowl passage on the last day of the month, so not entirely without birding, but it is generally quieter now.
Weather: moderate to strong SW winds with heavy showers, then wintry weather on 29th when the wind increased to a gale-force WNW.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Kumlien's Gull: a 3rd-winter bird on 28th-30th, with a juvenile also on 28th
Iceland Gull: a juvenile still on 27th-29th, with a second juvenile on 28th
Glaucous Gull: adult on 24th and juvenile on 29th
Little Auk: one off South Light on 28th
Velvet Scoter: female still present until 29th at least
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan (peak count on 30th, that included 2 new migrants), 4 Pink-footed Goose (including at least 3 new migrants), 453 Greylag Goose (on 30th, including passage, with numbers prior to that generally around 230), 3 Barnacle Goose (present throughout), 3 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 43 Mallard (30th, peak count after a notable increase late in the month), Goldeneye (female 24th-26th), blue Fulmar (off South Light on 26th), Grey Heron (27th), Sparrowhawk (29th, possibly a new arrival), 3 Merlin (25th, with singles on several dates), Water Rail (at least two still wintering), Oystercatcher (one lingering in Havens area), 2 Golden Plover (24th), 16 Purple Sandpiper, Woodcock (29th, although small numbers likely still present on the hill), 15 Curlew, 146 Turnstone, Black-headed Gull (27th), 2 Skylark, small numbers of Blackbirds, Fieldfare, Redwing and (less so) Song Thrush still present, 3 Robin (minimum number of birds still present), 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Goldfinch (from 25th to end of the month), 10 Twite, 40 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Thornback Ray (one washed up dead on South Haven on 27th)
Year list: 213 species
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18th-23rd NOVEMBER
Summary: a large clear out in calm conditions at the start of the period and then a distinctly wintry feel took hold, although a few surprises showed that it's never worth giving up!
Weather: Light southerly wind increasing from SW then WNW, then decreasing but becoming N or NW before moderate or strong SW on the last day. Showery, with lying snow on 21st then rain all day on 23rd.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Velvet Scoter: again present in North Haven on 23rd
Iceland Gull: juvenile on Gilsetter on 21st (probably a lingering bird)
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
10 Whooper Swan (decreasing to 4), 4 Pink-footed Goose (18th), 241 Greylag Goose (then decreasing), 9 Barnacle Goose (decreasing to 3), 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 13 Mallard, 2 Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye (male in South Haven on 22nd, the first of the month), 2 Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron (18th), Slavonian Grebe (North Haven on 22nd), Merlin, Peregrine, Water Rail (at least one still at Obs, others probably lurking elsewhere on the island), Oystercatcher (22nd, first since 4th Nov), Woodcock (up to 3), Woodpigeon (18th), Long-eared Owl (at least 2 throughout), Skylark, Chiffchaff (Schoolton on 21st), Blackcap (female at Obs 18th-19th), Robin (at least a couple still present), Dunnock (an unringed bird at the Obs on 19th), Meadow Pipit (small numbers throughout), Goldfinch (one at the Obs on 22nd), 25 Twite (maximum count), 55 Snow Bunting (maximum count on 22nd, including 35 lingering at Quoy throughout).
Year list: 213 species
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TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER
Summary: still lots of birds around, although probably not many new arrivals. With the wind easing in the late afternoon we had our first flight since Thursday morning, and birds also took advantage, with Blackbirds gathering and heading off as dusk fell.
Weather: SW7/8 decreasing 5/6, sunny spells but also a series of heavy showers throughout the day, with the temperature now notable dropping away.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Velvet Scoter: again present, this time just off Wirvie
Iceland Gull: immature over the Gully
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Great Northern Diver (a different bird to yesterday in Furse), Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, Peregrine, 3 Water Rail (2 at Obs and one still at Chalet), Lapwing, 84 Woodcock (highest count of the autumn), c200 Blackbird, c400 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, c50 Redwing, Mistle Thrush (Furse), Robin (one at the Obs was the first here for a while), Brambling (male at Obs), 14 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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MONDAY 16th NOVEMBER
Summary: Although the conditions this morning were hardly promising for a fall, it was evident that the overnight SE winds and rain had seen birds arrive, and quite a lot of them! With the Wardening team down to just one person (so not really a team in the strict sense anymore, but Ciaran, Lee and Doddy are still this year's team even if they've left, so the term still applies), complete coverage was impossible, so the counts below are not only somewhat estimated, but are also absolute minima (representing just what was seen, rather than what was likely to be present across the island). A lot of the day was spent on trap rounds (with 76 birds ringed in the Helis, including 62 Blackbirds), with birding done around the Wirvie Burn/Pietron/Easter Lother area and a couple of the crofts, as well as a brief seawatch and a check of the Havens. It was evident that the fall was mostly thrushes and Woodcock, with few small birds seemingly involved (no warblers, Robins or finches were noted for example), although it will be interesting to see if anything else emerges when the wind calms a bit (although we may have to wait a wee while for that). Needless to say, given the wind, there were no planes today (the last one was on Thursday lunchtime) and the Good Shepherd is still away on its re-fit (although should be due back soon).
Weather: SW6-7, gusting higher at times, with heavy rain at first and heavy showers (including hail) throughout the day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Iceland Gull: juvenile at Furse
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
14 Whooper Swan, 2 Long-tailed Duck (pair in South Harbour), Great Northern Diver (a smart adult just starting to moult out of breeding plumage present in North Haven then Furse later), Grey Heron (an adult sheltering in the Obs back garden early on), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin (female), Peregrine, Water Rail (Chalet), Lapwing (Setter then Obs), 69 Woodcock (considering the small area covered, the actual number on the island can only be speculated at, but may well have been in the low hundreds - as it was, this is still the highest count of the autumn), Greenshank (presumably the long-staying bird was seen in flight over Double Dyke, it's only about four days short of the latest ever now I think), Long-eared Owl (at the Obs at dusk), Short-eared Owl (Wirvie), 200 Blackbird, 600 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 150 Redwing, 27 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER
Summary: although there were birds on the move (mostly evident from a clear out of thrushes), there wasn't much in the way of new arrivals, just bits and bobs rather than a full-scale fall. A check of most of SW census (mostly seeing how the seal pups had coped with the gales) and a quick look around other areas produced counts of some species, although they shoudl be viewed as minima.
Weather: A proper mixed bag, with a SW2 decreasing (to the extend the Obs mistnets didn't so much as flutter), before backing SE and gradually increasing 5/6 later, with heavy rain arriving from late afternoon. Visibility was excellent early on (a lot of Shetland could be seen quite clearly), although suffered a bit later as conditions started changing.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Greenland White-fronted Goose: 5 at Setter.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
14 Whooper Swan, 28 Pink-footed Geese, 276 Greylag Goose, 8 Barnacle Goose, 11 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair in North Haven), Sparrowhawk, Peregrine (juvenile female), Lapwing (Da Water, first since 1st Nov), 22 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 25 Snipe (minimum), Woodcock (one trapped in the Vaadal), 26 Redshank (at least), 96 Turnstone, Long-eared Owl (2; the long-staying oiled bird in the Gully and one trapped in Plantation which was found to have been ringed on the island on 4th Nov and to have put on an impressive 60g in weight since then), 4 Skylark, 30+ Blackbird, c100 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 80+ Redwing, Dunnock (trapped at Obs), 10 Meadow Pipit, 40 Rock Pipit (with most areas unchecked, this is an undercount, but was the highest numbers noted for a while, suggesting possibly some passage), 19 Twite, Redpoll sp? (one south over the Obs was the first since 6th Nov), 13 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Grey Seal pups had suffered a few casualties, but by and large, most of the pups on the more vulnerable beaches in the south-west had survived.
Year list: 213 species
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SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER
Weather: SW 6-7, showers, especially in the morning.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan, 23 Pink-footed Goose, 171 Greylag Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver (South Light), Merlin (male Homisdale), 89 Turnstone, Woodpigeon, 15 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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FRIDAY 13th NOVEMBER
Weather: SW8-9, gusting to 61 knots (70mph), heavy showers, although largely dry later on.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Greenland White-fronted Goose: 8 (7 adults, 1 juvenile) at Chatham's Land in the afternoon.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
14 Whooper Swan, 16 Pink-footed Goose, 217 Greylag Goose, 9 Barnacle Goose, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Merlin (male in Homisdale), 3 Water Rail (2 at Chalet, 1 at Obs), 6 Purple Sandpiper, 15 Black-headed Gull (highest count since 2nd October), Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff (Quoy), 25 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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THURSDAY 12th NOVEMBER
Summary: Not a bad start to the day, with the planes making it in and a walk of the coast from the Raevas back to the Obs to count the seal pups also turning up a few birds. A brief seawatch off South Light also saw a few entries in the notebook, which is never a guarantee for a Fair Isle seawatch. There are still lots of thrushes about (particularly Fieldfare and Blackbird), although these are presumably mostly lingering birds from the large arrival earlier in the month. Westerly gales aren't likely to bring much, but with Lesser Scaup on Shetland today, maybe, just maybe, there could be something...
Weather: SSE 3/4 becoming SW and increasing to something maybe approaching double figures later on (it certainly wobbled the Obs at one point). A few showers, but largely dry, with a tremendously clear and starry sky.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Auk: one wrecked at Nether Taft and was rescued and presented to the Obs in a box. It seemed in good condition and was ringed and released in North Haven
Iceland Gull: a juvenile over Pietron in the late afternoon
Velvet Scoter: the female was back in North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
17 Whooper Swan, 9 Pink-footed Goose, 191 Greylag Goose, 9 Barnacle Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver (one past South Light, the latest record since 2002), Great Northern Diver (adult past South Light), Hen Harrier (ringtail - a new arrival), Sparrowhawk (still around Ward Hill), Water Rail (one at Obs), 2 Purple Sandpiper, Woodcock, Bonxie (a late bird passed South Light), 3 Short-eared Owl, Carrion Crow, 5 Skylark, Siberian Chiffchaff (still at Obs), 5 Robin (a minimum count), 131 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Grey Seal: 42 pups were recorded, bringing the total pup count this year to 51 so far
Year list: 213 species
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WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
2 Red-breasted Merganser, Long-eared Owl (still in Gully), Siberian Chiffchaff (still at Obs), Blackcap (male at Obs).
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TUESDAY 10th NOVEMBER
Summary: A windy start, with planes delayed, but just after lunch the flight made it in and the rest of the Wardening team departed as the Obs season officially comes to an end (although we're still open for business regarding bookings etc). Thanks very much Ciaran, Lee and Doddy for all your work during the season, it's been busy, but it's been good! There are still a lot of birds about (with decent numbers of thrushes and wildfowl across the island), although it doesn't feel like there are many new birds in, a situation that seems likely to continue with westerly winds on the horizon for the next week or two (and that forecast for Thursday/Friday is starting to look a bit interesting...).
Weather: SW5/6 easing later, mostly cloudy with some brighter spells and occasional showers.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
2 Red-breasted Merganser, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail (Chalet), 2 Purple Sandpiper, Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (a Fulmar-oiled bird still in the Gully), Siberian Chiffchaff (one lingering at the Obs), Blackcap (a female still at the Obs), 3 Robin (minimum count), Chaffinch, 15 Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer (still around the Obs).
Year list: 213 species
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MONDAY 9th NOVEMBER
Summary: Windy.
Weather: SSE becoming W, with wind speeds rather strong, probably gusting above Severe Gale Force 9 at times. Heavy (and rather stingy) showers throughout the day with moderate or good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: seen near the Plantation
Little Auk: 3 off South Light in a 20 minute seawatch
Glaucous Gull: 3rd-winter bird in gull flock by Wirvie Burn
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
20 Whooper Swan, 39 Pink-footed Goose, 224 Greylag Goose, 9 Barnacle Goose, Long-tailed Duck (off South Light), Red-breasted Merganser (off South Light), Merlin, Golden Plover, 9 Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, 13 Curlew, 66 Turnstone, Great Skua, 10 Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 82 Guillemot (in a 20 minute seawatch off South Light), 4 Short-eared Owl, Grey Wagtail (Kenaby), 35 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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SUNDAY 8th NOVEMBER
Weather: Variable between SSE and SSW 4/5 increasing 6/7 cloudy, although some brighter spells at first, but heavy rain from mid-afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Leach's Petrel: one flew slowly south close inshore from Buness at 1305hrs. Not only the latest Fair Isle record, but also only the 9th to be seen on a seawatch from land.
Waxwing: sightings at Leogh and then later at the Obs were probably of the same, moble, bird
Great Grey Shrike: one at Stackhoull was presumably the bird from North Light (last seen on 6th) relocating down the island
Olive-backed Pipit: seen in the Gully
Lapland Bunting: a male opposite Barkland
Little Auk: 5 off South Light
Iceland Gull: juvenile over the Kirkyard
Glaucous Gull: juvenile in large gull flock loafing above Easter Lother
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
17 Whooper Swan, 40 Pink-footed Goose, 273 Greylag Goose, 9 Barnacle Goose, Gadwall (male still on Obs scrape), 29 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck (Furse), Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (North Haven), 4 Great Northern Diver (off South Light), 2 blue Fulmar (off South Light), Grey Heron, Hen Harrier (adult male over Gilsetter), Sparrowhawk (female), Golden Plover, Greenshank, 6 Great Skua (4 off South Light and two off Buness), Lesser Black-backed Gull (juvenile off Buness), Short-eared Owl (flew in off the sea at Buness), Goldcrest, Siberian Chiffchaff, Blackcap (male), Starling (5 heading south off South Light in two small flocks seemed determined to migrate despite the weather!), Dunnock, Grey Wagtail (Gilsetter), 2 Chaffinch, 37 Brambling, 4 Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer.
Year list: 213 species
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SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER
Weather: SW3-5, cloudy at first with showers but clearing later and the sun emerged for the first time in almost a week.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: again present near the Obs
Waxwing: at Burkle in the morning
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation
Iceland Gull: juvenile south over Furse towards the Havens
Velvet Scoter: presumably the long-staying bird was present in South Harbour
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
21 Whooper Swan, 12 Pink-footed Goose, 166 Greylag Goose, Gadwall (male on Obs scrape), 2 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, Merlin, 10 Woodcock, Woodpigeon, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff (including one Siberian Chiffchaff), Blackcap (female), Mistle Thrush, Black Redstart, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer.
Year list: 213 species
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FRIDAY 6th NOVEMBER
Summary: full census again, but with less favourable conditions and fewer birds. Still a lot about and the counts for some species were underestimates as a lot of North remained until cloud for most of the day.
Weather: S3-4, occasionally 5, cloudy and gloomy again with very heavy rain discontinuously from 1500hrs, poor or moderate visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Waxwing: one (a first-year bird, probably male) at Haa was seen later at Stackhoull - the first of the year
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Lower Stoneybrek
Great Grey Shrike: one at Kirn o'Skoo (the North Light bird from yesterday)
Hawfinch: the same rather tatty female seen at Kirn o'Skroo yesterday was at Barkland, where it spent most of the day on the feeders
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
48 Whooper Swan, Gadwall (a male at Skadan then the Obs scrape later, the first of the autumn following an impressive spring passage), 6 Long-tailed Duck, Goosander, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Merlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 33 Woodcock, Lesser Black-backed Gull (juvenile again at South Light), Little Auk (one dead near Golden Water), 2 Woodpigeon, 4 Long-eared Owl, 27 Short-eared Owl (including 17 roosting near Setter and 9 at Kenaby), 36 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff (including one Siberian Chiffchaff), 2 Blackcap, Ring Ouzel, 843 Blackbird, 1839 Fieldfare, 27 Song Thrush, 788 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, 29 Robin, Black Redstart (the same bird, at Hjon Dyke), Dunnock, 3 Chaffinch, 25 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 40 Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer (still at Obs), 3 Reed Bunting.
Year list: 213 species
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THURSDAY 5th NOVEMBER
Summary: a slightly unexpected and rather impressive fall almost caught us on the hop (at this time of year, census is generally winding down), but with the whole wardening team in action, we managed another full census and some busy trap rounds and a decent late mist-netting session at the Obs. The amount of birds was really rather impressive, with the spectacle of being sat on Dronger, with groups of Goldcrests feeding on the cliffs, whilst flocks of thrushes came in overhead (occasionally having to dodge a Merlin which had obviously worked out the line of arrival the incoming migrants were taking) being what it's all about when it comes to birding, Fantastic. A couple of scarcities were picked out amongst the hordes, whilst birds were still arriving as dusk fell. In fact, with the island Bonfire Night celebrations in full swing, it was obvious that there were birds still on the move well after dark, as the lighthouses attracted a steady stream of thrushes, attracted to the beams.
Weather: SE or S becoming SSW, cloudy throughout with some low cloud at times, although visibility generally moderate (but poor in Shetland, so no planes made it in to Fair Isle).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: 2; singles at North Light (which was seen eating a Robin) and Dronger (eating what had probably been a Goldcrest!)
Hawfinch: one at Kirn o'Skroo before heading south towards Wirvie
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one flying south along the clifftop at Hoini was the first of the year
Ortolan Bunting: still present in the Plantation area
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
62 Whooper Swan, 275 Greylag Goose, 58 Wigeon, 2 Long-tailed Duck, Goosander (again in the Gully), Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 2 Jack Snipe, 42 Snipe, 32 Woodcock, Greenshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull (juvenile), 10 Short-eared Owl, 103 Goldcrest, 10 Chiffchaff (a notable increase, including 3 Siberian Chiffchaff), 4 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1009 Blackbird , 4983 Fieldfare, 45 Song Thrush, 1521 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, 41 Robin, Black Redstart (at Single Dyke), 3 Chaffinch, 95 Brambling, 2 Siskin, Mealy Redpoll (plus 3 unidentified redpolls), Common Crossbill, 265 Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer (the ringed bird at the Obs), 4 Reed Bunting.
Year list: 212 species
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WEDNESDAY 4th NOVEMBER
Summary: Another day of full census to take advantage of the conditions, with birds arriving. The last of the domestic team departed today (and thanks to all of them for their hard work during the season), but the wardening team still have a few days to manage a late biggy...
Weather: SE 2 becoming SSE 3/4, cloudy with moderate or poor visibility on a generally gloomy day, but with a rather rare feeling.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: retrapped at the Obs in the evening when it apparently came into the garden to roost.
Ortolan Bunting: still around the Plantation and Vaadal area.
Little Auk: one off South Light
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
60 Whooper Swan (an impressive passage, with most of the birds congregating on Da Water later), 47 Pink-footed Goose, 205 Greylag Geese, 11 Barnacle Geese, 31 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, Goosander (a redhead trying to catch a 30cm eel in the Gully was later seen at Shirva), 3 'blue' Fulmar, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 8 Purple Sandpiper, 16 Woodcock, Greenshank, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff (including one Siberian Chiffchaff), 3 Blackcap, 202 Blackbird, 1105 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 313 Redwing, 13 Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, 70 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 26 Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, 243 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Common Seal, Eel (a c30cm individual wrestling a Goosander in the Gully!).
Year list: 211 species
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TUESDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
Summary: Full census again as there are still a few birds to come (as shown by the first addition to the year list since the Rubythroat on 20th Oct). It wasn't a bad haul for the time of year, with some more promise to come from tomorrow .
Weather: SSW2 increasing to 4, cloudy with light drizzle in the morning and good visibility, although moderate at times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: one trapped in the Vaadal was the 7th of the autumn and only the 11th to be ringed on Fair Isle in the history of the Obs.
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation, although twice it was seen to come perilously close to a Sparrowhawk, so it may need to consider moving on soon...
Velvet Scoter: still in the North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan, 25 Pink-footed Goose, 212 Greylag Goose, 11 Barnacle Goose, 55 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, Sparrowhawk (male still present), 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail, 5 Golden Plover, Jack Snipe, 49 Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 12 Curlew, Greenshank (the long-staying bird still present), 21 Redshank, 62 Turnstone, 8 Bonxie (most of the breeding population have now moved on, although the odd lingerer may stay through the next week), 2 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (one at Vaila's Trees was seen carrying off a Water Rail!), 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Rook (the highest count of the autumn), Carrion Crow, 22 Skylark, 3Chiffchaff (including 2 Siberian Chiffchaff), 4 Blackcap, 241 Blackbird, 238 Fieldfare, 19 Song Thrush, 278 Redwing, 16 Robin, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit (Steensi Geo), 21 Meadow Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 20 Brambling, Siskin, 95 Twite, 118 Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer (a first-year female briefly at the Obs was later trapped in the Gully, the first of the year), 2 Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Silver-Y (one at North Light was a late record and, personally, I think a really promising sign for a good bird tomorrow - if Silver-Y can make it, then what else could be coming from the same direction...)
Year list: 211 species
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MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER
Summary: Mostly a day of getting on with end of season jobs following the Sheep Hill, but a bit of birding done as well (although with relatively little to show for it). By the evening, flocks of thrushes could be seen heading south high up as they took advantage of the calm conditions to continue their migration.
Weather: SSE3/4 decreasing later in the evening, with cloud breaking up and good visibility as the day developed into a remarkably calm, mild and sunny one.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ortolan Bunting: again present in the Plantation and therefore becoming the proud holder of the record of the latest-ever Ortolan on Fair Isle
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
12 Whooper Swan, 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female, both were caught and ringed), Jack Snipe, 11 Woodcock (a comparitively low count considering most of the islanders were walking the North of the island), 2 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Grey Wagtail.
Year list: 210 species
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SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER
Summary: Not quite a full day off, but after a busy season, and with the weather producing little in the way of new migrants, the team took it somewhat easy.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Richard's Pipit: one still at Leogh
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
10 Whooper Swan, 309 Greylag Goose, Water Rail, 2 Lapwing, Dunlin, Lesser Black-backed Gull (juvenile at Meadow Burn), 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Angle Shades (one at the Obs)
Year list: 210 species
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SATURDAY 31st OCTOBER
Summary: poor conditions in the morning and by the afternoon the somewhat tired team made it out, but to little avail. The year ended with some impressive Haloween fancy dress but also with the distinct promise that there could be more birds early next month.
Weather: SW6 decreasing 3/4, cloudy at first with heavy rain in the morning but brightening up later with visibility improving from poor to moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Richard's Pipit: the ringed bird still present at the Obs
Ortolan Bunting: still present in the Plantation
Little Auk: one in South Haven
Velvet Scoter: lingering around Furse and North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan, Kestrel (male), 2 Oystercatcher, Jack Snipe, Glaucous Gull (juvenile in South Harbour), Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff (including one Siberian Chiffchaff), 14 Brambling.
Year list: 210 species
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FRIDAY 30th OCTOBER
Summary: still lots of birds around (and some very busy trap rounds with Blackbirds in particular), but it is starting to feel quite end of season now, not least because the planes came in (after an initially cloudy morning that caused some delays) and the last of the Obs guests left.
Weather: SSE3-4, rain early morning and low cloud, but clearing later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: 2; one trapped in Double Dyke and another at the Obs (the latter killed a Robin and Blackcap in the Obs garden)
Richard's Pipit: one found in the workshop at Shirva was released unharmed after being ringed (just the 14th to be ringed on Fair Isle)
Olive-backed Pipit: showing well in the Wirvie Burn
Ortolan Bunting: lingering in the Plantation and rapidly approaching the record for the latest-ever Ortolan on Fair Isle (1st November 2000)
Yellow-browed Warbler: one trapped at Chalet had been ringed there on 17th October
Velvet Scoter: still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
21 Whooper Swan, 38 Pink-footed Goose, 294 Greylag Goose, 18 Barnacle Goose, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver (adult off Mavers Geo), Cormorant, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 4 Water Rail, 7 Golden Plover, 4 Jack Snipe, 84 Snipe, 35 Woodcock, 22 Curlew, Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (one in Gully, plus a long-dead bird in the Havens), 33 Short-eared Owl, 10 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 966 Blackbird (including a Norwegian-ringed bird), 791 Fieldfare, 43 Song Thrush, 607 Redwing, 29 Robin (including a German-ringed bird at the Obs), 4 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit (Hjukni Geo), 50 Brambling, Lesser Redpoll (plus one unidentified redpoll sp.), 27 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Angle Shades (one at the Obs)
Year list: 210 species
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THURSDAY 29th OCTOBER
Summary: Lots of birds, but with the classic Fair Isle issue of the very strong SE wind causing them to seek shelter on the west cliffs but making viewing them a bit difficult at times.
Weather: SE5-6, occasionally 7, cloudy with rain in the early morning and then again, persistently, from mid-afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: 2; an adult bird at Chapel Plantation and a first-winter at the Obs
Richard's Pipit: 2; singles in the south of the island and at Wester Lother
Olive-backed Pipit: still present in the Wirvie Burn
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation
Little Auk: 2; one flew down the road the road at Chalet, the other was in South Harbour
Velvet Scoter: again in the North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
24 Whooper Swan, 71 Wigeon, Long-tailed Duck, 4 Grey Heron, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 4 Merlin, Water Rail (Obs garden), 2 Lapwing, 28 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 51 Snipe, 55 Woodcock, 145 Turnstone, 315 Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull (adult in a large gull flock at Easter Lother), 38 Short-eared Owl (a record count for Fair Isle, with most sheltering on the west cliffs, eg 7 in Guidicum, 5 on Dronger. Several Blackbirds were found that had been predated by the owls on Dronger), 13 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff (including two Siberian Chiffchaff), 6 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 881 Blackbird, 1395 Fieldfare, 78 Song Thrush, 1498 Redwing, 49 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, 62 Brambling, 10 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.
Breeding birds:
Although the last Gannet chick has finally fledged from the monitoring plots, one remains on the Iner Stack, where it is still being attended by its parents.
Year list: 210 species
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WEDNESDAY 28th OCTOBER
Summary: That's more like it - birds, and lots of 'em. A big arrival with a decent variety of species.
Weather: SE4-6, cloudy with some heavy (and cold!) showers, low cloud at times, visibility poor/moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: still in the Wirvie Burn
Yellow-browed Warbler: a vocal individual at Setter
Ortolan Bunting: first-winter still in the Plantation
Velvet Scoter: in North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
18 Whooper Swan, 43 Pink-footed Goose, 240 Greylag Goose, 15 Barnacle Goose, 26 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, Grey Heron, 2 Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 2 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Jack Snipe, 52 Snipe, 28 Woodcock (highest count of the autumn), 16 Curlew, Greenshank (still present), 103 Turnstone, 294 Common Gull, 6 Woodpigeon, 3 Long-eared Owl, 19 Short-eared Owl (highest count of the autumn), 33 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff (including 2 Siberian Chiffchaff), 22 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 330 Blackbird (highest count of the autumn), 2169 Fieldfare (highest count of the autumn), 146 Song Thrush, 1752 Redwing, 100 Robin (highest count of the autumn), 4 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, 85 Brambling (highest count of the autumn), Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll (plus two unidentified redpolls), 2 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 210 species
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TUESDAY 27th OCTOBER
Summary: a bit of a disappointing day, with far fewer birds than we might have hoped for, although falls further down the coast give us hope for tomorrow as the SE winds may bring stuff further up the country...
Weather: SE3-4, cloudy and generally gloomy looking, although remaining dry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ortolan Bunting: first-winter still around the Plantation
Velvet Scoter: still in Furse
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
26 Whooper Swan, 29 Pink-footed Goose, 420 Greylag Goose, 15 Barnacle Goose, 2 'blue' Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater (from Good Shepherd), Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, 4 Lapwing, Jack Snipe, 5 Woodcock, 2 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, 6 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff (including 4 Siberian Chiffchaff), 7 Blackcap, 30 Blackbird, 42 Fieldfare, 5 Song Thrush, 266 Redwing, 7 Robin, Black Redstart (male at Hoini), 5 Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 32 Brambling, Common Redpoll, 12 Snow Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Silver-Y
Year list: 210 species
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MONDAY 26th OCTOBER
Summary: Not that promising a day, but goose passage was noted and the first signs of the forthcoming south-easterly winds bringing birds were seen with increases in a couple of thrush species (Fieldfares and Blackbirds are still to come through in any numbers...), so it might be exciting over the next few days.
Weather: S3-4 occasionally 5, cloudy throughout, but dry, with moderate or good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: still in the Wirvie Burn area
Richard's Pipit: 2, singles at Da Water and Haa
Little Bunting: one still at North Raeva
Ortolan Bunting: still around the Plantation, and it has put on two grams since it was first ringed
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Chalet
Little Auk: one in the North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
18 Whooper Swan, 32 Pink-footed Goose, 359 Greylag Goose, 4 Long-tailed Duck, Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Merlin, Lapwing, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 2 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff (including 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), 20 Blackbird, 126 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 343 Redwing, 7 Robin, 2 Wheatear, Dunnock, 21 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 16 Brambling, 13 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.
Year list: 210 species
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SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER
Summary: Another day of strong westerly winds (that's six-in-a-row now) so not an awful lot in the way of new birds, although some light swan passage was good.
Weather: SW 4-5, mostly cloudy, with a few brighter spells in the morning, but heavy rain early am and for most of the afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Richard's Pipit: 2, singles at Da Water and Haa
Little Bunting: one at North Raeva
Olive-backed Pipit: again in the Wirvie Burn area
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
28 Whooper Swan (mostly small groups moving south), 38 Pink-footed Goose, 145 Greylag Goose, 14 Barnacle Goose, 4 Long-tailed Duck, Cormorant, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 4 Merlin, 2 Woodcock, Greenshank (long-staying bird still present), 5 Short-eared Owl, 4 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff (including 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), 27 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 140 Redwing, 7 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, 40 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, 20 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
2 Killer Whale seen moving slowly south off Buness late afternoon
Year list: 210 species
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SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER
Summary: poor weather hampered any real efforts at birding, although a trap round in a dry spell in the afternoon produced 20 Redwings (all large, Icelandic birds), showing there was still stuff out there.
Weather: SW3-4, occasionally 4-5, heavy rain throughout most of the day, although visibility still moderate to good.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Richard's Pipit: 3 still in the south-east of the island
Olive-backed Pipit: one still in the Wirvie Burn.
Ortolan Bunting: still in the Plantation
Velvet Scoter: still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan, Tufted Duck (Golden Water), 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 4 Chiffchaff (including 3 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), 5 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 2 Wheatear, Common Crossbill.
Year list: 210 species
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FRIDAY 23rd OCTOBER
Summary: rather quiet, with the birds rather reflecting what would be expected in this weather. Good for office work though, which is especially important given what looks like it could be an interesting last week if the forecast comes good...
Weather: SW 4-6, heavy rain overnight, although easing during the day and some sunny spells.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: still in the Wirvie Burn
Ortolan: again around the Plantation
Richard's Pipit: 2 still present, at Da Water and Stackhoull
Velvet Scoter: again in Furse
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
8 Whooper Swan, 114 Greylag Geese, 61 Wigeon, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk (still present around Ward Hill), Kestrel (male), 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, Long-eared Owl, 4 Short-eared Owl, 8 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff (including 10 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), 7 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler (the first since 18th and highest count since 8th), 6 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, 20 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.
Year list: 210 species
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THURSDAY 22nd OCTOBER
Summary: a wash-out, or a wind-out at least, with fairly horrilbe conditions for standing up in the more exposed parts of the island, let alone birding.
Weather: WSW 7 to severe gale 9, occasionally gusting Storm 10. Heavy showers regularly throughout day, with moderate orf good visibility.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
3 Whooper Swan, 4 'Greenland White-fronted Goose', 122 Greylag Goose, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 'blue' Fulmar (one off South Light), Cormorant, Kestrel (male), 6 Short-eared Owl, 13 Snow Bunting.
Year list: 210 species
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WEDNESDAY 21st OCTOBER
Summary: no sign of the Rubythroat in a day of poorer birding conditions (so perhaps it could still turn up, they can be notorious skulkers, especially in the first day or two after arrival), whilst a general decrease in most species was noted, with little new to report. Expect even less tomorrow though, unless we strike very lucky.
Weather: SW4/5 increasing 6 later, heavy rain early morning, then again after dark, with a few showers in between.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at the Wirvie Burn
Ortolan: the first-winter bird reappeared, when it was trapped in the Plantation
Richard's Pipit: one still roaming around the Stackhoull area
Yellow-browed Warbler: only two left, as the amazing autumn finally starts to peter out, although the run of daily records since 16th September has at least continued
Velvet Scoter: again present in Furse
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
10 Whooper Swan, 17 Barnacle Goose, 23 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, Hen Harrioer, 2 Sparrowhawk, Corncrake (remains of a bird that had been dead for some time found near Nether Taft), 5 Jack Snipe, 3 Woodcock, Greenshank (the long-staying bird still present, having been recorded almost daily throughout September and October), 17 Short-eared Owl, 21 Goldcrest, 13 Chiffchaff (including 12 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), 4 Blackcap, 29 Blackbird, 24 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 616 Redwing, 9 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, Tree Pipit, 20 Snow Bunting, 3 Lapland Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting.
Year list: 210 species
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TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER
Summary: the weather wasn't the most promising and it looked like a surprise on Easter Lother Water was going to be the day's highlight (albeit one for Fair Isle afficianados only), until Ciaran struck big for the second consecutive day - he's on a hat-trick now, so we're looking forward to tomorrow...
Weather: SW 4-5, cloudy with occasional showers and the odd brighter spell.
HIGHLIGHTS:
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT: a female discovered at about half past four near the Hill Dyke, which then proved rather elusive as it roamed from there to Setter, Charlie's Trees and Bull's Park, although eventually everyone got views. The 6th Fair Isle record (with previous birds in 1975, 2003, 2005, 2012 and 2013), it occurred in the classic time for the species with previous birds being found on 17th, 21st and 23rd (twice), along with one on 9th October.
Bluethroat: one at Setter in the morning
Olive-backed Pipit: one in the Wirvie Burn was presumably the same as seen yesterday at the Obs
Little Bunting: one still at Hjukni Geo
Richard's Pipit: four still in the south of the island
Yellow-browed Warbler: just two still present
Little Grebe: a juvenile at Easter Lother Water was the first island record since 2008 (and about the 40th overall) and was almost the highlight of the day...
Velvet Scoter: one still around North Haven
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (2), Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (2), Merlin (2 ), Kestrels (2), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (4), Woodcock, Iceland Gull (adult seen from the Good Shepherd), Long-eared Owl (2 Field Ditch), Short-eared Owl (14), Goldcrest (27), Chiffchaff (15, including 6 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler (2), Blackcap (12), Blackbird (58), Fieldfare (23), Song Thrush (26), Redwing (445), Robin (21), Redstart, Wheatear (7), Dunnock (3), Tree Pipit, Snow Bunting (12), Lapland Bunting (3), Reed Bunting (6).
Other wildlife:
Silver-Y
Year list: 210 species
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MONDAY 19th OCTOBER
Summary: not too many new arrivals, although a busy morning of Redwings and Blackbirds in the traps gave some hope and a few new birds were found, with Ciaran turning up the day's star turn in the always rare-looking Wirvie Burn. A few lucky visitors were able to finish their week's stay as they had started, with a rare locustella. A great start to the week and a nice way to end a good spell of birding before the winds become less favourable and migration is likely to dry up somewhat.
Weather: SW becoming more S for a while 2/3 increasing slightly later, cloudy with a few sunny spells and excellent visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: a superb bird found mid-morning in the Wirvie Burn, it sat for some time on a bare patch of earth (seemingly digesting what had obviously been a decent meal!) before scurrying off into the burn then feeding on the cliff where the burn flows onto the beach, showing well, before disappearing. Great views for everyone present, but not twitchable for anyone who wasn't on the island (or even the unlucky folk who arrived on the second morning plane). If accepted, this will represent the 24th Fair Isle record (from a total of 56 British records), the first since 2012 and the joint latest occurence for the island.
Bluethroat: a mobile bird touring the south of the island between the Walli Burn and Skerryholm was presumably a new arrival
Olive-backed Pipit: one briefly at the Obs
Radde's Warbler: still around Barkland, although wandering as far as the School
Little Bunting: one again at Hjukni Geo, at the mouth of the Gilly Burn
Ortolan: still present, although it had moved as far as the Single Dyke trap
Richard's Pipit: 3 still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: 7 again, including another new bird trapped and ringed
Velvet Scoter: a female initially in Furse then later off Ditfield was the first of the year and only the 5th record in the last nine years (and one of those was of a dead bird), so a good Fair Isle tick for those who saw it!
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (2), Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Sooty Shearwater (North Light), Grey Heron, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (2), Merlin (2 - but no Kestrels, the first blank in the Log since 17th August), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (6), Woodcock (7), Long-eared Owl (Chalet), Short-eared Owl (14), Goldcrest (67), Chiffchaff (33, including 24 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (23), Lesser Whitethroat, Blackbird (74), Fieldfare (37), Song Thrush (42), Redwing (1310), Mistle Thrush, Robin (34), Redstart, Wheatear (11), Dunnock (3), Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Greenfinch, Snow Bunting (27), Lapland Bunting (4), Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife:
Killer Whale (at least three groups seen from the incoming plane to the north of the island), Red Admiral, Silver-Y (1), Red Sword-Grass (one trapped at Schoolton), Grey Seal (pups starting to appear in more geos).
Year list: 208 species
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SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER
Summary: still a lot of migrants about and a few new arrivals seen, very enjoyable birding again as the unseasonal weather continued.
Weather: W2, or calmer at times, cloudy with an occasional heavy shower in the morning, but mostly remaining dry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: one near the Kirk then flew south, the first of the year
Little Bunting: one at Hjukni Geo may have been a new arrival
Radde's Warbler: still in the Chalet area
Ortolan: still present at Ditfield
Richard's Pipit: one still near Stackhoull
Yellow-browed Warbler: 7 still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (3), Pink-footed Goose (57), Wigeon (79), Long-tailed Duck (2), Red-breasted Merganser (3), 'blue' Fulmar (2), Slavonian Grebe (Furse), Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (2), Jack Snipe (8), Woodcock (3), Iceland Gull (juvenile), Glaucous Gull (2; ad and juvenile), Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl (14), Goldcrest (89), Swallow (5), Chiffchaff (33 including 16 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (31), Garden Warbler, Blackbird (95), Fieldfare (101; highest count of the autumn), Song Thrush (43), Redwing (1344), Mistle Thrush (2), Robin (28), Redstart (2), Wheatear (11), Dunnock (4), Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (8), Brambling (37), Greenfinch (first of the autumn and only the third this year), Goldfinch, Siskin (2), Linnet (4), Common Crossbill (10), Snow Bunting (9), Lapland Bunting (2), Reed Bunting (2).
Other wildlife:
Minke Whale (2), Harbour Porpoise (5), Silver-Y (2), in addition a small number of moths in the trap overnight included an Autumn Green Carpet.
Year list: 206 species
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SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER
Summary: considering the forecast, a day of large arrivals was not really expected, but the number of some species was impressive and a couple of new scarcities added to the enjoyment of the day (as did the remarkably pleasant weather).
Weather: SW2, mostly cloudy with a few sunny spells.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: 2, with one still around Houll and a, presumably new, bird on Malcolm's Head
Red-breasted Flycatcher: 2 - one still at Kenaby with a new arrival at Easter Lother
Radde's Warbler: still showing well around School and Barkland
Ortolan: still at Ditfield
Richard's Pipit: four present in the south still
Yellow-browed Warbler: 14 included several new arrivals
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (13, including the first juvenile of the autumn), Greylag Goose (164), Barnacle Goose (69), Teal (25), Long-tailed Duck (2), 'blue' Fulmar, Slavonian Grebe (Furse), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (4), Water Rail (2), Jack Snipe (4), Woodcock (3), Glaucous Gull (juvenile), Short-eared Owl (7), Goldcrest (114), Swallow (4), Chiffchaff (50 including 15 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (27), Ring Ouzel (2), Blackbird (174; highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare (87; highest count of the autumn), Song Thrush (106), Redwing (3250; highest count of the autumn), Mistle Thrush, Robin (40), Whinchat (3), Wheatear (11), Dunnock (7), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (12), Brambling (25), Goldfinch, Siskin (2), Linnet (4), Redpoll sp?, Common Crossbill (3), Snow Bunting (12), Reed Bunting (6).
Other wildlife:
Remarkably, a bat detector left running overnight picked up the distinctive calls of Nathusius's Pipistrelle as well as what appeared to be the calls of a Common Pipistrelle. If the latter is confirmed, it will be the first confirmed record for Shetland. Bat records are rare on Fair Isle (with only a Nathusius's Pipistrelle and an unidentified bat recorded since 2011), but this would appear to suggest they are overlooked.
Red Admiral, Silver-Y (3), the moth trap run overnight also recorded Red Sword-grass, Dark Sword-grass and Silver-Y amongst others.
Year list: 205 species
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FRIDAY 16th OCTOBER
Summary: a further clear-out but with a promising drifty feel that delivered a few good birds.
Weather: WSW2, mostly cloudy but with a few brighter spells, light showers later in the evening that became slightly heavier towards night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ortolan: a first-winter bird found at Ditfield in the early afternoon could be elusive at times, but was generally fairly confiding and showy. The first record since 2013 and the first in autumn since 2010 (the previous six years have produced just four records of this once far more regular migrant)
Radde's Warbler: still present! Often showing well at Barkland and School and becoming the longest-staying of Fair Isle's seven records
Barred Warbler: one at the Haa
Richard's Pipit: 3, with two around Da Water and a single near Haa
Little Bunting: one at Kenaby
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one still at Kenaby
Bluethroat: one at the Mast was presumably a new arrival
Yellow-browed Warbler: 7 around the south of the island
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Greylag Goose (118), Barnacle Goose (28), Long-tailed Duck (2), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (2), Water Rail (2), Jack Snipe (4), Woodcock (2),Short-eared Owl (5), Goldcrest (81), Chiffchaff (215, including 5 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (29), Lesser Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird (39), Fieldfare (16), Song Thrush (49), Redwing (680), Mistle Thrush, Robin (41), Whinchat, Wheatear (11), Dunnock (12; highest count of the autumn), Pied Wagtail (7, along with 2 unidentified albas), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (18), Brambling (40), Goldfinch (2), Siskin (2), Common Crossbill (4), Snow Bunting (68), Reed Bunting (7).
Other wildlife:
Killer Whale (3 off North Light), Red Admiral (2), Silver-Y (3).
Year list: 205 species
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THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER
Summary: a nice enough day and a great selection of birds about, which were especially appreciated by those guests arriving today, but not too much in the way of new arrivals, as the general theme was one of a bit of a clear out.
Weather: SSW 4 decreasing 2/3 later, mostly cloudy with sunny spells.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Radde's Warbler: still present at Barkland and Chalet, with one brief trip to the School. In the evening it was calling repeatedly (a sign of an imminent departure?) as it fed on the Barkland doorstep!
Firecrest: still present, at Pund initially and later at Chalet
Richard's Pipit: 4, three in the south east and a single at the top of Ward Hill
Little Bunting: 3, with birds at the Obs, Shirva and South Light
Olive-backed Pipit: 2, with singles at Schoolton and Shirva
Red-breasted Flycatcher: 1 still at Kenaby
Bluethroat: 1 still present, moving to the Kenaby tottie rig
Glossy Ibis: 3 still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: 9 still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Greylag Goose (91), Long-tailed Duck (2), Sooty Shearwater (one off North Light), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (3), Water Rail (2), Ringed Plover, Woodcock (3), Long-eared Owl (3), Short-eared Owl (12), Goldcrest (94), Swallow (5), Chiffchaff (25, including 5 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (31), Ring Ouzel, Blackbird (43), Fieldfare (23), Song Thrush (96), Redwing (1002), Mistle Thrush, Robin (44), Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear (10), Dunnock (7), alba Wagtail (just 1 still present), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (20; highest count of the autumn), Brambling (73), Siskin (3), Lesser Redpoll, Snow Bunting (6), Lapland Bunting (2 in North Park), Reed Bunting (7).
Other wildlife:
Red Admiral (4), Peacock, Silver-Y (2).
Year list: 204 species
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WEDNESDAY 14th OCTOBER
Summary: although the weather wasn't up to yesterday's 'birding in a t-shirt' (well, without a fleece at least) conditions, it was still not bad, with new birds in and another good bird to add to the recent run.
Weather: S4-5, cloudy but dry with decent visibility, cold by the late afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Radde's Warbler: Fair Isle's 7th record was found at Chalet in the afternoon where it was fairly elusive but did eventually show well to everyone. Although the latest Fair Isle arrival date for this species, half of the previous records were found on 13th October
Firecrest: still present around Field then (during the Radde's twitch) at Chalet
Richard's Pipit: 6 - 5 in the south and one at North Light
Little Bunting: 4 - singles at Shirva, South Light, Walli Burn and one trapped in the Hjon Dyke
Olive-backed Pipit: the same two present, although the Taft bird had moved to the Quoy area
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one still around Kenaby
Bluethroat: one still present
Glossy Ibis: three still present, and the remains of another were found, having apparently starved
Yellow-browed Warbler: just 7 seen today
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (71), Pintail, Long-tailed Duck (2 males in Furse), Hen Harrier (ringtail; the second of the month), Water Rail, Oystercatcher, Jack Snipe (9), Woodcock (3), Redshank (48), Turnstone (126), Short-eared Owl (6), Goldcrest (180), Swallow (2), Chiffchaff (16, including one 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (38), Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel (2), Blackbird (44), Fieldfare (56), Song Thrush (93), Redwing (1562), Mistle Thrush, Robin (37), Redstart, Whinchat (2), Wheatear (11), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (12), Brambling (51), Siskin (2), Snow Bunting (5), Lapland Bunting (2), Reed Bunting (10).
Breeding birds:
Not much to report on this fromt, but one of the Gannet chicks from the monitoring plots was still sitting, unfledged. on its nest at Yellow Head.
Year list: 204 species
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TUESDAY 13th OCTOBER
Summary: a beautiful day, calm and too warm to start with. Still plenty of birds and, although no major rarity made it through, it was still a great day, with a good species list. Plenty of hope for tommorrow as well...
Weather: no wind at first, with a SSW or SW breeze (Force 2) developing later. Excellent visibility with sunny spells and some cloud later
HIGHLIGHTS:
Olive-backed Pipit: two, with the bird still present at Shirva and another at Taft
Red-breasted Flycatcher: two present, with singles at Brecks (later moving to Kenaby) and Malcolm's Head (with one seen at Schoolton later probably the latter bird relocating)
Firecrest: showing very well at the seaward end of Field Ditch in the morning
Bluethroat: 2, sightings at Schoolton and Stackhoull may have referred to the same bird, with another in Walli Burn
Little Bunting: at least 2 still present, with sightings at Barkland in the morning, Shirva (2 in the morning, but just one later) and South Light in the afternoon
Glossy Ibis: 3 still present near Skerryholm
Richard's Pipit: at least two in the south still
Yellow-browed Warbler: l4 included 2 new birds ringed at the Obs (whilst most of the other birds seen today were also unringed), suggesting some turnover of birds is still taking place
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (62), Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser (2), Slavonian Grebe (South Light), Sparrowhawk (2), Water Rail (2), Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Jack Snipe (10), Woodcock (6), Long-eared Owl (at least 2, including one trapped at Plantation), Short-eared Owl (7), Goldcrest (183), Chiffchaff (29; highest count of the autumn, including 7 'Siberian Chiffchaff'), Willow Warbler (2), Blackcap (64), Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel (4), Blackbird (42), Fieldfare (12), Song Thrush (119), Redwing (928), Robin (80; highest count of the autumn), Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear (22), Dunnock (11; highest count of the autumn), Grey Wagtail (3), Brambling (79; highest count of the autumn), Siskin (4), Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll (3), Snow Bunting (110), Reed Bunting (13).
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (a couple of sightings of groups from the Good Shepherd were followed by 8 seen distantly moving south off Rippack), Porpoise (15 off North Light), red Admiral (6), Silver-Y (2), Green Lacewing.
Year list: 203 species
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MONDAY 12th OCTOBER
Summary: Another great day, with the day's 'big bird' again leaving it until late on to spark another dinner-delaying twitch.
Weather: S becoming NNW later 2/3, cloudy with some heavy rain at first, then clearing to sunny spells later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one found at Kenaby late in the evening before being trapped to confirm identity, the 91st Fair Isle record (if accepted).
Olive-backed Pipit: one at North Shirva, the third of the autumn and (subject to acceptance of this year's birds) the 100th Fair Isle record!
Firecrest: still present, and showing well near Field.
Little Bunting: three; two near Shirva and a single at Upper Stoneybrek
Bluethroat: at Quoy then probably the same bird at Stackhoull later, the 6th Bluethroat of the autumn
Glossy Ibis: flock of 3 still present, associating with Pink-footed Geese
Richard's Pipit: 3 in the south
Yellow-browed Warbler: 16, indicating a likely small arrival
Common Rosefinch: still present, usually at Schoolton
Corncrake: one at Upper Stoneybrek
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (6), 'Greenland White-fronted Goose' (one flew south down the island), Greylag Goose (280), Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser (2), Slavonian Grebe (Furse), Sparrowhawk (2), Jack Snipe (17), Woodcock (2), Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl (8), Goldcrest (186), Chiffchaff (25; highest count of the autumn), Willow Warbler (4), Blackcap (63), Lesser Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel (3), Blackbird (70; highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare (13), Song Thrush (364), Redwing (2822; highest count of the autumn), Mistle Thrush, Robin (53), Redstart (4), Whinchat (2), Wheatear (29), Dunnock (10; highest count of the autumn), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (18; highest count of the autumn), Brambling (21), Siskin, Snow Bunting (10), Reed Bunting (20; highest count of the autumn).
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Silver-Y (3).
Year list: 203 species
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SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER
Summary: A great day, with a large arrival and some enjoyable birding, crowned with a few notable highlights.
Weather: Rare. SE4-5, cloudy but dry with moderate or good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL: The 12th Bluetail for Fair Isle was discovered in the late afternoon in Tineside (a small Geo between South Naaversgill and Troila). Remarkably, it was only found after the Dusky Warbler vanished and so the geo was watched for another 20 minutes or so. How it had remained hidden for that time in a small geo wasn't clear and it shows just what could be missed around the cliffs (a horrible thought!). After a bit of a late dash, everyone managed to get up to see it as it caught moths in flight and foraged around the cliff until dusk - although a run up to the west coast after a full day's birding meant a few people were in bed even before Log had started!
Dusky Warbler: The 16th for Fair Isle (and first since 2013) was seen brielfy in Tineside before flying to the mouth of the geo and not being relocated.
Firecrest: The 8th for Fair Isle (so, technically, the bird of the day - although this was the 5th record since 2007) was found in Hjukni Geo amongst several Goldcrests. The old adage of 'Firecrest in a Goldcrest fall in SE winds, Pallas's Warbler in Goldcrest fall in NE winds' held true again, but with none of the latter on Fair Isle since 2005, we'll be hoping for some NE winds to test the theory soon...
Little Bunting: one at Da Water and Boini Mire
Barred Warbler: one at Hjukni Geo
Glossy Ibis: 3 still present
Richard's Pipit: 2 still roaming in the south
Yellow-browed Warbler: 9, as numbers finally started to dwindle.
Common Rosefinch: still present at Schoolton
'Siberian Chiffchaff': four tristis birds around the island
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (178), Barnacle Goose (67), Cormorant, Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (4), Merlin (3), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (21), Snipe (69), Woodcock (7), Short-eared Owl (7), Goldcrest (339 a huge count, with birds scattered along the entire west and north coast in good numbers. In the east of the island, birds were seen heading high west as they looked for somewhere sheltered to land), Swallow, Chiffchaff (12 nominate or abietinus), Blackcap (40), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler, Ring Ouzel (4), Blackbird (23; highest count of the autumn so far), Fieldfare (11), Song Thrush (407; highest count of the autumn so far), Redwing (2660; highest count of the autumn so far), Mistle Thrush (2), Robin (57), Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear (28), Dunnock, White Wagtail (2, and 3 Pied Wagtails), Grey Wagtail (4), Chaffinch (8; highest count of the autumn so far), Brambling (30; highest count of the autumn so far), Siskin, Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, Snow Bunting (14), Lapland Bunting, Reed Bunting (15; highest count of the autumn so far).
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral (2), Peacock, Silver-Y (6), Angle Shades (2; including one eaten by a Red-flanked Bluetail).
Year list: 203 species
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SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER
Summary: a calm start felt good and there were increases of a few species, although the general feeling was perhaps of mostly lingering birds
Weather: SE fairly calm at first but increasing to 3-4 later. Cloudy spells, with low cloud over the hills for large parts of the day although sunny spells in the south.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: 3 still present
Richard's Pipit: at least two present - one watched commuting from North Park to the School and back showed how mobile this species often is
Yellow-browed Warbler: 15 still around
Common Rosefinch: one still at Schoolton
'Siberian Chiffchaff': 3 still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
'blue' Fulmar (one circling Field), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (4), Water Rail (2), Jack Snipe (8), Woodcock (5), Woodpigeon (5), Long-eared Owl (Stackhoull), Short-eared Owl (11), Rook (first of the autumn), Goldcrest (108), Chiffchaff (10 nominate or abietinus birds, see above for tristis totals), Willow Warbler (a pale acredul-type bird at North Light), Blackcap (42), Ring Ouzel (2), Blackbird (6), Fieldfare (3), Song Thrush (320), Redwing (508), Robin (46), Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear (20), Grey Wagtail (4), Tree Pipit (2), Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, Snow Bunting (8), Lapland Bunting, Reed Bunting (10).
Other Wildlife:
Grey Seal (pup in Troila), Silver-Y.
Year list: 200 species
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FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER
Summary: A fairly impressive display of Northern Lights last night was viewed with the soundtrack of departing Redwings, so it was no surprise to find that there had been somewhat of a clear-out this morning. There were still birds about though and a few new bits and pieces were noted, although nothing particularly spectacular. It looks like the winds start to get promising again tomorrow, with Sunday then potentially bringing more strong south-easterlies. It was about this time last year that similar conditions brought Barn Owl, Blue Tit, Treecreeper and Buzzard, all great Fair Isle birds, but some more 'traditional' rarities would be welcome this year!
Weather: SSE becoming more S later, 4/5 reducing to 3 later, cloudy with sunny spells and some very light showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: 3 still; a single around Da Water and two touring the south
Richard's Pipit: 4 scattered around the south of the island, all presumably lingering birds
Yellow-browed Warbler: 12
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Shoveler, Long-tailed Duck, Sooty Shearwater, Kestrel (4), Merlin (4), Water Rail, Ringed Plover (3), Lapwing, Jack Snipe (10), Woodcock (2), Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl (3), Goldcrest (53), Skylark (229), Swallow (6), Chiffchaff (8, inlcuding 4 Siberian Chiffchaff), Willow Warbler, Blackcap (39), Ring Ouzel (3), Song Thrush (295), Redwing (419), Mistle Thrush (2), Robin (40), Redstart, Whinchat (2), Pied Flycatcher, Dunnock (2), Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Brambling (10), Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet (3), Snow Bunting (15), Lapland Bunting (2), Reed Bunting (9).
Other Wildlife:
Silver-Y (4).
Year list: 200 species
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THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER
Summary: that's better - sunshine and a calmer day, with good enough weather to get the nets open and actually complete a full census in which things were visible (as well as the first planes since Monday). The wind meant that the west cliffs were not quite as busy, but there was still lots to see, with bird of the day found in Da Water by guests a few hours before they departed the island - just reward for several hours slogging around, often in very poor conditions.
Weather: NW3, cloudy at first but sunny later, generally very pleasant (and positively tropical compared to recent days).
HIGHLIGHTS:
PADDYFIELD WARBLER: one found at Da Water was elusive at first, but eventually showed well to all
Glossy Ibis: three still around (two together and a singleton)
Olive-backed Pipit: one at Schoolton throughout the day (although it regularly ranged as far as the Houll), with probably the same bird at Vaila's Trees later
Richard's Pipit: at least 3 still present, although mobile
Yellow-browed Warbler: 17 still present as numbers finally start to dwindle after an epic year for this species - I got a bit wistful thinking about how my kids will probably never understand the excitmenet of finding a Yellow-browed Warbler, as it is becoming one of the commonest migrants on Fair Isle in September
Bluethroat: a first-winter (probably a male) between Pund and Setter
Common Rosefinch: one still, which was trapped as it came in to roost at Chalet
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (57), Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Cormorant (5), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (2), Merlin (3), Oystercatcher (3), Ringed Plover (2), Golden Plover (11), Jack Snipe (17; highest count of the autumn), Snipe (86), Woodock (2), Turnstone (93), Long-eared Owl (showing well as it roosted at Chalet and then hunted there in the evening), Short-eared Owl (6; the highest count of the year), Goldcrest (88), Skylark (176), Chiffchaff (12, including 7 Siberian Chiffchaff), Blackcap (147), Garden Warbler (3), Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler (Lower Leogh), Reed Warbler (2), Ring Ouzel (12; highest count of autumn), Blackbird (14; highest count of autumn), Fieldfare (9), Song Thrush (387; highest count of autumn), Redwing (585), Robin (74; highest count of autumn), Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear (13), Dunnock (3), Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit (2), Chaffinch (3), Brambling (4), Goldfinch (8; a high count for Fair Isle of this still relatively scarce species), Siskin (2), Mealy Redpoll (2), Snow Bunting (17), Lapland Bunting, Reed Bunting (11).
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral (2), Silver-Y (10).
Year list: 200 species
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WEDNESDAY 7th OCTOBER
Summary: a slight improvement in the weather, but only slight and birding conditions were still generally very poor, which was a shame as there was clearly plenty of stuff about... The counts below are all best viewed as minima as large sections of the island were still unable to be accessed (or seen in some cases).
Weather: SE6 calming to 3 or 4 later, with heavy rain all day and poor visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: at least one still
Richard's Pipit: a soggy individual by the School
Yellow-browed Warbler: a minimum of 8 still present
Common Rosefinch: still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Teal (49), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (12), Long-eared Owl (Gunnawark), Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (at least 75, but probably many more), Chiffchaff (at least 3, including one Siberian Chiffchaff), Blackcap (13), Grasshopper Warbler, Ring Ouzel (5), Blackbird (5), Fieldfare (3), Song Thrush (65), Redwing (200+), Robin (11), Whinchat, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (3), Brambling (5), Siskin (2), Lesser Redpoll, Snow Bunting (2), Reed Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral.
Year list: 199 species
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TUESDAY 6th OCTOBER
Summary: Doom. After the plagues of locusts (well, locust) and Ibises, it was 'end of the world' weather as south-easterly gales combined with heavy rain all day to leave a frustrated Obs full of people knowing that there were birds out there, but not really able to do anything about it. Forays into the field showed that the cliffs still held plenty of birds, but most were difficult to view. The forecast for Wednesday is not looking an awful lot better (although the winds should drop at least), but we'll keep plugging on until the sun comes out on Thursday (which could be rather interesting...).
Weather: Doom. SE 7-8 (gusting stronger at times), cloudy with moderate or poor visibility and heavy rain all day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: at least 2 still present
Richard's Pipit: at least 2 still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: at least 6 still present, although actual numbers likely to have been much higher
Common Rosefinch: one still roaming in the south
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (22), Barnacle Goose (197), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Ringed Plover (first record since 26th Sep.), Jack Snipe (9), Turnstone (73), Lesser Black-backed Gull (the two dark-mantled adults seen yesterday still present), Short-eared Owl (3), Goldcrest (33 just in Easter Lother and Gunnawark), Chiffchaff (at least 4), Blackcap (at least 4), thrushes all still present, probably in similar numbers to yesterday, Grey Wagtail, Brambling (6), Snow Bunting (9), Reed Bunting.
Year list: 199 species
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MONDAY 5th OCTOBER
Summary: What a day, with birds arriving from early morning (and throughout the day) and every geo on the sheltered west side of the island holding a good variety of birds. Sadly, the day's outstanding highlight was seen only by a couple of people. Despite the forecast not looking that great, all today's planes made it in, but that will probably be it for the next couple of days (for transport and perhaps birds - or certainly our chance of seeing them).
Weather: SE 4-5 increasing to 6-7 later, cloudy throught with some very light drizzle in the evening and then heavy rain arriving after dark.
HIGHLIGHTS:
SIBERIAN THRUSH: a male seen very briefly on the cliffs at Hoini before flying south, although it was seen by one more person briefly in Steensi Geo later, it vanished again. If accepted, it will be the second Fair Isle record, following a male in 2008.
Glossy Ibis: at least four still present, one of which made it into the Warden's garden - if there's a smaller garden in the UK that's had a Glossy Ibis in it, I'd like to see it!
Richard's Pipit: 5 (a remarkable record of a flock of five together over Kenaby, with other sightings of up to 3 together in the south later presumed to relate to some of the same birds)
Olive-backed Pipit: one originally near Schoolton then settled in Boini Mire
Yellow-browed Warbler: 55 (another large arrival, with the west coast in particular providing shelter for several birds, eg flocks of 7 on Lerness and 5 on Loangie)
Red-breasted Flycatcher: 2, singles at Steensi Geo and Copper Geo
Common Rosefinch: one still at Field
Little Bunting: one at Setter
Glaucous Gull: juvenile seen from the Obs
MIGRANTS (all counts):
Pink-footed Goose (74), Greylag Goose (44), Barnacle Goose (932; the second highest ever Fair Isle count,with the majority gathering on Meoness by the end of the day. The flock contained an albino and several darvic-ringed birds - with at least a dozen combinations noted), Wigeon (43), Teal (17), Mallard (the usual feral birds were present, but at least 5 migrants were noted coming in from the north), Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, Grey Heron (9), Hen Harrier (ringtail), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (9), Merlin (2), Peregrine (juvenile female), Golden Plover (11), Dunlin (2), Jack Snipe (15), Snipe (58; highest count since 18th Aug), Curlew (8), Greenshank, Redshank (23), Turnstone (54), Black-headed Gull (3), Common Gull (91; highest count since 24th Aug), Lesser Black-backed Gull (3), Herring Gull (c600 sheltering in North), Great Black-backed Gull (at least 100 sheltering in North), Guillemot, Woodpigeon (15; highest count of the autumn), Short-eared Owl (3; the long-staying bird at Klingers joined by singles at Plantation and Dronger), Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (109; highest count since 2012), Skylark (139; highest count since 23rd Sep, with several birds seen heading south), Chiffchaff (11, including 2 tristis-types), Willow Warbler (2), Blackcap (19; highest count of the autumn), Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel (2; first of the month), Blackbird (4; highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare (63; highest count of the autumn), Song Thrush (78; highest count of the autumn), Redwing (2326; highest count of the autumn), Robin (8; highest count of the autumn), Redstart (2; first since 28th Sep), Whinchat, Wheatear (31), Pied Flycatcher (3; first of the month), Dunnock, Pied Wagtail (16, along with 2 White Wagtail and 3 unidentified albas), Grey Wagtail (2), Meadow Pipit (243), Rock Pipit (55), Chaffinch (6), Brambling (23; first of the month), Siskin (6), Linnet (2), Twite (122), Lesser Redpoll (2), Snow Bunting (12), Lapland Bunting (2), Reed Bunting (2; first of the autumn).
Other species present: Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Bonxie, Tystie, Rock Dove, Fair Isle Wren, Starling, House Sparrow.
Other Wildlife:
Silver-Y (2).
Year list: 199 species
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SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER
Summary: Promise at last, with a pleasant day and birds starting to arrive in the evening.
Weather: SW 2-3 becoming SE later, sunny spells and good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: still 5 around the island
Little Bunting: still present at Kenaby
Bluethroat: one trapped in the Plantation in the late afternoon
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Wirvie Burn
Barred Warbler: one at Lower Leogh
Common Rosefinch: a mobile bird first noted at Furse, before settling around Field
Yellow-browed Warbler: 16 (although numbers possibly higher in the afternoon)
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (3), Pink-footed Goose (44), Greylag Goose (16), Barnacle Goose (48), Tufted Duck, 'blue' Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater (3), Cormorant (5), Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (4), Merlin (3), Water Rail, Moorhen (presumably the long-staying, but very elusive bird, still on Da Water), Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Jack Snipe (4), Arctic Skua, Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (2), Chiffchaff (6, including 3 tristis-types), Willow Warbler (2), Blackcap (8), Lesser Whitethroat, Black Redstart, Wheatear (38; highest count since 18th Sep), Grey Wagtail (3), Tree Pipit (3), Meadow Pipit (468; highest count since 27th Sep), Chaffinch (3), Goldfinch (3), Twite (349), Lesser Redpoll (3), Snow Bunting (45), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (a pod of at least 15 moved slowly north off Buness in the morning), Harbour Porpoise (3).
Year list: 197 species
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SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER
Weather: WSW 4-5, decreasing to 2 or 3 later, drizzle in the afternoon with moderate or good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glossy Ibis: 5 still remaining, although in smaller groups around the island
Little Bunting: one still
Yellow-browed Warbler: 14
Pomarine Skua: pale adult off Buness
Turtle Dove: one in the Havens
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (180), Greylag Goose (28), Barnacle Goose (6), Wigeon (35), Teal (23), Tufted Duck, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (5), Merlin (4), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (8), Woodpigeon, Goldcrest (2), Swallow (2), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (5; first of the month), Blackcap (5), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Song Thrush (8), Redwing (53; highest count of the autumn), Dunnock (first of the autumn), Grey Wagtail (5), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (3), Siskin (5; highest count of the month), Linnet (6), Lesser Redpoll (2), Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting (7), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (3).
Year list: 197 species
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FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER
Weather: WSW 5 dropping to 3 later, cloudy with persistent drizzle later in the day and poor or moderate visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
GLOSSY IBIS: 5; a remarkable record concerned a flock of 5 that dropped into the Obs scrape before dispersing around the island (partially due to the attentions of the remaining Bonxies), only the second record for Fair Isle (following the first last year) amd the 5th-9th individuals for Shetland!
Little Bunting: one still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: 5
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (13), Pink-footed Goose (359), Greylag Goose (27), Tufted Duck, 'blue' Fulmar (2), Sooty Shearwater, Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (7), Merlin (2), Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Arctic Skua, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest, Swallow, Chiffchaff (2), Blackcap (2), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (2), Grey Wagtail (2), Chaffinch (4), Snow Bunting (10), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (5, including a large bull and a calf, off Buness), Harbour Porpoise (3), Common Seal (South Harbour).
Year list: 197 species
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THURSDAY 1st OCTOBER
Weather: SW 5-6, cloudy with heavy drizzle in the morning, visibility moderate or poor at times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Bunting: one still
Yellow-browed Warbler: 12
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Whooper Swan (2; first of the autumn), Pink-footed Goose (28), Barnacle Goose (418), Tufted Duck, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver (2), Sooty Shearwater (2), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (6), Merlin (3), Water Rail, Grey Plover, Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (2), Swallow (2), Chiffchaff, Blackcap (2), Garden Warbler (2), Lesser Whitethroat, Black Redstart, Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit, Chaffinch (2), Snow Bunting (10), Lapland Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (2, including a lareg bull, off Buness).
Year list: 196 species
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WEDNESDAY 30th SEPTEMBER
Weather: SW or SSW 3-4, increasing slightly later, mostly cloudy with sunny spells.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Bunting: one still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: 33 still present (although one was taken by a Merlin). By the end of the month, 62 Yellow-browed Warblers had been ringed on Fair Isle in 2015 - the previous record year total was 16.
Barred Warbler: 2 (both at Chalet, although one later taken by a Merlin)
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (529 moving south), Barnacle Goose, 'blue' Fulmar (Ditfield), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (5), Merlin (3, with prey items today including Barred and Yellow-browed Warbler!), Golden Plover (12), Purple Sandpiper (16), Dunlin (4), Jack Snipe (4), Greenshank, Short-eared Owl (2), Swallow, Garden Warbler, Black Redstart (male at Ditfield), Pied Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail (4), Tree Pipit, Linnet (5), 'North-western' Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting (23), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (one off South Harbour)
Year list: 196 species
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TUESDAY 29th SEPTEMBER
Weather: SSW4-5, sunny at first but clouding over later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Bunting: two birds roaming the island
Yellow-browed Warbler: 54 still present
Pomarine Skua: pale adult off Buness
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Barnacle Goose (34), Cormorant (4), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (5), Merlin (3), Water Rail, Jack Snipe (10), Woodcock (first of the autumn), Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (7), Grasshopper Warbler, Blackbird, Fieldfare (2), Song Thrush (13), Redwing (19), Spotted Flycatcher, Black Redstart (male still at Ditfield), Wheatear (30; highest count since 18th), Pied Flycatcher (3), Tree Pipit (2), Brambling (4), Chaffinch (2), Siskin (2), Snow Bunting (22), Lapland Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (6 from Good Shepherd off the north of the island), Risso's Dolphin (8 put on a decent show off Dronger).
Red Admiral (2), Small Tortoiseshell, Silver-Y (2).
Migratory Locust (one first seen at Burkle was later trapped at the School, a remarkable first for Fair Isle!).
Year list: 196 species
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MONDAY 28th SEPTEMBER
Summary: a morning largely taken up with rounding up the hill sheep (although with the almost-obligatory good bird turning up during the round-up), before an afternoon that saw a clear arrival of birds. The day ended with an entertaining Log showing that, not only had birds arrived, but we've reasons to be optimistic for tomorrow.
Weather: SSW3 becoming SSE or SE, increasing 5 later. Mostly cloudy (low at first), but clearing slightly later. Visibility moderate, improving later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yellow-browed Warbler: the remarkable year for this species continued, with a fresh arrival of birds totalling 76 individuals - more than has been recorded in any previous year on Fair Isle. The arrival was almost entirely confined to the afternoon and, interestingly, those that were ringed today were generally a decent weight (generally 0.5g - 1g heavier than those that arrived a week ago), perhaps suggesting an arrival from somewhere not too distant. With around 40 ringed so far this year, we're hoping that some of our birds turn up in mistnets elsewhere in the UK or beyond
Olive-backed Pipit: one first heard as it flew over the Sheep Cru (by the assembled Obs team and islanders having just completed collecting the sheep off the hill), was later seen at Da Water, then the Gully and finally the Chapel plantation
Little Bunting: one still at the Obs in the morning then later at Meadow Burn
Bluethroat: 3 found in the afternoon, with one at Schoolton and 2 in Wirvie Burn
Corncrake: one flushed from Gilsetter by the Obs team leaving the Sheep Cru
Barred Warbler: one still at Haa
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (16), Grey lag Goose (4), Wigeon (38), Cormorant (2), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (3), Merlin (2), Jack Snipe, Greenshank, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (2), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (3), Blackcap (4), Garden Warbler (2), Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackbird (first of the autumn), Song Thrush (15; highest count of the autumn), Redwing (48; highest count of the autumn), Robin (3), Redstart, Whinchat (2), Wheatear (7; the first time this autumn the count has dropped to single figures), Pied Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail (3), Chaffinch (4; first of the autumn), Brambling (2; first of the autumn), Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll (3), Snow Bunting (7), Lapland Bunting (Vaasetter).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (6 off Hjukni Geo), Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Silver-Y (2).
Year list: 196 species
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SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
Summary: although the day was generally quiet (although very pleasant!), there was a bit of a feeling of promise and in the afternoon, things finally started to go right! It's been a while, but hopefully the floodgates may now have opened!
Weather: S or SE 2/3, becoming SW and then calming, sunny spells with patchy cloud.
HIGHLIGHTS:
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: one discovered in Suka Mire just after lunch. Although it was quite elusive at times and vanished for most of the afternoon, everyone did manage views in the end. The 90th Fair Isle record.
Little Bunting: what was presumably the same bird was found near the Naaversgills before relocating to Gilsetter and later being seen at Buness before eventually coming into the Obs, where it was trapped and ringed in the garden.
Barred Warbler: 2, one still around the Stackhoull area and a new bird at Haa
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (35), Wigeon (32), Tufted Duck, Great Northern Diver, Sooty Shearwater (Buness), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (5), Merlin (2), Peregrine (2), Water Rail (one killed by cat at Lower Leogh), Grey Plover, Ruff, Jack Snipe (2), Cuckoo (Kenaby), Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (3), Swallow (3), House Martin (3), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (2, the second day in a row that Chiffchaffs have outnumbered Willow Warblers, a sure sign of the season progressing!), Blackcap (5), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing (10), Robin (3), Whinchat (2), Grey Wagtail (6), Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Snow Bunting (30), Lapland Bunting (6).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (3 off South Light), Red Admiral, Silver-Y (3).
Year list: 195 species
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SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER
Summary: another rather quiet day, but as the wind eases (and with some promising easterlies developing across Europe), there's just a smidgeon of hope for the next few days. There's certainly more hope of good birds than of Sunderland improving in the football, but that's not saying much.
Weather: S/SW 3, decreasing 2 later, light rain at first, with moderate visibility improving later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: one at Lower Stoneybrek, moving to Shirva later
Yellow-browed Warbler: numbers continue to decrease, with 15 remaining
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (104), Greylag Goose (2), Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser (3), Great Northern Diver, 'blue' Fulmar (4), Storm Petrel (one off Sheep Rock, seen from an Obs bedroom window!), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (6), Peregrine (2), Water Rail, Moorhen, Lapwing (12), Greenshank, Turnstone (67), Puffin, Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, Robin (4), Grey Wagtail (3), Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll (4), Snow Bunting (29), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (6 off Buness).
Year list: 193 species
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FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER
Summary: a visiting cruise ship, the Plancius, picked a good day to arrive in terms of the sea state and weather, but there wasn't too much to show them in the way of birds. Still, a lingering rarity and good numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers still present kept them happy, but those of us on the island wait for something new to tickle our fancy.
Weather: SW4, stronger at times, largely sunny with some cloudy spells and occasional showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: still showing well at Lower Leogh
Corncrake: one at Klinger's Geo then Da Water showed well at times
Yellow-browed Warbler: 21 still present
Common Rosefinch: one lingering at Schoolton and Nether Taft
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (197; the first large movement of the autumn), Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (7), Jack Snipe (3), Black Redstart, White Wagtail (13), Lesser Redpoll (4, including one that had been ringed as a juvenile on the island in mid-July, where it came from originally, and where it had been in the meantime, is anyone's guess), Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting (34), Lapland Bunting (2).
Other Wildlife:
Silver-Y (7).
Year list: 193 species
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THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER
Summary: No two ways about it, this was a quiet day, with birds seen heading out to sea, a decrease in counts of many species and no real signs of anything coming in from further afield.
Weather: SSW3, patchy cloud with occasional heavy showers, but also sunny spells (and some lovely rainbows!).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: showing well at Lower Leogh
Yellow-browed Warbler: 34 present, with another handful ringed, and most birds seen down the island stil unringed, it suggests some turnover of birds
Common Rosefinch: one still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Tufted Duck, 'blue' Fulmar (sat on ledge in Grey Geo), Grey Heron (2), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (7), Jack Snipe, Goldcrest (18), Skylark (102, a big decrease from yesterday as birds headed south), Robin (4), Black Redstart (male, Ditfield), White Wagtail (11), Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit (2), Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting (22), Lapland Bunting (2).
Other Wildlife:
Grey Seal (the first two pups of the year seen in Muckle Geo a Hoini), Red Admiral (3), Painted Lady, Silver-Y (4).
Year list: 193 species
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WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER
Summary: A day with delayed planes (although they did make it in the end) and a sailing of the Good Shepherd after yesterday's cancellation, but generally not great weather and not a lot of birds new in. Perhaps looking to the west for the next big arrival may be a bit optimistic, but stranger things have happened and, on the 3rd anniversary of the Magnolia Warbler, it was perhaps inevitable that thoughts would wander to what could turn up as the winds turned to the west.
Weather: SSE becoming SW 2, increasing to 4 then decreasing again later. Cloudy throughout with persistent showers and moderate visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: still present at Lower Leogh
Yellow-browed Warbler: still 33 present
Common Rosefinch: one of the ringed birds still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (42), Tufted Duck (male on Golden Water, the first of the month), Red-breasted Merganser, 'blue' Fulmar (2; singles off Buness and Ditfield), Manx Shearwater (Good Shepherd), Grey Heron (5), Slavonian Grebe (off Hesti), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (4), Kestrel (7), Merlin (2), Peregrine (2), Grey Plover, Jack Snipe (8), Snipe (54; highest count since 10th Sep.), Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (10), Skylark (230, a massive increase on the 87 counted yesterday and the highest count of the autumn), Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (10), Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Fieldfare (8), Redwing (22), Robin (3), Grey Wagtail (2), Meadow Pipit (581; highest count since 13th Sep.), Snow Bunting (18), Lapland Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Silver-Y
Year list: 193 species
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TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER
Summary: A day with a promising start, although it petered out slightly in terms of new arrivals. I've given up predicting when we will get a rarity, but with the forecast suggesting more westerly winds in the next few days, it's perhaps starting to look a bit less likely.
Weather: NNE 3 decreasing later, cloudy with persistent showers until early afternoon, although a few sunny spells later as the day dried up. Poor visibility at first, but clearing later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: still present, although it had relocated to Leogh
Yellow-browed Warbler: 37 still present
Wryneck: one at North Light
Barred Warbler: two in the Plantation early in the morning were probably the two later seen at Furse and Shirva
Common Rosefinch: two still present
Pomarine Skua: a juvenile flew over Hesswalls and out to sea
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Grey Heron (3), Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (8), Merlin (2), Peregrine, Jack Snipe (8), Lesser Black-backed Gull (5), Stock Dove (one at Skadan), Short-eared Owl, Carrion Crow (2, including one in a flock of 7 presumed migrant Hooded Crows), Goldcrest (30; the highest count of the autumn), Swallow (2), House Martin, Willow Warbler (8), Lesser Whitethroat (with other warblers generally present in slightly smaller numbers), Grasshopper Warbler, Fieldfare (6), Song Thrush (11), Redwing (16), Robin (4), Redstart (2), Whinchat (5), Pied Flycatcher (3), flava Wagtail (one, probably a juvenile Grey-headed), Tree Pipit (2), Siskin (3), Twite (313), Snow Bunting (73), Lapland Bunting (4).
Other Wildlife:
Silver-Y
Year list: 193 species
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MONDAY 21st SEPTEMBER
Summary: The forecasts had been somewhat all over the place, so what looked like it could become a wash-out was, in actual fact, a very good day. It was a bit of a surprise not to get a rarity, but everyone enjoyed a very interesting day's birding and surely there'll be something good to follow shortly...(I know, it's not the first time I've said that!). The visiting group from the BTO split into three teams for a bird race, which added an extra element of excitment to Log (the winning team scored 61 species [of an island total of 79 species], beating the other two teams by a single species)!
Weather: SE3 at first but calming to SE1 for most of the day, heavy rain early on gave way to showers then a largely dry afternoon. A rather mild day, certainly too warm for birding in a jacket, which was something of a surprise!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yellow-browed Warbler: very much the bird of the day, with an amazing 53 logged across the island. Most were in the crofts, with a few on the cliffs and several small flocks of 3-5 birds were dotted around the island. An impressive 12 were ringed today (which is more than the total for all bar two previous years for Fair Isle). Today's count represents the highest day-total for Fair Isle, whilst the total number of birds this year is also now a record, as is the total ringed so far. The sum total of all other warblers on Fair Isle today (23 individuals) was less than half the total for Yellow-browed!
PALLID HARRIER: still putting on a decent show in the south of the island
Blyth's Reed Warbler: still at Lower Stoneybrek and showing well
Common Rosefinch: 3, there were several sightings around the island, with the three ringed at the Obs providing a minimum count
Corncrake: one near the Haa in the morning
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (29), Teal (16), Great Northern Diver (2), blue Fulmar (2, singles off Ditfield and in Grey Geo), Sooty Shearwater (off Buness), Cormorant, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (5), Kestrel (7), Merlin (2), Peregrine, Moorhen, Grey Plover, Lapwing (10), Knot (2), Dunlin (8), Jack Snipe (3), Arctic Skua (one off South Light), Common Gull (57), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (6), Willow Warbler (14), Blackcap (5), Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel (first of the autumn), Fieldfare, Song Thrush (6), Redwing (26; first of the autumn), Robin (2), Whinchat (6), Pied Flycatcher (2), flava Wagtail (one, probably a juvenile Grey-headed), Tree Pipit (2), Meadow Pipit (563, a reasonable increase), Linnet (10), Snow Bunting (69), Lapland Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Porpoise (5 off South Light), Risso's Dolphin (8 off South Light), Common Seal, Silver-Y (3)
Year list: 193 species
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SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Another decent day, with quite local winds, but good enough to bring in some more birds.
Weather: SSW becoming SE 2/3, increasing to 4, cloudy bit dry with good visibility
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blyth's Reed Warbler: one initially very skulking bird at Upper Stoneybrek was trapped and ringed, with the identification confirmed as this species.
PALLID HARRIER: juvenile still showing well
Yellow-browed Warbler: 4
Barred Warbler: one at the Haa
Common Rosefinch: at least one roaming bird
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (19), Great Northern Diver (2 off Buness), 'blue' Fulmar (2; singles off Ditfield and Klingers), Sooty Shearwater (one off Buness), Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk (4), Kestrel (10), Merlin (2), Golden Plover (24), Lapwing (3), Jack Snipe (2), Turnstone (71), Arctic Tern (first of the month), Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (13), Swallow (2), Willow Warbler (9), Blackcap (6), Robin, Whinchat (5), Pied Flycatcher, flava Wagtail (one, probably Grey-headed), Tree Pipit, Siskin (3), Linnet (10), Snow Bunting (111), Lapland Bunting (4).
Other Wildlife:
Porpoise (2 off Buness), Common Seal (2), Silver-Y (3)
Year list: 193 species
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SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER
Summary: A rather quiet day bird wise, with a notable clear out of some species, but calm seas made for excellent cetacean watching conditions.
Weather: NW2-3, mostly cloudy, but dry with good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: juvenile still present
Yellow-browed Warbler: at least two still present
Common Rosefinch: singles seen at Haa and Barkland were thought to be the same roaming individual
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pink-footed Goose (8; first of the autumn), Red-throated Diver, Sooty Shearwater (2), Cormorant, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (4), Kestrel (9), Merlin (2), Moorhen, Golden Plover (27), Lapwing (3), Purple Sandpiper (28), Ruff, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest, Skylark (160; highest count of the month), Chiffchaff (4, including two first-winters trapped), Willow Warbler (11), Blackcap (5), Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher (2), Robin (2), Redstart, Whinchat (7), White Wagtail (25), flava Wagtail (2), Grey Wagtail, Snow Bunting (59), Lapland Bunting (one over Restengeos, Eas Brecks and Homisdale).
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (7, including 2 large bulls, seen from Buness early morning and two seen there again later in the afternoon. The early morning group were found at about 0720 and remained in view until around 0840, allowing most people to twitch them before breakfast)
Minke Whale (one off Ditfield)
Risso's Dolphin (several groups seen during the day, totalling at least 19 individuals)
Dolphin sp? (two unidentified to species seen off the west coast)
Porpoise (four)
Basking Shark (one off Buness)
Common Seal (one in South Haven)
Painted Lady, Silver-Y (5)
Year list: 193 species
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FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER
Summary: OK, so it turned out not to be Pechora-producing weather, but there were a couple of birds newly arrived, whilst some lingerers made for a decent day-list. Hard to say what might happen next, with some big westerlies sat over the Atlantic, but Fair Isle likely to be getting a relatively light north-westerly: probably not some mega-American, but perhaps an eastern surprise trickling down from Shetland.
Weather: NW3, cloudy, but clearing slightly later in the afternoon. Some light rain late in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: still present and roaming the island
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one found early afternoon in the Good Shepherd noost; the first of the year
Yellow-browed Warbler: four still present, all in the crofts
Barred Warbler: one at Lower Stoneybrek
Common Rosefinch: one came into roost at the Obs
Grey-headed Wagtail: a female, apparently of this subspecies, on Meoness, with another flava also still present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (17), Red-breasted Merganser, Cormorant (8), Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (6), Kestrel (13), Merlin (3), Peregrine, Grey Plover, Ruff (3), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Woodpigeon (2), Skylark (108; highest count of the month), Willow Warbler (8), Blackcap (11), Garden Warbler (2), Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher (2), Redstart, Whinchat (7), Wheatear (41; highest count since 10th), Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit (273; another large decrease), Siskin, Redpoll sp? (3), Snow Bunting (101), Lapland Bunting (Kenaby).
Year list: 193 species
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THURSDAY 17th SEPTEMBER
Summary: A much nicer day (although most of North was under cloud for most of the day - the only low cloud between Tingwall and Orkney!) and the planes flew again. There were also new birds, although still not the hoped for rarity - still a decent day though, with more birds arriving later on (including a few seen coming 'in-off') and this NW wind is maybe not that bad, as it actually seems to orginate from Finland - classic Pechora Pipit or Citrine Wagtail weather!
Weather: NNW3-4, cloudy all day, with low cloud lingering over the hills until mid-afternoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: juvenile still showing well
Yellow-browed Warbler: 10 today represented a significant arrival, with most in the crofts or on the east cliffs
Barred Warbler: 2, with singles at Burkle and the Gully (the 12th and 13th individuals of the autumn)
Grey-headed Wagtail: a female near Skerryholm, with another flava wagtail also present
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Great Northern Diver, 'blue' Fulmar, Grey Heron (2), Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (7), Kestrel (9), Merlin (3), Peregrine, Golden Plover (19), Lapwing, Knot (10), Dunlin (19), Ruff, Short-eared Owl, Goldcrest (2), Swallow (18), Willow Warbler (28; highest count of the month), Blackcap (12; highest count of the autumn), Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Fieldfare (3), Spotted Flycatcher (7; highest count of the autumn), Robin, Black Redstart, Redstart (2), Whinchat (11; highest count of the month), Pied Flycatcher (5), Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit (2), Meadow Pipit (449 represents a decrease), Siskin, Redpoll sp? (4), Snow Bunting (43).
Other Wildlife:
Painted Lady, Silver-Y (9)
Year list: 192 species
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WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER
Summary: It felt like there was a bit of promise, but with the weather doing its best to spoil it (and flights, which were cancelled for the second day).
Weather: SSE2, a bit lighter at times, with cloud throughout and heavy rain during most of the day. Visibility generally poor, moderate at best.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: still present and allowing most people to catch up with it, although it tended not to hang around in any one place for very long
Yellow-browed Warbler: one roaming the south of the island
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (6), Kestrel (13), Merling (2), Peregrine, Moorhen (a juvenile on Da Water may have been the bird from earlier in the month reappearing), Grey Plover (Buness), Short-eared Owl (the first of the month), Swift, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (2), House Martin (2), Blackcap (9; highest count of the autumn so far), Redstart (2), Pied Flycatcher (2), flava wagtail (2 around Nether Taft/Skerryholm, but unable to be identified to subspecies due to the weather conditions), Siskin, Redpoll sp?, Snow Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Convolvulus Hawk-moth (one trapped at Schoolton was the first Fair Isle record since 2008)
Year list: 192 species
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TUESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER
Summary: A good day to be out birding, although in the end there were fewer birds around than would have been hoped- it wasn't exactly a disappointment, but there was a certain squibish element to proceedings.
Weather: SE becoming NE 2/3, mostly cloudy, rather low at times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: juvenile still present and often showing well as it roamed from Gilsetter to South Greens
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Greylag Goose (2), Teal (23), Shoveler (the first of the autumn), Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (8), Kestrel (11), Peregrine, Ringed Plover (61), Golden Plover (9), Ruff (3), Jack Snipe, Common Sandpiper (4), Common Gull (59), Puffin (one from Good Shepherd, with a few dozen Guillemots and Razorbills), Goldcrest, Sand Martin, Swallow (52), Willow Warbler (15), Blackcap (7), Song Thrush (7), Spotted Flycatcher (3), Robin (first of the autumn), Whinchat (8), Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit (2), Snow Bunting (2).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (5, including two youngsters, close in off Meoness), Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-Y (6)
Year list: 192 species
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MONDAY 14th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Despite the promise, the day started rather quietly, before rain came in that increased in strength and persisted throughout the day and ruined further attempts at birding (and saw the flights to and from the island cancelled today). Having a day in the office to catch up on description writing only made it worse as we imagined what could be sheltering somewhere hidden out there! Tomorrow could be better, with the wind set to ease and the rain hopefully going to clear, and hopefully we'll not get stuck in low cloud...
Weather: NE2-3, increasing 4-5, gusting stronger at times, cloudy then rain from mid-morning becoming heavy and persistent, with low cloud later.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: the bird presumed to belong to this form was seen in Walli Burn looking somewhat bedraggled
PALLID HARRIER: juvenile still present
Pomarine Skua: an adult drifted over Gilsetter being harrassed by Bonxies, the first record of the autumn of this always scarce visitor
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (2), Sparrowhawk (9), Golden Plover (4), Crossbill, Snow Bunting.
Year list: 192 species
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SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Although census was generally not massively productive (with warblers and thrushes similar to or less than yesterday), the relative lack of passerines was more than made up for by the continuation of some remarkable raptor passage. Tomorrow morning may see some calmer weather, before the winds pick up again, this time from the North-east, and they're bringing rain with them - hopefully they'll be bringing birds as well, as they seem to be coming direct from the Norwegian coast...
Weather: SSE5-6, cloudy at times, but largely sunny. Visibility generally good.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PALLID HARRIER: a juvenile first seen briefly at Brecks was eventually tracked down to Da Water and Boini Mire where it cam in to roost
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at Haa
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Haa
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Sooty Shearwater (South Light), Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (an adult female and two juvenile males present throughout the day that came into roost at Boini Mire in the evening, along with the Pallid Harrier!), Sparrowhawk (at least nine still present, when they were counted going to roost at the Plantation, Obs and Boini Mire, although there may have been more), Kestrel (13), Merlin, Knot (3), Sandlering, Purple Sandpiper (40 at South Light), Ruff, Common Sandpiper (2), Turnstone (94), Woodpigeon, Spotted Flycatcher (3), Redstart (6), Whinchat (6), Meadow Pipit (664), Lapland Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-Y (2)
Year list: 192 species
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SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER
Summary: An interesting day, still no big rarity, but another good selection of birds, not least of which were the remarkable numbers of raptors. There were also small numbers of new passerine migrants, including a few highlights, with the ongoing hope of more to come...
Weather: ESE5-6, largely cloudy with some rain arriving in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Eastern Yellow Wagtail: a grey and white looking flava wagtail seen at Burkle in the morning that had a buzzing 'Citrine'-like call appeared to belong to this group of subspecies
Citrine Wagtail: one that showed well on the clifftop at Guidicum was a new bird from that seen earlier in the month - the 76th Fair Isle record
Wryneck: one in Johnny Arcus Park briefly in the afternoon
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at Lower Leogh
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Guidicum
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Grey Heron (2), Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier (2; an adult female and juvenile male), Sparrowhawk (10; the highest ever island count, which included 5 trapped and ringed), Kestrel (11), Merlin (2), Lesser Whitethroat (3, other warblers occurring in smaller numbers than yesterday), Grasshopper Warbler (Shirva), Fieldfare (5), Song Thrush (8), Spotted Flycatcher (2), Black Redstart, Redstart (3), Whinchat (4), Pied Flycatcher (3), Blue-headed Wagtail (Barkland), Tree Pipit (4), Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting (one at Sweeni Geo).
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady, Silver-Y (6)
Year list: 191 species
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FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Another decent day, with more new birds despite the conditions making sheltered spots quite hard to come by. It really does feel like there should be something good to come, with tomorrow's weather looking similar...
Weather: SE 4/5 increasing to 5/6, cloudy at first, clearing for a while later, visibility generally good, although moderate at times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[Citrine Wagtail]: a wagtail seen and heard as it flew over the Chapel then heard at South Greens, was thought at the time to be the lingering individual of this species, but given the presence on 12th of an apparent Eastern Yellow Wagtail near to the initial sighting, it may have been that bird.
Barred Warbler: 2, singles in the North Haven and at Meadow Burn, with the latter then relocating to Shirva
Yellow-browed Warbler: 3, singles at Barkland (trapped), Upper Stoneybrek and North Gunnawarkh
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Red-throated Diver (one past Buness), Slavonian Grebe (showing well in North Haven), Sparrowhawk (male), Kestrel (9), Merlin (2), Jack Snipe (first of the autumn), Turnstone (50), Common Gull (60), Goldcrest, Willow Warbler (19), Blackcap (3; first of the month), Garden Warbler (4), Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (3, inlcuidng one new arrival), Fieldfare (3), Song Thrush (9), Spotted Flycatcher (2), Redstart (6; highest count of the month), Whinchat (9), Pied Flycatcher (4), Tree Pipit (2), Meadow Pipit (636), Twite (249), Snow Bunting.
Other Wildlife:
Red Admiral (4), Silver-Y (2)
Year list: 191 species
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THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
Summary: The weather remained good and there were more birds, nothing major (yet?), but still enjoyable birding with the thrill of anticipation. What will tomorrow bring...?
Weather: SE 4-5 (occasionally gusting slightly stronger), cloudy at first, but brightening later with generally good visibility (although low cloud breezed through at times in early afternoon).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yellow-browed Warbler: 5, birds at Field, Chalet (2), Lower Leogh and South Naaversgill were all assumed to be lingering birds from yesterday.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (16), Teal (23), Slavonian Grebe, Sparrowhawk (juvenile female trapped; the first sighting of the month), Kestrel (5), Merlin, Ringed Plover (81; highest count of the autumn), Knot (4), Dunlin (18), Snipe (57), Green Sandpiper, Common Gull (55), Swift (2), Goldcrest, Skylark (103; the highest count since 2nd August), Sand Martin (2; first of the month), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (19), Garden Warbler (5), Fieldfare (2; first of the month), Song Thrush (3), Spotted Flycatcher (2; first of the month, Black Redstart (at Obs; first of the month), Redstart (4; highest count of the month), Whinchat (7), Wheatear (43), Pied Flycatcher (10; highest count since 23rd August), Tree Pipit (2), Meadow Pipit (754), Rock Pipit (192), Lapland Bunting (one at Wester Lother; first of the autumn).
Other Wildlife:
Basking Shark (a smallish individual, c3m, in Furse), Red Admiral (2), Small Tortoiseshell, Silver-Y (2)
Year list: 191 species
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WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Easterly winds at last and after an unpromising start (no birds on the first two trap rounds or 3 hours of mist-netting the Obs garden), things picked up during the day, with a decent selection of migrants arriving, headlined by a multiple arrival of an ever popular stripy Sibe.
Weather: SE3-4, cloudy but dry, with good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yellow-browed Warbler: 10, an impressive arrival, which included a flock of three on the west cliffs and scattered individuals elsewhere across the island
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at Haa
Common Rosefinch: a juvenile trapped at Barkland late afternoon
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Teal (19), Grey Heron (3), Slavonian Grebe (still in Havens), Merlin (3), Ringed Plover (68), Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin (16), Ruff (7), Snipe (33), Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank (35), Goldcrest (2), Swallow (19), House Martin, Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (17, highest count since 1st Sep), Garden Warbler (6, highest count since 1st Sep), Reed Warbler (4), Redstart (3, highest count since 26th August), Whinchat (7, highest count since 1st Sep), Pied Flycatcher (2), Meadow Pipit (703), Siskin (2), Snow Bunting.
Year list: 191 species
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TUESDAY 8th SEPTEMBER
Summary: A totally calm day, perfect for cetacean watching (with the Good Shepherd also racking up an impressive 'flock' of 70+ Porpoise as well as other cetaceans outside of Fair Isle waters, near Sumburgh Head), but also for birds to start moving... With the Obs starting to fill up with more birders, the palpable buzz of excitement was obvious, not least as it's hoped today's sightings may just have been the start of a good spell. Interestingly, the decent birds that did show up were not really reflected in numbers of most common migrants, with (e.g.) counts of all the commoner warblers the same as recent days.
Weather: N then SE Force 1 at first, although increasing to 3 by the endof the day. Mostly cloudy with occasional light rain.
HIGHLIGHTS:
ARCTIC WARBLER: an at times elusive bird in the bracken above Furse that eventually went on to show well at times; the 91st record for Fair Isle, and the 8th consecutive year of occurrence
Citrine Wagtail: again in South Harbour, with what was probably the same bird near Chalet later in the day
Corncrake: a showy bird at Schoolton in the afternoon
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (14), Teal (13), Great Northern Diver (from Good Shepherd), Sooty Shearwater (3 from Good Shepherd), Storm Petrel (7; 5 trapped in Havens just after midnight and 2 seen from Good Shepherd), Slavonian Grebe (still in North Haven), Ruff (2), Black-tailed Godwit (one from the Good Shepherd), Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Swift, Skylark (55 represented an increase of 15-20 on most recent counts), Swallow (19), House Martin, Grasshopper Warbler, Wheatear (44 represented a slight increase on counts drom the last 5 days, which have all been below 30), Tree Pipit, Siskin (2), Snow Bunting (3).
Other Wildlife:
Killer Whale (8 feeding off North Light), Minke Whale (from Good Shepherd), Porpoise (12), Risso's Dolphin (15-20), Basking Shark (one seen from a boat just off the north of Fair Isle)
Year list: 190 species
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MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Although the day started very similarly to most other recent ones, the wind fell away in the afternoon (enough for Storm Petrel ringing) and we at last started to imagine migration proper kicking in...
Weather: WNW4/5, cloudy with occasional light showers and low cloud at times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: the same bird was rediscovered in the Walli Burn area having been missing for a couple of days
Pectoral Sandpiper: the juvenile still present, favouring Utra scrape after initially being on Skadan again
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Greylag Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, Sooty Shearwater (South Light), Storm Petrel (31 - 30 trapped before midnight, plus one seen from South Light), Cormorant, Slavonian Grebe (moulting adult in North Haven), Ringed Plover (60), Ruff (2), Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redshank (29), Razorbill (6 off South Light), Redstart (2), Whinchat (3), Meadow Pipit (721), Rock PIpit (161), Twite (271), Snow Bunting (Hoini, the first of the autumn).
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (4), Porpoise (3)
Year list: 189 species
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SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Another day of similar weather, but this time delivering a new bird, whilst some showy cetaceans also proved popular. There is much excitement in the ranks now at the forecast, which may seem calm enough conditions tomorrow for a late Storm Petrel ringing session, with a calm day on Tuesday likely to aid passage (maybe one of those Shetland Pallid Harriers might start heading south) before easterlies kick in from Wednesday onwards, which are starting to look rather promising indeed...
Weather: NW4-5, cloudy with occasional showers throughout the day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pectoral Sandpiper: a flighty juvenile discovered in Muckle Uri Geo in the afternoon, which eventually showed well on the Skadan. The 34th Fair Isle record of this increasingly commonly-recorded visitor, for which the last blank year was in 2009
Hawfinch: still at Barkland
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Sooty Shearwater (one off Buness), Cormorant, Kestrel (6), Merlin (photographs showed the lingering female to be ringed on the left leg), Peregrine (adult male, the first sighting this month), Ringed Plover (50; highest count of the month), Golden Plover (18), Purple Sandpiper (14; highest count since early August), Dunlin (8), Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Redshank (27; highest count of the month), Turnstone (51; highest count of the month), Iceland Gull (2nd-winter bird around South Light area), Woodpigeon, Swallow (10), Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll.
Other Wildlife:
Risso's Dolphin (at least 7 off Ditfield before drifting around Buness, presumably the same group as seen yesterday. Today's showing included some spectacular synchronised breaching), Porpoise (4 including a calf off Ditfield).
Year list: 189 species
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SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Much of a muchness, poor weather, few new birds and somewhat diminished optimism (for the time being at least), although at least the planes managed to fly today.
Weather: NNW 4-6 decreasing 3-4 later, occasional light rain with moderate or good visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: the male still at Barkland
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Knot (10), Ruff, Greenshank, Cuckoo (juvenile at Chalet), Carrion Crow (3), Willow Warbler (7, with small numbers of other warblers still present), Grey Wagtail.
Other Wildlife: Risso's Dolphin (10, including 2 juveniles, seen heading west from Meoness in the early afternoon).
Year list: 188 species
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FRIDAY 4th SEPTEMBER
Summary: Although the wind was more favourable for birding in the morning, rain soon set in and made census much more difficult. Aside from an increase in Meadow Pipits, there was little evidence of new arrivals, with the next few days likely to be similar (but you never know...). Although the Good Shepherd managed a sailing, planes were cancelled for the day.
Weather: NW2-3 increasing to 5 later, heavy rain at times until late afternoon with low cloud throughout most of the day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: still present in the Walli Burn
Icterine Warbler: one at the Obs, it showed well at times as it sought shelter from the poor conditions on the patio!
Hawfinch: the male still showing well at Barkland
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Wigeon (15), Teal (18), Ringed Plover (44), Golden Plover (16), Knot (6), Little Stint, Collared Dove, Swift, Wheatear (just 27 counted), Grey Wagtail (2), Meadow Pipit (810), Redpoll sp? (one heard over Obs).
Year list: 188 species
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THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
Summary: Another windy day, and although it calmed slightly later on, new birds were still thin on the ground. The forecast suggests we could be in for a lean few days, although it will be interesting to see whether some slightly calmer weather tomorrow produces anything. There's a little bit of hope for some SE winds in about 6 or 7 days time, but in the meantime, maybe some Lapland Bunting passage and some suitable conditions for ringing a few waders at night might be the best we have to hope for. That said, it's September, and anything can happen!
Weather: NW or N 5-6, gusting stronger, but calming later to a moderate/strong wind. Cloudy, although mostly dry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: still present in the South Harbour and Walli Burn area
Common Rosefinch: presumably the same bird seen at Chalet
Icterine Warbler: still present at Obs
Hawfinch: still at Barkland
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Pintail (one seen being persued by Bonxies at Hesti Geo), Red-breasted Merganser (the first since June), Cormorant, Kestrel (6), Merlin, Purple Sandpiper, Swift, Carrion Crow (2), Lesser Whitethroat (2; the only species of warbler to have increased in number so far this month)
Year list: 188 species
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WEDNESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER
Summary: A rather wind-spoilt day, although a decent selection of birds remained from the previous day.
Weather: Strong N or NNE wind with frequent heavy showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: still present, and showing fairly well in the Walli Burn area later after having been seen around South Light in the morning
Common Rosefinch: again at the Obs
Icterine Warbler: still at Obs
Hawfinch: male still present at Barkland and showing well
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Sooty Shearwater (3 off South Light), Merlin, Moorhen, Ruff (7), Razorbill (one off South Light), Swift (4), Wood Warbler, Siskin (2).
Year list: 188 species
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TUESDAY 1st SEPTEMBER
Summary: Despite another day of unpromising weather, there were still birds on the move, with a few decent highlights, although numbers of most common migrants decreased. As it's the first day of the month, all counts are detailed below to give a full flavour of the birds present at the moment.
Weather: N or NW 3-5, increasing slightly later. Generally cluody with occasional light showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Citrine Wagtail: one seen flying south over Ditfield in the morning, which was seen briefly at Skerryholm then spent some time at the Walli Burn and South Harbour before being seen heading north over Finnequoy in the evening (presumably heading to roost with the alba wagtails in the Havens)
Common Rosefinch: a first-winter seen briefly at the Obs in the evening was presumably yesterday's bird
Barred Warbler: one at Pund for most of the day, with what was presumed to be the same bird seen briefly at Chalet (the ninth of the autumn)
Icterine Warbler: one still at the Obs
Hawfinch: a fine male was found at Barkland in the afternoon
MIGRANTS: Greylag Goose (2), Wigeon (5), Teal (3), Red-throated Diver (past South Light), Cormorant, Grey Heron (6), Kestrel (10), Merlin (first of the autumn), Moorhen (juvenile still on at Da Water), Oystercatcher (10), Ringed Plover (20), Golden Plover, Knot (2), Sanderling (5), Little Stint, Dunlin (11), Ruff (5), Snipe (8), Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew (7), Common Sandpiper (2), Green Sandpiper, Redshank (13), Turnstone (14), Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull (15), Common Gull (35), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Puffin (past South Light), Woodpigeon, Swift (21), Carrion Crow, Skylark (35), Swallow (8), House Martin (2), Wood Warbler (Obs then Havens), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (20), Garden Warbler (9), Whitethroat (5), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (7), Redstart, Whinchat (10), Wheatear (105), Pied Flycatcher (6), White Wagtail (87), Pied Wagtail (7), unidentified alba wagtail (21), Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit (692), Rock Pipit (155), Linnet, Twite (120).
Other species present: Mallard, Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Raven, Fair Isle Wren, Starling, House Sparrow.
OTHER WILDLIFE: Silver-Y.
Year list: 188 species
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MONDAY 31st AUGUST
Summary: Despite the weather looking generally unsuitable for too many migrants, the continued passage of pipits and wagtails brought a few more birds (including a slight increase in some warblers) and the birding was generally quiet enjoyable still.
Weather: W becoming NW or N 2/3 increasing 4 later. Light showers and generally overcast.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Common Rosefinch: a first-winter trapped at the Obs mid-afternoon was a pleasant surprise
Red-backed Shrike: 2, juveniles still at Lower Leogh and Stoneybrek still
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles at Stackhoull and one at the Obs that was probably the individual seen at North Light on 30th
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Pintail (a female or immature off Hesti Geo with Wigeon), Manx Shearwater (one from Buness), Kestrel (9), Ringed Plover (64), Green Sandpiper (2), Swift (44, the highest count since 2011), Willow Warbler (14), Blackcap (the first of the autumn was trapped at the Obs), Garden Warbler (8), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Whitethroat (11), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (5), Fieldfare, Redstart, Whinchat (19), Pied Flycatcher, White Wagtail (101, also 16 Pied and 21 unidentified alba wagtails), Tree PIpit (4), Meadow Pipit (729, easily the highest count of the autumn so far), Siskin (2).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Painted Lady.
Year list: 187 species
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SUNDAY 30th AUGUST
Summary: Not many new species (although one more addition to the year list), but pipit and wagtail passage was notable.
Weather: SSW 4-5, variable cloud, but often overcast with occasional showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: 3, male at Setter, juveniles at Lower Leogh and Stoneybrek still
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles at Stackhoull and one at North Light
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Wigeon (17), Pintail (pair on Da Water, first record since April), Kestrel (8), Little Stint, Ruff (6), Bar-tailed Godwit (one in Mid Geo, the first of the year), Greenshank (4), Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Swift (27), Skylark (62, a higher count that the last few weeks, during which census has produced generally 30-45), Swallow (19), House Martin (2), Willow Warbler (8), Garden Warbler (4), Whitethroat (5), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (5), Redstart, Whinchat (25), White Wagtail (80, along with 14 Pied and 15 unidentified alba wagtails), Meadow Pipit (625, the highest count of the autumn so far and around three times as many as most recent census counts).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Red Admiral, Painted Lady (5), Small Tortoiseshell.
Year list: 187 species
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SATURDAY 29th AUGUST
Summary: The recent run of eastern arrivals seems to have finally come to a halt, although some of the commoner species increased in numbers, so it was a fairly similar day in terms of the spread of species, although in most cases numbers had decreased. The evening saw a showing of 'The Black Pirate' (a 1920s silent movie) at the Hall, with live piano accompaniment, a very entertaining way to spend a couple of hours before Log.
Weather: SSW 3-4, variable cloud bringing some rain from late evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: 3, the long-staying male at Setter and juveniles at Lower Leogh and Stoneybrek
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles still at Leogh and Stackhoull
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Greylag Goose (2), Sooty Shearwater (one off Buness), Manx Shearwater (2; singles off Buness and the Good Shepherd), Moorhen (an early record involving a juvenile on Da Water), Golden Plover (22), Lapwing (5), Knot (6), Sanderling (5), Little Stint (2), Swift (22), Sand Martin, House Martin (3), Willow Warbler (18), Garden Warbler (11), Lesser Whitethroat , Whitethroat (8), Grasshopper Warbler (2), Reed Warbler (12), Whinchat (22), Wheatear (259; the second highest count of the autumn, including a couple of larger birds, probably from the Greenland subspecies), Pied Flycatcher (4), White Wagtail (46, along with 18 Pied and 9 alba wagtails), Tree Pipit (2), Siskin (2; the first since 1st Aug), Linnet (3).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Red Admiral (7), Painted Lady (4).
Year list: 186 species
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FRIDAY 28th AUGUST
Summary: Another nice enough day, with some passage noted. A full-island Eider count gave us the chance to visit a few bits of the coast that are sometimes neglected (and probably helped to achieve the high Rock Pipit count). One more species was added to the year list, but the highlight was arguably a common migrant trapped at Quoy...
Weather: SSE becoming SW 2/3, with just light cloud and a little rain early morning.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Corncrake: one flushed from near Kenaby, it then crash-landed off a wall and disappeared into the long grass behind the house - the first of the year.
Red-backed Shrike: 3, juveniles at Lower Leogh and Upper Stoneybrek and the male still at Setter
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles still at Midway (presumably the Lower Leogh bird) and Stackhoull
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Fulmar (a blue individual in the North Haven), Cormorant (6), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (11), Little Stint (2), Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel (2), Common Sandpiper (10), Collared Dove, Swift (11), Goldcrest (near North Naaversgill; first of the autumn), Swallow (18, highest count of the autumn), House Martin (2), Willow Warbler (38), Garden Warbler (14), Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat (11), Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler (14, including a Norwegian-ringed bird trapped at Quoy - the first from this country to be caught on Fair Isle), Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart (2), Whinchat (44; highest count of the autumn), Pied Flycatcher (3), White Wagtail (43, plus 25 Pied Wagtail and 10 unidentified alba wagtails), Tree Pipit (3), Meadow Pipit (199, the highest count since 19th August), Rock Pipit (287, the highest count of the autumn and the fourth highest ever count. Coincidentally, the third highest count of 290 was recorded on 27th August 2014), Twite (323).
Breeding birds: Eider (a count of the post-breeding number present produced 120 birds, a continued apparent decline in the population).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Minke Whale (one off Buness), Red Admiral (13), Painted Lady (27), Peacock, Silver-Y moth (6).
Year list: 186 species
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THURSDAY 27th AUGUST
Summary: A quieter day, although still a good selection of birds about. Despite the lack of many new migrants, it still felt like a rarity was possible - it was not to be today, but surely something soon!
Weather: SE veering SW 2/3, some cloud, but generally bright, although a very heavy spell of rain at 2000hrs with intermittent showers continuing through into the night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: 1 still at Chalet
Icterine Warbler: 3, with singles still at Lower Leogh, Stackhoull and North Haven
Red-backed Shrike: 2, juvenile at Lower Leogh and male at Setter - both lingering birds
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (18), Sooty Shearwater (one from Good Shepherd), Cormorant, Kestrel (15; highest count of the autumn), Ringed Plover (75; highest count of the autumn), Purple Sandpiper (5), Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper (8), Redshank (54; highest count of the autumn), Cuckoo (Haa), Short-eared Owl, Swift, Willow Warbler (67), Garden Warbler (17), Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat (17), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (11), Fieldfare (3), Song Thrush (a first-winter bird trapped at Barkland, the first migrant of the autumn), Spotted Flycatcher (3), Redstart (2), Whinchat (37), Pied Flycatcher (3), Tree Pipit (4), Twite (323).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Red Admiral (11), Painted Lady (17), Silver-Y moth (10).
Year list: 185 species
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WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST
Summary: Still plenty of birds around, although perhaps not that much new. The day felt ripe for a rarity, which somehow managed not to happen, but the birding was still very enjoyable.
Weather: SE2-3 backing NNW and increasing 3-4. Cloudy throughout with heavy rain at times and poor visibilty as cloud occasionally dropped over the hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: 3, singles at Chalet, Lower Stoneybrek and Haa
Icterine Warbler: 5, two around Nether Taft, singles at Stackhoull, Field Ditch and Wester Lother were all possibly lingering birds
Red-backed Shrike: 3, male at Setter, juveniles still around Leogh and Burkle/Haa
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Kestrel (10; highest count of the autumn), Water Rail (in Boini Mire; first of the autumn), Ringed Plover (52), Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit (7), Common Sandpiper (10), Redshank (47; highest count of the autumn), Common Tern, Short-eared Owl, House Martin, Wood Warbler (Buness), Willow Warbler (93; highest count of the autumn), Garden Warbler (36), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Whitethroat (21), Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler (9), Fieldfare (4), Spotted Flycatcher (5), Redstart (9; highest count of the autumn), Whinchat (33), Pied Flycatcher (9), White Wagtail (9), Pied Wagtail (18, along with 9 unidentified alba wagtails), Grey Wagtail (2), Tree Pipit (3), Twite (268), Common Crossbill (2).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Risso's Dolphin (at least three off Buness), Harbour Porpoise (one off South Light), Red Admiral (4), Painted Lady (2), Silver-Y moth (10).
Year list: 185 species
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TUESDAY 25th AUGUST
Summary: Calmer weather (for what seemed like the first time in ages) and lots of common migrants around, with the nets and traps busy early on. The weather spoiled things a bit later in the afternoon, but did seem to bring more birds in. A decent haul of scarcities were present, but with news of a good selection of rarities in Shetland this afternoon has us hoping that the classic 'big fall followed by big birds' scenario will take place tomorrow.
Weather: NE2-3 backing W and increasing 3-4. Cloudy throughout, with rain from mid-afternoon, which became heavy and persisted until shortly before dusk when low cloud came in.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Barred Warbler: 6; the highest count of the year so far, with birds at Plantation, Setter, Chalet (two), Bull's Park and Auld Haa
Icterine Warbler: 5; two at Chalet with singles at Wester Lother, Dronger and Lower Leogh
Wryneck: 2; singles in the Setter area (which was later found dead) and North Light
Red-backed Shrike: 3; the male and juvenile both still present, with a new juvenile at Haa
Grey-headed Wagtail: one at the Walli Burn, with another flava wagtail over Chalet
MIGRANTS (species highlighted in bold recorded their highest counts of the autumn so far): Teal (21), Sooty Shearwater (from Good Shepherd), Kestrel (8), Ringed Plover (50), Little Stint (2), Ruff (10), Black-tailed Godwit (5), Puffin (two seen on a seawatch were the only ones recorded as the bulk of the population has now departed), Short-eared Owl, Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (90), Garden Warbler (37), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Whitethroat (26), Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler (2), Reed Warbler (17), Fieldfare (6), Spotted Flycatcher (4; including a German-ringed bird, the first Spotted Flycatcher ringed elsewhere to be caught on Fair Isle!), Redstart (5), Whinchat (33), Pied Flycatcher (7), Tree Pipit (3).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Harbour Porpoise (3 off South Light), Minke Whale (from the Good Shepherd), Red Admiral (4), Painted Lady (6), Silver-Y moth (11).
Year list: 185 species
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MONDAY 24th AUGUST
Summary: A sunny day (and, at 16 degrees, the warmest of the year so far!) and, although the wind remained quite strong, there were birds to be found, with increases in several common migrants and a further arrival of scarcities (and still large numbers of migrant insects). A very enjoyable day birding and with the wind still hitting us directly from Scandinavia, there has to be the chance of more arrivals before the conditions finally change. I wonder if we can eke out one more BBRC rarity tomorrow...
Weather: E 4-5, gusting stronger, mostly sunny with decent visibility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wryneck: 2; singles at Setter and Grey Geo were both new arrivals
Icterine Warbler: 4; one still lingering at Lower Leogh with newly arrived birds at North Haven, Gunnawark and Hoini
Red-backed Shrike: 2; the lingering male at Setter and the juvenile, which had moved to the Plantation
Barred Warbler: 2; one at Schoolton/Midway and one still around Chalet
MIGRANTS (species highlighted in bold recorded their highest counts of the autumn so far): Kestrel (5), Little Stint, Ruff (10), Black-tailed Godwit (5), Green Sandpiper (4), Short-eared Owl, Sand Martin, Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (68), Garden Warbler (34), Lesser Whitethroat (5), Whitethroat (5), Sedge Warbler (in Moss Geo, the first of the autumn and finally bringing our autumn tally of Sedgies equal to that of Aquatic Warblers!), Reed Warbler (8), Fieldfare (10), Spotted Flycatcher (5), Redstart (3), Whinchat (41), Pied Flycatcher (7), White Wagtail (6, along with 20 Pied/alba wagtails), Tree Pipit (4), Rock Pipit (225).
OTHER WILDLIFE: Red Admiral (16), Painted Lady (31), Silver-Y moth (161).
Year list: 185 species
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SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST
Summary: Warm and sunny, although the blustery wind meant that most of the bird action was confined to the more sheltered west and (especially) North coasts. A few new migrants, although insects dominated in terms of numbers.
Weather: ESE 4, occasionally 5-6. light rain very early am then clearing to leave dry, sunny day. A good drying day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: 2; the male still at Setter, with a new juvenile at Upper Leogh
Icterine Warbler: 2; birds still present at Lower Leogh and Single Dyke
Barred Warbler: 2; birds still at Schoolton and Chalet
Grey-headed Wagtail: 2; male at Utra and one at the Obs
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Wigeon (12), Sparrowhawk (2), Ringed Plover (49), Golden Plover (16), Sanderling (6), Dunlin (35), Ruff (13), Black-tailed Godwit (4), Whimbrel (9), Green Sandpiper (4), Greenshank (4), Cuckoo, Willow Warbler (30), Garden Warbler (9; highest count since 19th), Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat (3; highest count since 19th), Reed Warbler (7), Fieldfare (3), Spotted Flycatcher (2; first since 19th), Redstart (2, both new arrivals), Whinchat (24; highest count of the autumn), Pied Flycatcher (11).
BREEDING BIRDS: Only a few Puffins remain around the island, although one seen carrying fish into a burrow on Dronger shows that there are still some chicks in nests.
OTHER WILDLIFE: Red Admiral (11), Painted Lady (39), Silver-Y moth (176; very much a minimum count, with several hundred likely to have arrived across the island).
Year list: 185 species
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SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST
Summary: A calmer day, but with fewer birds about generally, the Obs mistnets were open for much of the day, but just a Reed Warbler, a couple of Willow Warblers and a House Sparrow were caught. Still, it was a pleasing selection of birds and with the wind due to switch back to the SE, there could well be more again tomorrow...
Weather: S3-4, a few cloudy spells, with some low cloud over the hills and light rain in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
BOOTED WARBLER: still present at Lower Leogh
Red-backed Shrike: male still at Setter
Icterine Warbler: 2 still present, at Lower Leogh and Single Dyke
Barred Warbler: 2, one showing well at Schoolton and at least one (unringed) bird around Field and Chalet
Grey-headed Wagtail: 2, still at Utra and Obs
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Shelduck (9), Wigeon (4), Teal (16), Tufted Duck, Sooty Shearwater (one from the Good Shepherd), Storm Petrel (2 from the Good Shepherd), Grey Heron (5), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (2), Ringed Plover (54; highest count of the autumn), Lapwing (2), Knot (8), Little Stint, Dunlin (48), Ruff (10), Whimbrel (2), Common Sandpiper (7), Green Sandpiper (3), Greenshank (7), Common Tern (5), Woodpigeon, Swift (7), Swallow (9), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (35), Garden Warbler (5), Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler (9; highest count of the autumn), Fieldfare, Whinchat (15), Pied Flycatcher (6), Tree Pipit, Rock Pipit (221, including over 60 on Buness!), Linnet (2), Twite (207; highest count of the autumn), Common Redpoll (juvenile Mealy still at the Obs).
OTHER WILDLIFE:
Porpoise (2 from Good Shepherd), Red Admiral (6), Painted Lady (8), Silver-Y (4)
Year list: 185 species
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FRIDAY 21st AUGUST
Summary: A day of patchy weather, and, although it was generally quiet for new arrivals, a few more birds were discovered as the day brightened later. Planes made it to the island in the afternoon and so Freyja's Christening was able to go ahead in the evening, a lovely way to round off a good day and our thanks go to John for presiding over the service, Elena for playing the organ, the Godparents (Raluca, Rosie and Marc) and all those who turned up to share the celebration with us.
Weather: SSE 5-6, cloudy on the morning with poor visibility and some showers, but cloud lifting and some sun making it through later on.
HIGHLIGHTS:
BOOTED WARBLER: still present at Lower Leogh
Icterine Warbler: 5, singles at the Obs, Vaadal, Lower Leogh, Meadow Burn and Dronger
Red-backed Shrike: male at Setter
Barred Warbler: 2, one still at Barkland and another at the Obs in the afternoon
Grey-headed Wagtail: 2, a male at Utra and another at the Obs, with 2 unidentified flava wagtails also seen
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Shelduck (9), Wigeon (7), Teal (20), Tufted Duck, Grey Heron (4), Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (4), Oystercatcher (165), Ringed Plover (39), Golden Plover (6), Lapwing (3), Little Stint (one ringed at Muckle Uri Geo), Purple Sandpiper (4), Dunlin (46), Ruff (7), Curlew (20), Common Sandpiper (10), Green Sandpiper (3), Greenshank (7), Arctic Tern, Swallow (17), Wood Warbler (one on Dronger, the first of the year), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (36), Garden Warbler (6), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Whitethroat (2), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (6), Fieldfare (2), Whinchat (19), Pied Flycatcher (11; highest count of the autumn), Tree Pipit, Linnet (3), Twite, Common Redpoll (juvenile Mealy still at the Obs).
OTHER WILDLIFE:
Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady (5), Peacock, Silver-Y (6)
Year list: 185 species
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THURSDAY 20th AUGUST
Summary: A day that was somewhat spoiled by the weather, and not just because it stopped transport (and therefore my parents visiting). With heavy rain all morning merging seamlessly into thick fog that arrived by early afternoon and remained until dark, birding was always difficult. There were only a few small signs of new birds, although it was pretty difficult to tell what was going on really.
Weather: SSE becoming S 5-, cloud all day with heavy rain from early morning to early afternoon then low cloud bringing some showers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Greenish Warbler: one still in the Obs garden
Red-backed Shrike: male again at Setter then the School
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles at North Haven and Lower Leogh were both probably new arrivals
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Wigeon (4), Teal (8), Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel, Ringed Plover (40; highest count of the autumn), Lapwing, Knot (2), Sanderling (3), Purple Sandpiper (2), Dunlin (27), Ruff (2), Common Sandpiper (12), Greenshank (4), Black-headed Gull (just 2, but they included a darvic-ringed Norwegian bird), Common Tern (3), Arctic Tern, Swallow (16), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (41), Garden Warbler (5), Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler (7; highest count of the autumn), Redstart (Shirva), Whinchat (14), Pied Flycatcher (7), Common Redpoll (juvenile Mealy still at the Obs).
OTHER WILDLIFE:
Silver-Y
Year list: 184 species
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WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST
Summary: Lots of promise and, despite the wind that will have caused some things to have kept their heads down, the day lived up to it. Some quality rarities, a great scatter of scarcities and decent numbers of common stuff. Never mind my wafflings - read the species list below!
Weather: SE5-6, gusting up to 40mph, occasional showers in the afternoon, some low cloud although clearing somewhat later with a bit of sunshine late in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
BOOTED WARBLER: The 14th for Fair Isle was found late in the evening at Lower Leogh. The sixth August record, including the two most recent occurences (in 2011 and 2013).
THRUSH NIGHTINGALE: The 62nd record for the island was found at Setter, where it showed incredibly well for the rest of the day, totally ignoring the construction of a greenhouse going on around it! The first since 2013 after 8 between 2011-2013.
Greenish Warbler: one in the Obs garden just before dinner showed well at times
Wryneck: 4, singles at South Light, Lower Stoneybrek, Vaadal and Ditfield
Red-backed Shrike: 2, a juvenile in the Gully and a male at Setter
Icterine Warbler: 2, singles at Upper Stoneybrek and Vaila's Trees
Barred Warbler: 2, singles still at Chalet and North Haven
Grey-headed Wagtail: 2; singles at the Obs and Quoy, with another unidentified flava wagtail seen in the south
MIGRANTS (those species in bold indicate the highest count of the autumn so far): Shelduck (9; first autumn record this year), Wigeon (4), Teal (27), Cormorant, Grey Heron (5), Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (4), Grey Plover (adult at South Light), Knot (6), Dunlin (42), Ruff (13), Common Sandpiper (17), Green Sandpiper (3), Greenshank (14), Redshank (43), Turnstone (52), Common Gull (252), Cuckoo, Carrion Crow, Sand Martin (2; first of the autumn), Swallow (12), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (56), Garden Warbler (15), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Whitethroat (3; the first of the autumn), Reed Warbler (5), Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher (3), Black Redstart (2; first of the autumn), Redstart, Whinchat (20), Wheatear (231), Pied Flycatcher (9), White Wagtail (9), Pied Wagtail (16, plus one other alba wagtail), Meadow Pipit (208), Linnet (2), Common Redpoll (juvenile Mealy at the Obs again).
OTHER WILDLIFE:
Red Admiral (5),
Painted Lady (5), Silver-Y (3)
Year list: 184 species
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TUESDAY 18th AUGUST
Summary: Despite the weather causing a delay in getting out, it was always going to be a good day, and so it proved, with a fine selection of migrants in the brief window of suitable viewing conditions. It seems like a long time since we had a decent fall and this was a reasonable start, with hoperfully more still to come tomorrow.
Weather: SE4-5, increasing slightly in afternoon, cloudy all day with moderate visibility. Heavy rain all morning until c1200 then light rain from 1500 becoming heavy a couple of hours later and continuing into the night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wryneck: one at Wester Lother, the first of the autumn.
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at the Mast, the first of the autumn.
Icterine Warbler: one at Upper Stoneybrek, the first since the unseasonal bird in late July.
Barred Warbler: 2; singles
at North Haven and Chalet, with a third sighting at Vaila's Trees later on possibly involving a third bird.
MIGRANTS (new arrivals, notable counts etc):
Teal (13), Comorant (8; the first since late May), Kestrel (2; the first since 5th August), Oystercatcher (163, with some flocks noted on the move), Golden Plover (18), Lapwing, Knot (10), Dunlin (24), Ruff (8), Snipe (74, the first clear sign of autumn migration), Whimbrel (4), Curlew (11), Common Sandpiper (8), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank (4), Redshank (41, a notable arrival, with small groups scattered across the island), Common Gull (552, including several flocks coming in from the north), Swift, Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (19, a notable increase), Garden Warbler (18), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler (5), Spotted Flycatcher (2; first of the autumn), Redstart (male at the Mast, first of the autumn), Whinchat (4), Pied Flycatcher (4), 'Yellow' Wagtail (2, one possibly Grey-headed, the other seen in flight only, the first flava wagtails of the autumn), Meadow Pipit (186, the highest count since 5th August despite the conditions), Linnet (2), Common Redpoll (juvenile Mealy at the Obs).
OTHER WILDLIFE:
Painted Lady (11, despite the poor conditions), Silver-Y moth.
Year list: 182 species
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Monday 17th August
Summary: A bit of a clear out seemed evident, with not too much new to report, but with the forecast showing some tasty looking easterlies coming right across the North Sea (and beyond) for tomorrow, we're hoping for more new arrivals.
Weather: E or NE 2/3 increasing 4/5 later, a bright start with cloud in the afternoon then rain, becoming heavy and prolonged in the evening and visibility decreasing.
Highlights: Barred Warbler (still at Barkland)
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (7), Storm Petrel (a total of 226 trapped between 2315 and 0335, including 221 new birds), Sparrowhawk, Peregrine (male), Ruff (10), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Common Gull (a notable decrease, with only 33 recorded), Cuckoo, Swift, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler (4), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler (4), Whinchat, Wheatear (260), White Wagtail (6, along with 22 Pied and 3 alba wagtails)
Other wildlife: Painted Lady (2), Silver Y (19).
Year list: 182 species
Sunday 16th August
Summary: A decent day, with good weather to enjoy the birds that were lingering, but only a few new migrants arriving.
Weather: S or SE 2-3, some cloud, but generally sunny with good visibility.
Highlights: AQUATIC WARBLER (juvenile still on the Meadow Burn and showing well at times), Barred Warbler (an unringed bird at Barkland).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Peregrine (male; the first record since 13th July), Ringed Plover (35), Golden Plover (12), Knot (5), Sanderling (5), Dunlin (39), Ruff (9), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank (4), Common Gull (177), Cuckoo (2: Wester Lother and South Light), Swift, Chiffchaff (6), Willow Warbler (4), Garden Warbler (7), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler (5), Fieldfare (3), Whinchat (4), Wheatear (226; the highest count since 2nd August), Pied Flycatcher (Klingers Geo), White Wagtail (6), Linnet (3), Twite (172, the highest count of the autumn)
Breeding birds: Swallow (4 recently fledged youngsters at the Mast)
Other wildlife: Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver Y (18).
Year list: 182 species
Saturday 15th August
Summary: A brilliant day. With hopes high from the late flurry recorded yesterday and a couple of migrants in the Obs garden first thing, the team headed out on morning traps to be somewhat dischuffed to catch nothing. However, new birds kept turning up throughout the day and mid-morning saw Lee really get the autumn kicked off with another reinstated BBRC species (just Red-throated Pipit to go now!). More birds were recorded later and the day ended with a Space-themed party at the Obs (check Facebook for pictures of that later!) complete with a reasonable show of the aurora and some shooting stars and the promise of a calm day tomorrow with potential for more birds.
Weather: NW3-4, with drizzly rain from fairly early on after heavy rain overnight. The wind eased slightly later, with the rain passing by mid-afternoon.
Highlights: AQUATIC WARBLER (a fine juvenile at the Meadow Burn, which showed very well at times; the 38th Fair Isle record and the first since 2006 - see the FIBO Facebook page for pictures), Barred Warbler (2 individuals involved in sightings at Barkland and Stackhoull, including one trapped and ringed at Barkland).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Wigeon (3), Teal (8), Storm Petrel (6 from the Good Shepherd), Grey Heron (12), Sparrowhawk, Golden Plover (21), Little Stint (one over Mire of Vatnagard), Dunlin (50), Ruff (10), Whimbrel (6), Curlew (16), Common Sandpiper (2), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank (2), Short-eared Owl (the first of the month), Swift, Carrion Crow,Chiffchaff (4, including two new migrants), Willow Warbler (8), Garden Warbler (5), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Grasshopper Warbler (at Charlie's Trees: first of the autumn), Reed Warbler (5), Fieldfare (5), Whinchat (2), Pied Flycatcher (one at the Mast; first of the autumn), White Wagtail (5, along with 11 Pied and 6 unidentified albas), Tree Pipit (2, the first of the autumn), Linnet (2), Lesser Redpoll (juvenile still present).
Other wildlife: Green Lacewing.
Year list: 182 species
Friday 14th August
Summary: Rain and easterlies, all good surely - except the weather was never really good enough to get out birding properly. It didn't seem that busy on forays around the island in the morning, but a late search around the crofts proved very promising and with a decent arrival of birds obvious further south down the country, we're hoping that when conditions improve we'll find a few more new things...
Weather: Fairly strong SE winds to start, although easing and veering NW later. Heavy rain overnight persisting throughout the day, bringing low cloud.
Highlights: Barred Warbler: one found late on at Lower Stoneybrek was the first of the year (and possibly the first of the year in Scotland), and was a promising sign for when the weather finally clears up...
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (3), Grey Heron (2), Knot (5), Sanderling (10), Dunlin (32), Curlew (3), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Turnstone (37), Swift (5), Chiffchaff (2 unringed birds at Schoolton were presumably new in), Willow Warbler, White Wagtail (3), Lesser Whitethroat (one at the Obs was probably a new migrant), Reed Warbler (still at the Obs), Lesser Redpoll.
Year list: 181 species
Thursday 13th August
Summary: A good start to the day's weather saw the team taking advantage of the conditions to carry out the last big day of seabird monitoring work of 2015. The morning saw a boat trip to Greenholm to check on the last of the Puffin chicks and ring the young Fulmars, before stopping off at the stack in North Haven for some more Fulmar ringing on the way in (it was a rather smelly team at lunch!). In the afternoon, attention turned to the Bonxies, with the whole island being covered to check for fledged (and near-fledged birds). There are just a couple of Fulmar productivity plots to check and the ongoing Gannet monitoring plots, but other than that, seabird work is virtually finished for the year. There was no time for a full census, with just a few casual records during the day, although it didn't appear that there were many new birds in.
Weather: Calm at first, with a southerly then SE wind developing to force 4-5 later. Sunny and bright, although cloud later.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Ruff, Swift (5), Reed Warbler (one trapped in the Gully), Lesser Redpoll (a pale juvenile with quite large white wingbars was trapped, with measurements matching those of this 'species' of redpoll), Common Crossbill.
Breeding birds: Puffin: only one chick remained in the monitored burrows, with numbers around the island now decreasing. The white Puffin with black wingtips and some black on the tail (which looks almost like a Ross's Goose in flight!) that was photographed in late July by a visitor from a yacht was seen from the FIBO boat just off Sheep Rock. The Bonxie fledgie count indicated a decent season (certainly an improvement on last year), with 140 chicks counted that were fledged or nearly fledged. There was also quite a high number of smaller chicks, with 21 counted (some being probably only a week or so old), although they will find the going tough from here on in as the weather deteriorates and food supplies dry up as other seabirds leave the island.
Other wildlife: an impressive Basking Shark (probably about 6 metres in length) was off North Light early afternoon and spent some time feeding around the stacks.
Year list: 180 species
Wednesday 12th August
Weather: S 3-4, cloudy spells but largely sunny.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (2), Sparrowhawk, Ringed Plover (30), Knot, Sanderling (13), Dunlin (37), Ruff (7), Swift (3), Willow Warbler (2), Lesser Whitethroat, Fieldfare (3), Pied Wagtail (14), White Wagtail (4, plus 3 unidentified alba wagtails), Lesser Redpoll, Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: fledged Black Guillemot in Roskillie.
Year list: 180 species
Tuesday 11th August
Summary: A rather unpleasant start weather wise, although it settled into a reasonable enough day, with the themes being somewhat familiar from recent days (one or two migrants and reasonable numbers of waders, including several species registering their highest counts of the autumn so far). Arctic Terns were missing for the second day in a row, whilst Guillemots and Razorbills have also gone and Kittiakes are present in only small numbers.
Weather: NW 5-6 becoming W 3, heavy rain early morning, but clearing to cloudy with sunny spells.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Grey Heron (4), Sparrowhawk (the first of the autumn), Ringed Plover (29), Golden Plover (15), Knot (6), Sanderling (15), Little Stint, Dunlin (31), Ruff (12), Black-tailed Godwit (6), Whimbrel, Curlew (3), Green Sandpiper (2), Greenshank (2), Black-headed Gull (22), Lesser Black-backed Gull (25), Swift (8), Willow Warbler (2), Fieldfare (2), White Wagtail (the first of the autumn).
Year list: 180 species
Monday 10th August
Summary: A busy day of travel and general Obs work, less busy on the bird front, although another decent selection of waders and a new bird or two sneaking in still keeps hope up. The weather is looking potentially rather interesting for Thursday and Friday, so that'll keep us going through the next couple of days.
Weather: S3-4, sunny spells, but clouding over later with rain from dinner time, heavy at times.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Knot (8), Sanderling (7), Little Stint, Dunlin (29), Ruff (11), Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank (27), Common Gull (220), Collared Dove, Swift (11), Swallow (4), House Martin (6, the first since 16th July), Willow Warbler (4), Fieldfare, Lesser Redpoll, Common Crossbill.
Other wildlife: Painted Lady, Silver-Y.
Year list: 180 species
Sunday 9th August
Summary: Not much change in the weather and not many new passerines, although wader passage was still decent. Sadly, it remained too windy for Storm Petrel ringing for the Wildlife Explorers, although after a busy weekend, they were looking pretty tired by the time we would have started anyway (well, the parents were, the kids looked like they could keep going for hours!).
Weather: SW4-5, cloudy with a few brighter spells.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal, Sooty Shearwater (one moved east off South Light, the first of the year), Golden Plover (2), Sanderlng (9), Little Stint, Dunlin (27), Ruff (10), Black-tailed Godwit (2, the first of the autumn), Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank (17), Lesser Black-backed Gull (23), Swift (4), Willow Warbler (2), Linnet (male still present).
Year list: 180 species
Sunday 9th August
Summary: Not much change in the weather and not many new passerines, although wader passage was still decent. Sadly, it remained too windy for Storm Petrel ringing for the Wildlife Explorers, although after a busy weekend, they were looking pretty tired by the time we woudl have started anyway!
Weather: SW4-5, cloudy with a few brighter spells.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal, Sooty Shearwater (one moved east off South Light, the first of the year), Golden Plover (2), Sanderlng (9), Little Stint, Dunlin (27), Ruff (10), Black-tailed Godwit (2, the first of the autumn), Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank (17), Lesser Black-backed Gull (23), Swift (4), Willow Warbler (2), Linnet (male still present).
Year list: 180 species
Saturday 8th August
Summary: Much of a muchness today, with a few waders passing through but little else in the way of migration noted. It was a good day for the Wildlife Explorers though, who had a productive pond-dipping session and an afternoon at the beach (there was even some swimming involved!). There's still not much in the way of promise in the forecast, but things will have to move eventually, so we're bound to get something sooner or later..
Weather: SW3-5, showers late evening, but otherwise a day of sunny and cloudy spells.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Greylag Goose (the first since 2nd July), Golden Plover (5), Grey Plover (adult on Meoness, the first of the year), Knot (2), Little Stint (juvenile still on Easter Lother), Ruff (9), Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper (3), Greenshank, Black-headed Gull (15), Common Gull (154), Lesser Black-backed Gull (21), Collared Dove (first of the autumn), Swift (3), Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Twite (119, the highest count of the autumn).
Other wildlife: Painted Lady (the first since 12th July), Magpie Moth.
Year list: 179 species
Friday 7th August
Summary: A nice enough day, with the Good Shepherd sailing this morning and planes all running. Not much in the way of new birds, but a little trickle of things keep turning up, so it's surely only a matter of time before we get a decent migrant or two (although the forecast isn't looking that promising). The Shetland Wildlife Explorers are in for the weekend, so the beach already has sand sculptures of turtles and the likes and there'll be plenty more interesting activities likely over the next couple of days.
Weather: SSW4, easing slightly later. Cloudy spells, but visibility good.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (2 from Good Shepherd), Golden Plover, Little Stint (still present, with one briefly at Da Water possibly a second bird), Greenshank, Swift (2), Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (one at Shirva, the first of the autumn), Fieldfare, Chaffinch (male at Wester Lother), Common Redpoll.
Year list: 178 species
Thursday 6th August
Summary: A pretty rotten start to the day and the wind and rain caused the cancellation of all transport to and from the island. We had hopes for a few migrants, but it was generally quiet when the conditions eased enough for the team to get out in the afternoon.
Weather: SE then S wind, 5-6, easing later. Cloudy, with heavy rain form mid-morning until early afternoon, although clearing into a sunny evening.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Sanderling, Little Stint (still on Easter Lother Water), Dunlin (11), Whimbrel (2), Green Sandpiper (3), Spotted Redshank (one on Buness), Greenshank, Swift (4), Willow Warbler (the first juvenile of the autumn), Lesser Whitethroat (Shirva, possibly the summering bird), Linnet, Common Redpoll (2).
Year list: 178 species
Wednesday 5th August
Summary: Still rather blustery, with the Good Shepherd sailing postponed for a second day, and just a few migrants on the move, although wader passage proved most of the main highlights.
Weather: S or SW 4-5 (occasionally a bit higher), cloudy spells, but a lot of sunshine.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (3), Kestrel, Knot (4), Sanderling (3), Little Stint (a juvenile on Easter Lother was the first of the year), Dunlin (14), Ruff (9), Whimbrel (5), Green Sandpiper (2), Spotted Redshank (2 circling the south of the island), Greenshank, Common Gull (431, including southerly passage), Cuckoo (a juvenile at Houll), Swift (3), Fieldfare (3), Common Redpoll (2), Common Crossbill.
Year list: 178 species
Tuesday 4th August
Summary: The SE wind continued, but at a fairly ferocious speed that again made birding trickier than ideal (the fact that the summering Chiffchaffs have become all but invisible in the last couple of days shows that any migrants that have come in are likely to be hiding), hopefully as the wind continues to ease we'll find a few more bits lingering around the island.
Weather: SE becoming S 4-5 occasionally 6-7, bright with cloudy spells and moderate or good visibilty.
Highlights: Rose-coloured Starling (relocated on Lerness).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Teal (3), Oystercatcher (121), Lapwing (2), Knot, Sanderling (3), Dunlin (5), Ruff (6), Whimbrel (3), Common Sandpiper (3), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Common Gull (553), Chiffchaff (2), Garden Warbler (one trapped at Barkland; the first of the autumn), Fieldfare (3), Common Redpoll (2 Mealies, with another flyover Redpoll sp?), Common Crossbill.
Year list: 177 species
Monday 3rd August
Summary: Exciting weather, but not much showing in very blustery conditions. The rain meant we waited until the afternoon to census and just one or two migrants gave us hope that there'll be something around when the wind drops a bit. The evening saw a music recital from the Fair Isle children (and a few adults) that was very well attended and enjoyed by the island, well done to all those who took part.
Weather: SE 5, gusting stronger at times, heavy showers in the morning, prolonged at times, but clearer in the afternoon.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Kestrel (the first of the autumn), Golden Plover, Sanderling (2), Purple Sandpiper (80, the fourth highest autumn count for Fair Isle, closely mirroring a count of 79 on 9th August 2014, with the higher counts all occuring in October/November), Whimbrel (2), Spotted Redshank (one of the more unusual additions to the year list was of one seen as it flew alongside the Northlink ferry just off Fair Isle's west coast), Greenshank, Turnstone (89), Black-headed Gull (23), Common Gull (159), Woodpigeon, Swallow (3), Fieldfare (the first of the autumn), Linnet, Redpoll (5, at least one of which was Common).
Year list: 177 species
Sunday 2nd August
Summary: A beautiful day and a pleasure to be out doing census. Not much obvious in the way of migration, but that might be all to come tomorrow (although looking at the forecast, it may be the afternoon before we can get out and do any meaningful birding). The late appearance of a couple of migrant waders at the Obs perhaps hinted at what could be expected tomorrow. The day's highlight was when a vistor showed us a photo of a bird they were unfamiliar with that they'd taken whilst out walking yesterday near the shop...
Weather: WSW 2/3, becoming SE 4/5 later. Little cloud, so a pleasant, sunny day.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Purple Sandpiper (35), Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper (Obs), Greenshank (Obs), Redshank (11), Turnstone (73), Swift, Chiffchaff (6, probably all summering birds), Grey Wagtail, Redpoll (5 around the Obs included at least two Mealies, whilst the rest were seen only in flight), Comon Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: A pair of Swallows with small young in the nest were found in the North.
Other wildlife: Magpie Moth, Silver Y (3).
Year list: 176 species
Saturday 1st August
Summary: There's no doubt - the autumn is here now! The start of August sees the start of census proper, so we'll be covering the whole island every day from now until the end of October. It didn't feel very autumny today, certainly birdwise, but we're already excited about the forthcoming south-easterlies.
As it's the first day of full census, the entire day's bird list is displayed.
Weather: W becoming S 2-3, cloudy spells with rain early morning and again in the evening.
Highlights: Rose-coloured Starling (one photographed by visitors near North Raeva), Common Rosefinch (presumably the same bird that was seen in late July was in the Gully).
Migrants: Grey Heron (2), Oystercatcher (98), Ringed Plover (13), Golden Plover, Purple Sandpiper (7), Dunlin (5), Snipe (18), Curlew (6), Common Sandpiper, Redshank (5), Turnstone (31), Common Gull (25), Arctic Tern (175), Carrion Crow, Skylark (71), Swallow, Chiffchaff (4), Song Thrush, Wheatear (206), alba Wagtail, Pied Wagtail (14), Meadow Pipit (224), Rock Pipit (183), Siskin (2), Linnet, Twite (82), Lesser Redpoll, Common Crossbill (4).
Other species present: Mallard, Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Arctic Skua, Bonxie, Kittiwake, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Guillemot, Razorbill, Tystie, Puffin, Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Raven, Fair Isle Wren, Starling, House Sparrow.
Other wildlife: Magpie moth.
Year list: 176 species
Friday 31st July
Weather: Fairly calm at first, but with a freshening SE breeze. Largely sunny, with cloudy spells.
Highlights: Sabine's Gull (a first-summer bird flew east over Burkle but could not be relocated), Leach's Petrel (one trapped in the early morning, interestingly, it had been ringed in 2013 on Fair Isle, but not recorded since).
Migrants: Storm Petrel (71 trapped in the early hours, including 63 new birds), Swallow, Robin, Siskin (male), Common Redpoll (5).
Year list:176 species
Thursday 30th July
Weather: N/NW 3-5 decresing 2 later, some cloudy spells, but generally sunny.
Migrants: Purple Sandpiper (8), Dunlin (2), Ruff (3 on Da Water, the first of the year), Redshank (16), Robin, Common Redpoll (2) .
Year list:175 species
Wednesday 29th July
Weather: N4-5, cloudy with light patchy rain but good visibility.
Migrants: Robin, Common Redpoll (2)
Year list: 174 species
Tuesday 28th July
Weather: N3-4, with some light rain in the afternoon. Nice enough in the sunny spells, but feeling cooler when the cloud came in.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Grey Heron (2), Purple Sandpiper (16), Dunlin, Redshank (20), Turnstone (17), Robin (still present and seen daily in Obs garden), Common Redpoll (10, although some were unringed, so there is still some turnover of redpolls)
Year list: 174 species
Monday 27th July
Weather: N3-4, sunny spells, although often overcast.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (212 caught from 0000hrs to 0300hrs, including 199 new birds), Purple Sandpiper (13), Common Sandpiper (a very vocal individual in the Havens at 0245hrs), Turnstone (17), Long-eared Owl (one seen in the small hours of the morning as it flew over the Plantation as the team returned from Storm Petrel ringing), Carrion Crow, Swallow, Lesser Whitethroat (still present).
Other wildlife: Red Admiral
Year list: 174 species
Sunday 26th July
Weather: NW becoming NE later 2-3, with the bright and sunny weather continuing.
Highlights: Leach's Petrel (2: one caught and one calling at the same time. The trapped bird had been ringed in 2012 and retrapped twice on Fair Isle in 2013)
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Red-throated Diver, Grey Heron (4), Whimbrel, Spotted Flycatcher (the first of the autumn at South Harbour), Lesser Redpoll (a new bird trapped), Common Redpoll (10), Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: A Kittiwake chick fledged at Greenholm, although productivity has been low this year at most colonies.
Other wildlife: Harbour Porpoise (at least six offshore from Sheep Rock).
Year list: 174 species
Saturday 25th July
Weather: N or NW 2-3, another bright and pleasant day. An all day cetacean watch (0445hrs-2200hrs) followed on from a Storm Petrel ringing session, with just a brief interval for ringing Redpolls in the Obs garden!
Highlights: Icterine Warbler (still at Schoolton), Leach's Petrel (one singing in the Havens before the petrel ringing session had started!).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Manx Shearwater (one south past Buness), Storm Petrel (191 trapped overnight, 178 new), Whimbrel (2), Green Sandpiper, Common Tern (one North off Buness), Arctic Tern (245, including a couple of first-summer birds), Carrion Crow, Swallow, Song Thrush (still present), Linnet, Lesser Redpoll (one trapped at Obs), Common Redpoll (ten trapped at Obs, all juveniles and most providing a challenge in identification, as the birds seen recently all appear to be from a population of 'small brown Mealies'), Common Crossbill.
Breeding birds: first juvenile Kittiwake of the year seen, although it may not have been a Fair Isle bird), a fledged Arctic Tern chick on Buness was one of only a small number to have survived and the first to take to the wing.
Other wildlife: Harbour Porpoise (5, including a calf, from Buness).
Year list: 174 species
Friday 24th July
Weather: W or NW 3-4, decreasing 2 later, bright and sunny.
Highlights: Icterine Warbler (presumably the same bird had moved to Schoolton), Common Rosefinch (still present).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Dunlin (2 on MIre of Vatnagard, including a juvenile, although it was not clear whether it was a migrant or from closer to home), Greenshank, Short-eared Owl (Pund).
Other wildlife: Harbour Porpoise (4 from North Light), Silver-Y.
Year list: 174 species
Thursday 23rd July
Weather: S or SW3-5, becoming cloudy with heavy showers in the afternoon.
Highlights: Common Rosefinch (still present).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Grey Heron (2), Golden Plover (3), Purple Sandpiper (54), Dunlin (3), Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Collared Dove.
Year list: 174 species
Wednesday 22nd July
Weather: W3-5, bright and sunny, with some cloudy spells.
Highlights: Icterine Warbler (still showing well at Obs), Common Rosefinch (still present).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Tufted Duck (male on Golden Water), Red-throated Diver, Grey Heron (2), Golden Plover, Dunlin (4: 3 at Muckle Uri Geo and one singing on Swey), Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper (2), Redshank (27), Carrion Crow, Common Redpoll.
Breeding birds: first Bonxie chick fledged, on Swey.
Year list: 174 species
Tuesday 21st July
Weather: SSW 2 becoming W 4-5, low cloud in the morning with some rain, but generally clearer later, with some sunny spells and warmth in the air.
Highlights: Icterine Warbler (an adult at the Obs in the afternoon which, showed very well as it fed around the gardens).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Tufted Duck (male on Da Water), Red-throated Diver, Storm Petrel (one from Good Shepherd), Grey Heron (2), Golden Plover, Knot (12), Purple Sandpiper (15), Whimbrel (6), Green Sandpiper (2), Redshank (24), Common Gull (59), Swallow (3), Chiffchaff (12, including two new birds ringed, suggesting at least some movement), Siskin (3), Linnet (2), Common Redpoll, Common Crossbill (4).
Breeding birds: first Arctic Skua chicks fledged (from Buness and Mast).
Other wildlife: Silvery Y (5), Yellow Shell (1), Magpie Moth (1).
Year list: 174 species
Monday 20th July
Weather: calm and pleasant to start, then a freshening SE wind, with heavy rain from the evening.
Highlights: Common Rosefinch (one adult or first-summer trapped and ringed at the Obs, although not seen before or after appearing in the mistnet), Leach's Petrel (at least one heard and seen circling the nets).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (115 trapped, including a Danish-ringed bird), Grey Heron, Whimbrel (2), Green Sandpiper (2 on Buness), Redshank (13), Turnstone (8), Chiffchaff (at least three still, although one was unringed and may have been a new arrival), Robin (still present and seen daily at the Obs), Siskin, Common Redpoll (3), Common Crossbill (9).
Year list: 174 species
Sunday 19th July
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Red-throated Diver, Knot (4), Purple Sandpiper (28), Whimbrel (4), Green Sandpiper, Redshank (9), Turnstone (27), Swift, Swallow (4), Chiffchaff (5), Lesser Whitethroat (still present throughout the last few days), Common Redpoll (6), Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: Puffin (the first fledged youngsters had left the nest during a monitoring visit).
Year list: 174 species
Saturday 18th July
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper (at Utra scrape, the first of the autumn), Greenshank (at Utra scrape, the first of the autumn), Redshank (17), Turnstone (8), Song Thrush, Lesser Redpoll (2), Common Redpoll (11), Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: Four Arctic Tern chicks on Buness.
Year list: 174 species
Friday 17th July
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Knot (6), Purple Sandpiper (2), Redshank (27), Turnstone (15), Song Thrush, Lesser Redpoll (2), Common Redpoll (6), Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: Ringed Plover (fledged juveniles at South Light).
Year list: 174 species
Thursday 16th July
Highlights: Leach's Petrel (one heard chattering for most of the night during petrel ringing session).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc):Storm Petrel (55 trapped), Grey Heron, Swallow, House Martin, Song Thrush, Common Crossbill (2).
Year list: 174 species
Wednesday 15th July
Highlights: Honey Buzzard (one flew south down the island, rested on Malcolm's Head then drifted around for a while, making it as far north as the Obs), Marsh Warbler (one discovered in the Obs mistnet and present elusively throughout the day), Leach's Petrel (2: 1 trapped and another heard at the nets at the same time).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (94 trapped in the small hours), Dunlin (2), Willow Warbler (Schoolton), Siskin, Linnet (2), Common Redpoll (8), Common Crossbill (2).
Year list: 174 species
Tuesday 14th July
Weather: Moderate SW wind, decreasing through the day, sunny spells and generally quite pleasant.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Golden Plover, Purple Sandpiper, Chiffchaff (5), Song Thrush, Redpoll sp? (3, including a juvenile, at least one of which appeared to be Lesser), Common Crossbill (14).
Year list: 172 species
Monday 13th July
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Red-throated Diver, Peregrine, Knot, Purple Sandpiper (15), Dunlin (2), Whimbrel (5 south), Curlew (11 south), Turnstone (24), Black-headed Gull (11, including a few heading south), Common Gull (16 in a flock at Burkle), Lesser Black-backed Gull (16), Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Swift, Chiffchaff (5), Lesser Whitethroat, Siskin (2), Common Redpoll (2), Common Crossbill (9).
Other wildlife: Magpie Moth (2).
Year list: 172 species
Sunday 12th July
Weather: Showery at first, cloudy throughout with a freshening SW breeze.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Very little to report today.
Year list: 172 species
Saturday 11th July
Weather: Wet at first, but warm and pleasant later, allowing some gull ringing to take place on Goorn in the evening.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Grey Heron, Peregrine, Redshank (7), Woodpigeon, Swift (2), Swallow (4), Lesser Whitethroat (still at Burkle, where it has been singing. Other summering birds still present include at least three Chiffchaff and a Robin), Siskin, Common Crossbill.
Breeding birds: Herring Gull (first fledged chick, on Goorn).
Other wildlife: Silver-Y (at least five).
Year list: 172 species
Friday 10th July
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (132 trapped between 0000hrs and 0240hrs, 124 'new' birds and 8 retraps/controls, five of which ringed on Fair Isle in 2014), Grey Heron, Whimbrel, House Martin, Siskin, Common Crossbill.
Year list: 172 species
Thursday 9th July
Weather: Another day of strong NW wind, although easing from yesterday and calming away to almost nothing by the night (perfect Storm Petrel conditions in fact...). Mostly dry with sunny spells and just the occasional shower after lunch.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Woodpigeon, Siskin (4), Common Crossbill (11).
Year list: 172 species
Wednesday 8th July
Weather: Rather strong N wind, cool and cloudy.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Wigeon (11 past South Light), Grey Heron, Whimbrel (2), Redshank (4), Turnstone (3), Black-headed Gull (6, including the first visiting juvenile of the year), Cuckoo (juvenile at South Greens), Lesser Whitethroat (still at Burkle), Siskin (at least 6), Common Crossbill (2).
Breeding birds: Oystercatcher (first fledged chick, at North Light).
Year list: 172 species
Tuesday 7th July
Summary: A rather unpleasant day, but good for a catch up and a bit of a relax after a couple of rather long day's work.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Woodpigeon, Robin (still present at the Obs), Siskin (20, an unusually large summer count), Common Crossbill.
Breeding birds: Fledged Pied Wagtails in the Havens, the third brood to take to the wing from the island this year so far.
Year list: 172 species
Monday 6th July
Summary: A busy day, with an early start to catch the tide for a visit to monitor Razorbills at Easter Lother, an extended Sheep Hill (which resulted in most of the hill sheep being rounded up) lots of transport shenanigans due to low cloud (although everyone got where they wanted to go in the end) then a tea-time visit to Greenholm for carrying out Puffin monitoring, resulting in a late return, but a happy team!
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Tufted Duck (male still), Whimbrel (3), Song Thrush (still present)
Breeding birds: Redshank (a chick seen near Da Water).
Year list: 172 species
Sunday 5th July
Summary: The all-day Guillemot feedwatch saw a 3am start and 11pm finish, always an enjoyable day. The fog threatened to spoil things but thankfully held off just enough to allow us to continue the work.
Highlights: Rose-coloured Starling (seen briefly at the Obs at about 0430hrs, but not again).
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Tufted Duck (male on Da Water, just the second record of the year), Small numbers present throughout the month so dar, including two singing birds today), Song Thrush (still present), Siskin (3), Common Crossbill (3).
Other wildlife: Lacewing (one still at Pietron), Silver-Y (still some around)
Year list: 172 species
Saturday 4th July
Highlights: Rose-coloured Starling (one at the Obs again, where it was seen later on in the afternoon sheltering in a pine tree in poor weather.
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Storm Petrel (2 from the Good Shepherd), Grey Heron (a juvenile, still sporting some downy fluff on its head), Blackcap (male at Obs), Common Crossbill (2).
Other wildlife: Thistle Ermine (one trapped overnight was just the third Fair Isle and Shetland record, with the species generally not occuring any further north in the UK than Dumfrieshire)
Year list: 172 species
Friday 3rd July
Summary: Flights were postponed until the afternoon thanks to a very murky start, but things improved later on. The last day of term at Fair Isle Primary and two BBC film crews on the island added to the day's interest, but it perhaps finally feels like spring migration has come to an end.
Weather: W3/4 becoming SE later, cloudy spells with some rain in the morning, poor visibilty improving later.
Highlights: Western Subalpine Warbler (stil in Obs garden)
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Short-eared Owl, Chiffchaff (at least 4 still present), Song Thrush, Robin Siskin (3), Lesser Redpoll (male), Common Crossbill.
Breeding birds: Guillemot: first chicks fledged.
Other wildlife: Still lots of Silver-Y moths around and a single Red Admiral.
Year list: 172 species
Thursday 2nd July
Summary: An interesting day, with the early weather excitement abating and allowing an extended mist-netting session at the Obs, which produced a few interesting birds.
Weather: An exciting start to the day with thunder and lightening for several hours in the small hours of the morning. SSE 3-4 easing and veering W2, cloudy spells and visibility decreasing as fog set it later.
Highlights: Rose-coloured Starling (an adult at the Obs then later near the Double Dyke - it was first seen from the ringing room, where a small group had gathered to see a Crossbill being processed), Western Subalpine Warbler (still in Obs garden)
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Greylag Goose (2), Storm Petrel (4 from Good Shepherd), Redshank (6), Turnstone (7), Swallow (3), Chiffchaff (at least 2), Whitethroat (one trapped at Obs), Song Thrush, Robin, flava Wagtail (one over Easter Lother), Siskin (12, including five trapped at the Obs - these are the first juvenile migrants of the autumn [not including Crossbill]), Redpoll sp?, Common Crossbill (juvenile trapped at Obs).
Other wildlife: a notable increase in lepidoptera, with 5 Red Admiral, 20+ Silver-y, a Diamond-backed Moth and Yellow Shell representing just a small sample of what was likely to be around the island.
Year list: 172 species
Wednesday 1st July
Summary: A rather lovely day, although not up to the heatwave standards of further south. It still feels like spring is running late and one or two new birds in reinforces that impression.
Weather: SE3-5, cloudy spells and some sunshine, visibility occasionally poor.
Highlights: Western Subalpine Warbler (the young male showing well in the Obs garden)
Migrants (new arrivals, notable counts etc): Grey Heron (the first since 3rd June), Swallow (5), Chiffchaff (7), Blackcap (female trapped and ringed), Lesser Whitethroat (probably a lingering bird), Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Crossbill.
Other wildlife: Silver-y (at least 15).
Year list: 171 species