Sightings archive: 2024
FIBO'S 2024 SEASON
Another season comes to a close here at FIBO, as our team begin to wend their way home after seven months of census, fieldwork and ringing.
Alex Penn returned as Acting Warden, joined by Luke Marriner and Jonnie Fisk as his Assistant Wardens. After getting to know the ropes, beginning on trap repairs, and a wayward Blue Tit, the spring soon made itself known as we settled into May, with an incredible arrival event from the 2nd. Icterine Warblers, Wood Warblers, Red-backed Shrikes and more poured into the island in a classic 'afternoon arrival'. Over the next few weeks, warblers, chats, flycatchers, shrikes and Wrynecks made landfall, day after day. No sooner had one wave of arrivals tailed off, it seemed like another would arrive, each swell subtly different in its species migrant make-up, but most notably featuring unprecedented numbers of Icterine Warblers, Red-backed Shrikes and Marsh Warblers. It was a season of spring falls made from the fabric of Fair Isle legend!
Male Collared Flycatcher at Gunnawark (Jonnie Fisk)
One of the many Bluethroats this spring (Jonnie Fisk)
It was a fairly demoralising summer on the seabird front, with large scale losses across the auks, Kittiwakes, Shags, terns and more, as a wet summer season made life challenging for these hardy travellers. For some, like the Guillemot, their breeding season's fate was perhaps sealed from the start, with many birds arriving back to the colonies in poor condition after a difficult winter at sea - if they arrived at all. This observation was mirrored across numerous colonies on the British east coast. Gaps in the usually bustling breeding ledges made it easier for avian predators to predate eggs and chicks, further contributing to the dismal numbers of young fledged. Arctic Skuas had a blank year for productivity, with just a handful of pairs attempting to nest, and only one brood hatching before they, too, were predated. Pairs of breeding Great Skua continued to climb in number from the tragic losses to HPAI in 2021-2022, however productivity was low, with many chicks seemingly starving to death at later stages of development, with some classic intraspecific predation occurring too. It was not all doom and gloom, with a brood of Dunlin hatching in the north of the Isle - only the eighth time this has been recorded on Fair Isle. Waders also did well across the parks and crofts, and passerines such as Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Wheatears seemed to have a good season. Seabird tagging continued, with GLS tags deployed on breeding Razorbills and Guillemots, and some tags from previous years retrieved off Puffins across the north of the Isle. The Obs' team contributed to a Great Skua GLS-tagging project with the capture of a few birds.
One of the Dunlin brood raised on the Isle this summer (Alex Penn)
Fair Isle's fourth Green Warbler this June (Alex Penn)
With the pods of Northern Isles Orca passing Fair Isle during their hunting commutes, it was no surprise that we had some excellent encounters with these behemoths this season. A sighting of a handful of animals on the team's first day in March was rather jammy, though brief, though there would be plenty of time to catch up with them during some prolonged spells around the island, not least in late May when some 10+ animals patrolled South Light and South Harbour. Perhaps the most serendipitous encounter occured while the team were doing puffin work on Greenholm as the two bachelor bulls Hulk and Nótt paid South Light a visit, squeezing themselves inbetween the holms and coming within feet of the Obs' boat moored up, the team watching all of this from above with mouths agape! Brief appearances also came from spring, summer and late autumn, with the last on 5th November off Buness.
A bachelor bull Orca passing South Light (Alex Penn)
Fair Isle is synonymous with rarities, and this year was no different with several highlights to choose from. An island first came in the form of a MARMORA'S WARBLER at the end of May, providing a barnstorming finale to possibly the most incredible spring period in living memory. Other spring rares included COLLARED FLYCATCHER, GREEN WARBLER, TAWNY PIPIT, a Red-flanked Bluetail, Fair Isle's 10th Bee-eater, a Subalpine Warbler sp., RUSTIC BUNTING, as well as the aforementioned avalanche of Bluethroat, Icterine Warbler and other fine spring scarcities. The first Fair Isle 'megas' of the autumn came early, with a Balearic Shearwater (Shetland's first record from land) sailing past South Light in August, followed shortly by a Kingfisher found by visiting Swiss birders. This was not only the second for the Isle, but the first 'twitchable' - everyone needed this - and soon garnered a large admiring crowd (for Fair Isle standards), featuring many family members visiting for the summer. More autumn highlights included the Isle's 2nd Great White Egret and 4th Little Egret, BLACK-HEADED BUNTING, DAURIAN SHRIKE, two BROWN SHRIKE, Coues's Arctic Redpoll, SIBERIAN STONECHAT, a few Arctic Warbler, TENNESSEE WARBLER, two LANCEOLATED WARBLER, our first PECHORA PIPIT since 2019, an EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL, a Hoopoe, a BRÜNNICH'S GUILLEMOT, and we jammed in the phenomenal Shetland seawatching this autumn, with records of Great Shearwater (the first land based record since 1986) and a Cory's Shearwater from the Good Shepherd IV. Some Yellow-browed Warbler arrivals (including 35 on one day) allowed us to affix colour rings to several birds as part of a new nationwide project.
While it was no vintage mid-late autumn, with mild weather across Eurasia and a stubborn lack of easterlies denying us any large scale arrivals of Robins, Goldcrests etc. throughout October, multiple falls of thrushes provided compensation and exciting birding all round, with our highest day count of Redwings this century, and some lovely busy days in the traps, enjoying the multifariousness of Blackbirds.
One of this year's showstoppers - a TENNESSEE WARBLER
The first Marmora's Warbler to be recorded in Fair Isle (Alex Penn)
A Fair Isle speciality - one of two Lanceolated Warblers this autumn (Steve Arlow)
But perhaps the highlight of the season for the FIBO team was being part of this magical island community, and being privileged enough to be welcomed into the social and working side of Fair Isle life; hill caas, birthday drinks, shearing sheep, beach bonfires, BBQs, baling hay, guiding cruise ship passengers, providing ringing demonstrations, hosting parties and generally having the time of our lives. We all hope to be back in the shadow of Sheep Rock in some capacity soon, and - apologies to the long-suffering islanders - we're not going to be strangers!
Goodbye from the 2024 FIBO Team! (Dan Gornall)
So it just leaves us to say thank you to all those who helped us as we navigated another season, and to you for following along with our updates. We wish you all the best for the rest of the year.
Warm regards, Jonnie, Alex & Luke
FIBO 2024 Team
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1st - 5th November 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with some drizzly rain.
A mixed bag of sightings to kick off November, though officially the FIBO seasonal census has ended. The team split on the 4th, while AW Jonnie Fisk and Acting Warden Alex Penn linger until the 6th, AW Luke Marriner departing for a winter split between his home county of Oxfordshire and his beloved Lundy in Devon.
A colour-ringed first calendar-year male Sparrowhawk in the Vaadal Heligoland on the 1st was an unexpected delight: it was ringed at Modesty near West Burrafirth in Shetland. A family party of Whooper Swans passing low over the Puffinn on the same day also included a bird sporting a darvic, allowing us to later learn that it was ringed as an adult last year in north-east Iceland. After a very lively end-of-season Halloween party at the Haa, a few brave souls went into the field on the 2nd, though perhaps sighting of the day was an unseasonable pale phase Arctic Skua at South Light, remaining for a day or two. A Fieldfare arrival on 4th was supplemented further by a large pulse of thrushes, with flocks of hundreds of mixed birds, and large chacking squadrons Fieldfares more noticeable still. As with the end of October, the dykes hosted lurking Blackbirds, which burst out of Plantation in flocks, while almost everywhere else Song Thrushes and Redwings buzzed about. After a late Garden Warbler was ringed in Plantation, David Parnaby came across an Olive-backed Pipit at the Vaadal reservoir while out on his Island water treatment rounds, which the remaining FIBO team enjoyed during a brief break from packing away the South Light flat and ammassed fieldwork equipment. This is only the second Olive-backed Pipit of the autumn, but perhaps absence does make the heart grow fonder, and Alex and Jonnie both shared wide smiles as they watched it swagger up the dyke along Ringing Hut Marsh, with the aural fuzz of migrant thrushes all around us. Elsewhere on the Isle a few Goldeneye were in the north, Woodcock were new in and a bull Orca was spotted off Buness, though no Great Shearwaters (still present in the north Atlantic in incredible numbers) could be mined from the waves.
The FIBO Team's last scarcity in the final throes of the 2024 season: an Olive-backed Pipit on the 5th (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Olive-backed Pipit: One at Vaadal .
A Shetland-ringed Sparrowhawk caught here on the 1st - part of a colour-ringing scheme to allow for resightings in the field (Alex Penn)
A colour-ringed Whooper Swan passing over the south of the Isle on the 1st (Alex Penn)
Year list: 211
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31st October 2024
Weather: On/off rain and gale force winds. F8 W.
October ended not with a bang but a whimper, as wild westerlies blew with them stinging rain showers and largely challenging conditons for a census, or much coverage at all. A mild October in general, including across the near continent and into Scandinavia, meant that we received no real push of migrants from the north, as previously discussed in these updates. Our autumn as a whole, however, was extremely enjoyable, with some excellent days of arrivals, and sea-watching - not something that is guaranteed in a Fair Isle year! Despite another year with no Observatory building, the various guesthouses across the Isle allowed for visiting birders to add to the overall groove, and we have many of them to thank for excellent birds found, contributions to the log, and general laughs, merriment and support! We hope to see you back in the Obs' in 2025.
Sightings of note: 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling
Year list: 211
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30th October 2024
Weather: Overcast, with some light rain in the afternoon and into the evening, with an increasing wind. F4-6 SW.
Thrush numbers were much depleted from yesterday's arrival - not surprising given how many birds were observed leaving off the south of the Isle the previous night. A drier, settled day still saw a couple of hundred Redwing and Blackbird each, with modest numbers of Brambling, 70 Snow Bunting and a few Long-tailed Duck among the ornithological points of interest for the day. As the team begin to plan for their departure, sights turn to end-of-season meetings and debriefings, the last of the data entry and collating descriptions. It's been a funny 'end' to our autumn, with the feeling that a cooling on the continent should see the expected arrival of Robins, 'crests, owls etc. which we would have already recorded by now in previous years, but likely to be an event we miss out on during this autumn season.
Brambling have been daily fixtures recently, though we are yet to record 'big' finch passage (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 205 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 8 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 33 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 116 Turnstone, 1 Woodcock, 43 Snipe, 27 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 76 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Blackcap, 219 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 227 Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, 7 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 71 Meadow Pipit, 43 Rock Pipit, 13 Brambling, 44 Twite, 3 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Siskin, 70 Snow Bunting
Year list: 211
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29th October 2024
Weather: A drizzly morning, with sunny spells by the afternoon. F6-4 SE-SW.
Overnight south-easterlies switched by daybreak, providing us with probably the final fall conditions of the 2024 autumn season. The morning's trap rounds were extended considerably by a carpet of Blackbird, as a wholesale arrival across the island saw groups of hundreds of these usually sneaky, secretive shadow-dwelling thrushes huddling along dykes and creeping through the parks. Finnequoy held 200 birds first thing; 100 more were in Plantation; some 50 birds burst from the rosa at Setter, with similar numbers erupting from the skeletal nettles of Pund. Above this black magic, thousands of Redwing were swirling, as we enjoyed another arrival of this gregarious, noisy species too. Some 200+ Fieldfare joined the fray, and 37 Woodcock were logged. Numbers of thrushes remained impressive all day, culminating in fantastic display by the late afternoon, as the sky went through its colourful motions as the sun set, and thousands of thrushes gradually took to the skies and headed south. As one tracked their bins' on each flock overhead, a slight readjustment of the focus wheel would reveal further flocks of Blackbird, or mixed Redwing and Fieldfare, even higher and more distant, and more behind them still, as specks migrating south.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: One at Upper Stoneybrek and another at Quoy.
A happy AW working his way through a glut of Blackbirds to ring (Jonnie Fisk)
One of the more striking-looking first calendar-year male Blackbirds ringed today (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 138 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 8 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 24 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 120 Turnstone, 37 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 75 Snipe, 28 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Common Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 41 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 2 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4638 Blackbird, 212 Fieldfare, 4333 Redwing, 65 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 81 Meadow Pipit, 44 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 18 Brambling, 3 Twite, 3 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Lapland Bunting, 52 Snow Bunting
A calm evening around Skadan, watching thousands of thrushes stream south off the Isle (Alex Penn)
Year list: 211
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28th October 2024
Weather: A calm start became a mizzly day of passing rain. F3-4 NE-SE.
A slightly damp squib of a day, as a largely settled day of forecasted clear weather turned dreich with rolling bands of drizzle. Autumn thrushes continue to linger around the clifftops and grazed parks, with over 1000 Redwing still present. More Snow Bunting were new in, with two Barnacle Geese fresh in with the massed Greylags. A whole-island Eider count was undertaken, allowing for some timely revisits to areas not typically explored on daily census before the season ends and the team go their separate ways!
A Redwing with a very fetching case of partial leucism/schizochrosim, an abberation more usually seen in Blackbird and Ring Ouzel (Alex Penn)
This Yellowhammer has settled on the Isle for a the last few days, here perched at Barkland (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 180 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 81 Northern Eider, 5 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 27 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 102 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 7 Woodcock, 93 Snipe, 57 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 87 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Blackcap, 358 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 1218 Redwing, 27 Song Thrush, 10 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 95 Meadow Pipit, 36 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 24 Brambling, 39 Twite, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin, 67 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
A juvenile Long-tailed Duck remains on Easter Lother Water - not the most inspiring location for this species... (Luke Marriner)
Year list: 211
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27th October 2024
Weather:Rain on/off through most of the day, with some heavy showers in the afternoon. Intermittent sunny spells. F7-4 W-SW.
An overnight departure of thrushes was evident, with numbers much depleted after yesterday's fantastic day of arrivals. 2000+ Redwing and a few hundred Blackbird were still present, with some geos continuing to be unexpected hotspots for the latter species, with decent-sized groups scattering from the cliff sides, out of rabbit holes and underneath overhangs with characteristically 'long ruddered' silhouettes. A Brent Goose was new and only the third for the year, while a seawatch from South Light recorded a late Bonxie, a 'blue' Fulmar and three Great Northern Diver, with an additional moulting adult in the Haven. An enjoyable afternoon was spent ringing thrushes after some squally showers, with a decent proportion of heavy adult birds caught, and by today's early evening dusk, calls of departing birds could be heard across the south of the Isle as they head onwards, their internal compasses guiding them to Ireland, France, Spain, or maybe even further...
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: One still present at Chalet.
Yellow Wagtail: One at Field.
Purple Sandpiper in their winter dress seem settled for the winter (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 1 Brent Goose, 166 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 9 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 5 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 29 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 127 Turnstone, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 39 Snipe, 34 Redshank, 47 Kittiwake, 14 Black-headed Gull, 40 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 4 Great Northern Diver, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 4 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel, 628 Blackbird, 18 Fieldfare, 2263 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 18 Brambling, 1 Redpoll sp., 3 Siskin, 12 Snow Bunting
Year list: 211
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26th October 2024
Weather: Rain showers through the morning then largely bright and sunny, clouding over by mid-afteroon and rain later on. F7-5 SW-W.
An exceptional day for thrushes, most notably Redwings, with thousands upon thousands of birds lifting across the south of the Isle, swirling around the Hill Dyke and carpeting the parks and crofts in a moving avian carpet. The clifftops seemed to crumble as you walked near, only for the debris to utter chacking calls and spiral away in flocks along the coastline. Down the geos, Redwings would materialise from nowhere against the cliff sides in bursts, usually with a Blackbird sentry shrieking nearby, and small brown shapes scrabbled against the wave-licked bases of the stacks and bluffs - exhausted birds presumably newly arrived. It was a flavour of autumn island birding at its most spectacular. Some 20,000+ Redwing were recorded across census, with care taken to try not to double count the 'megaflocks' at Setter, Meadow Burn etc., though for those who have been blessed with big 'thrush days' in the past will attest, you are almost certainly left with a massive undercount on your hands. Today's count is the largest since 1991, when a similar October day saw 25,000+ birds logged. In what seems like a very late autumn for thrush movement, it was encouraging to finally record decent numbers of Blackbird (800+) and Fieldfare (150+), with some parts of the island recording 100s of the former, as these typcially shy species of northern forests flock together on their annual passage south-west. A Hawfinch over Utra was an expected record alongside a Redwing arrival, and two Bluethroat remain in the south of the Isle, with a Rosefinch still at the Quoy crop strip. What is that old birding adage about the rare coming after the fall...?
Redwing were firmly bird of the day (Alex Penn)
A day of busy trap rounds, dominated by thrushes (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: Both birds from recent days still present at Quoy and Chalet/Barkland.
Hawfinch: One over Utra mid-morning.
Common Rosefinch: One at Quoy.
Over 800 Blackbirds were logged today, many of them chunky adult males from the continent (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 101 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 26 Curlew, 127 Turnstone, 12 Woodcock, 12 Jack Snipe, 37 Snipe, 35 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 91 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 120 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 818 Blackbird, 155 Fieldfare, 20,239 Redwing, 74 Song Thrush, 11 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 122 Meadow Pipit, 61 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 16 Brambling, 43 Twite, 2 Siskin, 20 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 211
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25th October 2024
Weather: Calm, sunny and mild. F1-2 SW.
A much welcomed day of settled skies and sun, becoming pretty warm by the middle of the day. A small arrival of birds was evident in the north, with an increase in Blackcap there, and a new Yellow-browed Warbler at Wirvie. Four Black Redstart were also new, with two Barnacle Geese among the passing wildfowl, with 16 Long-tailed Duck now sheltering around the Isle, mostly in Furse, alongside one Common Scoter. A roost ringing session at the Obs' resulted in a few Redwing, Blackbird, Blackcap, Robin and a 'Siberian Chiffchaff' being caught, one of four on the island.
The Walli Burn remains popular with Jack Snipe, with four there today (Jonnie Fisk)
An altercation between female Grey Seals in Gorsens Geo (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: One at Wirvie.
Bluethroat: One still at Barkland.
Common Rosefinch: One at Quoy.
Surely the smartest plumage a Blackbird can attain? (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 140 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Whooper Swan, 11 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 16 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 27 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 88 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 6 Woodcock, 7 Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe, 54 Redshank, 7 Kittiwake, 8 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 115 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 8 Chiffchaff, 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 17 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 46 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 505 Redwing, 38 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Tree Sparrow, 157 Meadow Pipit, 84 Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 95 Twite, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 7 Siskin, 8 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 211
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24th October 2024
Weather: Mostly sunny, with blustery winds. F7-4 S.
Another rather quiet day, though pleasant in the sun. Winds died down through the afternoon, but still remained sketchy for birding the clifftops in the north, while a F7 S was blowing. Redwings remain the most notable passerines, though their numbers are dwindling, with nary a warbler or finch to be found. At Barkland the smart, and obliging, Bluetroat was kicking about, with the Rosefinch and Bluethroat at Quoy once again. A party of Whooper Swan passed over the south of the Isle. As many as six Merlin continue to make life dangerous if you are a pipit or Skylark, while the number of Grey Seal pups at the bottom of Gunnawark is slowly building. A calmer day tomorrow, after a long stretch of eye-watering winds, is appreciated, and with many finches, thrushes, Woodcocks etc. to arrive, we are looking forward to some conducive winds and busier days as we reach the end of the FIBO autumn season.
A rather surprising arrival yesterday was this Bluethroat at Quoy (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: Two: singles at Quoy and Barkland.
Common Rosefinch: One at Quoy.
Sightings of note: 131 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Whooper Swan, 10 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 6 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 34 Curlew, 196 Turnstone, 3 Woodcock, 6 Jack Snipe, 26 Snipe, 25 Redshank, 30 Kittiwake, 25 Black-headed Gull, 113 Common Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 6 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 30 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 204 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 13 Siskin, 9 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 211
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23rd October 2024
Weather: Largely overcast with some sunny spells. F6 W.
A blustery day resulted in little change on the migrant front, though a Bluethroat was new at Quoy, joining the brightly-gorgetted bird at Barkland. Quoy was also the site for the continuing Rosefinch, making the most of the well-endowed heads of fodder radish etc. in the sacrificial crop strip. A few hundred Redwing still swirl around calmer areas and shorter-turfed parks, with a handful of Song Thrush and Blackbird also present. Seven Long-tailed Duck remain around the coast while the seas are broiling and two plucky Swallows at Skadan are still mustering the strength to move south.
Whooper Swans staging here on the Isle (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: One at Barkland with a new bird at Quoy.
Common Rosefinch: One at Quoy.
The adult male Merlin continues to enertain as it tours vast swathes of the Isle (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 128 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 19 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 36 Curlew, 254 Turnstone, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 9 Jack Snipe, 76 Snipe, 65 Redshank, 7 Kittiwake, 21 Black-headed Gull, 83 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 6 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Blackcap, 23 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 306 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 2 Goldfinch, 15 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 23 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 211
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22nd October 2024
Weather: Rain and hail across the morning, with sunny spells in between, and a largely sunny afternoon. F8-6 W.
A mixed day of weather saw us cover our census areas as best we could, with a fierce westerly wind preventing close contact with some clifftops. As yesterday, a few Long-tailed Ducks sought shelter in the island's bays, while other wildfowl passage concerned a skein of Pink-footed Geese and five Whooper Swans. With conditions unconducive for moving on, we retain our Bluethroat, Rosefinch and Yellow Wagtails of recent days (or weeks!). Our first Mistle Thrush of the autumn was new in, with an increase in numbers of Black-headed Gulls riding the waves of South Harbour and joining the massed Turnstones in scavenging among the tonnes of seaweed washed ashore. A couple of Lapland Bunting remain in the south-east and, across the north, Snow Bunting numbers reach some 47 birds.
Passing Barkland presents a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with a Bluethroat (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Bluethroat: Still present at Barkland.
Yellow Wagtail: Two present again today.
Common Rosefinch: One at Quoy.
The first Mistle Thrush of the autumn (Luke Marriner)
A changeable day with showers of rain and hail passing the Isle, sometimes colliding with land and dumping their contents on us (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 109 Greylag Goose, 11 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 22 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 32 Curlew, 179 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe, 32 Redshank, 76 Kittiwake, 13 Black-headed Gull, 51 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Blackcap, 17 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 359 Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 47 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting
Year list: 211
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21st October 2024
Weather: Largely sunny, a couple of short showers through the late morning, and high winds of the first named storm of the autumn. F6-7 SW.
A largely dry day was made challening still by high winds, though sunny spells among the odd quick shower meant it was still pleasant to be out and about on the Isle, with the prospect of an American landbird out there somewhere! Storm Ashley brought a few diminutive Long-tailed Ducks to the sheltered bays in the island's north, plus more were logged past South Light during the morning's seawatch. A Black Redstart and the Barkland Bluethroat remain, with the Rosefinch still around Quoy. While some of the north-west cliffs proved too treacherous to attempt to peer down thanks to gale force winds, thrushes continue to shelter in calm spots and thermal imaging monoculars have been invaluable in spotting birds perched, statue-like, within geos, as well as detecting Woodcocks and Water Rails crouched among vegetation. In ringing recovery news, we received feedback that a Fair Isle-ringed Razorbill had been found freshly dead in West Flanders on the Belgian coast, some 31 years after it was ringed here. While still a long way off the BTO's Razorbill longevity record of 41 years and 11 months, it still made this bird older than all of this year's Obs' team at the time of writing!
The juvenile Yellow Wagtail present since late September continues to grace census (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: One at Houll.
Bluethroat: Still present at Barkland.
Yellow Wagtail: A juvenile present at Field.
Common Rosefinch: One at Burkle again.
Barkland's resident Bluethroat (Luke Marriner)
It is getting to the 'finchy' part of autumn, and we're still waiting for more passage Bramblings, redpolls and Siskins, like this male (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 135 Greylag Goose, 14 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 10 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 18 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 37 Curlew, 201 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 36 Snipe, 56 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 70 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 17 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 148 Redwing, 33 Song Thrush, 6 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 2 Linnet, 3 'Northwestern Redpoll', 2 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin, 7 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 211
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19th & 20th October 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and mild on 19th. Overnight gale force winds continued into the 20th, with heavy driving rain from late morning. F5-8 SSE.
A birdy day on the 19th made up for a total windy washout on the 20th. Thrush numbers were once again good, with Redwings seemingly feeding on all available land. The Red-necked Grebe remained in the Haven, though appears fatigued. A Richard's Pipit at Setter was new and an addition to the Fair Isle yearlist to boot, with a new Hawfinch at Barkland, where the obliging Bluethroat also lingered. A gorgeous blue male Merlin was in the north and a Hen Harrier toured the Isle, with two Yellow Wagtails, a Rosefinch at Burkle again and two Yellow-browed Warblers were logged. Other new birds included a few Short-eared Owls and a Goldeneye, while two large groups of Snow Buntings roamed the west cliffs and the South Light Purple Sandpiper flock swelled in number. A Scarce Umber moth on the top of Malcom's Head was the first record for Fair Isle, with a second found resting on an illuminated window at the Community Hall during a communal curry and quiz night! This typically woodland moth is a big rarity in Shetland, with just six previous individuals recorded, the last in 2020!
Red-necked Grebe in the Haven (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-necked Grebe: Present in the Haven on 19th.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Singles at Setter and Gully on 19th.
Bluethroat: One trundling around at Barkland on 19th.
Yellow Wagtail: Two birds again on 19th - the 'raspy' juvenile present since the end of Sept, and a 'classically' calling bird.
Richard's Pipit: One flushed around Setter c.12:00hrs on 19th.
Hawfinch: One south over Barkland on 19th.
Common Rosefinch: One at Burkle again on 19th.
Seldom seen, but only adding to their prestige: a blue tiercel Merlin (Alex Penn)
Song Thrushes compliment the large numbers of Redwing present at the minute (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 16 Barnacle Goose, 126 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 41 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 33 Curlew, 111 Turnstone, 44 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Woodcock, 4 Jack Snipe, 63 Snipe, 76 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 8 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 79 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 5 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 6 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 73 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 1536 Redwing, 150 Song Thrush, 19 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 141 Meadow Pipit, 77 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 37 Brambling, 125 Twite, 3 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Mealy Redpoll, 20 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 78 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting
Year list: 211
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18th October 2024
Weather: Sunny, growing overcast by late afternoon. A growing wind become gale force by the evening. F6-8 SSE.
Somewhat of a clearout was evident, with fewer thrushes on the ground, though a wind of increasing ferocity made birding from clifftops difficult. A Bluethroat was new in around Barkland, where the first Moorhen since the spring was also present. The juvenile Red-necked Grebe relocated to the Haven, where it afforded close views as it snoozed on and off near the tideline. Two Yellow Wagtail remain in residence; the 'raspy' calling juvenile present since 30th September, as well as a more standard-sounding 'Western' Yellow Wagtail. A Rosefinch was in the cover crop at Burkle with the Twite again and a 'Russian White-fronted Goose' was within passage Greylag Geese over the sea from South Light. After noting a few carcasses of pups, this week we've begin to note our first live Grey Seal pups on the beaches at the bottom of the precipitous geos of the west coast. These lumps of white fur and liquid eyes will quickly gain mass as they feed on their mothers' fatty milk, ready to brave the wild seas and chill winds of a Shetland late autumn and winter.
Red-necked Grebe in the Haven during a brief break from its slumber (Dan Gornall)
HIGHLIGHTS
'Russian White-fronted Goose': One passed South Light in a skein of Greylags.
Red-necked Grebe: Present for its third day, now in the Haven.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Singles at the Obs', Furse and Barkland.
Bluethroat: One at Barkland.
Yellow Wagtail: Two birds - the 'raspy' juvenile present since the end of Sept, and a 'classically' calling bird.
Common Rosefinch: One at Burkle.
New life on the west coast geos (Alex Penn)
Greylag Geese continue to be on the move (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 299 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 31 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 5 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 33 Curlew, 140 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 39 Snipe, 67 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 19 Guillemot, 2 Great Northern Diver, 10 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 100 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 6 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 78 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 442 Redwing, 99 Song Thrush, 24 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 5 Grey Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 125 Meadow Pipit, 43 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 71 Twite, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Redpoll sp., 6 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 29 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 210
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17th October 2024
Weather: Rain in the morning, clearing to a largely overcast day with some sunny spells and low cloud in the north. F5-3 SW.
A wet start, and overnight rain saw repeated flooding across the island, with the burns fording the roads and swelled streams flowing once again through the Heligoland traps at Gully, Plantation and Vaadal. The rain abated by late morning and the team headed out into census, where more thrushes greeted us. Redwings were still in the majority, with a few hundred across the crofts and the west cliffs with overall numbers bolstered by a flock of some 1700 around the water treatment works. Numbers of both Blackbird and Song Thrush increased compared to yesterday's totals (though perhaps yesterday's difficult conditions had something to do with that), with more Robins, Blackcaps and Goldcrests recorded too. We recorded our first Long-eared Owl, Yellowhammer and Stonechat of the Fair Isle autumn, and after yesterday's blank day, six Yellow-browed Warblers were recorded. Yesterday's Red-necked Grebe flew from South Harbour over to the sea off the Raevas, though continued to elude the island list for one visiting FIBO alumnus. A Rosefinch was at Burkle and our third Arctic Warbler of the autumn was in the garden of Barkland and then Upper Stoneybrek the afternoon, found by Neil Thomson - a name which will be familiar to those with a connection to the Isle, or who may have booked themselves onto the Good Shepherd IV in recent years. As well as a purveyor of scarce phylloscopus warblers, Neil is also a talented musician, cartoonist and all round nice fella - many thanks for the find, Neil!
Arctic Warbler at Upper Stoneybrek (Dan Gornall)
One of four Black Redstarts logged today (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-necked Grebe: Yesterday's bird was present at first in South Harbour, before flying 'overland' and pitching offshore from the Raevas.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Six logged today.
Arctic Warbler: One at Barkland and Upper Stoneybrek.
Yellow Wagtail: One present around the south was separate to the 'raspy' bird of recent days.
Common Rosefinch: One at Burkle.
Over 100 Blackbird were recorded across the Isle (Dan Gornall)
The Vaadal Heligoland trap once again bearing the brunt of some wet weather (Jonnie Fisk)
This Rusty Dot Pearl at Shirva is a very rare migrant moth for Fair Isle (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 178 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 45 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 18 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 31 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 163 Turnstone, 34 Woodcock, 5 Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe, 43 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 103 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 14 Chiffchaff, 35 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 13 Goldcrest, 6 Ring Ouzel, 106 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 3564 Redwing, 133 Song Thrush, 34 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 113 Meadow Pipit, 54 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch, 28 Brambling, 78 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Siskin, 3 Lapland Bunting, 34 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 210
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16th October 2024
Weather: Driving rain and winds for most of the day. F7-5 SE.
A grim weather forecast was realised, with winds whistling through the windows of South Light all night not abating by the morning, and joined by heavy rain for most of the day. Numbers of Redwing continued to be concentrated on the west coast, bursting forth from peat slacks and under the crests of clifftops, often accompanied by Woodcock and lesser numbers of Blackbird. Intrepid AW Luke came across a juvenile Red-necked Grebe on the sea below Steesi and Linni Geos, which was just the 26th record (of 28 birds), with just five of these being since the turn of the century. Despite this dizzying high, the weather continued to be challenging, with rain quickly seeping through waterproof layers and the F7 south-easterlies making peering down the cliffs of the west coast rather treacherous, though still exciting with flocks of Redwing and other thrushes dashing about. We recorded our first blank day for Yellow-browed Warblers since 16th September, but a Hen Harrier, a Garden Warbler and a modest number of Brambling were new in. Two Common Redstart on the west coast were notable, with a Black Redstart in Hjukni Geo, and a few Ring Ouzels providing a silvery aesthetic to the rain-lashed cliffs of red sandstone. After a few days going incognito, the 'raspy' Yellow Wagtail ssp. was back around Utra. With south-easterlies continuing overnight, we await the morning with excitement.
Red-necked Grebe are not easy to catch up with in Fair Isle (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-necked Grebe: One offshore around Steensi and Linni Geos was the 26th Isle record (of 28 individuals).
Yellow Wagtail: The juv. Yellow Wagtail spp. first seen on 30th September was still present
Rather soggy perch from which to view the sea between Steensi and Linni Geos (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 67 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 21 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 32 Curlew, 92 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 31 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Guillemot, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Goldcrest, 5 Ring Ouzel, 71 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1406 Redwing, 40 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Common Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 27 Brambling, 72 Twite, 25 Snow Bunting
Year list: 210
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15th October 2024
Weather: Sunny, becoming overcast by late afternoon. Breezy, increasing as the day wore on. F6-7 SSE.
A day dominated by Redwing, particularly in the south-west where the winds concentrated them along the parks, crofts and cliffs, and they gathered in moving carpets or burst from underfoot while watchers steadied themselves at the tops of geos in a ripping wind. A morning seawatch in blustery, sunny conditions became very memorable when, about half an hour in, a BRÜNNICH'S GUILLEMOT flew east, with a helpfully demonstrative Common Guillemot trailing in its wake. The encounter was brief, as the two birds moved east, gained distance and disappeared around Da Skerry, with a Sooty Shearwater and flocks of Redwing departing the Isle rounding off a good session for AW Jonnie, who is not a natural seawatcher! By the end of the day, some 2500 Redwing were logged, with a Black Redstart and Hawfinch new in, as well as a few more of those mid-to-late autumn speciality migrants such as Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Short-eared Owl. Numbers of Snow Bunting continued to build, with 43 recorded across the Isle, as well as a lingering Yellow-browed Warbler in the garden of Utra.
More encounters of the Jack Snipe kind in the ditches and burns of Fair Isle (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
BRÜNNICH'S GUILLEMOT: One flew east past South Light with a Guillemot at 09:26hrs. Second record for Fair Isle.
Yellow-browed Warbler: One in the garden of Utra.
Hawfinch: One at Gunnawark.
This morning's seawatch setup. Niceness! (Jonnie Fisk)
A winnowing spiral of Redwing around the Mast, part of a large arrival today (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 117 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Geese, 16 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 18 Golden Plover, 42 Curlew, 185 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Woodcock, 12 Jack Snipe, 34 Snipe, 51 Redshank, 8 Kittiwake, 13 Common Gull, 24 Guillemot, 20 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 83 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 8 Blackcap, 21 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 2539 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 105 Meadow Pipit, 48 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 72 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Siskin, 43 Snow Bunting
Year list: 209
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14th October 2024
Weather: Overcast all day. Prolonged rain showers from midday until mid-afternoon. F5-4 SSW.
A pulse of new Redwings (plus a few Song Thrushes) kept us occupied in the south, while smaller numbers of Greylag Geese were again on the move. Protracted chilly rain from midday made for a wet end to census, with the lingering Coues's Arctic Redpoll featuring in the north, plus two Yellow-browed Warbler, nine Jack Snipe and 23 Snow Bunting were among the day's highlights.
A textbook desaturated 'Siberian Chiffchaff', one of three today (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL: One still around North Light and Kiln 'o Skroo.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Singles in the Obs' garden and Utra.
The smart, maybe even cute, Coues's Arctic Redpoll was once again in Kiln 'o Skroo (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 164 Greylag Goose, 12 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 29 Curlew, 103 Turnstone, 9 Jack Snipe, 63 Snipe, 34 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 10 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 86 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 14 Blackbird, 355 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 2 alba Wagtail, 116 Meadow Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 78 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Lapland Bunting, 23 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee.
Year list: 208
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13th October 2024
Weather: Cold rain and sleet during the morning, brightening into a sunny afternoon. F5-2 NW.
A bit of a Baltic start, with cold winds and driving rain and a short burst of sleet, with more Greylag Geese filling the skies with their skeins. A Ring Ouzel was trapped in Plantation early doors and two Sooty Shearwaters passed South Light on a morning sea-watch. The first Shorelark of the year was on South Green, while the Bluethroat in Klinger's Geo reappeared, dashing about in the burn to the tittilation of nearby watchers. A single Yellow-browed Warbler remains, in the Observatory garden, and the juvenile 'raspy' Yellow Wagtail was once again around the south of the Isle. Snow Buntings numbered 21 birds, including a flock of 13 at North Light, and over 180 Redwing were present across the Isle in small flocks. Part of the afternoon was taken up with the annual Fair Isle harvest festival, where the team happily spent their spare cash on the raffle, cakes, bakes and games. Some £1240 was raised for the Goodwill Children’s Village in India & Care International’s Gaza & Lebanon Crisis Appeal
This Bluethroat has been present for a few days around Klinger's Geo (Alex Penn)
South Green was a typical location for this less than annual species (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Shorelark: One on South Green.
Yellow-browed Warbler: One in the Obs' garden.
Bluethroat: One around Klinger's Geo again.
Yellow Wagtail: The juv. Yellow Wagtail spp. first seen on 30th September was still present
A young male Ring Ouzel from this morning's chilly trap rounds (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 627 Greylag Goose, 11 Pink-footed Goose, 34 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 22 Golden Plover, 17 Curlew, 98 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 7 Jack Snipe, 44 Snipe, 50 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Common Gull, 1 Bonxie, 1 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 75 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 10 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 188 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 14 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 109 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 4 Linnet, 59 Twite, 1 Lapland Bunting, 21 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee.
Year list: 208
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12th October 2024
Weather: Heavy rain showers, overcast all day. F5-2 SW-NW.
A largely uneventful day, with prolonged driving rain curtailing a full census. The main areas were covered, resulting in four Yellow-browed Warblers, and a new Red-breasted Flycatcher around the school. Three Jack Snipe were in the north, with a freshly dead Woodcock providing more evidence of waders on the move. However, perhaps bird of the day were the Greylag Geese, which passed through the Isle in large numbers and proved hard to tally as skeins U-turned or split and regrouped. At one point, some 670 birds were in the air at once to the north of two of the team watching from the School - quite a racket!
A brief Red-breasted Flycatcher around the Fire Station (Dan Gornall)
HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: Singles at the Haa, Haven beach, Quoy and the Obs'.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One around the Fire Station.
Of the various crop strips across the Isle, a few are providing decent feeding sites for granivores like this Twite (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 913 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 8 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 99 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 5 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 86 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 4 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 24 Snow Bunting
Year list: 207
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11th October 2024
Weather: Cold, with showers and sunny spells, largely settled and fine late afternoon until the evening. F5-2 N.
A wintery feel to the day, with chilly winds and stinging sleety rain at times, but all interspersed with sunny spells and some pleasant passage of wildfowl. The Coues's Arctic Redpoll was available at North Light for any remaining admirers, the Bluethroat was back in Klinger's Geo and a Yellow-browed Warbler apiece were in Kirki Geo and at the Haa. A few Water Rail were scattered around the Isle, with a dozen Jack Snipe crouching in the ditches and mires. A clearout of visiting birders on today's planes is to the detriment to the evening log - thank you to all those who added their sightings and input and for all your efforts in the field!
A view from the north (Alex Penn)
The afternoon's focus was once again on finding Jack Snipe (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL: One around North Light again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: One at the Haa and one in Kirki Geo.
Bluethroat: One present again in Klinger's Geo.
Yellow Wagtail: The 'raspy' juv. first seen on 30th September was in the south of the Isle again.
A few groups of Whooper Swans passed the isle today, including a couple of family flocks with this year's youngsters (Alex Penn)
More close encounters with the Coues's Arctic Redpoll at North Light (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 64 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Whooper Swan, 12 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 17 Curlew, 87 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 12 Jack Snipe, 51 Snipe, 23 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 68 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 9 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 8 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 162 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 109 Meadow Pipit, 50 Rock Pipit, 5 Brambling, 24 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 13 Snow Bunting
Year list: 207
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10th October 2024
Weather: Sunny spells. F5 NW.
A day of more departures as the wind swung to a bitter north-westerly and numbers of Redwing on the Isle dropped dramatically. A few Snow Bunting were new in, with a count of 38 for the day, and Greylag Geese continued to move through. The Hoopoe continues its tenancy around South Light and a single Yellow-browed Warbler remains, flycatching in Kirki Geo. Four 'Siberian Chiffchaff' were about and a surprise find was a freshly dead Grasshopper Warbler at the base of a dyke near the Haa. High solar flare activity this evening resulted in a glowing sky of pink, visible to the naked eye, and stretching across the sky to the east, before the curtain call of cloud rolled in.
Some colours over the south of the Isle this evening (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Hoopoe: Present at South Light.
Yellow-browed Warbler: One in Kirki Geo.
Yellow Wagtail: The 'raspy' juv. first seen on 30th September was in the south of the Isle again.
Sightings of note: 144 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 24 Curlew, 69 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 9 Jack Snipe, 36 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 262 Redwing, 38 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 27 Twite, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 1 Lapland Bunting, 38 Snow Bunting
Year list: 207
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9th October 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with the odd sunny spell. Rain in the evening. F8 NE.
Ripping winds from the north made for a chilly census, with a much reduced total of thrushes, though Redwings were still present in the high hundreds. A new Bluethroat being combative with Robins at the bottom of Klinger's Geo joined the Quoy bird still present today. The lingering Coues's Arctic Redpoll was still around South Light, with a flock of Snow Buntings there now numbering 10 birds. Some seawatching from the shelter of South Light yielded two Sooty Shearwaters, a 'blue' Fulmar and a Common Scoter. Greylag Geese were seemingly arriving all day, with skeins constantly circling the Isle, and the two curious Yellow Wagtails of our autumn were both present. A social evening in the Community Hall marked a fond farewell to the Maxwell family, who are moving from the Isle for pastures new in mainland Shetland. Tom and Gillian have been at the heart of island life, working on the Good Shepherd IV and as Fair Isle Primary's headteacher, respectively, and have also been excellent friends to many of the Obs' staff both past and present. We wish them all the best on their next adventure!
One of two Bluethroats present today (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL: One around North Light again today.
Hoopoe: Present around South Light.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Three.
Bluethroat: Singles at Quoy and in Klinger's Geo.
Yellow Wagtail: The adult bird of unspecified ssp. was seen flying south off South Light. The 'raspy' juv. was present around the Haa.
Another angle on a Bluethroat, at the bottom of Klinger's Geo (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 111 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 27 Golden Plover, 46 Curlew, 173 Turnstone, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Jack Snipe, 40 Snipe, 44 Redshank, 3 Kittwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 3 Blackcap, 23 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 7 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 720 Redwing, 41 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 26 Twite, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 16 Snow Bunting
Year list: 207
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8th October 2024
Weather: Gloomy all day, with drizzly showers and a chilly northern wind. F6-7 NE.
It was still thrush-heavy out there today, though we had lost about half the number of Redwing from yesterday, and far, far fewer Song Thrush were present. However, Ring Ouzels continued to put in a good showing and numbers of Jack Snipes bumped up to 16, with one ringed on Suka Mire. A Bluethroat was new in the crop strip at Quoy and a Barred Warbler was at Burkle. Some Greylag Goose passage in the afternoon included a 'Russian White-fronted Goose' concealed in a flock. Much attention and interest was garnered, especially among keen visiting birders, with an adult Yellow Wagtail present around Barkland and South Light, among other locations. With an odd, and often buzzy, spate of call notes heard, some effort went into sound recording and photographing this bird, particularly with the fun and games we have had with both an Eastern Yellow Wagtail and a long-staying first calendar-year 'flava ssp.' this month. Around the thick reed grass and rosa of the Haa's 'back garden', the Lanceolated Warbler was still prowling around for the best part of a week now. With weather so far removed from any semblance of Mediterranean, the Hoopoe around South Light could be excused from looking less than thrilled about its situation. With the winds forecast to become more savage from tomorrow, it may not get any happier...
Decent numbers of Jack Snipe were to be had today (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: Present around the Haa again today.
'Russian White-fronted Goose': One with a skein of Greylags.
Hoopoe: One around South Light again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Six logged.
Barred Warbler: One at Burkle.
Bluethroat: One at Quoy.
Yellow Wagtail: An adult bird of unspecified ssp. was tracked from Neder Taft to Barkland and then around South Light by the evening.
This Yellow Wagtail sp./ssp. was present around the Isle, including around Utra in the evening, when this image was taken (Alex Penn)
Plenty of Jack Snipe were present on Suka Mire, including this bird which was caught and ringed (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note:177 Barnacle Goose, 80 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 'Russian White-fronted Goose', 19 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 21 Golden Plover, 18 Curlew, 129 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 17 Jack Snipe, 63 Snipe, 30 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Skua, 1 Razorbill, 1 Puffin, 1 'blue Fulmar', 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 125 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 42 Goldcrest, 15 Ring Ouzel, 16 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 1299 Redwing, 63 Song Thrush, 20 Robin, 5 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 203 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 18 Brambling, 60 Twite, 2 'Northwestern Redpoll', 4 Siskin, 10 Snow Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting
Plenty of Redwings still about (Alex Penn)
Year list: 207
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7th October 2024
Weather: Overcast all day, and quite gloomy and dark at times, with a threat of sun early afternoon. Rain from mid-afternoon. F4-5 E.
The day began with skies full of Redwings swirling around South Light (and above the lingering Hoopoe). Census was thrush-heavy, especially in the north and on the west cliffs, as to be expected, with congregations of Redwings hundreds-strong on Busta Brecks and the Rippack too. But before real counts could get underway, Warden Alex and FIBO alum. Georgia got onto a vocal flyover PECHORA PIPIT over Utra Scrape, mustering all birders-in-the-field into action. Some 20 minutes later the bird was calling over Taft and headed towards South Green, and despite thorough hunting of likely areas of rank grassland it was not relocated. This is the 46th record of this Siberian species for the Isle, and the first since 2019. Another pipit encounter was had in the north, with a flighty Olive-backed Pipit, our first of the autumn, around Naaversgill. A Little Bunting remained in the thistles at Field, meanwhile on the west cliffs, decent numbers of Song Thrushes were being mined, and 10 Ring Ouzel were present. The Lanceolated Warbler at the Haa was seen again intermittently for its fifth day, and, after no sign for three days, the Coues's Arctic Redpoll was around North Light once more. Snow Buntings numbered 25 across various sites, a few flocks of Barnacle Geese flew south, and the first Brent Geese of the year - two 'Pale-bellied' birds - flew north up the east coast in the late afternoon.
North Light's tenant Arctic Redpoll (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
PECHORA PIPIT: One flew over Utra Scrape, then was relocated over Taft and appeared to drop in at South Green, but was not refound. The 46th Fair Isle record.
LANCEOLATED WARBLER:One around the Haa again.
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL: One at North Light, after a few day's absence.
Hoopoe: One around South Light for its seventh day.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Seven.
Olive-backed Pipit: One at Naaversgill.
Little Bunting: One still at Field.
A perfect silvery autumn Ring Ouzel on the west cliffs, one of 10 logged today (Dan Gornall)
Goldcrests and friend (a Yellow-browed Warbler) in Troila Geo (Dan Gornall)
Sightings of note: 2 'Pale-bellied Brent Goose' (first of the year), 177 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 17 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 108 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 6 Jack Snipe, 52 Snipe, 32 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 791 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Skua, 2 Great Nothern Diver, 1 Storm-petrel, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 119 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 29 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 24 Goldcrest, 10 Ring Ouzel, 16 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 2627 Redwing, 452 Song Thrush, 33 Robin, 5 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 7 alba Wagtail, 279 Meadow Pipit, 38 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 60 Twite, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 25 Snow Bunting
One of autumn's finest colour schemes, being worn so well by a Brambling here (Steve Arlow)
Year list: 207
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6th October 2024
Weather: Overcast all day with a moderate wind and some spots of rain. Heavy rain in the evening. F6-4 SSE.
Numbers of passage passerines dropped off slightly, with fewer Blackcaps most noticeably. The 'rasping' Yellow Wagtail ssp. was resighted after a couple of days without a report, three 'Siberian Chiffchaffs' were present and the north of the Isle contained 11 Snow Buntings. A Pied Flycatcher was new in at Dog Geo and the Brambling flock at Barkland increased by one. A new Yellow-browed Warbler was colour-ringed, with 11 birds logged across the Isle. The Skadan crop strip and the thistles at Field both continued to host a Little Bunting each and the Lanceolated Warbler around the Haa was once again pinned down, even flying into the leg of the house's proprietor at one point!
The South Light Hoopoe, though often rather soggy, can show well at times (Steve Arlow)
HIGHLIGHTS
LANCEOLATED WARBLER:One around the Haa again.
Hoopoe: One around South Light for its sixth day.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 logged.
Little Bunting: Birds still at Field and the Skadan crop strip again.
Yellow Wagtail: The flava wagtail last seen three days ago was around the south of the Isle.
The first few Short-eared Owls of autumn have begun to arrive (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 107 Turnstone, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 44 Snipe, 59 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 65 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, 8 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, 17 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 323 Meadow Pipit, 61 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 82 Twite, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 11 Snow Bunting
Year list: 204
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5th October 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with some weak sun in the late afternoon. Light rain on and off throughout the day. F4-3 S.
A changeover of visiting birders saw us happy that a few of the standout birds of recent days remained, with the Hoopoe at Skadan, two Little Buntings, and the Lanceolated Warbler at the Haa still present. We recorded our first Woodcock of the autumn and a few Yellow-browed Warblers were new in, three of them now sporting colour rings, as we rapidly run out of combinations we can use on them! Blackcaps jumped in number and nine Snow Buntings were at Buness. With birds to the north and south of us so far this autumn, our attentions turn to Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers and another afternoon was spent prowling the reed grass, tufty verges and sedge-y mires and parks to no avail...
The lingering Lanceolated Warbler would spend time ensconced in the grassy turning circle outside the Skerryholm garage (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
LANCEOLATED WARBLER:One present around Skerryholm and the Haa for the third day.
Hoopoe: One around South Light for its fifth day.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 18 birds present.
Little Bunting: Yesterday's birds at Field and the Skadan crop strip again.
Another addition to the 2024 school of colour-ringed 'Yellow-brows' (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 19 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 65 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 75 Snipe, 42 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 2 Great Skua, 1 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 122 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 46 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Goldcrest, 10 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 32 Redwing, 31 Song Thrush, 24 Robin, 6 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 366 Meadow Pipit, 77 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 70 Twite, 1 'Northwestern Redpoll', 9 Snow Bunting
Year list: 204
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4th October 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with a short shower around midday and rain in the evening. F6-4 S.
A slightly quieter day then the previous, though a few Yellow-browed Warblers and three Little Bunting were new in - the latter pleasantly distributed with one in each census area. The Lanceolated Warbler found yesterday afternoon around the Haa was still present, showing for those who put in the time languidly leaning against the dyke, though becoming a lot showier when it leapt across the road to the back of Fair Isle's 'petrol station' at Skerryholm. A Slavonian Grebe flew east past South Light on the morning sea-watch, while nearby the Hoopoe was still present for its fourth day. With FIBOT alumnus, and Yellow-browed Warbler colour-ringing project coordinator, Dan Gornall on-Isle for a few weeks, the team are hoping to catch more 6g nuggets of Siberian magic to contribute to this ongoing national scheme.
One of three Little Buntings recorded today, this one at Field ditch (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
LANCEOLATED WARBLER:Yesterday's bird still present in the 'back garden' of the Haa, taking a short trip across the road to the back of Skerryholm.
Slavonian Grebe: One east past South Light c.09:15hrs.
Glaucous Gull: Two first calendar-year birds with c.500 Great Black-backed Gulls on Swey.
Hoopoe: One around the Puffinn again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 logged.
Little Bunting: Singles at Field, Yellow Head and the Skadan crop strip.
Searching for meaning...and migrants...on the south-west cliffs (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 5 Barnacle Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 79 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 36 Snipe, 42 Redshank, 3 Common Gull, 8 Great Skua, 1 Guillemot, 13 Razorbill, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 105 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 30 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 21 Goldcrest, 9 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, 20 Robin, 5 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 6 alba Wagtail, 279 Meadow Pipit, 47 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 29 Twite, 1 Redpoll sp., 7 Siskin
Yesterday's 'Lancy' was still present (Dave Read)
Year list: 204
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3rd October 2024
Weather: Sunny once again, with growing cloud cover. F4 S.
Census was delayed until the afternoon for the extended Obs' team while we participated in the third Hill Caa of the year, and a pleasant one at that in the balmy conditions, with a decent number of sheep rounded up in order for this year's lambs to be 'taken off the hill'. The day's birds included more of the same theme of recent days, with Robins, Blackcaps and Goldcrests on the west cliffs and in the crofts, though numbers of thrushes dropped off as they made the most of the high pressure here to continue their migration south. Five more Whooper Swans passed south over the Isle, with a new Barred Warbler at Shirva and the Hoopoe, the 'raspy' Yellow Wagtail and Siberian Stonechat still present (the latter now for it's 16th day). Our second Lanceolated Warbler of the autumn, pacing along the sheep cru adjacent to the Haa, was an unexpected afternoon delight and soon provided token 'Lancy' fare as it slithered its way through the reed-grass and rosa of the Haa back garden, sometimes in the company of one of the two Water Rails present on the island. Finally, a Coues's Arctic Redpoll was a fine wintery sight betwixt two Snow Buntings around the base of North Light in the late afternoon sun.
An afternoon rendevouz with a 'Lancy' at the Haa (Danny Gornall)
HIGHLIGHTS
LANCEOLATED WARBLER:One traipsing in the cru at the Haa, then moving to the cover of the 'back' garden.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Boini Mire.
'COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL': One at North Light with two Snow Bunting.
Hoopoe: On Skadan again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 12 logged.
Barred Warbler: One at Shirva.
Yellow Wagtail: The flava wagtail ssp. was in Meoness.
The Isle's second Lanceolated Warbler of the autumn (Steve Arlow)
A chunky Redpoll at North Light, of a form we used to call Coues's Arctic Redpoll... (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 12 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 3 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 41 Curlew, 24 Turnstone, 71 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 1 Great Skua, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 74 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 40 Blackcap, 2 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 24 Goldcrest, 15 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 32 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, 28 Robin, 1 Common Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 6 alba Wagtail, 200 Meadow Pipit, 21 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 34 Twite, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting
The Hoopoe, present for its third day, spent time grubjuggling on Skadan (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 204
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2nd October 2024
Weather: Gloriously sunny and warm, with barely a breath of wind. F1 N-NE.
A still, clear night precipitated a clearout of migrants, evidenced within the first few hours of census with a lack of shrikes, and no further sign of yesterday's Black-headed Bunting, Arctic Warbler, Eastern Yellow Wagtail or 'Coues's Arctic Redpoll'. However, the warmth and sun made for a very pleasant day in the field with plenty to tally and catch up with. Robins, Blackcaps and thrushes were once again present in good numbers, with a couple more 'Siberian Chiffchaffs' and the Hoopoe still probing its way around the crofts of the south. The first Whooper Swans of the autumn passed the Isle, a few Bramblings were new in and a Red-breasted Flycatcher was found on the cliffs at Hoini, before being relocated further south in the dark depths of Kroga Geo, where it evoked the wrath of migrant Robins. An interesting development, thanks to visiting FIBO alum Danny Gornall, was the news that a satellite-tracked Whooper Swan was heading south past Shetland and on a course with Fair Isle's airspace. No sooner had Danny landed on the Isle for an extended autumn visit, than a wedge of eight swans flew south, one of them bearing a Waterbird Colour Marking neck-collar! In similar resightng excitement, a Norwegian-ringed Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped in the garden of Burkle.
A Red-breasted Flycatcher on the precipice of South Geo o' Hoini (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Slavonian Grebe: One in the Haven again.
Hoopoe: One still present in the south.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 14 present today.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One at South Geo o' Hoini and then later at Kroga Geo.
Yellow Wagtail: A flava wagtail ssp. was in Kirki Geo.
Blackcaps continued to be the flavour of the day, with small clusters of them feeding in the Rosa rugosa (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 8 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Whooper Swan, 13 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 24 Curlew, 35 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 2 Jack Snipe, 49 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 4 Great Skua, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 98 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 7 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 37 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 27 Goldcrest, 16 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 138 Redwing, 57 Song Thrush, 39 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 16 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 alba Wagtail, 249 Meadow Pipit, 40 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 63 Twite, 1 Linnet, 3 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin, 9 Snow Bunting
Sunset from North Light at the end of another day of crazy October warmth (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Painted Lady, 3 Silver Y
Year list: 204
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1st October 2024
Weather: An overcast start, with some drizzle before becoming warm and sunny. F3-2 ENE.
Every birder's most anticipated month of the year kicked off with a weapons-grade bang on the Isle, with birds arriving throughout the day, the rollcall of rarities getting longer as our sunburn got worse! An overcast, drizzly morning began with more Barnacle Geese, and then a Brown Shrike at Raeva! The bird, our second of the autumn, then did a bunk before dropping into the garden of Schoolton, while a Black-headed Bunting was a surprise find down the road at Burkle, while everywhere dripped in Blackcaps, and Robins, Redwings and the first Fieldfare of autumn put in a good showing. The bunting, the Isle's first since 2017, then pinged over to the Chapel brae before heading south, not to be seen again today. The day became fine and sunny, growing warmer and warmer as the easterly wind waned. The garden of Shirva turned up a Hoopoe, which then performed a victory tour of the crofts. Out on north census, AW Luke stoically suppressed his heavy head cold, with a buzzy Eastern Yellow Wagtail at North Naaversgill as a reward. The wagtail soon relocated behind Chalet, where it could be compared alongside the (Western) Yellow Wagtail (which itself calls akin to a M.f.feldegg/'Black-headed Wagtail') for good measure, while a flock of 100+ Barnacle Geese passed noisily down the east coast. In the mid-afternoon a Coues's Arctic Redpoll was in the Plantation, with the news of a Daurian Shrike in the garden of Utra breaking some 15 minutes later. This confiding first calendar-year posed for a modest crowd, and then killed and ate a Fair Isle Wren - providing a spectacle you literally could only witness here on 'the Rock'...! To add to the novelty, the Hoopoe spent some time tempting fate in the shrike's same square footage. An Arctic Warbler was a final flourish from the garden of Setter, and the long-staying Siberian Stonechat must have felt quite upstaged as it barely got a second glance! While the Yellow-browed Warbler total may have been slightly lower than anticipated given the conditions (we're not complaining, honest!), our 20th colour-ringed bird was processed. With 60+ Robins, 78 Blackcaps, some 5 'Siberian Chiffchaffs' among the varied and exciting spate of arrivals, today was a hearty tonic of migration magic. We're hoping for another big swig tomorrow!
A brief Black-headed Bunting at Burkle (Steve Arlow)
The Isle's second Brown Shrike of the year...so far (Kev Kelly)
HIGHLIGHTS
DAURIAN SHRIKE: A first calendar-year at Utra from mid-afternoon.
BROWN SHRIKE: At Raeva late morning, then in the garden of Schoolton but elusive.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Quoy.
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL: One at North Naaversgill relocated to parks behind Chalet/Upper Stoneybrek.
'COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL': One at Plantation then north.
BLACK-HEADED BUNTING: Fem./imm. in the garden of Burkle late morning then flew south.
Slavonian Grebe: One in the Haven again.
Hoopoe: One Shirva, then Houll and Utra.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 18 logged.
Arctic Warbler: One at Setter.
Yellow Wagtail: Yesterday's flava wagtail ssp. was at various sites.
The garden of Utra contained this Daurian Shrike, alongside a Hoopoe later in the day (Steve Arlow)
Arctic Warbler in the garden of Setter (Steve Arlow)
Sightings of note: 135 Barnacle Goose, 32 Greylag Goose, 19 Pink-footed Goose, 19 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 18 Golden Plover, 16 Curlew, 57 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 64 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Common Gull, 5 Great Skua, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 147 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 1 Reed Warbler, 78 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 1 Common Whitethroat, 17 Goldcrest, 16 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 34 Redwing, 34 Song Thrush, 61 Robin, 2 Common Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 420 Meadow Pipit, 43 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 72 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 9 Snow Bunting
A Hoopoe toured various croft gardens, and was renamed 'Houll-poe' by the proprietor while it fed on her driveway (Steve Arlow)
Coues's Arctic Redpoll performed in Plantation for a single observer (Brendan Doe)
Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 204
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30th September 2024
Weather: Largely overcast. F4 SSE-SE.
With a switch in the wind direction from the previous evening, we bound out into census with renewed optomism for arrivals. The long-staying Siberian Stonechat saw us well on our way as it continues into its 13th day, and the Yellow-browed Warbler total bumped back into double figures, with a couple of the colour-ringed birds of the last week or so still around. Some light Barnacle Goose passage provided a nice backdrop overhead, and a Slavonian Grebe was keeping a Red-breasted Merganser company in the Haven. A Bluethroat was a welcome surprise on north census as it scuttled in and out of collapsed peat cuts at the base of Ward Hill, with seven Snow Buntings not far away. A Barred Warbler was trapped in Gully and a vocal Yellow Wagtail was first seen at Burkle, then flushed from behind Linni Geo and settled around the Meadow Burn, ready to be scrutinised for the possibility of its rarer Eastern counterpart. However, the brown tone to the upperparts, the rather weak face pattern, a short hind claw and a call atypical with Eastern Yellow Wagtail all point to this being 'just' a Yellow Wagtail, albeit one from a south-eastern population perhaps... Blackbirds and Robins were new in, with another 'Siberian Chiffchaff' at the Haa supplementing the bird around Lower Stoneybrek. Our Gannet productivity plots continue to be monitored, though most colonies now boast more empty nests than occupied ones.
A nice encounter with a Bluethroat on the way up Ward Hill (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
Slavonian Grebe: One in the Haven.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 14 present.
Barred Warbler: One trapped and ringed in Gully
Bluethroat: One at the base of Ward Hill.
Yellow Wagtail: A flava wagtail ssp. was around the Meadow Burn.
A late Yellow Wagtail kept us entertained (Alex Penn)
Sonogram from a recording taken of the Yellow Wagtail's flight call this afternoon (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 28 Barnacle Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Curlew, 76 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 45 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 7 Great Skua, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 83 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 18 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 5 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 4 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 7 alba Wagtail, 213 Meadow Pipit, 35 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 64 Twite, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 7 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting
The second Slavonian Grebe of the autumn in the Haven (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 200
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29th September 2024
Weather: Heavy rain and horizontal showers. F6-4 NW-S.
A very wet morning dragged on into a very wet early afternoon, as each heavy shower eased off with promise of more birdable conditions quelled as the next squall rolled in. Birding among the rain was supplemented by more time in the field once the sun arrived and beckoned in a very pleasant Sunday afternoon. A young Glaucous Gull was hanging around on the turf of South Green - our first 'white-winger' of the season. Just four Yellow-browed Warblers were logged, though it is almost certain that many had gone to ground and became impossible to detect. The Siberian Stonechat lingers and a couple of Pink-footed Geese add to the wintery feel. Thankfully the winds swung round to the south by the evening, and we enjoyed a bonfire in the Haven with a mix of islanders and FIBO building site tradesmen, with a decent display of 'mareel' (bioluminescence) sparkling in the wave tops to the south.
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh again.
Glauous Gull: First calendar-year on South Green.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Four birds present.
First calendar-year Glaucous Gull loafing with Great Black-backed Gulls on South Green (Steve Arlow)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 62 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 3 Jack Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 6 Whinchat, 1 Chaffinch, 11 Siskin
Year list: 200
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28th September 2024
Weather: Sunny spells until the afternoon, with some showers and then largely overcast. F6-4 NW.
Little change in terms of migrants new in, though a Lapland Bunting and two Snow Bunting were arrivals. The Siberian Stonechat remains around Lower Leogh for its 12th day, a smart 'Siberian Chiffchaff' was again in the gardens of Upper and Lower Stoneybrek and a handful of Yellow-browed Warblers remain. Our Great Skua total dropped to single figures as they slowly depart the Isle for their oceanic wintering quarters. While north-westerlies may feel 'blocking' at this point in the autumn, they can still turn up species such as Pechora Pipits, and it was with this stripy denzien of bushy tundra and taiga swamps in mind that we stomped around likely ground after census. The winds are due to switch after the weekend, and we anticipate some arrivals...
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Five birds present between Gully and Midway.
Snow Bunting at North Light (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 24 Curlew, 120 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 46 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 6 Great Skua, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 144 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 9 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 1 Common Whitethroat, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 246 Meadow Pipit, 48 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 44 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Redpoll sp., 11 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
A regular feature of recent days with the persistent showers and sun (Luke Marriner)
Year list: 200
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27th September 2024
Weather: Sunny spells again, and cold, stinging showers. F6-7 NNW.
With an increasing north-westerly wind, census has became a bit quieter, and it was bracing to be out in the sun and chilly winds, with frequent showers to boot. The first Short-eared Owl of the autumn was at the school brae and the long-staying Siberian Stonechat is still present around Lower Leogh. After much discussion with the North Ronaldsay Bird Obs' team as well as respected birders across Shetland and beyond, it is clear that the Red-backed Shrike reported from Shirva and Midway on 25th September was in fact a Brown Shrike (it has since been present and identified on North Ronaldsay on both 26th & 27th). More can be read on the sightings update for the 25th below.
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 birds today.
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 42 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 31 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 1 Common Gull, 17 Great Skua, 1 Guillemot, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 129 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Song Thrush, 3 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 7 alba Wagtail, 244 Meadow Pipit, 39 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 127 Twite, 6 Linnet, 9 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 200
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26th September 2024
Weather: Squally showers all day, but largely sunny. F5 N.
Quite a quiet day, with low numbers of migrants under the continuing northerly winds. Chilly rain clouds dumped their contents over the Isle despite the sun, with quite impressive views to be had from the north, with columns of rain descending into the sea and into the distance, a rainbow passing through many of them. Our totals of Yellow-browed Warblers are dropping, with a couple of the colour-ringed birds still about, and the ringers here ready to affix more with these markers once the next batch of easterlies blow. A Jack Snipe was around Da Water, a Ruff was new in and the first Reed Bunting of autumn was present. A 'Siberian Chiffchaff' was at Burkle, with three 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroats' (blythi) logged.
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh again.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11 birds today.
Common Rosefinch: One at Lower Stoneybrek.
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 3 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 6 Curlew, 31 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 44 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 2 Common Gull, 28 Great Skua, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 123 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 1 Common Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 6 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Pied Wagtail, 8 alba Wagtail, 274 Meadow Pipit, 17 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 69 Twite, 1 Linnet, 22 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral
Year list: 200
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25th September 2024
Weather: Full sun all day, and warm when out of the wind. F3-5 N.
Another sparklingly sunny day, with a few of the lingering migrants making for an enjoyable census, if a little quiet in the north. Yellow-browed Warblers cntinue to entertain from most of the typical crofts and geos, the Siberian Stonechat was once again in residence around Lower Leogh, with a couple of Whinchats for company. A shrike found in the garden of Shirva gained interest throughout the day pertaining to its identification, with some photos appearing to show Brown Shrike features. After some prolonged effort relocating it as it swung between Shirva and Midway, the Obs' team came away thinking on balance that it was more likely to be a Red-backed Shrike, as was the original ID, though some features still seemed a bit odd. The following day (26th Sept) North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory (some 45km to the south-west of us) reported the presence of a Brown Shrike via their social media, and it was evident from the attached photographs that this was the same bird. Much discussion ensued, with opinions sought from experienced field birders across Shetland and further afield, while the full suite of photographs obtained during its one-day appearance were studied. It seems easy to say with hindsight, but several photographs do clearly show the bird to be 'pro'-Brown Shrike, and it is thanks to the North Ron Bird Obs' team, as well as those who contributed their thoughts on this bird that we have reached this point. This is the fifth record of Brown Shrike for Fair Isle, with the last being in November 2023.
This Brown Shrike proved a difficult ID in the field, see more information above... (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
BROWN SHRIKE: A flighty first calendar-year bird at Shirva and ranging to Midway. Fifth record for Fair Isle.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for its ninth day.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 22 in total.
Common Rosefinch: One at Utra.
The Siberian Stonechat continues to find the rough grassland and rosa around Upper & Lower Leogh to its liking (Steve Arlow)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 19 Golden Plover, 9 Ringed Plover, 18 Curlew, 27 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 12 Great Skua, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 146 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 8 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 9 alba Wagtail, 422 Meadow Pipit, 52 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 74 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 6 Siskin
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 200
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24th September 2024
Weather: Cold showers and overcast, breaking into sun from mid-afternoon and into the evening. F5 N.
A morning of dodging chilly showers in a northerly wind, while it felt mighty birdy out there. The Walli Burn was alive with Yellow-browed Warblers and the Little Bunting was once again around Hegri Burn, before a Corncrake was trapped in the Vaadal by AW Luke. This, the 200th bird on the Fair Isle 2024 yearlist, was shown to a few visiting birders and promptly released. Corncrakes once featured in Fair Isle's breeding avifauna, but stopped nesting regularly by the 1960s. Their wholesale decline is all too apparent here, with the last suspected breeding in 2002 and even passage migrants dwindling from regularly expected occurances each year to being barely annual. A first calendar-year Turtle Dove was a surprise sight in the depths of Kirn o' Skroo and a Barred Warbler at the Vaadal reservoir was then trapped in Plantation. A Jack Snipe was new in at the Walli Burn, a 'Siberian Chiffchaff' was at Midway and the Siberian Stonechat continues its residency at Upper Leogh, perhaps it is just keeping our Chairman company?
A Corncrake, en route from Scandinavia to Africa, which becomes our 200th bird on the yearlist (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
Turtle Dove: Juv. in Kirn o' Skroo.
Corncrake: One trapped and ringed in the Vaadal.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 23 in total (again!).
Barred Warbler: One ringed in Plantation.
Little Bunting: One still at Utra Scrape.
Rallids are famed for their feats of migration, thought it can be hard to believe from such a chicken-like creature (Jonnie Fisk)
A Turtle Dove poking about down Kirn o' Skroo (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 23 Greylag Goose, 23 Pink-footed Goose, 27 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 9 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 23 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 69 Snipe, 27 Redshank, 4 Common Gull, 26 Great Skua, 7 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 164 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 8 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 'Siberian Lesser Whitethroat', 4 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 14 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Common Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 11 alba Wagtail, 598 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 49 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 101 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 15 Siskin, 3 Lapland Bunting, 5 Snow Bunting
Year list: 199
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23rd September 2024
Weather: Overcast and cooler than recent days. F3-4 NE.
Another still, overcast day full of autumn promise. Once again it was bouncing with Yellow-browed Warblers, though it was clear many had moved on since yesterday. The Siberian Stonechat was glimpsed again, now present for its sixth day, and the Little Bunting was around Utra Scrape/Hegri Burn, all nice highlights for the changover of visiting birders today. As we were coming to the end of census, AW Luke came across a Lanceolated Warbler in the Skadan crop strip (alongside a Yellow-browed Warbler)! Our first of the autumn, and a hotly anticipated and desired bird for many visitors and newly-minted Obs' staff members alike. It soon ensconced itself within a rolled up spool of stock fencing thick with grass and provided entertaining, and often amusing, scenes for the nine or so birders gathered as it climbed the rungs of its new high-rise home, with the odd dash out into the surrounding grass. This is the Isle's 102nd record of Lanceolated Warbler. We passed our 100-bird mark last year, meaning we're in the rather daft position of being able to quite quickly work out the exchange rate of 'Lancies' to other Fair Isle rarities - for example there are 51 Lancies for each Kingfisher record, 10 for each Red Kite record, 6 for each Blue Tit and Garganey...etc.!
Some rather atypical views of the Lanceolated Warbler when first flushed from the Skadan Crop strip (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
LANCEOLATED WARBLER: One in the Skadan crop strip from the mid-afternoon.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 23 in total.
Common Rosefinch: One in Kirki Geo.
Little Bunting: One at Utra Scrape.
As always, 'Lancies' are captivating to watch as they cosplay as mice (Alex Penn)
Lanceolated Warbler surveying the scene from its spool of fencing wire, with the Warden's welly providing a backdrop (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 13 Pink-footed Goose, 191 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 13 Turnstone, 8 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 31 Snipe, 16 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 18 Common Gull, 20 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 18 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 74 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 1 Common Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 12 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Pied Wagtail, 7 alba Wagtail, 282 Meadow Pipit, 55 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 137 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting
Year list: 198
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22nd September 2024
Weather: Overcast all day, and still. F2 E.
A very calm, but lively day in the field where it was hard to escape from Yellow-browed Warblers...not that anyone would want to! After much merriment for Warden Alex's 29th birthday the night before, it was a fragile Obs' team who headed out into census, kicked off by the news from Deryk Shaw of a Black Kite high over Burkle, while a Marsh Harrier was also in Fair Isle airspace! The Black Kite was lost to the clouds, pursued by Ravens and the harrier headed north, to be seen around the Mast later on. A 'green' Golden Oriole was new in the garden of the Haa, quickly taking in a few other crofts as it flopped about, with an extended pause along the Meadow Burn. This is the 55th record for Fair Isle but ony the 9th in autumn, showing the clear spring bias for this usually 'overshooting' migrant. The first Redwing of the autumn was at Wirvie Burn and the Siberian Stonechat was around Lower Leogh again. A Barred Warbler was in nettles at Pund and Yellow-browed Warblers were buzzing along the fencelines, thickets of thistles, willow plantations, or simply hopping about on the grass, with 10 caught and colour-ringed for the current nationwide project during perfect still conditions until the early evening.
A Yellow-browed Warbler takes in the scenery of Fair Isle's west cliffs (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
Black Kite: One east high over Burkle c.11:15 then lost to view c.11:25.
Marsh Harrier: Cream-crown flew north over Shirva and around the mast later on.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 35; largely around the crofts.
Barred Warbler: One at Pund.
Golden Oriole: A first calendar-year in the Haa and then various sites around the crofts.
The Golden Oriole resting for long enough to manage a photograph (Jonnie Fisk)
Yellow-browed Warbler in the Wali Burn (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 13 Pink-footed Goose, 29 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 2 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 40 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 28 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 28 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 8 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 'Siberian' Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 8 Whinchat, 11 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 Pied Wagtail, 12 alba Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 264 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 3 Lapland Bunting
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 197
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21st September 2024
Weather: Thick fog, lifting slightly by mid-afternoon. Still. F2-3 E.
Another day of poor visibility still presented the opportunity for a wide spate of birds to be seen, with the continuation of the Siberian Stonechat, Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Bunting and a handful of Yellow-browed Warblers about the place. A Sparrowhawk caught in the Vaadal bore a British ring, presumaby a bird from Shetland. The two Lapland Buntings were still around the cru on Meoness, while below them a Rosefinch was on the beach at South Harbour. This year has been our Acting Warden Alex Penn's fifth season on the Isle, and today we'd like to wish him a very happy 29th birthday!
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
Pectoral Sandpiper: Back in its favoured puddle by Field.
Yellow-browed Warbler: Seven today.
Common Rosefinch: One around Lower Leogh.
Little Bunting: Still present around Plantation.
Happy 29th Birthday, Alex!
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 13 Pink-footed Goose, 29 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 34 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 57 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 94 Snipe, 13 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 64 Common Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 'Siberian Chiffchaff', 6 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 7 Whinchat, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 213 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting
Year list: 196
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20th September 2024
Weather: Foggy and overcast, with periods of poor visibility. F3 SE.
Well, it wasn't t-shirt weather, and low fog in, particularly in the north, affected visibility. We appear to have seen a departure of a few birds, with no sign of the Tennessee Warbler, neither the Ortolan Bunting or yesterday's Wryneck, Bluethroat or Barred Warbler. The Siberian Stonechat was present for its third day and continued to both linger around Lower Leogh and evade trapping efforts! Yellow-browed Warblers were the commonest warbler by a long chalk, with 15 across the Isle, from the cliffs of the north to South Light, and five were colour ringed as part of the ongoing nationwide project. The Little Bunting first seen yesterday in Plantation was present around Chalet and a single Rosefinch was around South Harbour, where the two Lapland Buntings continue to hang out. The Twite have been flocking in decent numbers recently, with 213 recorded today, mostly around Barkland and decimating the local seedheads...
Five Yellow-browed Warblers were colour ringed today in the hopes that their movements can teach us more about migration trajectory, site fidelity and their wintering grounds (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present around Lower Leogh for another day.
Pectoral Sandpiper: Reappeared around Field.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 15; including three together at Setter, two at the Obs' and two at Chalet.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One at Easter Lother.
Common Rosefinch: One around the southern end of the Isle.
Little Bunting: Yesterday's ringed bird around Chalet.
The Pectoral Sandpiper remained faithful to the pond by the roadside at Field (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 13 Pink-footed Goose, 27 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 33 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 73 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 42 Snipe, 16 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 45 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 13 alba Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 213 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 4 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 4 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee, 1 Silver Y, 4 Risso's Dolphins
Year list: 196
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19th September 2024
Weather: Sunny start, warm again until c.midday when cloud descended, becoming a foggy late afternoon and evening. F4 S-SE.
Another fine day of birding, with more September sun before a thick haa rolled in. Nevertheless, a fair few birds were new in, with a Little Bunting ringed in the morning trap round alongside a Barred Warbler, a Wryneck and Red-breasted Flycatcher among the crofts and a Bluethroat along the Walli Burn in the late afternoon. Yellow-browed Warblers were scattered across the Isle, from the comforting cover of Vaila's Trees to the grassy slopes of Dronger. The Siberian Stonechat first found yesterday was still present and spent most of the day around Lower Leogh, while the Tennessee Warbler was once again in attendance, and even twitched by a few day visitors...who became overnight visitors as the visibility deteriorated by the afternoon and flights off-Isle were cancelled. A single Rosefinch remains from our flock of recent days, while a few Grey Herons, two Tree Sparrows and a Grasshopper Warbler were also among the arrivals.
A Little Bunting was a nice surprise in the Plantation Heligoland alongside a Barred Warbler (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: Present for its second day, mostly around Lower Leogh.
TENNESSEE WARBLER: Present for its sixth day.
Wryneck: One at Pund, then moved south through various crofts.
Yellow-browed Warbler: 11.
Barred Warbler: One ringed in Plantation.
Bluethroat: One in the Walli Burn.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One at Quoy.
Common Rosefinch: One at Lower Leogh.
Ortolan Bunting: One at Single Dyke flew to Byerwalls.
Little Bunting: One ringed in Plantation.
Our first day of double-figure Yellow-browed Warblers this autumn (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 9 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 16 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 56 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 63 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 8 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Great Skua, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 113 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 11 Whinchat, 25 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 13 alba Wagtail, 379 Meadow Pipit, 57 Rock Pipit, 115 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting
Our New World star can still be seen feeding on angelica in the croft gardens (Phil Woollen)
Other wildlife: 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y
Year list: 196
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18th September 2024
Weather: Full sunshine and cloudless skies for most of the day. Warm. F4-5 SSE.
Our second Shetland summer continues, with another day of clement weather and relentless sunshine. It seemingly allowed a few migrant passerines to move on, though bringing with it a few others, including the first Dunnock of the autumn, another Yellow-browed Warbler, at least one Barred Warbler and then a fine Siberian Stonechat found (once again by Rob Hughes and Nina O'Hanlon) at Field Ditch in the mid-afternoon. The Tennessee Warbler stuck for its fourth day - seen intermittently around Chalet and Upper Stoneybrek, with yesterday's four Rosefinches all in attendance and the Pectoral Sandpiper of recent days still about, swapping its Chatham's Land puddle for the comparative sea of Da Water.
This Siberian Stonechat was found near field this afternoon (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SIBERIAN STONECHAT: One showing features of maurus was at Field ditch mid-afternoon.
TENNESSEE WARBLER: Present for its fourth day, though harder to find.
Pectoral Sandpiper: Present on Da Water.
Yellow-browed Warbler: One at Vaila's Trees.
Barred Warbler: Two at Burkle.
Common Rosefinch: Four at the Obs' in the morning.
Siberian Stonechat (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 26 Ringed Plover, 24 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 33 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 98 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 4 Common Gull, 29 Great Skua, 5 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 184 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 7 Whinchat, 8 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 17 alba Wagtail, 543 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 77 Rock Pipit, 119 Twite, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Lapland Bunting, 21 Snow Bunting
This flighty Lapland Bunting has been hanging around the cru on Meoness and the Walli Burn in recent days (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 196
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17th September 2024
Weather: Mostly overcast, but mild. F3-2 SW.
A calm, overcast day, with some new scarce arrivals to keep us occupied. The Tennessee Warbler was present around Upper Stoneybrek again for its third day and seen intermittently by the Obs' team and visiting birders. At Chatham's Land the Pectoral Sandpiper was still catching leatherjackets in its puddle, while the Ortolan Bunting around Gilsetter and Byerwalls was still present and eventually trapped and ringed in Plantation. A juvenile Turtle Dove dropped in nearby shortly afterwards before continuing south and seen later on the Rippack. By midday an Arctic Warbler was in the Observatory garden, to be promptly caught and ringed there, showing it to be a first calendar-year bird in fine fettle. Visting birders Rob and Nina then continued their best efforts at upstaging the Obs' team by discovering the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn in the Plantation and then a flock of three Common Rosefinches down the road at Chalet. A separate Rosefinch was then in the Obs' garden, while the three birds were caught and ringed at various points throughout the afternoon, as was the Yellow-browed Warbler, which became the first here to be included in a new country-wide colour-ringing scheme for this species. A 'blue' Fulmar logged from the Good Shepherd IV, the first Grey Wagtail of the autumn new in and the Lapland Bunting total rising to four were among today's other highlights.
The first Fair Isle record of Ortolan since 2019 has been a pleasant addition to census in recent days (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
TENNESSEE WARBLER: Present for its third day, once again mostly around Upper Stoneybrek.
Turtle Dove: A juv. dropped into Byerwalls, then toured areas in the south of the Isle.
Pectoral Sandpiper: The juv. was still at Chatham's Land for most of the day.
Yellow-browed Warbler: The first of the autumn at Plantation, then trapped and ringed.
Arctic Warbler: One at the Observatory garden, later trapped and ringed.
Common Rosefinch: Four; a flock of three dropped into Chalet, with another mobile bird elsewhere. Three birds were then ringed.
Ortolan Bunting: One still present at Gilsetter, then trapped and ringed.
The Tennessee Warbler remains, though it needs to linger a bit longer to break the two-week streak of the first record for Fair Isle (and Britain!) (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 9 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 25 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 71 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 72 Snipe, 84 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 30 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 39 Great Skua, 7 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 2 Storm Petrel, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 162 Skylark, 16 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 10 Whinchat, 13 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 15 alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 479 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 73 Rock Pipit, 164 Twite, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 4 Lapland Bunting
Just a couple of Rosefinches in a bush (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 195
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16th September 2024
Weather: Largely sunny, and warm in sheltered spots. F4-2 SSW.
A chilly morning's trap rounds saw us wondering if yesterday's star bird, Fair Isle's third Tennessee Warbler, was still present after no sign in its favourite croft garden. But once the sun warmed the firmament it was back and actively feeding in the angelicas alongside Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and a Lesser Whitethroat. It would occasionally do the odd circuit up and down the road, but never so active that those who had travelled from Shetland for the day could miss it. An arrival of visiting birders from the mainland resulted in the discovery of a fresh juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper at Chatham's Land, feeding contentedly in a puddle. A Barred Warbler was in the south of the Isle and the Ortolan Bunting from yesterday was still present towards the north side of Gilsetter, while just offshore in Ditfield a Slavonian Grebe and Great Northern Diver were cutting shapes among the Tysties.
The Isle's third Tennessee Warbler showed well for a few happy day trippers and birders arriving for a week's stay (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
TENNESSEE WARBLER: Present for its second day, staying faithful to the croft gardens between Stackhoull and Field, with a quick trip down to Shirva. Trapped and ringed later in the day.
Slavonian Grebe: A moulting adult was in Ditfield.
Pectoral Sandpiper: A confiding juv. was found mid-afternoon at Chatham's Land.
Barred Warbler: One at the Haa was then seen at Schoolton.
Ortolan Bunting: One present at Gilsetter again.
In-the-hand study allowed us to age and sex the Tennessee Warbler as a first calendar-year female (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Woodpigeon, 6 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 9 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 74 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 8 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 54 Snipe, 42 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 6 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 36 Great Skua, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 148 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 16 alba Wagtail, 338 Meadow Pipit, 29 Rock Pipit, 101 Twite, 1 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 2 Lapland Bunting, 7 Snow Bunting
A Pec' Sand on Chatham's Land, typically approachable and confiding (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 7 Shetland Bee
Year list: 193
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15th September 2024
Weather: Sunny spells, with short showers in the mid-/late afternoon. F4 SSW-SW.
Milder winds with a southerly bent and cool autumnal light made for an exciting census, which began for one member of the team with a couple of Sooty Shearwaters past South Light, while another had the regular Rosefinch at Burkle. A few common migrants and a decent-sized skein of Pink-footed Geese were new in, but all was interrupted by a message on the birder's grapevine by previous FIBO staff members Rob Hughes and Nina O'Hanlon: TENNESSEE WARBLER at Upper Stoneybrek! Within minutes almost all the Isle's resident birders were stood watching this vibrantly saturated New World warbler hanging off the angelicas in the front garden of the croft. In recent days's we'd allowed ourselves some quiet comments about birding being a bit slow... Had the Tennessee whisky sampled the night before at the Haa by one member of the Obs' team been a premonition?! Could that same AW's fancy dress choice of Tennessee icon Dolly Parton for a party earlier in the season have been foreshadowing?! All silliness aside, it was a timely top up of our excitement tanks and enthusiasm guages, as this bright green-and-yellow Nearctic vagrant buzzed out a few laps around the assembled crowd, then took off down the road and into Vaila's Trees, but not before a glancing blow into the back of a stationary van (the bird was unscathed, dear readers)! After pulling a short bunk, lucky AW Luke bumped into it at Field as he continued his interrupted census, before finding a vocal, but brief Ortolan Bunting near Gilsetter. The first Tennessee Warbler for Britain was found here on 6th September 1975, remaining present for a full two weeks and was even trapped and ringed. Incredibly, just four days after the first bird departed the second for Britain was found in the north of the Isle! Some 49 years later, today's Tennessee Warbler is the third record for Fair Isle, coming after a good run in the last two years for this largely September specialist of North America's boreal forest.
Some rain-washed afternoon sun saw the team out scoffing second and third helpings of the Tennessee Warbler back in the garden of Upper Stoneybrek. The bird was often in the company of a Willow Warbler and could even be seen taking a little break on Brodie (Fair Isle's youngest resident)'s trampoline and swing set. A return to Gilsetter, via a confiding rostrata Redpoll, allowed us to enjoy the reappearance of the juvenile Ortolan, merrily calling away as it sallied from dyke to ditch. We finished the day checking out the mixed wader flock around Pund for rarer visitors, while reflecting on a day featuring seabirds which began life in a burrow on the Falklands, a warbler which had crossed the entire Atlantic from a boggy, buggy forest in Canada, and a spate of other migrants from the far north-west and far north-east. Magic!
Fair Isle's third Tennessee Warbler, but the first since the 70s! (Alex Penn)
Putting on a delightful display in the late afternoon warmth around the garden of Upper Stoneybrek (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
TENNESSEE WARBLER: Fair Isle's third record was found late morning at Upper Stoneybrek, and took in neighbouring crofts during the day.
Common Rosefinch: One at Burkle then flew to the Busta crop strip.
Ortolan Bunting: One vocal juvenile around Gilsetter.
After a brief encounter in the morning, this Ortolan was more obliging in the light of 'golden hour' (Alex Penn)
A welcome island tick for Warden Alex Penn, after a few years with no records (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 5 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 18 Golden Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 146 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 8 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 164 Snipe, 56 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Razorbill, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 172 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycacther, 2 Robin, 1 Common Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 19 Wheatear, 20 alba Wagtail, 525 Meadow Pipit, 164 Rock Pipit, 137 Twite, 6 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee, 2 Dolphin sp.
Year list: 192
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14th September 2024
Weather: Rain bookending the day, largely overcast with sunny spells in the early evening. F6 S.
A bit of a quieter day, with rain in the morning delaying census, and not too much to report when we were out in the field, though a classic autumn milestone was hit with the first Goldcrest of the season tumbling away in the Obs' garden. A trio of Pink-footed Geese were still touring the Isle, with the Water Rail and a Lapland Bunting also present. Last night the second Delicate (a regular immigrant moth to Britain) for Fair Isle was trapped at Shirva. A seawatch off South Light produced a Sooty Shearwater and five Razorbills, a species which has been hard to come by since they departed their breeding ledges and boulderfields.
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 9 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 19 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 97 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 47 Snipe, 75 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 147 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 17 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 21 alba Wagtail, 562 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 149 Twite, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 6 Redpoll sp., 1 Lapland Bunting
Year list: 190
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13th September 2024
Weather: Largely sunny with a shower or two in the PM. F4 WSW.
A warmer day with the wind swinging from more northerly to southerly, and plenty of sun, which prompted some Pink-footed Goose passage, as well as our first Lapland Buntings of the year - two on Meoness. Our flirtation with autumn redpolls on the backs of the recent north-westerlies reached new heights with a mixed flock of subspecies, numbering at least 13 and containing four larger, streaky 'Northwestern' birds, around the crofts. A Barred Warbler was at Schoolton and the Rosefinch of recent days was still present, and later caught when the nets at Chapel Plantation were opened. With the arrival of a few birders, and more due in coming days, we're looking forward to what our coverage reveals.
HIGHLIGHTS
Barred Warbler: One at Schoolton.
Common Rosefinch: One first at Lower Stoneybrek, later trapped and ringed at Chapel Plantation.
With the stress of another breeding season out of the way, the Fair Isle Starlings are back to the business of mimicking passage waders, Snow Buntings and the like, often from a mobile perch (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 20 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 69 Rock Dove, 1 Woodpigeon, 6 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 15 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 85 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 4 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 47 Snipe, 39 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 138 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Whinchat, 20 Wheatear, 76 House Sparrow, 1 White Wagtail, 18 alba Wagtail, 504 Meadow Pipit, 62 Rock Pipit, 131 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 4 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 6 Redpoll sp., 2 Lapland Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting
Year list: 190
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12th September 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and showers in the afternoon. F6-7 NW.
A similar day to yesterday, with birding far from easy in the strong winds, but enjoyable nonetheless to work our away around a still-soggy Isle. The ringed Barred Warbler appeared again, with another bird a short distance away at Burkle, where the shelter of the garden's shrubs and copse also attracted six Blackcaps and a Rosefinch, which was seen in the south-west of the Isle later in the afternoon. A few Whinchat were still present and a Wryneck was by the Chapel.
HIGHLIGHTS
Wryneck: One at Chapel brae.
Barred Warbler: One at Burkle and the ringed bird in Chapel Plantation.
Common Rosefinch: One first at Burkle and Quoy was seen at Lower Stoneybrek later this afternoon.
Wryneck on the wall along Chapel brae (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Woodpigeon, 4 Oystercatcher, 19 Golden Plover, 20 Ringed Plover, 6 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 120 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 67 Snipe, 68 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 17 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 189
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11th September 2024
Weather: Rain in the morning and scattered light showers through the mid-afternoon and heavier again in the evening, with sunny spells. F7 NW.
Yesterday's deluge drained quickly from the Isle, and once a blustery census had been completed we were again able to access the traps to carry out some repairs where the floodwaters had ripped apart wire mesh or displaced wooden beams. The Gully trap is particularly impressive due to how many layers of vegetation, deposited and accumulated over the years, have been simply stripped away to reveal bare rock once again. The Vaadal bridge had shifted and so was reaffixed and some of the stones on the mill at Finnequoy have been shifted by the torrent that seems to have subsided as soon as it arrived. The Barred Warbler was at Burkle again, and more 'Northwestern' Redpolls were recorded, alongside a Pink-footed Goose and three Snow Buntings; more visitors from the north-west. A Rosefinch in the cover crop at Quoy was a surprise, and a Water Rail found by one of the Isle's canine birders was new in.
HIGHLIGHTS
Barred Warbler: One still at Burkle.
Common Rosefinch: One flew out of the Quoy cover crop and took cover in Schoolton.
Repairs taking place within the Gully trap (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 9 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 27 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, 68 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 2 Ruff, 7 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 49 Snipe, 52 Redshank, 11 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 6 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 3 'Northwestern' Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 3 Snow Bunting
Two Red-throated Divers passing over dramatic seas at South Light (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral
Year list: 189
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10th September 2024
Weather: Rain from dawn, mostly very heavy, with a wind increasing to gale force by the afternoon. Some 58mm of rain fell in 24hrs (up to 18.00). F8-10 NW!
Heavy rain from dawn combined with powerful winds by the afternoon to make for a very unbirdy day without a census. An incredible amount of water was pouring off the island, with 'new' waterfalls in numerous geos discolouring parts of the sea pink with the runoff, while the narrow roads were frequently forded and modest burns burst their banks in raging brown torrents. Gilsetter became a small lake, its waters escaping through the Finnequoy burn and through the Gully trap, creating some damage for the team to repair once the weather subsides. Similarly, the Vaadal trap, which usually has a small burn flowing through it, was inaccessible as the reservoir above overtopped and gushed down to Gilsetter. On the airfield a few of the Isle's Bonxies took refuge and stood in soggy unison, pointing their bills to the skies in the direction of the rain, as birds often do during heavy showers. A rather sorry Sparrowhawk and a Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser in the Haven were probably the most notable birds logged during our adventures around the flooded Isle. Wellies definitely needed for census tomorrow...
Additional info from Dave Wheeler at Field "Looking back through my records Tuesday’s 24-hour rainfall total is the wettest September day in a record stretching back to 1974, easily surpassing the previous highest of 35.7mm of 25 September 2007. The wettest September day in half a century and the third wettest day I have recorded here on Fair Isle. However, it falls well short of the two wetter days: 101.2mm on 10th August 2008 and the wettest 132.6mm on the 9th August 2014"
Wet wet wet! The burn draining through Gilsetter into Finnequoy (past Fair Isle's ancient mill) becomes white water rapids (Jonnie Fisk)
The Vaadal reservoir overtopping and pouring through the Vaadal Heligoland trap (Jonnie Fisk)
The Gully trap becoming a caged burn as Gilsetter drained through it (Jonnie Fisk)
Another angle of the Gully Heligoland, which will need some repairs now in order to be catching birds through the rest of the autumn... (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Wigeon, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Sanderling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow
Year list: 189
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9th September 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and very light showers in the late morning, becoming sunny in the afternoon and through the evening. F5 WNW.
A mixed day of sun and blustery winds, though it was easy to find warm calm spots on the Isle within which to find birds. A handful of migrants were evident, with a few Barred Warblers and a Red-backed Shrike still clinging on. Story of the day was probably an arrival of Snipe with over 80 recorded on census, almost certainly coming from Iceland, like the Pink-footed Geese today which were our first of the autumn. With the seabird season fully coming to a close, with just young Fulmars foolishly flailing about in unlikely locations, and juvenile Black Guillemots in the bays and sounds, it was time to bring both Obs' boats into storage after safely getting us to and from the Holms and allowing us, and visiting seabird fieldworkers, to explore those parts of the Isle only accessible by sea (unless you are a particularly nimble sheep). With an ...interesting...forecast for tomorrow, it felt like the calm before the storm, and perhaps the two 'Northwestern' Redpolls recorded today mark the vanguard of an arrival of their kind given the wind direction we are predicted...
A streaky 'rostrata' Redpoll around the Haa, with another at Wirvie Burn, were evidence of arrivals from the north-west (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: One still at Boini Mire.
Barred Warbler: Three; singles at Setter, Burkle and Vaila's Trees.
Reed Warblers continue to test our fieldcraft skills (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 4 Pink-footed Geese, 15 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Oystercatcher, 12 Golden Plover, 25 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 69 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 10 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 83 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 30 Redshank, 2 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 34 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 32 Wheatear, 16 alba Wagtail, 488 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 67 Rock Pipit, 52 Twite, 2 'Northwestern' Redpoll
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady
Year list: 189
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8th September 2024
Weather: Thick fog until the afternoon, remaining murky and overcast. F4 NW.
Those who know what life is like on islands in the north will not be surprised to hear that after a few days of sustained sun and warmth, today was a fog-out, with poor visibility until the afternoon. As a result, no census was undertaken and today's counts are a token offering from the day's birding. The Red-backed Shrike was still favouring the Stackhoull area, where a Barred Warbler also remained. A Wryneck was seemingly new at Shirva, and migrant ducks still linger on and around the Isle's waters, with a Goldeneye and a Red-breasted Merganser still in the north and a flock of Wigeon mostly to be found on Da Water, with a couple of herons too, though, like their Little Egret friend of recent days, they also seem unable to avoid the infamous Fulmar's brew...
Yesterday's ringed Barred Warbler at Burkle - ringed in Shetland? Or further afield...? (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Wryneck: One at Shirva.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Boini Mire.
Barred Warbler: One at Vaila's Trees.
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 17 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 6 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Common Tern, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 5 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral
Year list: 189
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7th September 2024
Weather: Another scorcher, by Fair Isle standards, with relentless sun and a hazy horizon. F4 SE.
It seems to be a second coming of summer in Shetland, with another day of t-shirt weather and a pleasant south-easterly breeze, though it seems as if any substantial arrival of migrants riding the airflow may have passed us by. A Red-breasted Flycatcher bothering the Wheatears in Smirri Geo was presumably the bird seen at Raeva yesterday, and the three Barred Warblers seen yesterday were all still in attendace, with another scooting around the nettles at Pund with a few Blackcaps and a Song Trush. A Rosefinch was at the Observatory, determinedly pursuing a Lesser Whitethroat. A rise in common migrant numbers kepy us busy, and morale was buoyed by the reports of other birds turning up along the east coast and Northern Isles.
A juv. Merlin sat on the trap at Plantation, note the ring, which we presume it gained in Shetland! (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Barred Warbler: Four; birds at Burkle (ringed), Pund, the Setter potato rig and Vaila's Trees/Stoneybrek.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One in Smirri Geo, presumaby yesterday's bird.
Common Rosefinch One at the Obs'.
A Red-breasted Flycatcher in Smirri Geo, presumably yesterday's bird on a wander (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 16 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 30 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 4 Ruff, 19 Sanderling, 28 Dunlin, 34 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 27 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 99 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 18 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 10 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 12 Whinchat, 57 Wheatear, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 29 alba Wagtail, 488 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 108 Rock Pipit, 74 Twite
A Painted Lady among a modest total of Red Admirals recorded today (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 22 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 16 Silver Y, 1 Plutella xylostella, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 189
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6th September 2024
Weather: A morning of thick sea fret, burning off by late morning into a warm day of blazing sunshine. F3 SE.
Another hot day in the Fair Isle bubble, after thick fog burnt off by late morning to become a storming day of sun. Many of our recent stand-out birds were still present, with a new Barred Warbler in the rosas at Skettyholm and a charming Red-breasted Flycatcher flicking around in the cavern of North Raeva. Elsewhere a handful of Robins signalled the oncoming 'autumn proper' and the Isle's fourth Little Egret was still present, though bears all the hallmarks of one who has bumped into one too many Fulmars. Closer to the ground, a few Rush Veneer moths were evidence of migration occurring on a smaller scale, with plenty of Silver Ys featuring in log too, and news of migrant species such as Dark Sword Grass, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Plutella xylostella etc. featuring in the moth traps dotted around the crofts. Possibly biggest news of the day, however, was a female darter (Sympetrum) species on Buness which narrowly escaped being eaten by a Meadow Pipit before it was identified as being an odonata species by the observer. It moved quickly off towards the east side of Buness and could not be relocated. All species of dragonfly are extremely rare on Fair Isle, and this is the second record of a Sympetrum of any kind, though similar to the first record in 2001, it sadly wasn't identified to species.
A lovely find at Raeva, and our first of the year: a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Egret: Rather sorry looking individual on Golden Water.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Vaila's Trees again.
Barred Warbler: Three; one at Skerryholm, and at Setter potato rig and Vaila's Trees.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: One in North Raeva.
Common Rosefinch One still in the Skadan crop strip.
Fog rolling over Vaasetter as it quickly vanished from the skies late morning (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 12 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 3 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 33 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 4 Ruff, 18 Sanderling, 15 Dunlin, 19 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 43 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 15 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 8 Whinchat
Other wildlife: 12 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock, 15 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 189
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5th September 2024
Weather: A snap back to reality after yesterday's warmth. Cool and overcast. F5 NE.
Yesterday's blazing early autumn warmth clearly inspired some birds to move on, as census was quieter than recent days. There was still plenty to catch up with, though, including the two Barred Warblers, a Red-backed Shrike and Rosefinch of recent days still in attendance. A Nightjar, first seen yesterday evening around Midway, was rediscovered roosting on a fenceline at Vaila's Trees, often to be seen alongside a Red-backed Shrike or Barred Warbler. A Wryneck at the Haven was new, if quite brief, and a Painted Lady and handful of Convolvulus Hawkmoths caught in moth traps operated by various islanders were evidence of insect migration taking place.
Yesterday's Nightjar was found day-roosting on the fenceline at Vaila's Trees, where it received some admirers, not least this Willow Warbler (Alex Penn)
Lifting his bins' to a Barred Warbler in the bushes, AW Luke was treated to views like this of our fourth Nightjar of the year (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Egret: One touring the Isle's burns.
Wryneck: One on the beach at South Haven.
Nightjar: One sat on a fenceline at Vaila's Trees.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Vaila's Trees.
Barred Warbler: Singles at Setter potato rig and Vaila's Trees.
Common Rosefinch One still in the Skadan crop strip.
The Isle's Black Guillemots are pretty much the only auks left now, milling about offshore in various states of salt-and-pepper-iness as they moult from their black summer to largely white winter plumage (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 13 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 13 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 6 Ruff, 9 Sanderling, 29 Dunlin, 43 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Carrion Crow, 75 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 60 Wheatear, 21 alba Wagtail, 406 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 87 Twite
Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 6 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 188
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4th September 2024
Weather: Cloudy start, with a light bit of drizzle then became a glorious sunny day, with the wind dropping right off. F3-1 NE.
A long, heady day of sun, warmth and birds! A slightly drizzly morning saw the Little Egret back around South Light before being relocated on the burn in Finnequoy. Census brought with it a similar story to the last few days of easterlies, with nice numbers of classic passage passeries, before loud chorus of Ravens heralded the arrival of an adult White-tailed Eagle which flew down the Isle, blogged about, and returned north along the west cliffs. This is our third encounter with this species on the Isle so far this year, after two birds in the spring. A group of Risso's Dolphins pranced about offshore mid-afternoon, as seen from Meoness, with a Minke passing the Isle at the same time. Three Barred Warblers were about again, the Red-backed Shrike continued to stalk the shrubs at Vaila's Trees, a Rosefinch was still in the Skadan Crop strip and the angelicas around Shriva and Midway were once again the haunt of an enchanting Greenish Warbler. Later this evening a roosting Nightjar was found on the same ground, and the Citrine Wagtail put in an appearance as it called over Utra Scrape shortly before sunset, and the day was seen out by some distant White-beaked Dolphins past Malcolm's Head.
A Nightjar was a surprise find at Midway. Here it is sat on the bridge at Meadow Burn (Alex Penn)
As they always do, this eagle agitated the Isle's Bonxie population, allowing us to count 110 birds in the air at once (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
White-tailed Eagle: An adult toured the Isle with a Bonxie entourage throughout the afternoon.
Little Egret: One around South Light.
Nightjar: One flushed from the dyke bordering Houll/Midway.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Vaila's Trees again.
Greenish Warbler: One around Shirva and Midway.
Barred Warbler: Three; singles at Setter potato rig, Shirva and Busta.
Citrine Wagtail: Mobile over Utra Scrape this evening.
Common Rosefinch One still in the Skadan crop strip.
The Skadan crop is still keeping this Rosefinch topped up with seed (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 15 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 16 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 9 Ruff, 17 Sanderling, 34 Dunlin, 23 Snipe, 5 Common Sandpiper, 35 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 110 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 82 Skylark, 22 Swallow, 30 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 84 Wheatear, 4 White Wagtail, 45 alba Wagtail, 716 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 76 Rock Pipit, 79 Twite
Other wildlife: 29 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock, 13 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale, 3 Risso's Dolphin, 5 White-beaked Dolphin
Year list: 188
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3rd September 2024
Weather: A sunny start became largely overcast with the threat of rain, becoming realised mid-afternoon with some light precipitation. F4-2 SSE.
Another exciting day to be in the field, with plenty of lingering scarcities and the feeling in the air that something new and exciting could be in the next stand of rosa or down the next cliff. Yesterday's brief Greenish Warbler was relocated at Schoolton, before bouncing around the angelicas at Midway, and was able to be fully appreciated by the team. The Isle's fourth Little Egret was present again, though seems slightly shopsoiled, suggesting it has had an unfortunate encounter with a Fulmar. A few Barred Warblers remained, the Red-backed Shrike was around Shirva still and the Citrine Wagtail was back on Da Water for a while. A couple of Sparrowhawks are making a dent in the local Wheatear population, with some passage Kestrels bothering the birds too. A second Goldeneye joins the continuing bird in the north, a September Swift was logged and 10 Red Admiral were recorded across the census routes.
Silky tones of our first Greenish Warbler of the year (Alex Penn)
Much to enjoy as it tumbled through the angelica at Midway (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Egret: One around South Light.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Shirva again.
Greenish Warbler: One around Schoolton and Midway.
Barred Warbler: Three; singles at Setter potato rig/Pund, Vaila's Trees and Chapel plantation.
Citrine Wagtail: One at Da Water.
Common Rosefinch One still in the Skadan crop strip.
The Rosefinch enjoying the cover and cuisine of the Skadan crop strip (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Swift, 2 Woodpigeon, 20 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 34 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 51 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 9 Ruff, 21 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 35 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 54 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 37 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 77 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 27 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 13 Whinchat, 90 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 57 alba Wagtail, 649 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 57 Rock Pipit, 114 Twite
Other wildlife: 10 Red Admiral, 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 188
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2nd September 2024
Weather: Overcast, very light rain c.midday then showers from late afternoon. F5 SE.
A great day to be out in the field, and probably the most exciting birding of our autumn so far. After yesterday's Great White Egret 'excitement', the arrival of a Little Egret, fishing in the waters around Shalstane, carried the momentum, and becomes only the fourth to be recorded for the Isle. In slightly more predictable south-easterly fare, our first Wryneck of the autumn was unearthed, with a few new Barred Warbler too, joining the birds still present from yesterday and taking the total to five. One the cliffs, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Willow Warblers and Whinchats continued to entertain, with a Red-backed Shrike at Shirva, a Turtle Dove flushed from the ringing hut marsh, a Wood Warbler at Lericum and a couple of Rosefinches keeping the local grapevine busy. As two of the team were undertaking afternoon trap rounds after a very pleasant census each, the Isle's 70th record of Thrush Nightingale was caught at Burkle, and ringed by the third member of the Obs' crew, making for a very happy AW. A slighty soggier re-thrashing of the Isle in the PM brought more results on the cliffs of the south west, with a beachbound Barred Warbler in Steensi Geo and the first Greenish Warbler of the year flitting briefly above Kroga Geo. Good stuff!
Another day where the 'bird of the moment' is an...egret! (Alex Penn)
The first Thrush Nightingale of the year from the nets at Burkle (Deryk Shaw)
HIGHLIGHTS
THRUSH NIGHTINGALE: One ringed at Burkle.
Turtle Dove: Juvenile at Ringing Hut Marsh.
Little Egret: One on Shalstane and around the rocks of South Light.
Wryneck: One along the Hill Dyke.
Red-backed Shrike: One at Shirva.
Wood Warbler: One on the cliffs at Lericum.
Greenish Warbler: One at Kroga Geo, our first of the year.
Barred Warbler: Five; singles at Schoolton, the Setter potato rig, Pund, Vaila's Trees and on the beach at Steensi Geo.
Common Rosefinch Two; at North Naaversgill and in the Skadan crop strip.
Wood Warbler on the cliffs at Lericum (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 6 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Woodpigeon, 13 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 76 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 46 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 1 Ruff, 9 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 38 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 21 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 52 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 95 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 28 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 21 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 98 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 33 alba Wagtail, 657 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 65 Rock Pipit, 81 Twite
Other wildlife: 7 Red Admiral, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 188
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1st September 2024
Weather: Largely overcast and cooler than of late. F5 SE.
An immediately 'birdy' feeling as we set out on census was realised with an arrival of passage passerines on the back of these easterly winds. A less subtle surprise was a Great White Egret plonked on Utra Scrape with a Grey Heron mid-morning, which took to the skies and, after some harassment from a few Bonxies, went north up the east coast and appeared to leave the Isle. By mid-afternoon it was back, with its heron entourage now numbering four, and they headed south off Skadan and out to sea. This was the second record of Great White Egret for the Isle after a bird in May 2015, but it will shock no one when we say with some confidence that surely records are set to increase given the changing status of the species in the UK (the first breeding record for Scotland came earlier this year). The cliffs of the north and the crofts of the south put in a great showing of migrants, with Willow Warblers in abundance at certain sites and a surprise jump in numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff, given the time of year. Two new Barred Warblers - one ringed in Plantation and one at the Observatory - joined the two lingering birds at Burkle and Vaila's Trees, the 'regular' Citrine Wagtail was in the vicinity of Da Water and a juvenile Little Stint visited Muckle Uri Geo in the afternoon.
A Pied Fly on the cliffs of the Isle's north (Alex Penn)
A Great White Egret recieves a Bonxie welcome (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: A juvenile at Muckle Uri Geo.
Great White Egret: One on Utra Scrape, which then tracked north along the east coast and returned off the south of the Isle. The second record for Fair Isle.
Barred Warbler: Four; at Chapel/Burkle, Vaila's Trees, Observatory & Plantation.
Citrine Wagtail: Still present and mobile around the south of the island.
The first Barred Warbler to be ringed this autumn (Alex Penn)
Lovely to be birding an island full of lemon-yellow Willow Warblers making their first attempt at a Sub-Saharan migration (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 8 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 34 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Ruff, 15 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 19 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 142 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 133 Skylark, 11 Swallow, 42 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 18 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 143 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 36 alba Wagtail, 841 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 90 Rock Pipit, 31 Twite
Year list: 184
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31st August 2024
Weather: Largely cloudless and sunny. F5 SE.
Not much in the way of change, though the winds and weather still brings us promise of a good arrival. The Barred Warblers around Burkle and Vaila's Trees were still present, as was the Citrine Wagtail at Da Water, with a Red-backed Shrike right at the north of the Isle, perched atop the famous foghorn. A Manx Shearwater passed offshore, though yet to master the delicate act between air and sea are this year's Fulmar fledgelings, which can often be found flailing in unlikely locations as their new-found powers of flight fail them and they become grounded, often far from a convenient cliff from which to attempt another take off. The team do their best during these moments, catching, ringing and releasing these casualties back onto the sea to continue what may end up being their long, long lives.
A Barred Warbler showing unusually well at Vaila's Trees (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: First calendar-year on the foghorn at North Light.
Barred Warbler: Two - around Burkle/Chapel Plantation, and in the Vaila's Trees.
Citrine Wagtail: Still present around Da Water.
As well as passage passerine migrants, you are just as likely to come across grounded Fulmar fledgelings while censusing at this time of year (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 14 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 43 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 55 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 1 Ruff, 15 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin, 22 Snipe, 15 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 5 Carrion Crow, 98 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whinchat, 126 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 29 alba Wagtail, 834 Meadow Pipit, 76 Rock Pipit, 37 Twite
Other wildlife: 1 Peacock, 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 182
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30th August 2024
Weather: Rain overnight, but a bright and sunny day - warm out of the wind. Light rain shower early evening. .
A night's dazzling session included a Black-tailed Godwit, three Common Gulls, eight Snipe, nine Dunlin and a Shelduck ringed, amongst others. The Shelduck becomes only the 6th member of its species to be ringed here, last in 1997, and the Black-tailed Godwit similarly only the fifth! A warm, sunny day followed once dawn broke, with two Barred Warblers in the crofts and further inspection of the Citrine Wagtail still present on Da Water proved it to be a different bird to the one earlier in the month. It performed well, buzzing away vocally from a prominent perch. A few more Whinchat were in evidence though the cliffs were rather bare of migrants, suggesting the fair weather meant birds could hop straight to the cover of the crofts. Evening roost ringing at the Obs' produced a male White Wagtail and a control Swallow with a Czech ring...we look forward to finding out where this bird has come from.
The Citrine Wagtail at Da Water swinging in the breeze (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Barred Warbler: Two - at Chapel plantation, and in the gardens of Upper and Lower Stoneybrek.
Citrine Wagtail: First calendar-year at Da Water again today, with better views confirming it to be the second of the autumn.
A few Ruff have graced the island recently (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 13 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 53 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 23 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 1 Ruff, 22 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 17 Snipe, 55 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 74 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Carrion Crow, 160 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 7 Whinchat, 141 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 61 alba Wagtail, 738 Meadow Pipit, 68 Rock Pipit, 21 Twite
A passage Whinchat (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 182
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29th August 2024
Weather: Sunny spells with light rain in early afternoon followed by heavier showers in the late afternoon and evening. F4-6 SW.
A handful of yesterday's migrant passerines were still present where we left them yesterday, plus a few new additions included some Whinchat, more Willow Warblers and our first Red-backed Shrike and Icterine Warbler of the autumn. A Sooty Shearwater was seen off the north of the Isle by birders departing on the Good Shepherd IV, a Water Rail flew over the Vaadal and in the early evening the first Gadwall of the year was joined by a Citrine Wagtail on Da Water while the heavens opened.
An Icterine Warbler of the year, finding refuge in the Plantation Heligoland stand (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: First calendar-year bird at the Mast.
Icterine Warbler: Singles in the Plantation Heligoland and at Burkle
Citrine Wagtail: First calendar-year at Da Water late afternoon.
The first Red-backed Shrike of the autumn braving the altitude around the Mast (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall (first of the year), 3 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail, 16 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 85 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 62 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 14 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 25 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 12 Black-headed Gull, 105 Common Gull, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 68 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat, 149 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 67 alba Wagtail, 818 Meadow Pipit, 78 Rock Pipit, 46 Twite
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 182
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28th August 2024
Weather: A sunny start became a warm day, with the skies darkening with cloud by early evening as the wind increased in strength. F4-6 SE.
Hotly anticipated south-easterlies blew, and the team bounded into census full of optimism. A few new birds were in evidence, including two Pied Flycatchers, a Reed Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat and a brief brown Rosefinch in the garden at Burkle, as well as five bright yellow juv. Willow Warblers. We recorded no Arctic Skuas today, appearing to mark the close of a terrible breeding year for them, with just one pair hatching chicks which were promptly predated. It's now two years since Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza caused significant mortality in the Gannets here, but fortunately, the birds have bounced back, and breeding numbers in 2024 are at their highest ever! At those gannetries which are monitored for productivity studies the first of the spangled grey juveniles had left the nests, while a pair or two have just hatched chicks...they may come into trouble come the first proper westerly storm of the autumn!
HIGHLIGHTS
Common Rosefinch: A brown bird at Burkle c.09.30hrs.
It's now two years since HPAI caused significant mortality in the Isle's Gannts, but reminders are clear in the colonies, with lots of dark-eyed individuals present (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 10 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 15 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 89 Ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 96 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 3 Ruff, 38 Sanderling, 32 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 33 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 7 Black-headed Gull, 77 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Puffin, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Carrion Crow, 105 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 119 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 62 alba Wagtail, 758 Meadow Pipit, 70 Rock Pipit, 76 Twite
Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 181
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27th August 2024
Weather:A very wet and wild start, with the sun putting in an appearance from midday and the wind dropping off from mid-afternoon. F7-4 S.
Another showery start, with rain lashing the windows of South Light on the back of a strong southerly gale. A sunny census soon followed, with little to report once completed - the continuation of a Ring Ouzel in South Restensgeo, with a Goldeneye in Furse below, as well as the summering Lesser Whitethroat and a Sparrowhawk putting up the passing hirundines. Arctic Skuas have all but disappeared and Puffins are notable by their absence after a spring and summer of their kind coating the clifftops. Now only those still dilligently feeding young are seen, before they too head out for a winter on the waves.
Sightings of note: 8 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 13 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 35 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 98 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 30 Sanderling, 26 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Snipe, 39 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Kittiwake, 9 Black-headed Gull, 162 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 9 Shetland Bee
Year list: 181
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26th August 2024
Weather: Heavy showers throughout the morning, clearing by midday and becoming hot and still. F5-2 SW.
A showery census soon became hot and still, with a few juv. Willow Warblers and the Ring Ouzel still present in the north, large groups of waders strolling on the grazed sward and a few misplaced young Fulmars sat incongruously in fields or 'inland' after a botched attept at sustaining flight. The first fledged Black Guillemot juvenile of the 'summer' was seen, and the three other auk species which share the Isle with them are becoming harder to find. A Barred Warbler was at Shriva in the mid afternoon, and the Citrine Wagtail from recent days reappeared while the AWs fiddled about with the Vaadal trap roof. A report of a Sabine's Gull 10 miles off Fair Isle from a boat-bound birder late morning continued the amazing run of sea-birding this summer.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sabine's Gull: A juv. from a vessel 10 miles east south-east of the Isle.
Barred Warbler: One at Shirva.
Citrine Wagtail: One around Vaadal reservoir.
Sightings of note: 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 34 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 79 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 110 Turnstone, 11 Knot, 1 Ruff, 16 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin, 31 Snipe, 83 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 15 Black-headed Gull, 77 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Carrion Crow, 92 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 160 Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 82 alba Wagtail, 503 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 82 Rock Pipit, 51 Twite
Twite are beginning to build in number, and can be found feeding on seedheads of plants like this Angelica (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortiseshell (first of the year), 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 181
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24th & 25th August 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and some showers.
The Citrine Wagtail had moved south down the island on the 24th, and was not seen at all on the 25th. A Grasshopper Warber was at Quoy on the 25th, and a modest group of Black-tailed Godwits continue to feed around the base of Malcom's Head, with six Ruff recorded on the 24th too. A good wader ringing session was had during the cloudy night, with Sanderling, Knot, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone and Redshank among the mix, plus three Storm Petrel retraps and a bonus Black-headed Gull.
HIGHLIGHTS
Citrine Wagtail: Present around Hill Dyke on 24th.
A selection of the waders ringed during an evening session in Muckle Uri Geo (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Wigeon, 34 Teal, 19 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 77 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 95 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 6 Ruff, 59 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 27 Snipe, 67 Redshank, 11 Kittiwake, 11 Black-headed Gull, 154 Common Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Storm Petrel, 4 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow, 93 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 135 Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 69 alba Wagtail, 495 Meadow Pipit, 72 Rock Pipit, 75 Twite
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 3 Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee, 2 European Eel
Year list: 180
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23rd August 2024
Weather: Overcast start becoming fine and sunny. F3-5 SW.
A much more pleasant day to be out and about, with an autumnal feeling in the warm air. A Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier and Shelduck were new in, plus a few more passage passerines and a couple of Ruff picking about the short sward of the south. The Citrine Wagtail continues to delight those that visit it at Golden Water, and a surprise sighting in the north of the Isle was an adult Ring Ouzel in rather dramatic moult...where has that been hiding?
HIGHLIGHTS
Marsh Harrier: A cream-crown south over the island while mobbed by Ravens.
Citrine Wagtail: Still present on Golden Water.
One of 2024's Bonxie chicks, now a fully fledged juvenile, identifiable for years to come thanks to its white Darvic ring (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 76 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 72 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 108 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 2 Ruff, 68 Sanderling, 31 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Snipe, 59 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 11 Black-headed Gull, 66 Common Gull, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Arctic Tern, 7 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Carrion Crow, 83 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 131 Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 29 alba Wagtail, 326 Meadow Pipit, 100 Rock Pipit, 52 Twite
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 3 Silver Y, 10 Shetland Bee
Year list: 180
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22nd August 2024
Weather: Rain in the morning, becoming sunny with gale force winds. F8 SW.
A day of difficult birding conditions with high winds ripping through all stands of cover and keeping birds low. The Citrine Wagtail was still present around Golden Water, but apart from a single group of Turnstone numbering 91, there was not too much else of note. Our Assistant Warden, Luke, was welcomed into his 20s with a kingfisher-themed cake and serendipitously gained a birthday ringing tick, with an immature Cormorant caught in Muckle Uri Geo in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS
Citrine Wagtail: Still present on Golden Water.
A brief dinner guest at South Light before being sent on its way again (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 18 Greylag Goose, 3 Teal, 29 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 101 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 49 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 3 Kittiwake, 8 Black-headed Gull, 112 Common Gull, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Arctic Tern, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 179
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21st August 2024
Weather: Sunny spells until mid afternoon, becoming overcast with some light rain, before heavy rain set in from late afternoon and continued until dark, with an increasing wind. F6-8 SSE.
A good night ringing Storm petrels was had, seeing the team into the wee small hours of the 21st under a dazzlingly bright moon. A slightly quieter census than yesterday, with just a handful of passage migrant passerines, but the first Greylag Goose flocks of the autumn, still good numbers of waders and the Citrine Wagtail still swaggering around on Golden Water. Arctic Terns and Kittiwakes have all but left us, and Guillemots and Razorbills have departed after a poor breeding season. Twite are flocking in decent sized groups and our first nest of Fair Isle-bred Swallows have departed their nest at Brecks, just as the first Fair Isle lambs left the island onboard the Good Shepherd IV, leaving the croft parks a little quieter than before.
HIGHLIGHTS
Citrine Wagtail: Present in the north of the Isle.
One of 126 Storm Petrels processed during the night 20th-21st August, with the bright moon as a backdrop (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 18 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 38 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 57 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 28 Curlew, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 69 Turnstone, 13 Knot, 1 Ruff, 62 Sanderling, 29 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Snipe, 56 Redshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 29 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Arctic Tern, 20 Arctic Skua, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Carrion Crow, 83 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 193 Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 7 White Wagtail, 37 alba Wagtail, 319 Meadow Pipit, 60 Rock Pipit, 65 Twite
Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 3 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 179
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20th August 2024
Weather: Sunny all day, with wind decreasing from midday. F5-2 SW.
The momentous first Barred Warbler of the autumn appeared in the well-watched cover of the Schoolton garden before buzzing over the road to Quoy - a fairly typical arrival date for this large eastern species. Waders put in a strong showing, including our highest day count of Sanderling ever (70), beating the previous record of 57 in 2017. The Citrine Wagtail has now been here a week and remains faithful to Golden Water, and was later heard calling over the Haven. More effort was put into seawatching, once again due to the ongoing Great Shearwater experience off Sumburgh head, but two Sooty Shearwaters remained the only prize for Fair Isle's watchers. A Garden Warbler was trapped in Gully, with a few passage warblers and chats logged, as well as mixed flocks of hirundines. Most of all, it was just pleasant to complete a full autumn census in the sun,
HIGHLIGHTS
Barred Warbler: One at Schoolton.
Citrine Wagtail: Present in the north of the Isle.
Passage Black-tailed Godwits (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 4 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 36 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 127 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 96 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 70 Sanderling (new record count), 19 Dunlin, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Snipe, 64 Redshank, 14 Black-headed Gull, 88 Common Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Arctic Tern, 22 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 126 Storm Petrel, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow, 81 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 175 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 59 alba Wagtail, 271 Meadow Pipit, 70 Rock Pipit, 48 Twite
The fruiting seedheads of Angelica make for great springboard perches for passage warblers like this Sedge Warbler (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 14 Shetland Bee
Year list: 179
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19th August 2024
Weather: Wet and windy, with frequent prolonged showers. F6 S-SW.
Morning news from south mainland Shetand's seawatchers of a run of large shearwaters spurred a South Light vigil across most of the day, with watches taken from other points of the island as the weather continued to be grim and stormy. The Good Shepherd IV's resident birder added Cory's Shearwater to the island yearlist with one past the boat 10 miles from the Isle, with a Basking Shark also seen from the vessel on the same crossing. By the end of the day, some 40 Great Shearwaters had passed Sumburgh, but our total here remained at zero, with four Sooty Shearwaters, three Manx Shearwater, 23 Storm Petrels and a 'blue' Fulmar the best of the action over the sea from land. Cory's Shearwater has only been previously recorded in three other years in Fair Isle history and the last record was in 2005. Incredibly, in 1965 some 88 birds were recorded during a spell of five days during what was a phenomenal shearwater autumn. The young Citrine Wagtail was once again picking around Golden Water and the handful of passage passerines were presumably similarly lingering birds from recent days.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cory's Shearwater: One past the Good Shepherd IV c.10 miles from Fair Isle late morning.
Citrine Wagtail: The bird from previous days was at Golden Water.
Sightings of note: 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 13 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 20 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 9 Black-headed Gull, 42 Common Gull, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Arctic Tern, 23 Storm Petrel, 1 'blue' Fulmar, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat
Other wildlife: 1 Basking Shark
Year list: 179
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14th - 18th August 2024
A few days of breezy south-westerly winds dominating, with the team’s attention focused mostly on seawatching, checking the waters and sheltered bays and counting flocks of waders and gulls grounded by the weather. The standout birding highlight was the isle’s first land-based record of Great Shearwater since 1986, with one passing South Light at close range on 15th, amongst small numbers of Sooty and Manx Shearwaters. Another good early autumn bird came in the form of a smart Citrine Wagtail, found on 14th and remaining until 17th at least, and some moderate wader passage through the period included an isle record flock of 62 Black-tailed Godwit taking a break on Meoness on 16th. A reasonable display of bioluminescence ('mareel') in the Haven on the night of 17th also saw what appeared to be Mauve Stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) washing ashore.
A close encounter with a Great Shearwater past South Light on the 15th (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Great Shearwater: One flew east past South Light on 15th.
Citrine Wagtail: A mobile first calendar-year bird toured the south on 14th, before relocating to the northern waters on subsequent days.
Our first Citrine Wagtail of the year was first picked up in flight over the crofts on the 14th (Alex Penn)
After a Sparrowhawk managed to weasel out of the Vaadal trap, this Green Sandpiper lurking in the burn was a fantastic consolatory prize (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Swift, 3 Golden Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 62 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 16 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 32 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Common Tern, 197 Arctic Tern, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Storm Petrel, 11 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Manx Shearwater, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat, 1 White Wagtail, 40 alba Wagtail
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 17 Shetland Bee
Year list: 178
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13th August 2024
Weather: A night of thick fog spilled into the day, with a strong sun burning it off by late morning. The wind picked up throughout the day, with a couple of short rain showers late afternoon. F 4-7 S/SW.
After the previous day's tempestual weather, the 13th began calm and foggy, becoming sunny and warm by late morning, prompting a few butterflies to take wing. The continued south-easterlies finally brought with them a few passage migrant passerines, with the first Whinchat and Sedge Warbler of the autumn, as well as a Pied Flycatcher on the north-west cliffs and a yellow juv. Willow Warbler in the Crofts. The modest seige of Grey Herons linger, with one rather sorry-looking oiled juvenile but there was no sign today of the Isle's celebrated Kingfisher.
Sightings of note: 4 Teal, 1 Swift, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 8 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 345 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Grey Heron, 5 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 17 Shetland Bee
Year list: 177
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10th - 12th August 2024
Weather: Swinging between hot and humid, and the odd chilly shower of drizzle. 12th was stormy with heavy rain, thunder and lightening. F4-8 SE.
The discovery of the first 'twitchable' Kingfisher for Fair Isle dominated discussion during the following days, with many of the island having never seen one before in their lives, such is the bird's rarity in the Northern Isles. One character who is conversely very well-acquainted with Kingfishers, but for whom one on Fair Isle would launch any of the others he'd seen out of the park, was Acting Warden Alex Penn, who had been enjoying a summer break on the Western Isles and for whom travel plans back to Fair Isle had been disrupted due to the weather. A tense two days followed, but as he bobbed past the North Haven breakwater on the 11th, our small orange and blue bird was still present a corner of that same bay and surely becomes the new 'best bird' on his Good Shepherd IV list? There was little change elsewhere and despite some drifty feeling south-easterlies, we are without passage passerine migrants. A couple of colour-ringed waders among the changable flocks of Knot, Sanderling etc. have perked our interest, and the (mostly juvenile) Arctic Tern flock around South Light remains impressive, especially when supplemented with a backdrop of hundreds of Gannets diving into a crashing sea, as we saw on the 12th, with a Sooty Shearwater weaving its way through east for good measure. The next two days look settled and warm again, and we await the first Barred Warbler of autumn...
Fair Isle's sharpest shooter (with a lens, not a rifle) was lucky that the Haven Kingfisher lingered for his return (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Kingfisher: The second record for Fair Isle stayed faithful to the North Haven sea caves over the 10th & 11th.
The pleasing floral background of the Skadan Obs' cover crop strip, which we hope to be hotching with passerines later in the autumn (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Swift, 1 Whimbrel, 36 Turnstone, 14 Knot, 1 Ruff, 14 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 96 Common Gull, 31 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 278 Arctic Tern, 2 Storm Petrel, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 176
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8th & 9th August 2024
Weather: Sunny and warm, with a cooler wind. F5-3 SW-SE.
The second Hill Caa of the summer was underway by late morning, as the islanders, returning family members and visiting guests took to the north and attempted to scoop up the wily sheep from Tor 'o da Ward Hill, Dronger, and other ovine haunts. Many of these animals have evaded capture for multiple years, and their fleeces were something to behold as they lolloped into the cru by the Plantation Heligoland after a few hours of herding. South Light and South Harbour are still good places to catch up with the lingering flock of Arctic Terns (with a couple of Common Terns) and tally passage waders. It was during this task that AW Luke turned his scope to the sea - on the promise that high winds and rough seas of recent days would produce some offshore movement. A Balearic Shearwater was not what he was expecting, and if accepted would constitute the first record for Shetland. Not to be outdone, some visiting Swiss birders reported a Kingfisher in the Haven the following day, which was duly relayed to the local birders and refound by diligent AW Luke as it fished under the cliffs and in the sea caves of the North Haven waters. With just one previous record -a little-observed bird off the south of the island in September 1999- it produced a sizeable twitch, everyone 'needed' this! Two BIG birds to start off our autumn, though maybe not the duo anyone would have predicted...
Fair Isle's second Kingfisher on the tideline cliffs at North Haven (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Balearic Shearwater: One flew east past South Light 16.20hrs on the 8th.
Kingfisher: A surprise bird on the cliffs at North Haven from mid-afternoon until the evening on the 9th. The second Fair Isle record.
A Dunlin ringed during a dazzling session, making the most of the return of dark nights! (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 7 Teal, 1 Swift, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 38 Turnstone, 15 Knot, 15 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 17 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 11 Black-headed Gull, 63 Common Gull, 64 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Common Tern, 130 Arctic Tern, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Pied Flycatcher
Other wildlife: 8 Shetland Bee
Year list: 176
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5th - 7th August 2024
Weather: Mixed sun and showers, with some strong winds and high seas. F4-6 S-SSE.
A massive autumn milestone was reached with the first two Pied Flycatchers of the season, one at Smirri Geo and one on the Good Shepherd IV Noost on the 5th. With the seabird season ebbing away, despite still being thousands of birds present, our job list priority now goes to the ringing of Fulmar chicks, which are starting to resemble actual Fulmars - and not animated bags of vaccum cleaner fluff - by the day. This is not a particularly enviable job, as each chick seems able to pay respectable homage to that scene from the Exorcist, leaving us covered in evil-smellig oil, regurgitated fish, and sometimes live intestinal worms. Their name (a mashup of the Norse words 'ful' = foul, and 'mar' = gull) has never seemed more appropriate. After another day of pungent Fulmar 'fun' and a tour of the Isle's Bonxie terriroties to log fledged birds (and retireve rings of young which have died) a heavy rain shower dropped in decent numbers of waders. Some 67 Turnstone, a flock of adult Knot and a juvenile Spotted Redshank were among the totals, the latter being less than annual here. At a similar time in the evening, two Sooty Shearwater were observed in Fair Isle waters, following the Northlink ferry as it lurched through the waves. Despite autumn being in the air, our summering Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap remain, and the Isle's two pairs of nesting Swallows are yet to fledge their young.
HIGHLIGHTS
Spotted Redshank: Juvenile at Easter Lother Water, dropping in with the rain late evening.
A juvenile Spotted Redshank, our first of the year and not an easy bird to cacth up with in Fair Isle (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 6 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 67 Turnstone, 15 Knot, 21 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 27 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 654 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 167 Arctic Tern, 2 Sooty Shearwater (first of the year), 2 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackbird
Other wildlife: 1 Large White Butterfly, 1 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 176
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1st - 4th August 2024
Weather: Warm and sunny. F3 S-SE.
The third consecutive inshore fish survey was carried in the seas of the Fair Isle Marine Protected Area with the ship MFV Atlantia II and a survey team from University of the Highlands and Islands, Shetland able to repeat and expand the previous year's trawl survey coverage to 10 locations. Amazing footage of Flapper Skates was recorded, and trawl results included some John Dory - not a fish most would expect to record in the seas around Fair Isle! The Obs' team have been retrieving GLS tags from Puffins first deployed in 2021 around Buness and Roskillie, with another Storm Petrel ringing session on the night of the 1st, with 139 birds processed. An early autumn surprise on the Isle's water bodies was two young Goldeneye, one each on Golden Water and Da Water, which were present 2nd - 3rd. A Hobby was dashing around the Crofts and Malcolm's Head on 4th before relocating to the north cliffs where it chased around after Fulmars.
An impressive Flapper Skate being measured and tagged before returned to the waters (Photo via Katie Cubbin / FIMRO)
HIGHLIGHTS
Hobby: One over Utra on 4th, carrying north west along to the peak of Malcolm's Head and seen at Eastern Lother early evening.
Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Scaup, 24 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 17 Black-headed Gull, 511 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 114 Arctic Tern, 139 Storm Petrels, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 5 White-beaked Dolphin, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 173
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29th - 31st July 2024
Weather: Warm and sunny. F3 S-SE.
More sunny days of silage baling, and mopping up the dregs of seabird monitoring in what has been a pretty poor year all over for the fortunes of the various species here. The Scaup continues to be seen on Da Water and the calmer, dry nights have allowed for more Storm Petrel ringing. Flotsam in South Harbour included a plastic crate and a buoy adorned with goose barnacles, rather fitting arrivals alongside the Marine Protected Area's inshore fish survey which is trawling, filming and sampling marine life across the Isle's coast, including targeting areas identified as Shag foraging zones during this spring's tagging project for the species - a great example of joined-up thinking and cooperative action within the MPA.
A Fulmar chick reaching peak fluff-blobbiness (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 2 Teal, 1 Scaup, 1 Swift, 10 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 28 Black-headed Gull, 82 Common Gull, 23 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 74 Arctic Tern, 193 Storm Petrels, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Crossbill
Other wildlife: 2 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Magpie Moth, 4 Shetland Bee
Year list: 172
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26th - 28th July 2024
Weather: Largely sunny and mild, with scattered light showers. F4-2 SW.
While we may still be in a sunshine deficit for this summer, recent days have done their best to repay that meterological debt. The last of this year's class of Bonxie chicks were found and ringed, with a great disparity in their sizes. Some are still largely fluffy chicks, with others will be flying in less than a week. Sadly, as with almost all seabirds this year, a twinge of sadness is married to this monitoring, as more and more dead chicks are uncovered. The silage fields continue to be cut, providing fresh hunting ground for the growing numbers of gulls and waders passing through Fair Isle in their limbo between breeding and wintering. It provides a good chance to make some comprehensive Common Gull counts, and as decreed, a Ruff was found among them on the 28th - our first of the year, with hopefully more to follow. The Scaup was back on Da Water and A cloudy night called for more Storm Petrel ringing on the 28th, with some 40 birds caught to the backdrop of a peeping nocturnal Common Sandpiper. Being able to show a few visitors to the Isle these adventurous peerie seabirds in their own crepuscular realm was a delight during these times in which the Observatory is still being built.
Sightings of note: 1 Scaup, 2 Swift, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Turnstone, 1 Ruff (first of the year), 5 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 25 Black-headed Gull, 170 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 180 Arctic Tern, 110 Storm Petrel, 1 Cormorant, 3 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Busy baling (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 172
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24th - 25th July 2024
Weather: .
More warm weather and calm seas on the 24th off the south allowed us to perform another Puffin productivity plot visit to Greenholm, the island's pink coating of thrift when we first ventured over in May now replaced by the white icing of mayweed flowers. It didn't take long of us to find many of our study species not far off fledging, while a lesser number are surprisingly fresh out the egg! A retrap of an adult Puffin was the first time this particlar female had been recorded since her first encounter with a ringer as a chick 13 years ago. The team trod around Vaasetter and the parks for more Bonxie chicks to ring, with just five found to furnish with Darvics, plus the now typical scenes of predated or starved chicks dotted across the heather. Dronger and Swey was the order of the day on the 25th, with some 20 more Bonxie chicks found acoss these classicly territory-dense northern swathe of the Isle. Stomping around and scanning the floor always turns up curios and among the old Eider nests, snipe skulls and flowering Bog Asphodel, a couple of old Bonxie rings were found, from birds ringed as chicks in 2010 and 2018. The freshly cut and baled fields of silege across the crofts are irresistable to waders and gulls, providing an opportunity to garner large counts of Common Gulls, including some smart, velvety juveniles. Wader passage continues apace, with a red adult Bar-tailed Godwit snoozing among massed Curlews and Oystercatchers, and more Sanderling, Knot and a Purple Sandpiper off the rocks at South Light. The tatty drake Scaup is still present, and even took a wander to Muckle Uri Geo.
At peace among the Puffins of Greenholm (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Scaup, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 14 Black-headed Gull, 361 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 2 Lesser Whitethroat
A medium-sized Bonxie chick, with North Light as a backdrop (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Magpie Moth
Year list: 171
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20th - 23rd July 2024
Weather: Largely warm and sunny, with hot weather on 22nd and 23rd. Heavy rain overnight on 20th.
A busy few days in the Fair Isle bubble. The team has gradually been continuing to cover the Bonxie breeding areas to find and ring this year's young. A pleasant surprise on the 21st came with a Marsh Warbler in Plantation Heligoland, but slightly more significant was the discovery of a brood of two Dunlin chicks at Mire o' Vatnagaard. This spring saw Dunlins linger around this area of the north, with plenty of singing, but it is a credit to their secretive habits once their clutch is laid that they remained undetected until now. This is only the eighth breeding attempt of this species for Fair Isle, the last being in 2020 - so a real treat to witness! The 22nd was the first Hill Caa of the summer, where the community all pitch in, be it with dogs, quad bikes, crooks or just sheer naive enthusiasm (I think that covers our Assistant Wardens...) to round up the hill sheep; those animals of the hardy Shetland breed which graze and lamb in the hilly, cliffy, wild north of the island, almost entirely without assisstance. However, fleeces must be shorn, for the comfort and health of the stock if nothing else, and this year's lambs require a dose of medication, and the rams among them are castrated to prevent uncontrolled breeding which would present anothe challenge to these already plucky animals. As usual, the team took part in clipping, an acquired skill soon happily attempted after some guidance from a few sage locals. Fuelled on by good community vibes and some cake, a night of Storm Petrel ringing saw 78 birds processed including a bird ringed in Portugal in June 2023, and recaptured of Fair Isle birds from August 2019 and July 2021. Many of the parks have been left ungrazed over the summer, to be cut for silage, which began this week, and the team leant a hand with baling and wrapping across the various crofts in the south, all under blazing sunshine!
One of two Dunlin chicks in the north of the Isle - only the eigth time breeding has been recorded here (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Wood Sandpiper: Two at the Da Water on 20th and one on 21st.
Marsh Warbler: One trapped and ringed in plantation on 21st.
Summer is the time for us to be reacquainted with some of Fair Isle's most captivating nocturnal breeders (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 5 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 14 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 22 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 16 Redshank, 17 Black-headed Gull, 259 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Great Northern Diver, 78 Storm Petrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 2 Magpie Moth, 2 Harbour Porpoise
Year list: 171
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16th - 19th July 2024 27th March 2024
Weather: An overcast start became increasingly foggier, with drizzle from late afternoon. F3 W.
The team were back on the water over recent days, with more auks in their sights for continued GLS tag deployment. While at sea level, the view from the geos to the north of Sheep Rock was not encouraging from a breeding productivity perspective, with chicks vanishing by the day. Our Guillemot study plot further north at Peitron is now so empty it is not worth monitoring. It seems the previous winter's mass die-off event of Guillemots, twinned with a cold, wet summer so far has led to this sobering situation. A handful of warmer, sunny days allowed us to search out some more Arctic Tern chicks for ringing at Buness, and prolonged study in the sun of the rocks off South Light and around Smirri Geo is producing more migrant Sanderling, Knot and Purple Sandpiper. Our first, and hotly anticipated Storm Petrel ringing session at the Haven took place on the night 18th-19th, with 64 new birds ringed, a retrap bird, and a Norwegian-ringed control. Our final few cruise ships of the summer paid their fleeting visits to the Isle, mostly arriving in fog but departing with sun, and the Fair Isle community must be commended for its organisation and coordination which pulls together many different threads to be able to offer visitors an interactive, informative and insightful view into life on this island. We ended the week with something quite momentous: the first Great Skua chicks to be ringed here since the outbreak of HPAI three years ago. Our quest began at Homisdale, and by the early evening some 17 stompy blonde chicks can be now identified from afar thanks to their alpha numeric rings.
HIGHLIGHTS
Wood Sandpiper: Two at the Da Water.
Sightings of note: 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 7 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 5 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 16 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 47 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Common Tern, 2 Great Northern Diver, 66 Storm Petrel, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 172
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14th & 15th July 2024
Weather:Largely foggy and damp. F4 W.
The team were back on Buness aiding with Puffin ringing and sampling with NTS's seabird scientist, as a westerly wind swirled the massed birds around us in impressive fashion. The first Arctic Tern chicks were ringed around South Light, with hopefully many more to come from the colony also at Buness. The damp weather was conducive to more wader passage, with an impressive count of 47 Purple Sandpiper on the rocks by Muckle Uri Geo on the 15th, all of them in variable summer plumage.
An Arctic Tern chick, getting its start to life among the rock strata off South Light (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Teal, 2 Swift, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 47 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler
It'll never not feel novel to witness Purple Sandpipers in their various iterations of summer dress (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 172
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12th & 13th July 2024
Weather:.
With a murky few days, we were glad for the company of National Trust for Scotland's Ellie Owen, who was on the island with Puffin fieldwork. With weather once again hampering our plans to be out on the Obs' boat or ringing chicks, we were grateful to be kept busy with a task in hand as at least 50 birds were required for this study on avian influenza in the species. Buness, with its famed tame Puffins and slightly sheltered slopes in a north-westerly wind, was chosen for this venture, and proved quite fruitful, with a mix of breeding and non-breeding birds caught and processed.
Sightings of note: 1 Swift, 1 Turnstone, 18 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 172
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8th - 11th July 2024
Weather: Warm, with full sun on 8th & 9th. A rainy day on 10th and a wet start became a largely grey day with the odd sunny window on 11th.
A busy few days of seabird fieldwork. A sunny, warm 8th set us up for a 20+-hour Puffin feed watch at Roskillie, with 30+ burrows marked for monitoring. While the team's concentration was of course at all times focussed on the comings and goings of Puffins with billfulls of fish, the antics of hunting Bonxies, calling Great Northern Divers, a passing Flapper Skate(!!) in Furse, and the shapes of distant Orca steaming towards the Isle from Shetland (thanks to an early warning from a passenger on the Northlink via the Shetland Cetacean warning group!) all provided moments of entertaiment. A Common Tern flew over Roskillie during the Puffin watch, the first record of the year of this species which used to breed on the Isle. A Hawfinch was in Vaila's Trees and more Four-lined Polycera nudibranchs were unearthed during some quick pontoon dipping in the Haven, as well as what might be Eubranchus exiguus - another nudibranch - many of which were feeding on the hydroids attached to kelp. Another sunny, still day blessed us with the chance to spend the following morning catching Puffins at Tor 'o da Ward Hill for food sampling, followed by a island circumnavigation in the Obs' boat to complete a Gannet colony count and make the most of still seas. The afternoon was spent on Greenholm, sadly Orca-less this time, to once again monitor the productivity of the Puffins of the study plot, while dodging the pre-vomit spasms of the Fulmar chicks which have hatched since last we landed there. A glorious Puffiny sunset at South Green rounded off a fantastic 14-hour day in the field. For once we welcomed a rainy day, as the weather returned to this summer's fine form by the 10th. It was a chance to analyse and record the results of the previous day's Puffin food sampling; weighing each catch, identify the species, and measuring each fish caught. This year's catch of the day among the sample size included hundreds of small, glassy sandeels, rockling, smaller numbers of clupeids (forage fish like sprats and herrings), and a handful of juvenile flatfish species. One of our samples from a single bird totalled over 90 fish items! All data collected contributes to the UK Seabird Monitoring Programme's long-term database. On the 11th, a female Nightjar was flused during a push of the Gully trap, though after settling on the roadside at Homisdale it headed back towards the mouth of Finnequoy and wasn't seen again, and the first juvenile Wood Sandpiper of the autumn was mobile around Da Water.
Plodding down Tor 'o da Ward Hill on a calm morning, to set up a mist net for Puffin food sampling (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Nightjar: A female flushed from the slopes of Gully on 11th.
Hawfinch: A female at Vaila's Trees on the morning of 8th.
Female Hawfinch at Vaila's Trees (Alex Penn)
Alex Penn at the helm of the Observatory's mighty vessel, rounding the east side of Sheep Rock (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Teal, 6 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 5 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 23 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Tern (first of the year), 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
No finer way to end a busy Obs' day, than with the Isle's Puffins at sunset (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 3 Silver Y, 6 Shetland Bee, 4 Orca, 2 Risso's Dolphin
Year list: 172
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6th - 7th July 2024
Weather: Overcast and cool on the 6th, with rain mid afternoon. Wet all day on 7th, with a cold wind. F4 NW.
Swelly seas kept us grounded during a drizzly couple of days, providing an opportunity to turn to the upkeep of the Plantation Heligoland, and preparing our Puffin feed watch site at Roskilie for an all-day vigil this coming week. A couple of Great Northern Divers remain around the Haven and Furse, with a Kestrel a new migrant in. A tideline corpse of a Great Black-backed Gull was checked (as all dead birds are here) for a ring and presto! It had sported one in life, and after inputting the ring number, we were surprised to discover this individual was not only ringed in 1994 as a chick - making it 30 years old, but also now held the longevity record for a Great Black-back according to the BTO!
Our recent cross-island Great Skua nest mapping has ended, with with many of the season's early chicks now sporting a 'blonde' cast to their down (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 27 Redshank, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Kestrel, 1 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff
Year list: 171
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4th - 5th July 2024
Weather: A bright day on the 4th broke into sunshine after midday. The 5th saw low cloud and drizzle over the north, with a cold wind. F4-3 NW.
As the summer rolls on, our seabirds are going through their annual motions, admittedly later and, for some, in much reduced number than we would hope ths season. Nevertheless, the first Kittiwake chicks of the year are here, as well as the first youngsters for our Arctic Tern colony, and Fulmars are beginning the be joined on their nests by impossibly fluffy chicks. Our (so far) sole nest of Arctic Skuas have hatched two young, while across the hillsides and parks of the Isle, a great deal more Bonxie chicks are in various states of growth, with many still on eggs during this protracted breeding season. A rather tatty moulting Marsh Warbler was a surprise find in the Gully on the 4th, just adding to the remarkable tally of Marsh Warblers we've encountered this spring (...or is this an 'autumn' record?). With settled seas off the east of the island, the team took to the North and South Ramnigeos for the new Obs' boat's maiden voyage, with a view to catching and ringing more auks. This year we have been equipped with GLS tags to deploy on breeding Guillemots and Razorbills and we were able to tag 13 Razorbills during a fine day on the water.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Marsh Warbler: Our 30th individual Marsh Warbler of the year was trapped and ringed in Gully on the 4th.
A Razorbill with Seatrack GLS tag, before being returned to its nesting crevice (Alex Penn)
Nosing the boat into South Ramnigeo towards the Razorbill colony on the boulder beach, and its cliffsides covered in Guillemots (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Turnstone, 4 Redshank, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Mealy Redpoll
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee, 4 Risso's Dolphin
A Risso's Dolphin flinging itself around the waters off South Harbour (Alex Penn)
Year list: 171
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2nd - 3rd July 2024
Weather: The 2nd was sunny and warm out of the wind. Cloud descended late afternoon, followed by a drizzly end to the day. An overcast but humid start then became a day of showers on the 3rd. F4- W
More Gannet, Guillemot and Great Skua work took place during the sun on the 2nd, as well as a prolonged stop at Buness to build a large photographic log of Puffin portraits for a project on ageing (which can be done via the study of the birds' beaks). We are hopeful for calmer seas towards the end of the week, in order to take to the water in the new Obs' boat...
A Short-eared Owl at Wirvie, with an onlooker (Alex Penn)
A Wheatear of the year, with not much time left before it makes its first attempt at crossing the Sahara (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Collared Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone, 4 Redshank, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral
Year list: 171
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30th June & 1st July 2024
Weather: Prolonged periods of drizzle or rain. Sunny spells evening of 1st July. F4-7 WNW.
We continue to wait for suitably dry and warm days to be able to continue some of the more hands-on seabird monitoring. The Hurtigruten ship Maud brought over 400 passengers onto the island on the 30th; and despite some pretty wet weather many were able to enjoy the antics of the Buness Puffins as they brought in small fish to expectant chicks within their burrows. July arrived with low cloud and rain, and in the absence of reliable visibility for Gannet monitoring or dry conditions for Bonxie work, the team got the new Obs' boat in the water of the Haven, where it joined a lingering Great Northern Diver. Afterwards, in the shadow of the Good Shepherd, some casual study of the kelp and dulse attached to the Haven pontoon became more enthusiastic with the discovery of multiple juvenile Lumpsuckers and delicate Four-lined Polycera nudibranchs, a Montagu's Sea Snail (actually a fish species, with similar suction power to the Lumpsucker), Pleurobrachia pileus - the comb jellyfish known as the Sea Gooseberry, and what may be Placida dendritica - another 'sea slug' species, and the first record for Fair Isle. Worth getting wet for!
A Four-lined Polycera (Polycera quadrilineata) (Alex Penn)
Another polycera (left) and another 'sea slug' species (possibly Placida dendritica) (Alex Penn)
One of several juvenile Lumpsuckers found among kelp on the Haven pontoon - one was even pink (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 6 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 44 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Northern Diver, 4 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird
A polycera hitching a ride on the largest Blue-rayed Limpit we'd ever seen (Alex Penn)
Year list: 171
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28th-29th June 2024
Weather: Wet and windy, with sunny spells in the afternoon and evening of the 29th. F6-3 SW.
Another pair of largely wet days, with some high winds growing through the 28th and into the morning of the 29th. The team took delivery and assembled a new boat for the season's remaining seabird work, and the rain gave a decent excuse to set up the sortware for GPS tags we're hoping to deploy on nesting Guillemots soon. Two new Lesser Whitethroat were ringed on the 28th, a Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwit duo arrived on the 29th, and numbers of non-breeding gulls are building. Of interest, a Great Skua ring from a long-dead individual was found in the heather at Swey, and traced back to a bird ringed as a chick in 2007.
Bar-tailed Godwit at the Walli Burn (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 16 Black-headed Gull, 35 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 5 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 171
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26th-27th June 2024
Weather: Warm and settled on 26th, until a cool wind in the late afternoon. Rainy start on the 27th, with fog clearing into a glorious sunny day by late afternoon. F4 SSE.
Some pleasantly productive days of summer seabird work, while the weather allows. Settled seas saw the team take a timely trip to Greenholm on the 26th, to revisit the Puffin productivity plots. Not long into proceedings, two bull Orcas (famous bachelors Hulk and Nótt) arrived on the scene, and we were treated to point blank passes as the two colossal animals edged around the islet, even squeezing their bulk along the deep, but narrow, channels between the Holms! A phenomenal encounter, and what luck to be marooned on the puffin-pockmarked rock while it happened! An Arctic Tern nest census was undertaken, with 224 logged (a good total, though down on 2023's numbers). Over at Goorn, in the shadow of Sheep Rock, the first chicks were ringed in the mixed Herring & Lesser Black-backed Gull colony, luxuriantly defecating and bringing up their previous meals (eggshells, Fulmar embryos...a tomato?) over the ringers in question. More Oystercatcher broods continue to be ringed, and a fortuitous stop at Da Water one evening allowed us to finally catch one of the broods of Redshank lurking - becoming the first fledgeling of this species to be ringed on the island.
Enjoying the multifarious patterns and colours of the humble Arctic Tern egg (Jonnie Fisk)
Bull Orcas Hulk and Nótt nosing their way around the Holms off the south of the Island, as viewed from Greenholm (through a mobile phone camera)! (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 2 Wigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 5 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 7 Redshank, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff
The first Redshank fledgeling ever to be ringed in Fair Isle (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 1 Harbour Porpoise, 2 Orca, 1 Risso's Dolphin
Year list: 171
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24th-25th June 2024
Weather: Warm and sunny, with the odd overcast period, and a changeable wind. F 4-2 S-NNW.
More pleasant conditions allow the team to continue to rip through the season's seabird work, after a damp and cold start to June. Special focus has been paid to the trapping of adult Great Skuas on the nest for a SeaTrack GLS monitoring project. Guillemots continue to fare poorly, with the loss of the newly hatched chick in the productivity plot. A Quail scutting about on the slopes of Ward Hill has provided additional entertainent for those traversing the heather on Great Skua nest mapping, and a male Red-backed Shrike at the Obs' was new on the 25th.
Puffins settling a small dispute over personal space boundaries at Buness (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Quail: One flushed from the heather around Swey on the 24th, and present on the mast track on 25th.
Red-backed Shrike: A male at the Obs' on 25th.
An absolute treat to bump into multiple broods of Snipe, surely one of the most endearing of wader chicks? (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Swift, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstone, 6 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 171
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21st-23rd June 2024
A few calm, warm days of settled weather, peaking with a (slightly late) Midsummer beach bonfire at the Haven, with the island community, visiting guests, artists in residence and passing yacht crews all joining in the merriment, which ended in the small hours with Storm Petrels flitting over the calm waters on North Haven. Avian highlights from the last few days include the first Guillemot chick of the (very late) season, the first few fledged Snipe, the continuing female Red-backed Shrike, a couple of migrant Spotted Flycatchers and the first few Frog Orchids rising a few centimetres from the ground. Bonxie nest mapping carried on apace, with only minor head injuries sustained on the part of the wardens...
A clutch of blue Bonxie eggs, an uncommon colour variation on their normal blotchy/spotted brown (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: A female still present on the Houll / Vaila's Trees on 21st & 22nd.
While stomping transect lines in the north of the island for Bonxie nests, fledgeling Meadow Pipits are a regular sight. This one giving antpitta vibes (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 8 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 7 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Storm Petrel (first of the year), 1 Cormorant, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 11 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Spotted Flycacther
A Midsummer beach bonfire (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 White butterfly sp., 1 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 171
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20th June 2024
Weather: Largely overcast again, with some small windows of sun and a brief patch of drizzle late afternoon. F4-3 SSW.
A morning trip to Buness confirmed that the Arctic Tern colony is very mch present, despite taking a long time to settle, with many birds on eggs. This is encouraging news after yesterday's Arctic Skua territory mapping, as these species are often inextricably linked. The trap rounds were quiet, a visiting Sparrowhawk keeping the juvenile Starlings away from Plantation. In the evening, the Green Warbler was glimpsed back again at Vaila's Trees, and a female Red-backed Shrike was an encouraging sign for any chance of migrants through the latter days of June. The task of Great Skua nest mapping begain in earnest and once complete, the team will have walked up and down a decent proportion of the island in sweeping lines, mobbed by protective parents all the while. After such a terrible few years witnessing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza rip through the Bonxies, it's always encouraging to come across velvety brown chicks, each one of them a chance to rebuild a population...
It's Bonxie chick time, with more arriving into our world by the day. This one is still displaying its egg tooth (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
GREEN WARBLER: Present in Vaila's Trees again this evening.
Red-backed Shrike: A female on the Houll in the late evening.
A Great Northern Diver juggling a flatfish species in the Haven (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 3 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 6 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Redpoll sp.
Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y
Year list: 170
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19th June 2024
Weather: Overcast, but milder with an increasing wind as the day wore on. F3-5 SW.
The morning's trap round was enlivened by the catching of the GREEN WARBLER during third day of its stay and gave a handful of visiting birders the chance to see it fresh from their arrival by plane. Upon release, it circled back to the cover of Plantation, where it remained for the rest of the day. A Guillemot count was followed by the task of mapping this year's Arctic Skua territories - and one completed all too quickly due to the terrible season for this species on the Isle. Just nine pairs were holding territory, many very loosely, and just a single nest with eggs was found. Over 20 pairs have been recorded in recent years, so this figure is a steady drop, and the fortunes of this species on Fair Isle have been looking bleak for a while now. It is hard to believe some 180 pairs once bred here a little over 50 years ago. The fickle fluctuation in population of Arctic Terns year-on-year, and the continued decline of breeding Kittiwakes are thought to be a considerable driver of the Arctic Skua population drop, both species being important food outlets for the skuas through kleptoparasitism. The increase (until the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in the Great Skua population is considered to be another factor in their smaller cousin's demise, as Great Skuas can be significant predators of Arctic Skua chicks. A sad story for what was once the stronghold of breeding Arctic Skuas in Britain.
Fair Isle's fourth Green Warbler in the hand, after being caught in Plantation (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
GREEN WARBLER: Trapped and ringed in Plantation c.09.30 and still present there in the evening.
It's not good news for our Arctic Skuas this breeding season...
Sightings of note: 30 Greylag Goose, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Blackcap, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Siskin
Other wildlife: 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 170
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18th June 2024
Weather: Fresh breeze and cooler temperatures. Drizzle on and off all day, sunny spells mid afternoon. F5-6 NW.
Another soggy June day in the field, with some warmth in the afternoon among the rain showers. Yesterday's GREEN WARBLER was seen around Stackhoull late morning but went to ground during the breezy weather, with a similar story from the continuing Blyth's Reed Warbler unearthed at Quoy. While inspecting seabird plots, the first Razorbill chick of the year was logged, and at Homisdale newly-hatched Great Skua chicks were being dutifully defended by their parents. Our Arctic Skuas, however, are showing a very slow start to their season, with some pairs yet to lay. Perhaps the glacial pace and (at the time of press) poor year for Kittiwakes and other species has dissuaded our 'Skooties' from attempting to breed while their major food outlets struggle.
Among the tumbling Meadow Pipit chicks now springing from the heather, a few Wheatear fledgelings, like this one, are appearing (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
GREEN WARBLER: Present at Vaila's Trees breifly c.10:15.
Blyth's Reed Warbler: Seen again at Quoy late morning then moved to Burkle.
The first Bonxie chicks of the year were noted, including this one peering from its eggy home for the first time in its life... (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 13 Greylag Goose, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 11 Redshank, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Siskin
Chickweed Wintergreen flowering at Upper Wirvie (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 170
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17th June 2024
Weather: A still, warm day, with a growing breeze into late morning and the afternoon. A sunny morning then clouded over, with scattered rain from mid-afternoon until evening. F2-4 NE
A calm, sunny morning saw the team undertaking Breeding Bird Surveys before a day of timely seabird work. A whole-island Gannet count will help us further assess the fortunes of this relative newcomer to the Fair Isle scene (having first bred as recenty as the 1970s), and always offers a nice excuse to spend some time watching these beasts bicker and brood. A nest count at the Goorn gull colony followed, with plenty of chicks of various sizes hiding among the littered crab claws, Guillemot eggshells and predated Storm-petrel corpses. A Blyth's Reed Warbler was found in song at Shirva before doing a bunk in the afternoon, to later be found at Burkle during an evening rain shower. A Black Redstart at the water treatment works was the only further evidence of birds new in, until the discovery of a GREEN WARBLER at Schoolton in the early evening. The bird fed well among the Rosa, before a sojourn up the hill to Quoy and back. The first record here since 2021 and only the fourth overall of a species which appears to be becoming a more frequent vagrant to Britain.
Fair Isle's fourth Green Warbler (Luke Marriner)
The bird fed well in the garden of Schoolton (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
GREEN WARBLER: Found in the garden at Schoolton c.17:30, moving between there and Quoy. The fourth Isle record, the first being in 2017.
Blyth's Reed Warbler: Singing at Shirva mid-afternoon and later seen at Burkle. Our second of the spring.
This becomes the third Green Warbler recorded in Britain in 2024, with birds on Unst and in Northumberland earlier in the spring (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 19 Greylag Goose, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 15 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Siskin
Other wildlife: 8 Red Admiral, 5 Silver Y, 3 Plutella xylostella, 6 Shetland Bee
Year list: 170
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14-16th June 2024
A welcome switch to south-westerly winds unfortuntely coincided with some damp weather at the end of the week. The weekend was much more birdable, though visibility was poor in the north due to low cloud on the 15th. The 16th ended the week on a warm, sunny note. Little in the way of arrivals was noted despite the wind direction, but the team were entertained with seabird work, more wader chick shenanigans and the first fledgeling Skylarks. Puffins observed carrying fish to their burrows was evidence that we have our first chicks of 2024, and Kittiwakes are now on eggs after a very shaky start.
The Burkle Red-backed Shrike keeping our spirits high despite some wet weather (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: Male present at Burkle 14th & 15th.
Icterine Warbler: Still present, though skulking, at Vaila's Trees.
Sightings of note: 19 Greylag Goose, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 83 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 36 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 22 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 11 Redshank, 15 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrid, 1 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Pied Wagtail, 6 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll
Other wildlife: 9 Red Admiral, 30 Silver Y, 3 Plutella yxlostella, 6 Shetland Bee, 2 Harbour Porpoise
Year list: 169
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13th June 2024
Weather: Overcast all day, and flat calm and warm first thing, with the wind picking up slightly throughout the day. Rain in the evening. F2-4 SE.
Light south-easterlies saw a few birds arrive, including two Barnacle Geese, a Tufted Duck, a Fieldfare (so far, so wintery...), some hirundines, a Greenshank and a male Red-backed Shrike, which sang to itself and happily dismembered bees at Burkle. More cooperative conditions made for some timely population and productivity plot monitoring of various seabirds, with the first Gannet chicks of the year logged across a few of the colonies. The first Rock Pipit fledgelings of the year bounded boldly into the world and a Harbour Porpoise was our first record for some time
Rock Pipit fledgeling (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: Male singing at Burkle.
Today's Red-backed Shrike refuelling (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 10 Greylag Goose, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp.
More and more fledged Fair Isle Starlings are popping out the woodwork (and masonry), to the delight of opportunistic Bonxies and Great Black-backed Gulls...(Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 10 Shetland Bee, 1 Harbour Porpoise
Year list: 169
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12th June 2024
Weather: Cloud all day and scattered showers. F4-5 NW.
Another quiet day with a chilly north-westerly for starters. A few new fledgeling House Sparrows are finding the Heligoland traps irresistable, but migrants are once again thin on the ground. Around South Light the progress of the various pairs of breeding Ringed Plovers has been entertaining to follow, with the first chicks seen today. A Grey Plover nearby was the first record of the year - a species which is not guaranteed on the Fair Isle year-list! We look to tomorrow's forecasted change in the wind direction with interest and trepidation...
Blink and you'll miss it - a Grey Plover record shot past South Light (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover (first of the year), 2 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Mealy Redpoll
Quiet days with uncooperative weather give the perfect excuse for some Bonxie ring-reading (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 169
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11th June 2024
Weather: Overcast with the odd sunny window. Very brief light rain. F5-6 NNW.
We're very much looking forward to a change of winds later this week, and a return to more favorable conditions to continue seabird monitoring in. It was an altogether quiet day on the Isle, with the first fledged House Sparrows joining increasing numbers of juvenile Fair Isle Starlings. A clutch of Common Gull chicks hatched at Buness, where the Arctic Tern colony appears to be at a low ebb this year, with just two adults present there today! A pair of Mealy Redpoll continue to forage around Barkland and Chalet, with two Golden Plover pootling around on Chatham's Land. Icterine Warbler song emanated from Vaila's Trees once again, with this long-stayer making up a quarter of today's warbler biomass!
Common Gull chicks at Buness (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: One singing at Vaila's trees.
Sightings of note: 97 Oystercatcher, 38 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 25 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 16 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 8 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrid, 48 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 74 Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail, 66 Meadow Pipit, 23 Rock Pipit, 10 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll
A Great Northern Diver providing wintery feel off Swarzie / Busta Geos (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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10th June 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with scattered showers throughout the morning and a cold wind. Some brief windows of sun in the evening. F6 NNW.
A landmark day of the year, with the first fledgeling Fair Isle Starlings stomping around the crofts and begging for food with harsh young voices! Another quietish census threw up a surprise second Icterine Warbler at Schoolton, to keep the long-staying bird around Stackhoull company during log. Continued productivity plot monitoring of Guillemots shows that at least two birds are on eggs, a poor result for the spring so far, but small wins were taken elsewhere, with some scouting of wader broods resulting in two broods of Oystercatchers, two Curlew chicks and a few more Lapwings ringed.
The first Curlew chicks of the spring to be ringed (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: The ringed bird at Vaila's Trees and a new bird at Schoolton.
Sightings of note: 81 Oystercatcher, 18 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 27 Curlew, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 12 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrid, 54 Skylark, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 55 Wheatear, 2 Pied Wagtail, 77 Meadow Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 8 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll
Oystercatcher chicks found in the Obs' scrape (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 6 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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9th June 2024
Weather: Overcast, with rain showers throughout the morning. F6 N.
A slight drop in the winds allowed the southern census routes to be covered, producing a small number of warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher. Another cruise vessel was entertained with the antics of the Isle's Puffins and Bonxies during their brief spell ashore, and the DR MPA weekend was rounded off wonderfully with a community rockpooling session at Muckle Uri Geo and a species ID and seaweed pressing workshop at the community hall. A drake Pintail was new in at Da Water, and the first of the class of 2024 Lapwings fledgelings took flight.
One of a pair of Mealy Redpoll touring the Crofts (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Pintail, 91 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 17 Ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 5 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
The Buness Puffins are becoming old hands at the cruise circuit once again this spring. Today the polar expedition vessel Greg Mortimer stopped off before heading onwards to Norway and Svalbard (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 168
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8th June 2024
Weather: Intermittent showers and ripping winds. F7-8 NW.
The sea around Fair Isle is the UK's only Demonstration & Research Marine Protected Area, differing from Scotland’s nature conservation MPAs in that, rather than specifically protecting species of European importance, it promotes research into, and demonstration of, sustainable marine management approaches. The island community are at the heart of the MPA, and this weekend sees a various programme of marine surveys, training, talks and events on offer for all, as part of a designated DR MPA weekend organised by Fair Isle Marine Research Organisation. Gale force winds, rain and high seas once again made for tough birding. A probable Richard's Pipit over the south of the island could not be relocated despite tramping over much of the more Dick's-Pipit-ish habitat in the south of the Isle. A notable find, not least because of the weather(!), in the evening was a Little Bunting on the roadside verge at Lower Stoneybreck. It becomes Fair Isle's first June record of this species.
There's a start-of-season feel to the air off South Light, with a choppy sea full of Fulmars, and temperatures that make you reach for your coat! (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Bunting: One at Lower Stoneybreck then flew north. The second record of the year.
The team joining FIMRO members Katie and Susannah to be shown photo station plots for intertidal monitoring (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 4 Greylag Goose, 2 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone, 9 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 19 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Redpoll sp.
While intertidal surveys were underway at Muckle Uri Geo, some light rockpooling produced this Doto nuidbranch species (Alex Penn)
Year list: 168
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6th & 7th June 2024
Weather: Showery and wet, with sunny spells and strong winds. F7-8 W-NW.
Conditions continue to conspire against us, with high winds, rain and rough seas curtailing the extent of seabird monitoring we would like to be doing at this point of the spring. However, a late season for many of our breeding species means we're not falling too behind schedule, and some Guillemot, Kittiwake and Fulmar plot watches were undertaken on the 7th during a brief weather window without wild winds and rain. On the migrant front, things remain largely changeless as we see little turnover, but a reminder of past spring glory can be found during short encounters with the remaining Icterine Warbler at Stackhoull. Despite the adverse weather, new broods of birds arrive on the Isle, with Snipe and Hooded Crow chicks logged on census, and it is only a matter of time before the first juvenile Fair Isle Starlings, distinctively darker than their Mainland brethren, pop out of drystone dykes all across the place.
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: The ringed bird continues to frequent cover around Stackhoull.
Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Collared Dove, 80 Oystercatcher, 27 Lapwing, 45 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 9 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 19 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 42 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 64 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 67 Meadow Pipit, 24 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Twite, 1 Siskin
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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5th June 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and occasional heavy showers. F7-8 W.
Bracing westerly winds once again kept the number of birds low on census, with the remaining Icterine Warbler and a flock of Golden Plover being the highlights. Most impressive, however, was no sign of our 'resident' Whooper Swan for two days. After fearing for its wellbeing back in March, to witnessing it become capable of flight again and touring the Isle, we now hope it's well on its way to more fruitful feeding grounds. With more wader clutches hatching as the days pass by, the team spent the afternoon locating a few more Lapwings to ring and monitoring the movements of one of the Isle's Curlew broods, as well as confirming Redshank breeding here for another year. Some in-the-field ring-reading of a nesting Oystercatcher around North Light showed it to have been ringed on Fair Isle as a chick back in 2000 - making it older than the observer in question! This Islander born and bred bird is now brooding a clutch of its own some 24 years later.
A high Arctic pair, imagine what they'll see on their breeding grounds this summer! (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: A ringed bird at Stackhoull again today.
Sightings of note: 1 Collared Dove, 66 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 26 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 9 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 7 Twite, 1 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer
A good example of the different hatching times one can see on the same breeding site (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 1 Plutella xylostella, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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4th June 2024
Weather: Sunny spells with a bracing wind and wild seas. F7-8 SW.
An intrepid cruise braved the waves to land off the Haven and bring c.130 passengers to the Isle mid-morning, during the worst of the day's winds. Migrant numbers remained low, but a period of relative calm in the late afternoon gave a renewed chance to mine warblers from the crofts in sunny conditions. An Icterine Warbler continues to be seen around Vaila's Trees, and a few more Manx Shearwaters were logged from a South Light sea-watch. The first Puffin ringing of the year took place on Buness, including the recapture of a bird first ringed in 1997. The team also collected some swab samples from these birds for a University of Edinburgh project.
Some impressive seas off South Light (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: A ringed bird at Stackhoull again today.
Sightings of note: 7 Whimbrel, 7 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Manx Shearwater, 1 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Chaffinch
Other wildlife: 1 Silver Y, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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3rd June 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and prolonged showers until mid-afternoon. Breezy and cool. F6 W.
A bright, sunny start to the day soon gave way to rain throughout much of the morning census, which was unsurprisingly quiet, though a ringed Icterine Warbler remains around Stackhoull Stores. A morning sea-watch produced some impressive breakers off South Light, but also the first Manx Shearwaters of the year, as well as some Arctic Tern movement. A mere handful of common warblers and two finches were the migrant passerine offering. A bedraggled Short-eared Owl was found in the burn by Vaadal - rendered incapable of flight and, curiously, eating a Storm-petrel! It was offered shelter at South Light, and flew off later this afternoon after drying off, despite being lightly oiled (presumbly a fruitless effort at a deterrant by its prey!?). This "nice weather for ducks" saw another brood of Mallard hatch, and the first Eider youngsters of the year were taking their first steps at Steensi Geo; the Isle's breeding hub for this species.
The Island's second brood of Mallard for the year entered the world at Utra Scrape (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: A ringed bird at Stackhoull again today.
The first of the Steensi Geo Eiders clutches to hatch this spring (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Collared Dove, 70 Oystercatcher, 22 Lapwing, 26 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 12 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 11 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Manx Shearwater (first of the year), 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 49 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 75 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 42 Meadow Pipit, 24 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 8 Twite, 1 Siskin
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 168
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2nd June 2024
Weather: Cloudy, intermittent fog over high ground. Spells of drizzle across the morning. F4-5 W.
Dreich conditions in the morning did little to inspire, though the fact that a Marmora's Warbler or yesterday's Bee-eater may still be in residence buoyed us into the field. Sadly neither were discovered, and migrants were in short supply, with a single Icterine Warbler all that remains of our hot run of drift migrants from last month. 100 cruise passengers were, however, enthralled by the antics of Buness's Puffins, which stomped about, collecting nesting material and affirming pair bonds with much bill-tapping. Our first Risso's Dolphin of the season was logged on the east coast - another cetacean species which we expect to enjoy numerous times from Fair Isle's coast through the summer and autumn.
Our 'Bird of the Day' - a Risso's Dolphin moving north past Busta Geo (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: A ringed bird at Stackhoull again today.
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Collared Dove, 70 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 2 Dunlin, 17 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 9 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crow, 1 Swallow, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 9 Twite
Other wildlife: 1 Risso's Dolphin
Year list: 167
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1st June 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and mild. F4 W.
A milestone event for this exceptional spring occured, as we recorded our first day with no Red-backed Shrikes since 14th May! The Marmora's Warbler still cut a bizarre scene as it hopped about in stands of cover either side of Gilsetter, providing entertainment for the Isle's late spring visiting birders during lulls in inspiration. Notes from the field were scant as the multiple seabird monitoring ventures took priority for the team, with Fulmar and Guillemot population counts and productivity plots for Shags, Gannets and Guillemots all undertaken. Later in the afternoon, visiting birders found a vocal Bee-eater around the crofts, which did a bunk for the best part of an hour before briefly returning to the scene of the crime for AW Luke. A hard bird to catch up with here (Acting Warden Alex still 'needs' it!), hopes are high for a more cooperative performance tomorrow.
'Marmed and Dangerous' in the Plantation conifer (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
MARMORA'S WARBLER: Present for its fourth day, frequenting Gully, Gilsetter and Plantation again.
Bee-eater: One flew north over Da Water late afternoon, disappearing for about an hour, reappearing in roughly the same location before moving north again. The 10th record for Fair Isle.
Marsh Warbler: One ringed in Plantation.
Icterine Warbler: A ringed bird at Stackhoull.
At the moment our census routes are frequently interrupted with the discovery of nests of our more common breeding species. Here, a Skylark clutch (Jonnie Fisk)
A predated Razorbill egg lying on a bed of Thrift (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 11 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin
Other wildlife: 6 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee
Year list: 167
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31st May 2024
Weather: A warm, sunny starts, with cloud cover increasing into the afternoon. F3 NW.
Yesterday's northerly gained a westerly bent, and the Isle was a much quieter place to bird. Just two remain apiece of Red-backed Shrike, Marsh Warbler and Icterine Warbler, common migrant warblers were concentrated in groups in scant select areas, like Shirva, Burkle and Stackhoull, and even our abundant breeding species are slightly less noticeable as they busy themselves on clutches of eggs. Our Arctic Skuas have laid their first egg, however, we still await the first incubating Guillemots on our Peitron productivity plot, and Kittiwakes are still nest building around South Green and Greenholm. The latter location was the focus of the team's afternoon activities, with 90 Puffin burrows selected for continued productivity monitoring; leading to a faceful of Thrift flowers as one lies, shoulder deep in a burrow - with a quick nip from its inhabitant as reward. Offshore, a stately Great Norther Diver in summer plumage was fishing, in waters which only yesterday were stalked by black-and-white predators 1000 times its weight
Getting hands on at the Greenholm Puffin productivity plots (Alex Penn)
Tread carefully among the Greenholm colony, for fear of incurring the Fulmar's wrath! Some birds, such as this one, enjoy nesting among delicate stonework (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
MARMORA'S WARBLER: Present for its third day, spending more time around Gully and last reported around Byerwalls.
Red-backed Shrike: Females at Lower Leogh and Quoy.
Wood Warbler: One around the Crofts.
Marsh Warbler: Two at the Haa.
Icterine Warbler: Singles at Lower Stoneybreck and Schoolton/Burkle.
Acting Warden Alex Penn displaying that this isn't his first rodeo (Jonnie Fisk)
While many Fair Isle Eider nest at beach level, such as at Steensi Geo, some make the journey 'inland' to nest under the cover of bracken (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 59 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 49 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 19 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 71 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 107 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 50 Meadow Pipit, 29 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 11 Twite
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee
Year list: 166
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30th May 2024
Weather: A sunny dawn, becoming overcast and chilly by late morning. Sunny spells returned by midday, with a warm and sunny afternoon and evening. F4 NNW
A swing in the winds was inevitable, eventually - all good things must come to an end! Warm, settled conditions seemingly inspired more birds to move on, with a further reduction in common migrants, as well as this spring’s barometer species of Marsh & Icterine Warblers. Two Wood Warblers were the first for a few days, and our Red-backed Shrike crop was topped up with a handful of new birds. In the middle of a quiet-ish census, AW Jonnie rounded Gully to the sight of yesterday’s Marmora’s Warbler hopping along the trap’s girders. A handful of the 200+ passengers of an ‘ultra-luxury expedition cruise’ ship were then treated to some roadside entertainment, boy following bird, and – with the aid of Alex – catching it shortly after. In the hand study showed it to be a second calendar-year male, and a couple of the Isle’s birders who hadn’t caught up with it yesterday were offered a second bite of the cherry. All plans for an afternoon on Greenholm’s Puffin productivity plots were scuppered with the advent of a pod of Orca off South Light. The c.five animals included two bulls, both of which passed phenomenally close off the end of Skadan before nosing around the shores of South Harbour and filing out around Meoness after c.15 minutes. A binocular sweep showed that c.five more animals were off Skadan too; all 10+ regrouping around the Skerries where they stayed for some time, garnering a modest twitch for Fair Isle standards. Many present were sat on the lichen-covered rocks watching Orcas for the first time in their lives, and communal noises of awe could be heard as the bulls’ dorsal fins would rise and fall, wobbling majestically. Evening study of photographs taken from Skadan allowed many to be identified - via their scars and shape of their saddles - as part of the 27s pod, which typically hunt seals and porpoises around Orkney and Shetland (but have ventured down the British east coast and even up to Iceland). Hopefully this is not our last encounter with these behemoths this summer.
Present for its second day, Fair Isle's first Marmora's Warbler was caught and ringed (Alex Penn)
Part of the 27s pod, including bull 072 and cow 073 (directly behind) (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
MARMORA'S WARBLER: Yesterday's second calendar-year male was resident for its second day, and trapped and ringed late morning.
Red-backed Shrike: 11; including a duo at Stackhoull.
Wood Warbler: Birds at Burkle and Stackhoull.
Marsh Warbler: Two at the Haa.
Icterine Warbler: One at Lower Stoneybreck and Shirva.
Bluethroat: A female around Midway-Meadow Burn.
Another bull patrolling the shores of South Harbour for unfortunate Grey Seals (Alex Penn)
Another angle of bull 072 as he came close along the rocks at Skadan (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 86 Oystercatcher, 20 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 60 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 20 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 6 Carrion Crow, 70 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 11 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Fly, 2 Redstart, 145 Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail, 58 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 29 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 17 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll
Our 'Blue' Furse Fulmar remains, along with two other birds across the north, though the former is by far the easiest to meet (Luke Marriner)
Other wildlife: 10+ Orca, seemingly mostly from the 27s pod, including Bull 072, passed South Light and skirted the inside of South Harbour, around Meoness and then back off Skadan and the Skerries.
1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 12 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 166
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29th May 2024
Weather: Intense sun all day. F2-4 E-NE
These settled days finally appeared to prompt many of our familiar scarcities to move on, hopefully reorienting eastwards to make landfall back in Scandinavia with plenty of the spring left to raise their progeny, whom we may meet in three or more short months as drifty juveniles on an autumn easterly. Our Red-backed Shrike, Marsh Warbler and Icterine Warbler totals dropped to single figures, and the showing from the common migrant footsoldiers was similarly scant from a warm, sunny census. The female Rustic Bunting of the last few days was still present, and a Cuckoo was new. With such an outstanding May for scarcities barely behind us, it's inevitable that those old birding adages have been playing on the lips of regular birders here: "Eleven o'clock rare, three o'clock rare", "The big one travels alone", "The rare comes three days after the fall" etc. etc. Not to sound ungrateful, but with such clement conditions, it felt about time for a classic Fair Isle moment, and these mantras became more believable. Cue a rather cool and collected message, as afternoon tipped into evening, from David Parnaby regarding a Marmora's Warbler by Steensi Geo... Over at Buness, Alex and Jonnie had just cracked open a Magnum ice-cream each while lounging about on cruiseship Puffin-pointing duty; by Plantation, Luke was processing an Icterine Warbler with some visiting birders assisting and observing; while filling up his car, Deryk Shaw had reportedly noted this spring's lack of a 'biggie' to Tommy of the Haa. Just minutes later, all (and more!) were arranged radially around a tumbledown sheep croo watching a slate-blue Sylvia (Curruca? Show some respect.) hopping cock-tailed from the silverweed to the lichen-covered stone. It would pause for minutes at a time in a crevice on the dyke, a telling red eye shinging back at us. The perfect excuse to sit chatting for a sunny midweek hour, any pressing tasks forgotten; a north-easterly wind on our necks, occasionally lifting a pair of bins or camera for another study of this tiny bird of a species which makes the nuttiest long-range movements. Not even the news of a Red-footed Falcon riding the Northlink as it sailed by us, unknown, could dampen another sunny day in birding paradise.
FAIR ISLE'S FIRST MARMORA'S WARBLER (Alex Penn)
What a little ripper (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
MARMORA'S WARBLER: A bouncing blue bird was found c.17.00hrs on remains of dykes near Steensi Geo. The first for Fair Isle and 8th for Britain, following one in Shetland in 2018.
RUSTIC BUNTING: The female was seen at Plantation again.
Red-backed Shrike: Six; two males and four females.
Marsh Warbler: Seven, including duos at Setter and the Obs'.
Icterine Warbler: 10; including a couple of singing birds.
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Collared Dove, 51 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 51 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 69 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 1 Pied Fly, 1 Redstart, 108 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 84 Meadow Pipit, 23 Rock Pipit, 15 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Siskin
The Haven or the Hellespont?! Visiting yachties enjoying the turquoise waters and a sunny Isle, with the Good Shepherd IV on the right (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 8 Silver Y, 2 Plutella xylostella, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 166
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28th May 2024
Weather: A morning of low cloud cover and fog on the high ground slowly burnt off into a sunny and warm late afternoon and evening. F4 SE.
The reappearance of the female Rustic Bunting this morning gave little indication that it would be any less difficult to catch up with than it has been over the weekend, and our visiting birders were able to satisfy their needs, for now, with any number of Icterine Warblers, Marsh Warblers and Red-backed Shrikes still present across the island. Our spring of Bluethroats continued with one by the Single Dyke Heligoland trap, and the warm, muggy air prompted a few visitors into song - every second of Lesser Whitethroat or Redstart song must be savoured on Fair Isle! A rather more ubiquitous noise in recent days has been the gentle chiming of Fair Isle Starling chicks from the drystone dykes, slowly gaining mass before they burst like something from a Ridley Scott film across the island, expelling much less pleasant noises thereafter... After some afternoon fiddling with the Obs' boats a quick push of the traps resulted in the capture of the Rustic Bunting - a fine chance for those visiting the Isle to admire a spring record of this eastern species (and spring records are on the up) in close quarters.
The 21st Rustic Bunting to be ringed on the Isle (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
RUSTIC BUNTING: The weekend's female bird was again around Byerwalls and Plantation after a day's absence before being trapped and ringed early evening.
Nightjar: A female was once again around the Obs' and the Haven.
Red-backed Shrike: 16.
Marsh Warbler: 10, largely where we have left them these past few days!
Icterine Warbler: 10; including a few singing birds.
Bluethroat: Female at Single Dyke.
Common Rosefinch: A brown bird around Field.
A partially leucistic Puffin on Greenholm (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 2 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 53 Oystercatcher, 41 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 51 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 8 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrid, 61 Skylark, 31 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 14 Garden Warbler, 17 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Redstart, 97 Wheatear, 7 Pied Wagtail, 69 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 29 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 10 Twite, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin
A very pleasant afternoon to be messing about on the water (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 8 Silver Y, 18 Plutella xylostella
Year list: 165
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27th May 2024
Weather: Low cloud cover, and fog in the morning, turning to brief showers. Milder as the day went on, muggy at times. F3-4 ESE.
A morning text from David Parnaby with the news of a male Nightjar trapped at Shirva set us up for the day well, with a chance to observe one of Europe's weirdest birds in the hand, pectens and all. With visibility much improved on yesterday, it was hard to ascertain whether a rise in the total of Red-backed Shrikes and Marsh Warblers corresponded to birds new in or longer and clearer sightlines! An undeniable arrival was a Tawny Pipit which surprised AW Luke on his morning trap rounds while stalking a wily male Red-backed Shrike. Pushed on by the local Meadow Pipits and Wheatears, it did not give a chance to be fully admired and failed to be relocated when those on south-east and south-west censuses struck out on the search. Our second Osprey of the spring flew north off the Isle, a new Bluethroat was at Lower Stoneybreck, a Rosefinch was hanging out with Twite at the Fire station, but argably freshest of them all was a brood of Curlew which hatched at Da Water this morning. Part of the afternoon was spent attempting to relocate and trap the Subalpine Warbler sp. of the last two days, but the usual stands of cover among the crofts of the south-west sadly drew a blank. With our wreath of fog due to disappear and visiting birders scheduled to land tomorrow, we look forward to what another week on Fair Isle may bring...
A real treat in the hand, and a fantastic start to the day (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
TAWNY PIPIT: One at Double Dyke mid-morning but not relocated. The 22nd record for Fair Isle.
Osprey: One at North Light late morning then flew north to Shetland.
Nightjar: A male ringed at Shirva in the morning. The 37th record for Fair Isle.
Red-backed Shrike: 23; including 10 males and a distinctive tailless female.
Marsh Warbler: 13; a new day record count.
Icterine Warbler: 13.
Bluethroat: Male at Lower Stoneybreck.
Common Rosefinch: A brown bird was grazing on dandelions at the Fire station.
As well as being a moderate spring ID challenge, Marsh Warblers can also be quite entertaining to watch in the field (Jonnie Fisk)
Fair Isle's Curlew class of 2024 (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 56 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 49 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 118 Arctic Tern, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Peregrine, Carrion Crow, 78 Skylark, 16 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 19 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 18 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 165 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 66 Meadow Pipit, 26 Rock Pipit, 2 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 9 Twite, 3 Siskin
Some recent softening of our substrates due to rain has prompted a frenzy of nest building among our Kittiwakes (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 20 Silver Y, 63 Plutella xylostella, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 165
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26th May 2024
Weather: Foggy once again, with visibility varying, but consistently poor in the north and on high ground. F3-4 ESE.
A grey start once more, though another male Red-backed Shrike ringed in Plantation was all in a morning's work, and a visiting cruise vessel occupied some of the team as we showed the ship's passengers our breeding seabirds as well as a few avian migrants, including an Icterine Warbler and one of several Red-backed Shrikes around the Parks. Yesterday's Rustic Bunting and Subalpine Warbler sp. were present again, but skittish, and the two Wood Warblers were recorded, suggesting little movement to or from the Isle given our mizzly weather. Presumably new, however, was a Nightjar around the Obs' in the late afternoon; our first for three years.
A smart female Rustic Bunting revealed itself briefly along Gully (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SUBALPINE WARBLER sp.: Yesterday's female was still present in Vaila's Trees.
RUSTIC BUNTING: A female first seen fleetingly yesterday was similarly evasive around Gully and Byerwalls.
Nightjar: A female flushed from the Obs' garden late afternoon. The 36th record for Fair Isle.
Red-backed Shrike: 15; including six males.
Wood Warbler: One at South Raeva and one ringed at Burkle.
Marsh Warbler: Nine; duos at the Haa, Schoolton, Setter, Chalet and one at Wirvie.
Icterine Warbler: 11 (a figure which until four days ago was the highest day count for Fair Isle!)
Our first Nightjar since 2021 (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Swift, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 80 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Turnstone, 21 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 19 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 102 Arctic Tern, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Carrion x Hooded Crown hybrid, 49 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 21 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 5 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 8 Garden Warbler, 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 19 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 105 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 64 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 22 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 12 Twite, 1 Linnet, 5 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin
Crouching Ickie, Hidden Shrike (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 129 Plutella xylostella
Year list: 164
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25th May 2024
Weather: Overcast all day, with some fog across the top of Ward Hill in the morning. F3-4 SE.
We were grateful for a birdable morning after two days of thick fog, and set off on census to overcast conditions but still with that sacred south-easterly frisking the Isle. 48 Barnacle Geese were loafing on the rocks off South Light, Red-backed Shrikes, Marsh Warblers and Icterine Warblers were still there for the taking in fantastic numbers, with two Wood Warblers new in and Bluethroats in each of the census areas. Yesterday's male Dotterel was relocated by the same lucky observer, this time upgrading to Ward Hill - Fair Isle's highest peak - with another improvement in his circumstances being the presence of a beautiful female bird. Later on in the north, three 'Grey-headed Wagtail' were unearthed on Lerness, and the first Subalpine Warbler of the spring bounced around in the Rosa and Red Campions of Upper Stoneybreck. While the team split their afternoon between Gannet productivity plots and attempting to catch the 'Subalp' to garner a species ID, a vocal Rustic Bunting dropped in at Stoneybreck before disappearing into thin air.
From Scandinavia with love - a stunning thunbergi Yellow Wagtail in the north (Alex Penn)
Like buses! Another Dotterel making up for a three-year absence (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
SUBALPINE WARBLER sp.: A bright(ish) female at Upper Stoneybreck evaded capture.
RUSTIC BUNTING: A brief encounter with one at Lower Stoneybreck.
Dotterel: Yesterday's male pulled in a female, both performing well on Ward Hill.
Wryneck: One at the Haa.
Red-backed Shrike: 30; of which 13 were males.
Wood Warbler: Singles at South Harbour and Raeva.
Marsh Warbler: Eight; including a singing bird at Vaila's Trees and one ringed at Burkle.
Icterine Warbler: 14!
Bluethroat: Four; males at Ward Hill and Gully, females at Upper Stoneybreck and Homisdale.
'Grey-headed Wagtail': Three; two females and a male on Lerness.
A female Subalpine Warbler species gave the ringers a run around in the late afternoon (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 48 Barnacle Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Goosander, 4 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, 107 Oystercatcher, 20 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 50 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 15 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 24 Common Gull, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Arctic Tern, 26 Arctic Skua, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 5 Carrion Crow, 57 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 23 Swallow, 13 House Martin, 17 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 15 Garden Warbler, 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 30 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 7 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 212 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White Wagtail', 75 Meadow Pipit, 5 Tree Pipit, 33 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 20 Twite, 1 Linnet, 5 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting
A young male Bluethroat, one of four birds today, continues our amazing May streak for this species (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 24 Silver Y, 16 Plutella xylostella, 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth
Year list: 163
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24th May 2024
Weather: Rain at dawn and another morning with a thick soup of fog and drizzle, burning off around midday, with warm sunny spells followed by an overcast evening. F4 SE.
The day dawned wet and dreich again, and a morning cruise around the trapping areas proved too sodden a venture to pursue. By midday, the fog was dissipating and as soon as the sun came out, an exciting pulse of birds appeared, with a Wryneck fresh in and new Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Garden Warblers perching on the wires and cliffs. Yesterday's damp and dreary conditions presumably stuck many of Wednesday's Icterine Warblers and Red-backed Shrikes in place, but with the continued south-easterlies, we could be forgiven for assuming some of today's birds of those two species were also arrivals. Either way, fantastic counts of both were logged again, and Marsh Warbler now joins them in having a newly-minted record day count total - the 12 today is more than we record in some springs! Ask Acting Warden Alex Penn his bird of the day, however, and the answer will come firmly on the side of the male Dotterel he came across on census - a species not recorded on the Isle since spring 2020 (an unusual Dotterel dry spell for FIBO) and one of the 'easiest' omissions on his Fair Isle list. Another whirlwind of a day in this dreamy spring!
A trip up the slopes of Malcolm's Head was worth it for this diminutive plover (Alex Penn)
A Busta Icterine Warbler with a backdrop of Spring Squill (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Dotterel: A male pottering about on Malcolm's Head.
Glaucous Gull: Still present opposite Barkland.
Wryneck: One along the road between Koolin and Chapel.
Red-backed Shrike: 34; with an even spread of sexes.
Marsh Warbler: 12; including singing birds at Schoolton and Busta, duos together at the Haven, Burkle and Chalet, and five ringed today.
Icterine Warbler: 22; including two ringed.
Bluethroat: Three; females at Schoolton, North Reava and Lower Stoneybreck.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': Female at Utra Scrape / Meadow Burn.
Common Rosefinch: A reddish male at the Haa.
Common Nightingale: Still present in the Obs' garden.
One of the Red-backed Shrikes hanging around Plantation (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Teal, 4 Goosander, 3 Swift, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 92 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 56 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 6 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, 17 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Arctic Tern, 24 Arctic Skua, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 18 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 16 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 26 Garden Warbler, 14 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 42 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 19 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 16 Twite, 1 Linnet, 4 Redpoll sp., 1 Crossbill, 1 Siskin
Plutella xylostella aka Diamondback Moths are some of the smallest migrants on the Isle at present, though they far outnumber any of our avian visitors (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 59 Silver Y, at least 1000 Plutella xylostella!, 1 Shetland Bee,
Year list: 162
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23rd May 2024
Weather: Thick fog all day, with rain from late morning. F3-4 E.
After yesterday's high, fog and poor visibility stopped play today, with rain adding to the mix. Morning trap rounds caught two Marsh Warblers, while a slightly more sobering find was the body of one of yesterday's Icterine Warblers which had been 'shriked'! Red-backed Shrikes themselves still put on a good showing, with multiples on view at once with the right fenceline-heavy vista, gradually disappearing into the fog. Our first Swift of the year passed over the south of the Isle, while the Obs' garden held a few common migrants and yesterday's Nightingale. It's days like this we are grateful for the sightings from the Island's resident and visiting birders, to get a fuller picture of what is out there. A rainy afternoon gave the team a chance to catch up with ringing data entry and planning and preparing for this week's seabird monitoring.
Common Nightingale at the Obs' (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Glaucous Gull: The adult cut a ghostly shape in the fog opposite Barkland.
Red-backed Shrike: 18 were filtered from the fog, including seven males.
Marsh Warbler: Four; including two birds ringed.
Icterine Warbler: Nine.
Bluethroat: Females at Lower Stoneybreck and Steensi Geo.
Common Nightingale: Still present in the Obs' garden.
The garden at Chalet held this Marsh Warbler (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Goosander, 1 Swift (first of the year), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Spotted Flycatcher
A brief bit of foggy ringing before the weather defeated us (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 10 Plutella xylostella
Year list: 161
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22nd May 2024
Weather: A humid, overcast start, with warmth building into the afternoon. Sunny spells, before increasingly heavy evening rain set in. F3-4 SE.
We don't want to jinx any future Fair Isle birding fortunes...but this is becoming something of a vintage spring, thanks to some pleasantly persistent south-easterlies. Twenty days after our outstanding (and protracted!) spring fall, we witnessed another afternoon arrival today, with two species as stand-out stars. Red-backed Shrikes have been having something of 'a moment' in the Northern Isles, but today overshadowed even our purple patch last week, and a new record count for Fair Isle has been set, with two birds tipping us across that threshold. Yet, it was another species which took centre stage as the day wore on...Two Icterine Warblers at Setter foreshadowed a momentous day for this hippo in FIBO history. More 'Ickies' began to be unearthed in the crofts, and then along the west cliffs of north census; curiously almost always in pairs! In between news from the island's birders of Marsh Warblers, Bluethroats and our first Blyth's Reed Warbler of the year, the Icterine Warblers kept arriving; tacking onto sallying groups of Spotted Flycatchers along Dronger, climbing the Mast with Lesser Whitethroats, even seen flying across the airstrip by departing birders! The number of Icterine Warblers ringed today alone surpasses the previous overall Fair Isle record day count (11 in spring 1992) and just adds to the many moments of migration magic on the Isle so far this spring. As the rainclouds gathered and the evening light waned, a Nightingale was found in the Obs' garden and our sixth ever spring Barred Warbler lumbered about on the heather at Furse before the clouds opened and the day ended on a wet note.
A birder's-eye-view of a male Red-backed Shrike down a west cliff Geo (Jonnie Fisk)
A classic species pairing in a scene from North Light (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Glaucous Gull: An impressive adult at Midway.
Osprey: Passed South Light east mid-morning.
Red-backed Shrike: 37; a new Fair Isle day record. Another incredible May afternoon arrival, with six birds ringed.
Blyth's Reed Warbler: One trapped in Plantation, then relocating to Gully. The 70th record for the Island.
Marsh Warbler: Six; including one trapped and ringed.
Icterine Warbler: 34; a new Fair Isle day record by some margin, with birds arriving from midday onwards. 12 birds were ringed.
Barred Warbler: A surprise bird at Furse/Dumlin's Sink. Our sixth spring record.
Bluethroat: Seven; males at Gilly Burn and Vaila's Trees, females at School brae, Hill Dyke, Gully, Vaila's Trees and Setter.
Common Nightingale: One caught and ringed in the Obs' garden.
Common Rosefinch: A reddish male at Quoy.
Today female Bluethroats outnumbered the males, including this bird at Vaila's Trees (Luke Marriner)
Blyth's Reed Warbler, caught and ringed in Plantation (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 1 Goosander, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 79 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 48 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 4 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 29 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 18 Arctic Skua, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 66 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 25 Garden Warbler, 32 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 27 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 164 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 88 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 24 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 16 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Crossbill, 1 Siskin
One of four Crossbill across the Isle, though sadly a few were a bit worse for wear (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 15 Silver Y, 65 Plutella xylostella, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 160
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21st May 2024
Weather: An overcast morning was further murkied by fog which intensified until mid-afternoon before burning off into sunny, warm conditions. F3-4 SE.
A cruel fog settled once more across the Isle during census hours, clearing shortly after we were finished. However, all evidence suggests we've had no real arrivals of migrants, just gradual departures - most tellingly displayed in the gradual decrease in our Red-backed Shrike 'population'! Another new (but no less stunning) male Bluethroat was ringed in Vaadal, along with a few Garden Warblers, and two Barnacle Geese stopped off mid-morning on their travels north. As we slide into late May, the saga of our resident Whooper Swan continues, with it now settled on the waterbodies of the south. We've witnessed it fly, and it appears no worse for wear than when first we met in mid-March. Will it stay the summer? A similar question can be posed to the three 'Blue' Fulmar on the cliffs at Furse, Lericum and Bergaroo - with one brooding an egg!
One of three 'Blue' Fulmar back on the cliffs of the north (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: 10, including two males.
Bluethroat: A male trapped and ringed at Vaadal.
Hawfinch: The lingering female was found freshly dead.
We continue our Bluethroat roll, with just four of the last 20 days without a record (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 12 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 50 Oystercatcher, 38 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 26 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 9 Turnstone, 15 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60 Arctic Tern, 13 Arctic Skua, 3 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 10 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 67 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 12 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 1 Redstart, 152 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White Wagtail', 79 Meadow Pipit, 36 Rock Pipit, 4 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 17 Twite, 2 Linnet, 7 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll
Other wildlife: 5 Silver Y, 1 Plutella xylostella, 2 Shetland Bee
Year list: 157
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20th May 2024
Weather: Gloriously sunny and warm all day, with 0/8 cloud cover. F4 E
A gorgeous day to be out and about on the Isle, with a scattering of Red-backed Shrikes, three Bluethroats and the chuntering of singing Marsh Warblers and Sedge Warblers emanating from a few choice stands of bushes. A warm afternoon was given over to tracking down some of the various Lapwing broods across the crofts, with 16 birds now sporting rings, which is a good total for this point in the spring already.
A handful of Tieves' Nacket (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
White-tailed Eagle: An immature bird was picked up high over Meoness, heading south off the island before looping back over Rippack and disappearing to the north.
Red-backed Shrike: 14; two more birds ringed in Plantation/Vaadal.
Marsh Warbler: Seven; birds singing in Chapel Plantation, Brecks, Setter and Lower Leogh, with further birds at Chalet, Shirva and Gully.
Icterine Warbler: One in upper Wirvie burn.
Bluethroat: Three; males at Barkland/Fire Station and Wirvie Burn and a female at Springfield.
Hawfinch: Our regular bird living at Plantation.
A close flyby by a White-tailed Eagle while ringing Lapwing chicks at Da Water (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 4 Teal, 5 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, 42 Oystercatcher, 33 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 11 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 11 Arctic Tern, 17 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 7 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 89 Skylark, 17 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 13 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 192 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White Wagtail', 85 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 25 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 11 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 39 Silver Y, 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 157
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19th May 2024
Weather: An overcast start, with a sun trying to burn through the cloud cover then stifled by a fog bank rolling in, clearing by early evening. F2 NE-SE.
With two days of fog, it was clear we weren't going to experience any significant arrivals, and the numbers from census reflected this. Still, it feels novel enough to have the most numerous migrant passerine tallied in your notebook to be Red-backed Shrikes! 18 remained in place across the south (and the Haven), congregating in little duos and trios. The intrepid Shag-tagging team set forth on the Obs' RIB and returned to a South Light curry night successful - with eight more tags deployed on Fair Isle-nesting birds to map their movements and foraging areas. Basestations installed across the island will download data from these tags, without the need to recapture the birds, a feat which in itself requires requisite skill, equipment and a lucky break in any sea swell or wind! A good Sunday to round off another excellent week at FIBO.
A Marsh Warbler frolicking around Utra (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: 18; one ringed in Double Dyke.
Marsh Warbler: Four; two ringed at Lower Leogh with another present, one ringed at Shirva.
Hawfinch: The two females continue.
Shag taggers in action! Ten birds will now provide foraging data which will feed back to the Marine Protected Area (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 9 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 66 Oystercatcher, 35 Lapwing, 41 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 14 Turnstone, 13 Dunlin, 15 Purple Sandpiper, 28 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 28 Arctic Tern, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 8 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 8 Twite, 2 Linnet, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 9 Silver Y, 10 Plutella xylostella
Sheep Rock and Vaasetter sliced in two by the thick bank of fog (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 157
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18th May 2024
Weather: An overcast start turned murkier by late morning, with thick fog creeping up on the north of the island, not clearing until the late afternoon. Some spots of rain in the evening. F3 NW.
An overnight clearout was evident, though Red-backed Shrikes were still dotted about the Isle in decent number. Migrant numbers fell, not aided by very poor viewing conditions for the majority of the north census route. A trip to the Shag productivity plots was made all the more topical by the current exploits of a fieldwork group, tagging Shags as part of a Marine Protected Area project. Five more Red-backed Shrikes were ringed, including one in the Double Dyke Heligoland, which has now caught three birds in total since its rebuild - all of them Red-backed Shrikes!
Red-backed Shrikes were once again flavour of the day (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Quail: One by Burkle.
Red-backed Shrike: 20; five birds trapped and ringed.
Marsh Warbler: Singles at Lower Stoneybreck and Brecks.
Bluethroat: Singles at Setter and Upper Stoneybreck.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': A female at the Haven.
Hawfinch: A roaming female.
A welcome chance to see a Marsh Warbler out in the open (Luke Marriner)
An 'atmospheric' shot of two Arctic Skua in today's north census viewing conditions (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 4 Goosander, 11 Woodpigeon, 71 Oystercatcher, 32 Lapwing, 76 Ringed Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 7 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 10 Dunlin, 30 Purple Sandpiper, 28 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 19 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Arctic Tern, 16 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 16 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 68 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 8 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 209 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White Wagtail', 120 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 27 Rock Pipit, 14 Twite, 2 Lesser Redpoll (first of the year)
Other wildlife: 47 Silver Y, 21 Plutella xylostella
Year list: 157
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17th May 2024
Weather: A hot day on the Isle! Pleasant and sunny all day, with minimal cloud cover. F3-4 ESE.
Well, today was not one to be a bee or a Silver Y here on Fair Isle, as the second-largest arrival of Red-backed Shrikes in Obs' history (a difference of just three birds allows 6th June 1984 to hold the title), touched down on fenceposts and Rosa bushes from north to south. In classic Fair Isle fashion, the numbers only swelled as the afternoon wore on - several of the males singing in the blazing sun and 'flocks' of three in various areas was not unusual. The Obs' team spent the evening (and thus forewent a rare spring community darts night!) around chalet, with open nets, slowly being encircled by 10 shrikes, allowing us to attempt to get a better handle on the numbers involved in this event. Along for the ride were a handful of Marsh Warblers, including two birds ringed, and a few Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted and Pied Flycatchers. Our blessed Bluethroat run continues, there were two ring-tail Hen Harriers, and tiny Diamondback Moths sprialled from every other step through the heather. A warm evening, and the sheltered slopes of the north coast, was the perfect setting for some Gannet productivity plot monitoring while the ringing team caught a few common migrants passing through the Isle on our south-easterlies, as well as seven Red-backed Shrikes. We are due a brief pause in proceedings, weather wise, as some weekend northerlies set in...
One of the most memorable shrike days for decades (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS
Wryneck: One at Busta.
Red-backed Shrike: Wow!...32 across the area, very much a conservative count of these highly mobile birds!
Marsh Warbler: Four: singles at Lower Stoneybreck, Lower Leogh, Brecks & Plantation.
Bluethroat: Four: two birds around Setter/Ringing Lab brae, one at the Heinkel bomber and a female at the Haven
Hawfinch: Two females.
Common Rosefinch: Brown bird at the Haa.
A modest arrival of Marsh Warblers included two birds ringed and a couple of singers (Alex Penn)
One of seven Red-backed Shrikes ringed today (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 13 Teal, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Collared Dove, 57 Oystercatcher, 26 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 54 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Turnstone, 7 Dunlin, 14 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 35 Common Gull, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 92 Arctic Tern, 11 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 71 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 17 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 17 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 207 Wheatear, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 7 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 91 Meadow Pipit, 9 Tree Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 21 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Crossbill, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting
A pleasant evening's shrike ringing (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 236 Silver Y, 174 Plutella xylostella, 4 Shetland Bee, 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 156
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16th May 2024
Weather: Sun and bright blue skies, warm. F5 SE.
A day which got increasingly 'birdy' as the south easterlies continued to whisk Red-backed Shrikes and Bluethroats our way, with 16 and 12 now recorded on the Isle so far this spring, respectively. Eight of the former included an equal spread of sexes, with a new male and female Hawfinch also joining the female present since last week. Interestingly, the new female was found to have a brood patch when caught and ringed. Sedge Warblers bumped in number, and elsewhere a smart male 'Blue-headed Wagtail' swaggered around Gilly Burn and the second calendar-year male Hen Harrier took in about every square inch of the Isle, to the chagrin of the local Starlings. Silver Ys continued to arrive, and a couple of Rush Veneer (yet another earliest arrival record) provided additional migrant interest. Nets were opened in the afternoon and caught a handful of common migrants, while a happy AW pottered around rewiring one of the Heligoland traps in the afternoon warmth.
Always exciting to see one of these dash up Vaadal! So far it's been a good spring for Bluethroats (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Ringed Plover: One at Da Water.
Wryneck: One at Busta.
Red-backed Shrike: Eight: males at Setter, Vaila's Trees, Burkle/Schoolton and School Brae, females at Ward Hill, Shriva, Double Dyke and Lower Leogh.
Bluethroat: Three: singles at Gilly Burn, Troila Geo and one ringed in Vaadal.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': A new male at Gilly Burn.
Hawfinch: Three: a new female was ringed, the continuing ringed female was present, as was a male at Troila Geo.
Common Rosefinch: A brown bird at the Haa.
A scenic shrike pellet perch (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 13 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 60 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 36 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 34 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 73 Arctic Tern, 18 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 85 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 13 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 23 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 13 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 211 Wheatear, 6 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 57 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 33 Rock Pipit, 13 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 107 Silver Y
Year list: 156
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15th May 2024
Weather: Sunny and warm, but a strong wind across the north-west of the isle. F5-6 SE.
Early morning BBS excursions, resulting in a Wryneck and a scattering of common migrants, had installed some hope for a bit of an arrival. It was another gorgeous day to be on Fair Isle, and the inescapable evidence of winged travellers riding today's winds were large numbers of Silver Y moths, as well as a few Red Admirals and our earliest ever Painted Lady by four days. Another earliest ever record was a Marsh Warbler, sadly found taking its last breath near Plantation, while other more sprightly arrivals included a smart male Bluethroat chasing phylloscs' at Furse and a couple of Wrynecks and Red-backed Shrikes. A Little Ringed Plover at Da Water showed itself, upon inspection, to be a different bird to the plover on the 12th May, and becomes the 12th record for Fair Isle. Lapwing chicks have been appearing all over the place, and a sunny afteroon was spent ringing some of these near the school, providing a timely chance to grab a Cornetto as reward.
A Fulmar's eye view of a Bluethroat, as it fed on Furse beach (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS
Little Ringed Plover: One at Da Water, our second of the spring.
Wryneck: Two: at Lower Stoneybreck and Kenaby.
Red-backed Shrike: Male at the Haa and a female at the Mast.
Bluethroat: Red-spotted male at Furse.
Icterine Warbler: One at Schoolton.
Marsh Warbler: A recently perished bird at Plantation.
Hawfinch: A female present from the 11th was once again around Setter.
Common Rosefinch: A brown bird at the Haa.
Black-tailed Godwits are always a pleasure to see here, but Iceland beckons! (Alex Penn)
Despite the regular comings and going of the Airtask planes, the airfield remains one of the Arctic Skua strongholds on the Isle (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 58 Oystercatcher, 34 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 51 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 10 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 8 Arctic Skua, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 14 Carrion Crow, 55 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 187 Wheatear, 7 Tree Sparrow, 4 Pied Wagtail, 68 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 23 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 14 Twite, 2 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 8 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 141 Silver Y, 5 Shetland Bee
Year list: 156
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14th May 2024
Weather: A sunny start with a hazy horizon, with increasing cloud cover towards mid-afternoon. F5 SE.
Despite the wind direction, there was little evidence of arrivals, and most migrant passerines remained in single digit figures. Many of the recent birds of interest remain, including two Rosefinches together at the Haa. A morning greeting from above while one of the AWs was pegging out his laundry pre-census signalled our first Arctic Tern of the year, followed by a flock of 14 over Buness - notably late during what feels like a delayed spring for our seabirds. In contrast, Shetland saw a phenomenally early arrival of Arctic Terns back in April, but there has been a long gap for any boost in number until a recent consolidation. Usually, we would have expected our first 'Tirricks' just under a week ago. Elsewhere, spring moves forward; the first Oysterplant flowers are out at Muckle Uri Geo and census is punctuated with the discovery of wader nests or Lapwing chicks, complete with aggressively attendant parents.
This ring-tail Hen Harrier toured the Isle this afternoon (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wryneck: One at Da Water.
Icterine Warbler: One at Schoolton.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': One at South Harbour.
Hawfinch: Female around Gully.
Common Rosefinch: Both an orange-headed male and a brown bird at the Haa.
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 58 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 36 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 8 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Arctic Tern (first of the year), 10 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 16 Carrion Crow, 59 Skylark, 31 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 7 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 201 Wheatear, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White Wagtail', 82 Meadow Pipit, 11 Tree Pipit, 61 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 15 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Crossbill, 1 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 20 Silver Y
Year list: 155
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13th May 2024
Weather: Largely overcast, with some fog topping Ward Hill, and a colder wind than of late. F5 SE.
A few new birds in today included that rarest of beasts, a Rosefinch displaying some colour, and a flyby Hobby - a bird which is just about annual on the Isle. AW Luke continued his talent of charming Wood Warblers from the north cliffs and a memorable Fair Isle scene featured a Bluethroat cavorting with some Puffins, viewed from above at North Naaversgill. Our birder population recieved a bump with the arrival of a few familiar faces as part of a Shag-tagging venture, and with the drift conditions before us, lady luck may be smiling down on them. Additionally, a mentionable departure today is recent FIBO alumnus Georgia Platt, who must be thanked for returning to the Isle and stepping up to cover some of her old roles during a short-term staff shortage. It was great having you back in the fold!
A male Rosefinch with head ripening into jammy plumage (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: One flushed from Kenaby.
Hobby: One flew north over Springfield in the mid-afternoon.
Wryneck: One at the base of Hoini.
Wood Warbler: One at Easter Lother.
Icterine Warber: One at Chalet again today.
Bluethroat: One at North Naaversgill.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': Yesterday's male at South Harbour.
Hawfinch: A female caught and ringed in Plantation later frequented the crofts.
Common Rosefinch: Two; an orange-headed male at Shirva/Haa & a brown bird at Burkle.
This Hawfinch was in the traps today, with another ringing highlight being a Collared Dove (Luke Marriner)
A migrant Reed Warbler scuttles about on South Harbour beach, which it shared with a Water Rail and 'Blue-headed Wagtail' (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 80 Oystercatcher, 32 Lapwing, 50 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 11 Dunlin, 19 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 11 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow hybrid, 89 Skylark, 32 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 25 Blackcap, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 175 Wheatear, 6 Tree Sparrow, 7 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 73 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Pipit, 29 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 15 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 7 Silver Y, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee, 1 White-tailed Bumblebee, 1 Green Lacewing.
Year list: 154
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12th May 2024
Weather: Sunny spells throughout the day. F5-6 SE.
Today marked the start of a few days of strong south-easterly winds, bringing a few nice scarcities with it. A male 'Blue-headed Wagtail' was at Kirki Mire, male Bluethroats at Quoy and Pund and an Icterine Warbler was at Schoolton, with a Wood Sandpiper also at Da Water. In the late afternoon AW Luke heard the unmistakable call of a Little Ringed Plover as it was flying over Plantation and the Airstrip, and fortunately went on to refind the bird on the deck at Chalet, before it was chased away by territorial Ringed Plovers. The 11th isle record for this species, another which has mostly occurred in recent years, with seven being recorded in the last nine years.
Little Ringed Plover at Barkland (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Little Ringed Plover: One vocal whilst flying over the airstrip, relocated at Chalet (11th Fair Isle record).
Wood Sandpiper: One at Da Water.
Icterine Warbler: One at Schoolton.
Bluethroat: Two males; one at Quoy and one at Pund.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': A male at Kirki Mire.
Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 6 Woodpigeon, 6 Collared Dove, 75 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 45 Ringed Plover, 13 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 22 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 20 Common Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Hybrid Crow, 80 Skylark, 17 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 206 Wheatear, 7 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White' Wagtail, 104 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 40 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, 18 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 153
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11th May 2024
Weather: A morning of patchy cloud and sunny spells with spots of rain late morning, clearing to blue sky and sun in the afternoon. F1-2 SE in the early morning, increasing throughout the day to F4 by the evening.
A calm early morning was taken advantage of and the first Breeding Bird Survey of the spring was carried out, to a chorus of Skylarks ascending and Snipe drumming and chipping away. Census was back on the scene afterwards, with the light south-easterlies bringing a few new birds to the isle, including the first Garden Warbler and Cuckoo of the year, the latter of which spent most of the morning singing enthusiastically. A Wood Sandpiper and two Green Sandpiper were skulking around in the ditches of the south-west, whilst a Hawfinch toured the crofts and two Wryneck remain in similar locations to previous days. A good number and variety of gulls also found themselves loafing in the fields near Chalet and Stackhoull, with an Iceland Gull and 38 Lesser Black-backed Gull in the mix.
Wryneck at Vaila's Trees (Georgia Platt)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: One in the ditch south of Lower Leogh.
Iceland Gull: One with the mixed gull flock opposite Stackhoull.
Wryneck: Two; one still at South Harbour and one still at Vaila's Trees.
Red-backed Shrike: Male still around Chalet.
Hawfinch: Female touring the crofts.
Sightings of note: 8 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Cuckoo (first of the year), 18 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, 64 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 50 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 12 Dunlin, 20 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 10 Redshank, 13 Black-headed Gull, 36 Common Gull, 38 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 22 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 13 Carrion Crow, 52 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 48 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 13 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler (first of the year), 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 246 Wheatear, 6 Tree Sparrow, 11 Pied Wagtail, 4 'White' Wagtail, 95 Meadow Pipit, 23 Tree Pipit, 45 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 19 Twite, 5 Linnet, 1 Redpoll Sp., 1 Siskin, 16 Reed Bunting
Freshly-fledged Ravens at Gunnawark (Georgia Platt)
Other wildlife: 3 Shetland Bee
Year list: 152
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10th May 2024
Weather: Fog for most of the day, lifting slightly by late morning but descending again early afternoon. F4 S.
Another morning of fog greeted the isle, but unfortunately today it was mostly here to stay, lifting for an hour or so late morning but beginning to come down again by early afternoon. With a bit of birding around the crofts in the clear spell, it was apparent that there hadn't been much of a turnaround of birds, with many of the same migrants still lingering, including two Wryneck, a Wood Warbler and the handsome male Red-backed Shrike still around Chalet. Later in the afternoon a couple of Stonechat were discovered around Chalet and a Quail was flushed from the roadside between North Shirva and Stackhoull, so a handful of new birds must have found their way here regardless of the weather. The second cruiseship of the season had an explore around the island this afternoon, with everyone seemingly enjoying themselves despite not being able to see much!
Sparrowhawk in the hand at Gully (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: One flushed from the roadside between North Shirva and Stackhoull.
Wryneck: Two; one still at South Harbour and one at Vaila's Trees.
Red-backed Shrike: Male still around Chalet.
Wood Warbler: One still at South Light.
Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 3 Woodpigeon, 54 Oystercatcher, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 11 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Redwing, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 2 'White' Wagtail, 11 Tree Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 9 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Redpoll Sp., 1 Siskin, 10 Reed Bunting
Year list: 150
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9th May 2024
Weather: Thick fog all morning clearing to sunny spells by early afternoon. F3-4 N, dropping to F2 by evening.
A bank of thick fog covering the isle first thing lead into an entire morning of poor visibility, although a productive morning of ringing data entry, description writing and trap rounds was still had. As promised by the weather forecast the fog had cleared by early afternoon, giving way to sunny spells with a light breeze, so a delayed yet pleasant census was on the cards. Numbers of common migrants still dwindle, although a good number of Tree Pipit remain, and the Arctic Skuas saw a slight boost in numbers around the island as well. A couple of scarcities found their way to the isle through the fog, with a new Icterine Warbler working the fenceline between Burkle and Busta and a Wryneck at Field Ditch, but the star bird was a Black Kite heading south over the Mast at speed at around 4pm, with a supporting cast of Ravens, Bonxies and a Curlew harrassing it, before it swiftly headed out towards Orkney. This was just the fifth record of this species on Fair Isle and the fourth since 2018, with previous records occurring in 2008, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Black Kite from below (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Black Kite: One south over the isle, briefly circled Hoini and then South Light before heading on further south out to sea (5th Fair Isle record).
Wryneck: Two; one still at South Harbour and one around Field Ditch/Chalet.
Red-backed Shrike: Male at Chalet.
Wood Warbler: One at South Light.
Icterine Warbler: One between Burkle and Busta.
Bluethroat: One at Chapel Plantation.
A gleaming, feather-perfect Wood Warbler on the rocks at South Light (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 10 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Woodpigeon, 4 Collared Dove, 61 Oystercatcher, 22 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Knot, 9 Dunlin, 21 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Short-eared Owl, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 27 Carrion Crow, 2 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 88 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 21 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 26 Blackcap, 17 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 11 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 266 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 'White' Wagtail, 87 Meadow Pipit, 43 Tree Pipit, 38 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 13 Twite, 3 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 23 Reed Bunting
Collared Doves aligning at the Haa (Georgia Platt)
Year list: 150
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8th May 2024
Weather: A largely overcast day, with spots of rain in the early evening. F3 SW.
A much quieter Isle, as yesterday's sunny settled weather gave our migrant visitors inspiration to leave overnight. It's been a purple patch to remember, with a renewal in our trust that 'old school' falls can still happen...even in spring! Of our standout species in recent days, just one Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Wood Warbler and Wryneck remain, sadly few of them showing themselves up for the first cruise passengers of the season. A large roving band of corvids included 35 Carrion Crows and a hybrid handful, and a pair of noisy Crossbill bombed through North Light in the afternoon. Pleasing viewing came from small numbers of Arctic Skuas at their breeding sites, with plenty of mewling pair interaction.
Among steadfast migrant highlights was the male Red-backed Shrike, still present around the Obs' (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hen Harrier: Ringtail at Shirva in the evening.
Wryneck: One at South Harbour and one around Busta.
Red-backed Shrike: Male at the Obs'.
Wood Warbler: One at Dog Geo.
Bluethroat: One at Chapel.
A handsome Black-tailed Godwit in breeding dress (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 16 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 4 Collared Dove, 67 Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, 40 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 70 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Snipe, 5 Common Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 8 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 104 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 1 Rook, 35 Carrion Crow, 4 Hooded x Carrion Crow, 64 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 29 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Ring Ouzel, 6 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 9 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 19 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 210 Wheatear, 1 Tree Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 109 Meadow Pipit, 34 Tree Pipit, 30 Rock Pipit, 2 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 15 Brambling, 13 Twite, 7 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Crossbill (first of the year), 2 Siskin, 13 Reed Bunting
Year list: 149
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7th May 2024
Weather: Fog in the early morning burned off, leading to a bright sun for the rest of the day. F2-3 NW.
A welcome day of sun, and an Isle still full of birds - bliss! Despite the fog of recent days, evidence of hardier migrants came from a bump in wader diversity and Fair Isle's 16th record of Garganey: a drake with Teal around Utra Scrape. Elsewhere, we retain our Red-backed Shrikes, Bluethroats, Icterine & Wood Warblers, and the pale Quail can still be found hugging the roadside by the School. We saw the highest spring count of Reed Bunting since 1999 and a new Nightingale was at the Obs', jostling for attention with three Wrynecks. The afternoon was dedicated to some seabird plot monitoring. With some Gannets, Shags and Razorbills already on eggs, we're set up for another busy summer.
Fogbound - the continuing Quail by the School still gives itself up to light-footed observers (Luke Marriner)
A new Nightingale at the Obs' - an arrival, or a bird undetected since last week's big arrival? (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: One again by the School brae.
Garganey: A drake among Teal on Utra Scrape.
Wood Sandpiper: Two on Utra Scrape.
Wryneck: 8; Three at the Obs', two at South Harbour and singles at Pund, Boini Mire-Upper Stoneybreck & Busta.
Red-backed Shrike: Males at Wirvie & Schooltoon-Chalet.
Wood Warbler: 5; singles Shalstane, Dog Geo, Skadan, Hjukni Geo & Pietron.
Icterine Warbler: 3; singles at Ditfield, Boini Mire & the School.
Bluethroat: 3; single males up Malcom's Head, Boini Mire & Gilsetter.
Common Nightingale: An unringed bird at the Haven.
A passing visit from a Hen Harrier while at the Gannet productivity plots (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 63 Oystercatcher, 19 Lapwing, 21 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 20 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 42 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 22 Dunlin, 22 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 91 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 87 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 59 Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 33 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 23 Ring Ouzel, 7 Blackbird, 58 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 22 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Robin, 23 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 59 Redstart, 13 Whinchat, 331 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 7 Pied Wagtail, 5 'White Wagtail', 82 Meadow Pipit, 48 Tree Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 2 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 15 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 35 Reed Bunting
Utra Scrape's current inhabitants, along with a drake Garganey (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee
Year list: 148
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6th May 2024
Weather: Thick fog all day. F4 NW
With visibility down to a few tens of metres at best for much of the day, census was swapped for the final few jobs on the Double Dyke Heligoland trap. FIBOT directors Mark and Glen have paid the Isle a welcome visit over the last week, doing sterling work to get this most impressive of Fair Isle's traps operational again for the season. We're truly greateful for their time and expertise, and also to Holly & Deryk at Burkle and Eileen and family at Houll who have provided them with accommodation and hospitality. While we busied away up ladders and threading wire panels together, a flock of Whimbrel, a Golden Plover and a year tick Knot passed by in the mist. Two Tree Pipits came to inspect our efforts at the end of the day...another afternoon's work should see the job done! We are still reaping the rewards of our spring fall, with Whinchats, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts and Lesser Whitethroats adorning those fencelines and dykes still visible in the murk. While it is atmospheric, we are looking forward to a change in the weather in the next day or two.
The Fair Isle fog of the last three days, featuring some locals (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: One still present.
Wryneck: One at Shirva.
Red-backed Shrike: Males around Chalet and Vaadal.
Icterine Warbler: One at the Firestation.
Bluethroat: One at Gully.
Hawfinch: One at Vaila's Trees.
A Wryneck's-eye view of Double Dyke Heligoland trap (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 3 Collared Dove, 1 Golden Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Knot (first of the year), 1 Dunlin, 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 House Martin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin
Year list: 147
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5th May 2024
Weather: Fog all day, lifting in the evening, but still only offering limited visibility. Still and mild. F2 SE.
A thick soup of fog tried its best to suppress migrant numbers for census, though plenty of the last few days' standout birds were seen, including seven Wryneck, a handful of Wood Warblers and Bluethroats, two brown Rosefinches, and an Icterine Warbler and Red-backed Shrike apiece. Numbers of commoner migrants are slowly dropping off, but Spotted Flycatchers and Redstarts continue to put on a good showing. A pale Quail entertained around the school and yesterday's Nightingale was caught again during a trap round, having gained a gram of weight during its island getaway. A Pintail on Utra Scrape was new for the year, as was a brief Little Bunting at Skadan.
After weeks of hearing the odd Starling mimic their calls, a bona fide Wood Sandpiper makes it to Fair Isle (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: One at School brae multiple times throughout the day.
Wood Sandpiper: One at Utra Scrape.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: One still present.
Wryneck: 7; two at the Obs' and singles at Single Dyke, Burkle, Lower Leough (missing its tail!), Midway, South Harbour.
Red-backed Shrike: A male around Chalet.
Wood Warbler: 3; two at Dog Geo and one at Shalstane.
Icterine Warbler: One at Burkle.
Bluethroat: 3; red-spotted males at Meadow Burn, Gully and Boini Mire.
Common Nightingale: Yesterday's bird in Plantation again.
Common Rosefinch: Both a ringed and an unringed bird in the crofts.
Little Bunting: One at Skadan.
Today's Quail, as viewed from a Citroën Berlingo (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 1 Pintail (first of the year), 6 Teal, 8 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 43 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 25 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 25 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 22 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 3 Carrion Crow, 75 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 53 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 31 Blackcap, 25 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 24 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush, 33 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Robin, 21 Pied Flycatcher, 61 Redstart, 23 Whinchat, 213 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 4 'White Wagtail', 52 Meadow Pipit, 31 Tree Pipit, 32 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 24 Brambling, 2 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 15 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Plutella xylostella
A quick encounter with a Little Bunting, with a Redstart (right) - one of a handful joining the myriad Wheatears around Skadan and South Light (Alex Penn)
Year list: 146
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4th May 2024
Weather: Another warm, sunny start was cut short by the onset of thick fog by 10.00hrs. The day took a chilly turn, with a brisk wind and poor visibility. F5 SE.
"What spring trap round dreams are made of" (Alex Penn)
With more south-easterly winds, the day began full of promise: Redstarts still lined the roads and the first Heligoland trap round of the morning relinquished a Rosefinch and a Nightingale, with a Bluethroat flirting with the outside of Gully. The Nightingale was our 61st record, the majority of which are in the spring - and with a very similar number of records for Thrush Nightingale, it was good to confirm in the hand. News of lingering Wrynecks, Wood Warblers and Red-backed Shrikes set us up for census well, but a dense fog crept up on the Isle and set in for the duration. The south-west cliffs performed impressively regardless, with 12 Wood Warblers logged by Luke the phyllosc' whisperer. A male Red-backed Shrike and Bluethroat were trapped apiece at midday, with the Hawfinch and one of the Wrynecks caught and ringed at Burkle in the evening. While we seem to be over the hump of the drift event, it's still been completely magic to bird a foggy Isle with cliffs lit up by gleaming Wood Warblers and glowing Redstart tails!
Icterine Warbler on the fence at the Firestation (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wood Sandpiper: One at Da Water.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident roaming male still preset.
Wryneck: 7; singles at Single Dyke, Haven, Pund, Lower Stoneybreck, Springfield, South Harbour and Burkle.
Red-backed Shrike: Two males: one around Chalet and another caught and ringed in Plantation.
Wood Warbler: 12; all in the south-west - including five together in South Geo o'Hoini!
Icterine Warbler: One at the Firestation.
Bluethroat: 4; Red-spotted males at Meadow Burn, Pund, Gully and Plantation.
Common Nightingale: One hopping around the outside of Plantation was later caught and ringed.
Hawfinch: One at Vaila's Trees was later caught and ringed at Burkle.
Common Rosefinch: 2; One at Shirva and one caught and ringed at Plantation.
A pleasant surprise on the morning trap round; the bird later relocated to Vaila's Trees (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 14 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Goosander (first of the year), 9 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 43 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 40 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 27 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 19 Redshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 49 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue Fulmar', 1 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 92 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 64 Willow Warbler, 35 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 32 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 19 Ring Ouzel, 6 Blackbird, 16 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 18 Song Thrush, 30 Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Robin, 35 Pied Flycatcher, 64 Redstart, 25 Whinchat, 248 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White Wagtail', 175 Meadow Pipit, 33 Tree Pipit, 17 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 22 Brambling, 14 Twite, 6 Linnet, 6 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 16 Reed Bunting
One of seven Wryneck on the island (Alex Penn)
Year list: 144
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3rd May 2024
Weather: Warm winds and sun all day, very pleasant to be out in the field. F3 NE.
A satisfying sequel to yesterday's blockbuster spring arrival, with phenomenal numbers of migrants from dawn til dusk. Redstarts were chased off fenceposts by Whinchats, which in turn were pursued by Wheatears...and then replaced by more Redstarts; Tree Pipits swung about in flocks; and Whitethroats joined Turnstones and Blackcaps on the strandline. Wood Warblers put on an excellent showing, including four together at Gorsens Geo, and a swathe of new Red-backed Shrikes included four peachy males. No sooner had the ink dried on a new Isle Lesser Whitethroat record than another was set, and our earliest ever Icterine Warbler wave continued to entertain. We saw our highest spring counts of Redstarts, Whinchats and a (freshly renewed) record count of Pied Flycatchers; all since 1996. A Quail and a Wood Sandpiper were new for the year and a rather left-field arrival was a second male Great Spotted Woodpecker, which wasted no time at all in finding a friend in our resident 'pecker. The volume of birds remained steady all day, with no suggestion of an afternoon arrival top up, as so dramatically unfolded yesterday, allowing the AWs some time to join two of FIBO's visiting directors with more Heligoland trap repairs.
Utra Scrape's top billing bird of the year...so far! (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quail: One at Mire o' Vatnagard.
Wood Sandpiper: One flew over Shirva, then later at Da Water.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Two males now present in the south.
Wryneck: 8; singles at Chalet-Pund, Shirva-Stackhoull/Boini Mire, the Haa, Brecks, two at Plantation-Vaadal and two at the Obs'.
Red-backed Shrike: 6; males at Setter, the School, Mast and Barkland, females around Lower Leogh and at Wirvie.
Wood Warbler: 10 individuals across the north, South Light and the south-west cliffs.
Icterine Warbler: 4; singles at Quoy, Brecks, Chalet and Lower Stoneybreck.
Bluethroat: 4; singles at Quoy/Burkle, Meadow Burn, Utra Scrape and Vaadal reservoir.
Hawfinch: Male first seen at Shirva, then later at the Obs'.
Common Rosefinch: Brown bird at Shirva.
Wood Warblers continue to favour the lichen rich cliffs of the west (Alex Penn)
After rewiring Double Dyke Heligoland, a timely push of Vaadal yielded this Bluethroat. Other birds ringed today included three Wrynecks, four Redstart, three Pied Flycatcher, two Mealy Redpoll, an Icterine Warbler, a Ring Ouzel and a White Wagtail (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 21 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 7 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 44 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 68 Ringed Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 9 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 17 Common Gull, 69 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 'Blue Fulmar', 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 95 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 17 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 109 Willow Warbler, 23 Chiffchaff, 11 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 42 Blackcap, 55 Lesser Whitethroat, 18 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 15 Ring Ouzel, 7 Blackbird, 19 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 51 Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Robin, 95 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Black Redstart, 83 Redstart, 33 Whinchat, 409 Wheatear, 4 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 6 'White Wagtail', 117 Meadow Pipit, 49 Tree Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 17 Brambling, 15 Twite, 3 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin, 7 Reed Bunting
Add in a Whinchat, Buethroat and a couple of Redstarts and you'd have a good portrait of another day on the Rock (Alex Penn)
Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 9 Silver Y, 2 Plutella xylostella, 1 Shetland Bee, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 142
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2nd May 2024
Weather: Modest south-easterlies and sun, leading to a warm day. F4 SE-NE.
POW! (Jonnie Fisk)
A spring fall made from the fabric of Fair Isle legend. A 'birdy' morning feeling, thanks to a male Red-backed Shrike and general 'bits about' gained traction, first with Lesser Whitethroats in every available habitat, and by early afternoon it was clear something special was happening. Census began to overrun, in accordance, as we whirligigged from Redstart-topped drystone dyke to Redstart-topped tiny burn, attempting to wring birds from any and all cover along our transect routes. Two Wryneck, a Wood Warbler and a surprise Icterine Warbler in under and hour were the vanguard to a hot deluge of drift, carrying with it stats for the recordkeepers: the Icterine Warbler was our earliest ever by six days; the Red-backed Shrike our earliest by a day. A pulse of Spotted Flycatchers were the joint-earliest; the Wood Warbler our earliest since 2011. And still they came; Wrynecks, Icterine Warblers - now Bluethroats! - and, while revelling in more migrants whisked around his head on the warm updrafts, the advent of a male Collared Flycatcher nearly caused Jonnie to topple off Gunnawark with joy. The 11th Isle record (ninth in spring) and the fourth year in a row we've recorded this king of Ficedulas.
While our totals for 'commoner' migrants are, so far, largely undercounts using figures from the three census routes and the wider Shirva croft, 54 Lesser Whitethroat is still an island record, and 81 Pied Flycatchers is our highest spring count since 1996 - numbers we would be pleased with on an autumn day with birds in slightly drabber garb! Everywhere you stepped there were birds to tally. For the two green AWs, it was like Fair Isle from the fairytales; something to be part of the likes of which we weren't even sure happened any more!
The peculiar uplifting feeling days like this can have is something many cannot fully convey to family, partners and friends who lack the spell of birds in their lives. So it is here where you're all the more grateful for being among a community who 'gets it' - where double-thumbs-up-salutes, smiles and winks are offered as you drive by, or share a Ring Ouzel, etc. One large component of the current FIBO scene was sorely missed today, but as I type he is sailing back on north-easterly winds - see you in the field, Alex!
Today's ringing highlight. Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers and two Tree Sparrows were among other birds ringed (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
COLLARED FLYCATCHER: A male at Gunnawark on cliffs hotching with migrants.
Wryneck: 14; with birds (in order of discovery) at Lower Stonybreck, Meadow Burn, Chalet, Homisdale, Kirk, Gunnawark, three foraging on the grass by the Obs', North Restensgeo, three around Vaadal/Plantation and one at the Haa.
Red-backed Shrike: 2; A male was by the airfield before fencehopping to Barkland, and a female was north of Chalet.
Wood Warbler: 4; Singles at South Harbour beach, Shirva, Skinner's Glig and Wester Lother.
Icterine Warbler: 6; Singles at Utra, Chalet, Shirva and Skinner's Glig, with two together on the beach at South Haven.
Bluethroat: 2: 'Red-spotted' males at Barkland and between Utra - Skerryholm.
Yellow Wagtail: A female still at South Harbour.
Common Rosefinch: One at Shirva.
No finer bumblebee-bashing beast than a male Red-backed Shrike (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 18 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 64 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 34 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 9 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 21 Turnstone, 19 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 42 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 'Blue Fulmar', 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 124 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 22 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 80 Willow Warbler, 46 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 70 Blackcap, 54 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 17 Ring Ouzel, 7 Blackbird, 32 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, 28 Spotted Flycatcher (first of the year), 13 Robin, 81 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Black Redstart, 64 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 265 Wheatear, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 168 Meadow Pipit, 23 Tree Pipit, 21 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 44 Brambling, 9 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 4 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer, 8 Reed Bunting
Two Icterine Warblers were feeding on South Haven's strandline, alongside Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers, Lesser Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs, Common Sandpipers, Wheatears and a 'White Wagtail' (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: Orca: At least four north past Hoini c.11:15.
6 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 2 Plutella xylostella, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Two of the pod moving off the north-west coast of the Isle (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 140
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1st May 2024
Weather: A foggy, cloudy start with the sun burning through by mid-morning. Warm and calm, with light rain showers in the afternoon and fog again by the evening. F2-3
Another birdy Isle, in warm and still conditions - bliss. Whinchats and Redstarts remained largely where we left them yesterday, but turnover of birds was obvious, with Ring Ouzels particularly down on recent days. Three handsome Black-tailed Godwit rested before the last leg of their flight to Iceland, and a Jack Snipe at Gilsetter was notable. The Good Shepherd's arrival from Grutness brought with it the welcome cargo one of the FIBO cars after a winter holiday at a Shetland garage. Nets were opened in the Observatory garden in the evening, catching a Long-eared Owl, a male Redstart, some Brambling and a selection of warblers including the first Reed Warbler of the year and a 'Siberian Chiffchaff'.
The Observatory garden, and the suburbs of its building site, have been the resting spot of a few Long-eared Owls this spring so far (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
'Siberian Chiffchaff': One ringed in the Observatory garden.
Yellow Wagtail: A female still at South Harbour.
One of the day's highlights was being in the thick of warring Wheatears; the males trundling about fan-tailed and fighting, their voices angry torrents of mimicry (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 24 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 11 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 81 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 51 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 56 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 24 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 31 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 12 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 21 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 41 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 18 Carrion Crow, 173 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 24 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler (first for the year), 34 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 29 Song Thrush, 19 Robin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 180 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 6 Pied Wagtail, 194 Meadow Pipit, 7 Tree Pipit, 47 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 39 Brambling, 11 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting
A lone male Pied Flycatcher at the mast in dense fog - evocatively Shetland! (Jonnie Fisk)
Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Silver Y, 1 Plutella xylostella, 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 133
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30th April 2024
Weather: Full sun and moderate wind. Fog descended in the evening. F5 SW.
While it was still fantastic to be birding an isle with lots of spring migrants, the southerly winds overnight saw a clearout of yesterday's totals. Ring Ouzels remain well represented, with a spread of common warblers in modest numbers, and the ragtag flock of migrant corvids remain. A Long-eared Owl evaded capture twice around Gully, a drake Shoveler was on Da Water, and a Sanderling in the Haven was our first record of this high Arctic wader of 2024.
Another day, another special session with male Redstarts (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at the Haa.
Yellow Wagtail: A female at South Harbour.
Hawfinch: One present at the Haa.
Sightings of note: 27 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 27 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 41 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling (first of the year), 1 Dunlin, 26 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 21 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Rook, 10 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 14 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 15 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 74 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White Wagtail', 8 Tree Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 11 Brambling, 3 Twite, 7 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting
Pied Flycatcher down Gorsens Geo (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 132
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29th April 2024
Weather:After an overcast start, it was a sunny day with moderate winds, but plenty of shelter to seek. F5-6 SE.
An excellent day of spring arrivals, with the south-west geos being the place to be, though birds were mined from all areas. Most impressive were the numbers of Blackcaps, Redstarts, and flocks of Ring Ouzels in the north, and Common Sandpiper, Whinchat and Whitethroat were added to the Isle year list, as was a Wryneck foraging on Hill Dyke. At Plantation a Hawfinch and two Sparrowhawks were caught and ringed, and a ring-tail Hen Harrier flew east over Field mid-afternoon.
A male Pied Flycatcher, a bird of northern swathes of woodlands, taking a break on a lichen-covered cliff (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wryneck: One was on the west end of the Hill Dyke, before dropping into Gunnawark late morning.
Hawfinch: Adult female was caught and ringed in Plantation, the first to be ringed on the Isle this year.
A male Whinchat at Boini Mire (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 6 Barnacle Goose, 23 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 44 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 21 Golden Plover, 57 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 45 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 21 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper (first of the year), 2 Green Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 82 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 2 Hooded x Carrion Crow hybrid, 124 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 16 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 41 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat (first of the year), 1 Goldcrest, 32 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 51 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 13 Redstart, 3 Whinchat (first of the year), 162 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White Wagtail', 208 Meadow Pipit, 10 Tree Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 37 Brambling, 6 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting
The business end of a migrant Hawfinch (Luke Marriner)
Year list: 131
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28th April 2024
Weather: Brisk north-easterlies and sun, until mid-afternoon, when a bank of rain set in until the evening and the winds gained traction. F5-7 NE.
Yesterday's southerlies met north-easterlies this morning, with more birds new in, including the first Pied Flycatcher and Tree Pipit of the spring. Blackcaps hopped around the crofts and geos, Ring Ouzels and Redstarts gave the local Wheatears something to chase, and the Tree Sparrow flock in the south gained an extra member.
A splash of orange on the cliffs at Muckle Geo 'o Hoini (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present in his sparrow box at the Haa.
With the onset of rain, two Ring Ouzels trundled in ditches by South Light (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 37 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 52 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 35 Golden Plover, 54 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 40 Turnstone, 10 Snipe, 21 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 49 Great Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Long-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded x Carrion Crow hybrid, 121 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 28 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 6 Ring Ouzel, 12 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher (first of the year), 3 Redstart, 106 Wheatear, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 2 Pied Wagtail, 175 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit (first of the year), 22 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 31 Brambling, 5 Twite, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 2 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
A view across to Shetland from Yessness (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 127
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27th April 2024
Weather: Sunny again, with a cooler wind and rain showers in the afternoon. F5-6 SE
After a swing to easterly winds, a modest arrival occured with the first Lesser Whitethroats and Sedge Warbler of 2024, over a dozen Blackcap, two Ring Ouzel and a roving flock of Carrion Crows logged. Sheltering from the rain under the Finnequoy pine was a fortuitous decision for a family trio of birders on hill duty when a Waxwing landed in the branches above! A Long-eared Owl took a rest at Gilsetter, the Tree Sparrow flock increased to four birds, but sight-of-the-day for this author was a Woodcock fighting for its life over Burn o' Vatstrass, hotly pursued by five Bonxies, which it was only narrowly swerving!
Starting census with our first Lesser Whitethroats of the year (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at the Haa.
A Long-eared Owl taking shelter, but pestered by a male Wheatear (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 24 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 4 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 59 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 33 Golden Plover, 84 Ringed Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, 34 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 19 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 17 Carrion Crow, Waxwing (first of the year), 139 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler (first of the year), 14 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat (first of the year), 4 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 10 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 17 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 47 Wheatear, 4 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White Wagtail', 170 Meadow Pipit, 11 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 4 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 10 Siskin, 5 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Walli Burn is a name that weighs heavy in Fair Isle birding lore. Today it held the year's first Sedge Warbler. Behind, Tommy Hyndman talks to FIBO Assistant Warden Luke (Jonnie Fisk)
Year list: 125
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26th April 2024
Weather: A glorious day of sun with some real warmth in the morning, cooling off slightly as the wind lightly picked up. Brief rain showers in the afternoon. F1-2 E-SE
A beautiful day to be on the Isle, and the team made the most of it! A pre-census Black Guillemot breeding survey was conducted along the east coast (many thanks to Deryk Shaw for stepping in) to the sound of singing Fair Isle Wrens, Wheatears and even a Chiffchaff. A few more phylloscs' and a couple of Goldcrest were new in, and census ended with a ripping 'Blue-headed Wagtail' at Mid and Udi Geos, foraging with Turnstones on the strandline. Two Tree Sparrows on the feeders at Burkle were new for the year, the paler 'Blue' Fulmar back at Lericum and some Bonxie ring-reading fun was had.
Our first Yellow Wagtail of the year, and what a start (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at the Haa.
'Blue-headed Wagtail': An adult male by The Puffinn toured a few sites around Skadan in the afternoon.
A Shag by any other name...(Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 33 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Woodpigeon, 64 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 29 Golden Plover, 72 Ringed Plover, 12 Whimbrel, 23 Curlew, 30 Turnstone, 59 Purple Sandpiper, 27 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 73 Great Skua, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 355 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Robin, 122 Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow (first of the year), 1 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 208 Meadow Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 4 Twite, 3 Linnet, 3 Siskin
Other wildlife: 3 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 122
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25th April 2024
Weather: Rain first thing, but a day of sun and mild temperatures. F3 NE.
A welcome calm, warmer day, with a few new Whimbrel, a Black Redstart and the first Hen Harrier of the year, a ringtail, briefly breezing past the airfield. The resident flock of finches appear to have left Plantation Heligoland for northern forests, though a handful of Chaffinch and Brambling remain in the crofts.
A very obvious coburni aka 'Icelandic' Redwing (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at the Haa.
Sightings of note: 44 Greylag Goose, 7 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Collared Dove, 44 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 72 Golden Plover, 52 Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 75 Turnstone, 118 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 17 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 59 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Hen Harrier (first of the year), 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 174 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 13 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 41 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White' Wagtail, 146 Meadow Pipit, 17 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 4 Twite, 3 Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 120
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24th April 2024
Weather: Overcast, growing colder with the winds as the day went on. Light rain in the early evening. F5 NW-N.
Baltic north-westerlies continue to bite, but one ringer's fingers were warmed by a smart Ring Ouzel which was caught in Gully. Elsewhere, three Collared Doves were logged, and the large flock of Golden Plover continue to grace the crofts. The Good Shepherd IV's cargo this afternoon included timber to rebuild those Heligoland traps which were damaged during the winter storms. Targeted work party days will hopefully see them back in action ready for the best of another season on Fair Isle.
Always a treat to catch! (Luke Marriner)
Every day can be made better with a Merlin moment (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at the Haa.
Skylarks are enthusiastic about sheep nuts, and can be reliably found around a croft's troughs (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 64 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Collared Dove, 56 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 113 Golden Plover, 72 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 49 Turnstone, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 16 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 9 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 29 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 101 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 13 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 52 Wheatear, 6 Pied Wagtail, 203 Meadow Pipit, 11 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, 7 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Snow Bunting
Year list: 119
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23rd April 2024
Weather: Sunny spells with a cold wind. F5 NW-N.
More of the same today, though a large flock of Golden Plover arrived, picking through the Fair Isle Starlings, Ringed Plovers and Turnstones at Walli Burn. The South Light Snow Bunting gang are up to four, having gained a brown female, and kept a guided walk entertained. On the south-east cliffs, the first Spring Squill (Scilla verna) is coming into bloom, and will soon be joined by Thrift (Armeria maritima) to turn the geos pink and blue
A large flock of Golden Plover included this aberrantly-plumaged bird (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Present at the Haa.
Whimbrel (rght) (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 102 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 8 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Stock Dove, 56 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 109 Golden Plover, 84 Ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, 81 Turnstone, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 9 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 15 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 150 Skylark, 1 House Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Robin, 72 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White' Wagtail, 187 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 17 Brambling, 4 Twite, 8 Siskin, 4 Snow Bunting
Other wildlife: 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 119
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22nd April 2024
Weather: A foggy start, burning off with the sun by late morning. Sunny spells and a fresh breeze. F4 NW-N.
Another exciting day in the Fair Isle calendar, as the first pairs of Arctic Skuas (or "Skootie Allans" to the locals) were back on their breeding grounds. A female Common Redstart was also new in, and some varied wader passage included the calls of Whimbrels eminating above the crofts, migrant male Turnstones aquiring their ruddy summer plumages and the first Black-tailed Godwit of the year.
A typical scene from Buness in the north of the Isle: unflappable Puffins with a Sheep Rock backdrop (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Present in the sparrow box at the Haa.
2024's first Common Redstart, before being chased off by Wheatears (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 12 Barnacle Goose, 94 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 55 Oystercatcher, 34 Lapwing, 32 Golden Plover, 82 Ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 28 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (first of the year), 36 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 63 Purple Sandpiper, 15 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 16 Black-headed Gull, 19 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 65 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 137 Skylark, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Ring Ouzel, 9 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Common Redstart (first of the year), 1 Stonechat, 113 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White' Wagtail, 258 Meadow Pipit, 32 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 27 Brambling, 7 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Siskin
Other wildlife: 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 119
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21st April 2024
Weather: Another still day, but foggy and wet, with rain until late afternoon. F2 S.
A dank, damp morning did not inhibit arrivals, with a flock of roving Barnacle Geese around South Light and and uptick in Siskins, as well as a Ring Ouzel at Gunnawark. However, numbers were low as birds went to ground in the rain. A slower pace was appreciated, as the night before (and early this morning) the Isle's inhabitants had enjoyed the hospitality at Houll for Eileen Thomson's birthday party. Eileen is at the heart of Fair Isle social fabric, part of the glue that holds this community together and always welcoming to the seasonal arrivals at the Obs' - many happy returns, Eileen!
Barnacle Geese circling Skadan, with a long migration to Greenland or Svalbard ahead of them (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Present at the Haa.
An atmospheric vista from Hoini looking south (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 12 Barnacle Goose (first of the year), 79 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Rook, 2 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 8 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, 30 Siskin
Year list: 117
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20th April 2024
Weather: Still, sunny and warm. F2 N.
What a difference a day makes. Fantastically calm conditions for census, giving cause to shed layers. Shorts and t-shirts were sighted by afternoon! The recent northerlies have put a bit of a block on arrivals, but a Whimbrel and a Short-eared Owl were new. The clement conditions prompted the team to roll out the fencing around the colony of Oysterplant (Mertensia maritima) at Muckle Uri Geo, to prevent grazing by sheep.
Singing Fair Isle Wrens are a near-daily pleasure on census, and each one is logged for territory mapping of this insular subspecies (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Present again at Shirva.
At Gunnawark, the Raven nest is quickly becoming crampt (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 94 Greylag Goose, 18 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 17 Teal, 4 Woodpigeon, 38 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 104 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 22 Curlew, 44 Turnstone, 23 Snipe, 15 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 57 Great Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 230 Skylark, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Robin, 90 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White' Wagtail, 240 Meadow Pipit, 38 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 12 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting
Year list: 116
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19th April 2024
Weather: Bitter north-westerly gusts and hail showers. Sunny spells in the afternoon, but blustery and cold. F7-8 NW
Strong north-westerlies dominated the day, creating challenging conditions for census. As a result, few passerines were logged, and yesterday's Coot has seemingly moved on, replaced by a Tufted Duck at Easter Lother Water, though a flock of Pink-footed Geese remain to graze the crofts. With today's weather, a Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll would have felt more appropriate than a trans-Saharan migrant, but it was the first Arctic Skua of 2024, back from an Austral summer on the South Atlantic's high seas, which notched another tally on the year list.
Our first Arctic Skua of the year, probably regretting its decision on a day like today (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Present again at Shirva.
Sightings of note: 74 Greylag Goose, 29 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 3 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 31 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 21 Turnstone, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 16 Snipe, 31 Redshank, 11 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 35 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua (first of the year), 3 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 102 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Robin, 29 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 9 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White' Wagtail, 176 Meadow Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 2 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting
Year list: 116
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18th April 2024
Weather: Rain, oftentimes heavy, until mid-afternoon, with sunny spells and showers ending the day. F4-5 E-SE
Heavy rain from daybreak scuppered census plans, but a birdable window in the mid-afternoon saw more Pink-footed Geese logged, and the first island record of Coot since 2019. Like March's Blue Tit before it, there are more Fair Isle records of Lanceolated Warbler than there are Coot...!
The second Fair Isle tick of 2024 for Acting Warden Alex Penn...! (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: A surprise event at Golden Water in the mid-afternoon. It was deftly hand-caught and sexed as a male, and later resighted at Easter Lother Water.
Red-throated Diver in South Harbour, gradually coming into breeding finery (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 95 Greylag Goose, 64 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 6 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Golden Plover, 41 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 5 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Dunnock, 1 'White' Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 4 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 115
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17th April 2024
Weather: A calm, sunny day, with light rain showers mid-morning. F2-3 N
A welcome break from the winds, with a settled day of sun. A scattering of Willow Warblers caught flies in windless spots and after worrying us with their absence, the resident Peregrines are back and incubating a clutch in the north. A colour-ringed Starling spotted on census was a throwback to a previous project here, and revealed this bird to be nearly eight years old. The Good Shepherd's afternoon arrival brought with it our outboard motors from their winter service, ready for a season of seabird work. With all four auks back in number, Shags carrying nesting material and each geo alive with the flailing of mating Fulmars, busy days are ahead of us...
Up to two 'Blue' Fulmar are settled on the cliffs on the north of the Isle (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident male was back and touring the crofts of the south.
Our 'stalwart' male Great Spotted Woodpecker (left) (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 95 Greylag Goose, 8 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 30 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 32 Golden Plover, 95 Ringed Plover, 14 Curlew, 34 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 26 Snipe, 12 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 32 Great Skua, 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 277 Skylark, 5 House Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 10 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 27 Redwing, 9 Robin, 33 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 16 Pied Wagtail, 3 'White' Wagtail, 290 Meadow Pipit, 35 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 9 Twite, 9 Linnet, 10 Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting
Year list: 114
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16th April 2024
Weather: Sunny spells and a biting north-easterly wind, with scattered showers and hail throughout the day. F5-7 NW
A cold blast of air kept things quiet again on census, but Bonxie numbers continue to rise as pairs settle on the hills and parks for the breeding season. The resident pair of South Light Snow Bunting were joined by a third, and a flock of Golden Plover continue to roam around the south of the Isle.
Single figures of Willow Warbler have made it to the Isle (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 105 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 45 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 38 Golden Plover, 101 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 54 Turnstone, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 22 Snipe, 43 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 36 Great Skua, 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 298 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 9 Robin, 59 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White' Wagtail, 291 Meadow Pipit, 23 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 10 Twite, 9 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Bonxie (Luke Marriner)
Year list: 114
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15th April 2024
Weather: A morning of intermittent light rain, with sun in the afternoon, and cooler temperatures. F3-4 N/NE (from a pressure system to the south).
With no reappearance of yesterday's White-tailed Eagle, the Fair Isle Fulmars and Bonxies could rest easy once again. The silver lining of a slightly damp census was calm conditions for the first time in a decent while, though any arrivals were in short supply. The first Grasshopper Warbler of the year was in the garden at Chalet, and other points of interest came from the regular 'Blue' Fulmar on the cliffs at Furse, a Ring Ouzel at Mast and a few 'White' Wagtails.
This smart male Stonechat has been a new arrival in the last couple of days (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 79 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 11 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 55 Oystercatcher, 27 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 73 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 92 Turnstone, 21 Purple Sandpiper, 30 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Great Skua, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 273 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (first of the year), 2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 11 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 50 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 9 Pied Wagtail, 4 'White' Wagtail, 318 Meadow Pipit, 24 Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Twite, 5 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Pigeons and doves (apart from the resident and ubiquitous Rock Dove) are furtive migrants to the Isle. Small numbers of Woodpigeons are present in the spring, often looking uncharacteristically 'wild' as they flock around the wild cliffs of the west coast's geos (Alex Penn)
Year list: 114
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14th April 2024
Weather: A mixed bag of sunny and overcast conditions, and pleasantly warm when out of the wind. Rain in the evening. F7 SW.
Another quieter census for passerine migrants was enlivened by a White-tailed Eagle, which roused the modest numbers of returning Bonxies into action, as well as the local Ravens and Peregrine. The species has become much more regular in recent years, and this is the 33rd modern record. White-tailed Eagles bred on Fair Isle until the early/mid 19th Century, with a failed attempt to reintroduce them back here in 1968.) Elsewhere a few Pink-footed Geese, Redwing and a couple of Snow Bunting linger, with another 'White' Wagtail logged. With Golden Orioles, Mediterannean herons and more turning up on bird observatories to the south of us, we watch the weather patterns with interest...
Today's White-tailed Eagle makes 2024 the 6th consecutive year to record this species (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
White-tailed Eagle: An adult appeared around the cliffs at Easter Lother, before doing a short tour from the north to Vaasetter, back to Ward Hill, to last be seen around Sheep Rock.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present and making forays between nut buffets at Shirva and Haa.
Sightings of note: 86 Greylag Goose, 12 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Woodpigeon, 44 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 33 Golden Plover, 123 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 70 Turnstone, 35 Purple Sandpiper, 19 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 9 Black-headed Gull, 21 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Great Skua, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 262 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 38 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 64 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, 16 Pied Wagtail, 2 'White' Wagtail, 309 Meadow Pipit, 45 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 13 Twite, 8 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 113
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13th April 2024
Weather: Another sunny start clouded over, with strong south-westerly winds and rain from mid-afternoon. F7-8 SW.
A quieter day, with rough winds once again keeping the west cliffs quiet. It is nice, however, to start to see 'real' numbers of Wheatears back on the Isle after a long hard winter of sprinting about in the dry Sahel zone of Africa. Wet and windy weather curtailed afternoon aspirations on Vaadal trap repairs, leading to much of the South Light living room lending itself to a roof panel workshop. We await a calm day...
Great Skuas seem to be among species, such as Ring Ouzels, predisposed to showing schizochrosim/partial leucism, as shown here (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at Haa.
Another oddity plumage-wise was this leucistic Skylark at Barkland (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 90 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 11 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 35 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 101 Ringed Plover, 23 Curlew, 107 Turnstone, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 19 Snipe, 31 Redshank, 12 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Great Skua, 3 Cormorant, 2 Merlin, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 318 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 63 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtail, 297 Meadow Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 5 Twite, 9 Linnet, 10 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 112
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12th April 2024
Weather: Blustery again, but sunny and mild all day, with a brief calm spell in the late afternoon. F7-3 SW/S.
A quieter census, with evidence of some departures. Flocks of finches continue to pillage the feeders in Plantation, and at least one male of the Brambling flock has taken to singing in the Observatory garden over recent mornings - joined today by a singing Redwing (this species has bred on the Isle, most recently in 2020)! A Yellowhammer, trapped in Plantation, becomes the first ringed here since 2017 - Fair Isle is experiencing an odd ringing dry spell for this species, once pretty much an annual feature on the ringing list. Another section of the Vaadal Heligoland roof was repaired during some pleasant afternoon weather, and an evening roost ringing effort caught a mixed bag of species, incuding three Chiffchaffs.
Between 2020-2023, 5 Reed Bunting, 10 Lapland Bunting, 7 Little Bunting, 3 Rustic Bunting & a Snow Bunting were ringed on the Isle...but no Yellowhammer! (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at Haa.
Sightings of note: 110 Greylag Goose, 18 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Woodpigeon, 47 Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 96 Ringed Plover, 25 Curlew, 16 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 35 Redshank, 19 Black-headed Gull, 47 Common Gull, 2 Great Skua, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 146 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 16 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 13 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 21 Wheatear, 5 Dunnock, 11 Pied Wagtail, 244 Meadow Pipit, 26 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 19 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 8 Twite, 4 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 112
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11th April 2024
Weather: Wild south-westerly winds for the first half of the day, gradually decreasing to a pleasant, sunny day with mild temperatures. F7/8-4 SW.
After waking up full of enthusiasm for the day's census, the team set of fairly despondently into gale force winds tearing across the island. Once these had blown themselves out, more of the same was revealed birdwise, with a flock of migrant Golden Plover, a few Pink-footed Geese and some hirundines floating about. The first Green Sandpiper of the year was at Vaadal reservoir, as well as a new-in White Wagtail at Meadow Burn. The saga of our poor resident Whooper Swan continues; having stomped itself all the way from Suka Mire to Ringing Hut Marsh in search of food...where next?
In recent days we've seen the return of House Martins from their still as-yet unknown wintering grounds (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still present at Haa.
Another Fair Isle day bows out with a bang...and the call of a Whimbrel, in this case! (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 105 Greylag Goose, 12 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 40 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 38 Golden Plover, 93 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 25 Curlew, 137 Turnstone, 32 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper (first of the year), 35 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 17 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Skua, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 146 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 28 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 18 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, 1 'White' Wagtail (first of the year), 190 Meadow Pipit, 43 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 22 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 16 Twite, 6 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin
Year list: 112
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10th April 2024
Weather: A sunny start and southerly winds, with a couple of light rain showers up to late morning. Pleasant into the late afternoon, becoming overcast and wet by evening. F5 S.
Fair Isle life felt right on today's census routes: the Bonxies are back! Still in single digits for now, but it was so good to see their barrel-chested forms cutting shapes against the skies around the hills of the north. Some Pink-footed Goose passage was logged and a Willow Warbler apiece was mined from each census area. A new spring record count for Ringed Plover was achieved, and a 'Blue' Fulmar was back on the cliffs at Furse. The Heligoland trap roof at Vaadal recieved some attention in the afternoon before the wind picked up once more.
Wheatears are now becoming daily fixtures on census (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Dismantling timber in the garden of Haa.
Sightings of note: 131 Greylag Goose, 46 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 46 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 42 Golden Plover, 121 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 131 Turnstone, 52 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Snipe, 33 Redshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 300 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler (first of the year), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 18 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 14 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail, 204 Meadow Pipit, 61 Rock Pipit, 4 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 8 Twite, 8 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 2 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 111
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9th April 2024
Weather: Rain all day. F4-5 N.
A bit of a washout, yet new birds were in thanks to the weekend's southerlies. It was a four-dove-day with the arrival of a Stock Dove and a Collared Dove, plus a handful more finches and the first Bar-tailed Godwit and Sand Martins of the year.
The smart male Snow Bunting continues to potter around Skadan (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Once again taking refuge in the sparrow nestbox at Haa.
A sensible place to be on a wet April day (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 7 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove (first of the year), 20 Golden Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (first of the year), 120 Turnstone, 40 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Black-headed Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin (first of the year), 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 12 Robin, 10 Wheatear, 5 Dunnock, 17 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 11 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 110
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8th April 2024
Weather: Sunny all day with blustery southerlies, petering out in the late afternoon. F5-7 S.
The unsettled weather continues, but brings with it a few new birds; including Pink-footed Geese, Golden Plovers and some year ticks in the forms of a Greenshank, two Whimbrel and a Great Skua, which cut 'inland' at Furse. It won't be long before our local birds are holding territory. After a bit of equipment admin for the spring's seabird season, ringing at the Observatory garden produced a few new finches and a male Blackcap, with a beautiful sunset to round off the day.
The first few hirundines of the spring have been recorded in recent days (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 45 Greylag Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Woodpigeon, 49 Oystercatcher, 34 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 45 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel (first of the year), 20 Curlew, 147 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 112 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Snipe, 31 Redshank, 1 Greenshank (first of the year), 9 Black-headed Gull, 18 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Skua (first of the year), 25 Puffin, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 143 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 35 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 11 Robin, 19 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, 201 Meadow Pipit, 33 Rock Pipit, 27 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 4 Twite, 5 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Early spring is a classic time for corvid passage on the Isle, with Jackdaws, Carrion & Hooded Crows, and birds like this young Rook, above, all on the move (Alex Penn)
Year list: 107
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7th April 2024
Weather: Sunny all day with strong southerly winds. F6 S.
A smattering of arrivals today, with more Wheatears in (including a migrant flock of six birds), the first House Martins of 2024 (second-earliest arrival ever, after 4th April 2016) and a few finches flitting around the south of the Isle. A Shelduck at Skadan, then departing north-east along the island's coast, was a scarce visitor. With the wind due to drop briefly tomorrow, we look forward to more migrants riding these airwaves towards us.
Making do on an island with no trees to drill (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Once again taking refuge in the sparrow nestbox at Haa.
Sightings of note: 147 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 13 Woodpigeon, 47 Oystercatcher, 18 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 64 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 148 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 25 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 97 Puffin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 191 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin (first of the year), 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 62 Blackbird, 35 Fieldfare, 33 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 11 Wheatear, 7 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 177 Meadow Pipit, 32 Rock Pipit, 20 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 4 Twite, 8 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin
Other wildlife: 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 104
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6th April 2024
Weather: Heavy rain and gales overnight, throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. Rain ceased by late afternoon and the day ended with sunny spells. F7-8 SE.
A washout morning with winds gusting up to 47km/h led to the day's census being put on hold. The team took advantage of the Fair Isle museum being open for a well-timed visit, enjoying tales of lairds, shipwrecks and crofting families past (and very much present!) from Anne Sinclair, before viewing some of the work produced by Borghild Telnes, the artist in residence at Lower Leogh. In the afternoon, birding was sought in the more sheltered corners of the Isle, with a male Ring Ouzel at Kroga Geo and a Swallow sailing past South Light in the sun taking the prize for sightings of the day.
A smart male Ring Ouzel arrived today in the strong south-easterlies (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident male's head was visible as it sheltered from the weather in the Haa's sparrow nestbox, the entrance hole of which it has specifically widened...!
The Isle's Shags will have to wait for calmer conditions before their nesting ledges are safe from the waves (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 123 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 15 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 41 Ringed Plover, 116 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, 28 Redshank, 8 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Puffin, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow (first of the year), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel, 42 Blackbird, 21 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 9 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 7 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting
Year list: 103
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5th April 2024
Weather: Cold and overcast, with sleet around midday, followed by scattered showers. F6 ESE.
The wind swung to give us a more south-easterly breeze, though it still felt cold. A Long-eared Owl was present again around Chapel and Burkle, while offshore over 300 Puffins were congregating after a few days of no records. A Woodcock was ringed at Gully and, at Da Water, the first Mallard clutch of the year was noted.
A Long-eared Owl in the garden of Burkle (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident male found hospitality at Haa.
A second calendar-year Woodcock caught and ringed in Gully (Luke Marriner)
Sightings of note: 140 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Woodpigeon, 32 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 47 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 20 Turnstone, 3 Woodcock, 31 Snipe, 29 Redshank, 11 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 355 Puffin, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 255 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 62 Blackbird, 37 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 17 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 102 Meadow Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 7 Twite, 3 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Small numbers of Chaffinch remain around the crofts, feeding up before onward migration (Alex Penn)
Year list: 102
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4th April 2024
Weather: A cold start with north-easterly winds and light snow, dropping off as the morning progressed. Sunny spells by the afternoon. F5 NE.
Another chilly census, with few birds to show for it. Reed Buntings jumped in number and a Long-eared Owl was flushed from the Chapel plantation while the team erected mist nets across choice sites in the south.
The first Lapwing (known as Tieves' Nacket in Shetland dialect) clutch of the year was found at Da Water today (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 140 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 14 Teal, 5 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 24 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 98 Ringed Plover, 14 Curlew, 101 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 26 Purple Sandpiper, 19 Snipe, 11 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 111 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 52 Blackbird, 40 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 19 Robin, 1 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 94 Meadow Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 5 Twite, 2 Snow Bunting, 9 Reed Bunting
Year list: 102
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3rd April 2024
Weather: A Baltic gale blew in from the east coast of Norway during the morning, easing slightly as the day wore on and the sun came out. F7-8 NE.
Punishing conditions for census unsurprisingly yielded low numbers of birds, and no arrivals. The cliffs in the north, which in coming months will be covered in breeding Guillemots, were being wiped by the waves and you can't help but feel sorry for the newborn lambs entering the world on Fair Isle's north hills!
Islanders are preparing, or already busy underway, with lambing. Pictured is one of the newest additions to the Shirva flock (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident male was sheltering from the wind at Shirva.
Sightings of note: 96 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 17 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen (found dead at Gilly Burn), 25 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 76 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 88 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 29 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 6 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 166 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 72 Blackbird, 64 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 33 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 29 Robin, 2 Wheatear, 10 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 81 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 9 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 102
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2nd April 2024
Weather: Overcast, with strong, cold winds and a spot of rain late morning and early evening. F6 NE.
After some cushty conditions, it was about time early spring provided challenging weather for censusing! Most birds seemed to keep a low profile in the bitter conditions, and none of the previously lingering Fair Isle rarities were logged today.
Meeting an early-April Wheatear always makes a trip into the field worthwhile (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 82 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 4 Woodpigeon, 36 Oystercatcher, 24 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 61 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 36 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 49 Purple Sandpiper, 16 Snipe, 27 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 229 Skylark, 6 Goldcrest, 104 Blackbird, 97 Fieldfare, 49 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 126 Meadow Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 2 Twite, 2 Snow Bunting
Redwing continue to move through Fair Isle on their epic journeys northwards (Alex Penn)
Year list: 102
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1st April 2024
Weather: Sunny spells with a fresher north-easterly, picking up in strength by the evening. F5 NE.
A largely cloudless, calm night and a swing in the wind direction saw a clearout on census, with much lower totals than in the recent warmer days. However, the Red-flanked Bluetail and Great Spotted Woodpecker remain, and a flock of nine Jackdaw were the highest spring count since 2008. Four Water Rail were teased from the crofts and two Sparrowhawks are bothering the resident waders and Merlin. With another sunny afternoon at the team's disposal, a large section of the winter-worn Plantation Heligoland trap was repaired.
Though their numbers have dropped compared to recent days, Goldcrests still entertain by flycatching in sheltered, sunny spots (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The resident male makes it to April!
Red-flanked Bluetail: Present at Hesswalls for its fourth day.
Fair Isle Rabbits, showing the commonly-occurring black colour form (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 109 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 25 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Woodpigeon, 4 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 39 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 76 Ringed Plover, 23 Curlew, 68 Turnstone, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 6 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Puffin, 1 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 9 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 139 Skylark, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 79 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 29 Robin, 5 Wheatear, 11 Dunnock, 12 Pied Watail, 123 Meadow Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 6 Twite, 2 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife: 4 Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Year list: 102
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31st March 2024
Weather: An overcast start became another beautiful early spring day, with clear blue skies and warmth. F2-3 W.
A beautiful Easter Sunday on the Isle, with further seasonal flair provided by the first lambs around the crofts in the south and our earliest Ring Ouzel since 2012. The Red-flanked Bluetail remains on its favoured roll of wire, and Shirva hosts the regular Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Hawfinch; competing with breeding-plumaged Bramblings for sustenance. The first Puffin 'touch-downs' of the spring were noted at North Light and Gunnawark - we wish them a bumper breeding season!
The sunny weather prompted Puffins to investigate their breeding sites for the first time this year (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Still making short work of the Shirva woodstore.
Red-flanked Bluetail: Present at Hesswalls for its third day.
Hawfinch: A blue-beaked male continues to enjoy the feeders at Shirva.
One of the South Light Purple Sandpiper flock (Jonnie Fisk)
Sightings of note: 132 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 10 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 37 Oystercatcher, 36 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 83 Ringed Plover, 30 Curlew, 94 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 79 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock, 28 Snipe, 13 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 45 Puffin, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 8 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 114 Skylark, 10 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel (first of the year), 66 Blackbird, 114 Fieldfare, 31 Redwing, 44 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 64 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 12 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtail, 214 Meadow Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch (first of the year), 2 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting.
Twite are a daily delight on Fair Isle - small numbers of these ground-nesting finches breed here (Luke Marriner)
Year list: 102
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30th March 2024
Weather: Another beautiful day, an overcast spell in the late morning giving way to prolonged sun and blue skies. F3 SE.
Another pleasant day in the field, with expectations high for the first Wheatear of the year...By 13.00hrs the deed had been done, with two at Skinner's Glig and one at Meoness - an appropiate landmark species for the 100th bird on the Fair Isle year list. Yesterday's Red-flanked Bluetail remained to brighten the day of the warden on south-east census, plus two Hawfinches were whizzing around, and the South Light Woodlark made a welcome reappearance. The team are mapping the newly-singing Fair Isle Wrens, the Raven pair at Gunnawark have chicks and a Buff-tailed Bumblebee was roused into action by the sun. An afternoon of Heligoland repairs was rounded off with a finch roost ringing session at the Observatory.
Two confiding Snow Buntings have been flanking the road to the warden's accommodation at South Light (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: After a few days absence, the 'overwintering' male is back.
Woodlark: Similarly, the bird which favours the South Light area, was rediscovered in the afternoon sun. It has been present since the 21st.
Red-flanked Bluetail: Yesterday's bird was still favouring the beach at Hesswalls.
Hawfinch: Two birds on the Isle, though both mobile.
Yellowhammer at Lower Leogh. Furtive migrants, presumably heading to Scandinavia for the spring (Alex Penn)
Just two pairs of Raven breed on the Isle, with newly-hatched chicks seen today (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 117 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 17 Woodpigeon, 44 Oystercatcher, 23 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 57 Ringed Plover, 44 Curlew, 185 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 80 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Woodcock, 29 Snipe, 19 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Puffin, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 170 Skylark, 20 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 38 Goldcrest, 135 Blackbird, 134 Fieldfare, 63 Redwing, 61 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 63 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear (first of the year), 26 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 162 Meadow Pipit, 46 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 10 Twite, 2 Linnet (first of the year), 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Siskin (first of the year), 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting.
Other wildlife: 1 Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
Year list: 100
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29th March 2024
Weather: Calm, with sun breaking through from late morning, turning into a still, warm day. F3 SE.
A glorious Good Friday to be out on census, with light south-easterlies producing another arrival of birds, and the north and west cliffs were buzzing with thrushes and small parties of Goldcrests. This decent arrival of early spring migrants was accompanied by the Isle's second ever spring Red-flanked Bluetail. Two Tufted Duck flew past South Light, the first Hawfinch and Blackcap of the year were logged, along with a handful of Long-eared Owls. Afternoon fun in the sun concerned the repair of the Gully Heligoland trap roof, with a backtrack of Fair Isle Starlings mimicking Snow Bunting, Turnstone and Wood Sandpiper...!
A Red-flanked Bluetail showing its namesake parts (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-flanked Bluetail: A surprise find on the beach at Hesswalls before midday, consorting with Robins and present into the evening. The 28th record for the Isle, and the second in spring (previous 30th March 2014; similarly a decent day of Robin arrivals).
Hawfinch: One at Shirva mid-afternoon.
A spot of ringing included some dapper Bramblings at Plantation (Jonnie Fisk)
Census revealed double figures of migrant Woodcock, bound for northern forests (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 43 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 4 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck (first of the year), 2 Common Scoter, 5 Woodpigeon, 34 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 98 Ringed Plover, 38 Curlew, 137 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Woodcock, 20 Snipe, 23 Redshank, 5 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Long-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 174 Skylark, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (first of the year), 48 Goldcrest, 152 Blackbird, 188 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 86 Song Thrush, 14 Mistle Thrush, 65 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 19 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 139 Meadow Pipit, 44 Rock Pipit, 3 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 8 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.
Year list: 97
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28th March 2024
Weather: Overcast and settled all day, with light rain in the evening. F5 SE.
The team has been in situ for over a week now and, having settled into South Light and ping-ponged a mainland cold between themselves, embarked on a full census for the first time this season. The south-easterlies produced notable numbers of migrant Goldcrests, Robins and Dunnocks, with Blackbirds taking over as thrush du jour. A drake Red-breasted Merganser, a Black Redstart and Mealy Redpoll were additions to the Fair Isle year list and no fewer than four 'Blue' Fulmar were amongst the colonies in the north.
The 6th Blue Tit to be ringed on Fair Isle (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blue Tit: Present for its third day. Caught and ringed at Plantation late morning before returning to the comfort of the Haa peanuts.
An exciting moment as our 2024 Wardens popped their Geo Goldcrest cherry! A uniquely evocative Fair Isle scene as these 5g migrants scale the lichen-covered cliffs, watched by numerous pairs of Fulmar (Jonnie Fisk)
A dapper male Mealy Redpoll adding finch interest to a modest day of migration (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 81 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (first of the year), 8 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 36 Oystercatcher, 43 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 93 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 97 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 5 Woodcock, 16 Snipe, 49 Redshank, 4 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 123 Skylark, 5 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 93 Blackbird, 25 Redwing, 51 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thursh, 28 Robin, 1 Black Redstart (first of the year), 25 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 124 Meadow Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 10 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll (first of the year), 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 93
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Weather: Overcast all day, with heavy rain setting in by mid-afternoon. F5-6 SE.
Morning mooches around the south of the Isle allowed the team to get seconds, and even thirds, of the Blue Tit which spent most of its time in the garden of the Haa, with the odd flyby by the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Yesterday's quick afternoon patch up of Plantation and Vaadal traps allowed for a few migrants to be ringed, before rain stopped play in the afternoon.
Fair Isle's 17th Blue Tit providing colour combos rarely seen in these parts (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: One still around the crofts.
Woodlark: Around South Light and Utra for its seventh day.
Blue Tit: Yesterday's bird kept close proximity to the peanut feeders at the Haa, joined at one point by a Brambling.
(Jonnie Fisk)
It's been very pleasant to nonchalantly bump into our resident Woodlark when stepping out of South Light (Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 72 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 10 Woodpigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 3 Golden Plover, 44 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 78 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 6 Twite
Year list: 90
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26th March 2024
Weather: A fresh easterly met sunny conditions for an overall pleasant day. F5 E.
Some quiet morning's ringing at the Haven (where the resident Moorhen was caught for an ongoing national colour-ringing project) was happily interrupted with the news of a Blue Tit at Shirva. For those devotees of British birding culture and history, the four words "Fair Isle Blue Tit" carry an unironic mythic resonance that perfectly encapsulates the contrary grip some birds can hold on us when placed in a different setting. This Fair Isle mega quickly took in the crofts of Burkle and Haa and became Acting Warden Alex's first Fair Isle tick of the year! Almost certainly a Continental migrant from northern forests, this bird seemed au fait with peanut feeders - a talent it presumably picked up on its wintering grounds. Alongside the Shirva tit, the Great Spotted Woodpecker reappeared, and the Assistant Wardens took in the south-east census for the first time, followed by some afternoon Heligoland trap repairs. Happy Days!
Moorhen in the hand. Hopefully the colour ring will return some useful data to the national project for this species (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The 'overwintering' male was also at Shirva.
Blue Tit: One found at Shirva by Freyja Parnaby, before school beckoned, becomes the 17th Isle record (4th in spring) and the first Blue Tit since 2020!
Sightings of note: 72 Greylag, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Teal, 7 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 88 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 1 Woodcock, 1 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 6 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting
Year list: 90
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25th March 2024
Weather: A cold north wind blew, and sunny spells soon gave way to looming opaque clouds which delivered snow by the early afternoon. The remainder of the day was calmer with bursts of sun and light showers. F5 NE.
The team traced the north census route; a chance for the Assistant Wardens to add more geos and headlands to their Fair Isle phrasebooks. Shortly into proceedings a 'Blue' Fulmar was found at Furse. Some typically acrobatic views showed it to be the same individual which spent the 2023 spring in the colony, when it was caught and ringed by the FIBO team. A Common Scoter was on the sea below, and a second 'Blue' Fulmar was looping around Wirvie. While a few thrushes flocked around the Haven and Hill Dyke, it was apparent we'd had a big clearout; similarly evidenced by the lack of any Woodcock on the hills or geos. A sorry-looking Whooper Swan was on Suka Mire and back at Buness the first Puffin of the spring was awaiting the arrival of some friends. A Great Northern Diver at South Light and a Short-eared Owl at Da Water bumped the Isle's year list, and 2024's ringing kicked off with three Blackbirds in the Obs' garden.
The 2023-ringed 'Blue' Fulmar was back for another spring among its paler cousins at Furse (Alex Penn)
AWs Jonnie & Luke dream of future finds at Troila Geo...(Alex Penn)
Sightings of note: 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Moorhen, 9 Curlew, 3 Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Puffin (the earliest returning record from land since 2012), 1 Great Northern Diver (first of the year), 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 'Blue' Fulmar, 1 Short-eared Owl (first of the year), 2 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting
Year list: 89
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24th March 2024
Weather: A brighter, clearer day as the wind swung round to the north. Sunny spells all day with scattered showers in the afternoon. F6-5 N.
Calmer weather gave a timely window for the season's Assistant Wardens to learn the art of FIBO's south-east census route, taking in many of the crofts, burns, mires and geos under the tutleage of Acting Warden Alex Penn. As our thrush numbers drop off by the day, the Woodlark continues to call South Light home, and there was a reappearance from Fair Isle's resident Great Spotted Woodpecker.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The 'overwintering' male was once more at Shirva.
Woodlark: Present for its fourth day around South Light.
Sightings of note: 90 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 12 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 15 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 57 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 16 Snipe, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 128 Blackbird, 189 Fieldfare, 83 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 86
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23rd March 2024
Weather: Strong winds again with frequent passing showers, but prolonged sunny spells from the afternoon. F8 SW.
The team spent the morning inspecting the damage inflicted on the Isle's Heligoland traps at the hands of the winter storms. It was another day of tricky birding conditions, though we are rapidly running out of early-season indoor jobs! A brighter window in the afternoon allowed for more birding until the evening. After a quick hello to the South Light Woodlark, a trek along the western cliffs and Ward Hill was productive for Woodcock, which have presumably arrived with the thrushes but keep a much lower profile.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodlark: Present for its third day around South Light.
Sightings of note: 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 10 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 2 Golden Plover, 3 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Woodcock, 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 114 Blackbird, 205 Fieldfare, 105 Redwwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Year list: 86
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22nd March 2024
Weather: Ripping wind and needling rain showers, some hail in the late morning. Rough all day, F9-11 SW.
Another day to challenge the grip on one's binoculars and waterproofing on garments, with conditions tough to bird in from start to finish. A few loops of the South yielded decent, though decreasing, numbers of thrushes, plus a Water Rail was at Burkle, a Mistle Thrush at Skadan, the first Greenfinch record of the year and second helpings of yesterday's Woodlark, which waddled around South Light in various states of sogginess. The corpse of a ringed Starling was collected, our data showing it to be a local bird almost ten years old.
Some massive 'White Horses' from the south of the Isle in today's wild weather (Alex Penn)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodlark: The individual found yesterday around the south of the Isle was again with the thrushes at South Light.
Sightings of note: 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 22 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 1 Woodcock, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 17 Blackbird, 154 Fieldfare, 121 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Robin, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, Greenfinch (first of the year), 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 86
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21st March 2024
Weather: Frequent driving showers with sunny spells in the afternoon, and a F8 SW.
After yesterday's clement weather, the wind picked up overnight and the two new Assistant Wardens were treated to some proper Shetland conditions, complete with decorative dancing Fulmars. Many thrushes linger in the crofts, joined by a Woodlark at Utra later in the day when the weather brightened, though the wind never let up. Two Stonechat were logged in the south and a Water Rail was at Burkle.
Woodlark in between showers at South Light (Luke Marriner)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodlark: One mobile bird was found at Utra in the mid-afternoon. This is the 60th record of the species for Fair Isle.
Sightings of note: 141 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 35 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 34 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 1 Pied Wagtail, 12 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Year list: 85
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20th March 2024
Weather: Remarkably sunny and even warm, with a F5 SW.
Today's plane brought the season's Assistant Wardens Jonnie Fisk and Luke Marriner, who seemed stunned to have arrived as planned, after some mainland travel hiccups. Flocks of yesterday's thrush arrival still covered the crofts and a few Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs were inspired by the sun to show themselves in the south. Two Carrion Crows reappeared to presumably breed again on the Isle, a Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylag Geese and other migrants included two Woodcock, a Grey Wagtail and a Snow Bunting. The wintering Great Spotted Woodpecker was again flinging itself around the crofts. After unpacking at South Light, at least three Orca were seen very briefly heading south-west off South Harbour in the mid-afternoon - a complete surprise, but frustratingly fleeting; we certainly hope for better encounters with the pods this year!
Mixed thrush flock at Stackhoull, with Raeva as an imposing backdrop (Jonnie Fisk)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Spotted Woodpecker: The overwintering male, first ringed on the Isle in autumn 2023, continues to linger around the crofts.
Sightings of note: 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 10 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 185 Blackbird, 230 Fieldfare, 95 Redwing, 10 Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Twite, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting
Other wildlife: ≥3 Orca
Year list: 84
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