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2007 -
JANUARY SIGHTINGS
Fair Isle Summary January 2007
Highlights:
The ‘borealis’ Northern Eider was seen on and off throughout. At
least 3 Iceland Gulls throughout and a single Glaucous Gull (30th).
A wintering Shoveler and 2 wintering Dunnocks were unusual with a mealy
Common Redpoll (23rd).
Other sightings:
Just over 100 Greylags included single Pinkfooted and Barnacle Geese. Up to
4 Water Rails were at Chalet Pond with another 2 at the Obs and a few others
scattered around the croftland. A flock of 17 Lapwing increased to 25 (from
15th) and was joined by 1-2 Golden Plover (from 10th).
The wintering Turnstone flock peaked at 195 (18th), Curlew at 8
(28th) but very few Purple Sandpipers were seen. During the last
week Oystercatchers began to arrive (peak of 9 on 30th) and a
Ringed Plover (30th). A couple of overwintering Merlins were seen
regularly and a Peregrine (20th). Passerines of note included a
Skylark (11th), thrushes (incl. 70 Fieldfare on 15th
and 20-30 each of Blackbird & Redwing throughout), a couple of wintering
Chaffinches, c15 Twite but only a peak of 9 Snow Bunting (23rd).
Deryk Shaw
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