2008 - APRIL SIGHTINGS

2006 Report now out
Price £7 incl p&p (UK) or £8.50

30th April: Today’s bird include, 4 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 16 Swallow, 9 Whimbrel, 13 Arctic Skua, Sparrowhawk and Grey Heron. Also still present are 2 Ring Ouzel, Iceland Gull and Kumlien’s Gull.

29^th April: A much nicer day weatherwise enticed the first Swift, House Martin and Common Whitethroat of the year to the isle. Three Ring Ouzels were seen and 2 Grasshopper Warblers at the Obs along with the Great Tit. Both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits remain as do Iceland Gull and Kumlien’s Gull.

28^th April: A horrible mornings weather kept everyone indoors while the afternoon, while fairly quiet still produced the years first Whinchat and Bar-tailed Godwit, other birds included a Shelduck, a Great-northern Diver, a Jack Snipe, 9 Whimbrel, a big increase to 24 Arctic Skuas, 8 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Blackcap while still the Great Tit, Iceland Gull and Kumlien’s Gull are at large.

27^th April: A fine, sunny days highlight were 3 Common Cranes which circled the north of the isle in the late morning giving everyone the run around, other birds seen included our first Arctic Tern of the year, a fine male Lapland Bunting out on Dronger, a Red-throated Diver, 16 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 4 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, a littoralis Rock Pipit, a flavissima Yellow Wagtail, a Stonechat, 154 Wheatears including many Greenland birds, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a Yellowhammer.   Whilst the Great Tit, Iceland and Kumlien’s Gulls all remain.

26^th April: A big clear out of birds overnight made the day very quiet in comparison with the previous couple of days with the only birds of note being the Great Tit still at the Obs, a Sparrowhawk, a male Merlin, a Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, a Short-eared owl, 6 Swallow, a Grasshopper Warbler, a lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 18 Willow Warblers, 10 Brambling, 6 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting and the Iceland and Kumlien’s Gulls remained.

	Kumlien's Gull Photographs by Mark Breaks

25^th April: There were still plenty of birds present today although it was hard to tell what was new in and what remained from yesterday, the highlight in Fair Isle terms was a female Great Tit at the Obs which, when trapped was found to be a British control (subsequently found to have been ringed on North Ronaldsay two days previously!), other firsts for the year were Dunlin and Grasshopper Warbler (2).   Migrants seen today included 2 Merlin, a Jack Snipe, 6 Woodcock, 11 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, our first proper influx of Arctic Skua with 9 seen and heard displaying, 16 Black-headed Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, a Tree Pipit, 7 White Wagtail, 46 Robin, a Black Redstart, 152 Wheatear, 4 Ring Ouzel, 145 Blackbird, 200 Fieldfare, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 27 Chiffchaff, 36 Willow Warbler, 40 Brambling, 11 Siskin, 5 Linnet a flyover Hawfinch and a Yellowhammer.

24^th April: A good arrival of birds in very foggy conditions saw a real mixture of arriving summer migrants and departing winter birds, the highlight for one lucky observer was a Great Snipe seen briefly as it came in off the sea at Easter Lother which, despite searching for was never seen again.   New birds today included a Shelduck, a female Common Scoter, a Kestrel, 4 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, a Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 45 Robin, a Black Redstart, 5 Ring Ouzel, 104 Blackbird, 240 Fieldfare, 41 Song Thrush, 63 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 23 Chiffchaff, 19 Willow Warbler, 10 Goldcrest, 40 Brambling, a Common Redpoll and 5 Reed Bunting.

Birds remaining from previous days included the Short-toed Lark still at Setter, the 2 Lesser Whitethroats, the 2 Sparrowhawk and the Iceland and Kumlien’s Gulls.

On a sad note the long staying Canada Goose departed and an even sadder note was the discovery of the remains of the Night Heron in Gilsetter.

23^rd April: An influx of common summer migrants occurred today but this unfortunately coincided with the departure of the Calandra Lark just as the first twitchers arrived, the lingering Short-toed Lark was little compensation.   New birds for the year were Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin (3), Tree Pipit, a smart male flavissima Yellow Wagtail and Blackcap (2), other birds included 2 Sparrowhawk, a Short-eared Owl, 5 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 7 White Wagtail, 2 Black Redstart, an increase to 103 Wheatear, 3 Ring Ouzel, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Jackdaw and a Rook.   The Iceland and Kumlien’s Gulls remain.

22^nd April: The main news today was the reappearance of the Calandra Lark at Setter, this time in the company of a Short-toed Lark.   Other firsts for the year were a Lesser Whitethroat and a flyover Greenshank whilst other migrants included 2 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Swallow, a Black Redstart, 3 Ring Ouzel and a Mistle Thrush.   The Iceland and Kumlien’s Gulls remain.

21^st April: A quieter day, although Swallow, Green Sandpiper (2) and Shoveler (2) were added to the year list. Other birds seen included the 1^st winter Iceland Gull and the 3^rd winter Kumlien’s Gull type still, a Short-eared Owl, 7 White Wagtails, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Mistle Thrush, a Rook and a high count of 27 Purple Sandpipers in the south.   Despite searching the Calandra Lark was not seen.

April 20^th: A small arrival today with morning census producing 2 Iceland Gulls (one a Kumliens type) and counts of 123 Meadow Pipit, 5 Dunnock, 25 Robin, 48 Wheatear, 5 Ring Ouzel, 63 Blackbird, 12 Song Thrush and a scattering of finches including 13 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch and a mealy Redpoll. Best however was found in the afternoon when a Calandra Lark was found at Barkland. It showed very well but was rather flighty and must have spent a short time in every field in the Setter croft. This was the fourth for the isle following records in 1978, 1999 & 2000.

	Calandra Lark Top 3 photos by Deryk Shaw Photos left, right and below by Mark Breaks

April 19^th: A Shelduck and Arctic Skua arrived today along with more Meadow Pipits (104), Wheatears (52), a couple of Willow Warblers and 7 Chiffchaff.

April 18^th: A quiet day with counts of 60 Common Gull, 36 Wheatear and 2 Ring Ouzel the only things of note.

April 17^th: Two Sandwich Terns were a welcome year tick whilst a 3^rd-winter Iceland/Kumliens Gull was seen briefly. Increases were noted in Blackbird (107), Wheatear (24), Song Thrush (30) and Chiffchaff (14). Also were 2 Peregrine, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Willow Warbler and a Rook.

April 16^th: Highlights today were our first Willow Warblers (2), Whimbrel and Slavonian Grebe, of the year and a large increase in Wheatear (69). Elsewhere were a Long-tailed Duck, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, a Stonechat and 2 Black Redstart.

April 15^th: Glorious weather but few birds of note. New in were Jack Snipe, 3 White Wagtail an influx of Robin (38) and Wheatear (15) – along with 3 Wheatear research students!!

April 14^th: A fairly quiet day with a ‘blue’ Fulmar, 2 Iceland Gulls and the Canada Goose the highlights. Sparrowhawk and Merlin terrorised the small passerines, namely 62 Blackbirds, 26 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Chiifchaff, 12 Chaffinch and 8 Greenfinch.

Black-bellied Dipper Photo by Deryk Shaw

Raven Photo by Deryk Shaw

Stewart Thomson of Quoy reported 2+ Orcas off Hesswalls.

April 13^th: The Night Heron is still present along with at least 2 Sparrowhawks. New in were a Collared Dove and a White Wagtail whilst 100 Skylark and 18 Chaffinch were notable increases.

April 12th: Both Night Heron and Canada Goose remain. There was an influx of Sparrowhawks with at least four counted. Common Gulls increased to 46 and Wood Pigeons to 14 whilst other sightings included Black Redstart, 4 Wheatear, 2 Mistle Thrush, 8 Greenfinch and a Brambling. April 11th: Both Night Heron and Canada Goose remain. A Long-eared Owl was flushed from the Plantation and also new in were mealy Redpoll and 2 Mistle Thrush plus a few more Bonxies (21), Common Gulls (24) and Wheatears (6).

Canada Goose Photo by Deryk Shaw

April 10^th: Another nice day with a light SE’ly wind. The sea produced a male Common Scoter, Great Nothern Diver, Cormorant and around 90 Puffins. On land were a Moorhen, Black Redstart, a Ring Ouzel, 32 Robin, 6 Chiffchaff, 7 Greenfinch and 2 Reed Bunting. The Night Heron and Canada Goose remain.

April 9^th: A pleasant bright, sunny day with a ESE breeze. Bird of the day was another Night Heron – but unfortunately it was a fresh corpse in Klingers Geo!! The first bird continues to show well at Field and Chalet Ponds. A few arrivals today with 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Wheatear, Short-eared Owl, Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, Brambling, Linnet and a Canada Goose all new. Sightings of 7 Wood Pigeon, a pair of Peregrine, Water Rail and Iceland Gull were also made.

April 8^th: The Night Heron remained in Field Pond whilst a hornemanni Arctic Redpoll was found at Barkland. Two Iceland Gulls, 16 Jackdaw and the Yellowhammer were also seen and the first Puffin ashore.

April 7^th: The Night Heron showed incredibly well as it fed in Field Pond. A Whooper Swan was on Golden Water and two Grey Herons at South Harbour. The male Peregrine was seen again as were Iceland Gull, Wheatear and Yellowhammer. Counts included 112 Turnstone, 10 Bonxies, 3 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 52 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 42 Snow Bunting and 2 Reed Bunting.

Night Heron Photos (above and right) by Deryk Shaw

April 7^th: The Night Heron showed incredibly well as it fed in Field Pond. A Whooper Swan was on Golden Water and two Grey Herons at South Harbour. The male Peregrine was seen again as were Iceland Gull, Wheatear and Yellowhammer. Counts included 112 Turnstone, 10 Bonxies, 3 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 52 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 42 Snow Bunting and 2 Reed Bunting.

Night Heron Photos (above, below and top right) by Mark Breaks
		Peregrine fending off a Herring Gull Photo by Mark Breaks

April 6^th: A call at 0830 from Iain Stout at Setter reporting “a strange bird in the garden. Its quite big!” immediately set the pulse racing. It had to be the Night Heron! A few minutes later all the Obs birding staff were watching it sheltering against the garden wall. An hour later, the remaining Obs residents and interested islanders had all had excellent views, however none were as good as the views obtained by the Setter cat (see photos)!!! There was little else of note seen in the continuing bitter wintry weather – 2 Woodcock, the Iceland Gull, 7 Wood Pigeon, 200 Skylark and a Wheatear.

Night Heron Photos (above and right) by Mark Breaks
Night Heron (and Setter cat) Photos (1 above and 2 right) by Deryk Shaw

April 5^th: A day of horrible weather – bitterly cold gale-force NW’ly wind with frequent hail and snow showers. Consequently, census was difficult but there were increased counts of Golden Plover (17), Purple Sandpiper (24), Skylark (200) and Meadow Pipit (92). Other sightings included a Woodcock, the Iceland Gull, 9 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 21 Jackdaw, 5 (migrant) Raven, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. However, the best was an adult NIGHT HERON flushed from South Harbour by AW Mark Breaks. It disappeared around Meoness but despite an extensive search of the east cliffs and geos it could not be relocated…….until (on the way home for lunch) the traps were checked (by other AW Simon Davies) and it was flushed again, from the Vaadal stream next to the Plantation. It flew over the Vaadal trap and disappeared once again, despite another extensive search. The bad weather however means that it is unlikely to depart, so will hopefully be found tomorrow – if it survives the night!

April 4^th: Winter is returning as a cold northerly wind sets in. A nice summer plumaged male Lapland Bunting was the highlight along with a Short-eared Owl and a ‘littoralis’ Rock Pipit. Bonxies were up to 15 and Meadow Pipits reached 88. Other sightings of note were a Jack Snipe, the Iceland Gull, 6 Pied Wagtail, Stonechat, Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 21 Jackdaw, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting.

April 3^rd: Much the same today although 20 Fieldfare indicated a turnover of thrushes and Siskins climbed to 10. A Cormorant was new for the year and also on the sea were 4 Puffins and fine male Common Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser. Two Moorhen were spotted as were 2 Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 2 Stonechat and a Wheatear.

April 2^nd: New today were a Long-eared Owl at Wirvie and a Rook at Setter. Thrush numbers remained high and a collection of finches in the Obs garden included 11 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 3 Greenfinch and 7 Siskin.

Common Crane Photos by Mark Breaks

April 1^st: The new month opened with our first Wheatears (two males), a reported Ring Ouzel and the Common Crane still present. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was also new whilst an arrival of Meadow Pipits (70) was evident. Blackbird numbers (120) were also up and with them were 6 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush and 32 Redwing. Also in were 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Woodcock, 8 Bonxies, 5 Wood Pigeon, 100 Skylark, 11 Robin, 3 Chiffchaff and 35 Goldcrest.