2008 - SEPTEMBER SIGHTINGS

NEW OBSERVATORY APPEAL

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30^th September: Heavy showers and a north-westerly wind for much of the day meant it was only much the same seen. The 2 Pectoral Sandpiper were still on the scrape, the Bluethroat was still in the Havens and 5 Yellow-browed Warblers remain. 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Puffin, 1 Guillemot and a Razorbill were seen on a seawatch from Buness. Similar to previous days there were; 1 Water Rail, 1 Swallow, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Siskin, 6 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lapland Bunting and 40 Snow Bunting.

29^th September: The wind was still in the south west and showers passed through much of the day some heavy, causing people to retreat early. It was a fairly quiet day with a selection of lingering birds but very few new arrivals. The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers were still on the scrape, the Bluethroat was in the Havens, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler around the isle and the Little Bunting at Utra. 1 Arctic Skua and an Arctic Tern passed south light. Migrants included 1 Water Rail, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 5 Whinchat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Siskin, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting.

28^th September: Rather frustrating was a very unobliging Locustella warbler at Leogh with opinions swayed towards Lanceolated. Hopefully it will be relocated tomorrow. There are now 2 Pectoral Sandpipers (Scrape) – our first multiple sighting -  and the Bluethroat (Garage), 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Common Rosefinch (trapped in the Vadaal) and the Little Bunting (Utra crop) were all still present. 67 Pink-footed Goose and 28 Greylag Goose flew south and a Pintail and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers were new. Again fairly few migrants, consisting of 2 Tree Pipit, 4 Whinchat, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Siskin, 1 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting and 8 Snow Bunting.

Pectoral Sandpipers Photograph by Mark Breaks

Pectoral Sandpiper Photograph by Mark Breaks

27th September: The Pectoral Sandpiper (Skadan), female Bluethroat (Havens), 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher (South Harbour), Common Rosefinch (Shop) and Little Bunting (Utra crop) were all still present. A flock of 9 Greylag Geese flew south as well as 240 Pink-footed Goose. There were fewer common birds than of late but included 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Tree Pipit, 6 Dunnock, 2 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 18 Redwing, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler and 4 Snow Bunting.

26^th September: Although a very quiet day, by recent standards, the day wasn't without its highlight. A Siberian Stonechat around School/Da Water area was bird of the day. Although initially flighty it later gave satisfactory enough views to clinch identification. Birds remaining were the Pectoral Sandpiper, a Bluethroat, 29 Yellow-browed Warbler, the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Springfield) and the Little Bunting (Utra crop)

420 Pink-footed Goose flew south during the day and there was a Common Scoter off South Light. There were less common birds than of late but still 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl, 6 Tree Pipit, 3 Redstart, 13 Whinchat, 16 Wheatear, 54 Redwing, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 3 Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting and 3 Snow Bunting.

Siberian Stonechat

Photographs by Mark Breaks

25^th September: I repeat….. “As if yesterday wasn’t good enough…..” The red flag came out for the fifth time in the past three days. Today people were hiking to the west cliffs to see a first-year male SIBERIAN THRUSH in Guidicum. The Brown Flycatcher was present briefly first thing but had gone missing by 8.15am and this bird was found whilst searching for it. The fifth first for the isle of the year, it stayed all day in the gully at Guidicum, which allowed everyone to get good views. Yet another eastern vagrant appeared before lunch when an Arctic Warbler was found at the Haa before relocating to Skerryholm. Other quality new arrivals included a Honey Buzzard south before breakfast, a Long-eared Owl caught on early morning trap round 3 Bluethroat, a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Springfield, 2 Rosefinch and a Little Bunting at Lower Stoneybreck in the afternoon. There were at least 32 Yellow-browed Warbler present and the Pectoral Sandpiper seemed to settle near Setter late afternoon.

There was again a fairly good variety of commoner migrants be it in low numbers. The haul was 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 12 Tree Pipit, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 120 Redwing, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Garden Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 15 Willow Warbler, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 3 'North-western' Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting.

Siberian Thrush Photographs by Deryk Shaw
Little Bunting Photograph by Mark Breaks		Arctic Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

How much longer can this last?!!

24^th September: As if yesterday wasn't good enough, today saw a first year BROWN FLYCATCHER turn up at the mast. It was initially spotted on Ward Hill but spent much of its time around the Communications mast perimeter fence, putting on a remarkable display. If this wasn't enough, mid afternoon a RED-FLANKED BLUE TAIL was found at Kenaby. Although originally fairly mobile it soon settled around the crop. Almost as remarkable was the influx of Yellow-browed Warblers, with an estimated 45 birds seen on the isle during the day (including a flock of 10 on top of Ward Hill) smashing the previous day record (16 on 4^th October 1988). Supporting cast was a Pectoral Sandpiper on the Skadan, 1 Corncrake near Quoy, a Bluethroat at Setter and a Rosefinch at the Pier. There was also the first reasonable movement of Redwing with at least 200 passing through. Pink-footed Geese were seen again with 77 moving south and there was a Water Rail and 5 'North-western' Redpoll. A good variety of commoner migrants consisted 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 House Martin, 6 Tree Pipit, 1 'flava' Wagtail, 3 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Pied Flycatcher, 15 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting and 4 Snow Bunting.

Brown Flycatcher Photograph by Deryk Shaw		Brown Flycatcher Photograph by Deryk Shaw
Brown Flycatcher Photograph by Deryk Shaw		Brown Flycatcher Photograph by Mark Breaks
Red-flanked Bluetail Photograph by Mark Breaks		Brown Flycatcher Photograph by Mark Breaks

23^rd September: Today was definitely a day of quality. The day kicked off well with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at North Light before breakfast. It was later seen briefly flying around the south but remained elusive for the rest of the day. There was a brief sighting yesterday of what was thought to be this species so thankfully it showed again. A Lanceolated Warbler was found mid-morning in Bulls Park and put on a very good show for most of the day. A 2^nd bird was found late in the day, in Gilsetter. Just after lunch a Red-throated Pipit put on a fairly good show, mainly in Boini Mire and a Pectoral Sandpiper was in front of the Haa briefly. The best however waited for late afternoon when a PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER was found in Busta Geo. Although it would occasionally disappear into a cave at the base of the cliff it did occasionally show fairly well.

Lanceolated Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

Even though most people were admiring the above, there were other birds to see. There was a good movement of Pink-footed Geese during the day with 850 flying through during the day in various sized flocks. There were 6 Whooper Swans on Golden Water first thing and the Tufted Duck was still present on Easter Lother. The small haul of migrants included 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 9 Tree Pipit, 2 Whitethroat, 15 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Brambling, 4 Siskin, 3 Linnet and 2 Snow Bunting. Six 'North-western' Redpoll and a Lesser Redpoll were present at Setter in the evening.

21^st September: Although there were again fairly few birds, there were at least 6 Yellow-browed Warblers around the south A Water Rail was picked up freshly dead near the shop. The 4 Whooper Swans were still present, 3 of which are bearing darvic rings. 1 Little Stint and the Curlew Sandpiper were seen and 4 'North-western' Redpoll and 2 Common Crossbill were still present. 1 Swift, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 21 Tree Pipit, 5 Grey Wagtail, 9 Redstart, 19 Whinchat, 29 Wheatear, 36 Redwing, 7 Reed Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 16 Willow Warbler, 13 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Brambling, 5 Siskin and 1 Lapland Bunting were the obvious migrants.

20^th September: There were very few birds remaining from previous days with no sign of the Lanceolated Warbler and the only scarce migrant being a Bluethroat at Quoy. The first Snow Bunting of the autumn appeared in the north. 4 Whooper Swan and 30 Pink-footed Goose were seen and the male Scaup and female Tufted Duck were still present. The Curlew Sandpiper was also still present around South Light. The 4 'North-western' Redpoll were seen around the Obs and the Gully. Common migrants were definitely down on previous days with totals much lower. 2 Swallow, 23 Tree Pipit, 1 'Flava' Wagtail, 10 Redstart, 27 Whinchat, 36 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 20 Willow Warbler, 12 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Brambling and 8 Siskin was the days haul.

19^th September: There was no sign of the Western Bonelli's Warbler but the Lanceolated Warbler was seen again near Pund. The Ortolan Bunting put in yet another very brief appearance, today near Nedertaft. The most interesting new arrival were 4 'North-western' Redpolls caught during the day. There was a bit of wildfowl movement today with flocks of 16 and 4 Whooper Swan flying south and the first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn with a total of 73 in 3 flocks also going south. The Barred Warbler (Da Water/Shop) and Yellow-browed Warbler (Utra), Lapland Bunting and 2 of the Common Crossbill remain. The male Scaup was still present, today joined by a female Tufted Duck. The 3 Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were still present in the south. Migrants today consisted 2 Swift, 36 Tree Pipit, 4 Grey-headed and 1 Blue-headed Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 23 Common Redstart, 30 Whinchat, 60 Wheatear, 9 Spotted Flycatcher and 7 Pied Flycatcher. Warblers were 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 11 Reed Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff and 46 Willow Warbler.

18^th September: The Lanceolated Warbler was relocated, today closer to Pund. The Western Bonelli's Warbler was again present near Hjukni Geo. There was a Corncrake in Kenaby crop and the Red-backed Shrike and Rosefinch remain. The drake Scaup was still present in the north, as were the 2 Shoveler in the south and 4 Red-breasted Mergansers flew through. New arrivals included 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Swift, 1 Brambling, a few more Siskin and the first 2 Reed Bunting of the autumn. Migrants were present in much lower numbers but included 32 Tree Pipit, 3 Grey-headed Wagtail, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail, 18 Redstart, 29 Whinchat, 34 Wheatear, 13 Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Lapland Bunting. Best of the warblers were the Barred Warbler, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and 1 Wood Warbler and there were 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Garden Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and 53 Willow Warbler.

17^th September: Star bird today was a WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER found near Hjukni Geo. It showed well to the assembled crowd most of the afternoon. Other new arrivals were an all too brief Pectoral Sandpiper on Vaatnagard, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Common Rosefinch. Also, 3 Wryneck, 1 Bluethroat (Setter),1 Red-breasted Flycatcher (Hoini), 1 Red-backed Shrike (Quoy) and 3 Common Crossbill all remain. The Scaup was still present in the north as were the 2 Shoveler in the south. The Osprey made an appearance over the obs first thing (on its way to Shetland?). Common migrants included 54 Tree Pipit, 2 'flava' Wagtails, 2 Black Redstart, 78 Common Redstart, 38 Whinchat, 45 Wheatear, 35 Spotted Flycatcher and 38 Pied Flycatcher. Warbler numbers were made up of 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 14 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 120 Willow Warbler.

Pectoral Sandpiper Photograph by Mark Breaks		Yellow-browed Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks
Western Bonelli's Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks		Western Bonelli's Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

16^th September: A new arrival was a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling on Skaden but it was seen to fly off west not long after being found. There was also a Red-breasted Flycatcher and an Ortolan Bunting near Gunnawark. The Bluethroat was still around Setter, the Barred Warbler was still at the Haa and there were 3 Wryneck around the south. A male Scaup was still present in North Haven and there was a Red-breasted Merganser in South Harbour. The Marsh Harrier and Osprey were still on the Isle and there were 4 Sparrowhawk, 10 Kestrel and 1 Merlin. The Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper and 3 Little Stint were all still present.

Juvenile Rose-coloured Starling Photographs by Mark Breaks

Warblers present were 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 13 Reed Warbler, 1 Barred Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 27 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 12 Whitethoat, 2 Chiffchaff and an impressive 135 Willow Warbler. Good counts of other common migrants included 71 Tree Pipit, 69 Redstart, 37 Whinchat, 54 Wheatear, 31 Spotted Flycatcher, 45 Pied Flycatcher and there were also 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Crossbill and 3 Lapland Bunting. A rather respectable total of 101 species was recorded!!

15^th September: The Lanceolated Warbler was seen again today and occasionally showed well. The Thrush Nightingale was also seen again around Skerryholm and the Ortolan Bunting appeared briefly at Chalet. A male Bluethroat (Setter), a Red-backed Shrike (Setter) and a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Wester Lother) were new birds for the autumn. Two Wryneck, 1 Common Rosefinch and a Corncrake were probably birds hanging on from previous days. Wildfowl highlight was the appearance of 4 Scaup in the north. Wigeon numbers were up slightly to 108 and there were 27 Teal, 2 Shoveler and 1 Pintail with a Red-throated Diver past. Again the Osprey and Marsh Harrier were around the isle and there were 5 Sparrowhawk, 10 Kestrel, 2 Merlin and 3 Peregrine. The Grey Plover had joined a flock of 47 Golden Plover, there were now 4 Little Stint and the Curlew Sandpiper was still near North Light. Dunlin numbers had grown to 54. There was now a male Blue-headed Wagtail and 5 Grey-headed Wagtail around the south. Still good numbers of common migrants with 48 Tree Pipit, 44 Redstart, 41 Whinchat, 87 Wheatear, 26 Spotted Flycatcher and 33 Pied Flycatcher. Warblers comprised 6 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 14 Reed Warbler, 1 Barred Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 8 Garden Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 1 Wood Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff and 68 Willow Warbler. Birds moving included 7 Redwing, 101 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin, Redpoll sp., 5 Crossbill and 2 Lapland Bunting.

14^th September: Another great day for birds. Thankfully the Lanceolated Warbler was relocated after breakfast on Horsti Brekkas and this time it obliged to the assembled group of birders. The supporting cast included the Two-barred Crossbill putting in another brief appearance near Kenaby, an Ortolan Bunting seen at Upper Stoneybreck, the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn (at North Naversgil) as well as a Corncrake, 2 Wryneck and 3 Common Rosefinch. Equally as interesting to some was a Great-spotted Woodpecker seen flying over the shop. Wigeon numbers were up with 94 birds otherwise numbers fairly stable with 49 Teal, 2 Shoveler and 1 Pintail. There was a good showing of raptors with both the Marsh Harrier and Osprey still present as well as 5 Sparrowhawk, 8 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 4 Peregrine. Wader numbers were similar but two new species for the year were a Grey Plover over South Light and a Curlew Sandpiper near North Light. The 3 Little Stint were still present on Da Water. There were still particularly good numbers of some birds including 79 Tree Pipit, 48 Redstart, 49 Whinchat, 114 Wheatear, 10 Spotted Flycatcher and 24 Pied Flycatcher. Thrushes present were 3 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 236 Song Thrush and the first Redwing of the autumn. Warblers present consisted high counts of 9 Grasshopper Warbler and 19 Reed Warbler, as well as 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Barred Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 15 Garden Warbler, 24 Blackcap and 79 Willow Warbler. There were a few birds moving overhead including 109 Chaffinch, the first 2 Brambling of the autumn, 7 Crossbill and 1 Lapland Bunting. A long species list also included 10 Common Tern, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Grey-headed Wagtail, 24 Robin and 1 Black Redstart.

There was a surprise in the evening when a Bat sp. (probably Pipistrelle) was seen flying around the Plantation. There was also a surprising amount of butterflies seen during the day with 5 Peacock and 7 Red Admiral seen during the day. Curlew Sandpiper Photograph by Mark Breaks

13^th September: A superb days birding. There was an excellent scattering of common migrants plus a few scarcies and rarities. A Corncrake was flushed from below Houll before breakfast, then there was a very flighty Thrush Nightingale at the Haa not long after breakfast. Census produced huge counts of common migrants but it was not until mid-afternoon when a PADDYFIELD WARBLER was found at Setter. It was not too obliging but with patience everybody managed to get views. Unfortunately what would have been the most popular bird did not oblige to the crowds, when a Lanceolated Warbler seen in Horsti Brekkas early evening could not be refound. Another Corncrake seen while searching was a nice surprise and a male Marsh Harrier seen moments earlier was an interesting new arrival. Other unusual birds seen today were the Osprey seen at South Light and later Setter, 2 Wryneck, 3 Barred Warbler and 3 Common Rosefinch. Wildfowl numbers were similar with 55 Wigeon, 64 Teal, 2 Shoveler and 1 Pintail with a Red-throated Diver flying through. The wader numbers were also much the same with 29 Golden Plover, 22 Lapwing, 1 Knot, 3 Little Stint, 36 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Green sandpiper and 2 Common Sandpiper. The more impressive counts from today included, 96 Tree Pipit, 42 Robin, 100 Common Redstart, 40 Whinchat, 54 Wheatear, 142 Song Thrush, 80 Garden Warbler, 34 Blackcap, 69 Willow Warbler, 20 Spotted Flycatcher and 33 Pied Flycatcher. Warblers present today included 6 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 3 Barred Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat and 19 Whitethroat. Finches starting to pass through comprised17 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Mealy Redpoll and 5 Common Crossbill. Other odds and ends were 1 juvenile Common Tern, 1 Swallow, 5 Grey-headed Wagtail, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Paddyfield Warbler  Photograph by Mark Breaks

Little Stint  Photograph by Mark Breaks

12^th September: The wind had calmed slightly which made birding a lot easier. There had been a very impressive fall of common migrants, as well as a few goodies being seen. An Ortolan Bunting near the obs just before lunch was a pleasant surprise and other scarcities included 1 Osprey (settled near South Light), 3 Wryneck, 2 Barred Warblers, 3 Common Rosefinch and the Two-barred Crossbill putting in a typically brief appearance. Ducks were present in good numbers again with 60 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 3 Pintail and 1 Shoveler with a Red-throated Diver flying through. A good variety of waders present included the first Little Stint of the year on Da Water and later the Scrape. Other waders comprised 36 Golden Plover, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 45 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper. Passerines present in good numbers were 54 Tree Pipit, 365 Meadow Pipit, 25 Robin, 38 Common Redstart, 32 Whinchat, 38 Wheatear, 29 Song Thrush, 11 Spotted Flycatcher and 17 Pied Flycatcher. Warblers seen during the day were 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 30 Garden Warbler, 28 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and 52 Willow Warbler. Other birds seen were 1 Cuckoo, 5 Grey-headed Wagtail, 1 Dunnock, 1 Common Crossbill and 1 Lapland Bunting.

11^th September: The strong wind made birding rather difficult and there was certainly some frustration during the day. Firstly was a Nightingale sp. at the garages before lunch that disappeared before it could be positively identified. Then there was a crake sp. Which ran across the road at Meadow Burn in the afternoon. This disappeared into the roadside ditch not to be seen again. Commoner migrants were present in much lower numbers with just 1 Swift, 15 Tree Pipit, 8 Robin, 9 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Chaffinch and 1 Crossbill. Warblers comprised 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Barred Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 22 Willow Warbler. The highlight of a seawatch during the morning was a Minke Whale with just a Storm Petrel as support.

10^th September: With the wind in the south east, there was a decent arrival of common migrants. Good counts included 35 Tree Pipit, 20 Robin, 28 Common Redstart, 15 Whinchat, 9 Whitethroat, 24 Garden Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 36 Willow Warbler, 15 Spotted Flycatcher and 19 Pied Flycatcher. The Two-barred Crossbill was seen again at Barkland briefly during the morning. The only scarce birds around were 1 Icterine Warbler (Gully) and 1 Barred Warbler (Haa). There were now 28 Wigeon on the isle and a Sooty Shearwater flew south on an early morning seawatch. Wader numbers stayed constant but for a big increase in Dunlin, to 48. There was a good variety of other birds present in smaller numbers. 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Swift, 1 'flava' Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff and the Crossbill. Four Chaffinch seen during the afternoon were the first of the autumn.

9th September: The Two-barred Crossbill was seen again this morning. Originally seen at Barkland, it flew to the school before returning to the Schoolton/Quoy area briefly. No sign of the Citrine Wagtail today but scarcities seen included 1 Wryneck (South Harbour), 1 Barred Warbler, 1 Wood Warbler and 1 Common Rosefinch. Wildfowl numbers were slightly up with 14 Wigeon and 18 Teal. Waders comprised 21 Golden Plover, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 2 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper. Passerine migrants seen were 3 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 4 Whinchat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Crossbill (trapped at the Obs) and 1 Lapland Bunting (Ward Hill).

Common Crossbill Photograph by Mark Breaks

8^th September: A report of a TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL yesterday was confirmed this evening. A juvenile flew from behind Quoy before being seen briefly in Klingers Geo. It has been 20 days since the last bird was seen on Buness. The first-year Citrine Wagtail that had been missing for a day reappeared on the Beach at Finniquoy. Supporting cast included 1 Wryneck (school), 1 Icterine Warbler (Schoolton), 1 Barred Warbler (Stackhoull), 1 Wood Warbler (Field Ditch) and 1 Crossbill. Waders included 1 Sanderling, 1 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel and 1 Green Sandpiper. Numbers were made up by 2 Tree Pipit, 3 Whinchat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Garden Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 17 Willow Warbler and 2 Goldcrest. The first Siskin of the autumn was seen in the Gully during the morning.

Late news from 4^th: A female-type Marsh Harrier flew north over the Isle mid morning.

7^th September: Another quiet day with the birds hanging on being 2 Barred Warbler, 1 Common Rosefinch and a Common Crossbill. A Wood Warbler by South Light was a new arrival. A seawatch early on produced 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 “blue” Fulmar and 2 Razorbill. Other bits and pieces included 3 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 16 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Pied Flycatcher.

Peacock butterfly  Photograph by Mark Breaks

Wood Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

6th September: The very clear weather of recent days is causing few birds to stay around. There was however another all too brief sighting of the Ortolan Bunting in the Parks and the Citrine Wagtail was in the south. There were still 2 Barred Warbler (Pund and Nedertaft), 1 Icterine Warbler (Schoolton) and 1 Common Rosefinch (Hesti). A Wryneck at southlight was new whilst other birds still present included Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Lapland Bunting. A seawatch off north light produced 1 Sooty Shearwater and 5 Kittiwake.

Merlin Photograph by Mark Breaks

5th September: A quiet day by recent standards. The Citrine Wagtail was seen again in the havens first thing and later in the south. Otherwise birds present from previous days included the Icterine Warbler and 3 Barred Warbler. Wildfowl were present with 4 Greylag Geese, 12 Teal, 20 Wigeon and a Pintail. Waders seen included 5 Ruff, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper. Of the regular birds there was only 3 Swift, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 21 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Crossbill and 2 flyover Lapland Buntings.

Barred Warbler Photograph by Mark Breaks

4th September: Best new arrival of the day was another Citrine Wagtail. First heard flying over Pund, it then flew over the obs before settling in the Havens for a while. The Ortolan Bunting appeared briefly again, this time near the Parks but again it could not be refound. The first 2 Greylag Geese of the autumn turned up near Pund during the afternoon and there was a Short-eared Owl near Hill Dyke. The only other new arrival was 3 different Lapland Buntings flying around. 7 Storm Petrels and 4 Sooty Shearwaters as well as 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen from the Good Shepherd. Waders included 7 Golden Plover, 1 Knot, 1 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper. All other birds were just hanging on from previous days, including 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Common Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Barred Warbler, 9 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Wood Warbler, 18 Willow Warbler, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Common Rosefinch.

3^rd September: There had been a big clearout over night, with relatively few birds remaining from previous days. There was no sign of the Citrine Wagtail, Icterine Warbler or Wrynecks and there was less than half the number of Meadow Pipits. However there was a slightly unexpected highlight in the form of an all too brief Ortolan Bunting seen before lunch. This species has become reasonably scarce in recent years so it was nice to get it on the year list. The supporting cast was 5 Barred Warblers, a Wood Warbler (trapped in the evening), 2 Common Rosefinch and a flyover Common Crossbill. Otherwise, numbers were made up of 7 Ruff, 1 Common Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Garden Warblers, 10 Willow Warblers, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 3 Pied Flycatchers.

		Swift Photographs by Mark Breaks
2nd September: Another excellent day for birds. With an even greater variety of species. The Citrine Wagtail was still on Da Water, while scarcities included 4 Wryneck, 1 Icterine Warbler, 6 Barred Warbler and 2 Rosefinches. Wildfowl numbers were down but there were still 20 Wigeon, 37 Teal and the Pintail. The Good Shepherd crossing produced 4 Red-throated Divers, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Storm Petrel, 2 Cormorant, 1 Razorbill and 1 Puffin all on our side. Waders were present on land  with 11 Golden Plovers, 3 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 27 Dunlin, 9 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel and a Greenshank. There had been an increase in Meadow Pipits during the day with 570 birds present and birds were reported flying our way past the Good Shepherd on its outward journey. Warblers were again present in good numbers with 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Whitethroat, 14 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 31 Willow Warblers and 15 Goldcrest. Other things moving included 7 Kestrel, 1 Swift, 4 Tree Pipit, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Common Redstart, 28 Whinchat, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 12 Pied Flycatcher.		Wryneck Photograph by Deryk Shaw

1^st September: The isle was shrouded in thick fog for much of the day. Even though, there had been a fairly large arrival of birds. The highlight was another first-year Citrine Wagtail on Da Water, a fair scattering of scarcities included 3 Wrynecks (including 2 trapped and ringed), 2 Barred Warbler, a Wood Warbler and a Rosefinch. There had been a huge arrival of ducks, mainly on the scrape. The totals in the end were 18 Wigeon, 81 Teal and the first Pintail of the year. There was a variety of waders present, again in the south with 6 Golden  Plover, 4 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, 4 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 3 Green Sandpiper. Other migrants scattered around included a Merlin, a Short-eared Owl, a Tree Pipit, 9 Whinchat, a Redstart, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, male Blackcap, 28 Willow Warbler and 15 Pied Flycatcher.