Fair Isle Bird Observatory

24th October 2025
Weather: Overcast and cool with regular prolonged showers. F7-9 NNE
The weather took a turn for the worse today, with the calm of yesterday replaced by northerly gales and regular bouts of rain. Appropriately with the wintry feel, the first Waxwing of the year was seen flying over Da Water, later joined by a second bird. They went on to spend much of the afternoon working their way through apples at the Obs, much to the delight of the few hardy souls still here. Also new in was a Little Auk in South Harbour – the first of the autumn, though there’s likely more to come in the next few days. The Isabelline Wheatear was still at Steensi Geo, though wasn’t looking to be coping too well with the challenging weather, and several Bullfinch remained around the isle including a new male trapped in Plantation, along with a Shetland-ringed Sparrowhawk.


A treat to watch the two Waxwing gorging on apples from the warmth of the Obs lounge (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR: still at Steensi Geo
Little Auk: one in South Harbour
Waxwing: two touring the isle, then together at the Obs
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at the Obs
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at Utra
Bullfinch: seven; four birds around the traps, a ringed male at the Obs, one at Vaila’s Trees and one at the Haa
Common Rosefinch: one at Quoy


Little Auk making the most of the sheltered waters in South Harbour (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 1 Barnacle Goose, 224 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 56 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 10 Curlew, 181 Turnstone, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 12 Woodcock, 4 Jack Snipe, 43 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 32 Common Gull, 9 Guillemot, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 38 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Goldcrest, 96 Blackbird, 117 Fieldfare, 244 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Chaffinch, 15 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet, 7 Goldfinch, 26 Snow Bunting

Year list: 191
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23rd October 2025
Weather: Calm and mostly cloudy. F3-4 SE
The ‘magic 23rd’ lived up to its reputation today, with a fine list of highlights logged by the close of play on what was a very enjoyable day out in the field. Some productive early netting at the Obs included the reappearance of the Bluethroat ringed on 19th, swiftly followed by an unringed bird. Census started well, with a late Paddyfield Warbler found along the walls at Setter, though sadly it then flew strongly south and was not refound. After a day’s absence, the Isabelline Wheatear was relocated at Steensi Geo, and both the Pallas’s Warbler and Firecrest reappeared at Skinners Glig. A male Bullfinch at Quoy just before midday preceded a small arrival of these handsome finches, with a total of five on the isle, three of which were trapped and ringed. There was an increase in common migrants too, with numbers made up by Blackcap and Goldcrest, and along the west cliffs in particular it was hard to find a spot where this duo couldn’t be seen.


A quality birthday bird find for Jonnie, with this Paddyfield Warbler early on the south-west census route at Setter (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
PADDYFIELD WARBLER: one at Setter (27th isle record, first since 2022)
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR: now at Steensi Geo
Yellow-browed Warbler: five
Pallas’s Warbler: one again between Skinners Glig and Guidicum
Firecrest: one again at Skinners Glig
Bluethroat: two at the Obs
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at Utra
Bullfinch: at least five; a pair ringed at the Obs, female trapped in the Vaadal, male at Quoy and flyover bird at Raeva


Blackcaps lined the cliffs today, with this group joining the Isabelline Wheatear at Steensi (Alex Penn)


Today’s arrival of Bullfinch were classic ‘Northern’ birds, being extra-large and ‘loose-feathered’, and with at least one heard giving ‘trumpeting’ calls (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 223 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 20 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 11 Water Rail, 3 Moorhen, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 82 Turnstone, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 30 Woodcock, 14 Jack Snipe, 98 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 5 Guillemot, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Carrion Crow, 54 Skylark, 3 Willow Warbler, 22 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 128 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 133 Goldcrest, 149 Blackbird, 265 Fieldfare, 398 Redwing, 39 Song Thrush, 14 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 104 Meadow Pipit, 64 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 30 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 54 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Northwestern Redpoll, 3 Redpoll sp, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Lapland Bunting, 9 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 190
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22nd October 2025
Weather: Breezier today, and partly sunny. F5-7 SW
A swing in the wind saw an increase in thrushes today, with flocks in many of the open fields around the isle, often joined by Blackcaps in the grass, pushed up off the west cliffs by the change in wind direction. Numbers of new birds were relatively low, but a new Richard's Pipit (the fourth of the year) was enjoyed as it scuttled around in Boini Mire, giving observers the run-around for a few hours before being pinned down. The Olive-backed Pipit remained at Utra and the first Mistle Thrush of the autumn was around the Raevas. Woodcock and Jack Snipe on the beaches added to the wintry feel of today, with one of the former roosting next to a shoe in Steensi Geo! Eyes turn to the forecast tomorrow with high hopes, as another light easterly system swings through…


Now on its third day, the Olive-backed Pipit can occasionally show well at Utra (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Setter
Richard’s Pipit: one around Boini Mire
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at Utra

Sightings of note: 67 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 26 Golden Plover, 14 Curlew, 188 Turnstone, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 23 Woodcock, 9 Jack Snipe, 60 Snipe, 21 Redshank, 5 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 3 Carrion Crow, 36 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 46 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Goldcrest, 151 Blackbird, 518 Fieldfare, 602 Redwing, 28 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 79 Meadow Pipit, 47 Rock Pipit, 7 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 15 Twite, 1 Northwestern Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Lapland Bunting, 11 Snow Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting

Year list: 188
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21st October 2025
Weather: Mostly cloudy and calm. F4-5 SE
What a day!! Finally, a brilliantly exciting day of late autumn movement through the isle, with birds to be found everywhere you looked. Blackcap, Goldcrest, Woodcock and thrushes made up the bulk of the numbers, with small groups of each in the geos and gardens. Quality came with the quantity, with the rarest find of the day a superb Isabelline Wheatear at Barkland, which later relocated to Homisdale. Fair Isle tends not to do brilliantly for rare wheatears, and this is just the second isle record, with the first being in 1998. Elsewhere in the isle, a gorgeous showy Pallas’s Warbler was on the cliffs of Guidicum, with a Firecrest found nearby at Skinners Glig in the afternoon being the rarer of the two in Fair Isle terms! A late Barred Warbler was new at Gully, the second Little Gull of the year was in South Harbour, and the Olive-backed Pipit remained at Utra.


Isabelline Wheatear giving good views as it fed in the heather of Homisdale (Alex Penn)


No words needed for this one – few birds can beat a Pallas’s Warbler (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR: one at Barkland, then Homisdale (2nd isle record, with the previous being September 1998)
Little Gull: a 2cy bird in South Harbour
Yellow-browed Warbler: three
Pallas’s Warbler: one at Guidicum
Barred Warbler: one in Gully
Firecrest: one at Skinners Glig
Olive-backed Pipit: one still at Utra


85 is the highest day count of Woodcock since 2014, with birds mainly concentrated along the west cliffs and moors (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 128 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 15 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 3 Goldeneye, 11 Water Rail, 3 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 15 Lapwing, 28 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 14 Curlew, 102 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 17 Purple Sandpiper, 85 Woodcock, 7 Jack Snipe, 82 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 93 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 53 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 163 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 81 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 297 Blackbird, 316 Fieldfare, 410 Redwing, 42 Song Thrush, 13 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 109 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 70 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 47 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 21 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 188
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20th October 2025
Weather: A dreich morning, with rain easing in the afternoon. F7-9 SE
A miserable morning of wind and rain eased slightly by the afternoon, allowing some time to explore what the southeasterly gale had brought. The highlight was the autumn’s second Olive-backed Pipit, with a bird stalking the long grass at Utra. The Long-eared Owl had moved down the isle to the Walli Burn, and two unringed Yellow-browed Warbler were around the traps.

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: two
Olive-backed Pipit: one at Utra

Sightings of note: 27 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 3 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 18 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 46 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Woodcock, 3 Jack Snipe, 34 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 17 Common Gull, 5 Guillemot, 2 Great Northern Diver, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 4 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 47 Blackcap, 18 Goldcrest, 96 Blackbird, 147 Fieldfare, 206 Redwing, 22 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 11 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Redpoll sp, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting

Year list: 186
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19th October 2025
Weather: Partly sunny, with a strengthening breeze. F6-8 SE
The breeze swinging further to the southeast delivered more birds to the isle today, with the sheltered north and west cliffs in particular sheltering better numbers of common migrants. New scarcities unearthed included a Bluethroat trapped in the Double Dyke trap, and a juvenile Turtle Dove at Linni Geo. Greenfinch was the only addition to the yearlist however, with one joining the House Sparrow flock at Schoolton, with firsts of the autumn coming in the form of a Long-eared Owl at Plantation and Goldeneye at Da Water.


Not quite the chat species we’d be hoping for in late October, but always a pleasure to see a Bluethroat in the hand (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Turtle Dove: juvenile at Linni Geo, then Midway
Yellow-browed Warbler: two
Bluethroat: one trapped in Double Dyke


Greenfinch records have declined in recent years, with the species now a rather scarce visitor (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 13 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Whooper Swan, 14 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 6 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 22 Golden Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 44 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Woodcock, 6 Jack Snipe, 68 Snipe, 27 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 43 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 5 Grey Heron, 4 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 5 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 64 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 39 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 47 Goldcrest, 124 Blackbird, 178 Fieldfare, 211 Redwing, 52 Song Thrush, 11 Robin, 9 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 4 alba Wagtail, 75 Meadow Pipit, 48 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp, 1 Snow Bunting

Year list: 186
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18th October 2025
Weather: Overcast but bright. F4-6 S
A change in the wind overnight to a stronger southerly breeze brought a small arrival of birds today, but with the lack of birds generally in the last couple of weeks, we’ll take what we can get! An increase in thrushes was most welcome, with many of the geos hiding small numbers of Blackbird and Redwing, and groups of Fieldfare on the open ground. Yellow-browed Warbler increased to six, with three birds in the crofts two in the traps and one on Ward Hill.


The sight of furtive dark-billed Blackbirds around the cliffs is synonymous with late autumn birding on Fair Isle (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Black-throated Diver: juvenile still in the Haven
Yellow-browed Warbler: six

Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 18 Greylag Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 6 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 28 Curlew, 39 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 46 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 6 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 69 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Goldcrest, 55 Blackbird, 158 Fieldfare, 93 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 6 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 alba Wagtail, 98 Meadow Pipit, 62 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 52 Twite, 3 Redpoll sp, 2 Goldfinch, 17 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 185
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17th October 2025
Weather: Beautifully calm and sunny. F1-3 NW
A gorgeous day in the isle, with barely a breath of wind and soft autumn sunlight all day. It remained quiet on the birding front, but a Short-eared Owl was the first of the month (a testament to how poor this autumn has been for owl passage thus far) and the Slavonian Grebe count increased to three.


A single Snow Bunting in the sunshine at South Light (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Black-throated Diver: juvenile still in the Haven
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Chapel

Sightings of note: 181 Greylag Goose, 10 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 8 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 3 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 31 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 36 Curlew, 32 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock, 47 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 10 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 106 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 9 Chiffchaff, 12 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 73 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 128 Meadow Pipit, 64 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 43 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 11 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 5 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 185
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16th October 2025
Weather: Partly sunny between light showers. F4-6 NW
A slight drop in the breeze today, though it was another quiet census with little to report. A new Lapland Bunting was around Furse, and the Haven retained its assembly of divers, seaducks and grebes. There was some further goose movement, and slight increase in Snow Bunting around the south coast.


Small numbers of Jack Snipe can now be found around the isle, well-hidden in the mires and iris beds (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Black-throated Diver: juvenile still in the Haven

Sightings of note: 22 Barnacle Goose, 195 Greylag Goose, 24 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 33 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 18 Lapwing, 22 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 62 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 68 Snipe, 36 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 11 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 90 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 20 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 61 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 alba Wagtail, 173 Meadow Pipit, 72 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 47 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Northwestern Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Lapland Bunting, 16 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 185
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15th October 2025
Weather: Mostly overcast. F5-7 NW
A brisk north-westerly brought a further increase in Redwing with it, with all birds seen unsurprisingly the larger, dark ‘coburni’ Icelandic race. A brief Grey Phalarope flew through South Harbour but wasn’t relocated – the third similar sighting in the last week or so. Whether this is the same bird being difficult to pin down, or multiple individuals passing through is hard to say.


Purple Sandpiper at Kirki Geo with colour marks from a Svalbard-based project, ringed earlier this autumn (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Grey Phalarope: one flew through South Harbour
Black-throated Diver: juvenile still in the Haven
Yellow-browed Warbler: one

Sightings of note: 2 Barnacle Goose, 89 Greylag Goose, 19 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 24 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Water Rail, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 5 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 28 Golden Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 22 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 84 Snipe, 25 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 21 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 11 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Blue Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 3 Carrion Crow, 102 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 135 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 35 alba Wagtail, 127 Meadow Pipit, 72 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 54 Twite, 2 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 3 Minke Whale, 7 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 185
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14th October 2025
Weather: Calm again and partly sunny. F3-4 NW
Another calm day with a few showers allowed us to enjoy the October birding in the isle, though it remained relatively quiet. There was a small arrival of birds, with slight increases in Blackcap and Redwing, and the Haven once again entertained visiting birders with both Black-throated and Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck and Slavonian Grebe all present. The bird of the day was our third Richard’s Pipit of the autumn – initially around the Obs at the start of census before moving south down the isle and associating with the sheep opposite Barkland. A second Slavonian Grebe was in South Harbour, two Rook were at Meadow Burn and a Merlin was seen to catch one of the late Wheatear at Ward Hill.


Though typically mobile and wary, some stalking between the sheep allowed a closer view of the Richard’s Pipit at Barkland (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Black-throated Diver: juvenile still in the Haven
Richard’s Pipit: one at the Obs before moving south to Barkland
Yellow-browed Warbler: one

Sightings of note: 3 Barnacle Goose, 35 Greylag Goose, 36 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 16 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 6 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 38 Golden Plover, 13 Ringed Plover, 36 Curlew, 27 Turnstone, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 95 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 38 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 5 Black-headed Gull, 23 Common Gull, 14 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 106 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Blackbird, 9 Fieldfare, 56 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 8 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 23 alba Wagtail, 238 Meadow Pipit, 96 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 29 Twite, 6 Linnet, 9 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting,1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Minke Whale

Year list: 185
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13th October 2025
Weather: Overcast and calm. F3-4 NW
At last, a break from the winds and rain today, with a calm and mostly grey day. There were some hints of movement through the isle, though numbers of birds remain very low. The biggest surprise was a juvenile Black-throated Diver in North Haven, hot on the heels of the adult past Meoness four days prior, making this the first year ever with multiple records. It was joined in the Haven by an Arctic Tern, with another at South Light – the latest records since 2008. Cetacean numbers remain high off the east, with Minke a constant sight almost anywhere up the coast today.


A much better view than the prior bird, with this confiding individual in the Haven (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Black-throated Diver: juvenile in the Haven (8th isle record)

Sightings of note: 6 Barnacle Goose, 12 Greylag Goose, 41 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 16 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 20 Golden Plover, 12 Ringed Plover, 24 Curlew, 26 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 80 Snipe, 16 Redshank, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Tern, 1 Great Skua, 17 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 6 Carrion Crow, 107 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 16 Fieldfare, 48 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 15 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 6 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 23 alba Wagtail, 186 Meadow Pipit, 93 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 77 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 17 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 16 Minke Whale, 20 White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 185
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11th – 12th October 2025
Weather: Mostly set-in drizzly rain and low cloud. F4-6 W
A distinctly uneventful couple of days on the birding front, with little to no change noted and the predominantly damp weather limiting how much the team could get out in the field. The highlights undoubtedly came from looking at the sea, with a fantastic aggregation of Minke Whale off the east coast of the isle, joined at points by some White-beaked Dolphin. With a minimum of 14 whales present, mostly concentrated off the area between Mopul and Buness, the sight of several individuals surfacing together just a few metres offshore, their blows clearly audible, was a fantastic experience.


An even larger aggregation of Minke Whale occurred off the isle in October 2023 – it will be interesting to see if this becomes a more regular event (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Grey Phalarope: one briefly at the Haven on 11th
Yellow-browed Warbler: one still


Though mostly just surfacing to breathe, with no breaching seen, occasional glimpses of a pointed face and ‘Minke mittens’ could be had with the animals so close inshore (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note (high counts): 176 Greylag Goose, 37 Pink-footed Goose, 19 Whooper Swan, 20 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Water Rail, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 20 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Curlew, 39 Turnstone, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe, 19 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 5 Black-headed Gull, 19 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 2 Puffin, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 2 Blue Fulmar, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 46 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 3 Grey Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 14 Minke Whale, 25 White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 185
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10th October 2025
Weather: Overcast with regular prolonged periods of rain. F7-8 W
A similar day to yesterday, with little to nothing apparently new in. The rain was heavier and more regular today too, making any attempt at birding distinctly unpleasant. At least three Minke were still feeding off the east coast, today close in off Ditfield for much of the afternoon.

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: one

Sightings of note: 39 Greylag Goose, 14 Whooper Swan, 7 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Water Rail, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 91 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 8 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 56 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 2 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 6 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 3 Minke Whale

Year list: 185
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9th October 2025
Weather: Mostly overcast and breezy, with regular showers. F7-9 W
Hard going today in the strong wind, with the higher points of the isle in particular difficult to make headway into through the gusts. Most of the interest unsurprisingly came over the sea, with a fine adult Black-throated Diver flying past Meoness (just the seventh isle record) and a Grey Phalarope over Da Burrian. The southeast corner of the isle was the place to be for some cetacean action too, with at least four Minke Whale, three White-beaked Dolphin and a Risso’s Dolphin picked out despite the rough sea conditions. Further Whooper Swan movement was also evident, and there was an increase in Redwing, with all birds seen apparently of the Icelandic race – unsurprising given the wind direction of the last few days.


Black-throated Diver is remarkably rare here, with the majority of records coming in late autumn (Alex Penn)


The moulting adult Slavonian Grebe remains in the Haven (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Grey Phalarope: one seen flying west over Da Burrian
Black-throated Diver: one flew west past Meoness
Yellow-browed Warbler: two


White-beaked Dolphin and Minke Whale finding good feeding off the southeast of the isle (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 82 Greylag Goose, 39 Pink-footed Goose, 71 Whooper Swan, 20 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Water Rail, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 8 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 26 Curlew, 213 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 16 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 63 Snipe, 57 Redshank, 28 Black-headed Gull, 34 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 5 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Northern Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 2 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 89 Skylark, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 77 Redwing, 28 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 5 Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 31 alba Wagtail, 183 Meadow Pipit, 64 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 85 Twite, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Northwestern Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 8 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 4 Minke Whale, 1 Risso's Dolphin, 3 White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 185
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8th October 2025
Weather: Overcast, with increasing rain through the day. F6-7 SW
Another rather damp day, with a census spent dodging the heavy showers. Whooper Swan were clearly on the move, with a minimum count of 47, and the sight and sound of vocal family groups a regular accompaniment through the day. The Slavonian Grebe remained, venturing into the Haven, where it joined a Long-tailed Duck and two Great Northern Diver.


Few ducks can match a drake Long-tailed on looks (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: two

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 17 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Whooper Swan, 9 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 45 Golden Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, 88 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 1 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 71 Snipe, 55 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 28 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 1 Guillemot, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 97 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 31 Redwing, 57 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 15 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 33 alba Wagtail, 246 Meadow Pipit, 97 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 98 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 4 Snow Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting

Year list: 183
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6th – 7th October 2025
Weather: Remaining breezy with westerly-based winds. F6-7 SW
A similar couple of days of scattered showers, with little change in the birds present around the isle. Wildfowl movement continued, with regular groups of geese and swans seen and heard heading south through the isle. The first Woodcock and Long-tailed Duck of autumn signalled a further step through the season, and added to the more wintry feel.

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: two
Barred Warbler: one at Vaila’s Trees on 7th

Sightings of note (high counts): 43 Barnacle Goose, 25 Greylag Goose, 93 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Whooper Swan, 21 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover, 11 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 77 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 2 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 4 Jack Snipe, 77 Snipe, 41 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 2 Great Skua, 2 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 95 Skylark, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 53 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 12 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 48 alba Wagtail, 363 Meadow Pipit, 112 Rock Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 61 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 25 Snow Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife:1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady

Year list: 183
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5th October 2025
Weather: A rainy start, drying up and wind dropping through the day. F11-6 NW
Another extremely windy birding day, though conditions did improve slowly, becoming more birdable later. There was little new in however, with many of the same migrants in the same spots, though some further wildfowl movement was evident. A late afternoon sighting of two bull Orca off Buness was the rarest sighting of the day, last seen moving north around the corner at Wirvie.


This frosty Mealy Redpoll was at Burkle (Steve Arlow)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: three
Grey-headed Wagtail: one at South Light
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one still


A ‘Yellowpoll’ ringed in Double Dyke today – a small percentage of Redpoll exhibit yellow colouration instead of bright red (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 102 Barnacle Goose, 24 Greylag Goose, 194 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Whooper Swan, 5 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 40 Golden Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 149 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 9 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Jack Snipe, 69 Snipe, 21 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 50 Common Gull, 1 Great Skua, 7 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 7 Redwing, 32 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 2 Orca

Year list: 183
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4th October 2025
Weather: Heavy rain through the morning, brightening up later. F7-11 W
A wild night of weather continued into today, with the morning dominated by heavy rain and strong winds. Conditions improved enough to get out in the afternoon, though the wind remained extremely strong. Some waterfowl movement was evident, with several flocks of Barnacle and Pink-footed Goose sheltering around the isle, as well as a small number of Whooper Swan. The most surprising sighting of the day was a Little Egret seen battling its way south over the Haven – just the fifth island record, though all have been since 2016.


Some of the eleven Whooper Swan taking a break at Da Water (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Egret: one flew south through the Haven
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one still

Sightings of note: 47 Barnacle Goose, 8 Greylag Goose, 114 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Whooper Swan, 5 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 50 Golden Plover, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 107 Turnstone, 7 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 31 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 2 Whinchat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 24 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch, 12 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 183
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3rd October 2025
Weather: Partly sunny, with heavy rain and wind coming in late afternoon. F5-7 S
We’ve been battening down the hatches today ahead of Storm Amy, starting the day by taking the Obs boat out of the water for the winter. Some birding through the rest of the day was productive, with an elusive pipit first seen yesterday at Chalet nailed down as an Olive-backed Pipit, a smart Firecrest found in the geo of Easter Lother, and our fourth Corncrake of the autumn flushed from a ditch at Pund. News also came through of one of our colour-ringed Yellow-browed Warbler being resighted in Stronsay, Orkney – our first resighting of the year from this project.


Though decidedly elusive, sufficient views were eventually had to confirm our first Olive-backed Pipit of the year (Alex Penn)


A tiny jewel of a Firecrest in Easter Lother (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Corncrake: one at Pund
Little Stint: one again on Skadan
Yellow-browed Warbler: five
Firecrest: one in Easter Lother (12th isle record, last in 2022)
Richard’s Pipit: one still in fields near Burkle
Olive-backed Pipit: one elusive bird at Chalet
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton still


A more typical view of a migrant Corncrake than our last, this flushed from underfoot before melting away into the grass (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 7 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 9 Golden Plover, 6 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 86 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Jack Snipe, 20 Redshank, 17 Common Gull, 6 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 22 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 19 Goldcrest, 5 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 39 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 22 Brambling, 2 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 182
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2nd October 2025
Weather: Overcast and rather murky all day. F4-6 S
A grey day, with cloud clinging to the higher points of the isle all day and preventing any flights. The morning was taken up with helping with a hill caa, to take this year’s cohort of lambs off the hill. Coverage of the isle by the team and our visiting birders showed little change on yesterday, with one Richard’s Pipit remaining, along with a handful of other lingering scarcities. Three new Yellow-browed Warbler were trapped and fitted with colour rings – fingers crossed for some sightings further along their migrations.


The final stages of the morning’s caa, pushing the sheep down the east coast and across Vaasetter (Jonnie Fisk)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: eight
Richard’s Pipit: one still around fields near Shirva
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton again

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 13 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 29 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Jack Snipe, 36 Redshank, 16 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 39 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 95 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 20 Chaffinch, 26 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 5 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 2 Silver Y, 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 180
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1st October 2025
Weather: Heavy rain through the morning, stopping by mid-afternoon but remaining murky and overcast. F5-8 S
A thoroughly unpleasant start to the day, with heavy rain and strong winds all morning keeping the team firmly inside. After lunch, the rain abated and most of the isle was covered by the team, revealing a small number of new arrivals dropped by the weather. The best of these were two Richard’s Pipit, with one bedraggled bird at Skadan, and a second flying over the southeast crofts before apparently dropping into Da Water. With some rarer arrivals to our north and south today, hopes are higher for tomorrow.


A rather damp Richard’s Pipit at the Skadan crop (Steve Arlow)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: four
Richard’s Pipit: two; birds at Skadan and Da Water
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton again

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 7 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 29 Ringed Plover, 8 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 111 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 25 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 48 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Great Skua, 10 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, 7 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 94 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 2 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 29 Brambling, 2 Linnet, 5 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 24 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 180
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30th September 2025
Weather: Breezier, and mostly cloudy, clearing later. F5-7 S
There was little evidence of movement today, with new birds distinctly lacking and the same migrants seen in familiar places. The forecast for the next few days looks pretty turbulent, so hopefully it throws something unexpected our way.


It’s been an excellent period for Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the isle, with up to six in recent days (Phil Woollen)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one again at Skadan
Yellow-browed Warbler: six
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton again

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 27 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 27 Golden Plover, 44 Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 88 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 10 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Jack Snipe, 74 Snipe, 49 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 6 Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 2 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, 101 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 29 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 32 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 139 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 3 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 23 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 47 alba Wagtail, 443 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 118 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 161 Twite, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 28 Siskin, 4 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 4 Diamondback Moth, 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 1 Green Lacewing

Year list: 179
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29th September 2025
Weather: Bright and sunny, with an increasing breeze. F3-6 S
A clear, calm night resulted in a reasonable clear-out of yesterday’s migrants, with little new in to take their place. The female Hawfinch remained, with other scarcities represented by a Barred Warbler at Vaila’s Trees, Rosefinch at Quoy and two Yellow-browed Warbler.


Stock Dove is an uncommon migrant through Fair Isle, with this being just the second bird of the year (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one again at South Green
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still
Yellow-browed Warbler: two
Barred Warbler: one at Vaila’s Trees
Hawfinch: female still
Common Rosefinch: one at Quoy

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 9 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Woodpigeon, 3 Water Rail, 1 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 23 Golden Plover, 15 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 90 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 4 Jack Snipe, 58 Snipe, 36 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 14 Common Gull, 7 Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 81 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 8 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 30 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 27 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 119 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 3 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 30 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 45 alba Wagtail, 539 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 96 Rock Pipit, 17 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 96 Twite, 6 Linnet, 6 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 1 Goldfinch, 29 Siskin, 4 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 13 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 2 Diamondback Moth, 6 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 179
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28th September 2025
Weather: Overcast clearing to sun by the afternoon, and calm. F3-4 W
A drop in the wind to a beautifully calm day brought some small passerines out of hiding, with increases particularly in Blackcap and Yellow-browed Warbler. The day’s highlight came early on, with a Glossy Ibis flushed from Da Water, going on to do a couple of laps of the isle, before apparently heading off-isle in search of some peace, with a bird later appearing in Shetland presumably being the same individual. Though records of Glossy Ibis are on the increase in the Northern Isles, this remains just the fifth Fair Isle record, with the last being in 2022.


Glossy Ibis during one of its stops at Da Water (Luke Marriner)


Small numbers of Jack Snipe are now passing through (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Glossy Ibis: one touring the freshwater pools of the south
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one still roaming the south
Yellow-browed Warbler: seven
Bluethroat: one still at Vaila’s Trees
Hawfinch: female still

Sightings of note: 31 Barnacle Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 16 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 24 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 13 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 108 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 4 Jack Snipe, 65 Snipe, 30 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 10 Great Skua, 3 Guillemot, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 8 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 140 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 80 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 27 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 175 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 3 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 43 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 54 alba Wagtail, 538 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 146 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, 24 Brambling, 111 Twite, 3 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 16 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 6 Red Admiral, 26 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, 6 Diamondback Moth, 5 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 1 Shetland Bee, 2 Green Lacewing

Year list: 179
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27th September 2025
Weather: Breezy again, and mostly cloudy. F6-8 SSE
A birdier day in the isle today, with numbers of migrants unsurprisingly highest in the shelter of the north coast, out of the strong wind. Birding was again hard work, but there were rewards out there for those looking, with a good list of scarcities logged by the end of the day. Corncrakes were at North Light (hiding in a rabbit burrow!) and Gilsetter, making today the first day with multiple records since 2013. A smart Red-breasted Flycatcher was busy flycatching in South Raeva, and other scarcities included a male Red-backed Shrike trapped in Plantation, female Hawfinch munching rosehips in the Obs garden, and at least two Bluethroat. Some waterfowl movement was evident, with the first Pintail of the year and a steady procession of Barnacle Goose flocks.


An unusual-looking Rabbit (Luke Marriner)


Red-breasted Flycatcher enjoying the shelter of South Raeva (Steve Arlow)

HIGHLIGHTS
Corncrake: one in a rabbit burrow at North Light then relocated to the cliffs, with another flushed from Gilsetter in the afternoon
Little Stint: one back at Muckle Uri Geo
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one again at Shirva
Red-backed Shrike: male trapped in Plantation
Yellow-browed Warbler: two
Bluethroat: at least two, at Lower Stoneybrek and Burkle
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one in South Raeva
Hawfinch: female at the Obs


Any Locustella sp. flushed at this point in the autumn quickens the pulse, but all have been Grasshopper Warbler so far… (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 112 Barnacle Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 18 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Rail, 2 Moorhen, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 24 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 8 Jack Snipe, 89 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 50 Common Gull, 19 Great Skua, 2 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 135 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 30 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 10 Blackbird, 31 Redwing, 215 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 3 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 42 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 58 alba Wagtail, 613 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 97 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 127 Twite, 2 Linnet, 5 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 19 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady

Year list: 178
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26th September 2025
Weather: Sunny all day, with a strong breeze. F6-7 SSE
Another day of little change today, with the strong wind making birding difficult, particularly in the blustery croft gardens. The few new birds did include a Turtle Dove at Furse (the third record of the year) and a new Barred Warbler at Lower Stoneybrek, as well as a small number of Barnacle Goose that toured the isle.


The first Barnacle Geese of the autumn ‘yapping’ their way around the isle (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Turtle Dove: one briefly at Furse
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one again at Shirva
Bluethroat: one roaming from Vaila’s Trees to Burkle
Yellow-browed Warbler: three
Barred Warbler: one still at the Obs, and a new bird at Lower Stoneybrek
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton

Sightings of note: 28 Barnacle Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, 12 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 6 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 23 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 104 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 4 Jack Snipe, 56 Snipe, 25 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 23 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 132 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 35 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 47 alba Wagtail, 574 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 129 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 102 Twite, 1 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 177
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25th September 2025
Weather: Sunny all day. F5-6 SSE
Another day of pleasant weather today, albeit with a rather strong breeze. There was little evidence of much movement though, with a new Great Spotted Woodpecker at Shirva, and Grasshopper Warbler at Setter the only birds obviously newly-arrived.


Bluethroat showing well at Da Water (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one still at Skadan
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Shirva
Bluethroat: one still commuting between Vaila’s Trees and Da Water
Yellow-browed Warbler: eight
Barred Warbler: one still enjoying the apples at the Obs
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton

Sightings of note: 7 Greylag Goose, 20 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Rail, 8 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 2 Ruff, 6 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 40 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 18 Common Gull, 11 Great Skua, 9 Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 150 Skylark, 19 Swallow, 14 Willow Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 32 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 44 alba Wagtail, 631 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 108 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 110 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting, 4 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Year list: 177
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24th September 2025
Weather: Mostly sunny. F5-6 S
Another day consisting of a relatively quiet census, followed by a scattering of new birds dropping in through the afternoon. A smart Red-breasted Flycatcher at Burkle was the pick of the bunch, alongside an arrival of Yellow-browed Warbler, with four in the SE crofts and one at Easter Lother. The first Lapland Bunting of the year was also present, heard calling over the Vaadal, and the first Redwing of autumn was at Quoy.


Hopefully this week will see our first significant push of Yellow-brows (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one still, at Muckle Uri Geo today
Bluethroat: one still at Vaila’s Trees
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Burkle
Yellow-browed Warbler: five
Barred Warbler: one still at the Obs
Common Rosefinch: one around the traps

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 14 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 12 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 45 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 8 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 39 Snipe, 30 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 15 Great Skua, 2 Guillemot, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 4 Carrion Crow, 126 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 26 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 57 alba Wagtail, 571 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 119 Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 81 Twite, 2 Linnet, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting

Year list: 177
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23rd September 2025
Weather: Calm, mostly cloudy. F2-3 W
A drop in the wind to a lovely calm day made for much more pleasant birding, and though census was relatively quiet, a handful of new birds appeared to drop in through the afternoon. A new Bluethroat was at Vaila’s Trees in the morning, and the afternoon saw a fresh Barred Warbler pop up at Plantation. It was later trapped at the Obs, with photos surprisingly proving it to be the same individual. At least two Rosefinch were bombing around the crofts, seen together at Schoolton in the early afternoon.


Classic Fair Isle views of a Barred Warbler, foraging on the open grass by Plantation (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one still
Bluethroat: one at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: one at Plantation was then trapped at the Obs
Common Rosefinch: at least two roaming the south


Good numbers of Twite continue to munch their way through the crop strips (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 14 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Water Rail, 6 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 62 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 7 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 3 Jack Snipe, 51 Snipe, 38 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 15 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20 Great Skua, 5 Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Carrion Crow, 150 Skylark, 13 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 21 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 57 alba Wagtail, 688 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 110 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 179 Twite, 2 Linnet, 7 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 2 Shetland Bee, 1 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 176
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22nd September 2025
Weather: Breezy still, with rain for much of the day. F6-8 NW
A distinctly unpleasant day of weather, though the team still managed to cover most of the isle, with a handful of new birds to show for it. The rather wintry feel was mirrored in the birds, with a Whooper Swan sheltering in Ditfield, and a small number of Redpoll new in. Hopefully tomorrow’s calm spell will see more discovered.


Rosefinch making good use of the crop strip at Schoolton (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one still in North Haven
Blyth’s Reed Warbler: one still at Utra
Common Rosefinch: one at Schoolton

Sightings of note (high counts): 4 Greylag Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 22 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 19 Golden Plover, 43 Ringed Plover, 4 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 56 Turnstone, 4 Ruff, 7 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 34 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 4 Black-headed Gull, 50 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Carrion Crow, 10 Willow Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Linnet, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting

Year list: 176
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20th – 21st September 2025
A couple of days of breezy weather, with strong NW winds and regular rain. Birding was tough going, with unsurprisingly little new to be found. There was sadly no further sign of the Brown Shrike, though the Blyth’s Reed Warbler and Bluethroat both remained to at least 20th. In keeping with the wintry weather, the autumn’s first group of Whooper Swan passed Buness on 20th.


This Little Stint has taken a liking to the North Haven beach (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Little Stint: one in North Haven on both days
Blyth’s Reed Warbler: one still at Utra on 20th
Bluethroat: one again at Burkle on 20th
Common Rosefinch: one at Setter on 20th

Sightings of note (high counts): 6 Greylag Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 152 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 6 Ruff, 10 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 44 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 16 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 5 Black-headed Gull, 75 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 27 Great Skua, 7 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 7 Carrion Crow, 70 Skylark, 21 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 32 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 71 alba Wagtail, 574 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Pipit, 80 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 81 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 176
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19th September 2025
Weather: A murky start, clearing to sunshine. F4-5 SW
A few new birds in the early trap round buoyed hopes for it being a good day, and so it proved to be! On census, the Blyth’s Reed Warbler continued to show well at Utra, with new scarcities including a couple of Rosefinch at Chalet and a Bluethroat hopping along the Burkle ditch. The first Snow Bunting of the autumn flew over Wirvie Burn and a moulting adult Slavonian Grebe was in South Harbour. The undisputed bird of the day however came after lunch, when a cracking juvenile Brown Shrike was discovered briefly at Chalet before disappearing along the many fence lines. It was later relocated back at the original finding site giving a lucky few some good views before giving onlookers the run around again.


Though mainly mobile and elusive, the Brown Shrike occasionally gave closer views (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
BROWN SHRIKE: a 1cy at Chalet (seventh isle record, though the fourth in three years!)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler: one still at Utra
Bluethroat: one at Burkle
Common Rosefinch: two at Chalet

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 26 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Moorhen, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 79 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 119 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 8 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 31 Snipe, 37 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 13 Common Gull, 3 Guillemot, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 104 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 24 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 31 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 25 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 89 alba Wagtail, 1030 Meadow Pipit, 8 Tree Pipit, 112 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 107 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral

Year list: 176
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18th September 2025
Weather: Wild and windy, with rain for much of the day. F7-9 W
Much of today was a write-off, with strong winds and rain making birding near-impossible. Some forays into the weather through the afternoon and a morning seawatch did produce a few sightings for Log, with a new Rosefinch, a handful of Manx Shearwater and the first Pink-footed Geese the best of the bunch.


This Rosefinch showed well for Tom after skulking in the Stoneybrek nettles (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Common Rosefinch: one at Upper Stoneybrek

Sightings of note: 6 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 153 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 4 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 36 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 13 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 5 Tree Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Year list: 175
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17th September 2025
Weather: Calm and bright, turning showery and breezy later. F3-7 SE
Another birdy day around the isle, with a good proportion of birds apparently lingering, though at least a few were clearly new in today. The best of these was a Blyth’s Reed Warbler in the garden at Utra, showing well around the small vegetable patch – our second of the year. The first few Chaffinch of the autumn were a further reminder of the progressing autumn, with flocks of thrushes and geese surely not far away now.


A classic first-year Blyth’s Reed Warbler – cold tones contrasting with a bronzy wing panel, short primary projection and emarginated 4th primary (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Blyth’s Reed Warbler: one at Utra

Sightings of note: 16 Greylag Goose, 6 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 30 Ringed Plover, 18 Curlew, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 14 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 47 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 11 Redshank, 7 Common Gull, 53 Great Skua, 6 Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 127 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 25 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 25 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 12 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 21 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 44 alba Wagtail, 537 Meadow Pipit, 14 Tree Pipit, 102 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 102 Twite, 13 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin

Other wildlife: 1 Painted Lady

Year list: 175
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16th September 2025
Weather: Scattered showers. F5-6 NW
A swing in the wind to a north-westerly gave the air a distinct autumnal chill, though there seemed to be relatively few new birds in with it. Common migrants were still to be found scattered through the crofts and sheltered cliffs, making for a birdy and exciting feel to census. A new Barred Warbler was at Vaila’s Trees, and the first white-winger of the autumn arrived in the form of a Glaucous Gull on Buness.


Redstarts are currently adding a splash of colour to the cliffs (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Glaucous Gull: one at Buness
Barred Warbler: one at Vaila’s Trees

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 19 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 10 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 63 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 35 Snipe, 33 Redshank, 12 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 6 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 120 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 29 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 33 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 10 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 48 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 53 alba Wagtail, 424 Meadow Pipit, 27 Tree Pipit, 123 Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 59 Twite, 17 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 175
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15th September 2025
Weather: Rain through the morning, clearing later. F4-5 NE
A damp start meant that the census had to be pushed back until the afternoon, though the discovery of a Spotted Crake at Vaila’s Trees had the team scrambling out, sadly to no avail. The afternoon then turned out to be one of the best we have had so far this autumn, with plenty of common migrants in the crofts of the south and along the west cliffs. A noticeable increase in Tree Pipit (44), Redstart (18) and Whitethroat (17) as well as scarcities including Wryneck, Wood Warbler and two Greenish Warblers (now five records this year!). A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Burkle and then at the Haa (the first this year) as well as the first Brambling of the autumn.


A typical ‘continental’ Great Spotted Woodpecker, with stout blunt bill and retained juvenile plumage (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Spotted Crake: one at Vaila’s Trees sadly was not seen again
Curlew Sandpiper: a juvenile in Muckle Uri Geo
Little Stint: a juvenile in Muckle Uri Geo
Wryneck: one still at Shirva
Great Spotted Woodpecker: one at Burkle
Wood Warbler: one trapped in the Vaadal
Greenish Warbler: two – singles at Midway and Greenholm


A nice double from the traps – Sparrowhawk and Kestrel (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 18 Greylag Goose, 8 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Swift, 2 Moorhen, 13 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 59 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 76 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 3 Ruff, 15 Sanderling, 26 Dunlin, 47 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 4 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 4 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 4 Carrion Crow, 112 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 44 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 11 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 26 Blackcap, 10 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 14 Pied Flycatcher, 18 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 66 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 62 alba Wagtail, 702 Meadow Pipit, 44 Tree Pipit, 126 Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 37 Twite, 17 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Siskin.

Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 175
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14th September 2025
Weather: Mostly sunny. F2-5 SE
A very calm start made for a pleasant census, with a few new birds to show for it. A Corncrake flushed from the Vaadal reservoir on the early trap round was a good start, with a new Greenish Warbler on the cliffs at Dog Geo and two Yellow-browed Warbler following later in the morning.


Migrants on cliffs are always exciting, and even better when one is a Greenish Warbler! (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Corncrake: one at the Vaadal reservoir
Yellow-browed Warbler: singles at South Light and Troila
Greenish Warbler: one at Dog Geo

Sightings of note: 11 Greylag Goose, 19 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 3 Swift, 1 Moorhen, 18 Oystercatcher, 49 Ringed Plover, 30 Curlew, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 112 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 18 Ruff, 16 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 39 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 36 Redshank, 8 Kittiwake, 13 Common Gull, 9 Guillemot, 6 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 89 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 26 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 18 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 49 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 46 alba Wagtail, 343 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 127 Rock Pipit, 158 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp., 7 Siskin

Other wildlife: 14 Red Admiral, 4 Painted Lady, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 173
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13th September 2025
Weather: Mostly sunny, with occasional light showers. F4-6 SE
A drop in the wind made for easier birding today, though numbers of new birds unearthed remained relatively low. Yesterday’s Wryneck was again around Boini Mire, with Barred Warblers at Burkle and Stackhoull, the latter joined by a new Wood Warbler. A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was also fresh in at Easter Lother Water – the third record this year of this usually scarce visitor, as the UK enjoys a significant autumn influx.


A pristine juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, fresh from an Arctic nest (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Curlew Sandpiper: a juvenile at Easter Lother Water
Wryneck: one along the road at Boini Mire
Barred Warbler: singles at Burkle and Stackhoull
Wood Warbler: one at Stackhoull

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 42 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 1 Moorhen, 12 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 159 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 15 Ruff, 9 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 44 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 49 Redshank, 5 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 39 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Grey Heron, 4 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 133 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 15 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 29 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 21 alba Wagtail, 458 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 101 Rock Pipit, 203 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 6 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y

Year list: 172
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12th September 2025
Weather: Breezy all day, with showers through the morning. F6-8 S
A distinctly autumnal feel to the day, with cool, strong winds and overcast skies. Birds were hard to find, with the croft gardens blown out and little to be seen on the parts of the cliffs that were safe to view. A Wryneck was apparently new in around Boini Mire, and good numbers of waders were to be found around the south end, along with some light auk movement over the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
Wryneck: one along the road at Boini Mire

Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 28 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 2 Moorhen, 11 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 86 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 140 Turnstone, 7 Knot, 16 Ruff, 7 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, 36 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 56 Redshank, 10 Kittiwake, 36 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 11 Guillemot, 27 Razorbill, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Blue Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 9 Grey Heron, 5 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 96 Skylark, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 26 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 31 alba Wagtail, 279 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 88 Rock Pipit, 59 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady

Year list: 172
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11th September 2025
Weather: Bright and sunny again after a wet early morning. F5-8 SSE
A damp start today meant that the early trap round goers got rather wet, however this quickly cleared and turned into another beautiful day. With south-easterlies and rain overnight, the totals today weren’t quite as impressive as hoped, but the appearance of the year’s first Yellow-browed Warbler made the day momentous nonetheless. Hopefully it’s a sign of them mirroring last year and having a good season, and plenty can be added to the colour ringing scheme. Elsewhere, a Barred Warbler continued in the Obs garden, feasting on apples put out for migrants, and at least three Sparrowhawks were around the trapping areas.


A tiny Yellow-browed Warbler, a totemic species of the autumn, on the cliffs of Wester Lother (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Yellow-browed Warbler: one at Wester Lother
Barred Warbler: one at the Obs
Common Rosefinch: two were mobile around the south

Sightings of note: 3 Greylag Goose, 51 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 21 Oystercatcher, 26 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 44 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 44 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 13 Ruff, 19 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 24 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 29 Redshank, 4 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Guillemot, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 108 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 20 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Whinchat, 34 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 36 alba Wagtail, 393 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 97 Rock Pipit, 136 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin

Other wildlife: 10 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 1 Shetland Bee, 1 European Eel

Year list: 172
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10th September 2025
Weather: Bright and sunny. F5-7 SE
A handful of new birds in today, and some quality amongst them. The day started well with a Greenish Warbler trapped in the Vaadal on the way into census, and continued with a Great Snipe flushed from above the Obs by a guest just before lunch, though sadly this could not be relocated. A juvenile Red-backed Shrike at the unusual location of Kirn o’ Skroo was also likely a new arrival, and two Barred Warbler remained in the crofts.


Our third Greenish Warbler of the year (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT SNIPE: one flushed from a tiny pool above the Obs could not be relocated
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at Kirn o’ Skroo
Greenish Warbler: one trapped in the Vaadal
Barred Warbler: singles still at Chalet and Burkle
Common Rosefinch: one at Gully early morning

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 27 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 12 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 21 Ringed Plover, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Turnstone, 2 Ruff, 10 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 44 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 39 Redshank, 30 Common Gull, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 112 Skylark, 25 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 7 Whinchat, 25 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail ssp., 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 34 alba Wagtail, 246 Meadow Pipit, 104 Rock Pipit, 112 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin

Other wildlife: 12 Red Admiral, 6 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 6 Shetland Bee

Year list: 171
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9th September 2025
Weather: Clear and sunny. F5-6 SE
Clear and calm conditions overnight meant that the obvious clear-out today came as no great surprise. A single Wryneck, two Barred Warbler and a Red-backed Shrike lingered, along with the long-staying Icterine Warbler at Vaila’s Trees. With the outlook showing more easterly systems on the way, hopes remain high for further pulses of birds this week.

HIGHLIGHTS
Wryneck: one at Chapel Brae
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile around the Parks
Icterine Warbler: ringed bird still at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: singles still at Vaila’s Trees and Burkle
Common Rosefinch: one at Burkle

Sightings of note: 7 Greylag Goose, 23 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 1 Swift, 13 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 55 Ringed Plover, 16 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 48 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 2 Ruff, 14 Sanderling, 31 Dunlin, 30 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 48 Redshank, 21 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 2 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 109 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 28 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 6 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 62 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail ssp., 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 47 alba Wagtail, 281 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 95 Rock Pipit, 124 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 20 Red Admiral, 9 Painted Lady, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 170
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8th September 2025
Weather: A murky start, quickly clearing to a roasting hot day. F2-5 S
This is more like it! An excellent early autumn day, with a good arrival of migrants clear from the outset today. Birds were to be found across the isle in calm conditions, with a range of common migrants showing well in the croft gardens, cliffs and in a myriad of random spots as these clearly fresh-in birds explored their new surrounds. Passerine highlights eked out from amongst the common migrants comprised four Wryneck, seven Barred Warbler, a Red-backed Shrike and a Rosefinch. On the wader front, a heard-only Spotted Redshank was new for the year, with one Little Stint still pottering around Easter Lother Water.


Grasshopper Warbler in typical habitat at the School (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Brent Goose: pale-bellied bird still
Little Stint: one still at Easter Lother Water
Spotted Redshank: one heard flying high over the isle
Wryneck: four: singles at the Mast, Shirva, Plantation and Taing
Red-backed Shrike: a juvenile at the Vaadal reservoir
Icterine Warbler: ringed bird still at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: seven: two trapped in Gully, with singles at the Obs, Chalet, Vaila’s Trees, Burkle and the Mast
Common Rosefinch: one at the Obs was later trapped


Wryneck in typical habitat at the Mast (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 19 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 3 Moorhen, 22 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 36 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 5 Ruff, 16 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 69 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 44 Redshank, 45 Common Gull, 7 Common Tern, 3 Guillemot, 16 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 10 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 102 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 60 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 39 Blackcap, 24 Garden Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 17 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 18 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 33 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 131 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail ssp., 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 9 White Wagtail, 69 alba Wagtail, 320 Meadow Pipit, 10 Tree Pipit, 120 Rock Pipit, 170 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Redpoll sp., 5 Siskin

Other wildlife: 37 Red Admiral, 11 Painted Lady, 8 Silver Y, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 11 Shetland Bee

Year list: 170
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7th September 2025
Weather: Overcast for most of the day, with a strong breeze. F5-8 SE
The strong winds that picked up through today made birding difficult, but migrants were to be found in the sheltered spots, particularly along the north and west coasts. Passerine highlights included the first Red-breasted Flycatcher of the autumn at Skinner’s Glig, and a new Wryneck at Shirva. Wader movement was evident too, with two Little Stint paying a visit to Easter Lother Water, six Curlew Sandpiper flying past South Light, and a flock of eight Common Sandpiper in Kroga Geo, sheltering together from the wild weather.


The two Little Stint were oblivious to a very happy Tom just feet away (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Brent Goose: pale-bellied bird still
Curlew Sandpiper: six flew past South Light
Little Stint: two at Easter Lother Water
Wood Sandpiper: one dropped into Easter Lother Water
Wryneck: one at Shirva in the afternoon
Icterine Warbler: ringed bird still at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: birds still at the Obs and Chalet
Red-breasted Flycatcher: one at Skinner’s Glig
Common Rosefinch: one on the cliffs at Grey Geo

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 19 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 17 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 113 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 16 Ruff, 11 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 30 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 30 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 102 Common Gull, 2 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 6 Guillemot, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 5 Carrion Crow, 88 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 58 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 8 White Wagtail, 51 alba Wagtail, 250 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 108 Rock Pipit, 79 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 31 Red Admiral, 12 Painted Lady

Year list: 169
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6th September 2025
Weather: Sunny still, with an increasing breeze. F4-6 SE
A few birds new in today, with a handful of Barred Warbler and the first Hawfinch of the autumn the scarcity highlights amongst a modest arrival of common migrants. There was excitement to be found watching the sea too, with Risso’s Dolphins lingering off the east coast, and a sighting of a large Ocean Sunfish that drifted north off Buness - just the third isle record of this strange species. A Dewick's Plusia trapped at Shirva overnight was the first record for the isle.


An increase in Pied Flycatcher today included this bird at Burkle (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Brent Goose: pale-bellied bird still
Icterine Warbler: ringed bird still at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: five - ringed birds still at the Obs and Burkle, with new birds at Setter, Chalet and Kroga Geo
Hawfinch: one at the Haa


This sizeable Ocean Sunfish was a surprise off Buness, with a handy Great Black-backed Gull for scale (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 5 Greylag Goose, 21 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 3 Moorhen, 14 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 11 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 45 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 16 Ruff, 6 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 20 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 47 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 7 Guillemot, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 115 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 29 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 9 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 98 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 8 White Wagtail, 56 alba Wagtail, 348 Meadow Pipit, 107 Rock Pipit, 106 Twite, 2 Linnet, 3 Redpoll sp., 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 75 Red Admiral, 17 Painted Lady, 4 Silver Y, 2 Shetland Bee, 6+ Risso’s Dolphin, 1 Ocean Sunfish!

Year list: 169
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5th September 2025
Weather: Another bright and sunny day. F4-5 SW
A general clear-out was evident today, with many of yesterday’s birds having swiftly moved on. Both of yesterday’s Barred Warbler lingered, and there was an increase in Rosefinch, with three scattered across the isle. The Icterine Warbler also made a surprise reappearance, popping up at Vaila’s Trees after a two-day absence.


Setter is a good spot for close views of Whinchat (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Brent Goose: pale-bellied bird still
Icterine Warbler: ringed bird now at Vaila’s Trees
Barred Warbler: ringed birds still at the Obs and Chapel
Common Rosefinch: three – two mobile around the crofts and one at Wirvie


This Wigeon was an unusual capture in a Heligoland trap! (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 7 Greylag Goose, 19 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 16 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 56 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 40 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 8 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 27 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 11 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 87 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 23 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Whinchat, 65 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 65 alba Wagtail, 351 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 100 Rock Pipit, 78 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll

Other wildlife: 76 Red Admiral, 20 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Shetland Bee

Year list: 169
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4th September 2025
Weather: Bright and sunny. F4 SW
The change in wind direction overnight did the trick, with a clear arrival of birds today. Mostly this was made up of Willow Warblers, but with a good scattering of other species mixed in, and highlights of a new Barred Warbler at Burkle, Wood Warbler at Barkland, and Rosefinch at Setter. In the evening, checks of Honeysuckle stands at the Obs and Shirva revealed an amazing TEN Convolvulus Hawkmoths (five at each site) busily nectaring from the fragrant flowers.


A typical view of a Grasshopper Warbler in Boini Mire (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male reappeared at Midway
Brent Goose: pale-bellied bird still
Wood Warbler: one at Barkland
Barred Warbler: a ringed bird still at Obs, and a new bird trapped at Burkle
Common Rosefinch: one at Setter

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 13 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1 Swift, 2 Moorhen, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 22 Curlew, 72 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 15 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 41 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 17 Redshank, 49 Common Gull, 2 Guillemot, 1 Puffin, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 91 Skylark, 53 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 9 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 127 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 53 alba Wagtail, 306 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 95 Rock Pipit, 63 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 19 Red Admiral, 6 Painted Lady, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 9 Shetland Bee

Year list: 169
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3rd September 2025
Weather: Overcast, with rain for much of the afternoon. F3-6 SE
A day that felt ‘rarer’ than it turned out to be, with a change from the prevailing sunny skies to a murkier day. An addition to the yearlist came in the form of a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, that spent the day on North Haven beach, grazing seaweed.


Brent Goose is roughly annual on Fair Isle, with the majority of records being pale-bellied birds (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Brent Goose: a pale-bellied bird in North Haven

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 8 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 Swift, 1 Collared Dove, 4 Moorhen, 20 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 64 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 19 Curlew, 60 Turnstone, 13 Knot, 10 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 22 Dunlin, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 29 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 64 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 4 Puffin, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 102 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 26 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 38 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 50 alba Wagtail, 264 Meadow Pipit, 100 Rock Pipit, 66 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 2 Shetland Bee

Year list: 169
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2nd September 2025
Weather: Bright and breezy, with the wind dropping slightly through the day. F5-7 S
A day of little change, though an Icterine Warbler trapped in the Gully on an after-tea trap round hinted at some late afternoon movement. An early seawatch from South Light didn’t produce the hoped-for large shearwater, though some Manx Shearwater and a late Common Tern provided some compensation. A Pipistrelle sp. (a rare visitor here) was seen hawking over the Obs garden at dusk, though disappeared before any bat detectors could be scrambled to ID it to species.


Jonnie again providing the good luck on an evening trap round, this time with an Icterine Warbler (Jonnie Fisk)

HIGHLIGHTS
Icterine Warbler: one trapped in Gully in the evening
Barred Warbler: lingering ringed birds at the Obs and Burkle

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 15 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 4 Swift, 27 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 57 Ringed Plover, 23 Curlew, 80 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 13 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 44 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 59 Common Gull, 1 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 7 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 97 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 17 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 55 Wheatear, 3 Pied Wagtail, 51 alba Wagtail, 287 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 129 Rock Pipit, 103 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll

Other wildlife: 4 Painted Lady, 3 Shetland Bee, 1 Bat sp.

Year list: 168
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1st September 2025
Weather: Breezy and sunny again. F6-8 SSE
The strong winds made birding the crofts tricky today, and an optimistic seawatch in the afternoon wasn’t much more successful. The fourth Barred Warbler of the autumn was trapped in the Vaadal before lunch, and a Grasshopper Warbler was new in the Pund nettles.


Fulmars were enjoying the strong updrafts at the cliffs today (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: a new bird trapped in the Vaadal

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 9 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 13 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 32 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 27 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 9 Ruff, 17 Dunlin, 8 Purple Sandpiper, 33 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 1 Black-headed Gull, 62 Common Gull, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 103 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 41 Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 26 alba Wagtail, 314 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 92 Rock Pipit, 124 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll

Other wildlife: 2 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 3 Shetland Bee

Year list: 168
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31st August 2025
Weather: Breezy and sunny. F5-7 SSE
A quieter day, with most of yesterday’s birds having seemingly quickly moved on. Highlight of the day was undoubtedly a Wryneck seen at the Vaadal, where it was later trapped, delighting admirers with its namesake contortions. After a blank spring, it was also a welcome addition to our somewhat stagnant yearlist.


The intricate plumage detail of a Wryneck (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still at Midway
Wryneck: one trapped in the Vaadal
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: both still present, at Burkle and the Obs

Sightings of note: 8 Greylag Goose, 5 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 19 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 42 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, 32 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 8 Ruff, 24 Dunlin, 31 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 6 Kittiwake, 17 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Razorbill, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 137 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 65 Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 25 alba Wagtail, 295 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 130 Rock Pipit, 73 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp.,1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 5 Painted Lady, 6 Shetland Bee

Year list: 168
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30th August 2025
Weather: A calm day, gradually clearing to a very warm and sunny afternoon. F3-5 SE
The best day of the autumn so far, with a small but welcome arrival of birds occurring throughout the day. A new Barred Warbler and two Wood Warbler were the scarcity highlights, along with a scattering of Pied Flycatcher, most of which were sheltering on the west cliffs.


Always a pleasure to catch a Barred Warbler (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male again at Midway
Wood Sandpiper: one flew over the Airstrip
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: one still at Burkle, with a new bird trapped at the Obs
Wood Warbler: singles at Mavers Geo and Upper Stoneybrek


An intruding Willow Warbler being taught the concept of personal space by a Wood Warbler at Upper Stoneybrek (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 9 Greylag Goose, 6 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 1 Swift, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Moorhen, 20 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 63 Ringed Plover, 27 Curlew, 39 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 7 Ruff, 11 Dunlin, 20 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 10 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 16 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 98 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 28 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 13 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 63 Wheatear, 5 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 29 alba Wagtail, 358 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 108 Rock Pipit, 64 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 5 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 7 Shetland Bee, 3 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 167
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28th – 29th August 2025
Weather: South and south-easterly throughout. F4-5 SSE
Another relatively quiet couple of days, though the 28th saw the first Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Whinchat of the autumn logged. Sightings from a boat a few miles east of the isle on 29th included two Great Shearwater, still an excellent Fair Isle bird despite their recent increases in these northern waters.


Small numbers of Ruff have been a constant presence for most of August (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male again touring the crofts
Wood Sandpiper: one at Vatnagard on 29th
Great Shearwater: two seen from a boat 7 miles east of the isle on 29th
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: lingering bird trapped at Burkle

Sightings of note (high counts): 9 Greylag Goose, 5 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 13 Oystercatcher, 19 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 94 Ringed Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 50 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 5 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 29 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 37 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Puffin, 20 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 90 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 18 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 63 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 27 alba Wagtail, 391 Meadow Pipit, 84 Rock Pipit, 97 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Redpoll sp, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y, 11 Shetland Bee

Year list: 167
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27th August 2025
Weather: Gloriously sunny, with a strengthening breeze. F3-5 SSE
A beautiful day in the isle, and the continued south-easterly airflow at last delivered a handful of migrants, the best of which was a new Barred Warbler at North Shirva. Common migrant arrivals included a handful of early Goldcrest, some Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler and an early Fieldfare.


An unusually showy Barred Warbler (Alex Penn)


A handful of waders were also new in, including this crisp juvenile Knot at Easter Lother Water (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male again touring the crofts
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: one at North Shirva


The calm and sunny weather also encouraged some butterfly movement (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Moorhen, 25 Oystercatcher, 19 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 42 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 33 Curlew, 81 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 3 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 15 Snipe, 22 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 2 Puffin, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 7 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 15 alba Wagtail, 14 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 11 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Silver Y, 10 Shetland Bee, 2 Minke Whale, 4+ White-beaked Dolphin

Year list: 166
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26th August 2025
Weather: Overcast and murky, brightening later. F5-6 SSE
A disappointingly quiet day given the strong south-easterly winds, with very few new passerine arrivals. Some wader movement was evident however, and a handful of Wigeon over the sea hinted at what’s to come.


It’s the time of year when wayward and inexperienced newly-fledged Fulmars appear in many of the isle’s fields and mires (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet

Sightings of note: 8 Greylag Goose, 6 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 9 Oystercatcher, 18 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 60 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 28 Curlew, 91 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 8 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 30 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 14 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 47 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Common Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 1 Puffin, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 86 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 82 Wheatear, 9 Pied Wagtail, 9 White Wagtail, 31 alba Wagtail, 271 Meadow Pipit, 83 Rock Pipit, 49 Twite, 1 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 166
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25th August 2025
Weather: Foggy through the morning, burning off early afternoon. F4-6 SE
Thick fog dominated the morning, but by lunchtime the skies had begun to clear, so an afternoon census was done. Sadly though, we had little to show for it despite the promising wind direction, with scant evidence of any new birds dropping in.

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still around Shirva
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet

Sightings of note: 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 33 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 27 Curlew, 20 Turnstone, 7 Ruff, 20 Dunlin, 31 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 99 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 9 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 86 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 16 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 20 alba Wagtail, 249 Meadow Pipit, 82 Rock Pipit, 86 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 5 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Shetland Bee

Year list: 166
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24th August 2025
Weather: Overcast with a light south-easterly breeze. F3-4 SE
A rather slow day bird wise, and perhaps less than we were expecting with the winds swinging to the southeast. However, the first Wood Warbler of the autumn was seen briefly at Schoolton and raised hopes for the coming week of continued favourable winds. A Common Whitethroat was also new in, and the Grey Heron count grew to nine. The small juvenile Merlin that has been zipping around the isle was seen to be ringed, most likely from a Shetland nest. In the evening the Obs was treated to a music night from a local folk singer and our resident isle guitarist Neil Thomson.

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Wood Warbler: one at Schoolton

Sightings of note: 10 Greylag Goose, 4 Teal, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 42 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 36 Ringed Plover, 52 Curlew, 60 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 8 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin, 23 Snipe, 16 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 5 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 9 Grey Heron, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 87 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 106 Wheatear, 13 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 17 alba Wagtail, 226 Meadow Pipit, 64 Rock Pipit, 56 Twite, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 13 Shetland Bee

Year list: 166
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22nd – 23rd August 2025
A rather quiet couple of days, though winds dropping away to nothing on 23rd did drift the first Icterine Warbler of the autumn our way, with a bird in the bracken at Furse. A Pied Flycatcher at Setter was another welcome arrival, and just the third of the year after a very quiet spring.


Small numbers of Ruff continue to find the cut silage fields to their liking (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Icterine Warbler: one at Furse on 23rd

Sightings of note (high counts): 7 Greylag Goose, 1 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Moorhen, 36 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 41 Ringed Plover, 52 Curlew, 79 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 7 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 31 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 45 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 12 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 9 Puffin, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Cormorant, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 112 Skylark, 9 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 106 Wheatear, 16 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 32 alba Wagtail, 251 Meadow Pipit, 86 Rock Pipit, 47 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Silver Y, 19 Shetland Bee, 21 Harbour Porpoise

Year list: 166
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19th – 21st August 2025
A few days of little change, with stubborn northerly-based winds not encouraging much in the way of movement through the isle. The Eastern Subalpine Warbler was at last trapped and ringed, when it dared to move as far as Burkle, after being with us for over two months now. The sheltered sides of the isle also saw some further cetacean sightings, with a Minke Whale off the South Light and two pods of Risso’s Dolphin seen.


Having now completed its moult, it's likely the Eastern Subalpine Warbler won't be staying much longer (Deryk Shaw)


Always an unlikely-looking migrant, small numbers of Grey Heron are passing through the isle currently (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still on 20th, when trapped and ringed at Burkle
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet to 20th


The Obs moth trap is run on suitable nights, with Autumnal Rustic a regular feature at present – the dark ‘edda’ form on the left occurs in Shetland (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note (high counts): 5 Greylag Goose, 7 Teal, 1 Swift, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 60 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 43 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 49 Curlew, 57 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 7 Ruff, 4 Sanderling, 27 Dunlin, 7 Purple Sandpiper, 44 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 6 Black-headed Gull, 21 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 22 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 47 Puffin, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 5 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 144 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 15 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 194 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 28 alba Wagtail, 290 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 95 Rock Pipit, 105 Twite, 2 Linnet, 4 Crossbill, 2 Siskin

Other wildlife: 3 Red Admiral, 8 Shetland Bee, 1 Minke Whale, 6 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 166
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16th – 18th August 2025
A few days taken up with mornings of census, and afternoons helping out with baling some of the isle’s silage fields. Between baling fields on the afternoon of 16th, a gorgeous juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was found paddling around Da Water – likely a Shetland-raised bird, it still had traces of fluff still around its head and neck. Another pleasant surprise came in the form of a Greenish Warbler at Wirvie on 18th, our second of the year. Cetacean sightings have finally begun to pick up too, with a pod of Risso's Dolphin and some Harbour Porpoise seen off the south of the isle.


Our first Red-necked Phalarope since 2022, with the last migrant juvenile being in 2014 (Alex Penn)


A Greenish Warbler on a cliff is worth at least two in a bush (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still on 18th
Red-necked Phalarope: juvenile on Da Water
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile still around Chalet
Greenish Warbler: one at Wirvie on 18th
Barred Warbler: one still at Chalet


With such a poor spring for shrikes, this juvenile Red-backed is just the fourth of the year (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note (high counts): 6 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 55 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 37 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 25 Curlew, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Turnstone, 11 Ruff, 3 Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 39 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 35 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 64 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 27 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 185 Storm Petrel, 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 117 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 212 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 20 alba Wagtail, 313 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 105 Rock Pipit, 87 Twite, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 5 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 2 Red Admiral, 4 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 15 Shetland Bee, 5+ Harbour Porpoise, 12 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 166
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14th – 15th August 2025
A better couple of days of passage, with light southeasterlies swinging to a more brisk NW breeze, and patchy low cloud. The first Barred Warbler and Red-backed Shrike of the autumn appeared together at Chalet, and some light wader movement included the year’s first Little Stint.


To be dwarfed by a Dunlin, you have to be truly tiny (Luke Marriner)


A pulse of Willow Warbler movement was very welcome, with lemon-yellow youngsters flicking through Angelica and along fencelines (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still
Little Stint: juvenile in Muckle Uri Geo on 14th
Wood Sandpiper: one over Burkle on 15th
Red-backed Shrike: juvenile around Chalet on 15th
Barred Warbler: one at Chalet on 15th

Sightings of note (high counts): 5 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 80 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 27 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 5 Ruff, 6 Sanderling, 38 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 20 Redshank, 3 Black-headed Gull, 137 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Arctic Skua, 5 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 129 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 26 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 184 Wheatear, 4 Grey Wagtail, 22 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 10 alba Wagtail, 271 Meadow Pipit, 94 Rock Pipit, 55 Twite, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 9 Red Admiral, 14 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Shetland Bee

Year list: 165
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12th – 13th August 2025
A quiet couple of days of census, though a Stormie ringing session on 12th did produce a Leach’s Petrel, in addition to 281 Storm Petrels caught. With no sightings or captures during sessions last year, it was a welcome sight and sound as it sang in the hand. A handful of new birds were noted on 13th, with light SE winds bringing a scattering of common warblers to the croft gardens.


The first Leach’s Petrel ringed of the year, after a blank in 2024 (Alex Penn)


The isle’s burns and mires are full of newly-fledged Snipe (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still
Leach’s Petrel: one trapped at the Haven on 12th

Sightings of note (high counts): 7 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Moorhen, 70 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 62 Ringed Plover, 26 Curlew, 29 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 8 Ruff, 5 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 25 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 45 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 215 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 285 Storm Petrel, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 156 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 255 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 32 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 4 alba Wagtail, 299 Meadow Pipit, 111 Rock Pipit, 62 Twite, 7 Crossbill, 6 Siskin

Other wildlife: 13 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 4 Peacock, 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Silver Y, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth, 12 Shetland Bee

Year list: 163
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4th – 11th August 2025
The transition from summer to autumn begins, with the final bits of seabird work being undertaken, and the first autumn census carried out on 10th after a week of wild weather. Though migrants are thin on the ground yet, a scattering of warblers and a pulse of wader movement have kept things interesting enough. The resident Eastern Subalpine Warbler has now completed its moult and begun to wander the crofts a little, so perhaps will be moving on soon.


Wader movement over the last few days has included this Dutch-ringed Sanderling (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still on 10th and 11th
Wood Sandpiper: juvenile at Suka Mire on 11th

Sightings of note (high counts through the period): 6 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 54 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 48 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 70 Turnstone, 2 Knot, 13 Ruff, 19 Sanderling, 164 Dunlin, 38 Purple Sandpiper, 29 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 54 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 13 Black-headed Gull, 159 Common Gull, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 32 Arctic Tern, 21 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Storm Petrel, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 125 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 178 Wheatear, 4 Grey Wagtail, 22 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 260 Meadow Pipit, 119 Rock Pipit, 48 Twite, 3 Linnet, 6 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Crossbill

Other wildlife: 14 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Silver Y, 4 Shetland Bee

Year list: 162
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1st – 3rd August 2025
Little change over these few days, with us firmly in the lull between the end of summer and autumn beginning its first teetering steps. The headline news concerned the fledging of a brood of Grey Wagtail in the Gully – just the third time in isle history that this species has bred here. The first fledged Kittiwake of the year was also seen, floating on paddle-shaped wings around Furse, and the first Ruff of the autumn graced Da Water between touring the recently-cut silage fields.


A stumpy-tailed fledgling Grey Wagtail in the Gully stream (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: male still at Shirva on 2nd

Sightings of note (high counts through the period): 6 Greylag Goose, 3 Collared Dove, 1 Moorhen, 58 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 26 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 21 Turnstone, 1 Ruff, 2 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 49 Redshank, 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Common Tern, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine, 1 Carrion Crow, 5 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 9 Mealy Redpoll

Other wildlife: 1 Red Admiral, 2 Silver Y, 10 Shetland Bee

Year list: 161
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