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MIGRATION
STUDIES
Since the early 1900’s, Fair
Isle has been an internationally renowned site for the observation of
migrant birds. The Bird Observatory was established in 1948 by George
Waterston, who recognised the island for its attraction to migrants.
Migrant birds start to
appear in late March, becoming more numerous through April, tailing off
towards mid-June and then starting to re-appear by mid-July. Large falls of
common migrants such as Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart, Willow Warbler,
Chiffchaff and Tree Pipits occur, as well as scarce migrants such as
Bluethroat, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike, Marsh & Icterine Warblers and
Ortolan Bunting mixed in!
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There have been fifteen
records of Blyth's Reed Warbler on the island, mostly in Spring. June is
a good month to try and see this rare vagrant.
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| Red-throated Pipits are
rare Spring and Autumn migrants to the island. Although not as colourful
as in Spring, this rare pipit would brighten up any autumn day. |
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Rarities in the last few years have included
Harlequin Duck, Calandra Lark, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler,
Lanceolated Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Brown Shrike, Thick-billed Warbler
and Black-faced Bunting.
During the migration
periods, the Observatory staff are occupied with daily ringing and census
work. All visitors are encouraged to join staff on the early morning trap
round. This offers an ideal opportunity to observe bird ringing and
measuring, as well as see what migrants have arrived overnight!
Contributions to the days record of observations are encouraged at the log,
called by Deryk in the evening.
The best times to visit Fair
Isle, with a view to seeing many migrant birds is May and June, August and
September. October is also a good month for spectacular falls of birds, with
good rarities often mixed in. There is also the bonus of enjoying the island
almost to yourself and finding your own ‘rarities’! July can also turn up
strange migrants, although it is best left for a ‘seabird’ visit. However,
Fair Isle relies on the weather and anything can turn up at any time of
year!
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