Fair Isle Bird Observatory & Guesthouse

Sightings archive: January - May 2016

Tuesday 31st May
Summary: a busy day with transport running again after yesterday's cancellations of flights, a cruiseship visiting in the middle of the day and census and monitoring work to fit in as well. One or two new birds in (including a year tick), but generally most species were actually present in smaller numbers.
Weather: NNE4, overcast throughout and feeling cool in the breeze.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Marsh Warbler: one at the top of the Hill Dyke, the first of the year

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, Red-throated Diver (from Good Shepherd), 4 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow, House Martin, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel (female Ward Hill), Blackbird, Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Grey Wagtail, Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Nathusius' Pipistrelle: still present on the outside of the Obs
Diamond-back Moth: reasonable numbers still around

Year List: 165
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Monday 30th May
Summary: a day of most odd fog, with the Obs bathed in glorious sunshine for most of the day, but the west coast, south coast and north from Wirvie all remained shrouded in fog, which had an effect on census counts. A few new birds did make it in, but hopes of a return of the albatross were seemingly dashed by news that it was back in Germany yesterday - evidently the welcome it received from the Bonxies was enough to persuade it to head back to Helgoland. It's not the first bird to make the journey from that famous old Bird Observatory to Fair Isle, with Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Robin and Chaffinch all ringed there and being found here later, whilst FIBO ringed birds that have made the journey in the opposite direction include Sparrowhawk, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Song Thrush, Redwing, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Dunnock, Chaffinch and Brambling.
Weather: NE2/3 wind, freshening slightly later, fog over a large part of the island (and offshore), although other areas had sunshine.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Icterine Warbler: one at Schoolton
Bluethroat: one flighty bird around the Houll area
'Grey-headed Wagtail': female still around the Obs scrape

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, Kestrel, Whimbrel, 5 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Blackbird, Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, Grey Wagtail, Redpoll sp.

Other wildlife:
Nathusius' Pipistrelle: still present around the Obs
Diamond-back Moth: still good numbers around, with 30+ recorded

Year List: 164
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Sunday 29th May
Summary: a quieter day, although a few signs of arrivals (not just birds either). No sign of the albatross, although looking at the Birdguides website it appears that it hasn't been seen on consecutive days at the sites in Germany it has been visiting, usually only being reported every second or third day, so could we be in for another bite of that very impressive cherry?... There are a whole load of really rather impressive albatross pictures on the FIBO Facebook page now - click the link over to the right (and down a bit) to see them.
Weather: ESE 2-3, cloudy with a few brighter spells, although low cloud persisted over the hills for a large part of the day and blanketed most of the island by the evening.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Shorelark: one being chased over Setter by Skylarks appeared to land behind the burnt mounds at Pund, but could not be relocated.
Red-backed Shrike: the female still present around Chalet.
'Grey-headed Wagtail': a female feeding near the Obs wader scrape in the afternoon

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, Goosander (a mobile male, just the second of the year), Red-throated Diver, 2 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 9 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Collared Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Swift, 5 Carrion Crow, 12 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit', Snow Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Nathusius' Pipistrelle: the second record of the week involved one found at the Meadow Burn, which was warmed up at the Obs and released later in the evening. It was found to weigh just 6.1g, which is at the lower end of the scale expected for this species (the average weight is around 10g).
Diamond-back Moth: a decent sized arrival, with at least 100 noted

Year List: 164
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Saturday 28th May
Summary: Wow.
Weather: E2/3 becoming SE later. Cloudy at first but brightening later, although low cloud then came down over the hills, with Sheep Rock becoming enveloped in murk.

HIGHLIGHTS:
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS: Amazing. Susannah burst into the ringing room corridor at 7.40am to shout 'There's a Black-browed Albatross off the Good Shepherd and Lee can see it from Buness', causing an instant scrambling of everyone. As people pitched up in the Havens in various states of attire (Grace's Hoopoe-twitching outfit of a lovely dressing gown, bodywarmer and wellies combo from nine hours earlier being replaced by pyjamas and an old pair of my boots), views were briefly obtained of the bird sat off just off the port of the Good Shepherd. It turned out that Keith Pellow, who had chosen to leave the Obs by boat rather than plane, was scanning the sea and saw an albatross sat on the water as the boat was just a few hundred metres out of harbour. Shouts got the crew on deck and everyone was able to enjoy fantastic views, whilst a phonecall to Lee (who was censusing Buness pre-breakfast) enabled him to get onto it. By the time the rest of the Obs contingent arrived, it was decided to get up to Buness for closer views, but as the stragglers (including Grace who had been piggy-backed half way and was now continuing bare-foot!) were heading up there, it appeared over the rocks of Skervalie (not that any of us knew that's what they were called at the time - it's the bit where the Arctic Terns and Common Gulls nest on Buness and where the Lesser Scaup was in 2011) only about ten metres or so up. After circling a couple of times, giving amazing views (during which time I virtually had to pick my jaw up of the floor to shout to the people ahead), it drifted to the Sooth Gavel, circled a couple of times, swept over Landberg and eventually Sheep Rock, where it was seen again a few times until 12.40pm. An amazing experience and the first Black-browed Albatross for Fair Isle (an immature albatross that soared around Sheep Rock and Meoness on 14th May 1949 was considered to be this species, but was accepted only as an albatross sp. It's remarkable to think that it could just about, technically, be the same bird!). If accepted, it will be 387th species for Fair Isle. There's a photo of the bird on the FIBO Facebook page now (see the links to the right).
Red-backed Shrike: the female again at Chalet

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, Red-throated Diver, 7 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel (a new male), Blackbird, Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Redpoll sp?.

Year List: 163
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Friday 27th May
Summary: The conditions were maximsed to the max, with a 6am start seeing the team split up for Fair Isle Wren survey, Razorbill monitoring and early traps. After a fairly quiet census and a quick lunch, it was straight in the FIBO inflatable for a trip to Greenholm to check on Puffin productivity, then back to the Obs, where the evening was interrupted by a rarity, followed by another good Fair Isle bird which was found flying in front of the Obs van on its way back from the twitch. Log eventually started around 11pm and lots of contented people went to bed wondering what tomorrow would bring.
Weather: ENE2, cloudy at first but brightening up later and quite a pleasantly warm day in the end.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RUSTIC BUNTING: the second of the spring was around Utra and Hegri Burn late in the evening, but was rather flighty (although did show to most people)
Hoopoe: a real surprise on the way back from the Rustic Bunting twitch was provided by the first Hoopoe since 2012 flying in front of the minibus and landing on the Houll. Although it then became rather elusive, most people managed a view (including Grace who has long had this as a 'most-wanted' species) of the 40th individual for Fair Isle.
Red-backed Shrike: female roaming the south

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Red-throated Diver, 229 Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, 5 Carrion Crow, 8 Swallow, House Martin, 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher, White Wagtail, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit' (Muckle Uri Geo), Chaffinch, Linnet, 3 Redpoll sp?, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting.

Year List: 162
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Thursday 26th May
Summary: a much more pleasant day, still quiet for birds, but things are surely going to come good soon. The day's highlight was, unusually, provided by the 'any other wildlife' section of Log.
Weather: N becoming NE or ENE 2/3, sunny spells.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Bluethroat: a shining male on the Field muck heap was presumably a new arrival
Red-backed Shrike: a female at Springfield

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 'blue' Fulmar near Troila Geo, 6 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, Black-tailed godwit, 5 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper (still on Da Water in the morning), Collared Dove, Turtle Dove (still near Setter), Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Rng Ouzel, Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Robin, 107 Wheatear, Dunnock, 6 White Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Linnet.

Other wildlife:
Nathusius' Pipistrelle: one was found dead near the Double Dyke trap, only the fourth confirmed record of this species (although the majority of the 11 previously documented bats on Fair Isle are also likely to have been this species).

Year List: 161
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Wednesday 25th May
Summary: another quiet day, although actually there were one or two more common migrants around than yesterday despite the rather strong wind (with the weather being enough to delay the morning plane until early afternoon). Things start to look better from tomorrow, although Friday onwards is looking a touch more rare at the moment. Common Rosefinch would seem a good bet for the next addition to the year list, with maybe something of the Paddyfield Warbler ilk by the weekend...
Weather: NNE 4-5, occasionally 6, cloudy at first with a few brighter spells later.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: the wandering male still wandering

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, Wigeon, 2 Red-throated Diver, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine (immature male), 212 Oystercatcher, 9 Golden Plover, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 15 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper (Da Water), 3 Redshank (highest count since 4th May), Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Carrion Crow, Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, 2 Robin, 2 White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit', Chaffinch, Snow Bunting (Meoness).

Other wildlife: 5 unidentified dolphins off South Light

Year List: 161
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Tuesday 24th May
Summary: a much quieter day, with a cooler feel and a clear clear-out of migrants, with very, very little new in.
Weather: NNE4-5, cloudy with good visibility.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: again at Burkle, although only appearing in the afternoon
Little Ringed Plover: seen briefly on Da Water early morning only
Bluethroat: a female trapped in the Gully on morning trap rounds
Red-backed Shrike: the male still present, often around Chalet although mobile
Corncrake: again seen at Leogh (presumably the birdfirst noted on 12th May, but seen on only two other dates between then and today)

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
2 Greylag Goose, Wigoen, Sparrowhawk, 6 Golden Plover, 9 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Short-eared Owl, Swift, 5 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 8 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler (possibly the only new migrant in today!), Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch.

Year List: 161
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Monday 23rd May
Summary: a busy day with lots of comings and goings and a cruiseship, along with plenty of birds (beginning with a decent early trap round and a fairly productive session at the Obs mistnets), nice weather and even time for a quick dip in Gunglesund. The day's best bird was definitley a 'talking-point', although sadly it vanished just before lunch and wasn't relocated.
Weather: W1-2 becoming NNW or N3 later, cloudy at first but clearing to a sunny day, all-in-all, rather pleasant.

HIGHLIGHTS:
COLLARED FLYCATCHER: a female ficedula near the School was flighty and elusive, but the distinctly-shaped patch at the base of the primaries looked spot-on for Collared, whilst other features (such as the nape colour) also pointed towards this species.
Little Ringed Plover: remarkably, after the 37 year wait for Fair Isle's 4th LRP, the 5th turned up less than a fortnight later, with one found on Da Water in the afternoon.
Woodchat Shrike: seen again in the afternoon at Burkle
Bluethroat: 6 (males at Dronger and Muckle Geo o'Hoini, and females at the Obs, Gully, Field and Schoolton)
Red-backed Shrike: a male in the Havens early on was later seen at Plantation, Setter and Field Ditch
Quail: one flushed from near Kenaby (first of the year)
Osprey: the second of the spring was over Vaasetter

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, Red-throated Diver, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 4 Golden Plover, 10 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 18 Woodpigeon, 7 Collared Dove, Turtle Dove (trapped in the Plantation and later seen at Pund), 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Swift (first of the year), 10 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 37 Swallow, 8 House Martin, Wood Warbler (one trapped in the Plantation), 27 Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler (including a Norwegian-ringed bird, which appears to be the first foreign Sedge Warbler to be trapped on Fair Isle), 2 Ring Ouzel (including a male singing on Hill Dyke), 3 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, Redwing, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, Black Redstart (Busta), Redstart, 3 White Wagtail, flava wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Common Redpoll (Mealy).

Breeding birds: Lapwing chicks seen for the first time this year

Year List: 161
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Sunday 22nd May
Summary: the distant memory of yesterday's poor weather was burnt away by a brilliant day of sunshine, with decent birds still around, a few migrants on the move and a rarity to top it all off - an enjoyable day all round. It looks like a couple of days of fresher northerlies might put things on hold for a bit, but then there is more easterly in the forecast for later in the week...
Weather: WNW becoming N later, generally rather calm, with a few cloudy patches but mostly sunny, warm and very pleasant.

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-THROATED PIPIT: a male found late in the evening at Charlie's Trees (causing Log to be delayed), which was sat on the road singing for a while before flying off towards Tarryfields.
Woodchat Shrike: again in the Burkle area
Ortolan Bunting: still present behind North Naaversgill
Icterine Warbler: what was presumably yesterday's bird had taken advantage of the fog clearing to make its way down the island where it was feeding in Furse.
Crane: still present at several sites in the south in the morning, before gaining height over Brecks at about half past eleven, after which it was not seen (and could have been the bird seen later in Shetland)
Red-backed Shrike: the female still at Chalet
Bluethroat: 2; females in the Walli Burn and Wirvie Burn

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, 'blue' Fulmar, Kestrel, 2 Golden Plover, 16 Purple Sandpiper, 20 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Woodpigeon, 9 Collared Dove, Turtle Dove (one at Setter and the Plantation; first of the year), Cuckoo, 3 Short-eared Owl, 7 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, 56 Swallow, 21 House Martin, 22 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin (the first new Robins for a few days), Redstart, Whinchat, 201 Wheatear, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, Lesser Redpoll (trapped at the Obs in the evening), 3 Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds: the first Oystercatcher chicks of the year were seen at North Light

Other wildlife: a Shetland Bee was noted on the wing

Year List: 158
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Saturday 21st May
Summary: a weather-restricted day that saw fog and/or rain dominating, causing the cancellation of all flights (although the Good Shepherd sailed and a cruise ship made it in), apart from a brief spell where the sun made it through for a couple of hours in the evening, during which time a couple of decent birds were found. Yesterday's Little Egret was presumably the one found on Foula today (where it was joined by a Kingfisher and Nightjar, making Foula very much the Dorset of Shetland). It will be interesting to see what is around tomorrow when the weather improves.
Weather: SSE becoming SW 3-5, cloudy with fog and rain for most of the day, other than a brighter spell from around 5pm-7pm.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: again present around the Burkle area, although its tendency to spend a lot of time feeding on the ground meant
Ortolan Bunting: a female feeding behind North Naaversgill
Icterine Warbler: one in the rubble at the very top of Ward Hill
Crane: still present and wandering around in the south of the island
Red-backed Shrike: one female remaining
Bluethroat: a female in the Walli Burn

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Greylag Goose (just one remaining), 'blue' Fulmar (on cliffs in Furse), Manx Shearwater (one from Good Shepherd, the first of the year), Kestrel, 187 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 38 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Short-eared Owl, 6 Carrion Crow, 23 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 11 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, Redstart, 5 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Snow Bunting.

Year List: 157
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Friday 20th May
Summary: Happy Birthday Freyja. I'm not sure whether Freyja wished for a 'first for Fair Isle' as her birthday present, but that's what she got (and she successfully twitched it), in what was a rather good day's birding.
Weather: SW or S 3-5, total cloud cover at first decreasing later, although patchy rain later. Warmer than recent days.

HIGHLIGHTS:
!!! LITTLE EGRET: the first for Fair Isle and the island's 386th species (and arguably, most overdue addition to the island list) was found on Da Water during census. After going on a tour of the island (ranging at least as far north as the Obs), it relocated to Barkland then back to Da Water, allowing everyone to catch up with it in the end
Woodchat Shrike: still present, although proving just as elusive, making just brief appearances near Burkle
Crane: one flew south over the Obs at 1pm before drifting south and landing on Hoini
Red-backed Shrike: 3 females, including a new bird at South Naaversgill
Bluethroat: 4; male at Stackhoull and females at Walli Burn, Field and South Raeva

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
7 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Kestrel, Merlin, 30 Ringed Plover, 7 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 48 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper (around Da Water and Boini, with one singing on occasion), 66 Turnstone, 148 Arctic Tern, 3 Woodpigeon, 9 Short-eared Owl, 5 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 21 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, Whinchat, 253 Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Dunnock, 4 White Wagtail, flava wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, 3 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 156
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Thursday 19th May
Summary: the first cruise ship of the year arrived with a rather cool breeze, although the predominantly Australian passengers were well wrapped up and enjoyed their visit. The Good Shepherd made a sailing to Lerwick and added a species to the year list on its return. Although the winds were still rather local, there was enough promise (with a couple of new birds and a few increasing counts) to mean that the overnight south-easterlies and rain could be hoped to bring afew more bits tomorrow.
Weather: ENE 4, rather cold, with rain from around 1800hrs

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-backed Shrike: 2 females still present (lingering birds at Chalet and Chapel)
Bluethroat: female at South Raeva
Pomarine Skua: one from the Good Shepherd as it was ten minutes north of Fair Isle on its return from Lerwick
Osprey: one flew north over Utra at around 1300hrs before lingering for a couple of minutes over Malcolm's Head
'Blue-headed Wagtail':
female in Meadow Burn

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
7 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, Kestrel, 171 Oystercatcher, 23 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover, 2 Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, 38 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper (one briefly on Da Water before heading north), 51 Turnstone, 4 Woodpigeon, 5 Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 13 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 9 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, Black Redstart (Field), 3 Redstart, 188 Wheatear, 4 White Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (South Harbour)

Year List: 155
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Wednesday 18th May
Summary: the wind was forcast to be stronger than previous days, but it did take us by surprise somewhat when we headed out (after the rain had stopped), with exposed areas in the north and on the cliffs very difficult to bird. A generally quiet day, although the wind did bring in a selection of waders and one or two new migrants.
Weather: NE or ENE 5-7 (possibly gusting higher), with total cloud cover and heavy rain in the morning. Cool.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: the male was still present, but wasn't seen for most of the day
Icterine Warbler: one seen early in the morning at Double Dyke, but not subsequently (the first of the year)
Red-backed Shrike:
3 (2 females and a male, the same as yesterday's birds)
Bluethroat: male still at Haa and a new female at Kenaby
Hawfinch: the female still around in the south of the island
'Grey-headed Wagtail': one male around the Meadow Burn
'Blue-headed Wagtail': a female at Lower Leogh and a male at Meadow Burn

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
11 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Kestrel (plus another found dead), 157 Oystercatcher, 20 Ringed Plover (the first signs of migrants on the move), 5 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 60 Purple Sandpiper, 42 Dunlin, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper (first of the month), Greenshank (over South Harbour, the first of the year), 2 Wood Sandpiper (two mobile birds around Utra, Meadow Burn and then Da Water), 83 Turnstone, 5 Black-headed Gull, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 5 Short-eared Owl (including one seen coming in off the sea at Skadan), 4 Carrion Crow (and 6 migrant Hooded Crows), 12 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Robin, 5 Redstart, 157 Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 6 White Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 153
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Tuesday 17th May
Summary: a calm day, although the first real rain for a while made the afternoon less enjoyable (good conditions for fencing at least - so the Oysterplant colony in Muckle Uri Geo is now protected for another year), but very little sign of new movement of birds, with the easterly wind currently too localised to really offer much hope.
Weather: ENE2-3, cloudy, with patchy rain in the morning and more persistent rain from early afternoon onwards.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: the male still in the area between Kenaby and Burkle, although remaining elusive at times
Red-backed Shrike: 3 (2 females and a male, probably lingering birds)
Bluethroat: male still at Haa
Hawfinch: female still around
Corncrake: seen again at Leogh as it crossed the road

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
9 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, Kestrel, 141 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel, 5 Black-headed Gull, 92 Arctic Tern, 2 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 3 Carrion Crow (and 6 migrant Hooded Crows), Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 3 Redstart, 221 Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, 5 White Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
The first Fulmar egg of the year was seen, on Meoness

Year List: 151
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Monday 16th May
Summary: Not too much movement today, although one or two birds sneaking in, whilst the lingering list was good for arriving birders. The forecasts are mixed for the next while, but there is at least some hope of some easterlies soon...
Weather: W3-5 but calming by the evening, patchy drizzle throughout the day.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: the male at Burkle in the morning then Kenaby later
Red-backed Shrike: a single male and female remaining
Bluethroat: a single male at Haa and then Utra
Hawfinch: the female still around the traps and roaming as far as Schoolton
'Blue-headed Wagtail': a male at South Greens

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
9 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon (first of the month), Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Kestrel, 173 Oystercatcher (highest count of the month), 4 Golden Plover, Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6 Black-headed Gull, 2 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 4 Carrion Crow (and 5 migrant Hooded Crows), 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, Wood Warbler (still at Kirki Geo), 14 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 1 Redstart, Whinchat, 196 Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin, 3 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
A Common Gull nest was found with a single egg in the south-east of the island

Year List: 151
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Sunday 15th May
Summary: after a grey and damp start, which was enlivened by a Crane heading north, the weather improved and a very pleasant Sunday was had by all. A lot of the guests took advantage of the Lighthouse and Museum being opened specially, whilst the Wardening team carried on with the regular census, ringing and monitoring work and a few other odd jobs that were best done in fine weather.
Weather: W2-3, total cloud cover at first, but decreasing. Rain early morning, but clearing to sunny spells.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Woodchat Shrike: the male still in the south of the island
Crane: flew north over Buness at 7.50am and was seen again briefly near North Light before heading north-east out to sea (therefore apparently heading for Scandinavia rather than Shetland, which was clearly visible at the time) at 10.10am
Red-backed Shrike: 5 (2 males and 3 females, two of the latter were new arrivals)
Bluethroat: 3 (a male and two females), all of which were lingering birds
Hawfinch: the female still around the traps
Corncrake: one seen again at Lower Leogh

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
9 Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrel, 149 Oystercatcher (highest count of the month), 5 Golden Plover, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 26 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 3 Rook (first of the month), 10 Carrion Crow (and 4 migrant Hooded Crows), Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 4 House Martin, Wood Warbler (one in Kirki Geo), 14 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Fieldfare, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 11 Redstart, Whinchat, 200 Wheatear, 8 White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail (first of the month), 8 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Bonxies have probably been incubating for at least three days, but the first egg was discovered today

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (in Muckle Uri Geo)

Year List: 151
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Saturday 14th May
Summary: No sign of the Calandra, but a new rarity despite the unpromising conditions. A calmer day tomorrow might encourage a few more things to move.
Weather: N or NW 4-5, very cloudy with a light shower early on and moderate/good visibility

HIGHLIGHTS:
RED-THROATED PIPIT: a rather dull-throated (therefore presumably female), but still rather smart individual was found late morning on Meoness
Woodchat Shrike: still present and roaming the area from Quoy to Utra
Red-backed Shrike: 4 (two males and a female), all presumably lingering birds
Bluethroat: 3; a pair (both ringed) at the Obs and a male at Haa (all lingering birds)
Hawfinch: the female was retrapped in the Plantation (where it was found to have gained 8 grams since yesterday!) and later seen at Haa

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
9 Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (both males), Slavonian Grebe (South Haven), 3 Kestrel, Merlin (male), 7 Golden Plover, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Dunlin, 11 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 3 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 3 Carrion Crow, 11 Swallow, House Martin, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 5 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 6 White Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, Snow Bunting.

Year List: 151
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Friday 13th May
Summary: whilst the cold start and poor wind direction may have made it seem like the day was going to unlucky, it turned out to be far from it, with a pre-breakfast BB rarity found in the recent hotspot of the far south-west Utra/Leogh corner. There were clearly few new migrants, but despite that, the addition of a quality bird or two to support the impressive lingering cast made for another good Fair Isle day.
Weather: NNW3/4, cloudy with a few sunny spells, but cool.

HIGHLIGHTS:
CALANDRA LARK: still present around Leogh (and tempting a few twitchers!)
RUSTIC BUNTING: a very smart male found at Lower Leogh in the morning and seen in the evening at Haa
Woodchat Shrike:
the male still present, usually in the Meadow Burn area, although quite flighty
Red-breasted Flycatcher: an adult male in Hesti Geo in the afternoon
Red-backed Shrike:
4 (two males and two females), probably all lingering birds
Bluethroat: 3 (males in South Harbour and Barkland and a female at the Obs were all possibly lingering birds)
Hawfinch: a female around the Obs was later trapped at the Plantation
'Grey-headed Wagtail': male at Schoolton, presumably the bird from the relocating down the island

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
9 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (a pair, the first seen this month), Kestrel, Merlin, Golden Plover, 3 Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 4 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, House Martin, 10 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, 6 Redstart, Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher, 7 White Wagtail, Tree Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Ringed Plover chicks in the Wirvie Burn

Year List: 150
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12th May
Summary: a much quieter day, with a large number of migrants leaving, although for the couple of people who came in for a day-trip, the all important migrant (perhaps surprisingly) stayed put.
Weather: NNW2/3 increasing 4/5 later, largely cloudy and visibility moderate at times. Cooler than recent days.

HIGHLIGHTS:
CALANDRA LARK: still present around Leogh and showing well
Woodchat Shrike: again seen roaming around the south of the island
Red-backed Shrike: 5; two males (including a male trapped and ringed) and three females
Bluethroat: 4; two males and two females
Corncrake: one at Lower Leogh (first of the year)
'Grey-headed Wagtail': male still commuting between the Havens and Buness

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
7 Greylag Goose, Teal, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, 3 Kestrel, Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper (one flew north over Setter in the evening), 5 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, House Martin, 9 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, 7 Redstart, Whinchat, 190 Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, 10 White Wagtail, 5 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife: Red Admiral

Year List: 149
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11th May
Summary: another glorious day, with everything seeming very much right with the world and (for once) the football didn't spoil the atmosphere (but for the sake of our many friends of the Geordie persuasion, I'll leave it at that). The birding had been pretty impressive already, but a late Woodchat (which flew across the road in front of a happy warden who was on the phone trying to arrange a lift to watch the football) capped things off nicely. With the weather about to change (more northerly winds are forecast), will that be it for this very impressive little spell, or will we get a classic 'shift-in the wind' surprise.
Weather: ENE3-4, some cloud, but largely sunny although there was an offshore haze.

HIGHLIGHTS:
CALANDRA LARK: still present and showing well between Utra and Leogh
Woodchat Shrike: a stunning male was found just after 7pm at Nether Taft, although it was very mobile
Ortolan: a female at Barkland
Nightingale: one in North Gunnawark eventually made its way down the Hill Dyke
Red-backed Shrike: 5 (four males and a female) present around the island
Bluethroat: 4; three males (Obs, Vastrass and Utra), and a female (Hesti)
Wryneck: still present in Furse
'Grey-headed Wagtail': male in the Havens

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
7 Greylag Goose (most of the wintering flock has now gone), Teal, Tufted Duck (male still present), Grey Heron, 5 Kestrel, Merlin, 3 Golden Plover, Purple Sandpiper, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Woodpigeon, 3 Short-eared Owl, 6 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 4 House Martin, Wood Warbler (Gorsons Geo; first of the year), 18 Chiffchaff, 15 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler (trapped in Plantation), 4 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 16 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 15 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, Stonechat (female in the Parks), 202 Wheatear, 8 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Dunnock, 11 Pied Wagtail, 7 White Wagtail (and 7 other alba wagtails), 4 Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 4 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife: Red Admiral

Year List: 147
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10th May
Summary: It's hard to know where to start, with a beautiful sunny day, migrants around the whole island (not huge numbers, but a good variety) and texts seemingly arriving every 20 minutes or so by the afternoon as news on bird after bird came in. Despite the lovely weather, the plane didn't make it from Tingwall as fog in Shetland saw it cancelled (although the Good Shepherd did sail) and by late afternoon the fog travelled south and reached us, totally changing the feel of the day (in fact, it was hard to believe the morning and evening were the same day). An attempt to confirm the subspecific identity of one of the Subalpine Warblers was moderately successful, so a casual wander around a small part of SW saw 'Zen Birding' score its first major bird of the year, when a Mega (the Birdguides red exclamation marks getting their first airing on the island this year) was almost stumbled upon at Utra, before an even Megarer (in Fair Isle terms at least) bird flew in and landed next to it....
Weather: SE or E 3/4 increasing 5 at times later, sunny at first but fog rolled in from 3pm (although started clearing late in the evening).

HIGHLIGHTS:
CALANDRA LARK: Fair Isle's sixth record of this bulky beast was found just after 5pm near Utra Scrape, where it proceeded to show as it grubbed around in the grass. With two previous records from late April, and singles on 13th, 16th and 22nd May, this record is fairly typical in its timing.
Little Ringed Plover: amazingly, within a minute or so of the Calandra being found, a Little Ringed Plover flew in and landed on Utra scrape, with both species viewable in the same binocular view at times. Only the fourth Fair Isle record and the first since 1979, so a more popular bird wth the Fair Isle listers than the Calandra .
'Eastern Subalpine Warbler': a male in South Naaversgill
'Western Subalpine Warbler': two; females at Easter Lother and Utra
Subalpine Warbler sp?: the fourth Subalp of the day was a female seen briefly at Lower Stoneybrek late in the evening
Red-backed Shrike: two; males at Meadow Burn and Charlie's Trees
Bluethroat: four; males at Quoy, Meadow Burn, Vaadal (trapped and ringed) and Lerness (a ringed bird, presumably the bird caught on 8th at the Obs).
Wryneck: one in Furse
Marsh Harrier: a female lingered in the south of the island during the afternoon
'Blue-headed Wagtail': the male still present in the Havens (with a flava wagtail flying over Homisdale probably Grey-headed)

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pintail (a female flushed from Buness was the first of the year), Tuftedn Duck, Grey Heron, Hen Harrier (a ringtail seen early morning only), 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Merlin, 5 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 48 Arctic Tern, 5 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl (including one seen heading high north off Roskillie), 5 Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 21 Chiffchaff, 16 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 19 Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler (Obs), 10 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 10 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 7 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 221 Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife: 4 Red Admiral (first of the year)

Year List: 143
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9th May
Summary: a brilliant day, with plenty of new migrants, including some scarcities, sunshine (another short-sleeved census day) and just an all-round pleasure to be out and about. Plenty of species recorded their highest count of the year so far, with hopefully more still to come looking at the forecast...
Weather: SE3, sunshine and warm.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'Western Subalpine Warbler': a remarkable day, with a male trapped at the Plantation just after breakfast (which was later heard singing at the Obs) then a female trapped in the Gully
Wryneck: one in Field Ditch, the first of the year
Hawfinch: one touring the crofts
Bluethroat: a male near Nether Taft
'Grey-headed Wagtail': a male in the Havens
'Blue-headed Wagtail': the male still present in the Havens

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
7 Greylag Goose (a continued decline), 2 Cormorant, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 6 Golden Plover, 25 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Dunlin, 10 Whimbrel, 8 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 5 Carrion Crow, 36 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 39 Chiffchaff, 19 Willow Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 19 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, 11 Spotted Flycatcher (first of the year), 4 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, Stonechat (female on top of Ward Hill), 190 Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher (male in South Naaversgill and female in Tineside; first of the year), Dunnock (on top of the alpine like habitat of Ward Hill), Tree Sparrow, 12 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, flava wagtail (one over South Harbour), 9 Tree Pipit, Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer (a male trapped at the Plantation; first of the year), Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds: Razorbill egg in Dog Geo

Year List: 139
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8th May
Summary: Poor visibility at first (not quite the famous Fair Isle gale-force fog, but still pretty impressive), but as it cleared it was obvious that some birds had arrived. There weren't big numbers, but the variety was impressive, with birds appearing throughout the day and hinting at more good stuff to come.
Weather: NE5/6 with fog that cleared throughout the day, during which time the wind swung more to the SE and eased somewhat.

HIGHLIGHTS:
'Eastern Subalpine Warbler': a female found just before dinner at the Mast that then roamed around the Ward Hill area. The initial photographs appeared to show a 'Western' type tail pattern, but further examination of better images taken later show a tell-tale white wedge on the second outer-most tail feather (T5), although it was also obvious that some tail feathers were being regrown (and one or two may be missing).
Bluethroat: three males found today, with singles at Walli Burn, the Obs and Midway
Short-toed Lark: what was presumably the lingering bird was seen in the evening at Quoy
'Blue-headed Wagtail': a male in the Havens in the afternoon

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Tufted Duck (male), Grey Heron, Kestrel, 147 Oystercatcher (including a flock of 50 at Shirva), 7 Golden Plover, 6 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 23 Common Gull, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Woodpigeon, 4 Collared Dove, [Long-eared Owl - found dead in Obs garden], Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Swallow, 18 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, 5 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, Song Thrush, 3 Robin, Redstart, Whinchat (one near Utra was the first of the year), 209 Wheatear, Tree Sparrow, 14 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail (male in South Harbour), 3 Tree Pipit, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit' (a smart individual at South Light), Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 3 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin, Linnet, 4 Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 135
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7th May
Summary: Happy Birthday Grace! Census was a bit windier than ideal, and rather cool at times, but still some new birds (and plenty to come hopefully!), whilst the day finished with a 'Desert island' themed party at the Obs.
Weather: NNW2/3 increasing 4/5, quite cloudy.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Bluethroat: a female in the Field Ditch
Dotterel: a male on Lerness (first of the year)

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Tufted Duck (male), 2 Great Northern Diver, 11 Golden Plover, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 17 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, Cuckoo (one singing at stackhoull; first of the year), Long-eared Owl (oiled bird still at Obs), 7 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, 11 Swallow, 27 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, Garden Warbler (one in Gilsetter; first of the year), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, 4 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, Redwing, 3 Robin, Black Redstart (Burkle), Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, 2 White Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, 5 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife: a Hebrew Character caught overnight in the trap - the first moth of the year

Year List: 133
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6th May
Summary: a fantastic day! Good weather (short sleeves for census and sunburn as a result), with birds in. The nets and traps were relatively busy, there were migrants dotted around the whole island, good numbers of hirundines and the year list took a significant leap, with a number of common migrants noted for the first time. Not only is the forecast looking extremely good, but birds have started arriving nearby (Utsira had at least two 'Eastern Subalpine Warblers' today), so we're expecting good things from tomorrow. Tomorrow is also Grace's birthday (with a party at the Obs in the evening) and a rather crucial day in the football, so it'll be busy all round (although I suspect the least I get to hear about the football the better).
Weather: sunny and mild, with a light SW wind becoming more SE later.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-rumped Swallow: still present around Hesti where it showed very well with an increasing number of other hirundines
Short-toed Lark: the elusive and wide-ranging individual was seen again, this time on Brecks

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Sparrowhawk (female, first of the month), Peregrine (female, first of the month), 22 Purple Sandpiper, 9 Dunlin, 11 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 15 Arctic Tern (first of the year), 17 Woodpigeon (highest count of the month), 5 Collared Dove (highest count of the month), Long-eared Owl (still at the Obs), Short-eared Owl, 33 Carrion Crow (along with 6 migrant Hooded Crow), Goldcrest, 21 Sand Martin (highest count of the year), 98 Swallow (highest count of the year), 14 House Martin (highest count of the year), 17 Chiffchaff (highest count of the month), 10 Willow Warbler (highest count since 12th April), 7 Blackcap (highest count since 4th April), 5 Lesser Whitethroat ( (highest count of the year), Grasshopper Warbler (one trapped at Double Dyke in the evening was the first of the year), 3 Sedge Warbler (highest count of the year), Reed Warbler (one at Chalet in the evening was the first of the year), 2 Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, 6 Robin, Redstart (female trapped in Double Dyke), 221 Wheatear (highest count of the month), 3 Dunnock, 2 Tree Sparrow (Obs and Schoolton, first of the year), 10 White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail (male in the Walli Burn; first of the year), 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Chaffinch (first of the month), 3 Brambling, 4 Goldfinch ( (highest count of the year), 7 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll (including a Dutch-ringed bird; the only previous foreign-ringed redpolls caught on Fair Isle were a Belgium bird in 1980 and a Norwegian-ringed Common Redpoll in 2013), 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Year List: 129
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5th May
Summary: a bright and sunny day, although a decent wind continued to make conditions blustery around the cliffs. Never mind the weather though, the important thing was that there were birds! It wasn't a huge number, but some light hirundine passage and an increasing number of warblers appearing through the day was a promising start to some rather conditions that are forecast.
Weather: SSW5-7, decreasing later. Mostly sunny, although some cloud appearing later and visibility moderate at sea.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Red-rumped Swallow: the tenth island record involved one found feeding between Hesti Geo and Utra scrape at 11am. It lingered in the area until at least 1.30pm but wasn't present later in the afternoon. All bar one of the previous records have been in the spring, with records in 1906 (Britain's first), 1976 (2), 1987 (the only autumn record), 2000, 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2012. Although this was the first day with hirundine passage, it really was rather light, so this was a bit of a surprise.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
28 Greylag Goose, 4 Teal, 10 Golden Plover, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, Common Sandpiper, 72 Turnstone, 12 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Long-eared Owl (an oiled bird at the Obs was presumably the lingering individual), Short-eared Owl, 43 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 11 Swalllow, 2 House Martin, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat (Wester Lother), Whitethroat (Wirvie), 2 Sedge Warbler (one at Lower Stoneybrek was the first of the year, with another in the Wirvie later), 2 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 2 Robin, Black Redstart (Burkle), 198 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail, Tree Pipit, 2 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch (North Shirva), 3 Siskin, Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll', 2 Lesser Redpoll (at Obs; first of the year), Snow Bunting (male on Buness), Lapland Bunting (Wester Lother, the first of the year), Reed Bunting.

Year List: 124
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May the 4th (be with you)
Summary: Star Wars day failed to bring any visitors from galaxies far, far away, although there was an addition to the year list. A few gulls were on the move and several migrants were relocated from a couple of days ago, but there was little new to add. The weather caused the afternoon plane to be cancelled, but we have one more day of strong southerlies (which definitely have potential, before the wind starts getting a more easterly element - the forecast for the weekend is looking particularly exciting).
Weather: S4-6 (strongest in the afternoon), largely cloudy, with showers from late morning carrying on through the afternoon.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Short-toed Lark: in Boini Mire
Hawfinch: female lingering at Brecks

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 49 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 122 Oystercatcher, 10 Golden Plover, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit (one dropped into Da Water, the first of the year), 7 Whimbrel, 89 Turnstone, 5 Black-headed Gull, 22 Common Gull, 22 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 11 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl (Wester Lother), 34 Carrion Crow (and one hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow), Goldcrest, Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat (Upper Leogh), Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush (including one singing at Obs), 3 Redwing, 6 Robin, Redstart (male at Meadow Burn), 170 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 5 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 336 Meadow Pipit, 2 Brambling, 6 Siskin, Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Year List: 120
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3rd May
Summary: windier than expected, with a distinct lack of much new feeling as we went around, although a few finches were on the move. Shetland certainly raised the tempo of the spring a bit with Rose-breasted Grosbeak, that will take some beating, but who knows what could be coming up in the next few days...
Weather: S5-6, showers.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: female still present and ranging widely

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 52 Greylag Goose, 18 Golden Plover, 2 Sanderling, 16 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Black-headed Gull, 38 Common Gull, 13 Woodpigeon, 38 Carrion Crow (and one hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow), 2 Swallow, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Blackbird, 18 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail, 263 Meadow Pipit, 2 Brambling, 9 Siskin, Linnet (male at the Obs).

Breeding Birds: a distinct lack of Guillemots on the cliffs, as the auks have not settled yet.

Year List: 119
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2nd May
Summary: that's more like it - after another poor start delayed census, but then a sunny late afternoon in the field revealed a few new birds. The planes were delayed (due to low cloud at Tingwall), but flew later in the morning. There's definitely a spring in the step with the end of the northerlies, migrants coming in and easterlies forecast from the weekend. Anyone fancying taking a punt on an early May rarity or two should remember that we're still in the early-spring discount (£55 per person per night full board, or £35 pppn if you're under 26) and there are a few rooms free.
Weather: SSW4/5 decreasing 3, with heavy rain in the morning clearing by mid-afternoon and the sun coming out and turning the day into a rather pleasant one.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Short-toed Lark: a flighty individual at Setter was later seen briefly at Barkland and then Quoy.
Hawfinch: female still present and ranging widely

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 108 Oystercatcher, Dunlin (the first since January), Woodcock (one in the Wirvie), 5 Whimbrel, 10 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (the male still present on the Vaadal), 33 Carrion Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap (highest count since 11th April), Lesser Whitethroat (one at Lower Leogh; first of the year), 2 Blackbird, 22 Fieldfare (highest count since 16th April), 5 Song Thrush, 7 Robin, Redstart (male at Midway, the seconde of the year), 195 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 4 White Wagtail, 15 Pied Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit (highest count of the year so far), 367 Meadow Pipit (highest count of the year so far), 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin, Redpoll sp., Reed Bunting.

Year List: 119
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1st May
Summary: the weather domintaed the day
Weather: SW becoming SE 5/6 decreasing 3, cloudy with heavy rain throughout the morning, although clearing later on.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: a female at Brecks, Schoolton and the Gully.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, Red-throated Diver, 6 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, Collared Dove (the first since 19th April), Long-eared Owl (a male trapped in the Vaadal), 3 Swallow, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wagtail, Siskin, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 117
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30th April
Summary: a rather early start to make the most of the weather, with the nets open from just after 5am and then a Breeding Bird Survey in the sunshine. A few new migrants were noted, but mostly it was a day for enjoying a fine walk and plenty of birds in song or displaying. It was just about good enough to tempt the Parnaby family into the water in the afternoon, but not for long. The Obs dingy (the mighty 'Seahawk') made its debut in a lamb rescue in what was generally a very nice day all round.
Weather: W2 backing southerly and increasing 4/5. Dry and generally sunny.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: a female trapped and ringed at the Obs at 0630hrs, but not seen again. It flew into the net just above head height as a Robin was being extracted from the bottom shelf in the last net round before closing them. The 5th Hawfinch of the spring so far and the third to be ringed.
Marsh Harrier: seen again at around 0740hrs in Ferny Cup before moving up over Swey.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 59 Greylag Goose, Sparrowhawk (female), Water Rail (a ringed bird in the Plantation wasn't trapped but was presumably the individual caught on 14th), 9 Lapwing (including one obvious migrant at North Light), 12 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Woodpigeon, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Swallow, 11 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 175 Wheatear, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, 2 Brambling (including a 'new' female trapped and ringed), 3 Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Shag on eggs in Mavers Geo.

Year List: 117
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29th April
Summary: a few more birds on the move, although the weather favoured the 'big stuff', with the highlight of the day a large raptor.
Weather: NE 4/5, becoming N and easing. Cloudy spells but sunny at times, with several large showers again skirting round the island.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Marsh Harrier: a 'cream-crown' seen heading north-east across the island gained height over Ward Hill and appeared to be heading to Shetland before reappearing at lunchtime in Homisdale.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 56 Greylag Goose (but no sign of the 3 wintering Barnacle Geese), Sparrowhawk (female), Merlin, Peregrine (an oiled female), Sanderling, 25 Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper (South Harbour then Utra; first of the year), 'commic' Tern (one flew north in the evening), 2 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (the oiled individual that has been present since 10th April was retrapped in the Gully), 7 Carrion Crow, 3 Goldcrest, Swallow, 18 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare (the highest count since 17th April), 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 19 Robin, 206 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail (along with 16 Pied and 3 unidentified alba wagtails), 2 Tree Pipit,'Scandinavian Rock Pipit' (Dronger), 3 Chaffinch, Brambling (male singing briefly in Plantation), 2 Linnet (both males), Reed Bunting (a male at the Obs).

Breeding Birds: Oystercatchers on eggs. Arctic Skuas starting to return in greater numbers, with at least 9 present today including displaying birds.

Year List: 117
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28th April
Summary: a lovely day, with sunshine and some warmth at last, with the few showers that were around skirting past the island. Not a lot of birds moving yet, but a couple of additions to the year list were welcome (and several species recorded their highest counts for over a week). With easterlies set to continue through the night, there's a chance of some more arrivals, whilst the weather looks fairly pleasant tomorrow and rather calm on Saturday, which could also help some more migrants start to move. Looks like a bit of a run of westerlies after that, which isn't so promising, but we'll still be out there and I bet there'll still be a few things to be found.
Weather: E2/3 increasing later. Cloudy spells with prolonged sunny intervals.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
77 Greylag Goose (the first real sign of a clear out of the wintering flock), 3 Barnacle Goose, Hen Harrier (a ringtail circling Homisdale at lunchtime; first of the year), Merlin, 103 Oystercatcher, 11 Golden Plover, Sanderling (a mobile bird on the south coast; first of the year), 6 Whimbrel, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Black-headed Gull, 37 Common Gull, Woodpigeon, 7 Carrion Crow, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Swallow, 21 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Ring Ouzel (all other thrushes present in single figures only), 19 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 176 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, 7 White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, 2 Linnet (the Shetland-ringed male was joined by a female, who had been ringed at the same site 27 days before him!), Redpoll sp.

Breeding Birds: the auks are starting to look a bit more settled, with Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs all day creating a wonderful skirling background buzz and plenty of Puffins around. Shags still seem very reluctant to really make a start at nesting, but hopefully they are just late this year. Bonxies are establishing territories all over the hill as well, so hopefully it won't be too long now until there is egg-news to report from some species.

Year List: 115
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27th April
Summary: Starting to get better, with the 'Highlights' section of the latest sightings making its first apeparance for a while, and the weather calm enough to see the mistnets opened for the first time in a fortnight. Not a lot of variety in the days sightings, but a few species making their first appearance in a little while and some higher counts as some birds started moving.
Weather: NNE3, cloudy at first but clearing, although intermittent hail showers throughout the day.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: a male at the Obs, which was later caught and ringed. It was found to be carrying plenty of fat and weighed in at 69.8g (a whopping 18.3g heavier than the previous Hawfinch ringed this spring at the Obs), leading to Birdguides to refer to it as a 'rotund male'!

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, 2 Merlin, 11 Golden Plover, Jack Snipe, Whimbrel, Arctic Skua, Black-headed Gull, 2 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, 2 Swallow, 15 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 10 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 5 Song Thrushe, 8 Redwing, 13 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 147 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 6 White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 244 Meadow Pipit (highest count of the year so far), Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Linnet (Shetland-ringed male still present), Snow Bunting (female), Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 113
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26th April
Summary: Another day ravaged by the weather, but as things started to improve in the afternoon renewed hope started to course through our binoculars, not least given the forecast for easterlies to start appearing from tomorrow evening. We've waited patiently (mostly) for things to improve, so hopefully it could be about to go big before the week is out. Planes did at least make it in today after yesterday's cancellations, although the Good Shepherd was never going to manage given the sea state. Hopefully tomorrow could see the calmer weather bringing all sorts of improvements.
Weather: NNW4-6, decreasing 3/4, cloudy spells producing some bitter wintry showers, remaining cold.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Merlin, 12 Golden Plover, 2 Woodpigeon, Rook, 5 Carrion Crow (along with 6 presumed migrant Hooded Crows), Goldcrest, Swallow, 14 Chiffchaff, Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 11 Robin, Black Redstart (the long-staying male at Aesterhoull), 3 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Linnet, Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 113
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25th April
Summary: Things can only get better.
Weather: NNW6-7 (gusting stronger), frequent, heavy wintry showers, cold.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 15 Golden Plover, 3 Carrion Crow (along with 3 presumed migrant Hooded Crows), Snow Bunting.

Year List: 113
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24th April
Summary: another day of cold showers and breezy conditions, with a rather familiar feel to the birds - although many of the totals are very similar to yesterday, I can confirm that we did actually go out and not just sit in the warmth and guess that it would be more or less the same birds present! That said, we could probably draw a map showing you where each Robin, Blackbird, flock of Skylarks etc is at the moment, as there hasn't been an awful lot of change in recent days. It was tempting to put Orlando's roast gammon Sunday lunch in the highlights (or the battling point Sunderland picked up against Arsenal!), but sadly that section remains blank today. Tomorrow is likely to be a wash-out as far as census, and probably transport, goes (it certainly looks like things are getting worse before they get better), but from Wednesday there looks like some calmer conditions on the way, with the chance of some easterly by the end of the week and a hint of south-easterlies at the weekend, which would potentially be a perfect start to May...
Weather: SW3 veering and increasing NW6, frequent wintry showers in the morning, generally brighter and drier in the afternoon, although still a little rain around.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 141 Greylag (numbers still remaining high as they presumably wait for a shift in the wind), 3 Barnacle Goose, 4 Teal, Cormorant, Merlin, 12 Golden Plover, 47 Purple Sandpiper (minimum count as the flock spends most of its time at the back of Skerries of South Light), 136 Turnstone, 4 Woodpigeon, 2 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff, Blackcap (male still in Furse), 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 13 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 69 Wheatear, 2 Dunnock, 2 White Wagtail, Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Linnet (the Shetland-ringed male still present), Snow Bunting (just the female seen from the pair that had been lingering since early April).

Year List: 113
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23rd April
Summary: Brr, that was somewhat chilly. Not much to indicate movement, although with one big (in the literal sense) surprise arrival. At last though, there is a little bit of hope in the forecast... It looks like next weekend may see more southerly (perhaps even south-easterly) winds, which could well bring a backlog of migrants. It's still a long way off, so it's perhaps more of a guess than a forecast, but we'll take that for now.
Weather: NNW 5, with frequent wintry showers throughout the morning, heavy at times. The afternoon a bit brighter and slightly milder, although the whole day was distinctly chilly and not very lamb-friendly.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Crane: one flew in from the north east at 1145am, arriving over Fair Isle at Brecks then circling high and heading south. Presumably the bird recorded over Noss yesterday, it is the 35th Crane to be seen on Fair Isle.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Wigeon (the first of the month), 3 Teal, blue Fulmar (off Skadan), Merlin, Peregrine, Water Rail, 18 Golden Plover, Whimbrel, 102 Turnstone, Arctic Skua (first of the year), Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow (also 7 migrant Hooded Crows), 20 Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 4 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 13 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 94 Wheatear, 3 Dunnock, 4 White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Brambling, Linnet (the male still present), 2 Snow Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 113
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22nd April
Summary: a rather nice, sunny day, still a bit on the cool side, but very pleasant to be out and about. An almost complete lack of new migrants wasn't that surprising giving the continued unfavourable winds but the day wasn't without its high points, not least the girls getting out to see the Puffins coming in to their colonies for the first time this year.
Weather: NNW3-4, mosly sunny and dry.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 3 Teal, Water Rail, 2 Golden Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 7 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (retrapped in the Gully), Rook, 5 Carrion Crow (also at least one migrant Raven and Hooded Crow), 2 Goldcrest, 29 Chiffchaff, Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 15 Robin, Black Redstart (the long-staying male at Aesterhoull), 110 Wheatear, 4 Dunnock, White Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, Linnet (a male trapped in the Plantation had been ringed as a juvenile last year on Shetland, the third time a Shetland-ringed Linnet has been caught on Fair Isle, all since 2013, which is no doubt related to the relatively recent colonisation of Shetland by this species. Interesting, despite there being over 7,000 more Twite than Linnet caught on Fair Isle, none of them have ever been confirmed as making the same movement - although they surely must do so), 2 Snow Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 111
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21st April
Summary: cold winds and few new birds, with migration almost stopped in its tracks by the current weather systems. It's still early though and I'm sure it will come good soon(ish)...
Weather: WNW 4-5, a few showers, but largely bright but cool.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 6 Teal, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine (immature female), 107 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 17 Lapwing, 54 Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel, 6 Woodpigeon, Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Sand Martin, Swallow, 31 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap (male in Furse, the first record since 12th April and a rare sign of migration), Ring Ouzel, 2 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 15 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 153 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, White Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch (both 'new' females trapped in the Plantation, in what has been a decent spring for the species - no big counts, but plenty of turnover), 3 Brambling, 2 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 111
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20th April
Summary: some busy early trap rounds gave hope of a decent arrival, although census failed to really live up to the early promise, despite still being touched with optimism. A large arrival of Wheatears was evident though and more birds were trapped in the afternoon, mostly of a decent weight suggesting either things relocating on the island, or perhaps having just made a short hop north. Not much optimism in the forecast though as it seems northerly winds are set to dominate for the next week.
Weather: SW 3-5, largely dry, although a couple of bitter shows swept through in the early afternoon.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 6 Teal, 99 Oystercatcher (an increase noted, with a few more migrant birds dotted about), 4 Golden Plover, 89 Purple Sandpiper (a rather high spring count), 109 Turnstone, 21 Black-headed Gull, 34 Common Gull, Woodpigeon, 5 Carrion Crow, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Swallow (including one seen heading south from a yacht seven miles south of Fair Isle!), House Martin, 46 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 11 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 38 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 235 Wheatear (a big increase from yesterday!), 9 Dunnock, 7 White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 195 Meadow Pipit (the highest count since 10th April), 2 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Siskin (the male in the Obs was in song), Linnet, 63 Twite (including three new birds ringed, suggesting a small arrival as catches recently have consisted almost entirely of retraps), 2 Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Large numbers of Puffins ashore all day (after being largely absent yesterday) and good numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs.
Bonxies are returning in larger numbers as well, with just short of 100 estimated today (up from 37 yesterday), mostly in their northern breeding areas.

Other wildlife:
2 Common Seal

Year List: 111
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19th April
Summary: back out in the field after yesterday's poor weather, and it appeared that there had been a bit more of a clear out of migrants (thrushes and Brambling in particular seem to have moved on, or blown away yesterday perhaps), although one or two new birds did arrive. With the blustery conditions, things were generally keeping their heads down as well and it was noticeable that there was very little activity on the cliffs, with very few auks about and most Shags not even on their ledges, let alone considering starting to breed.
Weather: WNW5/6 at first but decreasing later. Dry with sunny spells.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Whooper Swan (the first record since 1st April), Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 6 Teal, Sparrowhawk (Obs), Golden Plover, 47 Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel (two north over Schoolton in the evening - the first of the year), 6 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove (first record since 3rd April), Long-eared Owl (trapped in the Gully then roosted all day in the Obs garden), Carrion Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 35 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 30 Robin, Black Redstart (male still at Aesterhoull), 36 Wheatear, 5 Dunnock, White Wagtail, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit' (Hesti Geo), 4 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, Siskin, Linnet (male), 3 Snow Bunting (the pair near Da Water that have been present most of the month and a male on Lerness), Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
2 Common Seal - Bob and his girlfriend (?) back in South Harbour after hiding for four days.

Year List: 111
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18th April
Summary: move along, nothing to see here.
Weather: westerly gale, frequent heavy showers.

Year List: 110
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17th April
Summary: the first day for a while where a real decrease in migrant numbers was noted, the change in wind direction possibly being enough to encourage some stuff to leave, although the strong wind also meant that things were clearly keeping their heads down (and presumably some of the earlier-arriving migrants may well now be regretting that decision. Although it has been a very nice start to the spring, the dwindling number of birds looks unlikely to be significantly added to any time soon as a spell of strong westerly winds gives way to a week of northerlies (although that forecast could change of course). So, whilst census may be a bit of a slog for the next wee while, we can't help but wonder whether there'll be a deluge of birds to come when (if?) the weather does change to something more conducive for migration. We did at least manage the first year-tick for five days today.
Weather: SW or WSW 6-7, quite cloudy with fairly regular wintry showers, heavy at times, although some sunnier spells. Rather chilly around the extremities.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 139 Greylag Goose (numbers have remained consistently around the 140 mark for the last week as birds wait for favourable winds before departing), 3 Barnacle Goose, Red-throated Diver (one flying past the Skadan was the first of the year), 80 Oystercatcher (another consistent figure for most of the month, largley involving birds that will attempt to breed on the Isle), 3 Golden Plover, 15 Purple Sandpiper, 57 Turnstone, 27 Bonxie (a slight increase as birds return to the breeding areas), 67 Common Gull (including some light passage), 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull (highest count of the year so far), 5 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (still in the Plantation), 8 Goldcrest, Swallow, 35 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel (all other thrushes recorded in smaller numbers), 40 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 29 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, White Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 11 Brambling, Siskin (male still on Obs feeders), 2 Reed Bunting.

Year List: 110
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16th April
Summary: another day with not much new really happening (although, as ever, a couple of birds did sneak in), but still pleasant enough to be out and about*, with plenty of birds in the sheltered spots. It looks like the forecast is still suggesting things will get gradually worse over the next couple of days, so we'll just have to see what happens, but I can't imagine it's going to bring a deluge of migrants any time soon (which surely means there'll be a heap arrive at once when the weather changes...).
*providing you weren't at the top of Hoini as a particularly vicious hail storm came through
Weather: WNW5, cloudy spells with some heavy, wintry showers, although also sunny spells. Generally cool.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: again present at Barkland.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Merlin, Black-headed Gull, Long-eared Owl (Vaadal and Plantation), Rook, 6 Goldcrest, Swallow, 62 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Ring Ouzel (one of the few species to show an increase in numbers today), 33 Blackbird, 29 Fieldfare, 25 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 65 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 27 Wheatear, 6 Dunnock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 22 Brambling, Siskin (a male at the Obs was a new arrival), Reed Bunting.

Year List: 109
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15th April
Summary: Not too much to indicate new birds, which was no surprise really given the weather. Still plenty of stuff to see though and some lovely census conditions, whilst Lee had a fairly productive day on his trap rounds (which also involved ringing Willow Warbler in the snow - you don't get that in Suffolk!). It looks like much of a muchness for the weekend, then perhaps an unpleasant day for Monday, which is meant to be the start of us being open to guests...
Weather: NNW4-5, cloudy at first with some impressivly blizzardy snow showers, but clearing to a fine, sunny census. Rain returned later in the evening though and the day was generally cool (although not too bad if you kept moving!).

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present, ranging as far north as the Plantation at one point.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 51 Snipe, 26 Bonxie, 30 Common Gull, 15 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (probably the same bird as seen earlier in the week was in the Plantation), 11 Goldcrest, 3 Swallow, 87 Chiffchaff (small groups had gathered in several sheltered areas contributing to the high total, which equals the record count of 13th), 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 31 Blackbird, 41 Fieldfare, 35 Song Thrush, 16 Redwing, 91 Robin, 6 Black Redstart (including one trapped in Double Dyke), Stonechat (a female trapped in Double Dyke), 68 Wheatear, 14 Dunnock, 6 White Wagtail (also 17 Pied and 3 alba wagtails), Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 27 Brambling, Mealy Redpoll (the lingering male around the Plantation), 3 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Year List: 109
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14th April
Summary: it generally felt like there was a similar spread of birds about, although the wind continued to make parts of the island less attractive. A drive down the island in the evening to pick up the kids produced quite a few birds by the roadside, perhaps things that had been moved off the cliffs as the wind changed - or perhaps a sign of a few more things arriving... Tomorrow now has a 'Yellow warning' of snow for Shetland, hardly ideal for the lambing season and nor is it likely to be productive for birds, although we hope if we keep talking about Gyr Falcon, maybe it will happen...
Weather: NW becoming SW 2-3, cloudy at first but clearing a bit late, with some showers later on and the temperature starting to plummet...

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present, ranging as far north as the Plantation at one point.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (male), Merlin, Water Rail (obs), 22 Bonxies, 15 Woodpigeon, Rook, Carrion Crow, 9 Goldcrest, Swallow, 75 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 53 Blackbird (highest count of the month), 14 Fieldfare, 31 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 108 Robin, 7 Black Redstart, 33 Wheatear, 10 Dunnock, 9 White Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 29 Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 109
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13th April
Summary: Yesterday's late show of Robins did indeed indicate more birds in, nothing much new species-wise, but it still made for another really good day's birding with lots of common migrants flitting around the island. With the forecast now for northerly winds and cooler conditions (perhaps even a few wintry showers over the weekend) followed by some westerly winds, it looks like we've maybe had the best of this current spell, but it's been a lovely little early-spring bonus.
Weather: NE4-5, very cloudy at first but clearing later and remaining dry.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present, in the Barkland and Chalet area.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Kestrel (male), 27 Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe (Buness), Woodcock (Obs), 94 Common Gull, 15 Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow (Lerness), 19 Goldcrest, Swallow, 87 Chiffchaff (another increase and another spring record count), 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 43 Blackbird, 23 Fieldfare, 48 Song Thrush, 13 Redwing, 117 Robin (highest count of the year so far), 10 Black Redstart (a record count for Fair Isle in what has been a very good spring for the species, with the pair remaining at Quoy for the 8th day), 59 Wheatear, 7 Dunnock, 5 White Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 30 Brambling (although counts have declined slightly over the last couple of days, ringing shows that there has been some turnover of birds), Mealy Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Counts of the House Sparrow population indicated around 25-30 pairs.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 109
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12th April
Summary: similar to yesterday in both the weather and the birds, although obviously a few new bits in. An intriguing late trap round that produced six new Robins (all bar one weighing under 16g) hinted at perhaps some more arrivals later on, so tomorrow could be another interesting day. Terri arrived back for another spell as Domestic Assistant as the team slowly build up to full strength The sun appeared to have got to the Wardening team as they posed for the annual team picture photo-shoot, with some 'interesting' images obtained - if you buy Susannah a rum and coke when you visit she'll maybe show you some of the more entertaining ones that we'll not be using on the website. There are, however, pictures of some of today's highlights on the FIBO Facebook page www.facebook.com/fairislebirdobservatory.
Weather: ENE becoming more NE later, Force 3, only a little cloud, dry with good visibility.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present, although now at Field
Hawfinch: an exhausted male at Hesti Geo was presumably newly-arrived. It headed off towards Utra scrape, so was at least heading in the right direction for the Haa feeders.
Slavonian Grebe: a superb breeding-plumaged bird off Hesti Geo, the first of the year.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Merlin, Water Rail (Vaadal), 7 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (presumably the same bird for the third day, at the Chapel plantation), Carrion Crow (Lerness), 26 Goldcrest, 3 Swallow, House Martin (found dead in the Havens), 79 Chiffchaff (breaking the spring highest count record set yesterday!), 10 Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Ring Ouzel, 40 Blackbird, 28 Fieldfare, 44 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 56 Robin 6 Black Redstart, Redstart (male still at Leogh), 2 Stonechat (male and female), 43 Wheatear, 9 Dunnock, 7 White Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 32 Brambling, Siskin, 2 Linnet, 'Mealy Redpoll' (male trapped and ringed), Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Puffins on land in large numbers throughout the day for the first time.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 109
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11th April
Summary: a lovely day with sunshine and a cooling breeze (perfect census weather!) that kept most of the migrants on the west cliffs, although there were birds scattered across the island. Although things seemed a bit quiet at first, many species increased in numbers (with several recording their highest counts of the year so far) and it proved to be a very enjoyable day's birding. Ciaran didn't manage a birthday rarity (in fact there were no new scarcities or even additions to the year list), but the sun shone, there were plenty of things to see (and to ring, with the traps being busy with finches) and Orlando returned for his second year as cook, so it was another good day all round.
Weather: ENE3/4 with just a wee bit of cloud and good visibility.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present, although relocated to Da Water
Great Grey Shrike: still present at the Plantation, where it was seen unsuccessfully chasing a redpoll sp.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Cormorant, 3 Golden Plover, Green Sandpiper, 15 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (yesterday's bird relocated to Stackhoull then Lower Stoneybrek), 32 Goldcrest, 2 Swallow, 73 Chiffchaff (the highest ever spring count for Fair Isle, beating the previous record of 50 set in 1970, it also included the first ever French-ringed Chiffchaff to be caught on the Isle), 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 42 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 44 Song Thrush, 24 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, 74 Robin, 5 Black Redstart (including to new birds on the west cliffs and the pair still lingering around the crofts), Redstart (male still at Leogh), 40 Wheatear, 24 Dunnock, 8 White Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 36 Brambling, 2 Siskin, Redpoll sp? (one in flight at the Plantation), 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (2)

Year List: 108
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10th April
Summary: a really promising day, with a clear increase in several species and an increasing feeling of imminent rares. Remarkably, there were three more 'earliest-ever' records set today (taking the total to seven, plus one joint-earliest, so far this year), there can surely be very few occasions when that happens at a site with such a complete historic data set as Fair Isle. With such an unsual spring, it's tempting to wonder what tomorrow will bring; with birds clearly arriving throughout today and lighter easterly winds forecast, an early surprise doesn't seem to be out of the question - although another day of more common migrants and busy traps would be just as welcome.
Weather: E5, mostly cloudy but dry. Milder than yesterday and even rarer feeling.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: still present at Shirva, although more elusive.
Great Grey Shrike: seen briefly at the School; presumably the bird from earlier in the week reappearing.
Hawfinch: female still present at the Obs where it's been dominating the feeders somewhat.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Tufted Duck (a pair on Golden Water were the first since January), Merlin, Water Rail (a presumed migrant in the Obs garden), 4 Golden Plover, 21 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper (Da Water), 6 Black-headed Gull, 174 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl (a confiding bird roosting at Burkle), 24 Goldcrest, Swallow, 43 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, Whitethroat (one near Single Dyke in the afternoon was the earliest Fair Isle [and Shetland] record by a day, with the previous record being an undated one from before the establishment of the Observatory), Ring Ouzel, 26 Blackbird, 38 Fieldfare, 48 Song Thrush, 24 Redwing, 30 Robin, 5 Black Redstart, Redstart (a male at Lower Leogh was the earliest in FIBO history, although there are earlier records for the Isle quoted by Eagle Clarke, including one on 22nd March 1909 that Birds of Shetland considers 'best regarded as unsubstantiated' and others on 4th and 9th April), Stonechat (male at Leogh), 32 Wheatear, 18 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail (along with 15 Pied and alba wagtails), 2 Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit (the first of the year flew over Burkle and was relocated at Quoy; the earliest ever Fair Isle [and Shetland] record, breaking the previous pre-1963 record of 14th April), 231 Meadow Pipit, 'Scandinavian Rock Pipit' (one at South Harbour), 7 Chaffinch, 23 Brambling, Siskin (male trapped in Plantation), Linnet, Common Redpoll (one 'Mealy' Redpoll at Hjukni Geo), 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (2)

Year List: 108
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9th April
Summary: The easterly wind blew, and my wildly optimistic predictions from yesterday were proven to be exactly that. It was actually cold and very blustery, making the birding somewhat tricky, but it was clear that there had not been a large fall - although one or two arrivals did hint that maybe there could be a few more things out there.
Weather: E5/6, cloudy, with heavy rain from c1500hrs and the visibilty decreasing at the same time.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: the interesting redpoll that appears to be this species was still present at Shirva.
Hawfinch: female still at the Obs.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Shelduck (first of the year), Grey Heron, Peregrine, Water Rail (Meadow Burn), 71 Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, 26 Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe (Kirki Mire), 11 Great Skua, 3 Black-headed Gull, 30 Common Gull, 12 Puffin, 16 Woodpigeon, Rook, 8 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Ring Ouzel, 11 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 14 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 11 Wheatear, 7 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 211 Meadow Pipit (highest count since 1st April), 3 Chaffinch, 11 Brambling, Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal

Year List: 104
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8th April
Summary: A beautiful day's weather, although very few new birds and, indeed, a bit of a clear out of migrants. It was a lovely chance to enjoy the island during census though, whilst trap repairs and office work were cleared as much as possible in the afternoon to prepare for tomorrow's onslaught of migrants. Well, maybe. It's still early in the spring, although it's not a bad time for big falls of thrushes, Dunnocks etc, so it's hard to say what tomorrow will bring. We'll stick with the subject of Dunnocks for our prediction though, and go for a rare one - maybe an Alpine Accentor? It could certainly be an interesting few days...
Weather: N becoming NE 2/3, cool in the breeze, although a largely sunny day with good visibility (although some heavy rain in the early hours). Perfect walking weather, but lacking in new birds, so not exactly perfect census weather.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: the interesting, large, pale redpoll was still at Shirva - pictures and comments are now on the Obs Facebook page.
Great Grey Shrike: seen at the Plantation in the morning.
Hawfinch: the ringed female remained at the Obs.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
Pink-footed Goose, 185 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Merlin, Peregrine (immature female), Golden Plover, 118 Turnstone, 16 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 12 Raven (a flock of migrants roaming in the North), 13 Goldcrest, 13 Chiffchaff, Blackap, Ring Ouzel, 16 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 37 Redwing, 27 Robin, 2 Black Redstart (pair at Quoy), 19 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, 144 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Linnet, 2 Snow Bunting.

Year List: 103
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7th April
Summary: Not the most promising of forecasts for migration, but a couple of classic north-wind based birds turned up and, with a decent selection of other bits and bobs lingering, it was all rather pleasant - and the Obs garden list for the day was rather good. Susannah and the kids returned, just in time to stop the wardening team going all 'Lord of the Flies' (only joking, we were doing a decent job of looking after ourselves really - 'breakfast curry' is a perfectly acceptable thing right?).
Weather: NNW 4/5, showers in the morning, a generally cool and rather unspring-like day.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll: a massive, pale redpoll initially seen at Quoy was later tracked down to Shirva where it showed ridiculously well (often down to a metre or two and even appearing to try to land on people watching it at one point). It seemed a very strong contender for Hornemann's Arctic Repoll, with the huge size and overall paleness very positive features. There were some doubts about the exact undertail pattern, so it was trapped to aid identification. In the hand, the presence of streaking on every undertail covert (albeit mostly very fine shaft streaks) raised the spectre of 'Pale Icelandic Redpoll', although the measurements seemed a better fit for hornemanni. There are plenty of pictures to download and plenty of literature to read and we'll look to get pictures and more details on the FIBO Facebook page tommorrow.
Waxwing: a first-winter (probably a male) was at the Obs in the morning, the first of the year and a bit of a surprise considering what a poor winter it has been for the species in the UK
Great Grey Shrike: still present at the Obs in the morning and later retrapped in the Plantation (it had put on five grams since yesterday), before spending the day roaming between those two sites.
Hawfinch: 2 females; one at the Obs (which was later ringed in the Gully) and one still at Haa.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
Pink-footed Goose (the first since 2nd March), 188 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 11 Teal, Jack Snipe (Da Water), Woodcock (Gully), Green Sandpiper, 17 Woodpigeon, 2 Rook, 12 Goldcrest, 10 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Ring Ouzel, 21 Blackbird, 70 Fieldfare, 17 Song Thrush, 39 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 36 Robin, 4 Black Redstart (pair at Quoy, females at School and North Gunnawark), 15 Wheatear, 8 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting.

Breeding birds:
A predated Mallard egg was found in Kirki Mire.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (2).

Year List: 103
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6th April
Summary: A great day, with decent weather combined with some good counts of common migrants and a few scarcities. Susannah took Grace and Freyja out to Lerwick for the night for shoe-shopping and fun, which meant the wardening team were left to fend for themselves in the kitchen. I like to think we didn't do too badly, although admittedly the help of a conservation colleague on Shetland in sending in a take-away curry helped.
Weather: SSW becoming N 2/3, cloudy at first, but clearing to a brighter sunny day - altogether rather pleasant.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Grey Shrike: one at the Sheep Cru in the morning was later trapped in the Double Dyke and found to be a first-winter bird
Hawfinch: the female still showing well at the Haa

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
198 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk (a female over Suka Mire was the first of the year), Merlin (female), 98 Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, 14 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 37 Goldcrest, 24 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 34 Blackbird, 63 Fieldfare, 36 Song Thrush, 29 Redwing, 51 Robin, 3 Black Redstart (pair at Quoy and a female at Gunnawark), Stonechat (female still present), 19 Wheatear, 10 Dunnock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 123 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Reed Bunting (first of the year).

Other wildlife:
Common Seal.

Year List: 101

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5th April
Summary: It doesn't look like a day for waterproofs. It says it's going to be dry. IT'S A TRAP! It rained, quite a lot. Not really heavy but enough to be annoyingly soggy after a while outside and it only dried up enough to get the nets open for about 20 minutes in the evening. Despite that, there were plenty of birds, with several additions to the year list and a good crop of migrants. Another species made its earliest ever appearance on the Isle (that's the fourth 'earliest arrival' record of the year with one other joint earliest arrival record) and there's some hope for the good run continuing with the forecast from the weekend onwards getting some attention from the team...
Weather: WNW 3/5, cloudy throughout with persistent, nagging rain and visibility that was poor in the North at times and generally moderate throughout.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hawfinch: a female at Haa.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
3 Barnacle Goose, Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper (the earliest ever Fair Isle record, beating the previous record of 8th April 1979), 19 Woodpigeon, 20 Goldcrest, Swallow (one at the Obs; first of the year), 10 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (the first of the year found in the Walli Burn), 3 Blackcap, Ring Ouzel (a female trapped in the Vaadal; first of the year), 29 Blackbird, 79 Fieldfare, 35 Song Thrush, 38 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, 43 Robin, Black Redstart (male at Quoy), 3 Stonechat, 16 Wheatear, 15 Dunnock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, Linnet (first of the year).

Breeding birds:
Puffins were noted on land for the first time, with birds on Greenholm in the evening, plenty of Kittiwakes back on the cliffs. Redshank (pair displaying at Pund).

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (2).

Year List: 98
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4th April
Summary: It was indeed a better day today, with migrants obvious from the first trap round and a great little early-spring arrival taking place. A new record arrival date was set for one species, the traps were relatively busy (certainly in comparison to anything we've had so far this year) and there were smiles on everyone's faces as we were back amongst the birds.
Weather: SE3-5, cloudy and overcast with moderate visibility and a little drizzle at times.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
193 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 13 Teal, Merlin (female), Jack Snipe, 18 Woodpigeon, 18 Goldcrest, House Martin (one at Upper Stoneybrek was the earliest ever for Fair Isle, beating the previous record of 10th April 2011), 11 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap (the first of the year), 30 Blackbird, 36 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 44 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush (first of the year), 48 Robin, Black Redstart (Nether Taft), 13 Wheatear, 13 Dunnock, 4 White Wagtail (the first of the year of this subspecies, with 17 Pied and one alba wagtail also recorded), 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Redshank (pair displaying over Da Water), Bonxie (numbers slowly building up, with at least 8 today), Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs again

Other wildlife:
2 Common Seal (South Harbour).

Year List: 92
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3rd April
Summary: A wash-out of a day, with heavy rain almost throughout. Despite a couple of checks, it seemed like very little had arrived (or at least, very little was showing), but tomorrow could be better. The Easter Sunday service at Chapel was rearranged for today after severe gales forced it's cancellation last week, so a large part of the island got together for that (and cake afterwards of course).
Weather: S4/6 decreasing 1/2 later, some cloudy spells but dry and largely sunny.

MIGRANTS:
178 Greylag, 3 Barnacle Goose, 5 Golden Plover. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Woodpigeon (the day's big mover in terms of migrant numbers!), Collared Dove, Snow Bunting (2 at Da Water).

Year List: 89
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2nd April
Summary: A good-drying day, but also a few birds sneaking in - nothing dramatic, but a few more year ticks. The talk of easterly and rain tomorrow is interesting though...
Weather: S4/6 decreasing 1/2 later, some cloudy spells but dry and largely sunny.

MIGRANTS (notable counts, increase/decreases etc):
3 Barnacle Goose, 9 Teal, Grey Heron (the first since January), Merlin (male), 10 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Carrion Crow 16 Goldcrest, 263 Skylark, Sand Martin (one at the Obs and then later down the island was the joint-earliest ever Fair Isle record), 2 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackbird, 18 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, 24 Redwing, 12 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 6 Chaffinch, Brambling (first of the year), Siskin (one over the Plantation was the first of the year), Snow Bunting (a lovely male around Stoneybrek and the School).

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (2).

Year List: 89
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1st April
Summary: The start of the 'official' census season saw us just about get round the island before the weather set in and gave us our first chance to catch up with office work - we want as much of that out of the way before the easterlies arrive later in the month.
Weather: SSE 6 increasing to gusts of 7/8 later, with cloud throughout the day then rain from midday, becoming heavy in the afternoon as visibility decreased.

MIGRANTS:
Whooper Swan, 133 Grey;ag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 9 Teal, Merlin, 69 Oystercatcher, 21 Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Knot, 32 Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe (Buness), 61 Snipe, 5 Black-hedaed Gull, 16 Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Woodpigeon, Collared Dove (first of the year), 9 Goldcrest, 211 Skylark, Chiffchaff, 15 Blackbird, 9 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 9 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 13 Pied Wagtail (+ 1 alba), 217 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (Mid Geo).

Year List: 86
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31st March
Summary: No chance of the newly arrived AWs getting eased into things gently, as the forecast suggested it might be the only day for a while to have (just about) suitable conditions for a Tystie survey. The weather turned out to be even better than expected, with the temperature feeling surprisingly warm in the sun, despite the half-six start. A few migrants were still around, but there was little to suggest new movement.
Weather: NW2 increasing 3/4 and backing SE, light cloud clearing to a sunny day, although cool later.

MIGRANTS:
148 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle goose, 11 Teal, Great Northern Diver, Merlin, 87 Oystercatcher, 39 Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, 2 Jack Snipe (including one in Busta Geo), 53 Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 12 Woodpigeon, 15 Goldcrest, 303 Skylark (including birds seen coming in off the sea at North Light), 7 Chiffchaff, 38 Blackbird, 56 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 20 Redwing, 16 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 10 Pied Wagtail (and one unidentified alba), Grey Wagtail, 104 Meadow Pipit, 104 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Initial results from the Tystie survey suggested 189 breeding-plumaged individuals off the east coast, a similar total to last year despite northerly swell probably reducing the count slightly.

Other wildlife:
2 Common Seal (Bob found a friend in South Harbour).

Year List: 85
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30th March
Summary: The first census, and it's good to be back! A decent scatter of migrants made for a pleasant day's birding, but even without that the sunshine (it was quickly apparent that fleeces weren't needed), displaying waders and chance to stretch the legs again in a meaningful way were all great. An early start is planned for tomorrow for a Tystie census and it coudl be a good time to be checking the sea, with Killer Whales seen from the Good Shepherd just off Grutness.
Weather: SE3 becoming NW4, slightly cloudy at times, but mostly sunny after the heavy rain in the morning came to an end at c0900hrs.

MIGRANTS:
162 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, 6 Teal, Water Rail (Chalet), 72 Oystercatcher, 28 Ringed Plover, 4 Golden Plover, 14 Lapwing, Knot, 21 Purple Sandpiper, 62 Snipe, Woodcock (the first record this month), 20 Curlew, 33 Redshank, 151 Turnstone, 2 Great Skua, 5 Kittiwake, 11 Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, 13 Hooded Crow, 27 Goldcrest, 282 Skylark, 3 Chiffchaff, 48 Blackbird, 73 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 25 Redwing, 12 Robin, Black Redstart (Mast), Wheatear (a female in Homisdale was the first of the year), 4 Dunnock, 7 Pied Wagtail, 151 Meadow Pipit, 78 Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 58 Twite, Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs and at least 20 Puffin were recorded.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal in South Harbour.

Year List: 85
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29th March
Summary: And so it begins... The AWs arrived on the morning plane and were straight into the field, and their arrival coincided with a small arrival of birds and some lovely weather. Very nice. Sadly for them, it looks like our recent highlight had taken the opportunity to head off, just before they arrived. So that's the gauntlet thrown down for the season, we need to find something better that Coot... With a reasonble forecast for tomorrow, and birds in, there's always hope (there was Red-flanked Bluetail on 30th March two years ago), but I suspect we may have to wait slightly longer.
Weather: NW 3-4 becoming SE later and decreasing slightly. Small spells of cloud, but most often sunny and pleasant.

MIGRANTS:
3 Barnacle Goose, 8 Teal, Great Northern Diver (off South Light, first of the year), Water Rail (Meadow Burn), 26 Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Knot, 5 Purple Sandpiper, Great Skua, 2 Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl (Gilsetter; first of the year), 7 Goldcrest, 270 Skylark, 3 Chiffchaff (first of the year), 14 Blackbird, 66 Fieldfare, Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 4 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail (Hesti Geo; first of the year), 6 Chaffinch.

Breeding birds:
Guillemots and Razorbills present in good numbers and seven Puffin off Buness in the evening.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal ('Bob' still present in South Harbour).

Year List: 84
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23rd-28th March
Summary: some milder spells, but mostly SW-based winds bringing just a few migrants. SSE on 26th and 28th offered some hope, but heavy rain on the first of those days limited the birdability. The 27th saw the most remarkable turnaround, with winds peaking at 84mph and constant rain in the morning, but calm enough conditions to open the mistnets in the garden in the evening. The weather provided a suitable Easter Sunday metaphor for change, renewal and new starts, with the official start of British Summer Time and the start of the season imminent.
Weather: Mostly SW3-6, SSE 5-6 on 26th with rain all day, SW 8-10 decreasing SE 3 on 27th, eventually turning NW on 28th.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: present until 28th...

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
Whooper Swan (one still on 23rd, 2 on 24th-25th then 11 on 26th-27th), 3 Barnacle Goose, 3 Wigeon, 10 Teal, Merlin (female trapped on 25th), Peregrine (25th), 14 Ringed Plover, 45 Golden Plover, 13 Lapwing, Knot, Great Skua (27th), 6 Black-headed Gull (27th), Lesser Black-backed Gull (27th), Woodpigeon (2 on 24th, with 4 on 27th), Jackdaw (still on 23rd), Rook (23rd-27th), 4 Goldcrest (26th), 20 Blackbird (24th, around the traps and Obs only, suggesting a small arrival), Fieldfare (numbers generally declined, but 35 arrived on 28th), Song Thrush, Redwing (most had cleared out but 8 on 27th were seemingly all T.i.coburni, whilst one trapped on 28th was T.i.iliacus), Robin (one in the Gully 24th-28th), Black Redstart (male at Obs 26th), Dunnock (one still in crofts 24th-25th then one in Gully 28th), Meadow Pipit (large increase), Chaffinch (male from 24th, increasing to 3 on 27th), Snow Bunting (27th).

Breeding birds:
Curlew displaying from 23rd.

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (23rd).

Year List: 80

OTHER NEWS: please see www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/fimeti.html for details of how to have your say on the proposed Fair Isle Marine Protected Area. The proposal has reached the public consultation stage, so any support you can give will be greatly appreciated by the Fair Isle community, including FIBO. Thank you.
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21st-22nd March
Summary: a few more signs of movement, slowly, slowly and all that.
Weather: westerly winds, pretty blowy at first but calming. Some showers and often grey, but brighter spells.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Glaucous Gull: single juveniles on both dates
Coot: still there

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
Whooper Swan (22nd, the first since 2nd Feb), 12 Teal, Merlin, 25 Ringed Plover (22nd), Golden Plover, 13 Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe (Da Water 22nd), Jackdaw, Blackbird (just c8 on 22nd as numbers dwindle), 13 Fieldfare, Dunnock (Schoolton), 4 Pied Wagtail (22nd), 7 Meadow Pipit (minimum on 22nd, on 21st one was seen coming in off the sea at South Light as birds start to arrive in numbers), Snow Bunting (22nd).

Breeding birds:
Lapwings displaying (22nd) and lots of stuff in song

Year List: 80

OTHER NEWS: please see www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/fimeti.html for details of how to have your say on the proposed Fair Isle Marine Protected Area. The proposal has reached the public consultation stage, so any support you can give will be greatly appreciated by the Fair Isle community, including FIBO. Thank you.
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16th-20th March
Summary: the spring momentum is keeping a few things coming in, despite the less than favourable conditions.
Weather: cool westerly or north-westerly winds, with showers on 19th-20th and generally cloudy.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: given the lack of other highlights, Coot leads the line again. With the Assistant Wardens due back on Fair Isle on 29th, the question now is whether it will hang on to provide a useful island tick for them!

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Barnacle Goose, Kestrel (20th; first of the year), Peregrine (19th), Water Rail (Lower Stoneybrek), Golden Plover (19th), Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw (19th; first of the year), Carrion Crow (16th), 3 Goldcrest (lingering on 16th-17th), 120 Skylark (120 minimum on 20th), Black Redstart (trapped in the Vaadal 19th; first of the year), Dunnock (Lower Stoneybrek 19th; first of the year), 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit (17th), Chaffinch (still at Obs on 16th).

Other wildlife:
Common Seal (South Harbour, 20th).

Year List: 80

OTHER NEWS: please see www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/fimeti.html for details of how to have your say on the proposed Fair Isle Marine Protected Area. The proposal has reached the public consultation stage, so any support you can give will be greatly appreciated by the Fair Isle community, including FIBO. Thank you.
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15th March
Summary: a slight fall, and the added excitment of the first big food and bar order arriving on the Good Shepherd as we prepare for the imminent season-start. The evening saw another glow from the aurora, crowning a rather fine day.
Weather: NE 1-2, maybe 3 at times, cloudy and grey at times, but occasionally brighter.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: still present

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Barnacle Goose, 11 Teal, 2 Golden Plover, 8 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Goldcrest, Blackbird (12 trapped during the day showed there was some movement, although numbers weren't large), 2 Robin, 2 Stonechat (pair at Stackhoull), Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch.

Other wildlife:
Frog spawn in the Obs pond.
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11th-14th March
Summary: Birds have started arriving, the year-list gets a slight fillip and things look quite pleasant for the next couple of days.It's probably too early for anything rare, although White-tailed Eagle or Dipper are both perhaps on the optimistic radar, it's just about in the start of the Woodlark possibilty season, but the betting man should probably be looking at wildfowl - the next few dates have seen Green-winged Teal, Garganey, Mute Swan, Bean Goose, Brent Goose, Goosander and Velvet Scoter turn up in previous years, and with the island still much wetter than usual, it's perhaps time for an American Wigeon or other decent duck. Even without anything like that though, it's just nice to be amongst the birds again!
Weather: the wind calmed to virtually nothing for the last couple of days (although a large. lazy, southerly swell persisted), with even a breath of east appearing late on 14th. Generally dry and cloudy at times, although some beautiful sunshine and mild conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: still there
Glaucous Gull: adult at South Greens on 12th

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Barnacle Goose, 14 Wigeon, 16 Teal, Water Rail (Burkle), 3 Golden Plover, 35 Lapwing, Knot, Great Skua (the first Bonxie of the year was on Mire of Vatnagaard on 14th - the earliest ever Fair Isle record!), 5 Black-headed Gull (12th), Lesser Black-backed Gull (the first of the year was near Shirva on 12th), Woodpigeon (at Obs throughout), Goldcrest (first of the year in Gully on 14th), Blackbird (a slight increase on 14th, with 4 trapped at the Obs in the evening for example), 38 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, Robin (Obs 12th-14th, and even singing at times), Stonechat (first of the year, a male at Shirva on 14th), 2 alba wagtail (14th), Chaffinch (the first of the year was a male at the Obs on 12th-14th), 3 Snow Bunting.

Breeding birds:
Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills present on 14th.

Other wildlife:
Frogs were very evident on the night of 11th, with spawn noted from 13th.
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4th-10th March
Summary: although feeling very spring-like at times, the signs of migration were rather limited, with the expected species building up in numbers, but none of the early migrants that start to signify that things are really on the move. Sightings from the Good Shepherd (and the plane!) included Rock Pipit and Starlings heading north. Next week's forecast is looking a bit interesting, so perhaps we might get an early Chiffchaff (earliest ever 19th March) or perhaps Stonechat, Black Redstart or something similar could sneak in, but we're still perhaps a week early.
Weather: some lovely calm spells. with sunshine and a bit of warmth, although frosty mornings. Also a few windier days, but nothing too serious.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: still present on Da Water where it seems rather happy
Glaucous Gull: juvenile at Ditfield on 8th
Gadwall: still present on 5th

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
107 Greylag Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 13 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 5 Cormorant (south on 9th), Merlin, 39 Oystercatcher (minimum), 13 Ringed Plover, 21 Lapwing, Knot (wintering bird still present), 2 Purple Sandpiper, 123 Turnstone (minimum), 6 Razorbill (10th), 55 Skylark (10th, minimum), 36 Blackbird (10th, minimum count -possibly all wintering birds, although one at North Light suggested some movement), 20 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, Pied Wagtail (the early-arriving individual was unfortunately found dead at Quoy), c60 Twite, 3 Snow Bunting (8th).

Breeding birds:
Fair Isle Wrens (at South Haven and South Harbour) and Skylarks were singing on 10th, Snipe were drumming on 8th and Gannets have been seen with nest material.

Don't forget to check the FIBO Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-date information and pictures.
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1st-3rd March
Summary: Spring! Sort of. March can be rubbish (for birds and weather), but any easterlies from now on can start to bring things in, although it may still be another month before we get any 'proper' summer migrants if the weather isn't suitable. The highlight from the early part of the month though was more blubbbery than birdy, with the return of an old friend.
Weather: winds from the SSE to start with, bringing some rain, although generally slightly more pleasant than recently - almost spring-like!

HIGHLIGHTS:
Dipper: one seen in flight from a moving car on 2nd would be, if accepted, the first record since 2011
Coot: still present on Da Water
Glaucous Gull: juvenile in the North on 2nd

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 3 Golden Plover, 27 Lapwing, 25 Purple Sandpiper, Woodpigeon (at Obs on 1st-2nd), Fieldfare (a slight increase on 3rd, with at least 40 present), Pied Wagtail.

Other Wildlife:
5 Killer Whales were seen in South Haven on 3rd, before moving south and spending some time lingering in Hesswalls. They eventually passed close in to the Rippack before heading south past Da Burrian and moving out to sea. Photos confirmed that one of the animals was '072', which has been identified previously on Fair Isle and is one of the pod that are the group usually responsible for sightings in winter or early spring in the Northern Isles and northern Scotland.
Pictures of these animals can be seen on the FIBO Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/fairislebirdobservatory
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23rd-29th February
Summary: .
Weather: the end of the month brought bits of all sorts, with snow, wind , rain, but a couple of fine, calm days. The lengthening days are becoming more noticeable and a few flowers are starting to poke through in the garden.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Gadwall: the female still at Utra on 26th at least
Coot: still present throughout on Da Water
Glaucous Gull: j)

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 15 Wigeon, 13 Teal, Cormorant (singles on 23rd and 27th), Merlin, Golden Plover, 25 Lapwing, Carrion Crow (first of the year seen on 23rd), 17 Skylark, Pied Wagtail, 60 Twite,

BREEDING BIRDS:
Oystercatcher (copulating from 28th), Guillemot (on cliffs on 26th at least), Razorbill (at least 8 present on 26th were the first of the year)

Other Wildlife:
3 Common Seals in South Harbour (the highest count for some time) on 26th included a juvenile, with one adult still present on 27th
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9th-22nd February
Summary: It's still winter, so still fairly quiet, although one surprise addition to the year list and a few more of the earlier migrants starting to move through now.
Weather: as before, mostly wintry showers, rain, hail and wind (strong at times, with SW gales), although sunny spells and the occasional break in the weather.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Gadwall: female at Shirva then Leogh on 21st, a rare winter record (and the first ever for February on Fair Isle)
Coot: still on Da Water
Glaucous Gull: juvenile (11th) and adult (21st)

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
Pink-footed Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 22 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 22 Mallard, blue Fulmar (9th and 11th - also a passage of 1238 Fulmars in 15 minutes on 9th), Merlin, 38 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover, 12 Lapwing, Knot, Purple Sandpiper, Woodcock, 18 Curlew, 141 Turnstone, Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, 75 Twite (a large winter count), Snow Bunting.
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1st-8th February
Summary: not much happening at all, one or two lingering birds of note and a slight increase in thrushes in some SE winds, but otherwise quiet.
Weather: winter in Shetland, so pretty much what you'd expect - wind, some rain, some sleety, wintry showers and the occasionaly brighter, more pleasant spells.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Coot: still on Da Water
Glaucous Gull: adult on 3rd (Ditfield), adult and juvenile on 6th (Ditfield) and juvenile 8th (Mavers Geo)

MIGRANTS (most figures represent the peak count during the period, although it should be borne in mind that there is incomplete coverage of the island):
4 Barnacle Goose, 13 Teal, Merlin, Water Rail, 3 Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover (5th), Golden Plover (1st), 2 Lapwing, Knot (4th), Guillemot (14 dead in the Havens on 8th was a high count), small increase in thrushes noted on 7th with, eg, 50+ Fieldfare and 30+ Redwing, Pied Wagtail (one still on 1st), Goldfinch (present until 3rd at least), 9 Twite.

Other Wildlife:
Common Seal (Havens 5th)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January sightings:
Summary: an interesting start to the year, although some stormy weather (including the island taking a real battering from Storm Gertrude, which thankfully caused little damage - most things are pretty storm-proof here, although the satellite dish for the Warden's flat did blow off whilst we were away over Christmas and New Year) didn't actually bring many new birds. Most of the highlights were either unseasonable birds, although a couple of species that are always good for the year list put in an appearance as well. Many thanks to everyone on the island who kept a log of their sightings whilst there was nobody at the Obs.
Weather: during the course of the month there was probably a bit of everything, gales from the SE and SW, a bit of snow, hail, rain and some sunny spells, with the odd calm day (enabling a very pleasant Good Shepherd crossing for my journey home from holiday!).

HIGHLIGHTS:
Pale-bellied Brent Goose: two on 12th were a surprise, given that the spring record last year was the first Fair Isle record since 2010
Coot: this always scarce visitor put in an appearance for the first time since 2014 with one on Da Water from 11th and another on Gunglesund on 27th
Sooty Shearwater: one from the Good Shepherd on 27th was the first winter record for Fair Isle of this species
Glaucous Gull: two juveniles on 6th were the only white-wingers of the year so far
Greenland White-fronted Goose: three from 11th-13th
Goosander:
a female that flew north up the island on 24th was a good record of a species not guaranteed every year

MIGRANTS:
Whooper Swan: two at the start of the year until 12th, with four arriving on 31st
Pink-footed Goose: three
Greylag Goose: a maximum of 336, a large count for the winter
Barnacle Goose: four throughout the month
Wigeon: maximum of twenty
Teal: maximum of 19
Mallard: good numbers wintering, with a maximum of 35
Tufted Duck: one on 14th had increased to two on 22nd, with one still on 25th, the first January record since 1996
Red-breasted Merganser: male on 15th, female on 29th-30th
Cormorant: 12th
Grey Heron: 5th-9th
Merlin: at least one throughout the month. One trying to flush a Rock Pipit from the stick pile in the Obs garden was a highlight of the Big Gardem Birdwatch on 31st!
Peregrine: one on 21st, two on 27th
Water Rail: at least four present
Moorhen: a rare winter occurence was one at Haa then Schoolton on 12th that then took up residence at Burkle until the end of the month
Oystercatcher: the wintering bird was present throughout, with two from 11th and numbers increasing to five by 26th
Ringed Plover: an early bird was at Skadan on 22nd
Golden Plover: up to 8 present
Lapwing: two present from the start of the year, then an influx of 19 on 11th
Knot: an unseasonal bird on 17th and 27th
Purple Sandpiper: maximum of 45
Dunlin: one on 12th
Jack Snipe: at least one
Woodcock: more than usual for January, with a peak count of 7 on 11th
Bar-tailed Godwit: an unseasonal bird on 5th
Curlew: up to 25 present
Puffin: rare in winter, so one in the Havens on 18th was unusal
Woodpigeon: 25th-26th, an early migrant
Long-eared Owl: pellets in the Obs garden (containing the remains of 'Fair Isle Mouse' confirmed one had overwintered and it was seen on 31st
Skylark: maximum of four
Song Thrush: at least two
Fieldfare: maximum of 20 counted
Redwing: maximum of 25 counted
Blackbird: maximum of 20 counted
Robin: at least one still present
Pied Wagtail: a male at South Harbour from 25th is the earliest ever Fair Isle record
Meadow Pipit: one on 1st
Goldfinch : one wintering bird (the first such occurence on Fair Isle) remained
Twite: up to 12
Snow Bunting: nine on 12th

Other species recorded: Gannet, Shag, Snipe, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Guillemot, Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Raven, Fair Isle Wren, Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Pipit

Other Wildlife:
Common Seal (Havens on 11th), Spotted Ray (two egg cases found on 31st), Smallspotted Catshark (egg case found on 11th)

Year list: 63 species