30th November 2016 – sunny spells W3/4
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue in residence.
Ringing
The final days of autumn passage produced 110 birds of 14 species. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets). Blackbird 27 (1), Chaffinch 25, Goldfinch 22, Tree Sparrow 12, Greenfinch 7 (2), Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 2, Goldcrest 2, House Sparrow 1 (2), Reed Bunting 1, Robin 1, Brambling 1, Lesser Redpoll 1 and Blue Tit (1).
White-fronted Geese and Scaup
27th November 2016 – sunny spells NE2
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0830) revealed 110 Common Scoter, 50 Razorbill, 10 Shag, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Scaup and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A few Chaffinch remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0800-0830) revealed 110 Common Scoter, 50 Razorbill, 10 Shag, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Scaup and 2 Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A few Chaffinch remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
White-fronted Geese still here
25th November 2016 – bright and frosty NE1
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Little Owl was the best of the rest.
Geese still in residence
24th November 2016 – bright and sunny NE1/2
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included the lingering 43 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dusk and at least 61 Little Egret remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included the lingering 43 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dusk and at least 61 Little Egret remain.
White-fronted Geese still in residence
23rd November 2016 – Sunny spells NNE1/2
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
At least 72 Little Egret were along the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
At least 72 Little Egret were along the eastern shore.
White-fronted Geese linger
20th November 2016 – sunny spells NE2/1
Offshore
A group of 18 Shag congregated at dawn and 2 Red-throated Diver were seen.
Grounded Migrants
The Chiffchaff continues in residence.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 40 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Whooper Swan, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Mistle Thrush and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl sightings were dominated by geese with 206 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese amongst the species present. A redhead Goosander was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
A total of 20 Little Egret were recorded and single Water Rail and Merlin were also seen.
Offshore
A group of 18 Shag congregated at dawn and 2 Red-throated Diver were seen.
Grounded Migrants
The Chiffchaff continues in residence.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings included 40 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Whooper Swan, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Mistle Thrush and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl sightings were dominated by geese with 206 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese amongst the species present. A redhead Goosander was new for the year.
Miscellaneous
A total of 20 Little Egret were recorded and single Water Rail and Merlin were also seen.
Brent Geese set new records
19th November 2016 – sun and showers W4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced a female/immature Long-tailed Duck amongst 32 Kittiwake, 24 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill and 6 Red-throated Diver. An additional 2 Long-tailed Duck were again along the eastern shore at high tide.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Lesser Redpoll was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continued to break records with 280 pale-bellied and 69 dark-bellied birds logged. Two White-fronted Geese were newly arrived and a Jack Snipe was recorded.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 2 Twite and 3 Water Rail.
Ringing
At least 9 colour-ringed birds were amongst the Brent Goose flock, including several new birds.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced a female/immature Long-tailed Duck amongst 32 Kittiwake, 24 Common Scoter, 14 Razorbill and 6 Red-throated Diver. An additional 2 Long-tailed Duck were again along the eastern shore at high tide.
Diurnal Migration
A solitary Lesser Redpoll was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock continued to break records with 280 pale-bellied and 69 dark-bellied birds logged. Two White-fronted Geese were newly arrived and a Jack Snipe was recorded.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 2 Twite and 3 Water Rail.
Ringing
At least 9 colour-ringed birds were amongst the Brent Goose flock, including several new birds.
Water Pipit
18th November 2016 – heavy showers W5
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 38 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
A check of the on the falling tide provided a Great Northern Diver amongst 5 Red-throated Diver and 4 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Long-tailed Duck remain along the eastern shore and the female Scaup is still in residence. The Brent Goose flock held a record 265 pale-bellied birds and the 23 Barnacle Geese continue to linger. Waders included 130 Snipe, 18 Purple Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 8 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine.
Rarities
A Water Pipit was amongst 38 Rock Pipit in the flooded fields along Biggar Bank.
Offshore
A check of the on the falling tide provided a Great Northern Diver amongst 5 Red-throated Diver and 4 Shag.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Long-tailed Duck remain along the eastern shore and the female Scaup is still in residence. The Brent Goose flock held a record 265 pale-bellied birds and the 23 Barnacle Geese continue to linger. Waders included 130 Snipe, 18 Purple Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 8 Twite, 3 Water Rail and a Peregrine.
Great Northern Diver
13th November 2016 – overcast SE1
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide and calm seas (0815-0915) provided a Black Guillemot amongst 1100 Razorbill. Also seen were 105 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag. The ebbing tide added 2 female/immature Long-tailed Duck and a Great Northern Diver amongst 6 Red-throated Diver, 44 Great Crested Grebe and 3500 Eider.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes grounded at dawn involved 32 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare but most quickly moved on. The Chiffchaff continued to linger.
Diurnal Migration
Six Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and geese included 23 Barnacle Goose and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose. Waders were led by 4500 Knot, 21 Purple Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 25 Twite and 2 Peregrine.
Offshore
Early morning observations on the rising tide and calm seas (0815-0915) provided a Black Guillemot amongst 1100 Razorbill. Also seen were 105 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Shag. The ebbing tide added 2 female/immature Long-tailed Duck and a Great Northern Diver amongst 6 Red-throated Diver, 44 Great Crested Grebe and 3500 Eider.
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes grounded at dawn involved 32 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare but most quickly moved on. The Chiffchaff continued to linger.
Diurnal Migration
Six Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and geese included 23 Barnacle Goose and 3 pale-bellied Brent Goose. Waders were led by 4500 Knot, 21 Purple Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 25 Twite and 2 Peregrine.
First Woodcock of the autumn
12th November 2016 – early mist/drizzle SW1
Offshore
There was little evidence of movement over the sea with just 10 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 43 Blackbird, 17 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare. A late Chiffchaff and Blackcap were also seen.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 7 Whooper Swan and single Grey Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Woodcock of the autumn was logged along with 12 Greenshank, 37 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Shoveler and the lingering female Scaup.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 42 Little Egret, 15 Twite, 2 Water Rail, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Offshore
There was little evidence of movement over the sea with just 10 Razorbill, 3 Gannet and a Common Scoter logged.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 43 Blackbird, 17 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare. A late Chiffchaff and Blackcap were also seen.
Diurnal Migration
Visible migration included 7 Whooper Swan and single Grey Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first Woodcock of the autumn was logged along with 12 Greenshank, 37 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Shoveler and the lingering female Scaup.
Miscellaneous
Additional sightings included 42 Little Egret, 15 Twite, 2 Water Rail, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Long-tailed Duck and Scaup
9th November 2016 – overcast with early drizzle E1
Wildfowl and Waders
Two female/immature Long-tailed Duck and a female Scaup were logged. Also seen were 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved Merlin and Sparrowhawk.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two female/immature Long-tailed Duck and a female Scaup were logged. Also seen were 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Raptors involved Merlin and Sparrowhawk.
Great Skua and Long-tailed Duck
4th November 2016 – sunny spells/showers NW3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) were led by a single Great Skua and female/immature Long-tailed Duck. Also seen were 100 Common Scoter, 43 Razorbill, 25 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Goldcrest was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A family party of 6 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 5 Barnacle Geese, 81 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 1500 Knot, 800 Golden Plover and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 6 Twite and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-0900) were led by a single Great Skua and female/immature Long-tailed Duck. Also seen were 100 Common Scoter, 43 Razorbill, 25 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A single Goldcrest was seen.
Diurnal Migration
A family party of 6 Whooper Swan headed south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Sightings included 5 Barnacle Geese, 81 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 dark-bellied Brent Geese. Waders included 1500 Knot, 800 Golden Plover and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A group of 6 Twite and a Peregrine were the best of the rest.
Brent Goose influx
3rd November 2016 – overcast/rain later SW1/2/3/4
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Brambling provided the sole evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Brent Geese was apparent with 217 pale-bellied and 37 dark-bellied birds logged.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock held at least three colour-ringed birds which originally been ringed in Canada (2) and Iceland (1).
Grounded Migrants
Just 2 Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Brambling provided the sole evidence.
Wildfowl and Waders
An influx of Brent Geese was apparent with 217 pale-bellied and 37 dark-bellied birds logged.
Ringing
The Brent Goose flock held at least three colour-ringed birds which originally been ringed in Canada (2) and Iceland (1).
Late Yellow Wagtail
2nd November 2016 – bright and sunny N1/2/3
Offshore
Two Red-throated Diver were the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A late Yellow Wagtail perhaps showed the characteristics associated with one of the eastern races. Also seen were 11 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest and a Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was amongst 12 Tree Sparrow, 10 Greenfinch, 2 Whooper Swan and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Barnacle Geese were newly arrived and the female/immature Long-tailed Duck remains. Waders included 3000 Oystercatcher, 3000 Knot, 1000 Redshank and 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 25 Twite and 6 Rock Pipit were the best of the rest.
Images
Yellow Wagtail.
Offshore
Two Red-throated Diver were the only record of note.
Grounded Migrants
A late Yellow Wagtail perhaps showed the characteristics associated with one of the eastern races. Also seen were 11 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest and a Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A late Swallow was amongst 12 Tree Sparrow, 10 Greenfinch, 2 Whooper Swan and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
Five Barnacle Geese were newly arrived and the female/immature Long-tailed Duck remains. Waders included 3000 Oystercatcher, 3000 Knot, 1000 Redshank and 5 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 25 Twite and 6 Rock Pipit were the best of the rest.
Images
Yellow Wagtail.
Richard’s Pipit and Snow Bunting fly through
1st November 2016 – overcast/sunny later NE3/2/1
Rarities
A Richard’s Pipit headed south over the island at 0925hrs.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0845-0945) revealed 33 Razorbill, 30 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Very few grounded migrants were in evidence with just 4 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds continue to move through, observations (0830-1000) included: 740 Pink-footed Geese, 175 Meadow Pipit, 50 Skylark, 36 Whooper Swan, 33 Linnet, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow, 2 Twite and single Rock Pipit, Siskin and Snow Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 20 pale-bellied birds and waders included 2000 Knot and 100 Sanderling.
Butterflies
At least 5 Red Admiral were on the wing in the afternoon’s autumn sunshine.
Rarities
A Richard’s Pipit headed south over the island at 0925hrs.
Offshore
A check of the sea (0845-0945) revealed 33 Razorbill, 30 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Very few grounded migrants were in evidence with just 4 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds continue to move through, observations (0830-1000) included: 740 Pink-footed Geese, 175 Meadow Pipit, 50 Skylark, 36 Whooper Swan, 33 Linnet, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow, 2 Twite and single Rock Pipit, Siskin and Snow Bunting.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held 20 pale-bellied birds and waders included 2000 Knot and 100 Sanderling.
Butterflies
At least 5 Red Admiral were on the wing in the afternoon’s autumn sunshine.
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