Tuesday 30 September 2014

Fair Isle Day 1

Hello

Well after waiting around all morning, Eleanor and I finally managed the short flight to Fair Isle at about 1pm today.

This gave us the opportunity to wander around some of the south end of the island in a strong southerly breeze and quite warm sunshine. New-in migrants included good numbers of Redwings and Bramblings, with small flocks of both species at a variety of different locations. I was surprised at how many Bonxies were still left with perhaps still a hundred birds still in residence.

A juvenile male Peregrine hunted passerines over Malcolm's Head and we recorded singles of Yellowhammer (scarce up here) and a Lapland Bunting. Birds moving in to the headwind included both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Remnant crop strips hosted good numbers of Skylarks and Twite and common waders included a Common Sandpiper. Summer migrants included plenty of Wheatear and Whinchat and a couple of Swallows.

Scarce birds keeping low on the island and not seen by us included Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Rose-coloured Starling. With rarities on mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay we await to see what will appear here over the next few days!

Regards

Neil M


Hooded Crow

Rock Pipit

Black Guillemot

Twite

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