Saturday 18 October 2014


The weather was rather wild today with the sea particularly impressive. The hoped-for seabird passage failed to materialise, though visibility wasnt too great either. Amongst the sea spray a few gems were spotted though; a flock of 12 Eiders flew along the West Coast in the morning and three Tufted Ducks headed south just before midday. The latter species is rather rare here and a new addition for the year. The Yellow-browed Warbler was also present another day, showing well in Cristin Withy, whilst the Ring Ouzel chacked away at Cristin.

Decent numbers of waders are still present with 37 Oystercatchers, two Snipes, 55 Curlews, eight Redshanks, and 28 Turnstones all recorded. The lack of movement out at sea is summed up by today being the first day this month with no Mediterranean Gulls seen. Just 51 Black-headed Gulls, two Common Gulls, and 171 Kittiwakes passed by the island. That said, the south-westerlies on the horizon do look particularly promising. Inland, singles of Redwing, Song Thrush, and Blackcap were found along with seven Chiffchaffs, seven Goldcrests, and two Water Rails.

 Mixed wader flock - Redhank and Turnstones
Goldcrest


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