The obs was closed until 31 July due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are grateful for bird news contributions during the spring and summer from island-based management staff of NatureScot and visiting research personnel from UKCEH.
LATEST NEWS
Sat 16th October Grey Phalarope, Grey Wagtail, Lapland Bunting
Fri 15 October Grey Phalarope (3rd island record and 1st since 1996), Red-necked Grebe 1 N, Osprey 1 S (latest ever record), Velvet Scoter 4 N, Goosander 8 N, Little Gull 39, Sooty Shearwater 7 N, Greenfinch 2
Thu 14 October Arctic Tern 1
Wed 13 October Whooper Swan 9S, Teal 68, Velvet Scoter 1 male north, Little Gull 10, Little Auk 1 N, Linnet 79, Snow Bunting
Tuesday 12 October Barnacle Goose 2133 (record count), Pink F G 722, Velvet Scoter 1 male north, Jack Snipe 35 (record count), Little Gull 12, Arctic Tern 1, Pomarine Skua 2 N, Sooty Shearwater 8 N, Swallow 14, Redwing 681, Song Thrush 45, Wheatear 1, Snow Bunting 1
Mon 11 October Little Gull 6, Tree Sparrow 19, Cormorant 217 (record count!)
Sun 10 October Little Gull 10, Short-eared Owl 4, Swallow 17, Raven 2, Pintail 2
Sat 9 October Highlights: Raven 2, a few Brambling remained, 20 Skylark over. Minke Whale 8, Harbour porpoise 6
Fri 8th October Wildfowl movements remained light with 60 PF geese, a shelduck and 6 Common Scoter for the day. Waders included a good count of 85 Purple Sandpiper. Seawatching saw 5 Little Gull and 46 Common Gull on passage along with 1 Arctic skua and 7 Fulmar. 3 Kestrel were complemented by a good count of 4 Merlin, highest of the week with a strong likelihood of all birds moving on quickly each day. 8 Carrion Crows were joined by a pair of Raven on the West Cliffs only the 14th island record. Passerine numbers thinned out but the Radde’s Warbler remained for its second day and 7 Brambling hung on. Viz mig was limited to 50 Linnet over.
Thu 7th October A brief spell of SE with rain overnight then W3 and mainly overcast through the day. 41 Pink-feet, 6 Whooper and a Velvet Scoter were the wildfowl highlights. Oystercatcher hit 30 and 3 whimbrel remained but no snipe spp were seen. The GBB flock reached 143. 3 Kestrel were on and 3 Peregrine remained and a female Sparrowhawk was around. Cormorants reached 91 at roost and 2 Grey Herons were still around after some days mainly on Rona and Kirkhaven. Passerines included 30 Starling and 17 Redwing either on or over the island but the day hit a high note with a very skulky and challenging RADDE’S WARBLER in the nettles and elders of Holyman’s Road, eventually well photographed and even sound recorded. A classic date and the 8th Island record.
Wed 6th October NW – W – SW ❤ throughout, mostly sunny. Fine weather allowed wildfowl to move through. 17 Greylag, a Canada and 1500 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Whooper Swan, 1 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 18 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander and 1 RB Merganser were good totals while the Teal flock peaked at 56 and there were 30 Eider around the island. Waders included 4 Golden Plover over and 3 whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 1 Jack Snipe and 4 Snipe on the island. Seawatching produced a Bonxie and 2 Arctic Skua, 4 fulmar, 21 Little Gull, 9 Black-headed, over 500 Kittiwake and Common Gull passage at sea totalled 74 for the day and the best was a single Black-throated Diver. Great Black-backed Gull numbers rose from 25 on the 3rd now to 74 (no doubt in response to the start of seal pupping (with at least 2 new pups around). A Short-eared Owl came in off the sea, while 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin and 3 Peregrine were recorded across the Isle. A single willow warbler hung on from earlier in the week and chiffchaff increased to 13 with arrivals of 4 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest (first of the autumn!), 7 Dunnock and 10 Redwing. 39 Skylark were seen on Viz mig along with 160 Meadow Pipit, 18 Linnet13, Redpoll sp. and 5 Goldfinch. The usual 3 Carrion Crows increased to 11 today.
Tue 5th October NE – N – NW 6- gale 8 and heavy rain for much of the day. Observation was difficult throughout the day. Seawatching was limited but produced a Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Wigeon and 2 Common Scoter (and a large Minke Whale was seen in rough seas off the low light). Merlin 1, Peregrine 1, Kestrel 1 were all noted. Bramblings remained with a low count of 10 in the log.
Monday 4th October SW3 and mild, sunny and warm at times, heavy showers in late afternoon. 80 Pink-feet over, 9 Mallard and 53 Teal mainly in the north, 70 Purple Sandpiper. First 2 Jack Snipe of the year. Seawatching produced a high count of 238 Little Gull in large mobile flocks, 2 Sandwich Terns, 6 RT Diver and single Black-throated Diver (North). Brambling were down a bit to 20 with 15 Chaffinch. Light viz mig passage of Linnet (6), Goldfinch 7 and Siskin 1 was noted. 3 wheatear and 10 song thrush remained while chiffchaff were up to 9 and and Robins were up at 10 from 6 the previous day. A brief but spectacular passage of 230 Swallow moved through in a 30 minute period preceding a band of heavy showers in the afternoon. 4 Short-eared Owls were seen but no sign of the Barn Owl today. 7 Red Admiral were seen.
Sunday 3rd October SW5 veering NW 6 at times, clear then showers. Wildfowl were on the up today with 52 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 1 Common Scoter and a female Red-breasted Merganser passing and the Teal Flock at the North Ness hitting 49. 3 Snipe were new in and 3 whimmbrel were around. Seawatching produced Great (1), Pomarine (1) and Arctic (4) Skuas, 2 Manx Shearwater, 6 Red-throated Diver, a Knot and 3 Grey Plover. Owls were star birds with a Barn Owl (new or a resident?) and 2 Short-eared. Passerines were moving through sparsely with main features being 15 Song Thrush, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Chiffchaff. 40 Brambling and 17 Chaffinch were present.
Saturday 2nd October Windy with showers, SSE 5+ veering SSW later. Seawatching produced 1 Sooty Shearwater and 1 Bonxie. Waders numbers were high with counts of 61 Purple Sandpiper and 128 Turnstone. Three Short-eared Owl frequented Rona. Passerines included 4 Wheatear, 4 Grey Wagtail, 56 Brambling and 7 Chaffinch while a single Redwing may have bee n the over-summering bird and a single Blackbird was an arrival. Raptors were all falcons…1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel and 1 Peregrine.
Friday 1st October Another wet and windy day. Totals on the sea included 20 common scoter, 1 velvet scoter, 1 goosander, 5 red-breasted mergansers, 25 red-throated divers and 2 sandwich terns. During the afternoon a whale was seen out from the Low Light. Based on its blow and views of its dorsal fin it was thought highly likely to be a Sei Whale. A greenshank was discovered close to Rona after lunch. Other totals from the land included 12 song thrushes, 30 bramblings, 11 linnets, 4 goldfinches and a siskin.
Thursday 30th September Heavy rain and strong westerlies all morning meant birding was slow going, but 4 snipe and 2 jack snipe were recorded early on. Seawatching produced 3 bonxies, a little gull and 3 red-throated divers. Three blackcaps were the only warblers logged. A single Canada goose flew south over the island in the afternoon and a lone golden plover flew over the lighthouse late on. Just before dusk a first winter female ring ouzel showed on the rocks around Fluke Street. Sighting of the day however was a colour-ringed presumed littoralis rock pipit on Rona first seen on Tuesday, but finally pinned down in the afternoon amongst a flighty group of 15 rock pipits. Its colour-ring code was read from a photo and subsequently it was found to have been ringed 25 days earlier over 1000km away on the Norwegian coast.
Wednesday 29th September An excellent seawatch and vismig session yielded totals of 1467 pinkfeet, 5 wigeon, 52 teal, 8 common scoters, 6 red-breasted mergansers, 34 golden plover, 1 jack snipe, 5 black-headed gulls, 178 little gulls, 9 common gulls, 1 bonxie, 10 red-throated divers, 1 great northern diver and 1 common buzzard which flew south down the island. Whimbrel numbers increased to 10, a whichchat was near the Visitor Centre in the morning, and the redstart remained on Rona. Three reed buntings and most of the daily count of 30 meadow pipits were watched arriving in off the sea. The brambling flock totalled 56 birds and 18 linnets were also new in. The common hawker was still present.
Tuesday 28th September A similar day with moderate westerlies and a trickle of migrants overhead plus some movement over the sea. Seawatching from the north of the island produced 124 pinkfeet, 4 common scoters, 1 bonxie, 8 red-throated divers and 3 sooty shearwaters. 8 goosander flew south, a golden plover was heard overhead at night and 2 whimbrel, 1 short-eared owl, 1 merlin, 2 chiffchaff, 3 blackcap, 2 blackbird, 29 song thrush, 16 robin, 1 redstart, 1 grey wagtail, 42 meadow pipit, 32 bramblings and 4 siskin were also logged. A male common hawker was discovered in the afternoon patrolling the High Road in the north of the island
Monday 27th September A light passage of migrants in moderate westerly winds with some showers brought another significant influx of song thrush (65), plus 1 whimbrel, 1 jack snipe, 2 snipe, 1 short-eared owl, 5 chiffchaffs, 2 blackcaps, 3 robins, 1 dunnock, 1 grey wagtail, 22 meadow pipits, 1 tree pipit, 15 bramblings, and 2 siskins. Most frustrating bird of the day was a ticking bunting which called as it was watched coming in off the sea from the Low Light. It disappeared towards Rona and couldn’t be relocated. Sunny and warm weather meant it was a good day for butterflies with 3 large whites seen along with 20+ red admirals.
Sunday 26th September A quiet morning was followed by a small arrival of migrants in the afternoon, notably brambling (60) and song thrush (33). 1 common scoter, 1 kestrel, 1 merlin, 2 sand martins 14 swallows, 28 house martins 1 willow warbler, 2 chiffchaffs, 1 blackcap, 18 robins, 1 grey wagtail, 39 meadow pipits, and 1 siskin were also logged.
Saturday 25th September A calm sunny day. The major bird movement happened early in the morning with 120 pinkfeet, 1 wigeon, 6 red-breasted mergansers, 669 swallows, 455 meadow pipits, 13 sand martins, 61 house martins, and 2 brambling moving through, plus a stonechat was new in. In the afternoon a pod of about 30 bottle-nosed dolphins gave great views moving north close in to the east side of the island. A dark phase arctic skua was also seen.
Week 18-25 Sept 2021
The week was dominated by generally clear skies and persistent westerly winds reaching up to Force 7 on the 23rd. Until the end of the week passerine migration was extremely quiet with only individual blackcap, garden warbler, chiffchaff, song thrush and pied flycatcher recorded. There was also a trickle of willow warbler, robin and meadow pipits passing through the island and peregrine, merlin, kestrel, sparrow hawk and short eared owl were also noted.
In the absence of migrants on land greater attention was paid to sea watching with 1 Sabine’s gull, 1 great northern diver, 2 sooty shearwaters,1 pomarine skua and 80 little gulls being the highlights. That is until Thursday 23rd when pink footed geese started to arrive over and around the island. There was a strong westerly wind and birds arrived throughout the day in a continual stream often clearly struggling against the wind. Over the course of the day a record 10,795 pink footed geese were recorded! It really was an unforgettable day after a very quiet week. Also passing the island with the geese were 15 whooper swans.
The following day a further 4000 pinkfoots were recorded, plus 1 greylag, 5 juvenile mute swans which obligingly rested on the sea in front of the Low Light and a further 3 whooper swans were also noted. By Saturday morning the wind had dropped completely, and 469 swallows and 355 meadow pipits passed through in the early part of the day, and a stonechat arrived
Sun 5th Sep Seawatching Pintail 1, Arctic Skua 4, Pomarine Skua 1, Common Scoter 2. Passerines included: Common Rosefinch (juv.), Grey Wagtail 4, Pied Flycatcher 3, Sedge Warbler 2
Sat 4th Sep SE wind, light and variable, occ showers. Brent Goose (pale bellied) 18, Bonxie 3, Sooty Shearwater 8N, Chiffchaff 1, Sedge warbler 3, Whitethroat 3, Redwing 1, Pied Flycatcher 1, Spotted Flycatcher 5, Yellow Wagtail 1, Meadow Pipit 58
27th August Teal 2, Whimbrel 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Bonxie 6, Sooty Shearwater 9, Manx Shearwater 1, Willow Warbler 15, Robin 3, Pied Flycatcher 2, Wheatear 2, Yellow Wagtail 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Mipit 1, Tree Pipit 1
26th August Wigeon 6, Mallard 5, Teal 11, Common Scoter 6, Grey Plover 1, Ringed Plover 1, Whimbrel 1, Turnstone 12, Purple Sandpiper 70, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 7, Bonxie 4, Tystie 1, Puffin 1, Manx Shearwater 1, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1m, Skylark 1, Swallow 10, Willow Warbler 10, Whitethroat 2, Robin 2, Pied Flycatcher 1, Wheatear 12, Pied Wagtail 50, Mipit 3, Tree Pipit 3
Wednesday 25th August Mallard 3, Teal 4, Whimbrel 2, Dunlin 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Arctic Skua 3, Guillemot 2000+ spread up Forth visible in flat calm conditions, Razorbill 1, R-t Diver 1, Manx Shearwater 1, Grey Heron 1, Peregrine 1, Swallow 25, Willow Warbler 12, Robin 3, Pied Flycatcher 1, Wheatear 2, Mipit 2, Chaffinch 1f
24th August Whimbrel 1, Knot 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Guillemot 1, Swallow 30, House Martin 1, Willow Warbler 15, Garden Warbler1 , Whitethroats 2, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 5, Wheatear 4, Grey Wagtail 1, Mipit 3, Tree Pipit 1
23rd August Green Sandpiper 1, Guillemot 1juv, Kestrel 3, Peregrine 1, Swallow 40 N, House Martin 1, Willow Warbler10, Barred Warbler1, Whitethroat 2, Song Thrush 1, Robin 5, Pied Flycatcher 1, Wheatear 7, Grey Wagtail 1, Mipit 1, Minke Whale 1
22nd August Mallard 4, Whimbrel 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Green shank 1, Bonxie 1, Grey Heron 1, Peregrine 1, Skylark 1, Willow Warbler 10, White throat 1, Wheatear 3, Mipit 1
Sun 21st August Common Sandpiper 1, Guillemot 4, Skylark 1, Willow warbler 11, Chiffchaff 2, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Wheatear 3, Chaffinch 1m
Fri 19th Aug Wader count with notably over 200 Turnstone, and 1 Dunlin off North Ness. 2 Fem Mallard on Rona
Thurs 18th Aug Easterlies were forecast, but didn’t materialise. Northbound flock of 15 House Martins, Fly-over Golden Plover, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Teal
Weds 17th Aug Very strong Westerly wind. 1 Meadow Pipit, Osprey over, flying south on West side of island late am, Juvenile Common Rosefinch on Holyman’s Road 1.15pm.
Tues 17th Little Gull, Merlin: Possibly a smaller Male, Spotted Flycatcher, Fly-over Common Buzzard, Green Sandpiper at East Tarbet, Short Eared Owl on Rona
Mon 16th Aug Wind direction changed and NW winds brought southward passage flock of circa 50 Swallows
Sun 15th Aug Tree Pipit, Hunting Juv Merlin, Chiffchaff (a Re-Trap from June !!) Redstart: a re-trap from week before our visit, 1 Teal on Bishops Cove pond
Sat 14th Aug Black Redstart 1 juv found on Holyman’s Road.
Friday 13August: Again, little in the way of migration, though 16 swifts were seen passing, though these will be wind-drift from towns/cities to the west in the now moderate south west wind. A wader count found 51 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlews, 4 Whimbrels, 4 Redshank, 174 Turnstones, 133 Purple Sandpipers and 4 Common Sandpipers. 5 Purple Sandpipers were caught and ringed, all adults in moult with smaller birds (presumably male) having lower moult scores than larger birds (presumably) female suggesting the latter are the first to arrive on the Island after breeding.
Thursday 12th: Migration non-existent but 40 Fulmar chicks ringed from Manx Brae to Colm’s Hole.
Wednesday 11th: A Treecreeper was notable arrival. Wheatear numbers increased to 3, which was the same as the Willow Warbler total ringed from the remaining dozen on the Island.
Tuesday 10th: The passage of Willow Warblers began to dry up with only an additional 5 ringed along with another Sedge Warbler. A Short eared Owl was spotted on the South Plateau
Monday 9th: Although the number of Willow Warblers appeared similar there was obviously some passage of Willow Warblers as another 12 being ringed. These included some adults that had not finished their moult. Most had good weights and fat reserves, which is probably why with the light winds they didn’t hang around. Other passerine migrants were restricted to 2 Wheatears and a Sedge Warbler. A Green Sandpiper flew over but didn’t look like stopping. We also had a call from our daily Whimbrel.
Sunday 8th: 15 Willow warblers were present on the island (8 ringed) along with a juvenile Common Redstart and a Garden Warbler. Three Common Sandpipers were present along with a Cuckoo and a Kestrel. One Whimbrel kindly gave us a call from East Tarbet Saturday 7th August: A Reed Warbler and Whitethroat were caught in the Low Trap and ringed.
Saturday 7th August: A Reed Warbler and Whitethroat were caught in the Low Trap and ringed.
Saturday 12th June
Black-headed Gull 2, Starling 3, Siskin 1, Chiffchaff 1.
Tuesday 8th June
Tufted Duck 1, Redwing 1, Chiffchaff 1.
Monday 7th June
Roseate Tern 1, Swift 5, Redwing 1.
Sunday 6th June
Black-headed Gull 2, Whitethroat 1, Chiffchaff 2, Redwing 1, Starling 1, Chaffinch 1.
Friday 4th June
Grey Heron 1, Mallard 2m, Whitethroat 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Redwing 1, Starling 1.
Thursday 3rd June
The isle’s 6th Woodchat Shrike appeared briefly in the evening.
Swift 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1, Starling 1, Woodchat shrike 1, Chaffinch 2.
Sunday 30th May
Whooper Swan 29N, Chiffchaff 1, Redwing 1, Tree Pipit 1.
Saturday 29th May
Storm Petrel 2, Turnstone 5, Ringed Plover 2, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 1, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Tree Pipit 1.
Friday 28th May
Little Gull 1, Collared Dove 1, Wheatear 2, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 5, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Blackbird 2, Tree Pipit 2.
Thursday 27th May
Greenish Warbler still present but elusive. Adult Little Gull again displaying around Loch
Little Gull 1, House Martin 1, Wheatear 4, Sedge Warbler 2, Greenish warbler 1, Willow Warbler 1, Blackbird 1, Meadow Pipit 1
Wednesday 26th May
Greenish Warbler reappeared after a three day absence but elusive. Adult Little Gull displaying around Loch
Little gull 1, House Martin 1, Wheatear 4, Sedge Warbler 1, Greenish warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1
Sunday 16th May
Another quiet day with a new Ring Ouzel arrival
Mallard 1, Common Scoter 2 north, Turnstone 9, Purple Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Manx Shearwater 2 north, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1 female, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 6, Starling 2, Ring Ouzel 1 – newly arrived in top trap, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Robin 1, Wheatear 4, Siskin 1
Saturday 15th May
Another quiet day with a trickle of migrants and a few new arrivals including the first Goldcrest for a while and second spring Collared Dove.
Mallard 2, Collared Dove 1 along Holyman’s (second of the spring), Whimbrel 1 north calling, Sandwich Tern, 4, Arctic Tern 50,Red-throated Diver 1 west, Manx Shearwater 1north, Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 2, Garden Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 4, Goldcrest 1, Blackbird 1, Song thrush 1, Robin 2, Whinchat 2, Wheatear 7, Tree Pipit 2, Brambling 1 (for third day), Siskin 2.
Others of note: Hummingbird Hawkmoth (first of the year) feeding around west cliffs
Friday 14th May
Still small numbers of migrants remain although a bit of a clear-out following yesterday’s large arrival.
Mallard male, Curlew 1 (not many been seen in recent weeks), Common Sandpiper 2 (there good spring showing continues), Redshank 2, Sandwich Tern 4, Swallow 6, Willow Warbler 8, chiffchaff 4, Blackcap 1, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 10, Fieldfare 3, Song thrush 1, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Robin 1, Redstart 1, Whinchat 2 including stunning male, Wheatear 6, Tree Pipit 5, Bramblin1 still, Common redpoll 2 and Siskin 2.
Thursday 13th May
Noteworthy arrival of common migrants including Whitethroats across the island. With further easterly winds forecast it could get exciting…
Snipe 1 over, Turnstone 3, Common Sandpiper 4 (good spring count), Sandwich Tern 2, Arctic Tern 60 including birds on the ground, Peregrine 1, Crow 6, Skylark 2, Swallow 4, Willow Warbler 27, Chiffchaff 1, Sedge Warbler 4, Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 37 (noteworthy spring count), Starling 1, Blackbird 1, Fieldfare 3, Song Thrush 1, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Robin 1, Redstart 2, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 6, Tree Pipit 7 (including 5 together), Brambling 1, Common Redpoll 2 and Siskin 8.
Wednesday 12th May
First Quail of the year in the south of the isle.
Greylag Goose 2, Quail 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Sandwich Tern 2, Woodpigeon 11, Carrion Crow 4, Swallow 8, Chiffchaff 9, Willow Warbler 8, Sedge Warbler 2, Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 12, Lesser Whitethroat 3, Blackbird 1, Fieldfare 3, Redstart 1, Robin 2, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 6, Meadow Pipit 4, Tree Pipit 4, Siskin 4.
Tuesday 11th May
A Cuckoo was the first of the year while an Osprey and Bar-tailed Godwit flew over.
Bar-tailed Godwit 1, Turnstone 7, Purple Sandpiper 3, Osprey 1, Black-headed Gull 1, Carrion Crow 4, Cuckoo 1, House Martin 1, Swallow 4, Chiffchaff 4, Willow Warbler 4, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wren 1, Blackbird 1, Fieldfare 1, Redstart 1, Robin 2, Whinchat 2, Wheatear 8, white Wagtail 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Linnet 1, Goldfinch 1, Siskin 2.
Monday 10th May
Grey Heron 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Black-headed Gull 1, Common Tern 1, Arctic Tern 80, Carrion Crow 4, Jackdaw 2, Swallow 8, Skylark 1, Chiffchaff 8, Willow Warbler 7, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wren 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Blackbird 1, Fieldfare 1, Robin 1, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 6, Meadow Pipit 1, Common Redpoll 1, Siskin 2.
Sunday 9th May
Mallard 2, Redshank 1, Purple Sandpiper 8, Turnstone 2, Whimbrel 1, Common Gull 1, Sandwich Tern 4, Arctic Tern 24, Carrion Crow 6, House Martin 4, Swallow 18, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 2, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wren 1, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 14, Yellow Wagtail 1f, Meadow Pipit 3, Common Redpoll 3.
Saturday 8th May
Very promising conditions with SE winds and rain but other than the first Yellow Wagtail of the year it was somewhat underwhelming.
Common Sandpiper 1, Arctic Tern 10, Carrion Crow 4, Swallow 3, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 5, Wren 1, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 1, Robin 1, Wheatear 7, Yellow Wagtail 1f, Tree Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit 9, Common Redpoll 3,Goldfinch 2, Linnet 1.
Friday 7th May
Whimbrel 1, Turnstone 3, Arctic Tern 4, Sandwich Tern 2, Carrion Crow 4, Woodpigeon 10, House Martin 1, Swallow 2, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Robin 1, Wheatear 2, Goldfinch 2, Linnet 1.
Thursday 6th May
Only three birds arriving but all first for the year with a female Pied Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler and a singing Garden Warbler.
Greylag Goose 2, Grey Heron 1, Whimbrel 1, Arctic Tern 2, Sandwich Tern 2, Carrion Crow 4, House Martin 1, Sand Martin 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Wren 1, Ring Ouzel 3, Song Thrush 3, Robin 3, Wheatear 2, Black Redstart 1m, Pied Flycatcher 1f, Meadow Pipit 4, Common Redpoll 1, Lesser Redpoll 1, Linnet 1, Siskin 1m.
Wednesday 5th May
Grey Heron 1, Turnstone 3, Whimbrel 1, Peregrine 3, Carrion Crow 4, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 1f, Wren 1, Ring Ouzel 5, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 3, Robin 5, Wheatear 3, Black Redstart 1m, Meadow Pipit 4, Common Redpoll 1, Lesser Redpoll 1.
Tuesday 4th May
A small arrival had a feel more like late October rather than early May. Common Sandpiper and Black Redstart were first for the year.
Turnstone 7, Common Sandpiper 3, Purple Sandpiper 2, Whimbrel 1, Woodcock 1, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 4, Swallow 2, Sand Martin 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Wren 1, Ring Ouzel 7, Blackbird 1, Fieldfare 44, Redwing 5, Song Thrush 20, Robin 5, Wheatear 3, Black Redstart 1m, Meadow Pipit 3, Chaffinch 2, Siskin 1, Common Redpoll 1, Lesser Redpoll 1.
Monday 3rd May
Greylag 1, Turnstone 1, Whimbrel 1, Common Tern 1, Arctic Tern 2, Carrion Crow 9, Swallow 4, Chiffchaff 4, Wheatear 3, Starling 1, Linnet 1, Common Redpoll 2.
Sunday 2nd May
Single Swift, Whinchat and Reed Warbler were all the first for the year.
Turnstone 6, Great Skua 1, Sandwich Tern 4, Arctic Tern 2, Black-headed Gull 1,Carrion Crow 15, Swallow 4, Sand Martin 5, House Martin 2, Reed Warbler 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 2, Ring Ouzel 1, Song Thrush 2, Fieldfare 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 4, Goldfinch 1, Linnet 2, Lesser Redpoll 1, Common Redpoll 1.
Saturday 1st May
Greylag Goose 2, Teal 2, Whimbrel 1, Snipe 1, Great Skua 1, Black-headed Gull 1, Grey Heron 1, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 4, Swallow 1, Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 5, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Goldcrest 2, Wren 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Song Thrush 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Wheatear 3, Linnet 5.
Friday 30th April
Redshank 2, Turnstone 8, Peregrine 2, Chiffchaff 7, Willow warbler 1, Goldcrest 3, Meadow Pipit 2, Wheatear 4, Robin 2, Redstart 1f, Lesser Redpoll 1.
Thursday 29th April
Redshank 2, Turnstone 2, Skylark 1, Chiffchaff 12, Willow Warbler 3, Lesser whitethroat 1, Goldcrest 1, Blackbird 2, Ring Ouzel 1m, Fieldfare 2, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 3, Wren 1, Robin 3, Redstart 2, Wheatear 4, Meadow Pipit 4, Lesser Redpoll 1.
Wednesday 28th April
Generally quieter but an arrival of chiffchaffs mid afternoon including several pale individuals.
Greylag Goose 2, Great Skua 2, Black-headed Gull 3, Skylark 1, Chiffchaff 12, Siberian Chiffchaff 1, Lesser whitethroat 1, Goldcrest 2, Blackbird 3, Ring Ouzel 1m, Fieldfare 4, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 2, Wren 1, Robin 4, Redstart 2, Wheatear 3, Meadow Pipit 2, Mealy Redpoll 3, Siskin 1.
Tuesday 27th April
First ‘fall’ of the spring following rain and north easterlies. Siberian Chiffchaff the pick of the bunch.
Mallard 1f, Collared Dove 1, Woodpigeon 10, Whimbrel 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Skylark 1, Willow warbler 2, Chiffchaff 5, Siberian Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Lesser whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 1, Goldcrest 3, Ring Ouzel 1m, Fieldfare 50, Song Thrush 5, Redwing 10, Robin 2, Redstart 2, Wheatear 5, White Wagtail 1, Meadow Pipit 5, Brambling 3, Twite 1, Linnet 2, Mealy Redpoll 3, Goldfinch 1, Siskin 1.
Monday 26th April
First Blackcap (male) of the year
Long-tailed Duck 3, Whimbrel 4, Skylark 1, House Martin 2, Sand Martin 1, Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 3, Blackcap 1, Robin 1, Wheatear 3, Meadow Pipit 4, Goldfinch 6, Linnet 3, Siskin 1.
Sunday 25th April
First Sandwich Terns of the year.
Mallard 1, Curlew 1, Turnstone 2, Sandwich Tern 2, Peregrine 2, Sand Martin 1, Swallow 1, Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 2, Starling 1, Blackbird 3, Wheatear 2, Meadow Pipit 3, Linnet 6.
Saturday 24th April
First Arctic Tern of the year
Turnstone 1, Arctic Tern 1, Sand Martin 1, Swallow 2, Skylark 1, White Wagtail 1, Wheatear 3, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Wren 1, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 2, Starling 1, Linnet 2, Goldfinch 1.
Thursday 8th April Brent Goose (pale-bellied) 1 remains on Rona, Shelduck 2, Mallard 2, Teal 12 still on Rona, Woodpigeon 6. Iceland Gull 1 adult seen again sheltering along east side of island, Grey Heron 1 on Rona, Osprey 1 tracked north along the west cliffs of the island mobbed by Gulls and was the first of the spring, Peregrine 2, Crow 4, Wren 3, Blackbird 3, Redwing 1, Robin 1, Meadow Pipit 42, Linnet 1N
Wader count: Oystercatcher 40, Turnstone 62, Purple Sandpiper 60, Redshank 6. Despite more strong NW winds, highlights including an osprey and the adult Iceland Gull reseen.
Wednesday 7th April Brent Goose (pale-bellied race) 1 on Rona and the second spring record which is unusual for the island (mainly an early autumn visitor), Greylag Goose 1, Shelduck 2, Mallard 4, Teal 12 together on Rona, Woodpigeon 6, Whimbrel 1 (over-wintering individual), Great Skua 1N late afternoon of north end of island, first of the year, Red-throated Diver 1N, Peregrine 2, Crow 4, Wren 3, Blackbird 3, Redwing 1 and Robin 1
Tuesday 6th April Mallard 1, Woodpigeon 6, Redshank 1, Common Gull 1, Crow 6, Goldcrest 1, Blackbird 2, Redwing 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Meadow Pipit 5, Linnet 1,
A second day of very strong NW winds bringing low temperatures and hail! Very little bird movement.
Monday 5th April Mallard 2 – pair remain on Loch, Woodpigeon 6, Oystercatcher 21, Redshank 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Crow 6, Blackbird 2, Redwing 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Linnet 1, Siskin 1N.
Quiet day due to strong NW winds, gale force at times bring temperatures of -3 degrees overnight.
Sunday 4th April Greylag Geese 2 (pair remain on the island), Woodpigeon 6 (3 pairs prospecting), Redshank 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Peregrine 2, Crow 6, Goldcrest 1, Blackbird 3, Redwing 3, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Meadow Pipit 82N, Linnet 6, Goldfinch 2N, Siskin 3N, Crossbill 1N – male flew low over Low Light and away north towards Fife and Reed Bunting 1N
Despite strong north-westerly winds some passage occurred including a male crossbill on the move.
Saturday 3rd April Shelduck 6 together (3 pairs), Mallard 2 (pair), Teal 2 (pair), Velvet Scoter 2W, Woodpigeon 6, Whimbrel 1, Snipe 1 over, Redshank 2, Red-throated Divers 2W, Grey Heron 1 fledged juvenile, Sparrowhawk 1, Peregrine 2, Crow 6, Goldcrest 4, Wren 9, Starling 3, Blackbird 2, Redwing 1, Robin 3, Wheatear 2, Dunnock 1, Meadow Pipit 3, Linnet 3, Goldfinch 1N and Siskin 1N.
Friday 2nd April: Greylag Goose 2 still, Shelduck 1, Mallard 3, Common Scoter 1N, Woodpigeon 6, Common Gull 1, Red-throated Diver 1W, Peregrine 2, Crow 8, Goldcrest 1, Wren 5, Starling 2, Blackbird 3, Fieldfare 1, Redwing 2, Robin 2, Dunnock 1, Pied Wagtail 37 at roost, Meadow Pipit 21, Linnet 4, Goldfinch 2 and Siskin 1.
Overall quiet on the island as westerly winds continue to dominate
Thursday 1st April: Greylag Geese 2 remain on Rona, Shelduck 1, Mallard 3 all males on Loch, Teal 10 together on Rona, Woodpigeon 6 (3 pairs), Stock Dove one south over South Plateau (a scarce migrant seen on only four occasions in last ten years), Redshank 3, Red-throated Diver 1W, Sparrowhawk 1 still, Kestrel 1 late evening, Peregrine 2, Crow 7, Goldcrest 5 influx, Wren 8, Starling 3, Blackbird 2, Redwing 2, Robin 4, Stonechat 1, Wheatear 2, Dunnock 2, Pied Wagtail 41, Meadow Pipit 11 and Linnet 5.
A noteworthy Stock Dove record with a trickle of migrants through during the day
Wednesday 31st March: Greylag Goose 2 still, Whooper Swan 58 north along east side of island, Shelduck 2, mallard 5 (four males, one female), Velvet Scoter 6 west, Common Scoter 29 north, Whimbrel 1 (over-wintering individual), Iceland Gull adult on Rona in morning (immature was seen two days previously),Short-Eared Owl 1 still, Peregrine 2, Jackdaw 2 (a scarce visitor with 3-4 records per year), Carrion crow 20 influx, Skylark 2, Sand martin 2 north, Goldcrest 1, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 1, Redwing 1, Robin 5, Wheatear 2 male, Meadow Pipit 94, Linnet 9 north and Snow Bunting one north calling.
A productive day as the winds eased allowing migration to happen especially in the morning with some noteworthy early records.
Tuesday 30th March
Barnacle Goose 1 (on Rona), Greylag Goose 2 (on Rona), Shelduck 1, Mallard 2, Teal 3, Eiders 53, Woodpigeon 4, Oystercatcher 56, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 22, Turnstone 64, Purple Sandpipers 73, Redshank 9, Sparrowhawk 1, Short-eared Owl 2, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 2, Crow 5, Sand Martin 2N, Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 1, Wren 6, Blackbird 3, Fieldfare 1, Redwing 1, Robin 4, Wheatear 2 (male by the hides and another on West Braes), Dunnock 2, Pied Wagtail 24, White Wagtail 2, Meadow Pipit 60, Linnet 7, Reed Bunting 1
Noticeable arrival of migrants as wind eased allowing birds to move; 2 Wheatears and 2 Sand Martins were first of the year and the martins were particular early for the island (see below). Also two White Wagtails whilst a wader count at high tide produced some noteworthy counts
Recent Wheatear first arrival dates: 28th March 2019, 30th March 2018, 22nd March 2017, 4th April 2016 and 24th March 2015
Recent Sand Martin first arrival dates: 18th April 2019, 19th April 2018, 8th April 2017, 4th April 2016 and 21st April 2015
Monday 29th March
Mallard 2 (pair on loch), Woodpigeon 4 (2 pairs), Black-headed Gull 4 south, Sparrowhawk female, Short-eared Owl 2, Peregrine 1, Skylark 2 by Beacon, Chiffchaff 1 singing low light bushes, Starling 2, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Robin 3, ‘White’ Wagtail 1 male first of the spring, Meadow Pipit 18N, Linnet 2, Goldfinch 1, Siskin 1 north,
Sunday 28th March
Mallard 2 (pair on loch), Woodpigeon 4 (2 pairs), Whimbrel 1 over-wintering individual, Peregrine 1, Short-eared Owl 2, **BARN OWL 1 flushed from low light bushes – second record this winter following an individual on 24th February – a scarce visitor to the island. Crow 4, Blackbird 1, Robin 3, Meadow Pipit 5, Linnet 2, Goldfinch 3.
Saturday 27th March
Mallard 2 (pair on Loch), Woodpigeon 4 (two pairs), Whimbrel 1 over-wintering individual, Purple Sandpiper 40, Redshank 1, Short-eared Owl 2 at roost, Peregrine 2, Crow 4, Blackbird 2, Song Thrush 1, Robin 2, Meadow Pipit 5, Linnet 2
Friday 26th March
Shelduck 1, Mallard 2 (pair on loch), Woodpigeon 2 (pair), Whimbrel 1 over-wintering individual, Redshank 1, *ICELAND GULL 1 immature at roost on Rona (third date recorded following sightings on 22nd and 24th February), Sparrowhawk 1, SE Owl 1, Peregrine 2, Crow 4, Blackbird 1, Redwing 1, Robin 2, Dunnock 1, Meadow Pipit 10, Linnet 1N, Siskin 1N
Thursday 25th March
Pink-footed Geese 55N, Mallard 2, Common Scoter 5N, Woodpigeon 4, Whimbrel 1, Dunlin 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Peregrine 2, Crow 4, Skylark 2, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 2, Wren 6, Starling 1, Blackbird 4, Song Thrush 1, Robin 3, Dunnock 1, Meadow Pipit 27, Greenfinch 1N (good record with only 2-3 per year), Linnet 1N.
Wednesday 24th March
Shelduck 2, Mallard 2 (pair again on loch), Goosander 2N – pair off the east side, Woodpigeon 4, Whimbrel 1, Woodcock 1 by Top trap, Common Gull 1 immature, Grey Heron 1, Sparrowhawk 1 male again, Short-eared Owl 1, Peregrine 3, Chiffchaff 2 (first of the year with individuals along Holymans and Bain trap), Goldcrest 1 (first of the year), Wren 4, Blackbird 3, Song Thrush 1, Robin 2, Grey Wagtail 1N along east side, Meadow Pipit 45N, Linnet 3N, Goldfinch 2N
Further northerly passage of Pipits, wagtails and finches although strong westerly winds blocking general migration. No sign of Whooper Swans despite good numbers recorded further south at sea
Tuesday 23rd March
Shelduck 3, Mallard 2 (pair on loch), Teal 1 female, Woodpigeon 2, Whimbrel 1 once again, Dunlin 1 over Rona, Redshank 2, Grey Heron 1, Peregrine 3 (two immatures and adult), Sparrowhawk 1 male, Short-eared Owl 1 still, Wren 4, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 1, Redwing 2, Robin 2, Meadow Pipit 45N, Linnet 2N, Goldfinch 1N
Very light northerly passage of Meadow Pipits and finches
Monday 22nd March
Woodpigeon 5, Whimbrel 1 (over-wintering individual), Redshank 1, Black-headed Gull 1 south, Short-eared Owl 1, Peregrine 2 over the west cliffs, still at roost, Wren 3, Blackbird 2, Dunnock 1, Linnet 1 N, Siskin 2N
Generally quiet due to time of year and westerly dominated winds. NatureScot reserve staff have returned to the island for the season but the bird observatory will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
18 March
Greylag Goose 1, Mallard 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Turnstone 7, Purple Sandpiper 17, Woodcock 1, Redshank 1, Puffin 1000 on land thousands on sea, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 4, Carrion Crow 3, Goldcrest 2, Wren 3, Starling 1, Blackbird 5, Song Thrush 1, Mistle Thrush 2, Robin 3, Pied Wagtail 10, Meadow Pipit 7, Linnet 8. Small Tortoiseshell 1.
17 March
Greylag Goose 2, Mallard 3, Teal 2, Grey Heron 1, Turnstone 4, Purple Sandpiper 20, Redshank 2, Puffin 350 on land thousands on sea, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 2, Carrion Crow 4, Skylark 2, Wren 2, Starling 8, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 1, Robin 2, Pied Wagtail 10, Meadow Pipit 2, Rock Pipit 30, Linnet 2. Peacock Butterrfly 1.
16 March
Mallard 2, Grey Heron 1, Redshank 1, Puffin 350 on land thousands on sea, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 3, Carrion Crow 3, Skylark 1, Wren 2, Starling 1, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 1, Robin 1, Pied Wagtail 10, Meadow Pipit 1, Rock Pipit 30, Linnet 1.
15 March
Teal 5, Mallard 2, Grey Heron 1, Woodcock 1, Redshank 1, Common Gull 1, Puffin 50 at sea, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 1, Kestrel 1f, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 2, Wren 3, Blackbird 2, Pied Wagtail 10, Rock Pipit 30.
2 March
First Brent Goose of the year was ashore in the Thistle Field.
Brent Goose 1, Mallard 3, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 15, Sparrowhawk 1, Lapwing 2, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 85, Turnstone 20, Woodcock 1, Redshank 2, Common Gull 1, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 2, Peregrine 3, Carrion Crow 2, Wren 4, Starling 3, Blackbird 4, Song Thrush 1, Fieldfare 1, Robin 1, Rock Pipit 30.
1 March
Mallard 3, Teal 15, Grey Heron 1, Gannet 7, Cormorant 20, Little Grebe 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Whimbrel 1, Purple Sandpiper 2, Turnstone 5, Woodcock 2, Redshank 2, Woodpigeon 3, Merlin 1, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 2, Wren 3, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Robin 1, Stonechat 1m, Pied Wagtail 2, Linnet 1.
18 Feb
Pink-footed Goose 9, Mallard 2, Eider 10, Fulmar 100, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 10, Gannet 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Oystercatcher 30, Lapwing 1, Purple Sandpiper 1, Turnstone 2, Curlew 180, Woodcock 10, Snipe 1, Redshank 2, Woodpigeon 2, Short-eared Owl 2, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 2, Wren 2, Fieldfare 2, Blackbird 6, Redwing 3, Robin 2, Rock Pipit 10.
17 Feb
Greylag Goose 46, Wigeon 4, Teal 20, Eider 20, Fulmar 100, Grey Heron 2, Cormorant 15, Gannet 2, Sparrowhawk 2, Oystercatcher 30, Lapwing 1, Turnstone 2, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 25, Woodcock 15, Redshank 2, Black-headed Gull 3, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 4, Kestrel 2, Peregrine 1, Carrion Crow 2, Skylark 12, Wren 3, Blackbird 6, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 1, Robin 2, Rock Pipit 20.
16 Feb
Greylag Goose 4, Shelduck 1, Wigeon 4, Mallard 2, Eider 10, Fulmar 50, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 15, Oystercatcher 30, Purple Sandpiper 1, Turnstone 2, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 130, Woodcock 20 Redshank 3, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 5, Peregrine 2, Carrion Crow 3, Skylark 20, Wren 2, Starling 7, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 2, Redwing 7, Song Thrush 3, Mistle Thrush 1, Robin 2, Rock Pipit 20, Linnet 2.
15 Feb
Mallard 2, Teal 1, Eider 12, Fulmar 10, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 1, Oystercatcher 30, Purple Sandpiper 10, Turnstone 15, Curlew 16, Woodcock 35, Redshank 4, Kittiwake 1, Woodpigeon 3, Short-eared Owl 4, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Carrion Crow 1, Skylark 8, Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 6, Redwing 5, Robin 1, Rock Pipit 13.
11 Feb
Lapwing 1, Woodcock 60, Sparrowhawk 1, Short-eared Owl 3, Skylark 16.
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