The obs remains was closed until 31 July due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are grateful for bird news contributions from island-based management staff of NatureScot and visiting research personnel from UKCEH.
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
21st August
Common Sandpiper 1, Guillemot 4, Skylark 1, Willow warbler 11, Chiffchaff 2, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Wheatear 3, Chaffinch 1m
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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