3rd October

A change in wind direction saw a reduction in the numbers of birds present, although quantity was replaced by some limited quality with a couple of firsts for the season. The main highlight on the passerine front was the first two Redwings of the autumn flushed from Culverwell in the early morning, otherwise a Grasshopper Warbler in Coombefield Quarry, four Spotted Flycatchers across the southern end of the island and a Firecrest at the obs were about all we could muster. On the non-passerine front the sea provided much of the action but a Golden Plover on the East-cliffs was the first for the autumn. An entire day of sea-watching provided 18 Arctic Skuas, 62 Common Scoters and a lone Sandwich Tern.

Smart birds at all times of the year, the grey wagtail total reached just four for the day... ©Nick Stantiford: