Eastern Promise

The east winds have picked up slightly and a few new birds are making it in: Yellow Wag and Greenshank were added to the year list today and there were also Redstart,a couple each of Tree Pipits and Ring Ouzel, although migrants were generally thinly spread across the island. The wind also brought with it fog, which delayed the plane that was due to bring the FIBOT Chairman Roger Riddington, his wife Agnes, ex-FIBO Ranger Rory Tallack and his girlfriend Chloe and Marilyn, Grace's new 'minder'. After what must have seemed an eternity at Tingwall (charades and dancing were resorted to), the 9am flight finally took off at 4pm - that's a long time to wait at an airport (which is maybe a slightly overglamourous description of the lovely, but petite Tingwall) with nothing to eat.

Thankfully everyone made it, the sun shone, Chris the cook excelled again with home made profiteroles and there was much happiness. In the evening Neil came round to lend Jason a guitar, although the idea of singing Log doesn't seem to have been accepted (yet).

Birds lingering from recent days included this stunning Black-tailed Godwit at Shirva...



...and this Knot  in South Harbour having its picture gatecrashed by a colour-ringed Starling

More east winds are forecast for tomorrow with rain as well, so hopefully there will be some more birds to report soon...