The Rarities Keep Coming.

24th September
Despite Wardens being at Copper Geo from before first light, there was no sign of the Magnolia Warbler on Monday, it had left its roost during the night and was not relocated, disappointing several potential twitchers around the country.

There was still excellent birding to be had, beginning with a mobile Paddyfield Warbler found at Setter before breakfast that was eventually pinned down in Boini Mire. Another BB rarity was added to the growing list of recent arrivals when an Olive-backed Pipit was found later in the morning at the Walli Burn. The Blyth’s Reed Warbler was also still present, lurking in the Schoolton garden.

The Paddyfield Warbler showed down to a few metres later in the day as it fed in the long grass of the Boini Mire.

A number of scarcities were also around the island, with the 28 Yellow-browed Warblers (up from 21 on Sunday) leading the way.

Yellow-browed Warbler was the commonest warbler on the island, with the cliffs in the North of the island being particularly productive for them.

A confiding Little Bunting discovered in the Havens late in the afternoon was the first of the year and other scarcities included two Corncrakes (although sadly one was found dead in Guidicum), Hawfinch (at Copper Geo), Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat and Red-backed Shrike.

The Little Bunting at the Havens. 

The day was also noticeable for the arrival of common migrants that largely took place later in the afternoon. Chief amongst these were Song Thrush (61) and Goldcrest (39), whilst other signs of new arrivals included 13 Tree Pipit, 19 Redwing, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, 9 Willow Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, 4 Redstart, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Dunnock, 4 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 2 Kestrel, 8 Jack Snipe, Ruff, 2 Woodpigeon and a Short-eared Owl. Scattered bunting flocks around the island totalled 25 Snow and 36 Lapland Buntings.
With the wind still in the east, Tuesday has dawned full of promise. There is nowhere else I’d rather be at the moment!