NORTH RONALDSAY - 29th October

The wind stayed in the SE but it had picked up into a vicious force 7 with some nasty hail showers, especially in the afternoon; it was a tad disappointing really given the decent conditions as totals around the Obs, the Obs coast and the west coast census route included 8 Woodcock, 2 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 5 Common Redpolls (very pale, almost white individuals), 10 Chaffinches, 8 Brambling, 12 Twite, 2 Chiffchaff, a single Robin, a Pied Wagtail, 2 Snow Buntings and 3 Merlin – really felt there should be some more stuff but it was pretty difficult conditions.

Goldcrests

Common Redpolls

Snow Buntings

Fulmar