NORTH RONALDSAY - 19th April

Hazy sunshine again and we kept the strong SSE wind that has dominated for seemingly ages now – all set to change tomorrow though!   Walked up the west coast right to Westness in the morning with the highlights consisting of the first 2 Whimbrel of the year over the Obs, a random Canada Goose south down Westbeach and then later at the Obs and then on Hooking, the first Common Sandpiper of the year at Lenswick and a few new migrants such as a female Stonechat at Trebb, a Black Redstart at Lenswick, my first Blackcap of the year also at Lenswick and an influx of 7+ Willow Warblers.

                Other migrant totals included 2 Sparrowhawks, a Merlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, a Collared Dove, 16 Sand Martins, 4 Swallows, 275+ Meadow Pipits, 3 Dunnocks, 43 Robins, 66+ Wheatears, a Song Thrush, 12 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Jackdaw, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Brambling, a Goldfinch at Gretchen and a single Snow Bunting.   A little look off the Lighthouse late afternoon produced a brief glimpse of a White-beaked Dolphin just offshore.

Common Sandpiper

Willow Warbler

Goldcrest

Canada Goose