NORTH RONALDSAY - 19th October

A different kind of day with an increasing cold, brisk northerly wind dominating proceedings bringing some nasty little showers sweeping across the island from mid-afternoon.   There were limited new arrivals but still plenty of birds scattered throughout making it worthwhile to spend time in the field; totals included 6 Great-northern Divers, single Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua off the Lighthouse, 10 Herons, the Green-winged Teal on Gretchen, 2 Hen Harriers, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 2 Grey Plover, single Knot, Woodcock and Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 91 Robins, 3 Redstarts, a Whinchat, a Ring Ouzel, 95 Song Thrush, 410 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush, 8 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaffs, 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs at Holland and Ancum, 5 Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, 86 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 2 Common Redpoll, the 2 Hawfinch still, 12 Snow Buntings and a new Yellowhammer.

Twite and Brambling

Grey Plover

Merlin