In The Dark

A pretty good day on isle, despite the weather being miserable. A dull damp start in near darkness was rewarded with what i initially recorded as a Short-eared Owl, in fact turned out to be a Long-eared Owl on photographical evidence. Easy mistake in the dark i suppose! Never took a photo on 6400 iso before, hope i don't have to take any more. As with the past couple of days new birds were arriving throughout the day, with exception to the Common Rosefinch which was still keeping its distance.  Brough's totals today were 5+ Goldcrest, 3+ Song Thrush, 2 Whinchat, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 5 Common Redpoll and 2 Chiffchaff.

Elsewhere on isle a yeartick Bluethroat was found by Dr Marshall at Vaivoe and only gave brief flight views. The Yellow-browed Warbler was still at Hamister with another at Saltness.

Skaw had much variety with a nice male Ring Ouzel, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, Redstart, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 12+ Goldcrest, 10+ Song Thrush and a couple of Redwing. Most frustrating was the locustella found by John Laurie in the plantation, seen by all 3 of us either briefly in flight or scurrying across the ground. At least the weather is crap so with any luck it will be in there first thing. Fingers crossed.