Tuesday 19 May 2009

Quantity and quality

Back on patch this morning full of hope of finding the 'rare for the day', no such luck with only yesterdays birds still in residence. I was actually half thinking about going to have a look at the Laughing Gull on the mainland, that was until i received a text from John Laurie "Wryneck at Sandwick". Sod the gull a Wryneck is worth 2 Laughing Gulls any day. It showed well whilst we watched it all the while being flanked by a territorial Meadow Pipit.

From there i joined John for the rest of the day checking various site around the isle, getting some insider knowledge. Lots of common migrants around with the most notable sightings being Kumliens Gull still at Hamister, a Bluethroat and Tree Pipit at Vaivoe and a Sedge Warbler, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Icterine Warblers and 3 Bluethroats at Skaw.

A check of patch before diner was rewarded with an Icterine Warbler and Tree Pipit. After diner it was back up to Skaw for the evening mist net session with Icterine Warbler(re-trap), Bluethroat, Robin, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and 5 Willow Warblers all trapped. The days patch tally was 10+ Willow Warbler, 5+ Chiffchaff, 4 Redstart, Wood Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Mealy Redpoll, Pied Flycatcher, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Swallows and 2 House Martins. A great day and fingers crossed for more of the same tomorrow.

2 comments:

Joan said...

Fabulous photo of the Wryneck.Thanks for sharing. Stuart and Joan.

Jason said...

Thanks Joan, we (the 2 of us) were lucky enough to get great close up views hence the half decent photo.