π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Monday 2nd October 2023 π¦️ 14C ~ Wind SW @ 25MPH ~ Today was a day of both successes and failures for me. Although I didn't achieve everything I set out to do, I still had an enjoyable day in the glorious sunshine despite the strong winds that persisted throughout. There were a few heavy downpours in the afternoon, but they passed quickly.
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| Bluethroat at Westhall Cottage today |
Yesterday evening, I managed a photo of a Subalpine species at Wester Quarff (refer to yesterday's post). Today, it was identified as an Eastern Subalpine Warbler based on its calls so an excellent result. Additionally, I revisited Westhall Cottage and was able to catch up with the Bluethroat I dipped on yesterday, which showed very well for me today.
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| Whinchat along the Burn of Hoswick |
Along with other birders on site I failed to locate a Barred Warbler at Gulberwick during the morning and equally failed to locate a reported Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick. However, I did enjoy a walk along the shoreline and the Burn of Hoswick noting Whinchat, Wheatear and I'm pretty sure I had a Red-breasted Flycatcher in one of the gardens but simply didn't get enough of the bird to be 100% satisfied.
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| Siberian Stonechat ~ Apparent 1st-winter male. |
I did try for a River Warbler on two occasions during the day at Brae but without success. It was seen on just three separate occasions today but only briefly. The bird of the day for me was a rather stunning-looking Siberian Stonechat at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. While here a Great Skua passed over the voe and there was a Black Redstart in the ruins at Lunna Kirk.
