A good weekend

A cracker and our first since 2003; Curlew Sandpiper (Andy Denton)

First of the autumn; Short-eared Owl (Graeme Duncan)

We can see you (Andy Denton)

Back for the winter; a Snow Bunting (Andy Denton)

Pied Flycatcher on the move (Andy Denton)

Sunday 18th September comments: It's been a good weekend on the islands as the wind (at long last) switched to the east and produced a good scattering of migrants. Pick of the crop was a Curlew Sandpiper which was discovered on Brownsman pond - amazingly the first island record since September 2003 (remember that Ashy?). Why the species is so scarce on the Farnes is any one's guess as they remain an annual in the local area and were regular on the Farnes until 2003. However it was a welcome return and hopefully we'll have a few more to shout about by the end of the season.

Our first autumn Redwing (welcome back!) and Snow Bunting brought a distinct winter feel about it, whilst other highlights included a majestic Short-eared Owl and a scattering of migrants including Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchats and common warblers. Just outside the recording area, a Minke Whale and Grey Phalarope were recorded by a visitor boat, so the the islands still have plenty of potential.