Field day on the Farnes

The first autumn Pied Flycatchers arrive (Andy Denton) 

Whinchats arrive (Andy Denton) 

A grainy shot of our first autumn Fieldfare - early!! (Andy Denton) 

Waders on the move - Dunlin on the pond (Andy Denton) 

One of two Sanderling on Inner Farne beach (Bex Outram)

Monday 13th August comments: Its a busy time on the islands again as our seabirds have been replaced by the autumn passage migrants. Birds heading south to winter in Africa are stopping off and using the islands as a service station, filling up on 'fuel' (lots of insects) before making the big journey south. It wasn't just birds heading south as we had a VERY early Fieldfare (a young bird) on Brownsman - just two months sooner than we expect on here!

The most noticeable highlight proved to be an Icterine Warbler discovered on Inner Farne although was elusive at times. In a normal year we'd have been really happy with this discovery, but with five spring records, its now just the 'norm' for this season. Its great to see these birds and if you visit the islands, we'll be happy to show these interesting migrants. Its never dull on the Farnes and I suspect we'll have more to shout about in the forthcoming days.

Todays highlights: Common Sandpiper 8 (including 5 together on Brownsman pond!), Sanderling 2, Snipe, Kestrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover 350, Green Sandpiper 3,  Fieldfare (early), Whinchat 4, Garden Warbler 2, Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 1, Icterine Warbler 1 on Inner Farne, Pied Flycatcher 9 and Spotted Flycatcher.