Three is the Magic Number

Stunning sprite; Yellow-browed Warbler (Ciaran Hatsell)

and another (Bex Outram)

Public ringing demonstrations well attended (Bex Outram)

Important scientific work behind it all (David Steel)

Migrants still linger; Garden Warbler (David Steel)

Pied Flycatcher showing well as usual (David Kinchin-smith)

One of two Lesser Whitethroats caught and ringed (Ciaran Hatsell)

Siskins on the move (David Kinchin-smith)

Thursday 26th September comments: After yesterdays ‘fall’ of migrant birds, today brought a return to normality; whatever normality is on the Farne Islands. The day was dominated by sunny, calm conditions (although with an easterly backed wind) and as a result a good majority of the migrant birds had departed in such favourable conditions.

However not all had left, as the juvenile Red-backed Shrike remained loyal to Inner Farne whilst at least four Yellow-browed Warblers were still present amongst a good scattering of commoner migrants. As part of our scientific work, we once again carried out public bird ringing demonstrations, but on this occasion rather than just the odd Willow Warbler or Goldcrest, we managed to catch not one, but three Yellow-browed Warblers! Least to say, the public enjoyed the show whilst the rangers got to grips with the finer points of these amazing Siberian sprites.

So can we top this? Well with more easterly winds forecast over the forthcoming week, anything is possible, it really is, so watch this space, or even better come and join us.