Fair Isle Bird Observatory & Hotel

26th April 2025
Weather: Overcast with a strong southerly breeze. F5-7 SSE.
A breezier day, but a productive one, with four species added to the yearlist, and an afternoon cetacean encounter. The first returning Arctic Skua were seen in the Parks, followed by the year’s first Dunlin in the north, a cooperative Long-eared Owl at Burkle, and a Lesser Whitethroat along the wall at Double Dyke. An afternoon check of Buness was fortuitous in picking up a pod of Risso’s Dolphin, with at least seven animals spending a few minutes fishing in Furse, before moving off northwards.


A typically grumpy-looking Long-eared Owl (Luke Marriner)


The pod of Risso’s included a couple of well-marked pale individuals (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 40 Greylag Goose, 5 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 70 Oystercatcher, 32 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 63 Ringed Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 66 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 18 Purple Sandpiper, 30 Snipe, 10 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 62 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 2 Rook, 10 Carrion Crow, 1 hybrid Crow, 91 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 12 Blackbird, 84 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 123 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 9 White Wagtail, 208 Meadow Pipit, 38 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 19 Twite, 5 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 7 Risso’s Dolphin

Year list: 115
________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th April 2025
Weather: Mostly sunny all day. F4-5 SE.
A further reduction in birds today, though the sun and SE breeze encouraged some light passage of Whimbrel, White Wagtail and Carrion Crow, and a yeartick was unearthed in the form of a female Common Scoter in Furse. The Short-toed Lark reappeared once more after another two-day break in sightings, a flock of Barnacle Goose flew through.


Whimbrel passage is beginning to pick up, with several 'seven-whistlers' moving through the isle today (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: One back at Skadan


This smart male Ring Ouzel allowed closer approach than most (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 6 Barnacle Goose, 41 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 43 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 37 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 32 Turnstone, 32 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 53 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 64 Great Skua, 1 Blue Fulmar, 1 Kestrel, 1 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 2 hybrid Crow, 145 Skylark, 2 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 15 Blackbird, 116 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 18 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 2 Redstart, 116 Wheatear, 10 Pied Wagtail, 11 White Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 168 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 32 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 19 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting

Other wildlife: 1 Shetland Bee

Year list: 111
________________________________________________________________________________________________

24th April 2025
Weather: Sunny all day, though with a cool edge to the breeze. F3-5 E.
Clear skies overnight meant it was no surprise that census felt distinctly quieter today, with many birds having departed by this morning, including yesterday’s Eastern Subalpine Warbler. There were still a handful of additions, including a couple of Redstart, and new Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat.


A male Redstart is a sight sure to brighten anyone’s day (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: One still


Grasshopper Warbler skulking at Charlie’s Trees (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 14 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 7 Woodpigeon, 74 Oystercatcher, 36 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 58 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 46 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 41 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 13 Redshank, 10 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 50 Great Skua, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 1 hybrid Crow, 142 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 12 Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 13 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 9 Blackbird, 152 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 35 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 138 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 21 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 211 Meadow Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 34 Twite, 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 110
________________________________________________________________________________________________

23rd April 2025
Weather: Overcast with some low cloud, clearing in the late afternoon. F3-5 ENE.
We were beginning to feel left out here with Subalpine Warblers popping up around the country over the last few days, but all was forgiven today with the discovery of a fine male Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Schoolton. It joined a good scattering of migrants fresh in across the isle, including the first Whitethroat of the spring, an increase in Song Thrush and Chiffchaff, and new-in Redstart and Common Sandpiper. With winds set to continue from the east for the remainder of the week, hopes are high for the next few days.


The undisputed bird of the day gave good views between bouts of skulking in the Schoolton Rosa (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER: A very smart male at Schoolton
Canada Goose: Still touring the south

Sightings of note: 71 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 8 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 117 Oystercatcher, 20 Lapwing, 34 Golden Plover, 46 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 42 Turnstone, 29 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 32 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 17 Redshank, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 23 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60 Great Skua, 2 Blue Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 136 Skylark, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 16 Willow Warbler, 29 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, 15 Blackbird, 226 Fieldfare, 41 Redwing, 51 Song Thrush, 11 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 155 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 16 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 313 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 45 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 29 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting

Year list: 110
________________________________________________________________________________________________

22nd April 2025
Weather: Overcast and damp for much of the day, with continuous light rain eventually clearing in the late afternoon. F4 SE.
The early trap round and Obs nets showed we’d had an overnight arrival of common migrants, though numbers on census were lower than expected after this early promise. The Blue-headed Wagtail was pinned down and found to be ringed, and after some perseverance and a lot of photos, the ring sequence was read, showing it to be one of a brood of chicks that were raised in mainland Shetland in 2022 – a remarkable recovery. Late news came in of a White-tailed Eagle that flew south in the afternoon - presumably a different bird to the one four days prior.


Shetland-raised Blue-headed Wagtail showing well around the Walli Burn (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: Still with Greylag at Burkle
Iceland Gull: Adult again at Meadow Burn
White-tailed Eagle: One flew south in the afternoon
Short-toed Lark: One still, back at the Puffinn
Blue-headed Wagtail: Yesterday’s ringed male was around the Walli Burn


A scattering of Willow Warbler included this strikingly grey ‘acredula-type’ at Setter (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 33 Greylag Goose, 3 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 58 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 28 Golden Plover, 40 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 55 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 7 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 31 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 41 Great Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Short-eared Owl, 114 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 6 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 19 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 7 Blackbird, 181 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 159 Wheatear, 7 Pied Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 186 Meadow Pipit, 21 Rock Pipit, 15 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Siskin

Year list: 108
________________________________________________________________________________________________

21st April 2025
Weather: A chilly and overcast start soon cleared to another sunny and warm afternoon. F5-6 SE.
The switch to stronger SE winds did the trick, with a shake-up of migrants present today. There was a clear increase in thrushes, with 13 Ring Ouzel the highlight, as well as the first Yellow Wagtail of the spring, with a fine male Blue-headed Wagtail briefly at Burkle.


Two Ring Ouzel graced the traps today (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: Still with Greylag
Iceland Gull: Adult again at Stackhoull
Short-toed Lark: Reappeared, now at South Green
Blue-headed Wagtail: A smart male at Burkle then flew north

Sightings of note: 106 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 5 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Water Rail, 59 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, 37 Golden Plover, 95 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 71 Turnstone, 25 Snipe, 14 Redshank, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 70 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 48 Great Skua, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 130 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 38 Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 13 Ring Ouzel, 9 Blackbird, 56 Fieldfare, 33 Redwing, 54 Song Thrush, 6 Robin, 140 Wheatear, 11 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 212 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 28 Rock Pipit, 3 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, 15 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Siskin

Year list: 108
________________________________________________________________________________________________

20th April 2025
Weather: Overcast morning clearing to sun, with light N winds dropping to nothing through the afternoon. F3-2 N.
A very calm day made for beautiful conditions for the morning’s census, with increases in Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff noted, though little other change, and the news group remained quiet. With winds switching to a stronger SE flow from tomorrow, the team are hoping for more to come from early this week.


A good start to the day, with an adult male Sparrowhawk on the early trap round (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: Still present, today with Greylag around Quoy


Two smart Black-tailed Godwit continue to add a splash of colour to SW census (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 113 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 48 Oystercatcher, 32 Lapwing, 51 Golden Plover, 71 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 82 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 69 Turnstone, 25 Purple Sandpiper, 25 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 15 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 20 Common Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 45 Great Skua, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 139 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 31 Willow Warbler, 24 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Robin, 117 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 10 Pied Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 199 Meadow Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 21 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll

Year list: 107
________________________________________________________________________________________________

19th April 2025
Weather: Sunny throughout, with light NNE winds. F4-5 NNE.
The extended spell of pleasant weather continues, with sunny skies all day, though the northerly-based breeze kept temperatures cooler today. It also seemed to discourage much in the way of migration, with a quieter feel to proceedings, and little in the way of new birds.


A warning Raven at Gunnawark, one of the two pairs that breed in the isle (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: Still present, today with Greylag around Quoy


An unusual seawatch sighting from North Light, in the form of a German submarine! (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 125 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 23 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 40 Golden Plover, 83 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 26 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Turnstone, 27 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 20 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 78 Great Skua, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 151 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 8 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 107 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 171 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 28 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 19 Twite, 3 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Redpoll sp.

Year list: 107
________________________________________________________________________________________________

18th April 2025
Weather: Gloriously sunny and warm, with very light winds. F2-4 N.
A beautiful day in the isle, with the Ornithology team enjoying a very pleasant census whilst Jonnie showed Carla around the Gannet plots of the north. Yesterday’s raptors put in further appearances, with an early morning fly-through of the Obs by the Osprey, and brief reappearance of the White-tailed Eagle at Wester Lother. The Canada Goose also reappeared on Meoness after a day’s absence, whilst the Short-toed Lark remains faithful to its favoured area around the Puffinn. There was one addition to the yearlist, with a fine male Redstart around the Obs in the early morning.


Golden Plover have been passing through in good numbers in recent days, many now in perfect breeding plumage (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: One again with Greylag on Meoness
Iceland Gull: Adult bird again at Lericum
Osprey: One flew north over the Obs
White-tailed Eagle: Adult again at Wester Lother
Short-toed Lark: Still around the Puffinn

Sightings of note: 93 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 7 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 27 Oystercatcher, 33 Lapwing, 55 Golden Plover, 51 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 54 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 34 Snipe, 15 Redshank, 32 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 59 Great Skua, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 3 Carrion Crow, 133 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 9 Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 130 Wheatear, 1 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 197 Meadow Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 25 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp., 5 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 107
________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th April 2025
Weather: Partly sunny all day, with occasional showers and light westerly winds. F3-5 W.
A day for raptor movement, with both White-tailed Eagle and Osprey added to the yearlist, and the former in particular putting on an extended show as it toured the isle, always with a party of angry gulls and Bonxies in tow. On the passerine front, a small increase in Blackcap was noted, and two Ring Ouzel were new in, one of which was trapped and ringed.


A more regular sight in recent years, but no less impressive for it, when a White-tailed Eagle pays a visit (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Iceland Gull: The lingering adult bird appeared at Bergaroo
Osprey: One over South Harbour in the afternoon before drifting north
White-tailed Eagle: A fine adult appeared over Guidicum and then toured the island, much to the displeasure of almost every bird present!
Short-toed Lark: Still around the Puffinn


Always a pleasure to catch a Ring Ouzel (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 131 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 9 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 36 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 59 Golden Plover, 121 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 68 Turnstone, 49 Purple Sandpiper, 35 Snipe, 13 Redshank, 37 Kittiwake, 13 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 73 Great Skua, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 157 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 13 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 11 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 117 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 211 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 18 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll

Year list: 106
________________________________________________________________________________________________

16th April 2025
Weather: A decidedly mixed day, with a mostly overcast census, clearing to warm sunshine in sheltered spots, before rain showers and murk descended later on. F5-7 N.
A relatively quiet census, with numbers of most species similar to yesterday, though the yearlist did receive a boost with the spring’s first Tree Pipit, House Martin and Sedge Warbler recorded today. The Short-toed Lark continues its stay, and a Grasshopper Warbler was new at Stackhoull.


The Short-toed Lark can be quite approachable at times, apparently happy on Skadan’s short-cropped grass (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: Still around the Puffinn and Skadan
Canada Goose: Still touring the isle’s fields, today around Midway


Twite are pleasingly tame, with small groups ‘chortling’ away around sheep feeders in the south (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 101 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 51 Oystercatcher, 27 Lapwing, 46 Golden Plover, 66 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 48 Turnstone, 10 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 38 Snipe, 8 Redshank, 29 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40 Great Skua, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Carrion Crow, 111 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 11 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 9 Blackbird, 44 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 117 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 155 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 36 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 13 Twite, 1 Linnet

Year list: 104
________________________________________________________________________________________________

15th April 2025
Weather: Sunny through the morning, with rain coming in from lunchtime, and breeze dropping away through the day. F2-5 S.
Another day that began with a relatively quiet census, before the dropping breeze delivered some birds later in the day. A Ring Ouzel was new around the Obs, with a Kestrel, Whimbrel, Collared Dove, increase in Fieldfare and a scattering of warblers also newly arrived around the isle. Numbers of Bonxies rose significantly, with more birds settled back on territories, including a Darvic-ringed bird from elsewhere.


Snipe are in full display mode now, with ‘drumming’ birds a constant presence (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: Again around the Puffinn
Canada Goose: Still, wandering to Meoness


This Grasshopper Warbler has found a northern burn to its liking for the last few days (Tom Wright)

Sightings of note: 86 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 7 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 35 Oystercatcher, 33 Lapwing, 19 Golden Plover, 97 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 21 Curlew, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 57 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 42 Snipe, 13 Redshank, 11 Kittiwake, 7 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 44 Great Skua, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 107 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Blackbird, 54 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 134 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 16 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 177 Meadow Pipit, 37 Rock Pipit, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 24 Twite, 6 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin

Year list: 101
________________________________________________________________________________________________

14th April 2025
Weather: Mostly sunny with some showers through the middle of the day, and a strong southerly breeze. F5-7 S.
A quieter day, with the strong and surprisingly chilly breeze making birding tricky at times. The Short-toed Lark reappeared at Skadan after a two-day absence, though there was little other change on yesterday to note. Two Sparrowhawk were around the traps, and though a ‘blue’ male continues to evade capture, a large female was trapped in Vaadal this morning, fresh off the remains of a Jack Snipe kill.


A huge female Sparrowhawk ringed this morning (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: Reappeared a short distance away at Skadan
Canada Goose: Remained for a third day, moving as far as Stackhoull

Sightings of note: 127 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 63 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 31 Golden Plover, 114 Ringed Plover, 21 Curlew, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 59 Turnstone, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 35 Snipe, 17 Redshank, 29 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 146 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 7 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 128 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 6 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 191 Meadow Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 17 Twite, 2 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll

Year list: 101
________________________________________________________________________________________________

13th April 2025
Weather: A cool and damp start to the day, clearing to a sunny and warmer afternoon. F4-6 WNW.
A 180-degree swing in the wind overnight saw much reduced numbers of birds around the isle today, with the chilly westerly breeze putting the brakes on migration after an overnight clear-out. The scale of the clear-out was best illustrated by today’s Wheatear total – almost 200 birds fewer than yesterday. Once the morning rain had cleared, a warmer afternoon encouraged a trickle of movement, evidenced by a small number of hirundines and a vocal Whimbrel passing over the Obs noted between jobs in the afternoon, and a flock of 7 Black-tailed Godwit appearing at Shirva at sunset.


This smart Great Northern Diver has been lingering off the south of the isle for several days now (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Canada Goose: Still with a small group of Greylag between Hoini and Setter


Two Black Redstart reappeared around Stackhoull (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 127 Greylag Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Woodpigeon, 52 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 29 Golden Plover, 88 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 20 Curlew, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 47 Turnstone, 55 Snipe, 15 Redshank, 27 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 112 Skylark, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 47 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 7 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 196 Meadow Pipit, 41 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 7 Twite, 4 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll

Year list: 101
________________________________________________________________________________________________

12th April 2025
Weather: Gloriously sunny and warm, with a strengthening SE breeze. F4-6 SE.
South-easterlies and sun made for their usual magic combination, with a very pleasant day’s birding being the result. Wheatears were the main event, with our first triple figure count of the spring sitting at an impressive 246 birds, mainly around the N and W coasts. Another impressive count came in the form of Ringed Plover, with 136 logged today constituting the highest ever spring count for the isle. The yearlist also hit 100 species, with additions of Jackdaw (touring the island with 3 Rook), Canada Goose (a feral-type bird around the base of Hoini) and Grasshopper Warbler (an afternoon discovery at Wirvie Brecks).


Two Ring Ouzel graced the cliffs of North today (Tom Wright)

HIGHLIGHTS
Iceland Gull: The adult bird re-appeared in South Harbour
Canada Goose: A feral-type bird spent the day between Hoini and Setter


The highlight of SW census (Luke Marriner)

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 74 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 40 Oystercatcher, 28 Lapwing, 28 Golden Plover, 136 Ringed Plover, 17 Curlew, 60 Turnstone, 1 Woodcock, 45 Snipe, 19 Redshank, 22 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 17 Common Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 18 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 1 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 130 Skylark, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 16 Willow Warbler, 31 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 14 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 55 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 10 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 246 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 9 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtail, 218 Meadow Pipit, 37 Rock Pipit, 2 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 16 Twite, 7 Linnet, 2 Redpoll sp., 2 Siskin, 13 Snow Bunting

Year list: 100
________________________________________________________________________________________________

11th April 2025
Weather: Mostly overcast, with a fresh westerly wind, becoming damp through the afternoon. F5-6 W.
A general clear-out of birds was evident today, though birding was not easy in the stronger breeze. The Short-toed Lark remained present, and the first Whimbrel of the year flew through Gilsetter.

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: Yesterday’s bird remained around the Puffinn.


Wheatear numbers continue to grow, with a mix of clear migrant groups dotted around the isle, and others back defending territories (Carla Hill)

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 118 Greylag Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Teal, 4 Woodpigeon, 53 Oystercatcher, 22 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 67 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 26 Curlew, 93 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Snipe, 24 Redshank, 28 Kittiwake, 1 Black-headed Gull, 10 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 172 Skylark, 2 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 15 Blackbird, 42 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 11 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 64 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 194 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 4 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 97
________________________________________________________________________________________________

9th – 10th April 2025
Weather: Light winds on 9th, freshening westerly on 10th.
An uneventful census on 9th in light northerlies was followed on 10th by a small arrival of birds as the wind swung westerly, the highlight of which was a fine Short-toed Lark around the Puffinn, an excellent pickup by our new Ranger, Carla. The bird showed well for the remainder of the day, allowing the rest of the team to catch up with it too. Short-toed Lark manages to be remarkably regular here whilst never being common - at least one in every year between 1963 and 2016, and 2020-22. Common migrants included a clear increase in Wheatear and small arrival of thrushes and Phylloscs, and our first Ring Ouzel and Common Sandpiper of the year.


Short-toed Lark at Utra (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Short-toed Lark: One at the Puffinn remained local to the area for the rest of the day, wandering as far as Utra.

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 124 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 45 Oystercatcher, 27 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 119 Ringed Plover, 29 Curlew, 50 Turnstone, 60 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 37 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 47 Kittiwake, 2 Black-headed Gull, 67 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 17 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 141 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Willow Warbler, 23 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 27 Blackbird, 60 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 87 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 11 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 2 alba Wagtail, 209 Meadow Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 4 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 25 Twite, 3 Linnet, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 6 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting

Year list: 96
________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th - 8th April 2025
Weather: Calm and pleasant, with light mostly SE-based breeze. F1-4 SE.
The past couple of days of calm conditions have seen continued movement of some early common migrants, with 8th in particular bringing a small arrival of Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Sand Martin and Woodpigeon. Taking advantage of the calm seas on 8th, the team carried out an early morning Tystie count along the east coast, producing a total of 203 adults. Numbers of Tysties on Fair Isle have been remarkably stable over the last few decades, and this is a typical count for the east coast plot.


Black Redstarts were at the School, North Light and Puffinn on 8th (Luke Marriner)


This smart ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit appears to be holding territory at Gunnawark (Alex Penn)

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 121 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 28 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 47 Oystercatcher, 37 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 76 Ringed Plover, 25 Curlew, 50 Turnstone, 75 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 41 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 20 Kittiwake, 3 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Great Skua, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 ‘Blue’ Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 139 Skylark, 12 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 19 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 15 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 44 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 46 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 19 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 199 Meadow Pipit, 51 Rock Pipit, 1 ‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 18 Twite, 4 Linnet, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting

Year List: 93

________________________________________________________________________________________________

25th March – 6th April 2025
The days are flying by, in another busy period that has seen the seasonal hospitality and ornithology staff arrive into the isle, settle into their new roles and move into our brand new Observatory building. The finishing touches are still to be made to the Obs, but we hope to be able to open bookings and welcome visitors back very soon.

The arrival of our seasonal ornithology team (Luke Marriner and Tom Wright as AWs, and Carla Hill as our Ranger) has meant some improved coverage of the isle, as they tour the census routes and explore the island. This combined with a very pleasant start to April, with sunny skies and calm winds, has seen the yearlist jump over the last few days, with some light passage evident. Long-distance migrants have been represented by our first Swallow (1st) and Willow Warbler (3rd) of the year, and the first returning Bonxies were seen over the hills on 3rd. Puffin numbers are building quickly, with birds ashore for the first time at Wirvie on 1st.


Wheatear are slowly building in number, welcome additions to the isle’s many stone dykes (Alex Penn)


A small number of Barnacle Goose have been a feature of recent days (Luke Marriner)

HIGHLIGHTS
Iceland Gull: Adult again on 28th March and 5th April.

Sightings of note: 4 Barnacle Goose, 72 Greylag Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Stock Dove (3rd), 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Water Rail, 42 Oystercatcher, 30 Lapwing, 25 Golden Plover, 71 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 82 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 40 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 30 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 24 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 7 Black-headed Gull, 18 Common Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Skua, 394 Puffin, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Blue Fulmar, 4 Cormorant, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 156 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 28 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 14 Robin, 2 Black Redstart (23rd), 4 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 190 Meadow Pipit, 35 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 21 Twite, 4 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 6 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting

Year List: 92

________________________________________________________________________________________________

8th - 24th March 2025
It’s been a busy couple of weeks here in the isle, with much of it taken up with work at the Obs site. An exciting day on 19th saw a huge delivery of furniture arrive for the Obs, with many of the isle’s residents coming out to lend a hand in unloading the endless trailer-loads of beds, mattresses, and bedroom and dining furniture. We can’t thank them enough for their support, and it made for an enjoyable morning of the community pulling together to get everything safely into the new building. That in turn has given Jonnie and I plenty to do, in unboxing and assembling as much as we can manage in the days since.


A busy but satisfying day of furniture moving (Alex Penn)

Though there hasn't been much time for birding for us, other eyes around the isle have picked up on some steadily growing passage, as spring begins to increase in pace. This has been headlined by the always-momentous occasion of the first Wheatear of the spring, with a female at Single Dyke on 23rd being the earliest arrival since 2005. Other early spring additions to the yearlist have included Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Rook and Yellowhammer, adding a splash of variety to proceedings. Some strong passage of Stonechat peaked with an impressive 11 birds on 9th, the highest count since 1977. The adult Iceland Gull remains, at least two Blue Fulmar are visiting cliff ledges, and a pair of Black Redstart on 23rd added to the scarcities.


The first Goldcrest of the year found some shelter in the Burkle garden (Alex Penn)


Two Blue Fulmar have been seen returning to ledges used last year, this one kicking off an intruding pale bird at Lericum (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Iceland Gull: An adult bird remains, being seen infrequently (11th and 23rd) around the south of the isle.

Sightings of note: 2 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 3 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 3 Water Rail, 10 Golden Plover, 85 Ringed Plover, 45 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 4 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Blue Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 1 Rook, 150 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Robin, 2 Black Redstart (23rd), 11 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Twite, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 14 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting

Year List: 76

________________________________________________________________________________________________

17th February - 7th March 2025
We're back! Mid-February saw the return of Alex Penn and Jonnie Fisk to Fair Isle, into our respective new roles as Head of Ornithology and Hospitality Manager. Thanks to the generosity of Hollie and Deryk Shaw, we'll be based down the island at Burkle whilst the final stages of the Obs rebuild are carried out, allowing us to be on site and busy with preparations for seasonal staff arrivals and fitting out the new building as it nears completion.

The isle retains a wintry feel, with migration yet to properly kick into gear, though there have been signs of a trickle of movement beginning on some of the brighter days in late February and early March. The first Mistle Thrush, Black Redstart, Woodpigeon and Stonechat of the year have all been logged, along with other typical early movers including Siskin, Reed Bunting and Hen Harrier, bringing the yearlist up to 67.

Scarcities have included two Russian White-fronted Geese with the wintering Greylags, and intermittent sightings of at least one adult Iceland Gull.


One of the two Russian Whitefronts which were a welcome sight amongst the Greylags on our return (Alex Penn)

HIGHLIGHTS
Russian White-fronted Goose: Three birds arrived on 26th January, dropping to two by 4th February, which then lingered to 24th February.
Iceland Gull: Scattered sightings of an adult bird in South Harbour through late February, with another or the same bird at Stackhoull on 5th March.

Sightings of note: 171 Greylag Goose (including GPS and Darvic-collared birds from Iceland and Norway), 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan (27th), 14 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Water Rail, 24 Oystercatcher, 38 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 95 Ringed Plover, 250 Turnstone, 34 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier (6th-7th), 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Carrion Crow, 80 Skylark, 18 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush (24th), 2 Robin, 1 Black Redstart (26th), 2 Stonechat, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Twite, 1 Siskin, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting (26th)

Year List: 67

________________________________________________________________________________________________