In a September that has so far been underwhelming, this week saw some seasonal milestones notched up. The first noticeable arrival of Yellow-browed Warblers – much later than has become expected – took place, while a couple of Nearctic passerines were found up north and the autumn's maiden Red-flanked Bluetail was in Shetland.
The Outer Hebrides scored the first Nearctic passerine of the autumn, with an American Buff-bellied Pipit on St Kilda from 22nd – the island's fourth record after birds in 1910, 2008 and 2011. This was topped by a first-winter male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Valyie, Unst, on 25th; Shetland's third. The finder's account can be read here.
American Buff-bellied Pipit, St Kilda, Outer Hebrides (Craig Nisbet).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Valyie, Unst, Shetland (Jim Nicolson).
Also from 'across the pond', a Wilson's Phalarope was at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB from 21st – on both Cheshire and Clywd sides of the reserve – before moving to Parkgate RSPB, Cheshire, from 24th. It represents the first for Cheshire since 1991 and first for Clwyd since 1997. A probable was briefly at Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, on 20th too.
Wilson's Phalarope, Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, Cheshire (Paul Coombes).
We have to look as far back as 2016 for a Red-breasted Goose in the company of Dark-bellied Brents – arguably one of the more likely carrier species from its Arctic breeding grounds – so one in such esteemed company at Wrangle, Lincolnshire, from 21st was very much of note. Another at Old Hall Marshes RSPB, Essex, on 24th was deemed a presumed escape by observers.
Red-breasted Goose (upper bird), Wrangle, Lincolnshire (Ian Misselbrook).
At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, the Black-browed Albatross was again present around the Staple Newk Northern Gannet colony on 23-24th, while the White-tailed Lapwing continued at nearby Blacktoft Sands RSPB.
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Dean Eades).
White-tailed Lapwing (centre), Blacktoft Sands RSPB, East Yorkshire (Russell Hayes).
Three Semipalmated Sandpipers were found – at Killimer, Co Clare, and Tiree, Argyll, on 23rd, and Coll, Argyll, on 24th, with one reported at Gunwalloe, Cornwall, on 20th. Lough Beg, Co Londonderry, saw a juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher on 21-22nd, with the Norfolk adult lingering at Potter Heigham Marshes until the week's end.
Semipalmated Sandpiper, Tiree, Argyll (Jim Dickson).
A new Baird's Sandpiper was at Tacumshin, Co Wexford, on 20th, with continuing birds at Clonakilty, Co Cork, Inny Strand, Co Kerry, and Bryher, Scilly. A brief Pacific Golden Plover was reported from Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire, on evening of 21st. Another was again on Holy Island, Northumberland, on 20th, with perhaps the same bird reported at Monks House Pool on 23rd.
Baird's Sandpiper, Clonakilty, Cork (Richard Mills).
In the Cairngorms, the male Snowy Owl moved over to the Aberdeenshire side of Ben Macdui, while the St Kilda female remained reliable. In Shetland, a juvenile Pallid Harrier flew south over Toft ferry terminal, Mainland and a possible Booted Eagle was reported over Hollesley, Suffolk, that afternoon.
Snowy Owl, Loch Etchachan, Aberdeenshire (Kris Gibb).
On 22nd, a probable Isabelline shrike species was on Dursey Island, Co Cork; the male Balearic Woodchat Shrike held out on St Mary's, Scilly, too, with a new Western Bonelli's Warbler on St Martin's on 26th.
Western Bonelli's Warbler, St Martin's, Isles of Scilly (Chris Townend).
In Shetland, the Whinchat × Common Redstart hybrid held on at Grutness, Mainland, until 22nd at least and both a tailless Paddyfield Warbler and Rustic Bunting were on Foula.
Paddyfield Warbler, Foula, Shetland (Chris Turner).
The first-winter Squacco Heron was still to be found on the outskirts of Gronant, Clwyd, throughout, although was largely elusive.
Squacco Heron, Gronant, Clwyd (Stuart Robinson).
A new first-winter Bonaparte's Gull rocked up at Slapton Ley, Devon, on 26th, as others remained in place at Kinnegar Shore, Co Down, and Oare Marshes NR, Kent. In Ireland, a Fea's-type petrel flew past Annagh Head, Co Mayo, on 22nd and the Forster's Tern continued at Soldier's Point, Co Louth.
Forster's Tern, Soldier's Point, Louth (Mike Hoit).
Three drake King Eider were recorded during the week: two in Shetland – at East Burra and Wadbister Voe, Mainland – with another at Burghead Bay, Moray & Nairn. Meanwhile, the juvenile Lesser Scaup continued on North Ronaldsay, Orkney and an adult Grey-bellied Brant was fresh-in at Munlochy Bay, Highland, on 26th.
In Norfolk, a Camberwell Beauty butterfly was on the station platform at Weybourne on 23rd. News also emerged of a young Ringed Seal taken into care in Aberdeenshire in mid-September (full story here).
Scottish mainland
A possible Lesser Canada Goose with returning Pink-feet at Udale Bay, Highland, on 23rd was of note, a likely Tundra Bean Goose was at Loch of Strathbeg RSPB, Aberdeenshire, on the same day. Two Greenland White-fronted Geese were noted too – at Munlochy Bay and Nigg Bay, Highland. A bumper showing of Surf Scoter – all drakes – included birds at Lunan Bay, Angus & Dundee, and Musselburgh, Lothian, while one flew west along the Firth of Forth past Fife Ness, Fife. On 26th, two Ring-necked Duck graced Tiree, Argyll – a lingering female at Loch Bhasapol and a drake at Loch a' Phuill. Garganey were at Frankfield Loch, Clyde, and Loirston Loch, Aberdeenshire, and a Ruddy Shelduck cropped up at Udale Bay, Highland.
Pectoral Sandpipers remained well spread: birds were at Frankfield Loch (four, representing a notable inland count) and Baron's Haugh RSPB, Clyde, Caerlaverock WWT, Dumfries & Galloway, Loch of Strathbeg RSPB, Aberdeenshire (three), and Udale Bay, Highland, with a probable at Barrapol, Tiree, too. A Eurasian Dotterel on Iona, Argyll, on 18th was also noteworthy.
Curlew Sandpiper, Fife Ness, Fife (Keith Simpson).
An impressive nine Sabine's Gulls flew past Strathy Point, Highland, on 23rd, with several there the previous day too and another off Ullapool, Highland. A Sabs-Leach's Storm Petrel duo was recorded from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry on 24th, with a second Leach's off Troon, Ayrshire, the same day. Long-tailed Skuas were off Strathy Point, Highland, and Blackness, Forth, with a second-winter Glaucous Gull at Kilmarnock, Clyde, on 24th.
It was quiet on the passerine front: two Yellow-browed Warblers visited Cromarty, Highland, on 26th, a Hoopoe reportedly overflew Haddington, Lothian, on 25th, and a probable Barred Warbler was at John Muir CP on 21st. Meanwhile, the Great Egret remained at Lochwinnoch RSPB, Clyde
Northern Isles and the Hebrides
The first Red-flanked Bluetail of the autumn made landfall at Skaw, Whalsay, on 26th, a day earlier than last year. Yellow-browed Warblers arrived at nine localities, the Greenish Warbler lingered at Sumburgh, Mainland, until 20th and a first-winter Bluethroat was at Funzie, Fetlar, on 26th. Other expected drift migrants included four Red-breasted Flycatchers and two each of Little Bunting and Blyth's Reed Warbler. The European Turtle Dove remained in-situ at Houbie, Fetlar, as did the adult Rosy Starling at Aith, Mainland.
Red-flanked Bluetail, Skaw, Whalsay, Shetland (John Irvine).
A Hoopoe – possibly the same touring individual – was on the Isle of Ness on 23rd, where a Corncrake was present on 20th. Eurasian Dotterels were at Stenness and Hillswick, Mainland, while Nearctic action concerned Pectoral Sandpipers at Lamba Ness, Unst, on 20th and Loch of Huesbreck, Mainland, on 26th. A Great Egret set up temporary residence at Saltness, Mainland, while another was reported at Easter Skeld, Mainland, on 21st. A European Honey Buzzard flew over Foula on 20th.
Rosy Starling, Aith nr Aith Voe, Mainland, Shetland (Peter Garrity).
Fair Isle scored a Golden Oriole on 26th and the adult Woodchat Shrike remained throughout. Yellow-browed Warblers trickled in with two on 26th, while other expected arrivals included Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch and Red-backed Shrike. A Eurasian Hobby was noted on 20th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher, Fair Isle, Shetland (Daniel Gornall).
In Orkney, the juvenile American Golden Plover remained at North Loch, Sanday, until 20th and a fresh-in drake Ring-necked Duck was at Loch of Bosquoy, Mainland, on 25th. Eastern flair was provided by a handful of Common Rosefinches, with a single at Bay of Suckquoy, Mainland, and three on Westray. A juvenile Red-necked Grebe was on the sea off Echna Loch, Burray, on 25th.
Curlew Sandpiper, Sandside Bay, Mainland, Orkney (Ian Cunningham).
North Ronaldsay continued their run of Nearctic waders with an adult American Golden Plover present on 20-21st and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper from 25th, while the juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper lingered until 25th. The Buff-breast was trapped and ringed overnight on 26th, the first to be ringed in the UK since 1995. Three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas on 25th headlined seawatching efforts. A Yellow-browed Warbler was present on 26th, with other eastern bits including three Common Rosefinches, Barred Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ormiclate, S Uist, Outer Hebrides (Ron Macdonald).
Bird news from the Outer Hebrides had a distinctly American feel this week. A Todd's Canada Goose pitched down with Greylags on the machair at Kildonan, South Uist, from 25th. New Ring-necked Ducks were at Markest Stance Tip, Benbecula, and Loch Stiapavat, Lewis. The mobile pair of Buff-breasted Sandpipers remained on the machair around Ormiclate, South Uist and Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from four localities. Two Great Shearwaters were reported from the Lochboisdale-Mallaig ferry on 20th.
Dan Owen
North-East England
Two Pectoral Sandpipers were unearthed in Northumberland with birds at Grindon Lough and Monks House Pool. A Eurasian Dotterel was at the latter site, too. There was an unusual sighting of a Glossy Ibis passing Boulmer with a flock of Great Cormorants on 25th, with what was almost certainly the same individual seen at Hauxley NR, East Chevington NWT and Holywell Pond later in the day. Seawatches from Holy Island scored a Sabine's Gull and Long-tailed Skua, with another of the latter off Boulmer. Six Common Cranes over Rising Sun CP on 23rd were later tracked south through the Midlands. The juvenile Rosy Starling at Wideopen was last reported on Thursday and the county's first Yellow-browed Warbler of the year was found on Holy Island that morning. A possible European Honey Buzzard over Felton and a large shearwater species past St Mary's Island went unconfirmed.
Rosy Starling (right), Wideopen, Northumberland (Alan Curry).
Two Long-tailed Skuas passed Whitburn Coastal Park, Durham with other seawatching highlights there including a Balearic Shearwater, a couple of Red-necked Grebes and a Black-throated Diver. A Glossy Ibis south past Seaham on 26th was likely the bird earlier seen in Northumberland and that later appeared on the Tees Marshes. The Pectoral Sandpiper was last reported from Hurworth Burn Reservoir on 20th and a European Honey Buzzard was reported over Cleadon the same day.
Curlew Sandpiper, Teesmouth, Cleveland (Carolyn Farry).
In Cleveland, the Glossy Ibis was first seen at Hartlepool Headland on 26th and then appeared at Seaton Common, Dorman's Pool and Saltholme RSPB. It was otherwise quiet in the county with a scattering of passage waders across the Tees Marshes, a three Eurasian Bitterns at Saltholme RSPB and a Slavonian Grebe off Bran Sands highlighting.
Jonathan Farooqi
North-West England
Cumbria had a familiar feel this week, Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints remained at Port Carlisle with two of the former also at Old Anthorn. A Eurasian Spoonbill was along the River Kent at High Foulshaw on 23-25th.
An adult Lesser White-fronted Goose caused initial excitement when it was discovered mingling with the freshly arrived Pink-feet at Marshside RSPB, Lancashire, however picture analysis proved it to be the presumed escape present at several sites across the country last winter. A bean goose species, thought to be last year's injured Tundra Bean Goose, was present there on 25th. Single Leach's Storm Petrels were logged past multiple coastal localities on 24th. The Pectoral Sandpiper was last reported at Leighton Moss RSPB on 23rd.
Lesser White-fronted Goose amongst the hordes of pink-feet at Rimmer's Marsh, Marshside RSPB this afternoon @RSPB_Ribble @NMBiodiversity @yoeGreenspace pic.twitter.com/jjIFLwKNDK
— 𝗗𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘆 (@DFoyLiv) September 24, 2021
A Spotted Crake put in a brief appearance at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, Cheshire, early doors on 22nd, where the Ruddy Shelduck lingered throughout. Up to three Ruddy Shelduck remained along the Mersey off Widnes. Five Curlew Sandpipers was a fair showing at Frodsham Marsh. Single Leach's Storm Petrels were logged past Meols on two days, with one past Hoylake. Greater Manchester was quiet, with a second-winter Caspian Gull in the roost at Pennington Flash on 22nd and four Whooper Swans at Little Woolden Moss on 25th the highlights.
Dan Owen
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire
Overall things were quiet in Lincolnshire, with last week's Purple Sandpiper lingering at Covenham Reservoir until 20th, and a Slavonian Grebe there the following day. Glossy Ibises were at Gibraltar Point NNR on 23rd and Killingholme Marshes on 24th. Up to two Pectoral Sandpipers remained at Frampton Marsh RSPB, with a Spotted Crake there from 23rd.
Little Stint, Covenham Reservoir, Lincolnshire (Ron Marshall).
A Pectoral Sandpiper was at Austerfield, South Yorkshire, on 24th; otherwise the county offered little more than the usual waders and other waterbirds (nine Whooper Swans at Edderthorpe Flash on 25th were the first of the autumn). Similar applied in West Yorkshire, where the most notable record was arguably a juvenile Greater Scaup in the Anglers CP area.
Pectoral Sandpipers were at three North Yorkshire sites: two at Nosterfield LNR, plus singles at Smallways Lake and Wheldrake Ings YWT. Six Common Cranes over the former site on 23rd were tracked migrating between Northumberland and the West Midlands.
Barred Warbler, Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire (Tony Dixon).
Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, produced a Barred Warbler on 23rd and Glossy Ibis on 25th. A Ruddy Duck was well twitched at Tophill Low NR, where there was also a Pectoral Sandpiper. Hornsea Mere had another flyover European Honey Buzzard on 21st; a Sabine's Gull passed Grimston on 20th. The Bluethroat was last noted at Blacktoft Sands RSPB on 20th. An Ortolan Bunting visited Sammy's Point on 20th, with the Spurn area also hosting Red-backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch and Eurasian Dotterel.
Josh Jones
West Midlands
A juvenile White-winged Tern at Belvide Reservoir, Staffordshire, on 20th afforded some great views. The adult Black-necked Grebe remained mobile between Middleton Lakes RSPB and Dosthill NR, while another two were at Belvide Reservoir on 21st. Up to two juvenile Little Stints continued at Middleton Lakes RSPB. A Garganey at The Mere was Shropshire's only news this week, meanwhile six Common Cranes flew over Solihull, West Midlands, on 24th.
White-winged Tern, Belvide Reservoir (PERMIT ONLY), Staffordshire (Steve Nuttall).
Russian White-fronted Geese made an early arrival into Worcestershire this week, with eight pitching down at Kemerton Lake NR on 22nd before increasing to 11. Six Common Cranes flew over Wythall on 24th. Warwickshire was largely quiet. One of the juvenile Little Stints was still being reported from Bodymoor Heath until 20th and an adult Caspian Gull was at Draycote Water on 23rd.
Dan Owen
East Midlands
The six Common Cranes that flew over Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire, on 24th were originally picked up over Northumberland on 23rd before tracking south down the central spine of the country. A juvenile Arctic Tern was at Carsington Water on 24th and Kedleston Park continued to host two Ruddy Shelduck.
The flight path of the six Common Cranes on 23-24th (BirdGuides.com).
Idle Washlands continued to do the business in Nottinghamshire, with a Pectoral Sandpiper present on 26th. Other highlights included up to two Little Stints – one a tricky first-summer that prompted strong thoughts of a potential Red-necked Stint – a Grey Plover and a Western Cattle Egret. Another Pectoral Sandpiper was at Holme Pierrepont from 21-23rd. The drake Ruddy Shelduck continued to find Kilvington Lakes to his liking and one flew over Langford Lowfields RSPB on 25th. An injured Wryneck was found at Farndon on 22nd but unfortunately had to be put down. Northants had a settled week, with a juvenile Black Tern at Pitsford Reservoir on 21st the main species of note.
Little Stints, Idle Washlands, Nottinghamshire (Tony Davison).
In Leicestershire and Rutland, Eyebrook Reservoir's juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper lingered into the reporting week. A European Honey Buzzard flew south over Groby Pool on 21st and up to two Ruddy Shelduck commuted between Rutland Water and Burley Fishponds, where the build-up of Great Egrets was well underway with no fewer than 24 present on 24th.
Dan Owen
East of England
Pectoral Sandpipers seem to be everywhere at the moment, with three Norfolk sites scoring birds including a new juvenile at Welney WWT from 25th. A Rosy Starling was a daily fixture at Titchwell RSPB from 21st, while Wrynecks were at Blakeney Point and Weybourne. A Red-rumped Swallow flew over Mundesley on 23rd. Up to six Vagrant Emperor dragonflies were noted at Winterton during the week.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk (Nick Carter).
In Suffolk, the Lesser Yellowlegs was last noted near Shelley on 24th. Three sites – Trimley Marshes, Carlton Marshes and Minsmere RSPB – hosted Pectoral Sandpipers. The latter reserve also hosted a Red-backed Shrike for four days and a Shore Lark was reported on 21st. An immature Northern Gannet over Huntingfield was one of several such records nationally this week.
Red-backed Shrike, Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk (Andrew Moon).
Blue House Farm EWT, Essex, held two Pectoral Sandpipers on 26th, with one also at Abberton Reservoir. An adult American Golden Plover was at Fingringhoe Wick EWT on 26th. On 24th, a Wryneck was at The Naze and a juvenile European Honey Buzzard was photographed as it flushed from a road near Ongar.
Western Osprey, South Ockendon, Essex (Ian Plume).
Hertfordshire news included an adult Northern Gannet over Sawbridgeworth on 25th and a juvenile at Hilfield Park Reservoir the following day, plus a continuing Garganey at Rye Meads RSPB. In Bedfordshire, the Pectoral Sandpiper was still at Brogborough to 20th and a Black-necked Grebe visited Priory CP on 25th. The group of up to five Glossy Ibises continued in the Ouse Valley in Cambridgeshire, with the American Wigeon resurfacing near Bluntisham from 25th. Pectoral Sandpipers were at at least two sites.
Josh Jones
South-East England
A White-winged Tern graced Dungeness, Kent, on 20th, with the same site one of three in the county to host Glossy Ibis and one of four to host European Honey Buzzard during the week. Both Balearic and Sooty Shearwaters were recorded past Dunge as well. Up to two Pectoral Sandpipers continued at Worth Marsh where, nearby, a juvenile Sabine's Gull was seen following a tractor from 22-23rd. The county's first Yellow-browed Warbler of the season was finally recorded, at Temple Ewell on 5th, and a Wood Warbler was at Sandwich Bay on 22nd.
A productive 21st on the Isle of Wight delivered Red-rumped Swallow at Luccombe and Wood Warbler at St Catherine's Point; eight Balearic Shearwaters moved past Ventor on 26th. In Hampshire, Sandy Point got in on the Balearic act on 26th, while an Ortolan Bunting was sound recorded over Southampton and the Glossy Ibis lingered around Emsworth and Warblington.
Glossy Ibis, Warblington, Hampshire (Stephen Younger).
In Sussex, a Rosy Starling was at Brighton Marina on 20th and a Red-backed Shrike was at Thorney Island on 22nd. The Pagham Harbour Purple Heron revealed itself again from 24th but proved elusive. Pectoral Sandpipers continued at Pulborough Brooks until 20th and at Rye Harbour throughout. Beachy Head and Hove both scored European Honey Buzzards, while Selsey Bill enjoyed a trickle of Balearic Shearwaters on 26th.
It was deathly quiet in the inland counties, though a Glossy Ibis at Floodplain Forest, Buckinghamshire, was a popular draw from 22nd. In Oxfordshire, the Purple Heron continued at Blenheim Park throughout and the Wantage Wryneck was present until 23rd.
Wryneck, Wantage, Oxfordshire (David Hastings).
In London, a Northern Gannet over Wanstead on 26th was a fine record. The same site also hosted a Pied Flycatcher earlier in the week. The London Wetland Centre Pectoral Sandpiper lingered for the whole review period, with Rainham Marshes also hosting a bird from 24th.
Ed Stubbs
South-West England
New arrivals on Scilly included a Spotted Crake on Tresco, Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Bryher, an American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Rosefinch and Red-backed Shrike on St Mary's and, a Common Rosefinch and an American Golden Plover on St Martin's. Some of last week's quality remained too, including the Melodious Warbler on St Mary's, Pectoral Sandpiper on Tresco and Rosy Starling on Bryher, as well as a scattering of Wrynecks. At least one Yellow-browed Warbler made it to St Mary's on 25th and no fewer than 50 Great Shearwaters were recorded from a pelagic on 22nd.
Red-backed Shrike, St Martin's, Isles of Scilly (Chris Townend).
South Huish Marsh, Devon, had a productive day on 26th with a Spotted Crake and juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper found there; another 'Pec' was at Bowling Green Marsh RSPB that afternoon. Lundy scored an Ortolan Bunting at the start of the week and a Rosy Starling was noted at East Prawle on 23rd. Glossy Ibis sightings came from four localities and a European Honey Buzzard flew over Plymstock on 24th. A Wryneck was at Dawlish Warren NNR, where the juvenile Eurasian Dotterel remained until 23rd.
In Cornwall, a couple of Pectoral Sandpipers arrived at Stithians Reservoir, with another at Colliford Lake. The Rosy Starling at Trevescan, Red-backed Shrike at Sancreed and Ring-necked Duck at Foxholes all lingered. Wrynecks were recorded from four sites and a boat trip out of Falmouth on 24th produced seven Great Shearwaters and a single Long-tailed Skua.
Pectoral Sandpipers, Stithians Reservoir, Cornwall (Adrian Lea).
A ringtail Montagu's Harrier flew south over St Aldhelm's Head, Dorset, on the morning of 21st, the day after an unidentified ringtail harrier was noted at Arne RSPB and Middlebere. A belated report of a juvenile Rosy Starling at the latter locality on 16th came to light mid-week and was almost certainly seen again there on 21st. Stanpit Marsh scored a Glossy Ibis on 22nd with a possible heading high south-west over Weymouth at the week's end. Wrynecks were at Hengistbury Head and Durlston CP, while a European Honey Buzzard overflew Rempstone Heath on 23rd.
Glossy Ibis were still at two localities in Somerset – Catcott Lows NR and Steart WWT. A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was at Cheddar Reservoir late in the week and a Wryneck was in Crew's Wood on 20th. The lingering Ruddy Shelduck at Langford Lakes and a Western Osprey at Britford Water Meadows were Wiltshire's highlights.
Glossy Ibis (right) and Western Cattle Egret, Catcott Lows NR, Somerset & Bristol (Michael Roberts).
In Gloucestershire, 11 Russian White-fronted Geese arrived at Slimbridge WWT from 21st, with a few Spotted Redshanks, a Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Eurasian Spoonbill also there. Severn Beach produced a Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.
Jonathan Farooqi
Wales
A Ring-necked Duck that ended the week at Cardiff Bay, Glamorgan, was arguably the highlight of a slower Welsh week. Meanwhile, a juvenile Rosy Starling lingered at Llandudno Junction, Conwy, although the Hoopoe departed at Sker Point, Glamorgan, after 23rd. Elsewhere, the European Turtle Dove continued at Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, until 24th, no fewer than four Hooded Crows at The Range RSPB, Anglesey, and a young European Honey Buzzard overflew Cwm, Gwent, on 22nd.
Rosy Starling, Llandudno Junction, Conwy (David Bradshaw).
Pectoral Sandpipers were at Llyn Alaw, Anglesey, and Goldcliff Pools, Gwent, Wood Sandpipers were at two Pembrokshire sites – Angle Bay and Castlemartin – and a juvenile Eurasian Dotterel remained at Dale Airfield, Pembrokeshire, throughout. Sabine's Gulls flew past Porth Ysgaden, Gwynedd, and Mwnt, Ceredigion, and Garganey were at three locations, with the first-winter drake Ruddy Shelduck again flitting along the border at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, Clwyd.
Eurasian Dotterel, Dale, Pembrokeshire (Richard Stonier).
Ireland
A steady if unexceptional trickle of arrivals was noted from the west, with three Pectoral Sandpipers at two sites in Co Kerry. Buff-breasted Sandpiper and American Golden Plover were at Omey Island, Co Galway, on 23rd, with Pectoral and Wood Sandpipers still at Caranavoodaun Turlough. Another Buff-breast was at Lissagriffin, Co Cork, on 26th.
American Golden Plover, Omey Island / Strand, Galway (Josh Jones).
Up to six Pectoral Sandpipers were at Tacumshin, Co Wexford, alongside the Lesser Yellowlegs. In Northern Ireland, two Pecs were at Portmore Lough RSPB and the two Buff-breasted Sandpipers hung on at Myroe Levels, with a Eurasian Dotterel at nearby Limnavady on 26th.
A juvenile Ring-necked Duck reached Achill Island, Co Mayo, on 24th. Two Glossy Ibises lingered at Lurgan Green, Co Louth, for a few days after being found on 20th.
European Turtle Dove, Lady's Island Lake, Wexford (Seamus Feeney).
A male Red-backed Shrike was an excellent find at Bolus Head, Co Kerry, on 26th, with a Common Rosefinch on Dursey Island, Co Cork, the previous day. The Icterine Warbler was reported again at Barrys Head, Co Cork, on 20th. A European Turtle Dove lingered for four days at Lady's Island Lake, Co Wexford, after being found on 23rd.
A Wilson's Storm Petrel was seen well offshore in Co Kerry waters on 20th, while persistent seawatching efforts from Arranmore Island, Co Donegal, produced Sabine's Gull, Long-tailed Skua and Leach's Storm Petrel.
Josh Jones
Western Palearctic
The first Warbling Vireo for the region was found on Corvo, Azores, on 25th. Long touted as a likely addition to the Western Palearctic list, it still represents an excellent find and, to boot, the bird was discovered alongside a Chestnut-sided Warbler – a sixth for the region and third for the Azores. A Red-eyed Vireo was in the same area too.
Warbling Vireo, Corvo, Corvo (Paul Doniol-Valcroze).
A series of quick-moving transatlantic lows delivered more Nearctic goodies to Iceland. Pick of the bunch was a Cape May Warbler alongside a Red-eyed Vireo at Eyrarbakki on 25-26th, an Icelandic first and just the sixth for the region. Other notable finds included an American Redstart, the nation's second, at Stafnes on 24th, the country's third Semipalmated Plover at Reykjanesviti on 24th, and an apparent Alder Flycatcher at Garður on 20th.
Cape May Warbler, Eyrarbakki, Suðurland (Alex Máni Guðríðarson).
The American Yellow Warbler continued at Þorlákshöfn until 22nd at least, while another Red-eyed Vireo was at Grindavík and American Buff-bellied Pipits were at Garður and Arfadalsvík. In rare Pinniped news, the widely-travelled immature male Walrus 'Wally' was discovered at Höfn on 19th (see here).
Semipalmated Plover, Reykjanesviti, Suðurnes (Alex Máni Guðríðarson).
A Bobolink was an impressive find at Jandia, Fuerteventura, on 19th, the third record for both Spain and the Canary Islands. In mainland Spain, the juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher remained at Embalse de Aguilar. A Swinhoe's Storm Petrel was again off Eilat, Israel, on 25th and a returning Greater Painted-snipe was back at Gan Shmu'el fishponds.
A Pechora Pipit was trapped and ringed at Slevdalsvannet, Norway, on 25th, with Germany's second Red-eyed Vireo on Heligoland the following day. The Netherlands' sixth Eastern Bonelli's Warbler on Texel from 23rd was joined by a White's Thrush on 25th, a Pygmy Cormorant remained near Utrecht and the young female Walrus visited Schiermonnikoog. In France, Pygmy Cormorants continued at Chanaz and Erstein (two), while Latvia's first Great Knot – a juvenile – was at Asari on 26th.
American Redstart, Stafnes, Suðurnes (Gudmundur Johannesson).
