Some light drizzle soon faded out leaving an unexpectedly calm dry day. Our garden was playing host to a Blackcap and 2 Blue Tits but there was no sign of yesterday's Water Rail. A walk around Norwick added 3 Great Northern Divers, a Sparrowhawk, 35 Redwings, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechats, a Blackcap, a Common Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs and 5 Chaffinches. Skaw added 5 Long-tailed Ducks, a Purple Sandpiper and the Black Redstart. Haroldswick proved quiet although I inadvertently flushed a Woodcock. The Shore Station was still playing host to a Blue Tit and the best was saved to last as I saw my first Iceland Gull of the Autumn.
Water Rail at Millfield yesterday
Great Northern Divers off Norwick
Siberian Chiffchaffs at Norwick
Iceland Gull at Burrafirth
Virtually at dusk I stumbled across this interesting individual. Whilst its tail pattern makes it a candidate kumlieni it would be nice had it been showing the hoped-for contrasting darker outer primaries. Very many thanks to Jamie Partridge for kindly taking a look at my grainy images and sharing his knowledge.
