Sightings
This page acts as a news site of more notable reports and may contain errors and omissions. The official record is published as the annual Highland Bird Report (HBR) which details records which have been formally submitted and accepted. All records submitted via Birdtrack or directly to the Local Recorder, do go into compilation of the HBR.
Photographs are copyright of the named photographer and may not be used without explicit permission of the named photographer. Photographs of schedule 1 species will not be displayed on this page during the breeding season, unless accompanied by a valid SNH licence. Similarly any photographs showing obviously tape-lured or distressed birds will not be displayed, please refer to the Bird photography - a new code of practice article from Scottish Birds. To send in your photos for the website please email highlandsocwebmaster@gmail.com.
This page is currently updated for the SOC Highland branch by Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon and Colin Leslie.
Highland Records Committee (HRC) species are in green, Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) species are in blue and British Bird Rarities Committee (BBRC) species are in red.
This page acts as a news site of more notable reports and may contain errors and omissions. The official record is published as the annual Highland Bird Report (HBR) which details records which have been formally submitted and accepted. All records submitted via Birdtrack or directly to the Local Recorder, do go into compilation of the HBR.
Photographs are copyright of the named photographer and may not be used without explicit permission of the named photographer. Photographs of schedule 1 species will not be displayed on this page during the breeding season, unless accompanied by a valid SNH licence. Similarly any photographs showing obviously tape-lured or distressed birds will not be displayed, please refer to the Bird photography - a new code of practice article from Scottish Birds. To send in your photos for the website please email highlandsocwebmaster@gmail.com.
This page is currently updated for the SOC Highland branch by Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon and Colin Leslie.
Highland Records Committee (HRC) species are in green, Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) species are in blue and British Bird Rarities Committee (BBRC) species are in red.
Birders should adhere to any travel and social distancing advice during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Rarities and Schedule 1 species Information should be passed via BirdTrack and/or emailed to the Highland Recorder at highlandrecorder@yahoo.com
Various online resources, in addition to Highland Rare Bird News and Highland Scarce Bird News, are trawled for records reported here. You can also report newsworthy records (and photographs) to highlandsocwebmaster@gmail.com - thank you.
**NEWS**
Highland Bird Report 2020 is now available to view online/download - click "Publications" at the top of this page and follow the link
A Blog of the successful 2022 Highland Bird Race held on 15 January has now been posted - click "Blog" and follow the link.
Rarities and Schedule 1 species Information should be passed via BirdTrack and/or emailed to the Highland Recorder at highlandrecorder@yahoo.com
Various online resources, in addition to Highland Rare Bird News and Highland Scarce Bird News, are trawled for records reported here. You can also report newsworthy records (and photographs) to highlandsocwebmaster@gmail.com - thank you.
**NEWS**
Highland Bird Report 2020 is now available to view online/download - click "Publications" at the top of this page and follow the link
A Blog of the successful 2022 Highland Bird Race held on 15 January has now been posted - click "Blog" and follow the link.
2022
Sunday 23rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Milo Mole)
Easter Ross: 13 Barnacle Goose and two Greenland White-fronted Goose near Beauly (Milo Mole). Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes). Local WeBS counts today included 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, single Shoveler and 254 Pintail at Nigg Bay (Bob Swann), while Portmahomack to Drumancroy saw c500 Bar-tailed Godwit, c300 Knot, c150 Dunlin and just a single Ringed Plover (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Kumlien's Gull at the head of Loch Portree, plus two 1st winter Iceland Gull plus a Jackdaw with 'Nordic' ssp. characteristics at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields alongside the A9 at Evelix. Two Stock Dove at Skibo, amongst a Greylag flock. At Embo were 500 Dunlin, single 1st winter Little Gull plus a female Hen Harrier (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Milo Mole)
Easter Ross: 13 Barnacle Goose and two Greenland White-fronted Goose near Beauly (Milo Mole). Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes). Local WeBS counts today included 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, single Shoveler and 254 Pintail at Nigg Bay (Bob Swann), while Portmahomack to Drumancroy saw c500 Bar-tailed Godwit, c300 Knot, c150 Dunlin and just a single Ringed Plover (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Kumlien's Gull at the head of Loch Portree, plus two 1st winter Iceland Gull plus a Jackdaw with 'Nordic' ssp. characteristics at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields alongside the A9 at Evelix. Two Stock Dove at Skibo, amongst a Greylag flock. At Embo were 500 Dunlin, single 1st winter Little Gull plus a female Hen Harrier (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 22nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Matthew Broadbent et al).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Milo Mole, Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 8 Barnacle Geese, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Easter Dalziel (Oscar Puls, Graeme Prest), 20 Crossbills, 14 Snow Buntings over Kyllachy (Alan MacAskill et al).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Matthew Broadbent et al).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Milo Mole, Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 8 Barnacle Geese, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Easter Dalziel (Oscar Puls, Graeme Prest), 20 Crossbills, 14 Snow Buntings over Kyllachy (Alan MacAskill et al).
Friday 21st January
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal and 32 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Pete Gordon), juvenile Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon), Little Egret Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan (please park at Loch Kinellan) (Andy Williams, Pete Gordon), 8 Mandarin Ducks Garve (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 2000 Pink-footed and 11 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), 5 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfooted Geese near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), White-fronted Goose and 3 Barnacle Geese N of Newton of Petty, A96 (Holly), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Fiona Harvey).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Bob McMillan), Hybrid Black Duck x Mallard, paired to Mallard Strontian (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Jays Reraig (DM) - probably record count for Skye & Lochalsh.
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal and 32 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Pete Gordon), juvenile Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon), Little Egret Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan (please park at Loch Kinellan) (Andy Williams, Pete Gordon), 8 Mandarin Ducks Garve (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 2000 Pink-footed and 11 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), 5 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfooted Geese near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), White-fronted Goose and 3 Barnacle Geese N of Newton of Petty, A96 (Holly), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Fiona Harvey).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Bob McMillan), Hybrid Black Duck x Mallard, paired to Mallard Strontian (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Jays Reraig (DM) - probably record count for Skye & Lochalsh.
Thursday 20th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch in woods surrounding Loch an Eilein (James Shooter), Great Grey Shrike by bothy, Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Graeme Prest).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain (Holly), Ring-necked Duck and Scaup Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, park at Loch Kinellan, please (per BirdGuides), Black-throated, 11 Red-throated and 5 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great Northern Diver east side of Fortrose Golf Course (Mary Galloway), 7 Barnacle and 1 Greenland White-fronted Geese Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), 90 Twites Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Holly).
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch in woods surrounding Loch an Eilein (James Shooter), Great Grey Shrike by bothy, Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Graeme Prest).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain (Holly), Ring-necked Duck and Scaup Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, park at Loch Kinellan, please (per BirdGuides), Black-throated, 11 Red-throated and 5 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great Northern Diver east side of Fortrose Golf Course (Mary Galloway), 7 Barnacle and 1 Greenland White-fronted Geese Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), 90 Twites Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Holly).
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (Stu Crutchfield).
Wednesday 19th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 50 Bramblings with 200 Chaffinches Garlyne, Nethy Bridge (Craig Johnstone).
Easter Ross: imm male Ring-necked Duck Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (per Birdguides), 125 Scaups, 1 Slavonian Grebe Cromarty Firth, S of Saltburn Pier plus possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid - maybe the same bird seen at Alturlie in February 2021 (Dave Tanner), Blackcap female Strathpeffer (Fiona),
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 50 Bramblings with 200 Chaffinches Garlyne, Nethy Bridge (Craig Johnstone).
Easter Ross: imm male Ring-necked Duck Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (per Birdguides), 125 Scaups, 1 Slavonian Grebe Cromarty Firth, S of Saltburn Pier plus possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid - maybe the same bird seen at Alturlie in February 2021 (Dave Tanner), Blackcap female Strathpeffer (Fiona),
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 18th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie, slightly south of sheepfold (Holly), Kingfisher R Spey 1/2 mile upstream of Inverallan Churchyard, Grantown (Pete Gordon), still 300+ Bramblings Balliemore and 100 near Nethybridge Hotel (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 5 male Velvet Scoters, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher and pair of Pintails, hunting female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 4 Mandarin Ducks Garve, (Dave Tanner), 40 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller), 1st year female Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan, park at main Loch Kinellan CP and walk back (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 150 Waxwings between Culloden and Croy, flew NE (Andy Howard), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie, slightly south of sheepfold (Holly), Kingfisher R Spey 1/2 mile upstream of Inverallan Churchyard, Grantown (Pete Gordon), still 300+ Bramblings Balliemore and 100 near Nethybridge Hotel (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 5 male Velvet Scoters, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher and pair of Pintails, hunting female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 4 Mandarin Ducks Garve, (Dave Tanner), 40 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller), 1st year female Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan, park at main Loch Kinellan CP and walk back (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 150 Waxwings between Culloden and Croy, flew NE (Andy Howard), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
17/01/2021 Nordic Jackdaw, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Monday 17th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Aviemore, between Grampian View ad Strathspey Avenue (Audrey Turner, Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: 35 Twites opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), calling Siberian Chiffchaff Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 59 Scaups Alturlie (Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: Nordic Jackdaw Bayfield, Portree, also 2nd winter Iceland Gull there (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Aviemore, between Grampian View ad Strathspey Avenue (Audrey Turner, Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: 35 Twites opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), calling Siberian Chiffchaff Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 59 Scaups Alturlie (Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: Nordic Jackdaw Bayfield, Portree, also 2nd winter Iceland Gull there (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 16th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilmore, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant), dead Little Auk found at Loch Pityoulish (Rory Whytock).
Easter Ross: 4 Magpies Chapelhill, near Nigg Bay (Emz Adam), Greenshank Tain (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: 109 Scaups (44, 50 and 15) Milton of Culloden-Alturlie (Graeme Prest, Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Little Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, female-type Common Scoter Camus Mor, Borneskitaig, 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir, 58 Barnacle Geese Balmacquien, Trotternish (all Bob McMillan). juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls, 2 Great Northern Divers Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilmore, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant), dead Little Auk found at Loch Pityoulish (Rory Whytock).
Easter Ross: 4 Magpies Chapelhill, near Nigg Bay (Emz Adam), Greenshank Tain (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: 109 Scaups (44, 50 and 15) Milton of Culloden-Alturlie (Graeme Prest, Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Little Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, female-type Common Scoter Camus Mor, Borneskitaig, 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir, 58 Barnacle Geese Balmacquien, Trotternish (all Bob McMillan). juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls, 2 Great Northern Divers Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 15th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Peter Stronach) Barnacle Goose, Balliefurth Farm, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon) also four Whooper Swan there (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, eight Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve also one Green-winged Teal, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Shoveler, Tain also six Little Auk, Purple Sandpiper and Snow Bunting, Tarbat Ness (Matthew Broadbent). Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Probable Siberian Chiffchaff, still at Nigg oil terminal (Bob Swann) 12 Twite and Short-eared Owl near Tarbat Ness (Oscar Puls)
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Lochy Estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler) Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (JC) 12 Purple Sandpipers, West car park, Mallaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Puffins off Rum (RD) and from the Armadale-Mallaig ferry (RMcM) two Jack Snipe and eight Woodcock (SM) Kinloch, Rum all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Peter Stronach) Barnacle Goose, Balliefurth Farm, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon) also four Whooper Swan there (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, eight Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve also one Green-winged Teal, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Shoveler, Tain also six Little Auk, Purple Sandpiper and Snow Bunting, Tarbat Ness (Matthew Broadbent). Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Probable Siberian Chiffchaff, still at Nigg oil terminal (Bob Swann) 12 Twite and Short-eared Owl near Tarbat Ness (Oscar Puls)
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Lochy Estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler) Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (JC) 12 Purple Sandpipers, West car park, Mallaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Puffins off Rum (RD) and from the Armadale-Mallaig ferry (RMcM) two Jack Snipe and eight Woodcock (SM) Kinloch, Rum all per skye-birds.com
Friday 14th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, five Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve (Bob Wilson). Greenshank on Tain River (Gary Aitken)
Skye and Lochalsh: Chiffchaff in garden at Harrapool (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c600 Siskin in the alderwoods, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) Little Egret and five Common Crossbill, Loch Borralan (Andy Williams)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, five Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve (Bob Wilson). Greenshank on Tain River (Gary Aitken)
Skye and Lochalsh: Chiffchaff in garden at Harrapool (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c600 Siskin in the alderwoods, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) Little Egret and five Common Crossbill, Loch Borralan (Andy Williams)
Thursday 13th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Bob Wilson)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links and Water Rail, links pool (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Water Rail and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk dead on the shoreline at Loch Brittle (BB) per skye-birds.com, 2nd winter Iceland Gull at sea between Rùm and Soay (Peter Stronach)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Bob Wilson)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links and Water Rail, links pool (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Water Rail and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk dead on the shoreline at Loch Brittle (BB) per skye-birds.com, 2nd winter Iceland Gull at sea between Rùm and Soay (Peter Stronach)
Wednesday 12th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two "nordic" Jackdaws on the roof of Aldi, Aviemore (Pete Gordon). Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Holly)
Easter Ross: 18 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Bob Wilson) Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two "nordic" Jackdaws on the roof of Aldi, Aviemore (Pete Gordon). Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Holly)
Easter Ross: 18 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Bob Wilson) Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Tuesday 11th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike, SW of Balieguish then flew back to Coranstilbeg (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 41 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers) 125 Shelduck, 130 Pintail and 12 Shoveler, Tain Links also six Greenshank and single Brambling, Loch Fleet (Blair Whyte and Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden, Kingfisher, Greenshank and three Redwings, Merkinch LNR(Pete Gordon)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree (AS), 45 Lesser Redpoll, Scorrybreac, Portree (AS), 70 Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike, SW of Balieguish then flew back to Coranstilbeg (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 41 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers) 125 Shelduck, 130 Pintail and 12 Shoveler, Tain Links also six Greenshank and single Brambling, Loch Fleet (Blair Whyte and Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden, Kingfisher, Greenshank and three Redwings, Merkinch LNR(Pete Gordon)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree (AS), 45 Lesser Redpoll, Scorrybreac, Portree (AS), 70 Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Monday 10th January
Easter Ross: 35 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls still at Loch Portree (Neil Nennett) two Jack Snipe, Kinloch, Rum and nine Woodcock (SM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 35 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls still at Loch Portree (Neil Nennett) two Jack Snipe, Kinloch, Rum and nine Woodcock (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 9th January
Easter Ross: Probable Siberian Chiffchaff by Nigg Oil Terminal (Bob Swann). Great Northern Diver past Chanonry (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte) Slavonian Grebe, Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult Kumlien's Gull (bird has been present since 28th November 2021 )and three Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (NB, RMcM) with two different birds at Chracaig River, Portree, an adult & 2nd winter (NB), Blackcap on feeders, Kensaleyre (K.Gifford) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver, Dornoch Firth (Jort Brough). 32 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Probable Siberian Chiffchaff by Nigg Oil Terminal (Bob Swann). Great Northern Diver past Chanonry (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte) Slavonian Grebe, Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult Kumlien's Gull (bird has been present since 28th November 2021 )and three Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (NB, RMcM) with two different birds at Chracaig River, Portree, an adult & 2nd winter (NB), Blackcap on feeders, Kensaleyre (K.Gifford) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver, Dornoch Firth (Jort Brough). 32 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dave Pierce)
Saturday 8th January
Easter Ross: c35 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with 31 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose near Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with an additional 2nd winter bird at the Chracaig River mouth (Neil Bennett). Five Whooper Swan at Loch Meodal, Sleat (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c35 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with 31 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose near Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with an additional 2nd winter bird at the Chracaig River mouth (Neil Bennett). Five Whooper Swan at Loch Meodal, Sleat (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 7th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Singles of Jack Snipe and Snipe near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c75 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse (Dave Tanner). Ten Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway). Two Green-winged Teal at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Alturlie (Carol Miller). Three Pintail, ten Scaup and five Slavonian Grebe at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte), with 63 Curlew also present (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Jack Snipe and eleven Woodcock at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Singles of Jack Snipe and Snipe near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c75 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse (Dave Tanner). Ten Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway). Two Green-winged Teal at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Alturlie (Carol Miller). Three Pintail, ten Scaup and five Slavonian Grebe at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte), with 63 Curlew also present (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Jack Snipe and eleven Woodcock at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 6th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hen Harrier and 2CY female Goshawk at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at Tarbat Ness, c35 Twite nearby at Bindal Croft, c75 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse, and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose between there and Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal and 21 Shoveler at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hen Harrier and 2CY female Goshawk at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at Tarbat Ness, c35 Twite nearby at Bindal Croft, c75 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse, and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose between there and Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal and 21 Shoveler at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 5th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: c400 Brambling in field north of the Nethybridge Hotel, while along the Spey near Boat of Garten were two flocks of Siskin, one of c300 and the other c250 (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: four Goldeneye on Loch Meig (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Clachnaharry sea lock, while noted at Merkinch LNR were singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Kingfisher (Al McNee). Five Barnacle Geese in the Wester Dalziel area, while at Alturlie were seven Whooper Swan, two Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver, 77 Scaup, four Slavonian Grebe, eleven Bar-tailed Godwit and flock of 18 Brambling (Blair Whyte) while four Red Kite were also seen (Simeon Ewing). Single drake Pintail at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). Four Slavonian Grebe at the head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c400 Brambling in field north of the Nethybridge Hotel, while along the Spey near Boat of Garten were two flocks of Siskin, one of c300 and the other c250 (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: four Goldeneye on Loch Meig (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Clachnaharry sea lock, while noted at Merkinch LNR were singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Kingfisher (Al McNee). Five Barnacle Geese in the Wester Dalziel area, while at Alturlie were seven Whooper Swan, two Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver, 77 Scaup, four Slavonian Grebe, eleven Bar-tailed Godwit and flock of 18 Brambling (Blair Whyte) while four Red Kite were also seen (Simeon Ewing). Single drake Pintail at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). Four Slavonian Grebe at the head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 4th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: c250 Brambling, c300 Siskin and c300 Linnet at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, four Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, while nearby were c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven Farm, c75 Twite in field opposite Bindal Croft, and c100 Yellowhammer at Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Clachnaharry sea lock (Steve Wheatley)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jack Snipe at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c250 Brambling, c300 Siskin and c300 Linnet at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, four Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, while nearby were c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven Farm, c75 Twite in field opposite Bindal Croft, and c100 Yellowhammer at Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Clachnaharry sea lock (Steve Wheatley)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jack Snipe at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 3rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail and two Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Common Scoter (unusual for the location in wintertime), single Black Guillemot, two Sanderling and 23 Ringed Plover at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ring-necked Duck at Nether Kinellan (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Greenshank at Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson) with sub-adult White-tailed Eagle over also ('Chloe'). Kingfisher at Whin Park in the city (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: immature Glaucous Gull at Clashnessie Bay (David Haines). Four Little Gull, 18 Purple Sandpiper and c20 Sanderling at Brora ('Jort')
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail and two Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Common Scoter (unusual for the location in wintertime), single Black Guillemot, two Sanderling and 23 Ringed Plover at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ring-necked Duck at Nether Kinellan (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Greenshank at Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson) with sub-adult White-tailed Eagle over also ('Chloe'). Kingfisher at Whin Park in the city (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: immature Glaucous Gull at Clashnessie Bay (David Haines). Four Little Gull, 18 Purple Sandpiper and c20 Sanderling at Brora ('Jort')
Sunday 2nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: nine Sanderling and single Dunlin at Chanonry Point, plus female Pintail in Udale Bay (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: 45 Scaup, three Slavonian Grebe and single Pintail at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Bar-tailed Godwit at Broadford Bay, with another 14 present at Bayfield, Portree while the 2nd winter Iceland Gull was nearby on the Chracaig River (Neil Bennett) via skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: single Great Northern Diver at Loch an Èisg Brachaidh (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: nine Sanderling and single Dunlin at Chanonry Point, plus female Pintail in Udale Bay (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: 45 Scaup, three Slavonian Grebe and single Pintail at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Bar-tailed Godwit at Broadford Bay, with another 14 present at Bayfield, Portree while the 2nd winter Iceland Gull was nearby on the Chracaig River (Neil Bennett) via skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: single Great Northern Diver at Loch an Èisg Brachaidh (Stuart Edwards)
Saturday 1st January
Colin, Mike and Pete wish all their readers a Happy, Prosperous and bird-filled New Year.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Hen Harriers, imm Golden Eagle, adult White-tailed Eagle Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 200 Bramblings Station Road, Nethybridge (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal, 200 Pintails Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 75 Twites in rape stubble opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1st-winter Iceland Gull Balintore (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: 1st-winter Iceland Gull west end car park Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Chracaig mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 15 Little Gulls S Brora in 1 hour, also Nordic Jackdaw there (Dean MacAskill).
Colin, Mike and Pete wish all their readers a Happy, Prosperous and bird-filled New Year.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Hen Harriers, imm Golden Eagle, adult White-tailed Eagle Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 200 Bramblings Station Road, Nethybridge (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal, 200 Pintails Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 75 Twites in rape stubble opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1st-winter Iceland Gull Balintore (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: 1st-winter Iceland Gull west end car park Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Chracaig mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 15 Little Gulls S Brora in 1 hour, also Nordic Jackdaw there (Dean MacAskill).
2021
Friday 31st December
Easter Ross: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 13 Pintails, 24 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte, Alan MacAskill), 22 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Blair Whyte, Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult & 2 2nd-winter Iceland Gulls, Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Greenshank, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 6 Great Northern Divers Little Loch Broom, 40 Black-throated Divers S part of Gruinard Bay (all Ian Ford).
Thursday 30th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 7 Black-tailed Godwits Avoch (Mary Galloway), 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull opposite Police Station Lochyside, Fort William (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), 13 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 7 Black-tailed Godwits Avoch (Mary Galloway), 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull opposite Police Station Lochyside, Fort William (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), 13 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven MacDonald).
Wednesday 29th December
Easter Ross: 22 Grey Partridges & 25 Woodcocks Newfield, near Tain (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Jack Snipe Kinloch crofts, Rum (Sean Morris).
Easter Ross: 22 Grey Partridges & 25 Woodcocks Newfield, near Tain (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Jack Snipe Kinloch crofts, Rum (Sean Morris).
Tuesday 28th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: several flocks of Crossbills, some singing Glenmore Forest (Steve Reddick).
Easter Ross: 8 pale-bellied Brent Geese at burn mouth, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers).
Badenoch & Strathspey: several flocks of Crossbills, some singing Glenmore Forest (Steve Reddick).
Easter Ross: 8 pale-bellied Brent Geese at burn mouth, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers).
Monday 27th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch Kinlochlaggan (Bill Glancy per eBird).
Easter Ross: 8 Mandarin Ducks Blackwater, Garve (Oscar Puls).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Loch Portree and another 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch Kinlochlaggan (Bill Glancy per eBird).
Easter Ross: 8 Mandarin Ducks Blackwater, Garve (Oscar Puls).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Loch Portree and another 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 26th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 male Green-winged Teals & Lesser BB Gull Tain Links (Bob Swann). 8 Mandarin Ducks at Blackwater at Garve, upstream of bridge (Oscar Puls).
Inverness: 16 Black Guillemots off Fort George (Colin Leslie). Kingfisher, Whin Park (Tim Stowe), 30 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Anne Sime).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & adult Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet), Little Auk Bradford Bay (NH per skye-birds.org), Jack Snipe Ardnish. Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 male Green-winged Teals & Lesser BB Gull Tain Links (Bob Swann). 8 Mandarin Ducks at Blackwater at Garve, upstream of bridge (Oscar Puls).
Inverness: 16 Black Guillemots off Fort George (Colin Leslie). Kingfisher, Whin Park (Tim Stowe), 30 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Anne Sime).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & adult Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet), Little Auk Bradford Bay (NH per skye-birds.org), Jack Snipe Ardnish. Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org).
Saturday 25th December
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Easter Ross: Two Blackcaps, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Kittiwake and two Red-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness. 25 Fieldfare and c150 Linnet and 15 Twite between Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, 26 Shoveler and five Black-tailed Godwit, Tain (Bob Swann) Eight Mandarin ducks, Blackwater at Garve and three Bramblings, Garve (Keith Barnes)
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Easter Ross: Two Blackcaps, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Kittiwake and two Red-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness. 25 Fieldfare and c150 Linnet and 15 Twite between Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, 26 Shoveler and five Black-tailed Godwit, Tain (Bob Swann) Eight Mandarin ducks, Blackwater at Garve and three Bramblings, Garve (Keith Barnes)
Friday 24th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40+ Crossbills, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 1st winter female Ring-necked Duck and immature Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Inverness: Greenshank and Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), female Scaup, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, four Great Northern Divers, Brora and three Greenshank, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40+ Crossbills, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 1st winter female Ring-necked Duck and immature Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Inverness: Greenshank and Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), female Scaup, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, four Great Northern Divers, Brora and three Greenshank, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 23rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20+ Bramblings Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two adult and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) also 2nd winter at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Little Egret, Ledmore Junction (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Adult Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20+ Bramblings Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two adult and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) also 2nd winter at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Little Egret, Ledmore Junction (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Adult Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Wednesday 22nd December
Easter Ross: Waxwing, Tain (Gary Aitken)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and eight Slavonian Grebe, 17 Pintail, 45 Scaup, plus single Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Waxwing, Tain (Gary Aitken)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and eight Slavonian Grebe, 17 Pintail, 45 Scaup, plus single Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 21st December
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan Lochan (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Little Egret still at the Mound, 12 Brambling, 42 Purple Sandpipers and 350 Dunlin, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan Lochan (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Little Egret still at the Mound, 12 Brambling, 42 Purple Sandpipers and 350 Dunlin, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Monday 20th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Snowy Owl, Cairngorms (Gary Hodgson)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and Water Rail, Merkinch LNR, (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe, Broadford Bay (ET) and 10 Black-throated Divers, Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) also 29 Purple Sandpipers, Embo and Two Slavonian Grebes, Dornoch Point (Ann Sime)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Snowy Owl, Cairngorms (Gary Hodgson)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and Water Rail, Merkinch LNR, (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe, Broadford Bay (ET) and 10 Black-throated Divers, Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) also 29 Purple Sandpipers, Embo and Two Slavonian Grebes, Dornoch Point (Ann Sime)
Sunday 19th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 400 Bramblings and 100 Linnets, Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Slavonian Grebe, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 34 Brent Geese, 246 Pintail and one Shoveler, Nigg Bay (Bob Swann)
Inverness: 24 Scaup, one Red-throated Diver, 50 Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) 237 Siskin, Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 400 Bramblings and 100 Linnets, Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Slavonian Grebe, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 34 Brent Geese, 246 Pintail and one Shoveler, Nigg Bay (Bob Swann)
Inverness: 24 Scaup, one Red-throated Diver, 50 Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) 237 Siskin, Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Saturday 18th December
Lochaber: ten Slavonian Grebe on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven Macdonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Localsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Grey Wagtail and six Little Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Lochaber: ten Slavonian Grebe on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven Macdonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Localsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Grey Wagtail and six Little Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 17th December
Easter Ross: five Black Guillemot, five Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, with ten Meadow Pipit also present (unusual at this time of year). Nearby were c1,000 Pink-footed Goose, with c30 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: two Slavonian Grebe and single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: five Black Guillemot, five Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, with ten Meadow Pipit also present (unusual at this time of year). Nearby were c1,000 Pink-footed Goose, with c30 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: two Slavonian Grebe and single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 16th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: c140 Brambling at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch NR (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Kingfisher on the River Peffery, DIngwall by the footbridge (Taylor Hunter)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c140 Brambling at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch NR (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Kingfisher on the River Peffery, DIngwall by the footbridge (Taylor Hunter)
Wednesday 15th December
Inverness: single Brambling on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: 60 Redwing at Heaste (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 20 Brambling at Embo, while offshore were 14 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and nine Slavonian Grebe. At Dornoch were six Grey Plover, 24 Twite and single Jack Snipe (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: single Brambling on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: 60 Redwing at Heaste (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 20 Brambling at Embo, while offshore were 14 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and nine Slavonian Grebe. At Dornoch were six Grey Plover, 24 Twite and single Jack Snipe (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 14th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Strone, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. on the Chrachaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Pink-footed Goose at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness with c50 Whooper Swan at the Petley pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Strone, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. on the Chrachaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Pink-footed Goose at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness with c50 Whooper Swan at the Petley pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Monday 13th December
Easter Ross: Single Knot at Tarbat Ness, Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dave Tanner, his image also below)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Auk grounded in Lower Milovaig, returned to sea in good health (Andy Stables) - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Single Knot at Tarbat Ness, Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dave Tanner, his image also below)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Auk grounded in Lower Milovaig, returned to sea in good health (Andy Stables) - via skye-birds.com
Sunday 12th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 plus Brambling near the Old Kirk, Nethybridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill), with a second bird confirmed later in the day (Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Teal on Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan). Two Purple Sandpiper at Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 plus Brambling near the Old Kirk, Nethybridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill), with a second bird confirmed later in the day (Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Teal on Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan). Two Purple Sandpiper at Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 11th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon), Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 200+ Yellowhammers banks of Peffery below railway bridge, Dingwall (Simeon Ewing).
Inverness: 2 Snow Buntings on roof, Brookfield, Culloden (Robin Paton), 166 Golden Plovers & 900 Knots Whiteness Sands (Roy Dennis), 70 Twites Whiteness Head Roy Dennis).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon), Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 200+ Yellowhammers banks of Peffery below railway bridge, Dingwall (Simeon Ewing).
Inverness: 2 Snow Buntings on roof, Brookfield, Culloden (Robin Paton), 166 Golden Plovers & 900 Knots Whiteness Sands (Roy Dennis), 70 Twites Whiteness Head Roy Dennis).
10/12/2021 Great Grey Shrike, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Friday 10th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal, 8 Slavonian Grebes Tain (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch (Penny Insole).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal, 8 Slavonian Grebes Tain (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch (Penny Insole).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald).
Thursday 9th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Loch an Eilein Beag (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Dean MacAskill) - returning bird? Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 200 Fieldfares Udale Bay to Balblair (Caroline Pearson), 30 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller).
Inverness: 60 Scaups, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 5 Barnacle Geese, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Blair Whyte), female Merlin Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Carrion Crow Ardelve, Lochalsh (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Loch an Eilein Beag (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Dean MacAskill) - returning bird? Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 200 Fieldfares Udale Bay to Balblair (Caroline Pearson), 30 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller).
Inverness: 60 Scaups, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 5 Barnacle Geese, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Blair Whyte), female Merlin Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Carrion Crow Ardelve, Lochalsh (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 8th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad male Hen Harrier Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe S Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff at industrial estate Broadford (per BirdGuides), 2nd winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides), Bonxie Ardnish Max (Neil Hinchliff).
Sutherland: adult Iceland Gull, 14 Little Gulls, 2 Puffins, 7 Little Auks Lothbeg Point (Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad male Hen Harrier Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe S Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff at industrial estate Broadford (per BirdGuides), 2nd winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides), Bonxie Ardnish Max (Neil Hinchliff).
Sutherland: adult Iceland Gull, 14 Little Gulls, 2 Puffins, 7 Little Auks Lothbeg Point (Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett).
Tuesday 7th December
Easter Ross: One Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver between Fort George and Arderseir (Colin Leslie) another Great Northern Diver, Beauly Firth between Redcastle and Kessock (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Nine Little gulls, four Little Auks, one Great Skua and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: One Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver between Fort George and Arderseir (Colin Leslie) another Great Northern Diver, Beauly Firth between Redcastle and Kessock (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Nine Little gulls, four Little Auks, one Great Skua and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
An adult White-tailed Eagle from a traditional site found dead at Trotternish on 14 November was found to have avian flu - probably caught from Greylag Geese.
Monday 6th December
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Blackcap Strathpeffer ("Fiona"), 3 Scaups Loch Kinellan (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 Green Woodpeckers reported Drakies (per Birdtrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls R Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett),
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Blackcap Strathpeffer ("Fiona"), 3 Scaups Loch Kinellan (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 Green Woodpeckers reported Drakies (per Birdtrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls R Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett),
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean McAskill).
Sunday 5th December
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Bonxie, Puffin Neist Point (Andy Stables per skye-birds.com), Barnacle Goose with Greylags Feorlig, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan - per skye-birds.com), Nordic Jackdaw Portree (Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs Ardmair, Campsite (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Bonxie, Puffin Neist Point (Andy Stables per skye-birds.com), Barnacle Goose with Greylags Feorlig, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan - per skye-birds.com), Nordic Jackdaw Portree (Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs Ardmair, Campsite (Andy Williams).
Saturday 4th December
Easter Ross: 12 Slavonian Grebes Avoch ("Matthew").
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe past Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean McAskill).
Wester Ross: 5 Bramblings Ullapool (Andy Williams) - scarce there.
Easter Ross: 12 Slavonian Grebes Avoch ("Matthew").
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe past Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean McAskill).
Wester Ross: 5 Bramblings Ullapool (Andy Williams) - scarce there.
Friday 3rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 31 Snow Buntings, Cairngorm Base Station (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Six Pintail, one Great Crested Grebe and 58 Curlew, Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: 240 Fieldfare at Port an Eorna, Duirinish with some Redwing (DM) also 40 at Tokavaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Nuthatch Attadale, Strathcarron (per Bob McMillan) - possibly first record for Wester Ross, now predated by a record of one at Laide on 18/04/2019 (Kevin Hartwell). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs, Ardmair (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 31 Snow Buntings, Cairngorm Base Station (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Six Pintail, one Great Crested Grebe and 58 Curlew, Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: 240 Fieldfare at Port an Eorna, Duirinish with some Redwing (DM) also 40 at Tokavaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Nuthatch Attadale, Strathcarron (per Bob McMillan) - possibly first record for Wester Ross, now predated by a record of one at Laide on 18/04/2019 (Kevin Hartwell). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs, Ardmair (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 2nd December
Easter Ross: Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Magpie, Creag Darroch, Contin (Stuart Edwards)
Inverness: One Whooper Swan, nine Pintail, two Scaup, 225 Golden Plover, one Great crested Grebe and nine Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Goldeneye, Loch Achaid na h’Inich, Plockton (JS), 45 Wigeon, Balmacara Bay at Reraig (DM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Magpie, Creag Darroch, Contin (Stuart Edwards)
Inverness: One Whooper Swan, nine Pintail, two Scaup, 225 Golden Plover, one Great crested Grebe and nine Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Goldeneye, Loch Achaid na h’Inich, Plockton (JS), 45 Wigeon, Balmacara Bay at Reraig (DM) per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 1st December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Ballachroan, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Diver, five Black Guillemot, 48 Long-tailed Duck and 262 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls also Glaucous Gull, Brora (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff, Ardmair (Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Ballachroan, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Diver, five Black Guillemot, 48 Long-tailed Duck and 262 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls also Glaucous Gull, Brora (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff, Ardmair (Andy Williams)
Tuesday 30th November
Easter Ross: One Black Guillemot, Chanonry (Alister Clunas), Little Auk, Rosemarkie and 15 Twite still Bindal Farm (per BirdGuides) also five Grey Partridges there (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and two Black-throated Divers, Alturlie (Robert Wilson) Little Auk still at Fort George (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: One Black Guillemot, Chanonry (Alister Clunas), Little Auk, Rosemarkie and 15 Twite still Bindal Farm (per BirdGuides) also five Grey Partridges there (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and two Black-throated Divers, Alturlie (Robert Wilson) Little Auk still at Fort George (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Monday 29th November
Easter Ross: 15 Twite, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (John Manson)
Inverness: Single Little Auk and 15 Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Fieldfares in Broadford today (NB)
Easter Ross: 15 Twite, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (John Manson)
Inverness: Single Little Auk and 15 Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Fieldfares in Broadford today (NB)
Sunday 28th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Jack Snipe and one Kingfisher, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Tarbat Ness and Snow Bunting, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Eight Kittiwake, two Gannets, one Little Auk and one Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Single Little Auk, east past Fort George and one Black Guillemot (Colin Leslie) Greenland White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet, Beauly (per BirdGuides)
Lochaber: Nine Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (SMacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull, Bayfield and 1st Winter Black Rocks, Portree (NB), Long-tailed Duck, Uig Bay and four Great Northern Diver (SG) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eight Little Auks, Embo, Iceland Gull, Bonar Bridge (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Jack Snipe and one Kingfisher, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Tarbat Ness and Snow Bunting, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Eight Kittiwake, two Gannets, one Little Auk and one Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Single Little Auk, east past Fort George and one Black Guillemot (Colin Leslie) Greenland White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet, Beauly (per BirdGuides)
Lochaber: Nine Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (SMacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull, Bayfield and 1st Winter Black Rocks, Portree (NB), Long-tailed Duck, Uig Bay and four Great Northern Diver (SG) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eight Little Auks, Embo, Iceland Gull, Bonar Bridge (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 27th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with Twite present in the area also (Ian Harkiss)
Easter Ross: c150 Red-throated Diver, 18 Great Northern Diver and single 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Tarbat Ness, with post-storm seabird tallies including 1,000+ of both Kittiwake and Common Gull, and an exceptional 750+ Great Black-backed Gull. Nearby by Wilkhaven Farm were c200 Golden Plover (Dave Tanner). Woodcock at Quarryfield, Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Jonathan Jones). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Auk, eight Little Gull, 1st winter Glaucous Gull, five Great Northern Diver and juvenile White-tailed Eagle at Brora river mouth, while at Embo were singles of Little Auk and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill). Another, later report from Embo gave eleven Little Auk, single Slavonian Grebe, 14 Little Gull, 22 Red-throated Diver, seven Great Northern Diver ('Matthew'). Lesser Black-backed Gull of the intermedius ssp. at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with Twite present in the area also (Ian Harkiss)
Easter Ross: c150 Red-throated Diver, 18 Great Northern Diver and single 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Tarbat Ness, with post-storm seabird tallies including 1,000+ of both Kittiwake and Common Gull, and an exceptional 750+ Great Black-backed Gull. Nearby by Wilkhaven Farm were c200 Golden Plover (Dave Tanner). Woodcock at Quarryfield, Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Jonathan Jones). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Auk, eight Little Gull, 1st winter Glaucous Gull, five Great Northern Diver and juvenile White-tailed Eagle at Brora river mouth, while at Embo were singles of Little Auk and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill). Another, later report from Embo gave eleven Little Auk, single Slavonian Grebe, 14 Little Gull, 22 Red-throated Diver, seven Great Northern Diver ('Matthew'). Lesser Black-backed Gull of the intermedius ssp. at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 26th November
Easter Ross: six Red-throated Diver and 500 plus Common Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Brambling visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson)
Sutherland: two Little Auk, 123 Kittiwake, 34 Gannet plus singles of Little Gull and Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: six Red-throated Diver and 500 plus Common Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Brambling visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson)
Sutherland: two Little Auk, 123 Kittiwake, 34 Gannet plus singles of Little Gull and Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 25th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting feeders by Forest Cottage, Loch an Eilein (Pete Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: 15 Purple Sandpiper, single Puffin, 19 Red-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver, single 1st winter Glaucous Gull and 15 Twite at Tarbat Ness, with c75 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting feeders by Forest Cottage, Loch an Eilein (Pete Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: 15 Purple Sandpiper, single Puffin, 19 Red-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver, single 1st winter Glaucous Gull and 15 Twite at Tarbat Ness, with c75 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 24th November
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpiper, 15 Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Brambling visiting a Strathpeffer garden ('Fiona'). Drake Pintail on the lochans within the Tain air weapons range (Andy Walker)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jay in Coille Mhor, Balmacara (David Mason) via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Whooper Swan near the Meikle ferry ('Jort')
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpiper, 15 Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Brambling visiting a Strathpeffer garden ('Fiona'). Drake Pintail on the lochans within the Tain air weapons range (Andy Walker)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jay in Coille Mhor, Balmacara (David Mason) via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Whooper Swan near the Meikle ferry ('Jort')
Tuesday 23rd November
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting along the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 24 Little Gull, 215 Ringed Plover, 57 Purple Sandpiper at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Black-necked Grebe off Embo, with two Slavonian Grebe (Dave Slater)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting along the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 24 Little Gull, 215 Ringed Plover, 57 Purple Sandpiper at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Black-necked Grebe off Embo, with two Slavonian Grebe (Dave Slater)
Monday 22nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: ring-tail Hen Harrier at Insh marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver, single Puffin, two Great Northern Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church, Udale (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: probable Rough-legged Buzzard in Glen Kyllachy (Mike Dilger)
Lochaber: seven Purple Sandpiper at Mallaig harbour (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Twenty Barncle Goose on Staffin Island plus c70 on the Ascrib islands (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Swallow at Port Henderson (via John Poyner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: ring-tail Hen Harrier at Insh marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver, single Puffin, two Great Northern Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church, Udale (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: probable Rough-legged Buzzard in Glen Kyllachy (Mike Dilger)
Lochaber: seven Purple Sandpiper at Mallaig harbour (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Twenty Barncle Goose on Staffin Island plus c70 on the Ascrib islands (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Swallow at Port Henderson (via John Poyner)
Sunday 21st November
Easter Ross: Woodcock at Tarbat Ness, plus single Velvet Scoter offshore (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Mike Dilger)
Inverness: single female Scaup and single drake Pintail at Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: female Common Scoter on Loch Shiel at Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye and Lochalsh: White-billed Diver near Camas Ban out of Loch Portree, while at Bayfield was a single 1st winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk, 150 Kittiwake, 50+ Gannet and six Great Northern Diver in the Narrows of Raasay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Woodcock at Tarbat Ness, plus single Velvet Scoter offshore (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Mike Dilger)
Inverness: single female Scaup and single drake Pintail at Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: female Common Scoter on Loch Shiel at Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye and Lochalsh: White-billed Diver near Camas Ban out of Loch Portree, while at Bayfield was a single 1st winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk, 150 Kittiwake, 50+ Gannet and six Great Northern Diver in the Narrows of Raasay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 20th November
Inverness: 3 female Scaups, eclipse male Shoveler, 200 Wigeons Loch Flemington (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Whooper Swans Loch Suardal (Matthew per skye-birds.org).
Inverness: 3 female Scaups, eclipse male Shoveler, 200 Wigeons Loch Flemington (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Whooper Swans Loch Suardal (Matthew per skye-birds.org).
Friday 19th November
Easter Ross: Little Auk, 2 Black-throated Divers, 21 Red-throated Divers, 26 Long-tailed Ducks, 35 Ringed Plovers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: 7 Little Gulls River Brora mouth (Dave Tanner), 12 Slavonian Grebes, 32 Red-throated Divers Embo (Deam MacAskill), 8 Grey Plovers, 2 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 120 Sanderlings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: probable Brunnich's Guillemot, 13 Little Auks, 2 "Blue" Fulmars Stornoway-Ullapool crossing, unclear whether in Highland recording area (Dan Brown), Red-necked Grebe Naast, Loch Ewe (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, 2 Black-throated Divers, 21 Red-throated Divers, 26 Long-tailed Ducks, 35 Ringed Plovers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: 7 Little Gulls River Brora mouth (Dave Tanner), 12 Slavonian Grebes, 32 Red-throated Divers Embo (Deam MacAskill), 8 Grey Plovers, 2 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 120 Sanderlings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: probable Brunnich's Guillemot, 13 Little Auks, 2 "Blue" Fulmars Stornoway-Ullapool crossing, unclear whether in Highland recording area (Dan Brown), Red-necked Grebe Naast, Loch Ewe (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 18th November
Easter Ross: hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 9 Red-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Easter Ross: hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 9 Red-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Wednesday 17th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: 9 White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher River Peffery Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), 13 Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 45 Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpiper Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Whooper Swans chased by a White-tailed Eagle at Loch Ailort! (SMacD per skye-birds.org, 10 Common Scoters, 7 Great Northern Divers Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 9 White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher River Peffery Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), 13 Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 45 Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpiper Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Whooper Swans chased by a White-tailed Eagle at Loch Ailort! (SMacD per skye-birds.org, 10 Common Scoters, 7 Great Northern Divers Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Tuesday 16th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: Nuthatch Inches Crescent, Drakies, Inverness (per BirdTrack)
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, Whooper Swan Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett).
15/11/2021 Snow Bunting, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
,
Monday 15th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (Alison), Yellow-browed Warbler River Dulnain near Dulnain Bridge (Duncan MacDonald)
Inverness: 2 female Scaups Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill), Great Grey Shrike Drakies (Millburn), Inverness (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 40 Snow Buntings Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin (Steve Duffield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Little Auks from Uig-Stornoway ferry at Skye end (Dan Brown), Siberian Chiffchaff Drumfearn (Phil Knott), Swallow Lower Milovaig (AS per skye-birds.org), Puffin Neist Point (AS per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: ringed Yellow-browed Warbler Melvich (per BirdGuides), 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 40 Twites, Blackcap Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Monday 15th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (Alison), Yellow-browed Warbler River Dulnain near Dulnain Bridge (Duncan MacDonald)
Inverness: 2 female Scaups Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill), Great Grey Shrike Drakies (Millburn), Inverness (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 40 Snow Buntings Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin (Steve Duffield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Little Auks from Uig-Stornoway ferry at Skye end (Dan Brown), Siberian Chiffchaff Drumfearn (Phil Knott), Swallow Lower Milovaig (AS per skye-birds.org), Puffin Neist Point (AS per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: ringed Yellow-browed Warbler Melvich (per BirdGuides), 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 40 Twites, Blackcap Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Sunday 14th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: American Wigeon Udale Bay (per Birdguides), 7 Red-throated and 4 Great Northern Divers, Peregrine Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Chiffchaff Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: a good count of 37 Collared Doves Lower Breakish (NH).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: American Wigeon Udale Bay (per Birdguides), 7 Red-throated and 4 Great Northern Divers, Peregrine Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Chiffchaff Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: a good count of 37 Collared Doves Lower Breakish (NH).
Saturday 13th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Blair Whyte). Three Swallows and Brambling, Sherramore, Spey Dam (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull, six Black Guillemot, 16 Red-throated and three Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness also 150 Whooper Swans, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Black-throated Diver, 39 Red-throated Diver, two Scaup, 38 Long-tailed Duck, 70+ Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover and 145 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult White-billed Diver past Staffin Island (Dan Brown) Swallow at Harrapool plus Purple Sandpiper and Whooper Swan in Broadford Bay (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: !2 Little Gulls and Puffin, Brora plus Pomarine Skua, two Slavonian Grebes, one Great Northern Diver, c20 Red-throated Divers, Puffins and three Purple Sandpipers, Embo (all Al McNee) Rosy Starling, Balnakiel craft Village and Siberian Chiffchaff, Borralie plantation also 670 Barnacle Geese, five Gadwall, one Shoveler, 11 Whooper Swans , one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock and five Great Northern Divers, Durness (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Eight Ptarmigan, Sgurr a'Chaorrachain, Applecross (Pete Gordon)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Blair Whyte). Three Swallows and Brambling, Sherramore, Spey Dam (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull, six Black Guillemot, 16 Red-throated and three Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness also 150 Whooper Swans, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Black-throated Diver, 39 Red-throated Diver, two Scaup, 38 Long-tailed Duck, 70+ Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover and 145 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult White-billed Diver past Staffin Island (Dan Brown) Swallow at Harrapool plus Purple Sandpiper and Whooper Swan in Broadford Bay (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: !2 Little Gulls and Puffin, Brora plus Pomarine Skua, two Slavonian Grebes, one Great Northern Diver, c20 Red-throated Divers, Puffins and three Purple Sandpipers, Embo (all Al McNee) Rosy Starling, Balnakiel craft Village and Siberian Chiffchaff, Borralie plantation also 670 Barnacle Geese, five Gadwall, one Shoveler, 11 Whooper Swans , one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock and five Great Northern Divers, Durness (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Eight Ptarmigan, Sgurr a'Chaorrachain, Applecross (Pete Gordon)
Friday 12th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). C200 birds in mixed finch flock at Nethy Bridge includes "significant" number of Brambling (Sue Sykes). 100+ Fieldfares, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant). Hawfinch, Grantown on Spey (David Miller)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Brambling, Gollanfield (Paul Sharman). Five Pintail and two Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). 20-30 Twite, Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Bramblings, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Little Auk, Scullomie, found in the garden of a croft, flew off after resting (Richard Rowe)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting, Rubha Reidh (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). C200 birds in mixed finch flock at Nethy Bridge includes "significant" number of Brambling (Sue Sykes). 100+ Fieldfares, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant). Hawfinch, Grantown on Spey (David Miller)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Brambling, Gollanfield (Paul Sharman). Five Pintail and two Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). 20-30 Twite, Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Bramblings, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Little Auk, Scullomie, found in the garden of a croft, flew off after resting (Richard Rowe)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting, Rubha Reidh (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 11th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). 10 Bramblings in Linnet flock, Nethy Bridge (Mike Dilger). 500 Siskins, Aviemore (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher, River Peffery (Bob Wilson). American Wigeon just east of Jemimaville with 454 Scaup and two Slavonian Grebes (Kevin Davis). Five Purple Sandpipers and 14 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Common Crossbill at Achmore (DM). Five Whooper Swans, River Shield pools (RMCM). Per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Melvich (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). 10 Bramblings in Linnet flock, Nethy Bridge (Mike Dilger). 500 Siskins, Aviemore (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher, River Peffery (Bob Wilson). American Wigeon just east of Jemimaville with 454 Scaup and two Slavonian Grebes (Kevin Davis). Five Purple Sandpipers and 14 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Common Crossbill at Achmore (DM). Five Whooper Swans, River Shield pools (RMCM). Per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Melvich (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 10th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Still one Snow Bunting, 28 Purple Sandpipers, nine Red-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe, Eigg (JC per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Still one Snow Bunting, 28 Purple Sandpipers, nine Red-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe, Eigg (JC per skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 9th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 31 Red-throated Divers, one Black Guillemot and 39 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Great Northern Divers, 19 Red-throated Divers, two Snow Buntings and three Bramblings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 46 Whooper Swans, including c10 juveniles to east of Inverness airport from Gollanfield to Ardersier road (Graeme Prest). Single Pintail, Milton of Culloden and two Barnacle Geese, Dalcross (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Little Auk, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan). Six Whooper Swans, south at Arisaig early morning (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling at Kinloch, Rum (SM) and another at Upper Tote, Trotternish (CH), six Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Swallow, Dalchalm, Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 31 Red-throated Divers, one Black Guillemot and 39 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Great Northern Divers, 19 Red-throated Divers, two Snow Buntings and three Bramblings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 46 Whooper Swans, including c10 juveniles to east of Inverness airport from Gollanfield to Ardersier road (Graeme Prest). Single Pintail, Milton of Culloden and two Barnacle Geese, Dalcross (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Little Auk, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan). Six Whooper Swans, south at Arisaig early morning (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling at Kinloch, Rum (SM) and another at Upper Tote, Trotternish (CH), six Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Swallow, Dalchalm, Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Monday 8th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Pete Cosgrove et al). Three Hen Harriers from Insh Marshes lookout (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 16 Red-throated Divers, three Slavonian Grebes, two Goldeneye and 19 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Snow Bunting still, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Swallow still at River Peffrey Mouth, Dingwall along with two Goldeneye and one Great Skua (Fiona)
Lochaber: Sooty Shearwater, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glenelg (Stu Crutchfield)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Pete Cosgrove et al). Three Hen Harriers from Insh Marshes lookout (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 16 Red-throated Divers, three Slavonian Grebes, two Goldeneye and 19 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Snow Bunting still, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Swallow still at River Peffrey Mouth, Dingwall along with two Goldeneye and one Great Skua (Fiona)
Lochaber: Sooty Shearwater, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glenelg (Stu Crutchfield)
Sunday 7th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Bob McMillan et al).
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting at Tarbat Ness, 200 Golden Plover, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Swallow, River Peffery (Fiona)
Lochaber: Four Glaucous Gulls and three Little Auks, Point of Arnamurchan (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff, Uig (Seth Gibson), 30 Barnacle Geese, Staffin Island (CH) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Northern Divers, one Storm Petrel and two Purple Sandpipers, Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill) also one Sabine's Gull (Matthew) 25 Purple Sandpipers and seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Bob McMillan et al).
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting at Tarbat Ness, 200 Golden Plover, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Swallow, River Peffery (Fiona)
Lochaber: Four Glaucous Gulls and three Little Auks, Point of Arnamurchan (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff, Uig (Seth Gibson), 30 Barnacle Geese, Staffin Island (CH) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Northern Divers, one Storm Petrel and two Purple Sandpipers, Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill) also one Sabine's Gull (Matthew) 25 Purple Sandpipers and seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 6th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Blair Whyte et al). Ring-tail Hen Harrier and Merlin at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: three Turnstone, c75 Common Scoter, seven Purple Sandpiper, eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Goose at Resolis, plus American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay ('Matthew'); Oscar Puls reported same plus a possible Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid there also.
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull in the marina at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Kilmory and two Snow Bunting at Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eleven Grey Plover, two Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Hen Harrier at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Blair Whyte et al). Ring-tail Hen Harrier and Merlin at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: three Turnstone, c75 Common Scoter, seven Purple Sandpiper, eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Goose at Resolis, plus American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay ('Matthew'); Oscar Puls reported same plus a possible Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid there also.
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull in the marina at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Kilmory and two Snow Bunting at Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eleven Grey Plover, two Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Hen Harrier at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 5th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Mike Coleman). Two Hawfinch at Uath lochans (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird).
Easter Ross: Snow Bunting and twelve Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness, with 14 Great Northern Diver into the Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, 42 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye (reporter comments that it's been one of the poorest autumns for the species, this being just the third sighting of the season so far), 128 Shag, single Black-tailed Godwit (unusual for this time of year) and single Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis). Single Swallow at Tain (Dean MacAskill). Two Slavonian Grebe and nine Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Pete Gordon), with a male Hen Harrier also seen ('Chloe'). Juvenile Common Tern and 18 Purple Sandpiper at Balintore (Simon Levene)
Inverness: five Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Rhigolter (Hugh Insley). Strath Brora saw an influx of Redwing (c600), Fieldfare, 'Scandi' Blackbird-types (young males with black beaks), Mistle Thrush and Brambling, along with c350 Lesser Redpoll (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Mike Coleman). Two Hawfinch at Uath lochans (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird).
Easter Ross: Snow Bunting and twelve Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness, with 14 Great Northern Diver into the Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, 42 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye (reporter comments that it's been one of the poorest autumns for the species, this being just the third sighting of the season so far), 128 Shag, single Black-tailed Godwit (unusual for this time of year) and single Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis). Single Swallow at Tain (Dean MacAskill). Two Slavonian Grebe and nine Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Pete Gordon), with a male Hen Harrier also seen ('Chloe'). Juvenile Common Tern and 18 Purple Sandpiper at Balintore (Simon Levene)
Inverness: five Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Rhigolter (Hugh Insley). Strath Brora saw an influx of Redwing (c600), Fieldfare, 'Scandi' Blackbird-types (young males with black beaks), Mistle Thrush and Brambling, along with c350 Lesser Redpoll (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 4th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Ring Ouzel amongst thrushes in the Cairn Gorm ski area (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird). Little Egret at Insh Marshes (Luke Pearce)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull, three Black-throated Diver and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Eight Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), plus American Wigeon still present (Craig Johnstone). Single Swallow and Greenshank at DIngwall ferry point (Robert Wilson)
Sutherland: 27 Little Gull at Brora - an exceptional count (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Ring Ouzel amongst thrushes in the Cairn Gorm ski area (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird). Little Egret at Insh Marshes (Luke Pearce)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull, three Black-throated Diver and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Eight Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), plus American Wigeon still present (Craig Johnstone). Single Swallow and Greenshank at DIngwall ferry point (Robert Wilson)
Sutherland: 27 Little Gull at Brora - an exceptional count (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 3rd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Goshawk at Lochindorb (Graeme Wright et al)
Easter Ross: single Slavonian Grebe, juvenile Peregrine, 22 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and five Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus c100 Whooper Swan at a pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). 45 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Nigg Bay (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant at Wester Dalziel (Rob Hughes)
Sutherland: possible sighting of very late Osprey over A9 at Dornoch (Gordon Hamlett)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Goshawk at Lochindorb (Graeme Wright et al)
Easter Ross: single Slavonian Grebe, juvenile Peregrine, 22 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and five Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus c100 Whooper Swan at a pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). 45 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Nigg Bay (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant at Wester Dalziel (Rob Hughes)
Sutherland: possible sighting of very late Osprey over A9 at Dornoch (Gordon Hamlett)
Tuesday 2nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: c30 Brambling at Lagganlia (Jack Ward). Four Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm car park (Gordon Hamlett). c1,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte) with four Shelduck also present (Dave Pierce).
***PLEASE NOTE*** any birders searching for the Eyebrowed Thrush are no longer permitted to use the Kincraig Community Hall car park, and should also be mindful of local residents and their privacy
Easter Ross: 29 Red-throated DIver, two Black-throated Diver and 14 Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Little Egret at Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Siberian Chiffchaff at Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Swallow at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). Brambling at Drumfearn Sleat (Phil Knott) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c30 Brambling at Lagganlia (Jack Ward). Four Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm car park (Gordon Hamlett). c1,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte) with four Shelduck also present (Dave Pierce).
***PLEASE NOTE*** any birders searching for the Eyebrowed Thrush are no longer permitted to use the Kincraig Community Hall car park, and should also be mindful of local residents and their privacy
Easter Ross: 29 Red-throated DIver, two Black-throated Diver and 14 Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Little Egret at Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Siberian Chiffchaff at Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Swallow at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). Brambling at Drumfearn Sleat (Phil Knott) - via skye-birds.com
Monday 1st November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush near the community hall in Kincraig (Peter Stronach), sizeable flock of Redwings remain in the area and included at least two Fieldfare, plus two Brambling nearby (Mike Crutch) and single Swallow seen also ('Matthew'). Two Swallow on A95 near Boat of Garten (Mike Crutch). c2,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Alan MacAskill), while also recorded there was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst 20 Canada Goose and c310 Greylag Goose (Dave Pierce) plus a Little Egret below Insh village (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gordon Hamlett), with a Green-winged Teal also reported (Carl Mitchell). At Chanonry Point were singles of Great Skua and juvenile Arctic Tern, two Black-throated Diver, 19 Red-throated Diver, 95 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Gannet, three Kittiwake, three Purple Sandpiper, 22 Ringed Plover and 127 Shag (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: conservative count of 800 Fieldfare through Strathdearn in a 90 minute period (Gordon Hamlett)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting at Faraid Head (Jane Fawcett)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush near the community hall in Kincraig (Peter Stronach), sizeable flock of Redwings remain in the area and included at least two Fieldfare, plus two Brambling nearby (Mike Crutch) and single Swallow seen also ('Matthew'). Two Swallow on A95 near Boat of Garten (Mike Crutch). c2,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Alan MacAskill), while also recorded there was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst 20 Canada Goose and c310 Greylag Goose (Dave Pierce) plus a Little Egret below Insh village (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gordon Hamlett), with a Green-winged Teal also reported (Carl Mitchell). At Chanonry Point were singles of Great Skua and juvenile Arctic Tern, two Black-throated Diver, 19 Red-throated Diver, 95 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Gannet, three Kittiwake, three Purple Sandpiper, 22 Ringed Plover and 127 Shag (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: conservative count of 800 Fieldfare through Strathdearn in a 90 minute period (Gordon Hamlett)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting at Faraid Head (Jane Fawcett)
Sunday 31st October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch near Ross's Garage, Kincraig (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: seven Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver and two drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness, with juvenile Peregrine plus two Purple Sandpiper and single Turnstone present also (Dave Tanner). Single Black-throated Diver, 24 Red-throated Diver, 117 Long-tailed Duck, 62 Kittiwake, 42 Ringed Plover and two Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: three Great Skua, two Velvet Scoter and single Little Gull at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch near Ross's Garage, Kincraig (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: seven Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver and two drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness, with juvenile Peregrine plus two Purple Sandpiper and single Turnstone present also (Dave Tanner). Single Black-throated Diver, 24 Red-throated Diver, 117 Long-tailed Duck, 62 Kittiwake, 42 Ringed Plover and two Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: three Great Skua, two Velvet Scoter and single Little Gull at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 30th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Dingwall ferry point ('Fiona'). Twelve Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot, 39 Long-tailed Duck and 196 Kittiwake at Chanonry Point, while a ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen in farmland east of Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Slavonian Grebe and four Great Northern Diver on Loch Ainort, while Broadford Bay contained one and four of each respectively (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: a seawatch at Brora yielded five Great Skua, three Arctic Skua, two Pomarine Skua and 17 Little Gull, while 20 Brambling were amongst a Linnet flock by the Clynelish distillery (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Dingwall ferry point ('Fiona'). Twelve Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot, 39 Long-tailed Duck and 196 Kittiwake at Chanonry Point, while a ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen in farmland east of Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Slavonian Grebe and four Great Northern Diver on Loch Ainort, while Broadford Bay contained one and four of each respectively (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: a seawatch at Brora yielded five Great Skua, three Arctic Skua, two Pomarine Skua and 17 Little Gull, while 20 Brambling were amongst a Linnet flock by the Clynelish distillery (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 29th October
Easter Ross: two Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were singles of Black-throated Diver and Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver and 26 Long-tailed Ducks (Kevin Davis). Brambling in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: two Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were singles of Black-throated Diver and Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver and 26 Long-tailed Ducks (Kevin Davis). Brambling in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 28th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush in private garden in Kincraig - not seen since (Keith Ringland)
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans, Goshawk Marybank (Alan MacAskill), 4 Black-throated Divers, 47 Red-throated Divers, 60 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Tree Sparrows Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Gadwall Ardersier rivermouth (Bob Wilson), 19 Whooper Swans, pale bellied Brent Goose, female Merlin, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Brent Geese Breakish Obe (JN per skye-birds.org), Slavonian Grebe Broadford Bay (P O-W per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 35 Bramblings, Blackcap Embo and 40 Twites, 24 Grey Plovers Dornoch (all Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush in private garden in Kincraig - not seen since (Keith Ringland)
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans, Goshawk Marybank (Alan MacAskill), 4 Black-throated Divers, 47 Red-throated Divers, 60 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Tree Sparrows Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Gadwall Ardersier rivermouth (Bob Wilson), 19 Whooper Swans, pale bellied Brent Goose, female Merlin, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Brent Geese Breakish Obe (JN per skye-birds.org), Slavonian Grebe Broadford Bay (P O-W per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 35 Bramblings, Blackcap Embo and 40 Twites, 24 Grey Plovers Dornoch (all Dean MacAskill).
28/10/2021 - Eyebrowed Thrush in Kincraig (Keith Ringland)
Wednesday 27th October
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets, 47 Shovelers, 460 Whooper Swans, 5 Barnacle Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), 438 Scaups, Tufted Duck, Black-throated Diver Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 17 Red-throated Divers, 66 Long-tailed Ducks, 80 Kittiwakes Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets, 47 Shovelers, 460 Whooper Swans, 5 Barnacle Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), 438 Scaups, Tufted Duck, Black-throated Diver Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 17 Red-throated Divers, 66 Long-tailed Ducks, 80 Kittiwakes Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Bob McMillan).
26/10/2021 Whooper Swans, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 26th October
Easter Ross: 117 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 8 Barnacle Geese Beauly (David Smith).
Sutherland: 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 117 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 8 Barnacle Geese Beauly (David Smith).
Sutherland: 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 25th October
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated and 3 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Dave Burnett), 4 Barnacle Geese Wester Dalziel, male Pochard & female Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 300 Redwings Sconser Golf Course, 7 Black-throated Divers, 4 Great Northern Divers (all Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls, 1 Little Auk Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated and 3 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Dave Burnett), 4 Barnacle Geese Wester Dalziel, male Pochard & female Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 300 Redwings Sconser Golf Course, 7 Black-throated Divers, 4 Great Northern Divers (all Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls, 1 Little Auk Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill)
24/10/2021 Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sunday 24th October
Easter Ross: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Barnacle Geese, 5 Common Crossbills (Bob Wilson, John Poyner).
Inverness: Pochard Loch Flemington (Graham Neville, Graeme Prest), 4 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel- - Castle Stuart (Graeme Prest).
Lochaber: 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1CY Mediterranean Gull, 7 Whooper Swans, 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Barnacle Geese, 5 Common Crossbills (Bob Wilson, John Poyner).
Inverness: Pochard Loch Flemington (Graham Neville, Graeme Prest), 4 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel- - Castle Stuart (Graeme Prest).
Lochaber: 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1CY Mediterranean Gull, 7 Whooper Swans, 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Saturday 23rd October
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets at Rhynie end of Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 5 Barnacle and 1 White-fronted Geese Udale Bay (Sue Sykes).
Inverness: Merlin Castle Stuart (Thomas Plant), White-tailed Eagle over North Kessock towards Merkinch (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Grey Phalaropes Irishman's Point, Broadford (Davy Ogilvie per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 6 Little Gulls, pale-bellied Brent Goose, 211 Ringed Plovers Brora (Dean MacAskill), Arctic Tern Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets at Rhynie end of Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 5 Barnacle and 1 White-fronted Geese Udale Bay (Sue Sykes).
Inverness: Merlin Castle Stuart (Thomas Plant), White-tailed Eagle over North Kessock towards Merkinch (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Grey Phalaropes Irishman's Point, Broadford (Davy Ogilvie per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 6 Little Gulls, pale-bellied Brent Goose, 211 Ringed Plovers Brora (Dean MacAskill), Arctic Tern Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 22nd October
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Slavonian Grebe Udale Bay ("Tay"), 7 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Lynda Graham).
Inverness: male Pochard and Scaup Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Meallt, Magpie Ellishadder and 26 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (all Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 10 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Slavonian Grebe Udale Bay ("Tay"), 7 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Lynda Graham).
Inverness: male Pochard and Scaup Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Meallt, Magpie Ellishadder and 26 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (all Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 10 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 21st October
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose in fields between Fearn Station and Culrossie (Bob Swann, "Oscar"), 2 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness flew SW into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), juv long-tailed Skua lingering then headed S at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Bonxies, Manx Shearwater there ("Matthew"), 2 Barnacle Geese Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 2 Little Egrets, Jack Snipe, Goshawk, 32 Shovelers, 109 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: juv Little Gull Fort George (Colin Leslie), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Mealt (JDS per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Swallow Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill), Magpie Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), White-tailed Eagle attacking Greylag Geese then a seal at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose in fields between Fearn Station and Culrossie (Bob Swann, "Oscar"), 2 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness flew SW into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), juv long-tailed Skua lingering then headed S at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Bonxies, Manx Shearwater there ("Matthew"), 2 Barnacle Geese Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 2 Little Egrets, Jack Snipe, Goshawk, 32 Shovelers, 109 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: juv Little Gull Fort George (Colin Leslie), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Mealt (JDS per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Swallow Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill), Magpie Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), White-tailed Eagle attacking Greylag Geese then a seal at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 20th October
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose Nigg Bay (Peter Stronach), later at Loch Eye when flushed by a dog (per BirdGuides), Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff Tarbat Ness (Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), Jack Snipe near Tarbat Ness (Simon Levene), Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tits Corrimony ("Matthew"), 26 Whooper Swans, 94 Coots Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett), Tundra Bean Goose with Pinkfooted Geese Nigg Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Allanfearn (Peter Stronach), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Lochaber: a late Manx Shearwater 2 miles east of Muck (Ronnie Dyer).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 12 Twites Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 14 Little Gulls and a late Arctic Tern Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose Nigg Bay (Peter Stronach), later at Loch Eye when flushed by a dog (per BirdGuides), Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff Tarbat Ness (Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), Jack Snipe near Tarbat Ness (Simon Levene), Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tits Corrimony ("Matthew"), 26 Whooper Swans, 94 Coots Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett), Tundra Bean Goose with Pinkfooted Geese Nigg Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Allanfearn (Peter Stronach), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Lochaber: a late Manx Shearwater 2 miles east of Muck (Ronnie Dyer).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 12 Twites Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 14 Little Gulls and a late Arctic Tern Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 19th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Large number of Redwings with some Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush, Spey Dam (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Loch Eye (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Six Slavonian Grebes, Three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Two Barnacle Geese, three Shoveler and a Long-tailed Duck, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt, Staffin (SG,JDJ) four Whooper Swans on Loch Suardal (PJ) and three on Storr Loch (JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Seven Brambling, Achavandra, Dornoch also large flock of Redwings (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Large number of Redwings with some Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush, Spey Dam (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Loch Eye (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Six Slavonian Grebes, Three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Two Barnacle Geese, three Shoveler and a Long-tailed Duck, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt, Staffin (SG,JDJ) four Whooper Swans on Loch Suardal (PJ) and three on Storr Loch (JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Seven Brambling, Achavandra, Dornoch also large flock of Redwings (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 18th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Fieldfare and 140+ Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 20 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 1000 + Wigeon, 230 Pintail and 500 Teal, Tain Links (Dave Tanner), Single Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Short-eared Owl, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Five Barnacle Geese, Udale Bay (Mary Galloway). Little Auk, Portmahomack (Matthew)
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler, Cow Hill Path, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt with 21 Tufted Duck (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Large arrival of Redwings in SE Sutherland (Dean MacAskill) Single Brent Goose, Dornoch Point (Alison Graham)
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Fieldfare and 140+ Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 20 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 1000 + Wigeon, 230 Pintail and 500 Teal, Tain Links (Dave Tanner), Single Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Short-eared Owl, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Five Barnacle Geese, Udale Bay (Mary Galloway). Little Auk, Portmahomack (Matthew)
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler, Cow Hill Path, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt with 21 Tufted Duck (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Large arrival of Redwings in SE Sutherland (Dean MacAskill) Single Brent Goose, Dornoch Point (Alison Graham)
Sunday 17th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Bramblings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce) one Swallow, Grantown (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: Single Velvet Scoter, six Great Northern Diver, one Great skua, one Arctic Skua and 20 Long-tailed Ducks, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret, Udale Bay (John Picton)
Inverness: c90 Redwings Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill). Greenland white-fronted Goose, Loch Flemington (Sandy Morrison) Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Garbole, Strathdearn (Rachel Rendell)
Skye & Lochalsh: Drake Pochard, Loch Mealt near Staffin (ML), Little Egret, Loch Long at Killilan (per MB), Arctic Skua at Lub Scor, Duntuilm (RMcM), three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) Little Egret on Staffin Island (per JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Balearic Shearwater, five Great Skua, one Arctic Tern, eight Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, two Pomarine Skuas, one Arctic Skua, four Little Gulls, 16 Long-tailed Ducks and one Goldeneye past Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Bramblings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce) one Swallow, Grantown (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: Single Velvet Scoter, six Great Northern Diver, one Great skua, one Arctic Skua and 20 Long-tailed Ducks, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret, Udale Bay (John Picton)
Inverness: c90 Redwings Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill). Greenland white-fronted Goose, Loch Flemington (Sandy Morrison) Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Garbole, Strathdearn (Rachel Rendell)
Skye & Lochalsh: Drake Pochard, Loch Mealt near Staffin (ML), Little Egret, Loch Long at Killilan (per MB), Arctic Skua at Lub Scor, Duntuilm (RMcM), three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) Little Egret on Staffin Island (per JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Balearic Shearwater, five Great Skua, one Arctic Tern, eight Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, two Pomarine Skuas, one Arctic Skua, four Little Gulls, 16 Long-tailed Ducks and one Goldeneye past Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 16th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Fifty Redwings and two Ring Ouzels, Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting, Balintore (Simon Levene). Single Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 200+ Whooper Swans, Fearn Station (Mark Smiles)
Inverness: Single Brent Goose and one White-fronted Goose with Pink-footed Geese, Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill and Simeon Ewing) Two Swallows and 24 Whooper Swans, Loch Meiklie (Carol Miller) Eight Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Mandarin Duck and Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte). Two House Martins, Drumnadrochit (per John Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Whooper Swans south over Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), single Brambling calling over Kyleakin (PK), good arrival of Redwings at Kilmuir and 10 trapped, these birds were of the nominate iliacus race (JDJ), two Chiffchaffs, Kilmory, Rum (SM) all per skye-birds.com. Two Pomarine Skuas, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Evelix (Jort). Nine Grey Plovers, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Fifty Redwings and two Ring Ouzels, Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting, Balintore (Simon Levene). Single Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 200+ Whooper Swans, Fearn Station (Mark Smiles)
Inverness: Single Brent Goose and one White-fronted Goose with Pink-footed Geese, Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill and Simeon Ewing) Two Swallows and 24 Whooper Swans, Loch Meiklie (Carol Miller) Eight Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Mandarin Duck and Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte). Two House Martins, Drumnadrochit (per John Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Whooper Swans south over Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), single Brambling calling over Kyleakin (PK), good arrival of Redwings at Kilmuir and 10 trapped, these birds were of the nominate iliacus race (JDJ), two Chiffchaffs, Kilmory, Rum (SM) all per skye-birds.com. Two Pomarine Skuas, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Evelix (Jort). Nine Grey Plovers, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 15th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Redwings, Grantown (Blair Johnston), c40 Redwings and 4 Ring Ouzels, Gaick (Dave Pierce). 17 Whooper Swans near Carrbridge (Angus MIller)
Easter Ross: 48 Whooper Swans, Strathpeffer (Fiona) Four Great Northern Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Purple Sandpiper and 16 Whooper Swan at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whooper Swans, 11 Scaup, 174 Golden Plover, 250 Knot, two Long-tailed Ducks and three Goldeneye, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Four Hawfinch over Fort William this morning (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson) another at the head of Loch Long, Lochalsh (per JN) seven Whooper Swans, Loch Snizort (JS), two over Kinloch Glen, Rum with 41 then 10 over Kilmory later (SM), 14 at Loch Greshornish and 34 over south (SC); 16 in separate groups over Ashaig (NH, RMcM); 12 over Drumfearn (PK); five over Elgol (GP); 13 over Broadford (NB); single at Loch Long (JN). Five Brent Geese, Broadford, three Great Northern Divers in Broadford Bay (DS) and four at Achnacloich, Sleat (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: c80 Barnacle Geese, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Redwings, Grantown (Blair Johnston), c40 Redwings and 4 Ring Ouzels, Gaick (Dave Pierce). 17 Whooper Swans near Carrbridge (Angus MIller)
Easter Ross: 48 Whooper Swans, Strathpeffer (Fiona) Four Great Northern Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Purple Sandpiper and 16 Whooper Swan at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whooper Swans, 11 Scaup, 174 Golden Plover, 250 Knot, two Long-tailed Ducks and three Goldeneye, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Four Hawfinch over Fort William this morning (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson) another at the head of Loch Long, Lochalsh (per JN) seven Whooper Swans, Loch Snizort (JS), two over Kinloch Glen, Rum with 41 then 10 over Kilmory later (SM), 14 at Loch Greshornish and 34 over south (SC); 16 in separate groups over Ashaig (NH, RMcM); 12 over Drumfearn (PK); five over Elgol (GP); 13 over Broadford (NB); single at Loch Long (JN). Five Brent Geese, Broadford, three Great Northern Divers in Broadford Bay (DS) and four at Achnacloich, Sleat (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: c80 Barnacle Geese, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 14th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler calling Station Road, Carrbridge (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Immature Sabines Gull (West at 0856), one adult Little Gull (initially West at 0848 then East towards Rosemarkie Bay before returning West past point at 0918), 26 Red-throated Divers, 11 Whooper Swan, 10 Common Scoter, 84 Long-tailed Duck, one Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c200 Whooper Swans between Portmahomack and Inver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese, Broadford Bay (R McM) 150+ Redwings, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, single Great Northern Diver and a Snow Bunting, Dornoch also one Tundra Bean Goose, two Greenland White-fronted Geese with Greylags and Pinkfeet, Wester Lonvine (Matthew). 12 Whooper Swans, Embo (Alister Clunas)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler calling Station Road, Carrbridge (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Immature Sabines Gull (West at 0856), one adult Little Gull (initially West at 0848 then East towards Rosemarkie Bay before returning West past point at 0918), 26 Red-throated Divers, 11 Whooper Swan, 10 Common Scoter, 84 Long-tailed Duck, one Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c200 Whooper Swans between Portmahomack and Inver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese, Broadford Bay (R McM) 150+ Redwings, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, single Great Northern Diver and a Snow Bunting, Dornoch also one Tundra Bean Goose, two Greenland White-fronted Geese with Greylags and Pinkfeet, Wester Lonvine (Matthew). 12 Whooper Swans, Embo (Alister Clunas)
Wednesday 13th October
Easter Ross: 18 Red-throated Divers, two Scaup, four Common Scoter, 107 Long-tailed Ducks, one Greenshank and 25 Dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant with Pink-footed Goose flock, Easter Dalziel also one Greenland White-fronted Goose and one Barnacle Goose (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still visiting feeders in Uig garden (WH), single Yellow-browed Warbler, Tokavaig also Slavonian Grebe there (PK). Nine Greenshank at Loch Portree (GP). 14 House Sparrows at Kilmory, Rum today (SM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, two Wheatears, four Long-tailed Ducks and a Merlin, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 18 Red-throated Divers, two Scaup, four Common Scoter, 107 Long-tailed Ducks, one Greenshank and 25 Dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant with Pink-footed Goose flock, Easter Dalziel also one Greenland White-fronted Goose and one Barnacle Goose (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still visiting feeders in Uig garden (WH), single Yellow-browed Warbler, Tokavaig also Slavonian Grebe there (PK). Nine Greenshank at Loch Portree (GP). 14 House Sparrows at Kilmory, Rum today (SM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, two Wheatears, four Long-tailed Ducks and a Merlin, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 12th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Swifts, Aviemore (Craig Johnstone). 30 Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross : Six Red-throated Divers, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Common Scoter and 65 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis). 16 Black-tailed Godwits and female Shoveler, Redcastle (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig. Nine Barnacle Geese, Portree (JDJ), eight at Broadford (PO-W) and 106 south over Kilmory, Rum (SM). Six Brent Geese, Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W). 17 Whooper Swans on Loch Long, Lochalsh (LT) and six, Broadford Bay (PO-W). Five House Sparrows at Kilmuir, Rum are a local rarity (SM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still at Balnakiel also 22 Redwing, 33 Golden Plover, single "Greenland" Wheatear and 6 Gadwall (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Swifts, Aviemore (Craig Johnstone). 30 Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross : Six Red-throated Divers, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Common Scoter and 65 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis). 16 Black-tailed Godwits and female Shoveler, Redcastle (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig. Nine Barnacle Geese, Portree (JDJ), eight at Broadford (PO-W) and 106 south over Kilmory, Rum (SM). Six Brent Geese, Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W). 17 Whooper Swans on Loch Long, Lochalsh (LT) and six, Broadford Bay (PO-W). Five House Sparrows at Kilmuir, Rum are a local rarity (SM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still at Balnakiel also 22 Redwing, 33 Golden Plover, single "Greenland" Wheatear and 6 Gadwall (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 11th October
Easter Ross : One Great Northern Diver, two Black-throated and 22 Red-throated Divers along with seven Common Scoter, One Black Guillemot and 10 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) also one Arctic Skua there (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: c130 Scaup, four Long-tailed Duck and one Slavonian Grebe, Milton of Culloden also two Shoveler, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig (Bob McMillan) Eight Whooper Swans south over Lochailort (SMacD) and six at the head of Loch Long (JN). 1st reports of Barnacle Geese from Rum with eight then seven west at Kilmory (SM), 36 over Kilt Rock (MC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c300 Siskins and Lesser Redpoll along with several Redwing and three Jays, Strath Brora also 21 Barnacle Geese and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill) Puffin, Strathy Beach (Sylvia Price)
Easter Ross : One Great Northern Diver, two Black-throated and 22 Red-throated Divers along with seven Common Scoter, One Black Guillemot and 10 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) also one Arctic Skua there (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: c130 Scaup, four Long-tailed Duck and one Slavonian Grebe, Milton of Culloden also two Shoveler, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig (Bob McMillan) Eight Whooper Swans south over Lochailort (SMacD) and six at the head of Loch Long (JN). 1st reports of Barnacle Geese from Rum with eight then seven west at Kilmory (SM), 36 over Kilt Rock (MC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c300 Siskins and Lesser Redpoll along with several Redwing and three Jays, Strath Brora also 21 Barnacle Geese and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill) Puffin, Strathy Beach (Sylvia Price)
Sunday 10th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Redwing and three Swallows at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 5 Pintail, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Skye & Lochalsh: 21 Whooper Swans south over Kilmory, Rum (SM) and a single on Ardnish, Broadford, also a Wheatear here (PO-W). 10 Greenshank, Loch Portree and eight Bar-tailed Godwit (NB). Four Brent Geese, Loch Ainort (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: SOC outing to Sutherland had the following highlights - Dornoch beach - Pomarine Skua, Common Tern and c400 Common Scoter, Embo- Sanderlings, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Red-throated Divers, Loch Fleet- two Pale-bellied Brent Geese,
Brora - eight Little Gulls and a colour ringed Shag (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull, Ullapool river mouth (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Redwing and three Swallows at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 5 Pintail, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Skye & Lochalsh: 21 Whooper Swans south over Kilmory, Rum (SM) and a single on Ardnish, Broadford, also a Wheatear here (PO-W). 10 Greenshank, Loch Portree and eight Bar-tailed Godwit (NB). Four Brent Geese, Loch Ainort (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: SOC outing to Sutherland had the following highlights - Dornoch beach - Pomarine Skua, Common Tern and c400 Common Scoter, Embo- Sanderlings, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Red-throated Divers, Loch Fleet- two Pale-bellied Brent Geese,
Brora - eight Little Gulls and a colour ringed Shag (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull, Ullapool river mouth (per BirdGuides)
Saturday 9th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: c 1,500 Greylag Goose near Carrbridge, some Pink-footed Goose amongst the flock also (Sue Sykes). Eleven Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Wheatear on Fortose golf course (Mary Galloway)
Sutherland: three Black-throated Diver and 30 Golden Plover at Coul links, while at Embo were singles of Pomarine Skua and an immature Common Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Seven Whooper Swans and one Great Northern Diver, Achnahaird (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c 1,500 Greylag Goose near Carrbridge, some Pink-footed Goose amongst the flock also (Sue Sykes). Eleven Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Wheatear on Fortose golf course (Mary Galloway)
Sutherland: three Black-throated Diver and 30 Golden Plover at Coul links, while at Embo were singles of Pomarine Skua and an immature Common Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Seven Whooper Swans and one Great Northern Diver, Achnahaird (Stuart Edwards)
Friday 8th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Chiffchaff at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: two Brent Goose at Hilton of Cadboll ('Ems'). Two Redwing and single Chiffchaff at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Blackcap and three Chiffchaff at Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill). Red-throated Diver at South Kessock (Jane Shadforth)
Lochaber: juvenile Scaup on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in Uig ('WH'). 13 Whooper Swan at Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) plus six Brent Goose (Neil Bennett). Yellow-browed Warbler at Trumpan (BirdGuides) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Chiffchaff at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: two Brent Goose at Hilton of Cadboll ('Ems'). Two Redwing and single Chiffchaff at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Blackcap and three Chiffchaff at Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill). Red-throated Diver at South Kessock (Jane Shadforth)
Lochaber: juvenile Scaup on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in Uig ('WH'). 13 Whooper Swan at Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) plus six Brent Goose (Neil Bennett). Yellow-browed Warbler at Trumpan (BirdGuides) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 7th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: leucistic Golden Plover amongst flock at Nigg (Blair Johnston). Two Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus 25 Golden Plover (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove in Uig (Seth Gibson via Bob McMillan). Wheatear leucorhoa ssp. at Skeabost (J D Jones) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: leucistic Golden Plover amongst flock at Nigg (Blair Johnston). Two Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus 25 Golden Plover (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove in Uig (Seth Gibson via Bob McMillan). Wheatear leucorhoa ssp. at Skeabost (J D Jones) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 6th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Swallow at Laggan Bridge (Dave Pierce). Chiffchaff and Blackcap visiting garden in Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Inverness: Redwing and two Whooper Swan at Loch Duntelchaig, while Loch Ashie held two Slavonian Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Brambling in a private garden in Newton Kinkell (Robert Greenwood). Single Barnacle Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus c230 Scaup at Jemimaville (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plover and four Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point - leucistic Linnet also seen. At Embo were five Brambling and three Jay (Dean MacAskill). Turtle Dove at Scourie (Dave Shackleton)
Wester Ross: movements of Redwing and Whooper Swan in the Coigach area (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Swallow at Laggan Bridge (Dave Pierce). Chiffchaff and Blackcap visiting garden in Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Inverness: Redwing and two Whooper Swan at Loch Duntelchaig, while Loch Ashie held two Slavonian Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Brambling in a private garden in Newton Kinkell (Robert Greenwood). Single Barnacle Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus c230 Scaup at Jemimaville (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plover and four Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point - leucistic Linnet also seen. At Embo were five Brambling and three Jay (Dean MacAskill). Turtle Dove at Scourie (Dave Shackleton)
Wester Ross: movements of Redwing and Whooper Swan in the Coigach area (Stuart Edwards)
Tuesday 5th October
Easter Ross: three Swallow at Chanonry Point (John Poyner)
Inverness: 90 Redshank and three Dunlin at Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Meditteranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree ('SG'). Large movement of Pink-footed Geese through the area - per per skye-birds.com. Four Redwing at Heasta (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 15 Grey Plover at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Swallow at Chanonry Point (John Poyner)
Inverness: 90 Redshank and three Dunlin at Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Meditteranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree ('SG'). Large movement of Pink-footed Geese through the area - per per skye-birds.com. Four Redwing at Heasta (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 15 Grey Plover at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 4th October
Inverness: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Scaup, two Slavonian Grebe and single Chiffchaff at Milton of Culloden, while at Loch Flemington was a female Pochard and a single Chiffchaff (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Storm Petrel seen from the MV Sheerwater off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer). Six Whooper Swan on Loch Harport (G Lake). 33 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('ML') plus eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver (Neil Bennett); Neil also recorded 27 Brents at the head of Loch Ainort - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eleven Swallow and single Chiffchaff at Dornoch lochans ('Jort')
Inverness: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Scaup, two Slavonian Grebe and single Chiffchaff at Milton of Culloden, while at Loch Flemington was a female Pochard and a single Chiffchaff (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Storm Petrel seen from the MV Sheerwater off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer). Six Whooper Swan on Loch Harport (G Lake). 33 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('ML') plus eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver (Neil Bennett); Neil also recorded 27 Brents at the head of Loch Ainort - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eleven Swallow and single Chiffchaff at Dornoch lochans ('Jort')
Sunday 3rd October
Skye & Lochalsh: 46 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('P-OW'), with twelve Whooper Swan flying in later (Martin Benson). At Bayfield, Portree was a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, plus eight Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 46 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('P-OW'), with twelve Whooper Swan flying in later (Martin Benson). At Bayfield, Portree was a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, plus eight Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 2nd October
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Whooper Swans Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Peregrine Udale Bay (Robert Greenwood). 41 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swann), 12 Brent Geese, 30 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlins, 250 Ringed Plovers Inver (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: female-type Blue-winged Teal flushed and flew south Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 45 Brent Geese around Glas Eilean, Broadford, 32 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort and 6 head of Loch Portree, 4 Slavonian Grebes Loch Ainort (all Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Whooper Swans Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Peregrine Udale Bay (Robert Greenwood). 41 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swann), 12 Brent Geese, 30 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlins, 250 Ringed Plovers Inver (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: female-type Blue-winged Teal flushed and flew south Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 45 Brent Geese around Glas Eilean, Broadford, 32 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort and 6 head of Loch Portree, 4 Slavonian Grebes Loch Ainort (all Neil Bennett).
Friday 1st October.
Easter Ross: 14 Brent Geese, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, Merlin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 35 Brent Geese Culloden/Milton of Culloden (James Gordon), 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Slavonian Grebes Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 54 Brent Geese Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling S of Balnakeil Marsh (per Birdguides), 9 Greenshanks Skelbo (Dean McAskill), 20 Twites, 1 Brent Goose Skelbo ("Jort-Dornoch")
Easter Ross: 14 Brent Geese, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, Merlin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 35 Brent Geese Culloden/Milton of Culloden (James Gordon), 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Slavonian Grebes Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 54 Brent Geese Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling S of Balnakeil Marsh (per Birdguides), 9 Greenshanks Skelbo (Dean McAskill), 20 Twites, 1 Brent Goose Skelbo ("Jort-Dornoch")
Thursday 30th September
Inverness: 15 Brent Geese, 5 Scaups, 16 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 6 Brent Geese past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still at Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 42 Brent Geese Broadford Bay and 29 head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 12 Brent Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Inverness: 15 Brent Geese, 5 Scaups, 16 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 6 Brent Geese past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still at Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 42 Brent Geese Broadford Bay and 29 head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 12 Brent Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Wednesday 29th September
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Sabine's Gull Duntulm (Bob McMillan), Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), 60 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 16 flew W later (NB, P O-W per skye-birds.org), 10 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 38 at head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 4 Brent Geese Sconser ( SA )
Wester Ross: Juv Sabines Gull, 2 Storm Petrels, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Sooty Shearwaters Ullapool-Stornoway, 4 Arctic Skuas on return (Alan MacAskill et al), 2 Magpies Bealach na Ba (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Sabine's Gull Duntulm (Bob McMillan), Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), 60 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 16 flew W later (NB, P O-W per skye-birds.org), 10 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 38 at head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 4 Brent Geese Sconser ( SA )
Wester Ross: Juv Sabines Gull, 2 Storm Petrels, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Sooty Shearwaters Ullapool-Stornoway, 4 Arctic Skuas on return (Alan MacAskill et al), 2 Magpies Bealach na Ba (Blair Whyte).
Tuesday 28th September
Easter Ross: 45 Brent Geese & 25 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swan), 11 Black-tailed Godwits and an Osprey Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 20 Brent Geese Portree, 14 Loch Ainort, 24 Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Grey Plover Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), juv Long-tailed Skua & 5 Storm Petrels Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 45 Brent Geese & 25 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swan), 11 Black-tailed Godwits and an Osprey Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 20 Brent Geese Portree, 14 Loch Ainort, 24 Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Grey Plover Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), juv Long-tailed Skua & 5 Storm Petrels Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Monday 27th September
Easter Ross: adult Grey-bellied Brant flew SE in morning with Pink-footed Geese from Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), later 11 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher, Whooper Swan, pale bellied Brent Goose (Tim Stowe), Taiga Been Goose there (Kevin Davis), 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper Tain Links (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Wheatears Alturlie Bay (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Marcus Mc Adam), Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (22) possibly same birds at Breakish Obbe (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), also 20 at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) and group at Loch Ainort (LD).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: adult Grey-bellied Brant flew SE in morning with Pink-footed Geese from Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), later 11 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher, Whooper Swan, pale bellied Brent Goose (Tim Stowe), Taiga Been Goose there (Kevin Davis), 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper Tain Links (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Wheatears Alturlie Bay (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Marcus Mc Adam), Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (22) possibly same birds at Breakish Obbe (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), also 20 at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) and group at Loch Ainort (LD).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 26th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher flew downstream at Broomhill Bridge (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Grey-bellied Brant and adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Munlochy Bay (per BirdGuides), adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Nigg Bay (per Birdguides), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers calling behind St Regulus Church, Cromarty (Martin Benson), Velvet Scoter Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Pectoral Sandpiper, Osprey, 2 Greenshanks, Barnacle Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 100 Scaups. 3 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 18 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 37 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan), juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls, 2 Bonxies Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher flew downstream at Broomhill Bridge (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Grey-bellied Brant and adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Munlochy Bay (per BirdGuides), adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Nigg Bay (per Birdguides), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers calling behind St Regulus Church, Cromarty (Martin Benson), Velvet Scoter Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Pectoral Sandpiper, Osprey, 2 Greenshanks, Barnacle Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 100 Scaups. 3 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 18 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 37 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan), juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls, 2 Bonxies Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 25th September
Easter Ross: Osprey still at Udale Bay (Ro Scott)
Sutherland: Six Bramblings, Achavandra Muir also 118 Ringed Plover, 36 Dunlin, three Knot and nine Turnstone, Embo Pier (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Easter Ross: Osprey still at Udale Bay (Ro Scott)
Sutherland: Six Bramblings, Achavandra Muir also 118 Ringed Plover, 36 Dunlin, three Knot and nine Turnstone, Embo Pier (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Friday 24th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and five Blackcaps in garden, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald). Mandarin, Loch Garten (Simon Eaves) Three Scaup, Lochindorb (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Female Shoveler, Tain Wildlife Pond (Graham Neville) Nine Whooper Swans, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 10 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Four Pintail and six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Alturlie (Blair Whyte) Later at Alturlie 22 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Divers, Merlin, two Wheatear and a Chiffchaff (Lynda Graham). Eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Merkinch (Chloe)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Sabine's Gull, Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 50 Storm Petrels Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides) Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Glas Eilean, Broadford and 26 at the head of Loch Ainort (NB), late brood of House Martins still in nest at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, The Mound (Tay) 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 34 Sandwich Terns, Dornoch Point, 11 Pale-bellied Brents at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill) Single Curlew Sandpiper, Embo Pier (Jort)
Wester Ross: 15 Whooper Swans, Gruinard Bay and 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool River mouth (Nick Truby)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and five Blackcaps in garden, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald). Mandarin, Loch Garten (Simon Eaves) Three Scaup, Lochindorb (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Female Shoveler, Tain Wildlife Pond (Graham Neville) Nine Whooper Swans, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 10 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Four Pintail and six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Alturlie (Blair Whyte) Later at Alturlie 22 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Divers, Merlin, two Wheatear and a Chiffchaff (Lynda Graham). Eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Merkinch (Chloe)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Sabine's Gull, Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 50 Storm Petrels Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides) Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Glas Eilean, Broadford and 26 at the head of Loch Ainort (NB), late brood of House Martins still in nest at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, The Mound (Tay) 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 34 Sandwich Terns, Dornoch Point, 11 Pale-bellied Brents at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill) Single Curlew Sandpiper, Embo Pier (Jort)
Wester Ross: 15 Whooper Swans, Gruinard Bay and 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool River mouth (Nick Truby)
Thursday 23rd September
Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese reported throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and Blackcap in garden and 24 Canada Geese overhead, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, one Arctic Skua (dark), four Scaup, one Common Scoter, 16 Red-Throated Diver and 59 Sandwich Terns at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c60 Scaup, two Slavonian Grebes and one Osprey, Udale bay and Jemimaville (Jort). Possible Lesser (parvipes) Canada Goose, Udale Bay
Inverness: 34 Whooper Swans, Alturlie (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit west over Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC) single Great Northern Diver at Sconser Bay (AMcL) three Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) four Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), 10 at Kilmory, Rum (SM), 85 Loch Ainort and 70 at Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Nine! Sabines Gulls (6adults, 3juvs), 96 Great Skuas, 14 Arctic Skuas, 12 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 45 Sooty Shearwaters, 29 Manx Shearwaters, five Great Northern Divers, 10 Red-throated Divers and 84 Comic Terns (mainly Common) from Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool (no sign of Sabines Gull) (per BirdGuides)
Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese reported throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and Blackcap in garden and 24 Canada Geese overhead, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, one Arctic Skua (dark), four Scaup, one Common Scoter, 16 Red-Throated Diver and 59 Sandwich Terns at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c60 Scaup, two Slavonian Grebes and one Osprey, Udale bay and Jemimaville (Jort). Possible Lesser (parvipes) Canada Goose, Udale Bay
Inverness: 34 Whooper Swans, Alturlie (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit west over Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC) single Great Northern Diver at Sconser Bay (AMcL) three Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) four Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), 10 at Kilmory, Rum (SM), 85 Loch Ainort and 70 at Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Nine! Sabines Gulls (6adults, 3juvs), 96 Great Skuas, 14 Arctic Skuas, 12 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 45 Sooty Shearwaters, 29 Manx Shearwaters, five Great Northern Divers, 10 Red-throated Divers and 84 Comic Terns (mainly Common) from Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool (no sign of Sabines Gull) (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 22nd September
Easter Ross: One Arctic Skua, 21 Red-throated Divers, one Goldeneye, Chanonry Point at Udale Bay seven Black-tailed Godwits, one Greenshank, one Kingfisher and an Osprey (Kevin Davis) later two Little Stints (initially at Udale Bay) with six Knot, two Black-tailed Godwits, One Golden Plover and 256 Scaup at Jemimaville (Blair Whyte). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Grey Plovers, Breakish Obbe (NH) three Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB), 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Loch Ainort and 45 in Broadford Bay (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Sabines Gull, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 120 Pale-bellied Brent geese, two Great Northern Divers, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Manx Shearwaters and 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Strathy Point also seven Greenshank and a Common Eider (with sails) at Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Adult winter Sabines Gull, Ullapool River mouth also six Sooty Shearwaters, Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (per BirdGuides) also from the ferry eight Storm Petrels, one adult Pomarine Skua, 11 Sooty Shearwaters and two Manx Shearwaters (Ian Ford)
Easter Ross: One Arctic Skua, 21 Red-throated Divers, one Goldeneye, Chanonry Point at Udale Bay seven Black-tailed Godwits, one Greenshank, one Kingfisher and an Osprey (Kevin Davis) later two Little Stints (initially at Udale Bay) with six Knot, two Black-tailed Godwits, One Golden Plover and 256 Scaup at Jemimaville (Blair Whyte). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Grey Plovers, Breakish Obbe (NH) three Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB), 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Loch Ainort and 45 in Broadford Bay (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Sabines Gull, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 120 Pale-bellied Brent geese, two Great Northern Divers, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Manx Shearwaters and 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Strathy Point also seven Greenshank and a Common Eider (with sails) at Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Adult winter Sabines Gull, Ullapool River mouth also six Sooty Shearwaters, Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (per BirdGuides) also from the ferry eight Storm Petrels, one adult Pomarine Skua, 11 Sooty Shearwaters and two Manx Shearwaters (Ian Ford)
Tuesday 21st September
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 20 Red-throated Divers, one Pintail, five Long-tailed Duck and one Merlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Shoveler and a Pintail, Alturlie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Still four Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Kildonan, Eigg (JC) and a single at the head of Loch Ainort (NB). Six Pintail at the head of Loch Ainort (NB) Whimbrel flying west through Broadford Bay and another at the head of Loch Portree (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls and three Great Northern Divers, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hen Harrier, Dornoch beach (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 20 Red-throated Divers, one Pintail, five Long-tailed Duck and one Merlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Shoveler and a Pintail, Alturlie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Still four Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Kildonan, Eigg (JC) and a single at the head of Loch Ainort (NB). Six Pintail at the head of Loch Ainort (NB) Whimbrel flying west through Broadford Bay and another at the head of Loch Portree (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls and three Great Northern Divers, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hen Harrier, Dornoch beach (Blair Whyte)
Monday 20th September
Easter Ross: Two Arctic skua (both dark), one Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Red-throated Diver, one Common Scoter, four Long-Tailed Duck and 34 Canada Geese, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also two Whooper Swans there (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Arctic Skuas (2 dark + a pale morph) Eight Great Skuas, 300+ Kittiwakes, 200+ Gannet and three Red-throated Divers, Luib Score, Duntulm also eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Bayfield, Portree (all Neil Bennett)
Easter Ross: Two Arctic skua (both dark), one Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Red-throated Diver, one Common Scoter, four Long-Tailed Duck and 34 Canada Geese, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also two Whooper Swans there (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Arctic Skuas (2 dark + a pale morph) Eight Great Skuas, 300+ Kittiwakes, 200+ Gannet and three Red-throated Divers, Luib Score, Duntulm also eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Bayfield, Portree (all Neil Bennett)
Sunday 19th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, River Spey at Cromdale (Kev Cuthbert)
Easter Ross: 165 Pink-footed Geese, 56 Scaup and 29 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville and single Black-tailed Godwit, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) also at Udale, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Dunlin and an Osprey (Bob Wilson). c1000 Linnets, Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c350 Pink-footed Geese over (along with large numbers of Skylarks) and one Black-tailed Godwit, Whiteness (Colin Leslie). 42 Pink-footed Geese and 45 Black-tailed Godwits, Beauly Firth (Sue Pettitt)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, four Ruff and three Gadwall, Balnakeil Marsh, (Alan MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, River Spey at Cromdale (Kev Cuthbert)
Easter Ross: 165 Pink-footed Geese, 56 Scaup and 29 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville and single Black-tailed Godwit, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) also at Udale, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Dunlin and an Osprey (Bob Wilson). c1000 Linnets, Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c350 Pink-footed Geese over (along with large numbers of Skylarks) and one Black-tailed Godwit, Whiteness (Colin Leslie). 42 Pink-footed Geese and 45 Black-tailed Godwits, Beauly Firth (Sue Pettitt)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, four Ruff and three Gadwall, Balnakeil Marsh, (Alan MacAskill)
Saturday 18th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Insh Marshes (Tom). Probable Pectoral Sandpiper, Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, one Purple Sandpiper, 122 Sandwich Terns and 210 Gannets Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Ruff, two Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, one Slavonian Grebe and three Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: C350 Pink-footed Geese past Brora (also sighting of a Swordfish!!) (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Insh Marshes (Tom). Probable Pectoral Sandpiper, Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, one Purple Sandpiper, 122 Sandwich Terns and 210 Gannets Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Ruff, two Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, one Slavonian Grebe and three Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: C350 Pink-footed Geese past Brora (also sighting of a Swordfish!!) (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 17th September
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW, male Velvet Scoter SW, 5 Goosanders SE, 150 Knots Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Long-tailed Skua, three Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), one Common Scoter, 55 Wigeon, 14 Red-throated Divers, 55 Sandwich Tern, 60+ Knot and 10 dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 28 pale bellied Brent Geese Castle Stuart and 3 Wheatears Alturlie (Bob Wilson) also there later, single Pintail, two Red-throated Divers, Golden Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwits and two Great Skuas (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (SC via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Two Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW, male Velvet Scoter SW, 5 Goosanders SE, 150 Knots Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Long-tailed Skua, three Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), one Common Scoter, 55 Wigeon, 14 Red-throated Divers, 55 Sandwich Tern, 60+ Knot and 10 dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 28 pale bellied Brent Geese Castle Stuart and 3 Wheatears Alturlie (Bob Wilson) also there later, single Pintail, two Red-throated Divers, Golden Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwits and two Great Skuas (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (SC via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Two Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 16th September
Easter Ross: 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tarbat Ness flying towards Lossiemouth Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Peregrine & 15 Black-tailed Godwits Redcastle (Bob Wilson), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, 4 Wheatears Inver Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua, Bonxie, 11 Brent Geese, Black-throated Diver, 11 Red-throated Divers, 8 Common Scoters, 220 Sandwich Terns, Long-tailed Duck Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Black-throated Diver Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Arctic Skua Alturlie (Carol Miller), 6 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Scoter, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers Alturlie ("Tay")
Lochaber: juv Curlew Sandpiper Traigh, Portnaluchaig (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 10 Greenshanks, 8 Wigeons Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Buff-breasted Sandpiper with 100 Golden Plovers Balnakeil (per BirdGuides), adult winter Little Gull & 100 Sanderlings Brora rivermouth (Dave Tanner), Arctic Skua, 2 Wheatears, 12 Sanderlings Dornoch ("Matthew"), 7 Black-throated Divers Golspie ("Matthew")
Wester Ross: 5 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Storm Petrels Ullapool - Stornoway (Dave Barnett et al), 10 Storm Petrels, 60 Manx Shearwaters, 12 Bonxies, 9 Sooty Shearwaters Stornoway - Ullapool (Alan MacAskill et al), juv Sabine's Gull Stornoway-Ullapool (Dean MacAskill) - not all birds seen from ferry were in Highland
Easter Ross: 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tarbat Ness flying towards Lossiemouth Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Peregrine & 15 Black-tailed Godwits Redcastle (Bob Wilson), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, 4 Wheatears Inver Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua, Bonxie, 11 Brent Geese, Black-throated Diver, 11 Red-throated Divers, 8 Common Scoters, 220 Sandwich Terns, Long-tailed Duck Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Black-throated Diver Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Arctic Skua Alturlie (Carol Miller), 6 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Scoter, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers Alturlie ("Tay")
Lochaber: juv Curlew Sandpiper Traigh, Portnaluchaig (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 10 Greenshanks, 8 Wigeons Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Buff-breasted Sandpiper with 100 Golden Plovers Balnakeil (per BirdGuides), adult winter Little Gull & 100 Sanderlings Brora rivermouth (Dave Tanner), Arctic Skua, 2 Wheatears, 12 Sanderlings Dornoch ("Matthew"), 7 Black-throated Divers Golspie ("Matthew")
Wester Ross: 5 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Storm Petrels Ullapool - Stornoway (Dave Barnett et al), 10 Storm Petrels, 60 Manx Shearwaters, 12 Bonxies, 9 Sooty Shearwaters Stornoway - Ullapool (Alan MacAskill et al), juv Sabine's Gull Stornoway-Ullapool (Dean MacAskill) - not all birds seen from ferry were in Highland
Wednesday 15th September
Inverness: 5 pale bellied Brent Geese and a Wheatear Fort George (Blair Whyte), 70 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings Fort George (Graeme Prest), 2 Greenshanks Connage, Ardersier (Blair Whyte), Long-tailed Duck, 104 Red-breasted Mergansers Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest), 12 Brent Geese flew into Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest).
Wester Ross: 45 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Tysties Gruinard Bay (Matthew).
Inverness: 5 pale bellied Brent Geese and a Wheatear Fort George (Blair Whyte), 70 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings Fort George (Graeme Prest), 2 Greenshanks Connage, Ardersier (Blair Whyte), Long-tailed Duck, 104 Red-breasted Mergansers Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest), 12 Brent Geese flew into Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest).
Wester Ross: 45 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Tysties Gruinard Bay (Matthew).
Tuesday 14th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Shovelers Loch Insh (Dave Pierce),
Easter Ross: probable Northern (borealis) Common Eider Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Peregrine, Bonxie, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Bob Wilson), 20 pale bellied Brent Geese, Slavonian Grebe, 3 Shovelers, 15 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 3 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Scaups, 2 Goldeneyes, 2 Bonxies Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 22 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Shovelers Loch Insh (Dave Pierce),
Easter Ross: probable Northern (borealis) Common Eider Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Peregrine, Bonxie, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Bob Wilson), 20 pale bellied Brent Geese, Slavonian Grebe, 3 Shovelers, 15 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 3 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Scaups, 2 Goldeneyes, 2 Bonxies Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 22 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 13th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin Loch Garten (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Beauly (Bob Wilson), Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Hen Harrier, 2 Ospreys Gordon's Mill (Mark Finn), 5 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie Kessock Bridge (John Poyner), 19 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat Glen Nevis, 7 Bramblings Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin Loch Garten (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Beauly (Bob Wilson), Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Hen Harrier, 2 Ospreys Gordon's Mill (Mark Finn), 5 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie Kessock Bridge (John Poyner), 19 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat Glen Nevis, 7 Bramblings Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sunday 12th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Ring Ousels Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 Sooty Shearwaters N and Great Northern Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 2 Slavonian Grebes, 11 Shovelers, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie, 2 Velvet Scoters, 3 Common Scoters, 110 Golden Plovers, 18 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),
Inverness: pair of Ruffs, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 2 Slavonian Grebes, 39 pale-bellied Brent Geese, drake Scaup, 4 Pintails Alturlie (Matthew), 8 Pintails Fort George (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (ML), 2 Arctic Skuas, Great Northern Diver The Aird, Gedintailor (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Pied Flycatcher Oldshoremore and Lesser Whitethroat Balnakeil (Rob Hughes), 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Wheatears, 2 Arctic Skua, 29 Shelducks Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 11th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whinchat at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: at Chanonry Point were two Pomarine Skua (one a juvenile), singles of Arctic (dark phase) and Great Skua, seven Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, plus - unusual for the location - a single Little Grebe (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 34 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Black-tailed Godwit, c60 Knot, four Sandwich Tern and two Red-throated Diver in Castle Stuart bay (Alan MacAskill). A juvenile Great Skua was seen off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with another 35 at the head of Loch Portree (J D Jones). Amongst the waders at the latter were 90 Curlew, nine Greenshank, two Knot and seven Bar-tailed Godwit (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whinchat at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: at Chanonry Point were two Pomarine Skua (one a juvenile), singles of Arctic (dark phase) and Great Skua, seven Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, plus - unusual for the location - a single Little Grebe (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 34 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Black-tailed Godwit, c60 Knot, four Sandwich Tern and two Red-throated Diver in Castle Stuart bay (Alan MacAskill). A juvenile Great Skua was seen off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with another 35 at the head of Loch Portree (J D Jones). Amongst the waders at the latter were 90 Curlew, nine Greenshank, two Knot and seven Bar-tailed Godwit (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 10th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Insh reserve (Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Pectoral Sandpiper, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, four Pintail and 15 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Alturlie (Blair Whyte) NB birders are reminded that access to the pools is on foot ONLY
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Sanderling at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Pink-footed Goose, three Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Insh reserve (Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Pectoral Sandpiper, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, four Pintail and 15 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Alturlie (Blair Whyte) NB birders are reminded that access to the pools is on foot ONLY
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Sanderling at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Pink-footed Goose, three Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 9th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Mandarin duck at Loch Garten (Scott Armstrong via eBird)
Easter Ross: single Ruff at Balintore harbour, also seen were singles of Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater and Manx Shearwater plus four Arctic Skua, three Great Skua and three Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Simon Levene). Four Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Ruff at Alturlie water works (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: two juvenile Mediterranean Gull, six Greenshank plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Knot and Pale-bellied Brent Goose, at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett/Bob McMillan). 30 Pale-bellied Brent Goose through Broadford Bay (J. Babb) and 12 Knot (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Dornoch, while at Brora a juvenile Black Tern was recorded amongst six Little Gulls, plus 38 Sooty Shearwater, 14 Manx Shearwater, six Arctic Skua plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Mandarin duck at Loch Garten (Scott Armstrong via eBird)
Easter Ross: single Ruff at Balintore harbour, also seen were singles of Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater and Manx Shearwater plus four Arctic Skua, three Great Skua and three Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Simon Levene). Four Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Ruff at Alturlie water works (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: two juvenile Mediterranean Gull, six Greenshank plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Knot and Pale-bellied Brent Goose, at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett/Bob McMillan). 30 Pale-bellied Brent Goose through Broadford Bay (J. Babb) and 12 Knot (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Dornoch, while at Brora a juvenile Black Tern was recorded amongst six Little Gulls, plus 38 Sooty Shearwater, 14 Manx Shearwater, six Arctic Skua plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 8th September
Easter Ross: intermedius ssp Lesser Black-backed Gull between Brucehaven and Wilkhaven farms at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: now two juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), while 60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have arrived in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Skelbo (Dean MacAskill). At Embo were 21 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 28 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone and four Red-throated Diver (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: intermedius ssp Lesser Black-backed Gull between Brucehaven and Wilkhaven farms at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: now two juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), while 60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have arrived in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Skelbo (Dean MacAskill). At Embo were 21 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 28 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone and four Red-throated Diver (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 7th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Whooper Swan at Spey Dam (Kate Mennie). Spotted Flycatcher in the Lynachlaggan area of Insh Marshes reserve (Dave Killick)
Easter Ross: three Knot and single Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Near Redcastle were five Black-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank and nine Dunlin (Bob Wilson). 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Pintail, single Shoveler plus leucistic Canada Goose and Canada x Greylag Goose hybrid at Udale (Tay Davies). Single Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, two Puffin, ten Red-throated Diver, 65 Sandwich Tern, six Common Scoter off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: eclipse Gadwall at Connage (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: c30 Whimbrel overflew Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), while also at the location were two Knot (Bob McMillan). At Loch Portree alongside the lingering juvenile Mediterranean Gull were two Willow Warbler, single Knot, six Bar-tailed Godwit, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Greenshank (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Sabine's Gull (still in sumplum) seen from The Mound by Loch Fleet, amongst Black-headed/Common Gulls (Calum Urquhart/Bob Swann/Simon Levene/Dave Tanner) - map link courtesy of DT tinyurl.com/6xh6scfs
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Whooper Swan at Spey Dam (Kate Mennie). Spotted Flycatcher in the Lynachlaggan area of Insh Marshes reserve (Dave Killick)
Easter Ross: three Knot and single Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Near Redcastle were five Black-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank and nine Dunlin (Bob Wilson). 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Pintail, single Shoveler plus leucistic Canada Goose and Canada x Greylag Goose hybrid at Udale (Tay Davies). Single Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, two Puffin, ten Red-throated Diver, 65 Sandwich Tern, six Common Scoter off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: eclipse Gadwall at Connage (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: c30 Whimbrel overflew Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), while also at the location were two Knot (Bob McMillan). At Loch Portree alongside the lingering juvenile Mediterranean Gull were two Willow Warbler, single Knot, six Bar-tailed Godwit, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Greenshank (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Sabine's Gull (still in sumplum) seen from The Mound by Loch Fleet, amongst Black-headed/Common Gulls (Calum Urquhart/Bob Swann/Simon Levene/Dave Tanner) - map link courtesy of DT tinyurl.com/6xh6scfs
Monday 6th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting private garden in Nethybridge (via John Poyner). Single Knot plus juvenile Cuckoo at the Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing at Tain Links, 61 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 25 Wigeon, 127 Sandwich Tern, ten Red-throated Diver, 26 Golden Plover and a single Wheatear all at Chanonry Point, while at Udale were eight Pink-footed Goose, 210 Wigeon plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Shoveler (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: juvenile Great Skua, Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Ruff in Ardersier Bay (Blair Whyte). c40 Pink-footed Goose at Ardersier (Eva Webster)
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat in Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree, while at Viewfield House, Portree was a family of Spotted Flycatchers (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Curlew Sandpiper at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting private garden in Nethybridge (via John Poyner). Single Knot plus juvenile Cuckoo at the Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing at Tain Links, 61 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 25 Wigeon, 127 Sandwich Tern, ten Red-throated Diver, 26 Golden Plover and a single Wheatear all at Chanonry Point, while at Udale were eight Pink-footed Goose, 210 Wigeon plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Shoveler (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: juvenile Great Skua, Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Ruff in Ardersier Bay (Blair Whyte). c40 Pink-footed Goose at Ardersier (Eva Webster)
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat in Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree, while at Viewfield House, Portree was a family of Spotted Flycatchers (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Curlew Sandpiper at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 5th September
Easter Ross: c60 Tree Sparrow at Tarbat Ness, plus single Greenshank, four Purple Sandpiper, 101 Sandwich Tern and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper still present at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: seen during the SOC pelagic trip aboard MV Sheerwater from Arisaig were c5 Storm Petrel, two dark phase Arctic Skua (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel and 170 Sanderling (mostly juveniles) at Dornoch, while at Brora were six Little Gulls and 163 Sanderling, including 39 juveniles (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: c60 Tree Sparrow at Tarbat Ness, plus single Greenshank, four Purple Sandpiper, 101 Sandwich Tern and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper still present at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: seen during the SOC pelagic trip aboard MV Sheerwater from Arisaig were c5 Storm Petrel, two dark phase Arctic Skua (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel and 170 Sanderling (mostly juveniles) at Dornoch, while at Brora were six Little Gulls and 163 Sanderling, including 39 juveniles (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 4th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four juvenile Whinchats Drumguish and 267 Barnacle Geese, Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Balintore beach (Simon Levene). Eight Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshank and one Whimbrel, Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: Green Sandpiper, Strontian (Jill White per eBird)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Black-tailed Godwits in Breakish Obbe (NH) and juvenile Whinchat, Harrapool (NB) Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (NB) per skye-birds.com. Nine Storm Petrels, one Great Skua and one Manx Shearwater, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four juvenile Whinchats Drumguish and 267 Barnacle Geese, Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Balintore beach (Simon Levene). Eight Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshank and one Whimbrel, Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: Green Sandpiper, Strontian (Jill White per eBird)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Black-tailed Godwits in Breakish Obbe (NH) and juvenile Whinchat, Harrapool (NB) Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (NB) per skye-birds.com. Nine Storm Petrels, one Great Skua and one Manx Shearwater, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill).
Friday 3rd September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Late Cuckoo, Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Five Black-tailed Godwits, Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 14 Common Scoter, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 9 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Arctic Skuas and one Pomarine Skua in two hour seawatch at Tarbat Ness also 13 Black-tailed Godwits and one Grey Plover, Inver (all Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Two Scaup, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and one Greenshank offshore at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Juvenile Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Storm Petrel, two Great Skuas and one Leach's Petrel, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill). Nuthatch on feeders, Dornie (Julie & Brian Neath) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Late Cuckoo, Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Five Black-tailed Godwits, Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 14 Common Scoter, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 9 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Arctic Skuas and one Pomarine Skua in two hour seawatch at Tarbat Ness also 13 Black-tailed Godwits and one Grey Plover, Inver (all Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Two Scaup, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and one Greenshank offshore at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Juvenile Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Storm Petrel, two Great Skuas and one Leach's Petrel, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill). Nuthatch on feeders, Dornie (Julie & Brian Neath) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 2nd September
Easter Ross: One Slavonian Grebe off Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whimbrel and one juvenile Great Skua, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Whimbrel off Sconser Quarry flying east (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com.
Easter Ross: One Slavonian Grebe off Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whimbrel and one juvenile Great Skua, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Whimbrel off Sconser Quarry flying east (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com.
Wednesday 1st September
Easter Ross: 10 Sooty Shearwaters past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua, four Puffins, 14 Common Scoter, two Black-throated Divers and 155 Sandwich Terns, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Juvenile Pomarine Skua, Fort George (Alan MacAskill) also a Long-tailed Duck there (Kate M)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hobby, Achavandra, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 10 Sooty Shearwaters past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua, four Puffins, 14 Common Scoter, two Black-throated Divers and 155 Sandwich Terns, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Juvenile Pomarine Skua, Fort George (Alan MacAskill) also a Long-tailed Duck there (Kate M)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hobby, Achavandra, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 31st August
Easter Ross: Seven Arctic Skua, Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson) 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Pintail, Tain Links (Bob Swann). Possible Little Stint, two Knot and five Black-tailed Godwits, Inver also one Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua and 11 Manx Shearwaters, Tarbat Ness (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Alturlie shoreline (Simeon Ewing)
Sutherland: 17 Little Gulls. Two Sooty Shearwater, Two Arctic Skua and One Great Skua, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Seven Arctic Skua, Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson) 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Pintail, Tain Links (Bob Swann). Possible Little Stint, two Knot and five Black-tailed Godwits, Inver also one Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua and 11 Manx Shearwaters, Tarbat Ness (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Alturlie shoreline (Simeon Ewing)
Sutherland: 17 Little Gulls. Two Sooty Shearwater, Two Arctic Skua and One Great Skua, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 30th August
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Tain Links (Dave Tanner). Single Black-tailed Godwit, Three Ospreys and 80 Goldeneye between Coulmore and Redcastle (Bob Wilson). One Pomarine Skua, seven Great Skua, eight Arctic Skua and a Merlin, Chanonry Point, (Kevin Davis) later three Pomarine Skuas (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Ruff, three Goldeneye, Ardersier (Blair Whyte) also Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Scaup (Colin Leslie). Two Long-tailed Ducks, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Tain Links (Dave Tanner). Single Black-tailed Godwit, Three Ospreys and 80 Goldeneye between Coulmore and Redcastle (Bob Wilson). One Pomarine Skua, seven Great Skua, eight Arctic Skua and a Merlin, Chanonry Point, (Kevin Davis) later three Pomarine Skuas (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Ruff, three Goldeneye, Ardersier (Blair Whyte) also Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Scaup (Colin Leslie). Two Long-tailed Ducks, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Sunday 29th August
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Arctic Skua, two Great Skua and Puffin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 2 Ruffs, Shoveler, 2 Black-throated Divers Ardersier (Bob Wilson, Chloe),
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 9 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 7 Bonxies, 6 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver Camas Mor, Borresketaig (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Arctic Skua, two Great Skua and Puffin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 2 Ruffs, Shoveler, 2 Black-throated Divers Ardersier (Bob Wilson, Chloe),
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 9 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 7 Bonxies, 6 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver Camas Mor, Borresketaig (Bob McMillan).
Saturday 28th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier Spey Dam (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 4 Manx Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Whimbrel, Greenshank, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Wigeons Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill).
Sutherland: 2 Magpies Strathy Point (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross: Greenish Warbler briefly in willows by campsite Ardmair (Max Webber), Leach's Petrel Oberan Bank, Arisaig (per Birdguides), juv Pomarine Skua, 8 Storm Petrels from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per Birdguides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier Spey Dam (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 4 Manx Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Whimbrel, Greenshank, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Wigeons Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill).
Sutherland: 2 Magpies Strathy Point (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross: Greenish Warbler briefly in willows by campsite Ardmair (Max Webber), Leach's Petrel Oberan Bank, Arisaig (per Birdguides), juv Pomarine Skua, 8 Storm Petrels from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per Birdguides).
Friday 27th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin, Water Rail Loch Garten (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: female Shoveler Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 200 Wigeons, 3 Pintails Tail Links (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable Barred Warbler Drumfearn (Phil Knott. Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Sooty Shearwater from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin, Water Rail Loch Garten (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: female Shoveler Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 200 Wigeons, 3 Pintails Tail Links (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable Barred Warbler Drumfearn (Phil Knott. Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Sooty Shearwater from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 26th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes, 3 Shovelers and an Osprey Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 6 Arctic Skuas, Black-tailed Godwit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 6 Pink-footed Geese, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Shoveler, Pintail Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Sooty Shearwater W of Muck (Stu Crutchfield), Arctic Skua E of Eigg (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes, 3 Shovelers and an Osprey Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 6 Arctic Skuas, Black-tailed Godwit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 6 Pink-footed Geese, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Shoveler, Pintail Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Sooty Shearwater W of Muck (Stu Crutchfield), Arctic Skua E of Eigg (Stu Crutchfield).
Wednesday 25th August
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling near Waternish (per Bob McMillan), 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 juvenile Little Gulls Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling near Waternish (per Bob McMillan), 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 juvenile Little Gulls Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 24th August
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Ruffs, 3 Greenshanks, 34 Dunlins Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 58 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 3 male Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: , 9 Sanderlings Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: Pomarine Skua from Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Ruffs, 3 Greenshanks, 34 Dunlins Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 58 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 3 male Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: , 9 Sanderlings Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: Pomarine Skua from Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Monday 23rd August
Easter Ross: Ruff, 75 Wigeons, 2 Pintails Tain Links (Bob Swann), Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Peregrine & 2 drake Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill).
Sutherland: Unconfirmed report of Eleonora's Falcon Glen Roth (per BirdTrack) - there were a couple of reports from down south today, 2 Ruffs, Grey Plover, 2 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point & Whimbrel Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 75 Wigeons, 2 Pintails Tain Links (Bob Swann), Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Peregrine & 2 drake Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill).
Sutherland: Unconfirmed report of Eleonora's Falcon Glen Roth (per BirdTrack) - there were a couple of reports from down south today, 2 Ruffs, Grey Plover, 2 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point & Whimbrel Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 22nd August
Easter Ross: 2 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), juv Ruff, Merlin, Peregrine, Osprey, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Wheatear, 230 Ringed Plovers, 150 Dunlins Inver Bay (Craig Whyte).
Inverness: 2 dark Arctic Skuas, 7 Whimbrels, 8 Golden Plovers, 9 Swifts, Osprey Whiteness (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull Loch Portree (JJ per skye-birds.com), 12 Knots Ardnish, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.com) Whimbrel Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Easter Ross: 2 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), juv Ruff, Merlin, Peregrine, Osprey, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Wheatear, 230 Ringed Plovers, 150 Dunlins Inver Bay (Craig Whyte).
Inverness: 2 dark Arctic Skuas, 7 Whimbrels, 8 Golden Plovers, 9 Swifts, Osprey Whiteness (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull Loch Portree (JJ per skye-birds.com), 12 Knots Ardnish, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.com) Whimbrel Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Saturday 21st August
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua and c130 Sandwich Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with nine Greenshank and five Bar-tailed Godwit present also (Neil Bennett). At Ashaig, Broadford were 18 Sanderling while ten Bar-tailed Godwit were in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Whimbrel, 165 Bar-tailed Godwit and 186 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at Embo were two Whimbrel and a single Arctic Skua. Seven Greenshank still present at Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua and c130 Sandwich Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with nine Greenshank and five Bar-tailed Godwit present also (Neil Bennett). At Ashaig, Broadford were 18 Sanderling while ten Bar-tailed Godwit were in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Whimbrel, 165 Bar-tailed Godwit and 186 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at Embo were two Whimbrel and a single Arctic Skua. Seven Greenshank still present at Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill)
Friday 20th August
Inverness: three Arctic Skua, single Long-tailed Duck off Fort George, while a Stock Dove was at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: c1,000 Manx Shearwater in rafts on Loch Slapin (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still present at Culkein with c30 Common Starlings (David Haines)
Inverness: three Arctic Skua, single Long-tailed Duck off Fort George, while a Stock Dove was at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: c1,000 Manx Shearwater in rafts on Loch Slapin (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still present at Culkein with c30 Common Starlings (David Haines)
Thursday 19th August
Easter Ross: two Quail in uncut barley at Easter Arbroll farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two juvenile Ruff at Connage (Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: juvenile Little Gull on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Jonathan Dean via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Whinchat at Harrapool, Broadford while a single Whimbrel was at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: seen on the eastern side of The Minch from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry were singles of Long-tailed Skua and Sooty Shearwater, plus four Storm Petrel (Colin Davies)
Easter Ross: two Quail in uncut barley at Easter Arbroll farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two juvenile Ruff at Connage (Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: juvenile Little Gull on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Jonathan Dean via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Whinchat at Harrapool, Broadford while a single Whimbrel was at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: seen on the eastern side of The Minch from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry were singles of Long-tailed Skua and Sooty Shearwater, plus four Storm Petrel (Colin Davies)
Wednesday 18th August
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter and two Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus Short-eared Owl seen nearby between Brucefield and Wilkhaven farms (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Pomarine Skua off Fort George, plus single Bar-tailed Godwit amongst Curlew flock at Connage (Craig Johnstone/Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby over Portree, while a drake Common Scoter was in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: single Great Shearwater off Strathy Point (Peter Stronach). Rosy Starling still present on Stoer peninsula (via Twitter)
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter and two Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus Short-eared Owl seen nearby between Brucefield and Wilkhaven farms (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Pomarine Skua off Fort George, plus single Bar-tailed Godwit amongst Curlew flock at Connage (Craig Johnstone/Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby over Portree, while a drake Common Scoter was in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: single Great Shearwater off Strathy Point (Peter Stronach). Rosy Starling still present on Stoer peninsula (via Twitter)
Tuesday 17th August
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 53 Little Grebe on Loch Eye, with three Whooper Swan and single Scaup present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: single Whimbrel at Alturlie (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: leucorhoa ssp. Wheatears passing through Skye at both Neist Point (Andy Stables) and Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Pomarine Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 53 Little Grebe on Loch Eye, with three Whooper Swan and single Scaup present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: single Whimbrel at Alturlie (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: leucorhoa ssp. Wheatears passing through Skye at both Neist Point (Andy Stables) and Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Pomarine Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 16th August
Easter Ross: three dark phase Arctic Skua off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a juvenile Arctic Skua was noted later in the day (Alan MacAskill). Three Whooper Swans were present amongst 280-plus Mute Swans on Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit and two Whimbrel at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: single Whimbrel, 47 Sanderling, 264 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at the Skelbo portion of Loch Fleet were seven Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 22 Ringed Plover, ten Sanderling, two Great Northern Diver off Firemore beach, Loch Ewe with some 24 post-breeding/failed breeding Black-throated Divers nearby (Morag McCullagh via Facebook)
Easter Ross: three dark phase Arctic Skua off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a juvenile Arctic Skua was noted later in the day (Alan MacAskill). Three Whooper Swans were present amongst 280-plus Mute Swans on Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit and two Whimbrel at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: single Whimbrel, 47 Sanderling, 264 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at the Skelbo portion of Loch Fleet were seven Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 22 Ringed Plover, ten Sanderling, two Great Northern Diver off Firemore beach, Loch Ewe with some 24 post-breeding/failed breeding Black-throated Divers nearby (Morag McCullagh via Facebook)
Sunday 15th August
Easter Ross: 14 Arctic Skua (nine dark phase, four pale phase, one intermediate), single Puffin, four Sanderling, 44 Sandwich Tern, ten Golden Plover at Chanonry Point early morning (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: seen from Fort George in the afternoon were 47 Sandwich Tern, three Common Tern, six Turnstone, single Arctic Skua, c30 Bar-tailed Godwit flying east, and a single Red-throated Diver (Graeme Prest). Drake Scaup on Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: single Grey Plover, 20 Sanderling, 148 Sandwich Terns at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 14 Arctic Skua (nine dark phase, four pale phase, one intermediate), single Puffin, four Sanderling, 44 Sandwich Tern, ten Golden Plover at Chanonry Point early morning (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: seen from Fort George in the afternoon were 47 Sandwich Tern, three Common Tern, six Turnstone, single Arctic Skua, c30 Bar-tailed Godwit flying east, and a single Red-throated Diver (Graeme Prest). Drake Scaup on Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: single Grey Plover, 20 Sanderling, 148 Sandwich Terns at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 14th August
Easter Ross: One Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, one Manx Shearwater, four Red-throated Divers and 104 Gannets, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Scaup, Loch Flemington also juvenile Ruff, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), two Arctic Skua, Fort George also hundreds of Auks between Fort George and Chanonry (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay also 200 Ringed Plover & 100 Dunlin (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, Stoer, Assynt (Per Assynt Activity Facebook Group)
Easter Ross: One Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, one Manx Shearwater, four Red-throated Divers and 104 Gannets, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Scaup, Loch Flemington also juvenile Ruff, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), two Arctic Skua, Fort George also hundreds of Auks between Fort George and Chanonry (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay also 200 Ringed Plover & 100 Dunlin (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, Stoer, Assynt (Per Assynt Activity Facebook Group)
Friday 13th August
Easter Ross: 60+ Swifts, Invergordon (Dean MacAskill), 138 Red-breasted Mergansers and six Scaup, Jemimaville also four Greenshank and three Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Single Scaup and Stock Dove, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte) 50 Swifts Kinmylies, Inverness (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Green Sandpiper, Knockan (Per eBird)
Easter Ross: 60+ Swifts, Invergordon (Dean MacAskill), 138 Red-breasted Mergansers and six Scaup, Jemimaville also four Greenshank and three Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Single Scaup and Stock Dove, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte) 50 Swifts Kinmylies, Inverness (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Green Sandpiper, Knockan (Per eBird)
Thursday 12th August
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Whooper Swans, Single Scaup and two Goldeneye, Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eclipse drake Gadwall, Whiteness (Bob Wilson). Spotted Redshank and Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Whooper Swans, Single Scaup and two Goldeneye, Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eclipse drake Gadwall, Whiteness (Bob Wilson). Spotted Redshank and Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Wednesday 11th August
Inverness: One Scaup, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Wigeon, Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Storm Petrels from the Mallaig-Rum ferry (SM) and 18 caught in ringing session at Duntulm (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Inverness: One Scaup, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Wigeon, Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Storm Petrels from the Mallaig-Rum ferry (SM) and 18 caught in ringing session at Duntulm (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 10th August
Easter Ross: Escaped Black Swan still at Udale Bay (Susan Seright). Seven Greenshank, Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Two Scaup and single Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: Three Leach's Petrel, five Storm Petrels, three Sooty Shearwaters and Juvenile Pomarine Skua from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Escaped Black Swan still at Udale Bay (Susan Seright). Seven Greenshank, Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Two Scaup and single Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: Three Leach's Petrel, five Storm Petrels, three Sooty Shearwaters and Juvenile Pomarine Skua from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry (Alan MacAskill)
Monday 9th August
Easter Ross: Two Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Long-tailed Duck still at Fort George (Colin Leslie). Two male Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Storm Petrels, Sound of Raasay (A&EH) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Two Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Long-tailed Duck still at Fort George (Colin Leslie). Two male Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Storm Petrels, Sound of Raasay (A&EH) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 8th August
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel and Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Arctic Skua, Whiteness also two Scaup, two Black-tailed Godwits and Whimbrel, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas and 12 Twite, Neist (AS per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Two Grey Plover, three Golden Plover and two Greenshank, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel and Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Arctic Skua, Whiteness also two Scaup, two Black-tailed Godwits and Whimbrel, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas and 12 Twite, Neist (AS per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Two Grey Plover, three Golden Plover and two Greenshank, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 7th August
Easter Ross: Little Stint Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 3 Pink-footed Geese, Canada x Greylag Goose, Osprey, Greenshank Udale Bay (Pete Gordon). The escaped Black Swan came from Pitcalnie Farm and an attempt was made to recapture it, using its mate as a lure.
Inverness: eclipse male Long-tailed Duck Ardersier Bay (David Shaw).
Lochaber: 150 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sutherland: Adult Long-tailed Skua landed on sea then flew W Dornoch Point, also 75 Knots, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Ringed Plovers, 18 Dunlins, 20 Sanderlings, Arctic Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Little Stint Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 3 Pink-footed Geese, Canada x Greylag Goose, Osprey, Greenshank Udale Bay (Pete Gordon). The escaped Black Swan came from Pitcalnie Farm and an attempt was made to recapture it, using its mate as a lure.
Inverness: eclipse male Long-tailed Duck Ardersier Bay (David Shaw).
Lochaber: 150 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sutherland: Adult Long-tailed Skua landed on sea then flew W Dornoch Point, also 75 Knots, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Ringed Plovers, 18 Dunlins, 20 Sanderlings, Arctic Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 6th August
Easter Ross: juv Med Gull Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides), Bonxie 3, Arctic Skua N in 2 hours Chanonry Point (Dave Grant), Black Swan & Whimbrel Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), thousands of Kittiwakes flying SE into Moray Firth Tarbat Ness, also 1 Bonxie (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 5 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Culduie, Applecross (John Poyner), 3 juv Cuckoos Heaste Road (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 148 Manx Shearwater, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 16 Bonxies, 43 Puffins, 1 Scaup 2CY Little Gull, 4 Red-throated Divers all N plus 4 Arctic Skuas south, 2 Whimbrels, 110 Sanderlings, Peregrine Brora (Dean MacAskill et al).
Easter Ross: juv Med Gull Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides), Bonxie 3, Arctic Skua N in 2 hours Chanonry Point (Dave Grant), Black Swan & Whimbrel Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), thousands of Kittiwakes flying SE into Moray Firth Tarbat Ness, also 1 Bonxie (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 5 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Culduie, Applecross (John Poyner), 3 juv Cuckoos Heaste Road (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 148 Manx Shearwater, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 16 Bonxies, 43 Puffins, 1 Scaup 2CY Little Gull, 4 Red-throated Divers all N plus 4 Arctic Skuas south, 2 Whimbrels, 110 Sanderlings, Peregrine Brora (Dean MacAskill et al).
Thursday 5th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: 90 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly - from Highland Wildlife Park breeding colony (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: 8 Black-tailed Godwits, male Scaup, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: adult Mediterranean Gull flew over Corran Ferry terminal (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling on feeders Culduie, Applecross ( Annie MacDonald), juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (Bob McMillan).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 90 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly - from Highland Wildlife Park breeding colony (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: 8 Black-tailed Godwits, male Scaup, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: adult Mediterranean Gull flew over Corran Ferry terminal (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling on feeders Culduie, Applecross ( Annie MacDonald), juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (Bob McMillan).
Wednesday 4th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier Insh Marshes, 2 Scaups Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Black Swan Udale Bay (John Carruthers, Al McNee), 5 Greenshanks, 310 Redshanks, 340 Oystercatchers, 50 Knots, 115 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Dunlins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 12 Sanderlings, 5 Common Sandpipers, 225 Curlews, 40 Lapwings, Sparrowhawk Udale Bay (Dave Grant), 200 Swifts Allangrange (Bob Wilson), Pink-footed Goose Alness Point & R Averon (Blair Whyte).,
Inverness: Water Rail 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), 112 Goosanders Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (D Blakely), 2 Sooty Shearwaters from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier Insh Marshes, 2 Scaups Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Black Swan Udale Bay (John Carruthers, Al McNee), 5 Greenshanks, 310 Redshanks, 340 Oystercatchers, 50 Knots, 115 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Dunlins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 12 Sanderlings, 5 Common Sandpipers, 225 Curlews, 40 Lapwings, Sparrowhawk Udale Bay (Dave Grant), 200 Swifts Allangrange (Bob Wilson), Pink-footed Goose Alness Point & R Averon (Blair Whyte).,
Inverness: Water Rail 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), 112 Goosanders Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (D Blakely), 2 Sooty Shearwaters from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides).
Tuesday 3rd August
Easter Ross: 2 Ospreys, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Knots, 1000 Oystercatchers Lentran Point, Beauly (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Ospreys, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Knots, 1000 Oystercatchers Lentran Point, Beauly (Alan MacAskill).
Monday 2nd August
Easter Ross: Little Stint and 4 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Green Sandpiper Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Peregrine and 3 Greenshanks Munlochy (Alan MacAskill & Dave), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (John Carruthers), 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Scaups Newhall, Cromarty Bay (Alan MacAskill).
Inverness: juvenile Redwing (locally bred?) Croy (Colin Leslie), Water Rail and 4 Scaups Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Storm Petrels caught overnight at Duntulm (JJ per skye-birds.com), 20 Twites Neist (AS per skye-birds.com) and 50 Twites Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 3 Black-throated Divers, 2 Arctic Skuas Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: (a Long-tailed Skua seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry was nearer the Lochmaddy side (per BirdGuides)).
Easter Ross: Little Stint and 4 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Green Sandpiper Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Peregrine and 3 Greenshanks Munlochy (Alan MacAskill & Dave), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (John Carruthers), 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Scaups Newhall, Cromarty Bay (Alan MacAskill).
Inverness: juvenile Redwing (locally bred?) Croy (Colin Leslie), Water Rail and 4 Scaups Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Storm Petrels caught overnight at Duntulm (JJ per skye-birds.com), 20 Twites Neist (AS per skye-birds.com) and 50 Twites Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 3 Black-throated Divers, 2 Arctic Skuas Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: (a Long-tailed Skua seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry was nearer the Lochmaddy side (per BirdGuides)).
Sunday 1st August
Easter Ross: first juv Kittiwake of the year flew SW at Tarbat Ness, also adult Little Gull flew NW and Purple Sandpiper there (Dave Tanner), Little Stint, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Common Sandpipers, 40 Knots, 30 Bar-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Al & Jenny McNee), Greenshank, Pink-footed Goose Munlochy Bay (Al & Jenny McNee).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet again in Crown area of Inverness (per Dave Barnett). Greenshank Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Saturday 31st July
Easter Ross: three Turnstones, 17 Sandwich Terns, single Arctic Tern, five Puffins and two Great Skuas at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were two Purple Sandpipers, ten Turnstones and a single Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis), 2 Sanderlings, a Common Sandpiper and 2 juv Little Stints Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet in garden in Crown area of Inverness (per Angela Jack), off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, singles of Storm Petrel and Arctic Skua, plus a Merlin (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby (possible juvenile) seen over Loch Alsh between Kyleakin and Kyle (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult, one 2CY), plus a Great Skua that killed and began eating a juvenile Herring Gull (see photos) all at Brora. At Coul Links were 154 Sandwich Terns and two Whimbrels, while Loch Fleet held three newly-arrived Wigeon (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Turnstones, 17 Sandwich Terns, single Arctic Tern, five Puffins and two Great Skuas at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were two Purple Sandpipers, ten Turnstones and a single Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis), 2 Sanderlings, a Common Sandpiper and 2 juv Little Stints Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet in garden in Crown area of Inverness (per Angela Jack), off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, singles of Storm Petrel and Arctic Skua, plus a Merlin (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby (possible juvenile) seen over Loch Alsh between Kyleakin and Kyle (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult, one 2CY), plus a Great Skua that killed and began eating a juvenile Herring Gull (see photos) all at Brora. At Coul Links were 154 Sandwich Terns and two Whimbrels, while Loch Fleet held three newly-arrived Wigeon (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 30th July
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel and Manx Shearwater at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Greenshank, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit. 40 Knot plus - amongst the c300 Canada Geese - a Greylag x Barnacle Goose hybrid (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, three Scaup and a single Manx Shearwater (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Harrapool (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 29th July
Easter Ross: singles of Storm Petrel and Little Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Grasshopper Warblers (both 'reeling' - possible post-breeding territorial activity) at Loch Long, Localsh (Joe Newman) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Dornoch (via Pete Stronach/Twitter)
Wester Ross: eight Twite, three Common Scoters, six Black-throated Divers and two Arctic Terns at Achiltibuie (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: singles of Storm Petrel and Little Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Grasshopper Warblers (both 'reeling' - possible post-breeding territorial activity) at Loch Long, Localsh (Joe Newman) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Dornoch (via Pete Stronach/Twitter)
Wester Ross: eight Twite, three Common Scoters, six Black-throated Divers and two Arctic Terns at Achiltibuie (Alan MacAskill)
Wednesday 28th July
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), a Wood Sandpiper flew past Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Greenshank and five Common Sandpipers at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Single Knot in Broadford Bay, while the growing Eider raft on Loch Ainort numbers some 420 (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Arctic and six Great Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and a single Manx Shearwater off Embo, while at Brora were twelve Great Skuas, six Arctic Skuas, 24 Manx Shearwaters, single Sooty Shearwater, single 2CY Little Gull and 16 Turnstones (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), a Wood Sandpiper flew past Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Greenshank and five Common Sandpipers at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Single Knot in Broadford Bay, while the growing Eider raft on Loch Ainort numbers some 420 (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Arctic and six Great Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and a single Manx Shearwater off Embo, while at Brora were twelve Great Skuas, six Arctic Skuas, 24 Manx Shearwaters, single Sooty Shearwater, single 2CY Little Gull and 16 Turnstones (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 27th July
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear and Razorbill at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: six Dunlin at Alturlie pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 160 Storm Petrels caught for ringing in the early hours at Duntulm, Trotternish by J Owen/J Jones. Reports of "tens of thousands" of Manx Shearwaters feeding off both Soay and Rum amongst other seabirds and cetaceans, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear and Razorbill at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: six Dunlin at Alturlie pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 160 Storm Petrels caught for ringing in the early hours at Duntulm, Trotternish by J Owen/J Jones. Reports of "tens of thousands" of Manx Shearwaters feeding off both Soay and Rum amongst other seabirds and cetaceans, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 26th July
Inverness: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Milton of Gollanfield (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Osprey near Loch Duich, Kintail ('LS'). Chough reported by Jane Young on the Trotternish ridge south of the Old Man of Storr (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: late report of a Short-toed Eagle in Sutherland on 20 June, believed to be in the southeast of the county area and observed by environmental surveyors for a wind farm project. Any further details should be sent - in confidence - to the Highland recorder, e-mail above. YouTube video link by Adam Hutt here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-flA8Jclc4&t=117s
Inverness: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Milton of Gollanfield (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Osprey near Loch Duich, Kintail ('LS'). Chough reported by Jane Young on the Trotternish ridge south of the Old Man of Storr (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: late report of a Short-toed Eagle in Sutherland on 20 June, believed to be in the southeast of the county area and observed by environmental surveyors for a wind farm project. Any further details should be sent - in confidence - to the Highland recorder, e-mail above. YouTube video link by Adam Hutt here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-flA8Jclc4&t=117s
Sunday 25th July
Inverness: Scaup pair, two Whimbrel, two Dunlin and Common Sandpiper at Alturlie (Bob Wilson). Single Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR, while at Whiteness were six Whimbrel, 200+ Knot, 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Sanderling, 30 Dunlin (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sanderlings, five Greenshank and 55 Ringed Plover at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: singles of Arctic and Great Skua, single Greenshank, six Knot (all in sumplum), two Sanderling and single Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Scaup pair, two Whimbrel, two Dunlin and Common Sandpiper at Alturlie (Bob Wilson). Single Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR, while at Whiteness were six Whimbrel, 200+ Knot, 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Sanderling, 30 Dunlin (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sanderlings, five Greenshank and 55 Ringed Plover at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: singles of Arctic and Great Skua, single Greenshank, six Knot (all in sumplum), two Sanderling and single Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 24th July
Easter Ross: Adult White Wagtail (and possible juvenile), Tarbat Ness, (Dave Tanner). 55 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Knot, two Greenshank, two Dunlin and five Common Sandpipers at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Two Whimbrel, single Greenshank and Little Tern at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Adult White Wagtail (and possible juvenile), Tarbat Ness, (Dave Tanner). 55 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Knot, two Greenshank, two Dunlin and five Common Sandpipers at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Two Whimbrel, single Greenshank and Little Tern at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 23rd July
Easter Ross: Greenshank, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Sandwich Terns and six Greenshank off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Greenshank, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Sandwich Terns and six Greenshank off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 22nd July
Inverness: Probable Mediterranean Gull on River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Hawfinch today 4 miles south of Durness coming to garden feeder (Per North Sutherland Wildlife Facebook Group)
Inverness: Probable Mediterranean Gull on River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Hawfinch today 4 miles south of Durness coming to garden feeder (Per North Sutherland Wildlife Facebook Group)
Wednesday 21st July
Inverness: Eclipse plumage drake Mandarin, Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie)
Inverness: Eclipse plumage drake Mandarin, Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie)
Tuesday 20th July
Easter Ross: Three Greenshank, Munlochy Bay with another two at Udale Bay along with five Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwits and one Dunlin (all Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: 100 Swifts , Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: 43 Storm Petrels, ringed North Skye (JJ) also single adult Sanderling with 30 Ringed Plover & several Dunlin at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM), three Great Northern Divers off Achnacloich, Sleat (RS) (all per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: Three Greenshank, Munlochy Bay with another two at Udale Bay along with five Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwits and one Dunlin (all Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: 100 Swifts , Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: 43 Storm Petrels, ringed North Skye (JJ) also single adult Sanderling with 30 Ringed Plover & several Dunlin at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM), three Great Northern Divers off Achnacloich, Sleat (RS) (all per skye-birds.com)
Monday 19th July
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Glenelg (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Glenelg (Alan MacAskill)
Sunday 18th July
Inverness: 22 Sanderling and 12 Dunlin, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: 120 Manx Shearwaters off Embo plus single Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: 22 Sanderling and 12 Dunlin, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: 120 Manx Shearwaters off Embo plus single Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 17th July
Skye & Lochalsh: 12 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org), 100 Dunlins, 2 Sanderlings Broadford Bay NB per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: 12 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org), 100 Dunlins, 2 Sanderlings Broadford Bay NB per skye-birds.org).
Friday 16th July
Monday 19th July7 Purple Sandpipers and a Redshank Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey fishing Glenelg Bay (PJ per skye-birds.org), Bar-tailed Godwit & 16 Redshanks Broadford Bay (MB per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull and intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull Brora, 21 Common Sandpipers The Mound, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 19th July7 Purple Sandpipers and a Redshank Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey fishing Glenelg Bay (PJ per skye-birds.org), Bar-tailed Godwit & 16 Redshanks Broadford Bay (MB per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull and intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull Brora, 21 Common Sandpipers The Mound, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 15th July
Easter Ross: Pectoral Sandpiper Udale Bay ("Holly"), 3 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and an Osprey there (Al McNee), Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit Munlochy Bay (Al McNee), Bonxie, 4 Turnstones Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH), Whimbrel south Scullamus Moss (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Pectoral Sandpiper Udale Bay ("Holly"), 3 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and an Osprey there (Al McNee), Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit Munlochy Bay (Al McNee), Bonxie, 4 Turnstones Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH), Whimbrel south Scullamus Moss (Bob McMillan).
Wednesday 14th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mediterranean Gull Loch Morlich (Matt Doyle).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mediterranean Gull Loch Morlich (Matt Doyle).
Tuesday 13th July
Inverness: 2 Arctic Skuas Fort George (Bob Wilson), 15 Whimbrels Fort George (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Cuckoo Point of Sleat (RS per skye-birds.org), Rosy Starling Aird (As per skye-birds.org)
Monday 12th July
Easter Ross: 2 Purple Sandpipers, juv Dunlin & a Golden Plover at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Aird Kennels, Sleat (Karen MacAskill), Leach's Petrel off shore Crowlin Islands (SMacL per skye-birds.org)
Easter Ross: 2 Purple Sandpipers, juv Dunlin & a Golden Plover at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Aird Kennels, Sleat (Karen MacAskill), Leach's Petrel off shore Crowlin Islands (SMacL per skye-birds.org)
Sunday 11th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: 150 Oystercatchers Cromdale (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 200 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Wigeons, 193 Curlews, 19 Redshanks, 22 Lapwings Udale Bay (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel N Neist Point (AC per skye-birds.com), 4 Arctic Skuas from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (NB per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 150 Oystercatchers Cromdale (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 200 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Wigeons, 193 Curlews, 19 Redshanks, 22 Lapwings Udale Bay (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel N Neist Point (AC per skye-birds.com), 4 Arctic Skuas from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (NB per skye-birds.com).
Saturday 10th July
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Whimbrels in Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie). Six Greenshanks, c120 Curlew, c60 Redshank and single Common Sandpiper at Alturlie, while in Ardersier Bay were a total of 95 Red-breasted Mergansers (Ian Smith)
Sutherland: 17 Manx Shearwater, two Whimbrel and an Arctic Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill). Four Manx Shearwater off Brora (Dudley Cox)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Whimbrels in Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie). Six Greenshanks, c120 Curlew, c60 Redshank and single Common Sandpiper at Alturlie, while in Ardersier Bay were a total of 95 Red-breasted Mergansers (Ian Smith)
Sutherland: 17 Manx Shearwater, two Whimbrel and an Arctic Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill). Four Manx Shearwater off Brora (Dudley Cox)
Friday 9th July
Easter Ross: Purple Sandpiper at Tarbat Ness - an early "autumn" record - with a Lesser Rorqual whale seen also. Three Black-tailed Godwit at Tain links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Arctic Skua off Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 100+ Redshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Skua, three Storm Petrels, 40 Puffins and 120 Manx Shearwaters seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Neil Bennett). Two dark morph Arctic Skua seen near Trotternish (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Purple Sandpiper at Tarbat Ness - an early "autumn" record - with a Lesser Rorqual whale seen also. Three Black-tailed Godwit at Tain links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Arctic Skua off Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 100+ Redshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Skua, three Storm Petrels, 40 Puffins and 120 Manx Shearwaters seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Neil Bennett). Two dark morph Arctic Skua seen near Trotternish (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Thursday 8th July
Inverness: juvenile Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, 17 Eiders and 49+ Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Lochaber: an estimated 6,000 Manx Shearwaters off Ardnamurchan Point (Sandy McNeil)
Sutherland: 20 Manx Shearwater, three Little Terns off Brora amongst continued large seabird and cetacean feeding event, while 17 Common Sandpipers were at The Mound, Canmore (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: juvenile Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, 17 Eiders and 49+ Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Lochaber: an estimated 6,000 Manx Shearwaters off Ardnamurchan Point (Sandy McNeil)
Sutherland: 20 Manx Shearwater, three Little Terns off Brora amongst continued large seabird and cetacean feeding event, while 17 Common Sandpipers were at The Mound, Canmore (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 7th July
Sutherland: 14 Manx Shearwater off Brora amongst a large seabird feeding event, with two Lesser Rorqual whales seen breaching also (Dean MacAskill). Four Arctic Skuas, c40 Manx Shearwaters and over 300 Puffins off Strathy point (Alan and Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett). Single Arctic Skua over the A9 at Navidale (Kevin McCormick)
Sutherland: 14 Manx Shearwater off Brora amongst a large seabird feeding event, with two Lesser Rorqual whales seen breaching also (Dean MacAskill). Four Arctic Skuas, c40 Manx Shearwaters and over 300 Puffins off Strathy point (Alan and Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett). Single Arctic Skua over the A9 at Navidale (Kevin McCormick)
Tuesday 6th July
Easter Ross: single Knot plus two juvenile Sandwich Terns with four adults off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of seabirds noted. (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 44 Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: single Knot plus two juvenile Sandwich Terns with four adults off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of seabirds noted. (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 44 Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Monday 5th July
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness, offshore were seven Puffins, two Sandwich Terns and two Red-throated Divers (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: two Puffins, two Black Guillemot at Helmsdale (Kevin McCormick)
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness, offshore were seven Puffins, two Sandwich Terns and two Red-throated Divers (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: two Puffins, two Black Guillemot at Helmsdale (Kevin McCormick)
Sunday 4th July
Easter Ross: c500 Canada Geese at the north end of Alness Bay (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Garafad, Staffin (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 51 Dunlin, 30 Twite and single Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Helmsdale were four Arctic Skua, six Great Skua and a single Manx Shearwater (Kevin McCormick)
Easter Ross: c500 Canada Geese at the north end of Alness Bay (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Garafad, Staffin (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 51 Dunlin, 30 Twite and single Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Helmsdale were four Arctic Skua, six Great Skua and a single Manx Shearwater (Kevin McCormick)
Saturday 3rd July
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua and 14 Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Dave also sent a late report for a Rosy Starling in a Portmahomack garden on this day
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Staffin Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Thirteen Common Sandpipers, The Mound, five Great Skua and 37 Manx Shearwaters, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua and 14 Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Dave also sent a late report for a Rosy Starling in a Portmahomack garden on this day
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Staffin Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Thirteen Common Sandpipers, The Mound, five Great Skua and 37 Manx Shearwaters, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Friday 2nd July
Easter Ross: 29 Manx Shearwaters and single Arctic Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 280 Eider in moulting flock at Loch Ainort (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 29 Manx Shearwaters and single Arctic Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 280 Eider in moulting flock at Loch Ainort (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 1st July
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit over Ardnish, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 200 Curlews at The Mound, 170 Red-breasted Merganser, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit over Ardnish, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 200 Curlews at The Mound, 170 Red-breasted Merganser, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 30th June
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Garafad, Staffin, this morning (Kate Farn) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Garafad, Staffin, this morning (Kate Farn) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 29th June
Sutherland: Two Little Terns, two Arctic Skua, four Great Northern Divers and single Whimbrel, Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Sutherland: Two Little Terns, two Arctic Skua, four Great Northern Divers and single Whimbrel, Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 28th June
Easter Ross: One Great Skua and single Manx Shearwater, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Easter Ross: One Great Skua and single Manx Shearwater, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sunday 27th June
Inverness: Six Bar-tailed Godwit, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Tufted Ducks (probable early migrants) in Breakish Obbe (NH). Arctic Skua, Neist Point (AS) per skye-birds.com
Inverness: Six Bar-tailed Godwit, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Tufted Ducks (probable early migrants) in Breakish Obbe (NH). Arctic Skua, Neist Point (AS) per skye-birds.com
Saturday 26th June
Easter Ross: 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 4 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Martin Benson per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: 800 Common Scoters Embo (Jont per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Friday 25th June
Easter Ross: 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: immature White-billed Diver, 350 Common Scoters, 120 Manx Shearwaters Embo (Dean McAskill), Storm Petrel feeding off Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: immature White-billed Diver, 350 Common Scoters, 120 Manx Shearwaters Embo (Dean McAskill), Storm Petrel feeding off Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 24th June
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers and an injured Bonxie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Rory Stewart).
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers and an injured Bonxie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Rory Stewart).
Wednesday 23rd June
Easter Ross: 1500 Common Scoters distantly at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). pair of Whooper Swans Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing, brown Common Rosefinch Kilmarie, Strathaird (NH per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch (Hugh Addlesee).
Tuesday 22nd June
Easter Ross: Magpie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch heard at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Skye (Seth Gibson) per skye-birds.com, Glaucous Gull Glenelg (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Magpie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch heard at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Skye (Seth Gibson) per skye-birds.com, Glaucous Gull Glenelg (per BirdGuides).
Monday 21st June
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, uphill of Snow Leopards (Duncan Macdonald), singing Lesser Whitethroat Dalnahaitnach (Mike Crutch, Craig Johnstone), White Wagtail Cairngorm Ski Centre (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Simeon Ewing).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Quail Kilmuir, Trotternish (SP).
Sutherland: the Rosy Starling taken into care from Ardgay on 12 June was released after recuperation at Brora (per Peter Stronach), first-summer Glaucous Gull Sangobeg (per BirdGuides).
Of Interest: recent confirmed breeding of Whooper Swan in NW of region. Please report all summering birds.
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, uphill of Snow Leopards (Duncan Macdonald), singing Lesser Whitethroat Dalnahaitnach (Mike Crutch, Craig Johnstone), White Wagtail Cairngorm Ski Centre (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Simeon Ewing).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Quail Kilmuir, Trotternish (SP).
Sutherland: the Rosy Starling taken into care from Ardgay on 12 June was released after recuperation at Brora (per Peter Stronach), first-summer Glaucous Gull Sangobeg (per BirdGuides).
Of Interest: recent confirmed breeding of Whooper Swan in NW of region. Please report all summering birds.
Sunday 20th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: 76 Curlews Dorback (Pete Gordon) - such a large inland flock probably contains first-summer (non-breeding) birds as well as failed breeders.
Inverness: Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Sanderlings & 3 Knots Whiteness (Colin Leslie) - the Godwit and one of the Knots had leg injuries but mid-summering Arctic waders are usually non-breeding first-summer birds.
Lochaber: Rosy Starling in private garden Fort William (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Wood Warbler Ord, Sleat (EP per skye-birds.com)
Saturday 19th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: seven Puffin and 485 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: seven Puffin and 485 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Friday 18th June
Easter Ross: 57 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet still present in the Crown area of the city (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 57 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet still present in the Crown area of the city (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 17th June
Easter Ross: c1,000 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 16th June
Easter Ross: 36 Manx Shearwater, six Puffin off Tarbat Ness, with two Turnstones in sumplum also present (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in Plockton, near the railway station (Ewan Pritchard via Bob McMillan). Seven Storm Petrels off Arisaig, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 36 Manx Shearwater, six Puffin off Tarbat Ness, with two Turnstones in sumplum also present (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in Plockton, near the railway station (Ewan Pritchard via Bob McMillan). Seven Storm Petrels off Arisaig, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 15th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: two dark morph Arctic Skuas at Fortrose (Mary Galloway)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch singing in Drumfearn (Phil Knott via Bob McMillan). Quail calling near the glass recycling point in Ose (per BirdGuides). Rosy Starling visiting a garden in Plockton (M Bliss) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: two dark morph Arctic Skuas at Fortrose (Mary Galloway)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch singing in Drumfearn (Phil Knott via Bob McMillan). Quail calling near the glass recycling point in Ose (per BirdGuides). Rosy Starling visiting a garden in Plockton (M Bliss) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 14th June
Inverness: report of a Ring-necked Parakeet visiting a garden in city since 3rd June (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Canada Geese on Loch Long ('JN') - per skye-birds.com
Inverness: report of a Ring-necked Parakeet visiting a garden in city since 3rd June (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Canada Geese on Loch Long ('JN') - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 13th June
Easter Ross: two Manx Shearwaters, singles of Puffin and Turnstone, twelve Common Scoters from Chanonry Point, while near the brewery/motorcycle building at Davidson by Cromarty were two Grey Partridge and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (Kevin Davis)
Easter Ross: two Manx Shearwaters, singles of Puffin and Turnstone, twelve Common Scoters from Chanonry Point, while near the brewery/motorcycle building at Davidson by Cromarty were two Grey Partridge and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (Kevin Davis)
Saturday 12th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: Six Manx Shearwaters from Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also six Manx Shearwaters and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Rosy Starlings on Canna (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Hobby, near Melvich (Dean MacAskill) Rosy Starling, Ardgay (per BirdGuides), note - this bird has been taken into care.
Wester Ross: Long-tailed Skua, flew north off Melvaig (Iain Robson via eBird)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: Six Manx Shearwaters from Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also six Manx Shearwaters and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Rosy Starlings on Canna (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Hobby, near Melvich (Dean MacAskill) Rosy Starling, Ardgay (per BirdGuides), note - this bird has been taken into care.
Wester Ross: Long-tailed Skua, flew north off Melvaig (Iain Robson via eBird)
Friday 11th June
Easter Ross: 20-30 Manx Shearwater from Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, still at RSPB Corrimony, approx NH 360 272 (Carol Miller)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Roag, Dunvegan (AK) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 20-30 Manx Shearwater from Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, still at RSPB Corrimony, approx NH 360 272 (Carol Miller)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Roag, Dunvegan (AK) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 10th June
Easter Ross: Two Manx Shearwaters, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (Ben Cormack per Bob McMillan). Eight Storm Petrels behind trawlers on the Oberon Bank off Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, still in Elgol (E. Mackay per Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Two Manx Shearwaters, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (Ben Cormack per Bob McMillan). Eight Storm Petrels behind trawlers on the Oberon Bank off Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, still in Elgol (E. Mackay per Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 9th June
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, Corrimony (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Five Grey Plover, 56 Sanderling, 34 ringed plover and 12 Dunlin at Dornoch Point also leucistic Herring Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hobby, Kirkton, Loch Fleet (Peter Stronach)
Wester Ross: European Bee-eater, Big Sand, Gairloch (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, Corrimony (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Five Grey Plover, 56 Sanderling, 34 ringed plover and 12 Dunlin at Dornoch Point also leucistic Herring Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hobby, Kirkton, Loch Fleet (Peter Stronach)
Wester Ross: European Bee-eater, Big Sand, Gairloch (per BirdGuides)
Tuesday 8th June
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Elgol (Emma MacKay per Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling "present all weekend" Rheanbreck, Lairg (per John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Rosy Starling, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Elgol (Emma MacKay per Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling "present all weekend" Rheanbreck, Lairg (per John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Rosy Starling, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Monday 7th June
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack also Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Black-headed Bunting, undisclosed location on the peninsula, Ardnamurchan (Per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Canna (Bob Swann)
Wester Ross: Pink-footed Goose with 33 Greylags, Opinan area (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack also Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Black-headed Bunting, undisclosed location on the peninsula, Ardnamurchan (Per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Canna (Bob Swann)
Wester Ross: Pink-footed Goose with 33 Greylags, Opinan area (Mike Crutch)
Sunday 6th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Invertromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoter and 35 Sanderling, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Plover (summer plumaged) and 75 Sanderling, Dornoch Point also Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Two Iceland Gulls, Durness (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Invertromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoter and 35 Sanderling, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Plover (summer plumaged) and 75 Sanderling, Dornoch Point also Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Two Iceland Gulls, Durness (per BirdGuides)
aturday 5th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red-backed Shrike, Craigellachie NNR (per BirdGuides) also possibly same bird at Drumguish (Ron Cooke per Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: female Red-backed Shrike Portmahomack Community Woodland (Dave Tanner), 29 Pink-footed Geese SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sutherland: Five Whimbrel , two Whooper Swans, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Iceland Gulls and a Great Northern Diver, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Hobby, Laide (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red-backed Shrike, Craigellachie NNR (per BirdGuides) also possibly same bird at Drumguish (Ron Cooke per Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: female Red-backed Shrike Portmahomack Community Woodland (Dave Tanner), 29 Pink-footed Geese SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sutherland: Five Whimbrel , two Whooper Swans, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Iceland Gulls and a Great Northern Diver, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Hobby, Laide (per BirdGuides)
Friday 4th June
Easter Ross: drake Garganey Nigg Bay (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Crane over south end of Loch Broom (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: drake Garganey Nigg Bay (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Crane over south end of Loch Broom (per BirdTrack).
Thursday 3rd June
Easter Ross: 118 Canada Geese Alness Point Lagoon (Dave Tanner) and 58 at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Little Egret between Bunchrew and Clachnaharry (Phil Clark).
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher Arienas SWT Reserve, Morvern (per Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: 118 Canada Geese Alness Point Lagoon (Dave Tanner) and 58 at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Little Egret between Bunchrew and Clachnaharry (Phil Clark).
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher Arienas SWT Reserve, Morvern (per Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 2nd June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Canada Goose 13N Gaick (Dave Pierce) - start of moult migration?
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Guinard Bay for second day (per Recorder)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Canada Goose 13N Gaick (Dave Pierce) - start of moult migration?
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Guinard Bay for second day (per Recorder)
Tuesday 1st June
Easter Ross: adult Long-tailed Skua SE past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret Beauly Firth (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: adult Long-tailed Skua SE past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret Beauly Firth (per BirdTrack).
Monday 31st May
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher in Arienas Wood was first there in ten years (Steve Hardy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Galtrigill (Susanna Robson).
Sunday 30th May
Easter Ross: Quail calling Cartomie near Edderton (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochash: Great White Egret on shore S of Duntuilm Castle (Ann Crowther), pair of Water Rails Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), male Yellowhammer Ashaig, Broadford (NH).
Sutherland: Bee-eater heard in dunes Faraid Head (Peter Stronach), later feeding over Smoo Cave (Jacob Davies), Waxwing Durness (per North Sutherland Facebook Group), juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2+ Minke Whales Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), Reed Warbler Strathy Village (Ian Robson, Janet Fairclough).
Saturday 29th May
Easter Ross: Three Gadwall, six Puffin and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Hobby, Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Reed Warbler, Balnakeil Craft Village (in garden of 17A) also "islandica" type Redpoll at Smoo Cave (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: Three Gadwall, six Puffin and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Hobby, Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Reed Warbler, Balnakeil Craft Village (in garden of 17A) also "islandica" type Redpoll at Smoo Cave (Peter Stronach)
Friday 28th May
Easter Ross: Five Great Skua, two Puffin, singles of Manx Shearwater and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Black Kite, Clachnaharry (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH). Single Whooper Swan, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: No sign of Turtle Dove at Culkein today.
Easter Ross: Five Great Skua, two Puffin, singles of Manx Shearwater and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Black Kite, Clachnaharry (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH). Single Whooper Swan, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: No sign of Turtle Dove at Culkein today.
Thursday 27th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Storm Petrel, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene) 142 Goosander off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove, Culkein (NN033332 do not enter house garden)
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Storm Petrel, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene) 142 Goosander off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove, Culkein (NN033332 do not enter house garden)
Wednesday 26th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Mary Galloway). Single Whimbrel, four Sanderling, Great and Arctic Skua and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Unconfirmed report of a Black Kite at Torness
Skye & Lochalsh: Garden Warbler at Armadale, Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Single Little Stint, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Note: Further widespread reports of Swifts throughout the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and Sutherland areas.
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Mary Galloway). Single Whimbrel, four Sanderling, Great and Arctic Skua and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Unconfirmed report of a Black Kite at Torness
Skye & Lochalsh: Garden Warbler at Armadale, Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Single Little Stint, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Note: Further widespread reports of Swifts throughout the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and Sutherland areas.
Tuesday 25th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, Munlochy Bay (Holly). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 10 Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Common Scoter, Sound of Raasay (NB) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Great Egret, Munlochy Bay (Holly). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 10 Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Common Scoter, Sound of Raasay (NB) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 24th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch in a private garden, Aviemore (PN)
Easter Ross: single Great Skua, nine Common Scoter and 15 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper in flooded field, Easter Dalziel (Jon Clarke)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Kilmory, Rum (SM) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail and Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB,RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch in a private garden, Aviemore (PN)
Easter Ross: single Great Skua, nine Common Scoter and 15 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper in flooded field, Easter Dalziel (Jon Clarke)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Kilmory, Rum (SM) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail and Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB,RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 23rd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat, Lynachlaggan Trail, Insh Marshes (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and single Great and Arctic Skuas, Tarbat Ness (Al McNee)
Lochaber: Garden Warbler, Strontian (Jack Bucknall)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Note- A few reports of Swifts from throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat, Lynachlaggan Trail, Insh Marshes (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and single Great and Arctic Skuas, Tarbat Ness (Al McNee)
Lochaber: Garden Warbler, Strontian (Jack Bucknall)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Note- A few reports of Swifts from throughout the area today.
Saturday 22nd May
Easter Ross: single Dunlin at Tarbat Ness, Lesser Redpoll also present - uncommon for the location (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Garden Warbler at Whiteness (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: single Dunlin at Tarbat Ness, Lesser Redpoll also present - uncommon for the location (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Garden Warbler at Whiteness (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Friday 21st May
Easter Ross: seven Manx Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of other seabirds species including over 225 Fulmars (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: calling Long-eared Owls in the Easter Dalziel area (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH'). Single Whimbrel at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) plus six others at Uiginish, Dunvegan ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Great Skua, single Arctic Skua, three Manx Shearwaters off Embo, two Twite present also (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: seven Manx Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of other seabirds species including over 225 Fulmars (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: calling Long-eared Owls in the Easter Dalziel area (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH'). Single Whimbrel at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) plus six others at Uiginish, Dunvegan ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Great Skua, single Arctic Skua, three Manx Shearwaters off Embo, two Twite present also (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 20th May
Easter Ross: drake King Eider past Chanonry Point (second-ever site record) with five Common Eider, eastbound at 0530hrs (Kevin Davis). c50 Knot and four Sanderling at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Six Swifts over Loch Meig, Strathconon (Jack Harrison)
Inverness: Long-eared Owl and Water Rail at Moy (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: drake King Eider past Chanonry Point (second-ever site record) with five Common Eider, eastbound at 0530hrs (Kevin Davis). c50 Knot and four Sanderling at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Six Swifts over Loch Meig, Strathconon (Jack Harrison)
Inverness: Long-eared Owl and Water Rail at Moy (Blair Whyte)
Wednesday 19th May
Easter Ross: c500 Kittiwakes, 1,000-plus Guillemots, c150 Razorbills, 55 Gannets, four Great Northern Divers (all sumplum), single Puffin and three Great Skuas off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 20 Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy, seen at Tain links were two Swifts and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while at Dingwall's ferry point were five Tree Sparrows, three Stock Doves, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Swifts (Dean MacAskill). Two Swifts and a Short-eared Owl (at height, being mobbed by Jackdaws) over Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: two Grasshopper Warblers at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove still at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Easter Ross: c500 Kittiwakes, 1,000-plus Guillemots, c150 Razorbills, 55 Gannets, four Great Northern Divers (all sumplum), single Puffin and three Great Skuas off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 20 Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy, seen at Tain links were two Swifts and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while at Dingwall's ferry point were five Tree Sparrows, three Stock Doves, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Swifts (Dean MacAskill). Two Swifts and a Short-eared Owl (at height, being mobbed by Jackdaws) over Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: two Grasshopper Warblers at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove still at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Tuesday 18th May
Easter Ross: 35 Knot in full breeding plumage at Tarbat Ness, with eleven Black Guillemot, single Puffin and two Great Northern Divers also of note (Dave Tanner). Spotted Flycatcher and three Swifts at Munlochy (Bob Wilson). Single Sanderling plus Arctic Skua (dark phase) past Chanonry Point, while two Spotted Flycatchers were present in Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Water Rails and single Whitethroat at Merkinch, with six Swifts in the city centre (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Knock Bay, Sleat (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: female King Eider at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley)
Easter Ross: 35 Knot in full breeding plumage at Tarbat Ness, with eleven Black Guillemot, single Puffin and two Great Northern Divers also of note (Dave Tanner). Spotted Flycatcher and three Swifts at Munlochy (Bob Wilson). Single Sanderling plus Arctic Skua (dark phase) past Chanonry Point, while two Spotted Flycatchers were present in Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Water Rails and single Whitethroat at Merkinch, with six Swifts in the city centre (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Knock Bay, Sleat (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: female King Eider at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley)
Monday 17th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Scaup at Lochindorb (Chris Rose)
Easter Ross: three Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - one intermedius ssp. (Dave Tanner). Tree Pipit near Tollie Red Kite centre (Chris Godley). Six Blackcap at Redcastle (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). 68 Pink-footed Geese and three Sedge Warblers at Nigg, while at Arabella two Grey Partridge were noted (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: two Spotted Flycatchers in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Great Northern Divers off Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Bob also has passed on an unconfirmed report of a Black Kite from the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry operators
Sutherland: Serin at Talmine (Tim Drew via RBA - a first for Highland when confirmed, with photo submitted). At Brora river mouth were two 2CY Little Gulls and eight Little Terns, at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet were two Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider and female King Eider, while Embo had a single Great Northern Diver and 23 Little Terns (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Scaup at Lochindorb (Chris Rose)
Easter Ross: three Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - one intermedius ssp. (Dave Tanner). Tree Pipit near Tollie Red Kite centre (Chris Godley). Six Blackcap at Redcastle (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). 68 Pink-footed Geese and three Sedge Warblers at Nigg, while at Arabella two Grey Partridge were noted (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: two Spotted Flycatchers in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Great Northern Divers off Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Bob also has passed on an unconfirmed report of a Black Kite from the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry operators
Sutherland: Serin at Talmine (Tim Drew via RBA - a first for Highland when confirmed, with photo submitted). At Brora river mouth were two 2CY Little Gulls and eight Little Terns, at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet were two Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider and female King Eider, while Embo had a single Great Northern Diver and 23 Little Terns (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 16th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Common Tern and two Spotted Flycatchers near the old Spey bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes). Little Ringed Plover at Loch Insh (John Lyall via Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: eleven Great Northern Divers, ten Pink-footed Geese, single Puffin and two Black Guillemot past/over/off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). Sedge Warbler at Nigg Bay (David Tattersley)
Sutherland: unconfirmed 'Blue-headed' Yellow Wagtail (m.f. flava ssp.) reported in the Durness area (via RBA). Turtle Dove at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Common Tern and two Spotted Flycatchers near the old Spey bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes). Little Ringed Plover at Loch Insh (John Lyall via Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: eleven Great Northern Divers, ten Pink-footed Geese, single Puffin and two Black Guillemot past/over/off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). Sedge Warbler at Nigg Bay (David Tattersley)
Sutherland: unconfirmed 'Blue-headed' Yellow Wagtail (m.f. flava ssp.) reported in the Durness area (via RBA). Turtle Dove at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Saturday 15th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Shovelers Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Water Rail at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Manx Shearwater & 2 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), drake Mandarin Duck on Blackwater, Contin flew downstream (Keith Barnes), Bonxie Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Grasshopper Warbler Nigg Bay RSPB Car Park (Dave Barnett).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Sandpiper Skye (no location given) (BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Scourie (Kirsten Ogden), 10 Whimbrels Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley), 2 Water Rails, 23 Whimbrels, 3 Shovelers, 10 Gadwalls Balnakeil (Bob Wilson)
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Shovelers Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Water Rail at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Manx Shearwater & 2 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), drake Mandarin Duck on Blackwater, Contin flew downstream (Keith Barnes), Bonxie Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Grasshopper Warbler Nigg Bay RSPB Car Park (Dave Barnett).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Sandpiper Skye (no location given) (BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Scourie (Kirsten Ogden), 10 Whimbrels Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley), 2 Water Rails, 23 Whimbrels, 3 Shovelers, 10 Gadwalls Balnakeil (Bob Wilson)
Friday 14th May
Sutherland: female King Eider Ferry Links on N side of Loch Fleet entrance (Dean MacAskill), 650 Ringed Plovers, 350 Dunlins, 120 Sanderlings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), male Garganey, 3 male Shovelers, 9 male Gadwalls, 4 Whooper Swans, 21 Whimbrels Balnakeil (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: female King Eider Ferry Links on N side of Loch Fleet entrance (Dean MacAskill), 650 Ringed Plovers, 350 Dunlins, 120 Sanderlings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), male Garganey, 3 male Shovelers, 9 male Gadwalls, 4 Whooper Swans, 21 Whimbrels Balnakeil (Bob Wilson).
Thursday 13th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kincardine Cottage (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Spoonbill east over Tarbat Ness (Tay), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit Cononbridge/Maryburgh (Bob Wilson), Bonxie & 17 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), pale-bellied Brent Goose with 310 Pink-footed Geese Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte), Whooper Swan Munlochy (David Tattersley).
Lochaber: Brambling Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Garden Warbler Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Sutherland: pale-bellied Brent Goose & 350 Ringed Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 12th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, Skye of Curr (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 6 Barnacle Geese with 150 Pink-footed Geese, Grey Plover with 250 Ringed Plovers and a few Dunlins, Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: late female Brambling Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), 2 Spotted Flycatchers Glen Shian road, Lochailort (per BirdGuides), Arctic Skua Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer), 17 Great Northern Divers mouth of Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Hawfinch Ord, Sleat (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 2CY Little Gull, 2 Bonxies, 2 Arctic Skuas Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 11th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, near Skye of Curr (Pete Gordon), Spotted Flycatcher N end of Aviemore (Kate Mennie), 2 Pied Flycatchers and up to 4 singing Wood Warblers Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes, Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Garden Warbler Moy Island, Maryburgh (Keith Barnes), 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats Munlochy-Quarryford (Bob Wilson), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Swift Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 32 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Spotted Flycatcher Achnaha Community Woodland, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Whitethroats Duirinish Church, Dunvegan (SG).
Sutherland: 1200 Dunlins Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, near Skye of Curr (Pete Gordon), Spotted Flycatcher N end of Aviemore (Kate Mennie), 2 Pied Flycatchers and up to 4 singing Wood Warblers Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes, Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Garden Warbler Moy Island, Maryburgh (Keith Barnes), 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats Munlochy-Quarryford (Bob Wilson), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Swift Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 32 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Spotted Flycatcher Achnaha Community Woodland, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Whitethroats Duirinish Church, Dunvegan (SG).
Sutherland: 1200 Dunlins Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 10th May
Badenoch and Strathspey: Hoopoe Nethybridge, videod but not seen after initial sighting (per BirdGuides), 2 Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher Craigellachie NNR (Pete Gordon, Kate Mennie), several House Martins Nethybridge (Blair Johnstone), 3 Whinchats Tulloch Moor (Simon Eaves), Green Woodpecker Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Swifts Fortrose (Alister Clunas), Swifts Cannich (Fiona Driver), Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Redstarts Learnie Red Rocks Car Park (Kevin Davis) 2nd CY Iceland Gull Glenurquhart Farm (Kevin Davis), 3 Whitethroats, 3 Grasshopper Warblers Rosemarkie Beach walk to cave (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Cuckoo Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick).
Lochaber: 6 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Spotted Flycatcher Avernish (D Mason), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB) and 2 Canada Geese Invershiel (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 250 Ringed Plovers, 120 Dunlins, 2 Whimbrels, 3 White Wagtails, pale-bellied Brent Goose Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Hoopoe Nethybridge, videod but not seen after initial sighting (per BirdGuides), 2 Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher Craigellachie NNR (Pete Gordon, Kate Mennie), several House Martins Nethybridge (Blair Johnstone), 3 Whinchats Tulloch Moor (Simon Eaves), Green Woodpecker Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Swifts Fortrose (Alister Clunas), Swifts Cannich (Fiona Driver), Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Redstarts Learnie Red Rocks Car Park (Kevin Davis) 2nd CY Iceland Gull Glenurquhart Farm (Kevin Davis), 3 Whitethroats, 3 Grasshopper Warblers Rosemarkie Beach walk to cave (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Cuckoo Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick).
Lochaber: 6 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Spotted Flycatcher Avernish (D Mason), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB) and 2 Canada Geese Invershiel (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 250 Ringed Plovers, 120 Dunlins, 2 Whimbrels, 3 White Wagtails, pale-bellied Brent Goose Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 9th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Swifts Newtonmore (LizMcGill), Cuckoo Achnahannet (Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Wood Warbler Achilty Oakwood (Al McNee), 2000 Common Scoters, 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Bonxie Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 5100 Kittiwakes Tarbat Ness (per BirdTrack), 13 Velvet Scoters Balintore Harbour/Shandwick Bay (per BirdTrack), 3 Wood Warblers Loch Achonachie, Contin (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: Water Rail, 4 Sedge Warblers Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Canada Geese across Minch Lower Milovaig (AS), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB).
Saturday 8th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch, Inshriach (John Picton). Whinchats at Ruthven Barracks and Drumguish also Swift, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Arctic Terns on the breakwater on Muck (RD) single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (NB) two Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) & a single at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch, Inshriach (John Picton). Whinchats at Ruthven Barracks and Drumguish also Swift, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Arctic Terns on the breakwater on Muck (RD) single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (NB) two Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) & a single at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Friday 7th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whinchat, River Spey near Laggan (Jon Clarke). Drake Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in recently sown field at Glenurquhart farm between Cromarty & Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two Arctic Terns, Lochailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides). Five Whimbrel, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whinchat, River Spey near Laggan (Jon Clarke). Drake Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in recently sown field at Glenurquhart farm between Cromarty & Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two Arctic Terns, Lochailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides). Five Whimbrel, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 6th May
Easter Ross: 2nd cy Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). One Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, two Whimbrel and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Water Rail, Elgol (DW) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2nd cy Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). One Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, two Whimbrel and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Water Rail, Elgol (DW) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 5th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Fieldfares and a Redwing, Lettoch (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua singles of Black and Red-throated Divers, three Great Northern Divers and a single Arctic Tern, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Fieldfares and a Redwing, Lettoch (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua singles of Black and Red-throated Divers, three Great Northern Divers and a single Arctic Tern, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Tuesday 4th May
Easter Ross: 10 Purple Sandpiper, two Velvet Scoter, one Great Skua, three Arctic Skua and five Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Hawfinch, Kyleakin (A&EH) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Wood sandpiper at Coul links also two Great Northern Divers and six Black-throated Divers. Four Little Tern, eight Arctic Tern, 14 Purple Sandpiper and five Great Skua, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 10 Purple Sandpiper, two Velvet Scoter, one Great Skua, three Arctic Skua and five Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Hawfinch, Kyleakin (A&EH) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Wood sandpiper at Coul links also two Great Northern Divers and six Black-throated Divers. Four Little Tern, eight Arctic Tern, 14 Purple Sandpiper and five Great Skua, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Monday 3rd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Seven Common Sandpipers, Lochindorb (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Golden Plover, three Whimbrel, Purple Sandpiper, one Iceland Gull, four Great Skua and six Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness area also c1500 Long-tailed Duck, two Greater Scaup and c2000 Common Scoter at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Stock Doves Kirkmichael Kirk, Wood Warblers singing Strathconon and one Greenland White-front and one Barnacle Goose, Udale Bay (all Mark Finn). Stock Dove, Arabella (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Black Redstart seen briefly in garden near dental surgery in Portree (J Jones). Hawfinch and Nuthatch, Kyleakin (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Seven Common Sandpipers, Lochindorb (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Golden Plover, three Whimbrel, Purple Sandpiper, one Iceland Gull, four Great Skua and six Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness area also c1500 Long-tailed Duck, two Greater Scaup and c2000 Common Scoter at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Stock Doves Kirkmichael Kirk, Wood Warblers singing Strathconon and one Greenland White-front and one Barnacle Goose, Udale Bay (all Mark Finn). Stock Dove, Arabella (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Black Redstart seen briefly in garden near dental surgery in Portree (J Jones). Hawfinch and Nuthatch, Kyleakin (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Sunday 2nd May
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, one Purple Sandpiper and six White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Eight Great Northern Divers in summer plumage, 23 Black Guillemot, 107 Long-tailed Duck, 56 Common Scoter and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Kinellan (Keith Barnes). Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull, Beauly (Doug Mainland)
Inverness: Singing Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Whimbrel at Loch Portree (NB), five at Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W) at Neist Point (AS) five Arctic Skuas north at Neist Point and four Arctic Terns (AS) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Whooper Swans, two Water Rails, 184 Pinkfooted Geese, 28 Wheatear, one Sedge Warbler, five Redwing and nine Whimbrel, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, one Purple Sandpiper and six White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Eight Great Northern Divers in summer plumage, 23 Black Guillemot, 107 Long-tailed Duck, 56 Common Scoter and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Kinellan (Keith Barnes). Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull, Beauly (Doug Mainland)
Inverness: Singing Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Whimbrel at Loch Portree (NB), five at Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W) at Neist Point (AS) five Arctic Skuas north at Neist Point and four Arctic Terns (AS) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Whooper Swans, two Water Rails, 184 Pinkfooted Geese, 28 Wheatear, one Sedge Warbler, five Redwing and nine Whimbrel, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 1st May
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were two Arctic Skuas (one intemediate/one dark morph) plus two Great Skuas (Dave Tanner). Four Common Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, eight Scaup at Chanonry Point (Tim Stowe). Whitethroat, two Wheatears and at least six Blackcaps around Balloan farm, Avoch (Mary Galloway). C100 Fieldfare at Geanies by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Sedge Warbler and 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Loch Kinellan (Susan and Hugh Seright)
Skye & Lochalsh: c180 Pink-footed Geese over Drumfearn (Phil Knott) with 100 over Scullamus, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Purple Sandpiper at Loch Dunvegan (J D Jones). Common Crane at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider, immature Little Gull and three Little Terns (amongst other tern species) off Coul Links with Whimbrels in evidence also. Over The Mound were c450 Pink-footed Geese and c150 Golden Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were two Arctic Skuas (one intemediate/one dark morph) plus two Great Skuas (Dave Tanner). Four Common Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, eight Scaup at Chanonry Point (Tim Stowe). Whitethroat, two Wheatears and at least six Blackcaps around Balloan farm, Avoch (Mary Galloway). C100 Fieldfare at Geanies by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Sedge Warbler and 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Loch Kinellan (Susan and Hugh Seright)
Skye & Lochalsh: c180 Pink-footed Geese over Drumfearn (Phil Knott) with 100 over Scullamus, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Purple Sandpiper at Loch Dunvegan (J D Jones). Common Crane at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider, immature Little Gull and three Little Terns (amongst other tern species) off Coul Links with Whimbrels in evidence also. Over The Mound were c450 Pink-footed Geese and c150 Golden Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 30th April
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were three Great Skuas and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner). Three Arctic Terns, three Whimbrels, single Common Sandpiper and four Common Scoter at Chanonry Point (0540-0740hrs), while nearby along Rosemarkie beach were two Grasshopper Warblers (Kevin Davis). Five singing Blackcaps and two Jays at Stoneyfield lochs, with similar species in evidence at Kildary lochs plus a singing Redstart and 40 House Martins, 20 Whooper Swans at Arabella, two Grey Patridges and two Stock Doves at Talich wood, and Great Skua plus three White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith). Off/around Portmahomack this afternoon were c1,500 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Common Scoter, two drake Scaup, six Whimbrels, 25 Sand Martins, ten Swallows, eight House Martins, two White Wagtails and four Wheatears (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, 2m/1f Blackcap and four Wheatears at Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Four Arctic Skua (and similar number of Bonxies) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Single Whooper Swans at Loch Mor, Waterstein (Andy Stables) and Loch Sgamhain, Achnashelloch (Bob McMillan). Five Little Gulls on Glas Eilean by Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 16 Whimbrel , three Wheatear ssp. leuchorhoa, eight White Wagtail and 140 'tundra' Ringed Plover at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Cuckoo at Helmsdale ('Jock'). Ring Ouzels back on territory in Glen Mor, Alladale to Glen Glass areas (Jonathan Willet)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were three Great Skuas and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner). Three Arctic Terns, three Whimbrels, single Common Sandpiper and four Common Scoter at Chanonry Point (0540-0740hrs), while nearby along Rosemarkie beach were two Grasshopper Warblers (Kevin Davis). Five singing Blackcaps and two Jays at Stoneyfield lochs, with similar species in evidence at Kildary lochs plus a singing Redstart and 40 House Martins, 20 Whooper Swans at Arabella, two Grey Patridges and two Stock Doves at Talich wood, and Great Skua plus three White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith). Off/around Portmahomack this afternoon were c1,500 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Common Scoter, two drake Scaup, six Whimbrels, 25 Sand Martins, ten Swallows, eight House Martins, two White Wagtails and four Wheatears (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, 2m/1f Blackcap and four Wheatears at Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Four Arctic Skua (and similar number of Bonxies) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Single Whooper Swans at Loch Mor, Waterstein (Andy Stables) and Loch Sgamhain, Achnashelloch (Bob McMillan). Five Little Gulls on Glas Eilean by Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 16 Whimbrel , three Wheatear ssp. leuchorhoa, eight White Wagtail and 140 'tundra' Ringed Plover at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Cuckoo at Helmsdale ('Jock'). Ring Ouzels back on territory in Glen Mor, Alladale to Glen Glass areas (Jonathan Willet)
Thursday 29th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swift over Grantown-on-Spey (Andrea Goddard)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were 89 Common Scoter, 32 Long-tailed Duck, singles of Whimbrel and Great Northern Diver plus seven Black Guillemot (Dave Tanner). Single drake Pintail past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Tain river mouth, one ssp. intermedius (Dave Tanner). Richardson's Cackling Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Nigg hide, with Grasshopper Warbler in car park also (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Sedge Warbler and three Wheatears (two of which were ssp. leuchorhoa) at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and c10 Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swift over Grantown-on-Spey (Andrea Goddard)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were 89 Common Scoter, 32 Long-tailed Duck, singles of Whimbrel and Great Northern Diver plus seven Black Guillemot (Dave Tanner). Single drake Pintail past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Tain river mouth, one ssp. intermedius (Dave Tanner). Richardson's Cackling Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Nigg hide, with Grasshopper Warbler in car park also (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Sedge Warbler and three Wheatears (two of which were ssp. leuchorhoa) at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and c10 Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 28th April
Easter Ross: 2CY Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness, with 2CY Iceland Gull at the nearby Wilkaven farm (Dave Tanner) while later in the day saw Sedge Warbler and two Grey Partridge (Dean MacAskill). Grasshopper Warbler at Rosemarkie beach (Mary Galloway). Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), with similar at Cadboll Point along with Sedge Warbler, plus eight Whimbrel at Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). Three Barnacle Geese at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Three Whimbrel, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls (including one ssp. intermedius) and single Great Skua at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan at Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Seven White Wagtails and five Wheatears at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Putative Kumlien's Gull on Eigg at Laing Bay (John Chester). Following yesterday's sighting at Broadford river mouth by Neil Bennett, one of the geese is confirmed as a Black Brant, now on Glas Eilean in the bay (Bob McMillan). 17 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford ('A&EH') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Little Gulls (twelve in sumplum, the rest 2CY birds) off Brora beach, with three Pintail pairs of Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 2CY Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness, with 2CY Iceland Gull at the nearby Wilkaven farm (Dave Tanner) while later in the day saw Sedge Warbler and two Grey Partridge (Dean MacAskill). Grasshopper Warbler at Rosemarkie beach (Mary Galloway). Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), with similar at Cadboll Point along with Sedge Warbler, plus eight Whimbrel at Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). Three Barnacle Geese at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Three Whimbrel, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls (including one ssp. intermedius) and single Great Skua at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan at Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Seven White Wagtails and five Wheatears at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Putative Kumlien's Gull on Eigg at Laing Bay (John Chester). Following yesterday's sighting at Broadford river mouth by Neil Bennett, one of the geese is confirmed as a Black Brant, now on Glas Eilean in the bay (Bob McMillan). 17 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford ('A&EH') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Little Gulls (twelve in sumplum, the rest 2CY birds) off Brora beach, with three Pintail pairs of Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 27th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Woodcock at Tulloch, Abernethy (Neil Stonehouse)
Easter Ross: Great Skua and three Arctic Terns past Tarbat Ness, along with c100 Long-tailed Duck, 22 Fulmar, c150 Gannet and c1,000 Kittiwakes plus 15 Fieldfare in the nearby plantation (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were six Pintail, twelve Fulmar, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 144 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, single Red-throated Diver and three White Wagtails...while at Udale Bay were nine Black-tailed Godwit, two Pintail and a Greenland White-fronted Goose (Kevin Davis). Black-throated Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, five Whimbrels and two Wheatears at Alturlie (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett) - on inspection of photographs one is showing good indications of being a Black Brant. Whinchat at Borve, Portree ('SG'). Four White Wagtails on the pier on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: seen during a three-hour morning seawatch at Brora were seven Great Skua, 270 Lomg-tailed Duck, three Little Gulls (two in sumplum), 52 Scaup, plus a steady movement of other seabirds including Kittiwakes estimated at a rate of 1,200/hour; a female Garganey was also noted, along with 60 Sand Martins and three Whimbrel (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Woodcock at Tulloch, Abernethy (Neil Stonehouse)
Easter Ross: Great Skua and three Arctic Terns past Tarbat Ness, along with c100 Long-tailed Duck, 22 Fulmar, c150 Gannet and c1,000 Kittiwakes plus 15 Fieldfare in the nearby plantation (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were six Pintail, twelve Fulmar, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 144 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, single Red-throated Diver and three White Wagtails...while at Udale Bay were nine Black-tailed Godwit, two Pintail and a Greenland White-fronted Goose (Kevin Davis). Black-throated Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, five Whimbrels and two Wheatears at Alturlie (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett) - on inspection of photographs one is showing good indications of being a Black Brant. Whinchat at Borve, Portree ('SG'). Four White Wagtails on the pier on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: seen during a three-hour morning seawatch at Brora were seven Great Skua, 270 Lomg-tailed Duck, three Little Gulls (two in sumplum), 52 Scaup, plus a steady movement of other seabirds including Kittiwakes estimated at a rate of 1,200/hour; a female Garganey was also noted, along with 60 Sand Martins and three Whimbrel (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 26th April
Easter Ross: Whimbrel still present at Tarbat Ness, plus 27 Long-tailed Duck in summer plumage, c500 Common Scoter, 14 Black Guillemot and - unusually - a single 1st winter Gannet (Dave Tanner). Ring Ouzel in old pines north of the river at Heights of Docharty, plus single Swallow and four Wheatear including one female showing signs of ssp. leuchorhoa (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, Common Sandpiper and Cuckoo near the power station area at Loch Ashie (Simeon Ewing). Great Crested Grebe and six Whimbrel at Alturlie, with nine Wheatears at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 37 Black-tailed Godwits at Kildonan Bay on Eigg, with single Swift and House Martin seen also (John Chester). Brambling visiting feeders in Camastianavaig (J Hey). Seven Sandwich Terns at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c20 Tree Sparrows visiting a bird-table in Durness (Donald Mitchell). Two Lapland Buntings at Achnacarnin on the Stoer peninsula (David Haines via John Poyner). Eight Black-throated Divers, plus single Great Northern Diver and ssp. borealis Eider off Coul Links, while at Brora were 29 Purple Sandpipers, two Arctic Terns, plus one adult and two juvenile Little Gulls (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel still present at Tarbat Ness, plus 27 Long-tailed Duck in summer plumage, c500 Common Scoter, 14 Black Guillemot and - unusually - a single 1st winter Gannet (Dave Tanner). Ring Ouzel in old pines north of the river at Heights of Docharty, plus single Swallow and four Wheatear including one female showing signs of ssp. leuchorhoa (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, Common Sandpiper and Cuckoo near the power station area at Loch Ashie (Simeon Ewing). Great Crested Grebe and six Whimbrel at Alturlie, with nine Wheatears at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 37 Black-tailed Godwits at Kildonan Bay on Eigg, with single Swift and House Martin seen also (John Chester). Brambling visiting feeders in Camastianavaig (J Hey). Seven Sandwich Terns at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c20 Tree Sparrows visiting a bird-table in Durness (Donald Mitchell). Two Lapland Buntings at Achnacarnin on the Stoer peninsula (David Haines via John Poyner). Eight Black-throated Divers, plus single Great Northern Diver and ssp. borealis Eider off Coul Links, while at Brora were 29 Purple Sandpipers, two Arctic Terns, plus one adult and two juvenile Little Gulls (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 25th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 57 Pink-footed Geese over Lochindorb, two Tree Pipits at Cottartown, Grantown-on-Spey (Mike Crutch). Two male/one female Ring Ouzels around Cairn Gorm funicular middle station (Graham Neville)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Garganey still at Tain (Sue Sykes/Bob Wilson), was seen flying northeast late morning (Al McNee). Between Portmahomack and Inver were c300 Long-tailed Ducks, up to eight Whimbrel, eight Sandwich Terns and a single Greenshank (Sue Sykes). Six Willow Warblers and two Red-throated Divers at Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith). Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Two Whimbrel between Redcastle and North Kessock (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: six Whimbrel, three White Wagtails, two Pink-footed Geese and a single Wheatear at Alturlie (Simeon Ewing). Two Shelduck were in a sown field between Nairn and Clephanton (Robin Paton). Male Redstart in the Strathglass area (Calum Urquhart). Four Cuckoos and at least five male Redstarts at Blackfold (Al McNee).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler and Common Whitethroat at Salachan, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: first reports of the year of Arctic Skuas (dark morphs) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Portree (J D Jones). Whinchat at Kyleakin forestry (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: White-billed Diver at Balnakeil Bay, also nine pairs of Gadwall, three pairs and four drake Shovelers, five 'Greenland' Wheatears, seven White Wagtails, 13 Whimbrel, three Whooper Swans, three Great Skua, five Great Northern Divers and a single Cuckoo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two male Ring Ouzels on the Bealach na Ba on the Kishorn side (Bob McMillan)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 57 Pink-footed Geese over Lochindorb, two Tree Pipits at Cottartown, Grantown-on-Spey (Mike Crutch). Two male/one female Ring Ouzels around Cairn Gorm funicular middle station (Graham Neville)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Garganey still at Tain (Sue Sykes/Bob Wilson), was seen flying northeast late morning (Al McNee). Between Portmahomack and Inver were c300 Long-tailed Ducks, up to eight Whimbrel, eight Sandwich Terns and a single Greenshank (Sue Sykes). Six Willow Warblers and two Red-throated Divers at Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith). Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Two Whimbrel between Redcastle and North Kessock (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: six Whimbrel, three White Wagtails, two Pink-footed Geese and a single Wheatear at Alturlie (Simeon Ewing). Two Shelduck were in a sown field between Nairn and Clephanton (Robin Paton). Male Redstart in the Strathglass area (Calum Urquhart). Four Cuckoos and at least five male Redstarts at Blackfold (Al McNee).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler and Common Whitethroat at Salachan, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: first reports of the year of Arctic Skuas (dark morphs) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Portree (J D Jones). Whinchat at Kyleakin forestry (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: White-billed Diver at Balnakeil Bay, also nine pairs of Gadwall, three pairs and four drake Shovelers, five 'Greenland' Wheatears, seven White Wagtails, 13 Whimbrel, three Whooper Swans, three Great Skua, five Great Northern Divers and a single Cuckoo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two male Ring Ouzels on the Bealach na Ba on the Kishorn side (Bob McMillan)
Saturday 24th April
Easter Ross: male Garganey and Whimbrel Tain (Bob Swann), 3 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Hoopoe east and female Marsh Harrier Whiteness (Stuart Webster), Whimbrel, Grey Plover & Blackcap Whiteness (Colin Leslie), 2 male Gadwalls Clachnaharry (Al McNee).
Lochaber: 4 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull & 9 Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), 5 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 17 Tree Sparrows at bird-table Durness (Donald Mitchell).
Easter Ross: male Garganey and Whimbrel Tain (Bob Swann), 3 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Hoopoe east and female Marsh Harrier Whiteness (Stuart Webster), Whimbrel, Grey Plover & Blackcap Whiteness (Colin Leslie), 2 male Gadwalls Clachnaharry (Al McNee).
Lochaber: 4 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull & 9 Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), 5 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 17 Tree Sparrows at bird-table Durness (Donald Mitchell).
Friday 23rd April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo near Spey Dam (Tom Cole).
Easter Ross: male Garganey Tain Links (Steve Broyd), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Lynda Graham), 2 Pintails, 45 Common Terns Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: 2 Iceland Gulls Linnhe & Lochy mouths (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Marsh Harrier Strathcarron (Joe Newman), 4 Whimbrels Ullinish (DMcG).
Sutherland: Jack Snipe, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo Lairg (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo near Spey Dam (Tom Cole).
Easter Ross: male Garganey Tain Links (Steve Broyd), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Lynda Graham), 2 Pintails, 45 Common Terns Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: 2 Iceland Gulls Linnhe & Lochy mouths (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Marsh Harrier Strathcarron (Joe Newman), 4 Whimbrels Ullinish (DMcG).
Sutherland: Jack Snipe, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo Lairg (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 22nd April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard Dava (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey Plover 1, Sandwich Tern 215 Whiteness Bay (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Whimbrel Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen), 5 Whimbrels Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler Lochaline, Morvern (AK), Cuckoo Strathcarron (JN).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Whimbrels Breakish Obbe (NH), 7N 2S Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), House Martin Elgol (GH), Grasshopper Warbler Duisdale, Sleat (NH), Grasshopper Warbler Leitir Fura, Kinloch (ST), widespread Cuckoos.
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 8 White Wagtails Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), adult Little Gull Brora (Alan MacAskill).
Wester Ross Cuckoo Laide Woods (Morag McCulloch).
Wednesday 21st April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Redstarts at Carrbridge (Duncan MacDonald) and near Nethybridge (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose with Barnacle Goose & Greenland White-fronted Goose Balblair (Blair Whyte), 8 Black-tailed Godwits Alness Point Business Park Lagoon (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: pair of Nuthatches Arisaig (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Sassaig, Sleat (per U MacL).
Sutherland: Bonxie flew inland Eldrable Hill, Helmsdale and immature Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Redstarts at Carrbridge (Duncan MacDonald) and near Nethybridge (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose with Barnacle Goose & Greenland White-fronted Goose Balblair (Blair Whyte), 8 Black-tailed Godwits Alness Point Business Park Lagoon (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: pair of Nuthatches Arisaig (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Sassaig, Sleat (per U MacL).
Sutherland: Bonxie flew inland Eldrable Hill, Helmsdale and immature Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 20th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Ballieward, Grantown-on-Spey (Chris Rose).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), 3 Stock Doves Lower Pitcalzean, Nigg (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: drake Mandarin Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie), 100 Scaups Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: calling Nuthatch Ariundle, Sunart (Stuart Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Scandinavian Rock Pipit Ullinish and 11 Black-tailed Godwits Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), female Black Redstart Tarscavaig (Kirsty Miller)
Sutherland: first-summer male Black Redstart Rogart (David Patterson), Russian White-fronted Goose Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Ballieward, Grantown-on-Spey (Chris Rose).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), 3 Stock Doves Lower Pitcalzean, Nigg (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: drake Mandarin Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie), 100 Scaups Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: calling Nuthatch Ariundle, Sunart (Stuart Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Scandinavian Rock Pipit Ullinish and 11 Black-tailed Godwits Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), female Black Redstart Tarscavaig (Kirsty Miller)
Sutherland: first-summer male Black Redstart Rogart (David Patterson), Russian White-fronted Goose Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Monday 19th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig (Krystyna Keir)
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose and Iceland Gull Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Common Tern Chanonry Point (Tay), Whimbrel Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Magpie Chanonry Point (per Kevin Davis), Tree Pipit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 30 Bramblings Rosemount, by Tain (Bob Swann), Green-winged Teal & 6 Black-tailed Godwits Tain Links (Bob Swann), pale-bellied Brent Goose Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Mandarin and Blackcap Castle Heather Pond, Inverness (Simeon Ewing, Blair Johnston), Common Sandpiper Uig Bay (SG),
Lochaber: 2 Common Sandpipers Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Yellowhammer Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: pair Magpies at bird table Upper Carbost (A Henning).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig (Krystyna Keir)
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose and Iceland Gull Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Common Tern Chanonry Point (Tay), Whimbrel Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Magpie Chanonry Point (per Kevin Davis), Tree Pipit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 30 Bramblings Rosemount, by Tain (Bob Swann), Green-winged Teal & 6 Black-tailed Godwits Tain Links (Bob Swann), pale-bellied Brent Goose Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Mandarin and Blackcap Castle Heather Pond, Inverness (Simeon Ewing, Blair Johnston), Common Sandpiper Uig Bay (SG),
Lochaber: 2 Common Sandpipers Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Yellowhammer Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: pair Magpies at bird table Upper Carbost (A Henning).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (Blair Whyte).
Sunday 18th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Common Cranes flew N over Highland Wildlife Park - possibly heard over Nethybridge on 17th (Andy Tonge), 1200 Sand Martins Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), later 1250 there (Fraser Todd), pair Mandarins Grantown Woods (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: House Martin Tarbat Ness Lighthouse + 3 Magpies (Dave Tanner), Great Crested Grebe Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Stock Doves Brahan (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: male Gadwall Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), male Mandarin Castle Heather Pond (Nev Wright), Cuckoo West Balbeg (Carol Miller)
Skye & Lochalsh: pale-bellied Brent Goose Broadford Bay and 2 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Cuckoo Harrapool (A McL).
Sutherland: N race Eider (borealis) Coul Links and 5 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean Macaskill)
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull Ullapool (Milo Mole).
Saturday 17th April
Easter Ross: Gadwall and two Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness also Iceland Gull, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). One Whimbrel and two White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Blackcap, Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler, Arienas Wood (Steve Hardy via Bob McMillan). Glaucous Gull at the mouth of the Lochy (Alan Kennedy)
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo, Harrapool (FO-W) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Calum Urquhart)
Easter Ross: Gadwall and two Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness also Iceland Gull, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). One Whimbrel and two White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Blackcap, Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler, Arienas Wood (Steve Hardy via Bob McMillan). Glaucous Gull at the mouth of the Lochy (Alan Kennedy)
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo, Harrapool (FO-W) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Calum Urquhart)
Friday 16th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ouzel, Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge), large group of House Martins, Craggan, Grantown on Spey (Sue Sykes), Common Sandpiper, Loch Vaa (Audrey Turner), several Willow Warblers, Milton Loch (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Chanonry Point and another at Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Willow Warblers and three Blackcaps, Contin Island (Keith Barnes). Probable Richardson's Cackling Goose, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) Common Sandpiper and Ring Ouzel, Strathconon (Clair Bale)
Inverness: Drake Mandarin, Castle Heather Park pond (Simeon Ewing)
Skye & Lochalsh: House Martin, Uig (ML), two Common Sandpipers, Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), Grasshopper Warbler, Ord (HM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Influx of Willow Warblers in Dornoch area also 32 White Wagtails at the Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Nuthatch, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ouzel, Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge), large group of House Martins, Craggan, Grantown on Spey (Sue Sykes), Common Sandpiper, Loch Vaa (Audrey Turner), several Willow Warblers, Milton Loch (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Chanonry Point and another at Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Willow Warblers and three Blackcaps, Contin Island (Keith Barnes). Probable Richardson's Cackling Goose, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) Common Sandpiper and Ring Ouzel, Strathconon (Clair Bale)
Inverness: Drake Mandarin, Castle Heather Park pond (Simeon Ewing)
Skye & Lochalsh: House Martin, Uig (ML), two Common Sandpipers, Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), Grasshopper Warbler, Ord (HM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Influx of Willow Warblers in Dornoch area also 32 White Wagtails at the Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Nuthatch, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 15th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hoopoe, Ardverikie Estate (approx NN 522 867). Park in lay-by on A86 near the Gate Lodge and walk/cycle in. Ring Ouzel, Cairngorm mountain car park (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Single Whimbrel, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tain Links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Swifts (screaming) over Inverness (Phil Clark). Cuckoo, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller). Willow Warblers reported from Glen Cannich (Colin Leslie), Merkinch (Caroline Snow), Inverness (Sam Borthwick) and Coignafearn also a Ring Ouzel there (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Widespread arrival of Willow Warblers with reports from Uig (SG), Kilmuir (JJ), Braebost (SP), Camas na Sgianadin (ST), Portree (TH), Lochailort (SC), Harrapool (MB), several at Drumfearn (PK) and at Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull, Oldshore Beg (Rob Hughes) Probable Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at house named "Cullaird" north of Lochinver on B869 (NC0835 2510), Please respect privacy and social distancing (no sign of the bird today). Great White Egret, Oldany Farm, Lochinver (David Haines) Single Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (Rob Hughes)
Wester Ross: Willow Warblers around Kinlochewe and Beinn Eighe NNR (Jonathan Willet). 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hoopoe, Ardverikie Estate (approx NN 522 867). Park in lay-by on A86 near the Gate Lodge and walk/cycle in. Ring Ouzel, Cairngorm mountain car park (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Single Whimbrel, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tain Links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Swifts (screaming) over Inverness (Phil Clark). Cuckoo, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller). Willow Warblers reported from Glen Cannich (Colin Leslie), Merkinch (Caroline Snow), Inverness (Sam Borthwick) and Coignafearn also a Ring Ouzel there (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Widespread arrival of Willow Warblers with reports from Uig (SG), Kilmuir (JJ), Braebost (SP), Camas na Sgianadin (ST), Portree (TH), Lochailort (SC), Harrapool (MB), several at Drumfearn (PK) and at Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull, Oldshore Beg (Rob Hughes) Probable Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at house named "Cullaird" north of Lochinver on B869 (NC0835 2510), Please respect privacy and social distancing (no sign of the bird today). Great White Egret, Oldany Farm, Lochinver (David Haines) Single Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (Rob Hughes)
Wester Ross: Willow Warblers around Kinlochewe and Beinn Eighe NNR (Jonathan Willet). 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 14th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Common Sandpipers, River Spey at Kinrara (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Still at least one Lapland Bunting and five Snow Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) later eight Lapland Buntings reported on BirdGuides NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Single House Martin, Gollanfield (Jon Clarke) Common Sandpiper and Swallow, River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wryneck, Isle of Eigg (Pascal Carr via JC), Iceland Gull and several Willow Warblers, Eigg (JC) also Willow Warbler, Uig (ML), Swallows at Harrapool (NB) and Plockton Airstrip (JS) possibler "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Ullinish (David McGough) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls, 14 Sand Martins Brora (Dave Tanner). Lapland Bunting, Sandwood Bay (Rob Hughes)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Common Sandpipers, River Spey at Kinrara (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Still at least one Lapland Bunting and five Snow Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) later eight Lapland Buntings reported on BirdGuides NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Single House Martin, Gollanfield (Jon Clarke) Common Sandpiper and Swallow, River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wryneck, Isle of Eigg (Pascal Carr via JC), Iceland Gull and several Willow Warblers, Eigg (JC) also Willow Warbler, Uig (ML), Swallows at Harrapool (NB) and Plockton Airstrip (JS) possibler "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Ullinish (David McGough) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls, 14 Sand Martins Brora (Dave Tanner). Lapland Bunting, Sandwood Bay (Rob Hughes)
Tuesday 13th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Tree Pipits, Inshriach (Colin Leslie). c470 Pink-footed Geese over Dava Moor (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: 4 Velvet Scoters past Tarbat Ness, also Wheatear there (Dave Tanner). Blackcap singing, Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers). Still at least five Lapland Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Keith Barnes) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Mandarin duck on Caledonian Canal, Clachnaharry (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Blackcap at Edinbane (JJ), Willow Warbler, Lower Milovaig (AS), Swallow, Laig, Isle of Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Ring Ouzel, Sheigra Beach also Lapland Bunting (Rob Hughes). 28 Greenshank, The Mound (Dean MacAskill). Nine Little Gulls and four Snow Buntings, Brora (Simon Levene)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Tree Pipits, Inshriach (Colin Leslie). c470 Pink-footed Geese over Dava Moor (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: 4 Velvet Scoters past Tarbat Ness, also Wheatear there (Dave Tanner). Blackcap singing, Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers). Still at least five Lapland Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Keith Barnes) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Mandarin duck on Caledonian Canal, Clachnaharry (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Blackcap at Edinbane (JJ), Willow Warbler, Lower Milovaig (AS), Swallow, Laig, Isle of Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Ring Ouzel, Sheigra Beach also Lapland Bunting (Rob Hughes). 28 Greenshank, The Mound (Dean MacAskill). Nine Little Gulls and four Snow Buntings, Brora (Simon Levene)
Monday 12th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper, River Spey at Grantown (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: 10 Snow Buntings and 14 Lapland Buntings between Wilkhaven Farm and Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven (Dean MacAskill) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park Two Blackcaps, Rosehaugh Estate (Bob Wilson). c300 Long-tailed Ducks, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 12 Swallows over River Conon (David Bain)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Inverailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Singing Willow Warbler, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), Blackcap, Glasnakille (MH), Ring Ouzel, Boreraig (DR) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper, River Spey at Grantown (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: 10 Snow Buntings and 14 Lapland Buntings between Wilkhaven Farm and Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven (Dean MacAskill) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park Two Blackcaps, Rosehaugh Estate (Bob Wilson). c300 Long-tailed Ducks, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 12 Swallows over River Conon (David Bain)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Inverailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Singing Willow Warbler, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), Blackcap, Glasnakille (MH), Ring Ouzel, Boreraig (DR) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 11th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Confluence of River Dulnain and River Spey (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Eight Lapland Buntings and around 20 Snow Buntings still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also 20+ Purple Sandpipers there and 70+ Sand Martins, Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill). Swallow at Loch Eye (Bob Swan). Two Stock Doves and "good numbers" of Bramblings, Kirkmichael, Gordons Mill (Mark Finn). Single Whimbrel on the beach (in the snow!), Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan). Two Swallows Arisaig (RD) and a single Magpie, Mallaig (S, MacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Slavonian Grebes and 31 Great Northern Divers off Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and six Black-throated Divers in Bracadale Bay off Ullinish (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Durness, 730 Barnacle Geese, 63 Whooper swan, 110 Golden plover, two pairs of Gadwall, one Pintail, 14 Sandwich Terns, two Wheatear, 300 Icelandic Redwings and an adult Little Gull, by the cemetery, also an Osprey at Loch Merkland (Dean MacAskill). Lapland Bunting, Balchladich, Assynt (Shannon Clifford)
Wester Ross: 26 Greenshank, Loch Carron (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Swallow at Clachan, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Confluence of River Dulnain and River Spey (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Eight Lapland Buntings and around 20 Snow Buntings still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also 20+ Purple Sandpipers there and 70+ Sand Martins, Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill). Swallow at Loch Eye (Bob Swan). Two Stock Doves and "good numbers" of Bramblings, Kirkmichael, Gordons Mill (Mark Finn). Single Whimbrel on the beach (in the snow!), Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan). Two Swallows Arisaig (RD) and a single Magpie, Mallaig (S, MacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Slavonian Grebes and 31 Great Northern Divers off Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and six Black-throated Divers in Bracadale Bay off Ullinish (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Durness, 730 Barnacle Geese, 63 Whooper swan, 110 Golden plover, two pairs of Gadwall, one Pintail, 14 Sandwich Terns, two Wheatear, 300 Icelandic Redwings and an adult Little Gull, by the cemetery, also an Osprey at Loch Merkland (Dean MacAskill). Lapland Bunting, Balchladich, Assynt (Shannon Clifford)
Wester Ross: 26 Greenshank, Loch Carron (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Swallow at Clachan, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes)
Saturday 10th April
Easter Ross: three (2m/1f) Lapland Buntings at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), two males still present into the afternoon (Steve Broyd), rising to fourby 1530hrs and eight by 1700hrs (Bob Swann), with 21 Snow Buntings also present (Tay Davies) - final count across the day was 7m/2f. Seven Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at the Isle of Muck fish farm (Ronnie Dyer). Swallow at Roag, Dunvegan ('PK'), plus small numbers of Whooper Swan across region as well as skeins of Pink-footed Geese numbering between 80 and 300 - via skye-birds,com
Easter Ross: three (2m/1f) Lapland Buntings at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), two males still present into the afternoon (Steve Broyd), rising to fourby 1530hrs and eight by 1700hrs (Bob Swann), with 21 Snow Buntings also present (Tay Davies) - final count across the day was 7m/2f. Seven Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at the Isle of Muck fish farm (Ronnie Dyer). Swallow at Roag, Dunvegan ('PK'), plus small numbers of Whooper Swan across region as well as skeins of Pink-footed Geese numbering between 80 and 300 - via skye-birds,com
Friday 9th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard seen over the Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge via Facebook)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still present at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness along with c500 Pink-footed Geese, plus male Merlin nearby (Dave Tanner). Eleven Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 155 Whooper Swans at Rhynie, near Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Black Redstart amongst the caravans by the pier at Embo, with two Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst Pink-feet at Skelbo, and 24 Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Embo in the afternoon was a single sumplum Slavonian Grebe, plus 22 Common Scoter and 17 Long-tailed Duck, plus nine Sandwich Terns (Blair Whyte). Five Little Gulls on the Dalchalm Burn mouth at North Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Wester Ross: 18 Greenshank at the head of Loch Carron ('JN' via skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard seen over the Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge via Facebook)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still present at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness along with c500 Pink-footed Geese, plus male Merlin nearby (Dave Tanner). Eleven Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 155 Whooper Swans at Rhynie, near Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Black Redstart amongst the caravans by the pier at Embo, with two Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst Pink-feet at Skelbo, and 24 Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Embo in the afternoon was a single sumplum Slavonian Grebe, plus 22 Common Scoter and 17 Long-tailed Duck, plus nine Sandwich Terns (Blair Whyte). Five Little Gulls on the Dalchalm Burn mouth at North Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Wester Ross: 18 Greenshank at the head of Loch Carron ('JN' via skye-birds.com)
Thursday 8th April
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) with eight Snow Bunting present later in the day (Blair Whyte). 135 Whooper Swans at Loch Eye (Bob Swann) with three White-fronted Geese (adult Greenland and 2CY Russian plus one other) to the southwest of the loch, the Pink-footed Geese also present containing a single leucistic example (Pete Gordon)
Sutherland: four 1st winter and seven adult Little Gulls at Brora, while at Golspie was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose (amongst Pink-feet), and 36 Sandwich Tern off Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) with eight Snow Bunting present later in the day (Blair Whyte). 135 Whooper Swans at Loch Eye (Bob Swann) with three White-fronted Geese (adult Greenland and 2CY Russian plus one other) to the southwest of the loch, the Pink-footed Geese also present containing a single leucistic example (Pete Gordon)
Sutherland: four 1st winter and seven adult Little Gulls at Brora, while at Golspie was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose (amongst Pink-feet), and 36 Sandwich Tern off Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 7th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Shoveler (7m/7f) at Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Pochard and 19 Sand Martins at Loch Lundie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: a first for Skye - single Stock Dove at Kilmaluag (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: twelve Grey Plovers, 15 Snow Buntings, eleven Sandwich Terns, two Wheatears and three White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Migdale were some c460 Sand Martins (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Shoveler (7m/7f) at Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Pochard and 19 Sand Martins at Loch Lundie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: a first for Skye - single Stock Dove at Kilmaluag (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: twelve Grey Plovers, 15 Snow Buntings, eleven Sandwich Terns, two Wheatears and three White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Migdale were some c460 Sand Martins (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 6th April
Easter Ross: c2,500 Kittiwakes and over 750 Gannets amongst the large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Wheatear at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Three Ring Ouzels visiting a garden in the Upper Knockbain Road area of Dingwall (Roger Fothergill). Stock Dove at Kirkmichael (Kevin Davis) - a pair have been seen in recent days also in the area (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear at Merkinch LNR (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Ashaig, with a White-tailed Eagle showing a keen interest (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Snow Buntings at the Ullapool campsite (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: c2,500 Kittiwakes and over 750 Gannets amongst the large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Wheatear at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Three Ring Ouzels visiting a garden in the Upper Knockbain Road area of Dingwall (Roger Fothergill). Stock Dove at Kirkmichael (Kevin Davis) - a pair have been seen in recent days also in the area (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear at Merkinch LNR (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Ashaig, with a White-tailed Eagle showing a keen interest (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Snow Buntings at the Ullapool campsite (Andy Williams)
Monday 5th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: c1,100 Sand Martins at Loch Insh in heavy snowfall (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenshank at Kirkmichael, plus four Wheatears (3m/1f) at Udale (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Ten Sand Martins at Loch Flemington (Calum Urquhart). 14 Meadow Pipits and four Sand Martin along the River Ness in the city centre (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Plockton ('JS') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Pair of Surf Scoters at Embo, while 14 Little Gulls are now at the Brora river mouth, plus eight Sandwich Terns and four Black-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c1,100 Sand Martins at Loch Insh in heavy snowfall (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenshank at Kirkmichael, plus four Wheatears (3m/1f) at Udale (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Ten Sand Martins at Loch Flemington (Calum Urquhart). 14 Meadow Pipits and four Sand Martin along the River Ness in the city centre (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Plockton ('JS') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Pair of Surf Scoters at Embo, while 14 Little Gulls are now at the Brora river mouth, plus eight Sandwich Terns and four Black-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 4th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: drake Mandarin and c310 Sand Martins at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in newly-sown field at Newton farm near Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Osprey at Udale Bay, and two Swallows at Kirkmichael (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant still amongst the geese at Wester Dalziel (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: c15 House Martins at Kilchoan (Liz Hallam)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Redwings at Kensaleyre (Mark Simpson). Iceland Gull still on Loch Scresort, Rum while nocmig recording revealed overnight passage of Moorhen - a first for the island (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Snow Bunting, two Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Brora's river mouth ten Little Gulls plus six Sandwich Terns were present (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: drake Mandarin and c310 Sand Martins at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in newly-sown field at Newton farm near Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Osprey at Udale Bay, and two Swallows at Kirkmichael (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant still amongst the geese at Wester Dalziel (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: c15 House Martins at Kilchoan (Liz Hallam)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Redwings at Kensaleyre (Mark Simpson). Iceland Gull still on Loch Scresort, Rum while nocmig recording revealed overnight passage of Moorhen - a first for the island (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Snow Bunting, two Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Brora's river mouth ten Little Gulls plus six Sandwich Terns were present (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 3rd April
Easter Ross: Greenshank Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 3000 Pinkfeet S of Wester Dalziel (Al and Jenny McNee), White-fronted Goose with 2000 Pinkfeet Milton of Gollanfield (Al and Jenny McNee).
Lochaber: Common Sandpiper Miodar Bay, Loch Aline, Moidart (AK), White Wagtails at Rhu, Arisaig (SC) and Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald). Cuckoo in Morar (Niki Robertson via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: arrival of Wheatears, early Greenland Wheatears 12 at Glendale (12) and Ardnish, Broadford (2) (A & AS, NH), female Velvet Scoter apparently paired to male Red-breasted Merganser Loch Portee (Neil Bennett). 1stCY Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 2nd winter Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Colin Leslie).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Greenshank Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 3000 Pinkfeet S of Wester Dalziel (Al and Jenny McNee), White-fronted Goose with 2000 Pinkfeet Milton of Gollanfield (Al and Jenny McNee).
Lochaber: Common Sandpiper Miodar Bay, Loch Aline, Moidart (AK), White Wagtails at Rhu, Arisaig (SC) and Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald). Cuckoo in Morar (Niki Robertson via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: arrival of Wheatears, early Greenland Wheatears 12 at Glendale (12) and Ardnish, Broadford (2) (A & AS, NH), female Velvet Scoter apparently paired to male Red-breasted Merganser Loch Portee (Neil Bennett). 1stCY Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 2nd winter Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Colin Leslie).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Friday 2nd April
Widespread scatter of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and a few Swallows.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ousel Coire Cas, Cairn Gorm (Holly).
Easter Ross: Male Green-winged Teal Tain (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: pair Nuthatches Arisaig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Pair Surf Scoters with 3500 Common and 10 Velvet Scoters, also Great Northern Diver, Embo (Pete Gordon, Bob Wilson), White Wagtail Embo (Dean MacAskill), 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Bob Wilson).
Widespread scatter of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and a few Swallows.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ousel Coire Cas, Cairn Gorm (Holly).
Easter Ross: Male Green-winged Teal Tain (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: pair Nuthatches Arisaig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Pair Surf Scoters with 3500 Common and 10 Velvet Scoters, also Great Northern Diver, Embo (Pete Gordon, Bob Wilson), White Wagtail Embo (Dean MacAskill), 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Bob Wilson).
Thursday 1st April
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair Gadwalls below Clunie Castle (Pete Gordon), pair Shovelers Insh Marshes (Steve Reddick), Ring Ousel Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: Wheatear Fort George (Jonathan Clarke) - slow arrival in east.
Skye & Lochalsh: marked arrival of Wheatears with 10+ reported on Skye, a few on Eigg and 10 at Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan), reeling Grasshopper Warbler Sligachan (Lis & Robbie Phillips). juv Glaucous Gull at fish farm on Rum (Sean Morris).
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair Gadwalls below Clunie Castle (Pete Gordon), pair Shovelers Insh Marshes (Steve Reddick), Ring Ousel Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: Wheatear Fort George (Jonathan Clarke) - slow arrival in east.
Skye & Lochalsh: marked arrival of Wheatears with 10+ reported on Skye, a few on Eigg and 10 at Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan), reeling Grasshopper Warbler Sligachan (Lis & Robbie Phillips). juv Glaucous Gull at fish farm on Rum (Sean Morris).
Wednesday 31st March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Barnacle Geese & 21 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Blargie, W of Laggan (Fraser Todd), 53 Sand Martins & 2 Swallows Spey Dam (Fraser Todd), pair of Gadwalls below Clunie Castle, near Newtonmore (Fraser Todd)..
Inverness: 7 Swallows River Ness at Harbour (Phil).
Ross-shire: Common Sandpiper hills above Dundreggan (Gus Routledge).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear Loch Slapin near Torrin (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 200 Bramblings entrance to Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 30 Sandwich Terns Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Barnacle Geese & 21 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Blargie, W of Laggan (Fraser Todd), 53 Sand Martins & 2 Swallows Spey Dam (Fraser Todd), pair of Gadwalls below Clunie Castle, near Newtonmore (Fraser Todd)..
Inverness: 7 Swallows River Ness at Harbour (Phil).
Ross-shire: Common Sandpiper hills above Dundreggan (Gus Routledge).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear Loch Slapin near Torrin (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 200 Bramblings entrance to Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 30 Sandwich Terns Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 30th March
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links Pond (Dave Tanner), Merlin Munlochy (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: 14 Red-throated Diver Fort George (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 11 Manx Shearwaters from ferry Mallaig - Rum, 1st winter Iceland Gull & 3 LBB Gulls Loch Scresort, Rum (all Sean Morris).
Sutherland: 2CY Iceland Gull Navidale (Lorna Jappy).
Monday 29th March
Badenoch and Strathspey: 2 Magpies Garvamore and 61 Whooper Swans Sherramore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 10 Shovelers and singing Chiffchaff Bogbain (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Magpies Loch Bay, Waternish (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch and Strathspey: 2 Magpies Garvamore and 61 Whooper Swans Sherramore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 10 Shovelers and singing Chiffchaff Bogbain (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Magpies Loch Bay, Waternish (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 28th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie Aviemore (Audrey Turner), 3 Sand Martins Loch Insh (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Sand Martin Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter Embo, 3 (ad, 2 imms) Little Gulls Brora, Scandinavian Rock Pipit and 15 Snow Buntings Dornoch, 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 27th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40 Whooper Swans over Aviemore (Robert Turner), Ring Ouzel, Cromdale Hills (Dave Pullan), Magpie Nethybridge (Julia Douglas).
Easter Ross: Single Sandwich Tern, two Pintail (one male), 38 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Chiffchaff, Avoch (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow), four Chiffchaffs, Whiteness (Colin Leslie), Osprey, Moy (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: 22 Whooper Swans on shore at Achabeag, Morvern (AK) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Manx Shearwater from the ferry between Rum & Point of Sleat (SM), single Great Skua Pabay, Skye (RMcM) and single from ferry between Rum and Point of Sleat (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo Pier, six Little Gulls and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora (all Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40 Whooper Swans over Aviemore (Robert Turner), Ring Ouzel, Cromdale Hills (Dave Pullan), Magpie Nethybridge (Julia Douglas).
Easter Ross: Single Sandwich Tern, two Pintail (one male), 38 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Chiffchaff, Avoch (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow), four Chiffchaffs, Whiteness (Colin Leslie), Osprey, Moy (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: 22 Whooper Swans on shore at Achabeag, Morvern (AK) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Manx Shearwater from the ferry between Rum & Point of Sleat (SM), single Great Skua Pabay, Skye (RMcM) and single from ferry between Rum and Point of Sleat (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo Pier, six Little Gulls and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora (all Dean MacAskill).
Friday 26th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Sand Martins, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Iceland Gull, Eigg (JC) 200+ Redwings at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig (RD), 42 on Lochcarron Golf Course and 27+22 Fieldfare at Strathcarron (JN) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of Cuckoo calling at Rogart (Per Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Sand Martins, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Iceland Gull, Eigg (JC) 200+ Redwings at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig (RD), 42 on Lochcarron Golf Course and 27+22 Fieldfare at Strathcarron (JN) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of Cuckoo calling at Rogart (Per Facebook)
Thursday 25th March
Easter Ross: c360 Common Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 23 Whooper Swans and 20 Fieldfares, Heights of Docharty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Two Sandwich Terns, Whiteness (Al McNee). 70+ Scaup, Alturlie (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Sand Martin, Harrapool, Skye (Martin Benson) 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Caroy (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill). 24 Whooper Swans, Melvich and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora per BirdGuides
Easter Ross: c360 Common Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 23 Whooper Swans and 20 Fieldfares, Heights of Docharty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Two Sandwich Terns, Whiteness (Al McNee). 70+ Scaup, Alturlie (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Sand Martin, Harrapool, Skye (Martin Benson) 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Caroy (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill). 24 Whooper Swans, Melvich and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora per BirdGuides
Wednesday 24th March
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cotterton (Bob Wilson). Six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 41 Whooper Swans over Dunvegan this morning (G.Dunbar), 12 over Loch Poolteil (AlS) and 25 at Ashaig, Broadford late afternoon (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Two Slavonian Grebes, Harrapool, Skye per BirdGuides
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cotterton (Bob Wilson). Six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 41 Whooper Swans over Dunvegan this morning (G.Dunbar), 12 over Loch Poolteil (AlS) and 25 at Ashaig, Broadford late afternoon (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Two Slavonian Grebes, Harrapool, Skye per BirdGuides
Tuesday 23rd March
Easter Ross: Male Shoveler and six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c100 Whooper Swans, Balmuchy and 1200 Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Adult Mediterranean Gull still off Lady Street car park, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). 20 Common Scoter, Rosemarkie Bay (Mary Galloway). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (per G Aitkin/Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Male Shoveler and six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c100 Whooper Swans, Balmuchy and 1200 Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Adult Mediterranean Gull still off Lady Street car park, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). 20 Common Scoter, Rosemarkie Bay (Mary Galloway). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (per G Aitkin/Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Monday 22nd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Cairn Rynetin, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 51 Whooper Swans and 151 Knot, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Adult Mediterranean Gull, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: Three Water Rails, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear, Torrin, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 10 Snow Buntings at Dornoch Point today and four Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Cairn Rynetin, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 51 Whooper Swans and 151 Knot, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Adult Mediterranean Gull, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: Three Water Rails, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear, Torrin, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 10 Snow Buntings at Dornoch Point today and four Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 21st March
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 50+ Whooper Swans flying north over Inverness (Thomas Plant). Single Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rails, Mekinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 10 Slavonian Grebes, Inversanda Bay (per BirdGuides) 23 Whooper Swans nw over Ardtornish (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Great Skua, Pabay, Broadford Bay, 13 Whooper Swans north over Waterloo (NH) and 17 north at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter still off Embo (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Firemore Beach, Loch Ewe (Morag McCulloch)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 50+ Whooper Swans flying north over Inverness (Thomas Plant). Single Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rails, Mekinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 10 Slavonian Grebes, Inversanda Bay (per BirdGuides) 23 Whooper Swans nw over Ardtornish (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Great Skua, Pabay, Broadford Bay, 13 Whooper Swans north over Waterloo (NH) and 17 north at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter still off Embo (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Firemore Beach, Loch Ewe (Morag McCulloch)
Saturday 20th March
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff at Mount Eagle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: singles of European White-fronted and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese between Ardersier and Gollandfield, plus two Stock Dove at Milton of Gollandfield (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan on Loch Laide (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Magpie in Inverlochy (Alister Anderson via Roy Dennis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Eleven Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford plus four Red-throated and two Black-throated Divers (Neil Hinchcliffe/Bob McMillan). Three Canada Geese at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff at Mount Eagle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: singles of European White-fronted and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese between Ardersier and Gollandfield, plus two Stock Dove at Milton of Gollandfield (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan on Loch Laide (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Magpie in Inverlochy (Alister Anderson via Roy Dennis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Eleven Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford plus four Red-throated and two Black-throated Divers (Neil Hinchcliffe/Bob McMillan). Three Canada Geese at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 19th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Pintail on the Balliefurth flood by Broomhill (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness, while nearby at Brucefield Farm a 1st winter Iceland Gull was present with c500 Pink-footed Geese (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whooper Swan at Camascroise, Sleat ('RC') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Pintail on the Balliefurth flood by Broomhill (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness, while nearby at Brucefield Farm a 1st winter Iceland Gull was present with c500 Pink-footed Geese (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whooper Swan at Camascroise, Sleat ('RC') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 18th March
Easter Ross: Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Lesser Black-backed Gull past Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 133 Pintail and five Whooper Swans at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Sandwich Terns off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Lesser Black-backed Gull past Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 133 Pintail and five Whooper Swans at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Sandwich Terns off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 17th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: contact-calling Chiffchaff at Dava (Mike Crutch/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c100 Scaup off Alturlie with usual small numbers of Slavonian Grebe and Goldeneye, while at Easter Dalziel 87 Golden Plovers were present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: first of the year Great Skua off Plockton (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan) plus a further two off Broadford with an exceptional 19 Slavonian Grebes nearby off Ashaig along with 21 Great Northern Divers and 18 Black-throated Divers (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: contact-calling Chiffchaff at Dava (Mike Crutch/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c100 Scaup off Alturlie with usual small numbers of Slavonian Grebe and Goldeneye, while at Easter Dalziel 87 Golden Plovers were present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: first of the year Great Skua off Plockton (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan) plus a further two off Broadford with an exceptional 19 Slavonian Grebes nearby off Ashaig along with 21 Great Northern Divers and 18 Black-throated Divers (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 16th March
Easter Ross: at least two Hawfinch still present at Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: seven Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Johnston)
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 120 Barnacle Geese, three Great Northern Divers plus single Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe in Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill). Three juvenile Iceland Gulls following a creel boat in Loch Kishorn, plus pair of sumplum Black-throated Divers present also (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan). Leucistic Redshank at Lochcarron (Joe Newman via skye-birds.com - see that website for a photo)
Easter Ross: at least two Hawfinch still present at Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: seven Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Johnston)
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 120 Barnacle Geese, three Great Northern Divers plus single Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe in Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill). Three juvenile Iceland Gulls following a creel boat in Loch Kishorn, plus pair of sumplum Black-throated Divers present also (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan). Leucistic Redshank at Lochcarron (Joe Newman via skye-birds.com - see that website for a photo)
Monday 15th March
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose by St Michael's Church, Udale (Calum Urquhart). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the mouth of Rosemarkie burn (John Carruthers)
Inverness: Water Rail at Merkinch reserve (Caroline Snow). Three Grey Plovers at Whiteness, with c300 Gannets and c50 Kittiwakes offshore (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: two flocks of 20 Twite in the Broadford area (Neil Bennett), and four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa Mouth in the village also (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose by St Michael's Church, Udale (Calum Urquhart). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the mouth of Rosemarkie burn (John Carruthers)
Inverness: Water Rail at Merkinch reserve (Caroline Snow). Three Grey Plovers at Whiteness, with c300 Gannets and c50 Kittiwakes offshore (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: two flocks of 20 Twite in the Broadford area (Neil Bennett), and four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa Mouth in the village also (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 14th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: c80 Kittiwakes on Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), with c35 moving to Loch Alvie in the afternoon (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point between 0620-0800hrs was a single Little Auk, four Black-throated Diver, 38 Red-throated Diver and five Slavonian Grebe (Kevin Davis). Five Hawfinches at Allangrange, plus Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: three Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte), joined by twelve more when Colin Leslie was there. Grey-bellied Brant amongst geese near Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Two singing Chiffchaffs at Merkinch reserve (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: c80 Barnacle Geese on Staffin Island (Bob McMillan), female Velvet Scoter still on Loch Portree plus two Lapland Buntings seen over nearby forestry (Neil Bennett), singing Chiffchaff at the Uig hotel (Seth Gibson) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c80 Kittiwakes on Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), with c35 moving to Loch Alvie in the afternoon (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point between 0620-0800hrs was a single Little Auk, four Black-throated Diver, 38 Red-throated Diver and five Slavonian Grebe (Kevin Davis). Five Hawfinches at Allangrange, plus Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: three Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte), joined by twelve more when Colin Leslie was there. Grey-bellied Brant amongst geese near Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Two singing Chiffchaffs at Merkinch reserve (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: c80 Barnacle Geese on Staffin Island (Bob McMillan), female Velvet Scoter still on Loch Portree plus two Lapland Buntings seen over nearby forestry (Neil Bennett), singing Chiffchaff at the Uig hotel (Seth Gibson) - via skye-birds.com
Saturday 13th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon), pair of Pintails Loch Garten (Simon Eaves). .
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Brindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Hawfinch Allangrange (per BirdTrack), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross; 2 Iceland Gulls between river and harbour Ullapool (BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon), pair of Pintails Loch Garten (Simon Eaves). .
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Brindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Hawfinch Allangrange (per BirdTrack), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross; 2 Iceland Gulls between river and harbour Ullapool (BirdGuides).
Friday 12th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 (2 pairs) Pintails Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), Waxwing Craighill (Gary Aitken).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Lusa River, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls Brora and 27 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 (2 pairs) Pintails Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), Waxwing Craighill (Gary Aitken).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Lusa River, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls Brora and 27 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 11th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Tundra Bean Goose Carr Road, near Dulnain Bridge (Simon Pawsey), Green Woodpecker Loch Alvie (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethy Bridge and pair Pintails Balliefurth, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Pooltiel (Andy Stables).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Tundra Bean Goose Carr Road, near Dulnain Bridge (Simon Pawsey), Green Woodpecker Loch Alvie (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethy Bridge and pair Pintails Balliefurth, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Pooltiel (Andy Stables).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 10th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey (George Dunbar), pair of Pintails on flood near Broomhill Bridge, Nethybridge (Caroline Pearson).
Easter Ross: 14 Shovelers Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (NB).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey (George Dunbar), pair of Pintails on flood near Broomhill Bridge, Nethybridge (Caroline Pearson).
Easter Ross: 14 Shovelers Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (NB).
Tuesday 9th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kinrara (per BirdTrack), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 Hawfinches and a Stock Dove Allangrange (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), Moorhen Loch Cillchroisd (D Inglis), 2 Canada Geese Raasay (SB), male Blackcap at feeders Edinbane (CR) - all per skye-birds.com.
Monday 8th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Auchgourish, near Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: White-fronted Goose Glenurquhart Farm, between Cromarty and Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis), Greenland White-fronted Goose near Tain (Hugh Addlesee), Blackcap in Dingwall garden (Judi MacDonald)
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: male Black Scoter with 4 Surf Scoters Embo (per BirdGuides), Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Shaz), Scandinavian Rock Pipit Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kinrara (per BirdTrack), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 Hawfinches and a Stock Dove Allangrange (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), Moorhen Loch Cillchroisd (D Inglis), 2 Canada Geese Raasay (SB), male Blackcap at feeders Edinbane (CR) - all per skye-birds.com.
Monday 8th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Auchgourish, near Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: White-fronted Goose Glenurquhart Farm, between Cromarty and Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis), Greenland White-fronted Goose near Tain (Hugh Addlesee), Blackcap in Dingwall garden (Judi MacDonald)
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: male Black Scoter with 4 Surf Scoters Embo (per BirdGuides), Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Shaz), Scandinavian Rock Pipit Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 7th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barnacle Goose with Pinkfeet Carr Road, halfway to Carrbridge (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 3 Common Scoters Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (SC per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML per Skye-birds.com), 6/7 Greenland White-fronted Geese Trotternish (JDJ per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: leucistic Barnacle Goose below Post Office, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards), juv Iceland gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barnacle Goose with Pinkfeet Carr Road, halfway to Carrbridge (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 3 Common Scoters Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (SC per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML per Skye-birds.com), 6/7 Greenland White-fronted Geese Trotternish (JDJ per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: leucistic Barnacle Goose below Post Office, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards), juv Iceland gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 6th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 181 Curlews flying upstream along the Spey this afternoon (Peter Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 18 Hawfinch still in trees at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: one in Inverness garden (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir, Trotternish (JDJ) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull still at Helmsdale Harbour (per BirdGuides), 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese Dornoch Beach north (R Wood)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 181 Curlews flying upstream along the Spey this afternoon (Peter Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 18 Hawfinch still in trees at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: one in Inverness garden (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir, Trotternish (JDJ) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull still at Helmsdale Harbour (per BirdGuides), 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese Dornoch Beach north (R Wood)
Friday 5th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie at Laggan (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Five Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Hawfinch at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo (Alastair McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie at Laggan (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Five Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Hawfinch at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo (Alastair McNee).
Thursday 4th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Lynstock Crescent, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Several reports of a large flock of Hawfinches at Allangrange today with a maximum count of 24 (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch at The Lodge, Eigg (John Chester). Three Canada Geese, Isleornsay (RC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo, 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Helmsdale harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Lynstock Crescent, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Several reports of a large flock of Hawfinches at Allangrange today with a maximum count of 24 (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch at The Lodge, Eigg (John Chester). Three Canada Geese, Isleornsay (RC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo, 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Helmsdale harbour (per BirdGuides).
Wednesday 3rd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Six Velvet Scoter and 36 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 27 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay, single Hawfinch in trees beside the pond opposite the Black Isle Brewery (Bob Wilson). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two female type Common Scoter on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Whooper Swans on Black Lochs, Broadford (RMcM) and two at Ardmore, Waternish (SP) per skye-birds.com. Two juvenile Iceland Gulls, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Three Surf Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Six Velvet Scoter and 36 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 27 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay, single Hawfinch in trees beside the pond opposite the Black Isle Brewery (Bob Wilson). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two female type Common Scoter on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Whooper Swans on Black Lochs, Broadford (RMcM) and two at Ardmore, Waternish (SP) per skye-birds.com. Two juvenile Iceland Gulls, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Three Surf Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 2nd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick) also four Waxwings still there, Rough Legged Buzzard, north of Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2 Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 19 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: six Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Female Velvet Scoter in Glenelg Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: one Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields below Dornoch School, 2 male and 2 female Surf Scoters, 2 Brent Geese and 34 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick) also four Waxwings still there, Rough Legged Buzzard, north of Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2 Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 19 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: six Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Female Velvet Scoter in Glenelg Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: one Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields below Dornoch School, 2 male and 2 female Surf Scoters, 2 Brent Geese and 34 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 1st March
Easter Ross: 11 Velvet Scoter, 32 Red-throated Divers, 10 Black Guillemot and single Barnacle Goose, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Black-throated Divers, 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and 45 Red-breasted Mergansers, Ashaig, Broadford (NB, RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 11 Velvet Scoter, 32 Red-throated Divers, 10 Black Guillemot and single Barnacle Goose, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Black-throated Divers, 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and 45 Red-breasted Mergansers, Ashaig, Broadford (NB, RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 28th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Single male Shoveler, 82 Scaup, 52 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Red-throated Divers, off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Later the male Shoveler was reported from Udale (Mary Galloway). Two Grey Partridges and 44 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still in Glenelg bay, 68 Wigeon in Balmacara Bay and 81 at Ardelve, Lochalsh (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, 34 Velvet Scoters and 600 Common Scoters off Embo, while 20 Grey Plover, single Snow Bunting and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit at Dornoch Point (all Dean MacAskill). Single Greenland White-fronted Goose by A9 between The Mound and Golspie (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: two Slavonian Grebes, ten Great Northern Divers, Laide, two Slavonian Gebes, three Common Scoter and seven Great Northern Divers, Little Gruinard, 80 Barnacle Geese, Mungasdale, 15 Curlew, eight Redshank and one Greenshank, Dundonnel (all Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Single male Shoveler, 82 Scaup, 52 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Red-throated Divers, off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Later the male Shoveler was reported from Udale (Mary Galloway). Two Grey Partridges and 44 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still in Glenelg bay, 68 Wigeon in Balmacara Bay and 81 at Ardelve, Lochalsh (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, 34 Velvet Scoters and 600 Common Scoters off Embo, while 20 Grey Plover, single Snow Bunting and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit at Dornoch Point (all Dean MacAskill). Single Greenland White-fronted Goose by A9 between The Mound and Golspie (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: two Slavonian Grebes, ten Great Northern Divers, Laide, two Slavonian Gebes, three Common Scoter and seven Great Northern Divers, Little Gruinard, 80 Barnacle Geese, Mungasdale, 15 Curlew, eight Redshank and one Greenshank, Dundonnel (all Andy Williams)
Saturday 27th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Blair Johnston). Calling Long-eared Owl, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c2,000 Common Scoter past Tarbat Ness, heading southeast (Dave Tanner). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: White-tailed Eagle over the Milton of Leys area of the city (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Neist Point, with first Fulmars back on breeding ledges (Andy Stables). Two Canada Geese in Broadford Bay ('PO-W') - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Blair Johnston). Calling Long-eared Owl, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c2,000 Common Scoter past Tarbat Ness, heading southeast (Dave Tanner). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: White-tailed Eagle over the Milton of Leys area of the city (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Neist Point, with first Fulmars back on breeding ledges (Andy Stables). Two Canada Geese in Broadford Bay ('PO-W') - per skye-birds.com
Friday 26th February
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch still visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson). Five Pintail off Redcastle (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Red-throated Divers off Scalpay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: male Hen Harrier at Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch still visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson). Five Pintail off Redcastle (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Red-throated Divers off Scalpay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: male Hen Harrier at Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 25th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon/Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: immature White-tailed Eagle seen between Jemimaville and Nigg (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck plus three Slavonian Grebes, single Black-throated Diver, eight Great Northern Divers and 46 Skylarks at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon/Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: immature White-tailed Eagle seen between Jemimaville and Nigg (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck plus three Slavonian Grebes, single Black-throated Diver, eight Great Northern Divers and 46 Skylarks at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 24th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge, while on the Bailliefurth flood north of the village was a superb count of 980 Lapwings - believed to be a record number for the area (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Purple Sandpipers at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter with c1,200 Common Scoters off Embo, while 37 Grey Plover were at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge, while on the Bailliefurth flood north of the village was a superb count of 980 Lapwings - believed to be a record number for the area (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Purple Sandpipers at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter with c1,200 Common Scoters off Embo, while 37 Grey Plover were at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 23rd February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 170+ Scaup at Alturlie, Kingfisher along River Ness at Whin Park in the city (Alan MacAskill). Possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid at Alturlie (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 170+ Scaup at Alturlie, Kingfisher along River Ness at Whin Park in the city (Alan MacAskill). Possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid at Alturlie (Morag McCullagh)
Monday 22nd February
Easter Ross: four Velvet Scoter and single Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, plus seven Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 104 Lapwing in Strathdearn (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: flock of 60 returning Skylarks at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). 13 Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: four Velvet Scoter and single Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, plus seven Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 104 Lapwing in Strathdearn (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: flock of 60 returning Skylarks at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). 13 Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 21st February
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Hen Harrier at Auchmore, Newtonmore (Tony Hadley via Facebook). Two Ringed Plover back on breeding territory near Dalwhinnie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: drake and female Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: four Grey Plover at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford (Martin Benson). Eight Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Hen Harrier at Auchmore, Newtonmore (Tony Hadley via Facebook). Two Ringed Plover back on breeding territory near Dalwhinnie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: drake and female Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: four Grey Plover at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford (Martin Benson). Eight Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 20th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Pintails, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 182 Lapwings Insh (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: female Blackcap visiting a garden in the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce there) Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Pintails, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 182 Lapwings Insh (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: female Blackcap visiting a garden in the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce there) Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Friday 19th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 6 Grey Plovers, c250 Twite and Goldfinch Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull Lower Milovaig (AS), adult Iceland Gull and female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (MC) - all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 6 Grey Plovers, c250 Twite and Goldfinch Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull Lower Milovaig (AS), adult Iceland Gull and female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (MC) - all per skye-birds.com
Thursday 18th February
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool (Stuart Edwards).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Duisdale Burn, Sleat (RC per skye-birds.com).
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool (Stuart Edwards).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Duisdale Burn, Sleat (RC per skye-birds.com).
Wednesday 17th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Nethybridge (John Clube)
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Jack Snipe Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill), Black-throated Diver Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Dunvegan (Andy Stables), Lesser Black-backed Gull Broadford (Neil Bennett), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Nethybridge (John Clube)
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Jack Snipe Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill), Black-throated Diver Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Dunvegan (Andy Stables), Lesser Black-backed Gull Broadford (Neil Bennett), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Neil Bennett).
Tuesday 16th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull Loch Insh and a Black-headed Gull at Newtonmore (Fraser Todd) - these three species desert Badenoch & Strathspey almost completely in winter.
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 3 Snow Buntings near Dunvegan (AS), Brent Goose Sleat (Bob McMillan) - all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull Loch Insh and a Black-headed Gull at Newtonmore (Fraser Todd) - these three species desert Badenoch & Strathspey almost completely in winter.
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 3 Snow Buntings near Dunvegan (AS), Brent Goose Sleat (Bob McMillan) - all per skye-birds.com
Monday 15th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 5 Twites and 3 Skylarks Laggan (Fraser Todd), 4 Oystercatchers R Spey near Aviemore (Pete Gordon) - signs of spring.
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 2 Jack Snipes Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1200 Common Scoters Embo and 120 Bramblings Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 5 Twites and 3 Skylarks Laggan (Fraser Todd), 4 Oystercatchers R Spey near Aviemore (Pete Gordon) - signs of spring.
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 2 Jack Snipes Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1200 Common Scoters Embo and 120 Bramblings Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
This Little Bunting was near Boat of Garten 31 January - 1 February. News of its presence was not broadcast as the site is vey public and locals would have been concerned about crowds gathering. There must be more out there!
Sunday 14th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Kingussie (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher Lentran (Thomas Plant), Kingfisher Cononbridge (Edwin Hafiz), juvenile Iceland Gull Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 3 Stock Doves near Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML), Snow Bunting Kylerhea Road (NK), 3 Snow Buntings Upper Milovaig (AS), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Kingussie (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher Lentran (Thomas Plant), Kingfisher Cononbridge (Edwin Hafiz), juvenile Iceland Gull Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 3 Stock Doves near Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML), Snow Bunting Kylerhea Road (NK), 3 Snow Buntings Upper Milovaig (AS), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com.
Saturday 13th February
Easter Ross: Two Jack Snipe, east of Shoremill between Cromarty and Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Three Jack Snipe, 45 Brambling and 50+ Tree Sparrows, Gordon's Mill, Balblair (Mark Finn).
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig (AS) with also separate groups of three and 10 on the Heaste Road (NB), Jack Snipe with a Common Snipe at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com.
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at river mouth, Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Two Jack Snipe, east of Shoremill between Cromarty and Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Three Jack Snipe, 45 Brambling and 50+ Tree Sparrows, Gordon's Mill, Balblair (Mark Finn).
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig (AS) with also separate groups of three and 10 on the Heaste Road (NB), Jack Snipe with a Common Snipe at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com.
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at river mouth, Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Friday 12th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Water Rail, Mains of Garten (Dave Pullan)
Easter Ross: Male Hen Harrier and also 30 Snow Buntings, one Brambling with mixed flock, Eathie Mains . 10 Snow Buntings, one Brambling and 130 Skylarks, Navity (all Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Slavonian Grebes off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hen Harrier, Assynt (Andy Summers via David Haines)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Water Rail, Mains of Garten (Dave Pullan)
Easter Ross: Male Hen Harrier and also 30 Snow Buntings, one Brambling with mixed flock, Eathie Mains . 10 Snow Buntings, one Brambling and 130 Skylarks, Navity (all Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Slavonian Grebes off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hen Harrier, Assynt (Andy Summers via David Haines)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 11th February
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at South Sutor (Kevin Davis). 100+ Snow Buntings in mixed flock with Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Brambling, Chaffinch and Skylark, Eathie Mains, Black Isle (Tim Stenton)
Inverness: Three Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Goose flock, Alturlie (Blair Johnston). Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting on Kylerhea road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Possible Firecrest, Lochcarron (Euan McMillan via Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at South Sutor (Kevin Davis). 100+ Snow Buntings in mixed flock with Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Brambling, Chaffinch and Skylark, Eathie Mains, Black Isle (Tim Stenton)
Inverness: Three Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Goose flock, Alturlie (Blair Johnston). Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting on Kylerhea road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Possible Firecrest, Lochcarron (Euan McMillan via Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 10th February
Easter Ross: Water Rail, Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 110 Scaup and 10 Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Snow Buntings, Kilmory Glen Rum (SM), Jack Snipe and five Woodcock on shore at Duisdale, Sleat (RC) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Water Rail, Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 110 Scaup and 10 Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Snow Buntings, Kilmory Glen Rum (SM), Jack Snipe and five Woodcock on shore at Duisdale, Sleat (RC) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 9th February
Easter Ross: Hawfinch, Kildary (Lynda Simpson). 14 Grey Partridges, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Greenland White-fronted Geese, Ardersier (Paul Sharman)
Lochaber: 16 Snow Buntings, Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) Six Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig, Glendale (AS), 16 Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) and 15 still at Heaste Road, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull at the pier and Water Rail by the caravan park, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Hawfinch, Kildary (Lynda Simpson). 14 Grey Partridges, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Greenland White-fronted Geese, Ardersier (Paul Sharman)
Lochaber: 16 Snow Buntings, Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) Six Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig, Glendale (AS), 16 Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) and 15 still at Heaste Road, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull at the pier and Water Rail by the caravan park, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Monday 8th February
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: One juv Iceland Gull, Lochy estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting in Kinloch Glen, Rum (SM) and two on the Kylerhea Road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: One juv Iceland Gull, Lochy estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting in Kinloch Glen, Rum (SM) and two on the Kylerhea Road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 7th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Possible Nordic Jackdaw, Aviemore (via Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch in private garden, Kildary (via John Poyner)
Inverness: 52 Twite and 9 Grey Plover, Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at the mouth of the River Morar (SMacD), four Snow Buntings at Uileann plantation, Morvern (AK)- all per skye-birds.com. Eight Snow Buntings, Glen Moidart (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Snow Bunting, Kylerhea road (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One drake Surf Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Possible Nordic Jackdaw, Aviemore (via Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch in private garden, Kildary (via John Poyner)
Inverness: 52 Twite and 9 Grey Plover, Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at the mouth of the River Morar (SMacD), four Snow Buntings at Uileann plantation, Morvern (AK)- all per skye-birds.com. Eight Snow Buntings, Glen Moidart (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Snow Bunting, Kylerhea road (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One drake Surf Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 6th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Jays at Farleitire, Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 21 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie, plus a Kingfisher on the Avoch burn (John Carruthers). Reports of three Hawfinches feeding in Tore in recent days (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Golden Plover at Neist Point with a further two at Glendale (Andy Stables). 20 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford and two at Ashaig airstrip (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: Great Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Jays at Farleitire, Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 21 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie, plus a Kingfisher on the Avoch burn (John Carruthers). Reports of three Hawfinches feeding in Tore in recent days (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Golden Plover at Neist Point with a further two at Glendale (Andy Stables). 20 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford and two at Ashaig airstrip (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: Great Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 5th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: now 30 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) and three nearby at Ashaig along with 15 Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). 45 Golden Plover at Waternish ('SP') - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: six (5 adult plus a 1st winter) Little Gulls and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: now 30 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) and three nearby at Ashaig along with 15 Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). 45 Golden Plover at Waternish ('SP') - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: six (5 adult plus a 1st winter) Little Gulls and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 4th February
Easter Ross: 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: ring-tail Hen Harrier on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: c20 Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and 600 Common Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Late report of a Wheatear sp. at Golspie beach on 29th January - possible 'only' a Northern ssp., but timing of the record is exceptional (Cathy Spearing via Dean MacAskill/John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: ring-tail Hen Harrier on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: c20 Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and 600 Common Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Late report of a Wheatear sp. at Golspie beach on 29th January - possible 'only' a Northern ssp., but timing of the record is exceptional (Cathy Spearing via Dean MacAskill/John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 3rd February
Easter Ross: 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Kingfisher at Kiltearn, Evanton (Clair Bale). Single Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: male Blackcap visiting garden the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford with 18 Red-breasted Mergansers (Bob McMillan). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn (Neil Hinchcliffe). Four Woodcock near the school hostel in Plockton ('MBI'). Snow Buntings reported as follows - single on the Kylerhea road (Bob McMillan), twelve at Kilmory on Rum (Sean Morris), two at Duirinish ('MBI'), and 20 on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls and 24 Golden Plover at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Kingfisher at Kiltearn, Evanton (Clair Bale). Single Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: male Blackcap visiting garden the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford with 18 Red-breasted Mergansers (Bob McMillan). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn (Neil Hinchcliffe). Four Woodcock near the school hostel in Plockton ('MBI'). Snow Buntings reported as follows - single on the Kylerhea road (Bob McMillan), twelve at Kilmory on Rum (Sean Morris), two at Duirinish ('MBI'), and 20 on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls and 24 Golden Plover at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 2nd February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Red Kite in Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Andy Stables) plus five on the Kylerhea road (Neil Hinchcliffe). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) with two others (1st and 2nd winter birds) seen by Bob McMillan on Loch Kishorn. Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Red Kite in Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Andy Stables) plus five on the Kylerhea road (Neil Hinchcliffe). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) with two others (1st and 2nd winter birds) seen by Bob McMillan on Loch Kishorn. Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 1st February
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and single Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal off Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well offshore at Lusa mouth, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and seven Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and single Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal off Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well offshore at Lusa mouth, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and seven Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 31st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings around Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Woodcock near Tarbat Ness lighthouse (Dave Tanner). Water Rail along burn opposite the old brewery in Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Greenland White-fronted Geese plus possible Tundra Bean Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese flock north of Beauly (Calum Urquhart)
Lochaber: four Snow Bunting at Uillean, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen briefly in Pabay Sound (Martin Benson). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Poolteil (Andy Stables), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter amongst c4,500 Common Scoter off Coul Links, 17 Slavonian Grebes and single Puffin also. Off Dornoch beach were 20 Slavonian Grebes, 91 Velvet Scoters and 45 Red-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings around Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Woodcock near Tarbat Ness lighthouse (Dave Tanner). Water Rail along burn opposite the old brewery in Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Greenland White-fronted Geese plus possible Tundra Bean Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese flock north of Beauly (Calum Urquhart)
Lochaber: four Snow Bunting at Uillean, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen briefly in Pabay Sound (Martin Benson). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Poolteil (Andy Stables), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter amongst c4,500 Common Scoter off Coul Links, 17 Slavonian Grebes and single Puffin also. Off Dornoch beach were 20 Slavonian Grebes, 91 Velvet Scoters and 45 Red-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 30th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin and Hen Harrier seen from Ruthven Barracks (Simon Eaves). Drake Scaup and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Loch Insh (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Eathie Mains (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: first-winter Glaucous Gull flew up Loch Linnhe to Lochy mouth (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen distantly Pabay Sound (MB per skye-birds.com), 13 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (ML per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 15 Golden Plover at Loch Fleet (Sheila McKenzie)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting at far end of dam, Loch Glascarnoch (Simeon Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin and Hen Harrier seen from Ruthven Barracks (Simon Eaves). Drake Scaup and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Loch Insh (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Eathie Mains (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: first-winter Glaucous Gull flew up Loch Linnhe to Lochy mouth (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen distantly Pabay Sound (MB per skye-birds.com), 13 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (ML per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 15 Golden Plover at Loch Fleet (Sheila McKenzie)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting at far end of dam, Loch Glascarnoch (Simeon Ewing).
Friday 29th January
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), Hawfinch in private garden KiIdary (Alan & Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 141 Scaups, 2 Pintails Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 12 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose Embo, male Hen Harrier Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), Hawfinch in private garden KiIdary (Alan & Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 141 Scaups, 2 Pintails Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 12 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose Embo, male Hen Harrier Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Thursday 28th January
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Hawfinch in private garden Avoch (per Facebook), juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Snow Buntings Heaste (Neil Bennett) and 7 near viewpoint on Heaste Road (Bob McMillan) - probably different
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull with 2 Goosanders Ullapool rivermouth (Stuart Edwards).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Hawfinch in private garden Avoch (per Facebook), juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Snow Buntings Heaste (Neil Bennett) and 7 near viewpoint on Heaste Road (Bob McMillan) - probably different
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull with 2 Goosanders Ullapool rivermouth (Stuart Edwards).
Wednesday 27th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Shelducks with Whooper Swans between Balavil and Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden between Tain and Invergordon (Per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 10 Goosanders and male Hen Harrier Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Snow Buntings over Heiste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett), 50 Barnacle Geese Eilean Mor, off Lyndale Point (per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Shelducks with Whooper Swans between Balavil and Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden between Tain and Invergordon (Per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 10 Goosanders and male Hen Harrier Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Snow Buntings over Heiste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett), 50 Barnacle Geese Eilean Mor, off Lyndale Point (per skye-birds.com).
Tuesday 26th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Auchmore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 196 Scaup, 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie and pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfeet Alturlie Pools, Peregrine & Red Kite over (all Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver briefly in Pabay Sound, Broadford Bay. Glaucous Gull 1st winter following creel boat Broadford Bay, Water Rail Scullamus, Broadford (all Neil Bennett), Slavonian Grebe off Am Ploc, Kyle of Lochalsh (JN per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Auchmore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 196 Scaup, 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie and pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfeet Alturlie Pools, Peregrine & Red Kite over (all Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver briefly in Pabay Sound, Broadford Bay. Glaucous Gull 1st winter following creel boat Broadford Bay, Water Rail Scullamus, Broadford (all Neil Bennett), Slavonian Grebe off Am Ploc, Kyle of Lochalsh (JN per skye-birds.com).
Monday 25th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Boat of Garten Golf Course entrance, later by Holiday Park Reception (Peter Norgate).
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Hen Harrier ringtail Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 8 Great Northern and 1 Black-throated Divers off Lusa, Broadford but no sign of White-billed (Bob McMillan, NH).
Sunday 24th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings at Sliemore Steading, near Nethybridge, then Balnagowan Braes and opposite Dirdhu Court entrance, both Nethybridge (all same birds?) (Steve Broyd & Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver flew SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Pool and Peregrine South Kessock ("Tommy")
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well off Lusa Mouth, Broadford, also 8 Purple Sandpipers (Bob McMillan), Velver Scoter off Portree (NB per Skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter, 12 Grey Plovers Dornoch and 14 Slavonian Grebes Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: adult Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings at Sliemore Steading, near Nethybridge, then Balnagowan Braes and opposite Dirdhu Court entrance, both Nethybridge (all same birds?) (Steve Broyd & Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver flew SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Pool and Peregrine South Kessock ("Tommy")
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well off Lusa Mouth, Broadford, also 8 Purple Sandpipers (Bob McMillan), Velver Scoter off Portree (NB per Skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter, 12 Grey Plovers Dornoch and 14 Slavonian Grebes Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: adult Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Saturday 23rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings still by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan) also two Waxwings between Causer crossroads and Lynstock, Nethybridge (Mike Coleman).
Easter Ross: 14 Snow Buntings on pat to Cioch Mhor, Strath Sgitheach (Simon Cohen).
Lochaber: Four Common Scoter and four Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Great Northern Divers and a single Black-throated Diver in Loch Ainort (NB) - via skye-birds.com
Friday 22nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves) also three Bramblings in the Golf Club car park (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and 71 Red-throated Divers, two Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannets and several hundred Guillemots and Razorbills passed Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 181 Scaup and three Slavonian Gebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Slavonian Grebe at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Immature drake Surf Scoter and two Velvet Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves) also three Bramblings in the Golf Club car park (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and 71 Red-throated Divers, two Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannets and several hundred Guillemots and Razorbills passed Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 181 Scaup and three Slavonian Gebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Slavonian Grebe at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Immature drake Surf Scoter and two Velvet Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 21st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by golf club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Jack Snipe, Ruthven, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Six adult and one first winter Little Gulls, eight Fulmar, six Gannet, one Black Guillemot, one Puffin, 12 Red-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers in a two hour seawatch from Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by golf club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Jack Snipe, Ruthven, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Six adult and one first winter Little Gulls, eight Fulmar, six Gannet, one Black Guillemot, one Puffin, 12 Red-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers in a two hour seawatch from Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 20th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one on An Caol island and the other on the W side of Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler). Eight Greenshank, Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Common Scoter, Lusa Mouth, Broadford and three Slavonian Grebes (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell). Drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one on An Caol island and the other on the W side of Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler). Eight Greenshank, Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Common Scoter, Lusa Mouth, Broadford and three Slavonian Grebes (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell). Drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 19th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings behind tennis club, Boat of Garten (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at mouth of River Lochy, Caol. Slavonian Grebe, Loch Linnhe (all per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Black-throated Diver in the Sound of Sleat off Armadale and four Great Northern Divers (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, one Black-tailed Godwit and 26 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings behind tennis club, Boat of Garten (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at mouth of River Lochy, Caol. Slavonian Grebe, Loch Linnhe (all per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Black-throated Diver in the Sound of Sleat off Armadale and four Great Northern Divers (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, one Black-tailed Godwit and 26 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 18th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barn Owl, Nethy Golf Course (Peter Norgate)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, 35 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 31 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Barn Owl, Craig Dunain (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Adult Little Gull, Loch Linnhe (Stu Crutchfield)
Sutherland: 41 Purple Sandpipers, 240 Common Scoter, a single Velvet Scoter and 4 Slavonian Grebes, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barn Owl, Nethy Golf Course (Peter Norgate)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, 35 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 31 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Barn Owl, Craig Dunain (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Adult Little Gull, Loch Linnhe (Stu Crutchfield)
Sutherland: 41 Purple Sandpipers, 240 Common Scoter, a single Velvet Scoter and 4 Slavonian Grebes, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 17th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch and Stonechat, Clachnaharry (Graeme Prest)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull, Sound of Mull, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st Winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree and Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch and Stonechat, Clachnaharry (Graeme Prest)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull, Sound of Mull, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st Winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree and Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell)
Saturday 16th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings near Boat of Garten golf clubhouse (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, along with singles of Fulmar and Gannet (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings near Boat of Garten golf clubhouse (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, along with singles of Fulmar and Gannet (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Friday 15th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, c200 Eider at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Tundra Bean Goose amongst goose flock north of A96 at Gollanfield (Al McNee). Great Crested Grebe plus 78 Scaup, 13 Slavonian Grebe, three Pintail and 152 Golden Plover at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Common Scoter (female or immature) still off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe). 60 Barnacle Geese around Garafad, Staffin ('SP') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Surf Scoter (adult drake, immature drake and female) off Dornoch, with 28 Snow Bunting and male Hen Harrier at the point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, c200 Eider at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Tundra Bean Goose amongst goose flock north of A96 at Gollanfield (Al McNee). Great Crested Grebe plus 78 Scaup, 13 Slavonian Grebe, three Pintail and 152 Golden Plover at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Common Scoter (female or immature) still off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe). 60 Barnacle Geese around Garafad, Staffin ('SP') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Surf Scoter (adult drake, immature drake and female) off Dornoch, with 28 Snow Bunting and male Hen Harrier at the point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 14th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the Spey near Boat of Bailliefurth (John Clube)
Inverness: Brambling visiting a Croy garden (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: injured Long-eared Owl recovered at Ullinish ('PS'), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the Spey near Boat of Bailliefurth (John Clube)
Inverness: Brambling visiting a Croy garden (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: injured Long-eared Owl recovered at Ullinish ('PS'), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 13th January
Easter Ross: single Great Northern Diver, 42 Red-throated Divers, 129 Eider, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant at Castle Stuart amongst goose flock (per Birdguides)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter (female or immature) off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Iceland Gull on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c120 Brambling in mixed finch flock at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Great Northern Diver, 42 Red-throated Divers, 129 Eider, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant at Castle Stuart amongst goose flock (per Birdguides)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter (female or immature) off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Iceland Gull on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c120 Brambling in mixed finch flock at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 12th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Tulloch, Abernethy (Pete Gordon). Merlin on the A938 near Dulnain Bridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Woodcock flushed from the Tarbat Ness car park, seven Skylarks and c1,000 Pink-footed Geese in nearby fields, while off the point were 36 Red-throated Diver and a single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal by footbridge on the saltings, Tain (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher on River Ness near Whin Park (Tim Stowe). Two Long-tailed Duck off South Kessock, and c114 Scaup off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese at Isay, Waternish ('RA'). Four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa, Broadford and similar number at Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - other sightings and more at skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two drake Surf Scoter and 20 plus Velvet Scoter off Dornoch Point, plus nearby three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Grey Plover, 27 Snow Bunting and c500 in the Twite/Goldfinch flock (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Tulloch, Abernethy (Pete Gordon). Merlin on the A938 near Dulnain Bridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Woodcock flushed from the Tarbat Ness car park, seven Skylarks and c1,000 Pink-footed Geese in nearby fields, while off the point were 36 Red-throated Diver and a single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal by footbridge on the saltings, Tain (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher on River Ness near Whin Park (Tim Stowe). Two Long-tailed Duck off South Kessock, and c114 Scaup off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese at Isay, Waternish ('RA'). Four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa, Broadford and similar number at Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - other sightings and more at skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two drake Surf Scoter and 20 plus Velvet Scoter off Dornoch Point, plus nearby three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Grey Plover, 27 Snow Bunting and c500 in the Twite/Goldfinch flock (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 11th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings in Boat of Garten, between Spey and railway bridges (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings in Boat of Garten, between Spey and railway bridges (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sunday 10th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: twelve Waxwings mobile around Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan, plus Simon Eaves/Sue Sykes),
Easter Ross: juv/1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, while off Saltburn Pier at Invergordon were c150 Scaup and eight Slavonian Grebe (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: nine Grey Plovers at Whiteness Head (Al & Jenny McNee). Six Scaup, eleven Pintail, 98 Golden Plover and 46 Bar-tailed Godwit at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte) Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill), plus another at Abban Water, Lochend (Blair Whyte). Male Blackcap visting a Scorguie garden (William Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope distant off Dornoch beach, drake Surf Scoter and Hen Harrier also (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: twelve Waxwings mobile around Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan, plus Simon Eaves/Sue Sykes),
Easter Ross: juv/1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, while off Saltburn Pier at Invergordon were c150 Scaup and eight Slavonian Grebe (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: nine Grey Plovers at Whiteness Head (Al & Jenny McNee). Six Scaup, eleven Pintail, 98 Golden Plover and 46 Bar-tailed Godwit at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte) Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill), plus another at Abban Water, Lochend (Blair Whyte). Male Blackcap visting a Scorguie garden (William Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope distant off Dornoch beach, drake Surf Scoter and Hen Harrier also (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 9th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin on the A835 near Moy Rock/Brahan estate entrance (Edwin Hafiz)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, at end of track down from Hotel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Jack Snipes at Kyleakin (VB) and Glas Eilean, Broadford (MB) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 6 (5 ad, 1 1st W) Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin on the A835 near Moy Rock/Brahan estate entrance (Edwin Hafiz)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, at end of track down from Hotel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Jack Snipes at Kyleakin (VB) and Glas Eilean, Broadford (MB) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 6 (5 ad, 1 1st W) Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 8th January
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Hen Harrier Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene), 4+ Woodcocks Quarryford and single Barn Owl at Bogallan (Bob Wilson), ca 25 Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Merlin Inverness Airport (Phil), 63 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Al & Jenny McNee), Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Tim Stowe et al), 13 Pintails, 5 Scaups, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: still 7 Slavonian Grebes on fresh water at SW corner of Loch Morar (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Twites Isleornsay saltings (RC per skye-birds.com), Jay Strathcarron - unusual location (JN per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 22 Snow Buntings, 6 Grey Plovers (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Hen Harrier Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene), 4+ Woodcocks Quarryford and single Barn Owl at Bogallan (Bob Wilson), ca 25 Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Merlin Inverness Airport (Phil), 63 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Al & Jenny McNee), Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Tim Stowe et al), 13 Pintails, 5 Scaups, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: still 7 Slavonian Grebes on fresh water at SW corner of Loch Morar (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Twites Isleornsay saltings (RC per skye-birds.com), Jay Strathcarron - unusual location (JN per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 22 Snow Buntings, 6 Grey Plovers (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 7th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher by old bridge, Contin (Keith and Rosy Barnes), female-type Smew flew towards Rockfield (Dave Tanner), 3 Snow Buntings, 160+ Skylarks, Brambling Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers, Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al and Jenny McNee, Alan MacAskill), 70 Scaups, Red-throated Diver, Peregrine (Blair Whyte),
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil), northern-type Chiffchaff Loch Lochy (David Whittaker).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB per skye-birds.com), 2-3 Short-eared Owls at roost near Struan (PS per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: adult Little Gull Loch Fleet, 40 Bramblings, 300 Twites, 100 Goldfinches, 22 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher by old bridge, Contin (Keith and Rosy Barnes), female-type Smew flew towards Rockfield (Dave Tanner), 3 Snow Buntings, 160+ Skylarks, Brambling Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers, Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al and Jenny McNee, Alan MacAskill), 70 Scaups, Red-throated Diver, Peregrine (Blair Whyte),
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil), northern-type Chiffchaff Loch Lochy (David Whittaker).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB per skye-birds.com), 2-3 Short-eared Owls at roost near Struan (PS per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: adult Little Gull Loch Fleet, 40 Bramblings, 300 Twites, 100 Goldfinches, 22 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 6th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Snow Buntings Dirdhu, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Water Rails, Kingfisher and Little Auk Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Velvet Scoters at Loch Portree (NH) and off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 3 Jack Snipes Duisdalebeg, Sleat (RC) and one at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan) - all records per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 15 Snow Buntings, 105 Golden Plovers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), 16 Slavonian Grebes, 13 Red-throated Divers, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Snow Buntings Dirdhu, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Water Rails, Kingfisher and Little Auk Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Velvet Scoters at Loch Portree (NH) and off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 3 Jack Snipes Duisdalebeg, Sleat (RC) and one at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan) - all records per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 15 Snow Buntings, 105 Golden Plovers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), 16 Slavonian Grebes, 13 Red-throated Divers, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 5th January
Easter Ross: second-winter Iceland Gull Shore St, Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Braes area and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey-bellied Brant Goose, 4 Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Goose Wester Dalziel/Lonnie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 7 Slavonian Grebes in SW corner of Loch Morar - unusual on fresh water here in winter (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds), juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig (NR per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Harrapool (per BirdGuides), 20 Snow Buntings Trotternish Ridge near The Stoer (TH per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Surf Scoter with 21 Velvet Scoters and 4500 Common Scoters Embo, also 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 37 Snow Buntings and 250 Twites there (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: second-winter Iceland Gull Shore St, Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Braes area and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey-bellied Brant Goose, 4 Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Goose Wester Dalziel/Lonnie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 7 Slavonian Grebes in SW corner of Loch Morar - unusual on fresh water here in winter (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds), juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig (NR per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Harrapool (per BirdGuides), 20 Snow Buntings Trotternish Ridge near The Stoer (TH per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Surf Scoter with 21 Velvet Scoters and 4500 Common Scoters Embo, also 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 37 Snow Buntings and 250 Twites there (all Dean MacAskill)
Monday 4th January
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver 1E, 2SW and Great Northern Diver 1SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher Avoch (Bob Wilson), Green-winged Teal by footbridge, Tain (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 3 Barnacle Geese by Lonnie turning, Castle Stuart, Greenland White-fronted Goose and pale-bellied Brent Goose Balmachree, Newton of Petty (Peter Stronach), 52 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris), male Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, Loch Shiel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe and Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchliffe), Velvet Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), female Blackcap at feeders Isleornsay (R Cottis), pair of Ptarmigan Beinn na Seamraig, Kinloch - scarce on Skye (MB).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver 1E, 2SW and Great Northern Diver 1SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher Avoch (Bob Wilson), Green-winged Teal by footbridge, Tain (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 3 Barnacle Geese by Lonnie turning, Castle Stuart, Greenland White-fronted Goose and pale-bellied Brent Goose Balmachree, Newton of Petty (Peter Stronach), 52 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris), male Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, Loch Shiel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe and Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchliffe), Velvet Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), female Blackcap at feeders Isleornsay (R Cottis), pair of Ptarmigan Beinn na Seamraig, Kinloch - scarce on Skye (MB).
Sunday 3rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mealy Redpoll with Lessers Deshar School, Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Al McNee), juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Puffin Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith), Kingfisher Avoch Burn (Mary Galloway), 29 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie and 6 Grey Partridges at nearby Navity (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR and Chiffchaff at nearby Carsegate Marina (Tim Stowe), White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet just after railway bridge from A96 at Castle Stuart (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 ad Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), Water Raill Breakish Obbe (NH per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Ardgour Fish Farm (Alister Benn), Iceland Gull Fort William (Jim MackIntosh).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mealy Redpoll with Lessers Deshar School, Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Al McNee), juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Puffin Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith), Kingfisher Avoch Burn (Mary Galloway), 29 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie and 6 Grey Partridges at nearby Navity (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR and Chiffchaff at nearby Carsegate Marina (Tim Stowe), White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet just after railway bridge from A96 at Castle Stuart (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 ad Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), Water Raill Breakish Obbe (NH per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Ardgour Fish Farm (Alister Benn), Iceland Gull Fort William (Jim MackIntosh).
Saturday 2nd January
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) also Great Crested Grebe near Tain water treatment outfall (Dave Tanner). 37 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Single Black-tailed Godwit off Urquhart old cemetery between Cromatry bridge & Alcaig (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie). Single Brambling, Errogie (Alex Keith)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Slavonian Grebe, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and two Loch Carron, also single female/immature Common Scoter Loch Carron (R McM), 11 Great Northern Divers and five Red-throated Divers in Broadford Bay (NB) all via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) also Great Crested Grebe near Tain water treatment outfall (Dave Tanner). 37 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Single Black-tailed Godwit off Urquhart old cemetery between Cromatry bridge & Alcaig (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie). Single Brambling, Errogie (Alex Keith)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Slavonian Grebe, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and two Loch Carron, also single female/immature Common Scoter Loch Carron (R McM), 11 Great Northern Divers and five Red-throated Divers in Broadford Bay (NB) all via skye-birds.com
Friday 1st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ten+ Brambling near Speyside Way in Nethy Bridge (Peter Stronach) later 40 Brambling and four Crossbill near Nethy Kirk (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver and one Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Single Brambling, Munlochy (Bob Wilson). 56 Purple Sandpipers and two Twite, Balintore Harbour (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Four Whooper Swans, 108 Scaup, 54 Shelduck, 183 Greylag Geese and four Magpies at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: First winter Iceland Gull, Morrisons car park, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree, Water Rail calling at Loch Suardal and four Whooper Swans (JDJ via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 21 Snow Buntings and six Grey Plover, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool on Loch Broom at river mouth, also another reported from Ardmair fish farm (via BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ten+ Brambling near Speyside Way in Nethy Bridge (Peter Stronach) later 40 Brambling and four Crossbill near Nethy Kirk (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver and one Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Single Brambling, Munlochy (Bob Wilson). 56 Purple Sandpipers and two Twite, Balintore Harbour (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Four Whooper Swans, 108 Scaup, 54 Shelduck, 183 Greylag Geese and four Magpies at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: First winter Iceland Gull, Morrisons car park, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree, Water Rail calling at Loch Suardal and four Whooper Swans (JDJ via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 21 Snow Buntings and six Grey Plover, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool on Loch Broom at river mouth, also another reported from Ardmair fish farm (via BirdGuides)
Happy New Year/Bliadhna Mhath Ùr - The Highland Bird News Team wish you a happy and bird filled 2021 - All the best from Pete, Mike and Colin
2020
Thursday 31st December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 45 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and five Gannets SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Barn Owl, Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Male and Female Gadwall and single Whooper Swan, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Single Snow Bunting behind Ardnish Fishfarm, Lochailort (SC via skye-birds.com )
Skye & Lochalsh: 70 Fieldfares at Kilbride, Torrin (NH via skye-birds.com )
Sutherland: Seven adult Little Gulls and 23 adult Gannets, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Three Snow Buntings, Embo beach (Thomas Plant)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 45 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and five Gannets SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Barn Owl, Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Male and Female Gadwall and single Whooper Swan, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Single Snow Bunting behind Ardnish Fishfarm, Lochailort (SC via skye-birds.com )
Skye & Lochalsh: 70 Fieldfares at Kilbride, Torrin (NH via skye-birds.com )
Sutherland: Seven adult Little Gulls and 23 adult Gannets, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Three Snow Buntings, Embo beach (Thomas Plant)
Wednesday 30th December
Easter Ross: 12 fieldfares feeding on the holly berries in the garden at Drynie Park (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and six Common Snipe, Mekinch LNR (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-throated Divers in Loch Slapin off Kilmarie also two Red-throated Divers and eight Great Northern Divers (RMcM via skye-birds.com )
Easter Ross: 12 fieldfares feeding on the holly berries in the garden at Drynie Park (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and six Common Snipe, Mekinch LNR (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-throated Divers in Loch Slapin off Kilmarie also two Red-throated Divers and eight Great Northern Divers (RMcM via skye-birds.com )
Tuesday 29th December
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoters, two Black-throated Divers and three Great Northern Divers past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Single Brambling in Croy (Marcus Conway). 16 Scaup, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Morar, Arisaig (S MacD) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoters, two Black-throated Divers and three Great Northern Divers past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Single Brambling in Croy (Marcus Conway). 16 Scaup, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Morar, Arisaig (S MacD) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson)
Monday 28th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings flew over Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Four Snow Buntings with 80+ Skylarks, Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Ruddy Shelduck in bay north of Ferry Point, Dingwall also Kingfisher on the River Peffrey (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 50+ Fieldfares, Bunchrew (Thomas Plant). One Chiffchaff at Caledonian Canal marina (Tim Stowe). Still one Greenland White-fronted Goose and six Barnacle Geese, Balloch, also one Great-crested Grebe, Alturlie (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter still present, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Galmisdale Bay, Eigg (JC) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Evelix, two drake Surf Scoters, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill). 18 Snow Buntings still at Dornoch Point (as per BirdGuides). Single Waxwing, Bonar Bridge (Gill Merriman)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings flew over Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Four Snow Buntings with 80+ Skylarks, Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Ruddy Shelduck in bay north of Ferry Point, Dingwall also Kingfisher on the River Peffrey (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 50+ Fieldfares, Bunchrew (Thomas Plant). One Chiffchaff at Caledonian Canal marina (Tim Stowe). Still one Greenland White-fronted Goose and six Barnacle Geese, Balloch, also one Great-crested Grebe, Alturlie (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter still present, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Galmisdale Bay, Eigg (JC) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Evelix, two drake Surf Scoters, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill). 18 Snow Buntings still at Dornoch Point (as per BirdGuides). Single Waxwing, Bonar Bridge (Gill Merriman)
Sunday 27th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings in Craigie Avenue/village hall area, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Geese, Balloch (Colin Leslie) then later in the same flock two White-fronts, one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and five Barnacle Geese, also a neck collared Pink Footed Goose, "UBB" a female ringed in Aberdeenshire in 2016. 95 Scaup Alturlie and 107 Goldeneye, Kessock Bridge (all Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson). 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Knock Bay, Sleat (Steve Heap). Female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Grey Plover and 13 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings in Craigie Avenue/village hall area, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Geese, Balloch (Colin Leslie) then later in the same flock two White-fronts, one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and five Barnacle Geese, also a neck collared Pink Footed Goose, "UBB" a female ringed in Aberdeenshire in 2016. 95 Scaup Alturlie and 107 Goldeneye, Kessock Bridge (all Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson). 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Knock Bay, Sleat (Steve Heap). Female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Grey Plover and 13 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 26th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Waxwings still in Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston). Two Hen Harriers at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Waxwings still in Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston). Two Hen Harriers at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Friday 25th December
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Bramblings and two Waxwings in Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston)
Easter Ross: two Black Gillemot, two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: six Pale-belled Brent Geese at Embo (Susan Seright)
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Bramblings and two Waxwings in Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston)
Easter Ross: two Black Gillemot, two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: six Pale-belled Brent Geese at Embo (Susan Seright)
Thursday 24th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Al McNee). Juv/1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while the afternoon period saw five (2m/3f) Velvet Scoter, three Gannets and four Kittiwakes with five Tree Sparrows near the car park (Tim Stowe). Single Slavonian Grebe, two Golden Plover, two Red Kite, two Barn Owl and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c20 Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Kingfisher at Dochgarroch with another at Muirtown pools, with Water Rail present at the latter also (Tommy You'd)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting at Harris, Rum (Sean Morris). Iceland Gull in Uig bay ('ML') - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Al McNee). Juv/1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while the afternoon period saw five (2m/3f) Velvet Scoter, three Gannets and four Kittiwakes with five Tree Sparrows near the car park (Tim Stowe). Single Slavonian Grebe, two Golden Plover, two Red Kite, two Barn Owl and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c20 Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Kingfisher at Dochgarroch with another at Muirtown pools, with Water Rail present at the latter also (Tommy You'd)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting at Harris, Rum (Sean Morris). Iceland Gull in Uig bay ('ML') - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 23rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: c6 Snow Bunting around Cairngorm Mountain resort car park (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Tim Stowe). 149 Eider, 14 Red-throated Diver and single adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant plus three Barnacle Geese amongst the goose flock at Wester Dalziel (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile drake Velvet Scoter at Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), two Snow Bunting at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c6 Snow Bunting around Cairngorm Mountain resort car park (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Tim Stowe). 149 Eider, 14 Red-throated Diver and single adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant plus three Barnacle Geese amongst the goose flock at Wester Dalziel (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile drake Velvet Scoter at Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), two Snow Bunting at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Tuesday 22nd December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Sue Sykes)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour ('NR' via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree (Andy Stables), 18 Great Northern Divers between Ardnish and Lusa (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Sue Sykes)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour ('NR' via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree (Andy Stables), 18 Great Northern Divers between Ardnish and Lusa (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 21st December
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe, c100 Scaup and 44 Bar-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Kingfisher, eight Little Grebe and a Red Kite at Merkinch (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull plus female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: six adult and single 1st winter Little Gulls plus a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe, c100 Scaup and 44 Bar-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Kingfisher, eight Little Grebe and a Red Kite at Merkinch (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull plus female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: six adult and single 1st winter Little Gulls plus a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 20th December
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown locks (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and three Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Chiffchaff at Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 23 Snow Bunting, 19 Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown locks (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and three Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Chiffchaff at Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 23 Snow Bunting, 19 Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 19th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 4 Barnacle Geese with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Wester Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), Long-eared Owl calling last night Lochlonghead (PS)
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 30 Golden Plover, several Ptarmigan and lone Red Kite near summit of Carn Chuinneag (Thomas Plant). Eight Snow Bunting and 134 Sanderling at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Fleet were around 300 Linnet, 100 Brambling and five Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 4 Barnacle Geese with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Wester Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), Long-eared Owl calling last night Lochlonghead (PS)
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 30 Golden Plover, several Ptarmigan and lone Red Kite near summit of Carn Chuinneag (Thomas Plant). Eight Snow Bunting and 134 Sanderling at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Fleet were around 300 Linnet, 100 Brambling and five Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 18th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, 150m east of footbridge, Greenshank Coulmore (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson, Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull south over Eigg Pier (John Chester per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds), single Snow Buntings on either side of Bealach na Ba (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, 150m east of footbridge, Greenshank Coulmore (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson, Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull south over Eigg Pier (John Chester per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds), single Snow Buntings on either side of Bealach na Ba (Bob McMillan).
Thursday 17th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain Links (Keith Barnes)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank Drynock (Bob McMillan per skye-birds).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain Links (Keith Barnes)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank Drynock (Bob McMillan per skye-birds).
Wednesday 16th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad or near-ad Lesser Black-backed Gull Aviemore, 10 Bramblings with 700 Chaffinches Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Simon Levene).
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad or near-ad Lesser Black-backed Gull Aviemore, 10 Bramblings with 700 Chaffinches Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Simon Levene).
Tuesday 15th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal offshore Tain Links (Kev Cuthbert).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (NR per skye-birds)
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 Common Scoters Loch Ainort (NB per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 3 drake Surf Scoters, with 39+ Velvet Scoters, 2000 Common Scoters, 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal offshore Tain Links (Kev Cuthbert).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (NR per skye-birds)
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 Common Scoters Loch Ainort (NB per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 3 drake Surf Scoters, with 39+ Velvet Scoters, 2000 Common Scoters, 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 14th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal wee pond at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Common Scoters, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plovers, 8 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal wee pond at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Common Scoters, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plovers, 8 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Sunday 13th December
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), 28 light-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Bay (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Kingfisher Moniack Burn, Lentran (Thomas Plant), 2 Magpies Westhill (Kathleen Line).
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchrois, Strath (Bob McMillan) - first on Skye since 2016.
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls (8 ads, 2 1st winter, 1 2nd winter), first winter Iceland Gull, adult Pomarine Skua Brora River Mouth, 5 Greenshanks Loch Fleet, 110+ Bramblings Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill). 7 Jays Rosehall area (Neil Wilson).
Wester Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), 28 light-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Bay (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Kingfisher Moniack Burn, Lentran (Thomas Plant), 2 Magpies Westhill (Kathleen Line).
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchrois, Strath (Bob McMillan) - first on Skye since 2016.
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls (8 ads, 2 1st winter, 1 2nd winter), first winter Iceland Gull, adult Pomarine Skua Brora River Mouth, 5 Greenshanks Loch Fleet, 110+ Bramblings Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill). 7 Jays Rosehall area (Neil Wilson).
Wester Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Saturday 12th December
Easter Ross: Single Fulmar and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Single Barnacle Goose and leucistic Greylag Goose, Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Immature Golden Eagle and three Black Grouse, Ashie Moor and two Slavonian Grebes Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Mallaig harbour (SM) via Skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two juvenile Iceland Gulls still in Uig Bay (SG),Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), six Great Northern Divers and four Red-throated Divers in Loch Snizort (SC), Moorhen Loch Cillchriosd, Skye all via skye-birds.com.
Easter Ross: Single Fulmar and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Single Barnacle Goose and leucistic Greylag Goose, Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Immature Golden Eagle and three Black Grouse, Ashie Moor and two Slavonian Grebes Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Mallaig harbour (SM) via Skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two juvenile Iceland Gulls still in Uig Bay (SG),Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), six Great Northern Divers and four Red-throated Divers in Loch Snizort (SC), Moorhen Loch Cillchriosd, Skye all via skye-birds.com.
Friday 11th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Jack Snipe and 800 Linnets along the River Spey between Boat of Garten and Nethybridge (Peter Gordon)
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers near Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Dean MacAskill) then later two Great Crested Grebes and five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill) increasing to eight Slavonian Gebes at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (NR) also 15 Great Northern Divers on Loch Ailort between Alisary and Roshven (SC) all via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Turnstone at the head of Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan). Moorhen (rare on Skye) Loch Cillchroisd (C. Baillie) all via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Jack Snipe and 800 Linnets along the River Spey between Boat of Garten and Nethybridge (Peter Gordon)
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers near Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Dean MacAskill) then later two Great Crested Grebes and five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill) increasing to eight Slavonian Gebes at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (NR) also 15 Great Northern Divers on Loch Ailort between Alisary and Roshven (SC) all via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Turnstone at the head of Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan). Moorhen (rare on Skye) Loch Cillchroisd (C. Baillie) all via skye-birds.com
Thursday 10th December
Easter Ross: Hen Harrier and eight Grey Partridges, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Mary Galloway). Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (via BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (MC) via Skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Hen Harrier and eight Grey Partridges, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Mary Galloway). Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (via BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (MC) via Skye-birds.com
Wednesday 9th December
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull and 10 Purple Sandpipers, Mallaig also drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (Bob McMillan). Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull, Brora (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull and 10 Purple Sandpipers, Mallaig also drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (Bob McMillan). Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull, Brora (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 8th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Female Blackcap in a garden at Bellfield, Inverness (Ross Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg appearing daily on the feeders at The Lodge (NB) via Skye-birds.com
Monday 7th December
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Barnacle Goose, 154 Scaup and six Slavonian Grebes, Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter, Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and six Purple Sandpipers, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) all via Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Slavonian Grebes off Coul Links and 18 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Barnacle Goose, 154 Scaup and six Slavonian Grebes, Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter, Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and six Purple Sandpipers, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) all via Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Slavonian Grebes off Coul Links and 18 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 6th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Waxwing, Grantown on Spey (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Portmahomack Pier also intermediate morph Snow Goose, Nigg village (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Kate Mennie). Male and female Gadwall, Loch Flemington and Great Northern Diver east of Fort George (Colin Leslie). Six Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig pier (SM) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two second-winter Iceland Gulls Uig Bay (SG), eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate (DM) all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Waxwing, Grantown on Spey (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Portmahomack Pier also intermediate morph Snow Goose, Nigg village (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Kate Mennie). Male and female Gadwall, Loch Flemington and Great Northern Diver east of Fort George (Colin Leslie). Six Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig pier (SM) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two second-winter Iceland Gulls Uig Bay (SG), eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate (DM) all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 5th December
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness, juvenile Red-necked Grebe off Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg - third sighting since April (Norah Barnes)
Sutherland: six Snow Bunting and Great Skua at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness, juvenile Red-necked Grebe off Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg - third sighting since April (Norah Barnes)
Sutherland: six Snow Bunting and Great Skua at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 4th December
Easter Ross: three Woodcock plus a Barn Owl between Redcastle and Charlestown, while at Udale Bay were 86 Shelduck, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, single Goldeneye and Little Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: four Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: eleven Little Auk plus one predated by a Great Black-backed Gull past Brora river mouth, plus eight Little Gulls (five adult, one 2CY and two 1st winter), 16 Black Guillemot, three Fulmar and single Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Woodcock plus a Barn Owl between Redcastle and Charlestown, while at Udale Bay were 86 Shelduck, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, single Goldeneye and Little Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: four Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: eleven Little Auk plus one predated by a Great Black-backed Gull past Brora river mouth, plus eight Little Gulls (five adult, one 2CY and two 1st winter), 16 Black Guillemot, three Fulmar and single Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 3rd December
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Intermediate morph Snow Goose with Pink-footed Geese flock near Nigg (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Slavonian Grebe at Clachnaharry's sea lock (Al McNee - bird was first seen there on 30/11 by Willy Ross)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe, seven Red-throated DIvers and five Common Scoter at Loch Ainort, with another three of the latter at Sconser quarry (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Grey Plover, ten Snow Bunting and 80 Twite on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Intermediate morph Snow Goose with Pink-footed Geese flock near Nigg (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Slavonian Grebe at Clachnaharry's sea lock (Al McNee - bird was first seen there on 30/11 by Willy Ross)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe, seven Red-throated DIvers and five Common Scoter at Loch Ainort, with another three of the latter at Sconser quarry (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Grey Plover, ten Snow Bunting and 80 Twite on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 2nd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Dell of Killiehuntly farm, Insh (Dave Pierce). C130 Snow Buntings in Coire Cas (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Great Northern Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate ('DE' via skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Dell of Killiehuntly farm, Insh (Dave Pierce). C130 Snow Buntings in Coire Cas (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Great Northern Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate ('DE' via skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 1st December
Easter Ross: juvenile Puffin, single Great Northern Diver and ten Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a single Barnacle Goose was seen amongst c50 Pink-footed Geese (David Tattersley). Great Northern Diver off Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Eight Whooper Swans at Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Inverness: Kingfisher in the Whin Park area of the city along the River Ness (Alan MacAskill). Single Swallow and two Slavonian Grebes at Merkinch (Penny Insole). Ten Grey Plover at Whiteness (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (John Chester)
Sutherland: 120 Fulmar on cliffs, 60 Ringed Plover on the beach, 550 Barnacle Geese and 10 Whooper Swans, Faraid Head and Balnakeil ( Gordon Birnie)
Easter Ross: juvenile Puffin, single Great Northern Diver and ten Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a single Barnacle Goose was seen amongst c50 Pink-footed Geese (David Tattersley). Great Northern Diver off Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Eight Whooper Swans at Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Inverness: Kingfisher in the Whin Park area of the city along the River Ness (Alan MacAskill). Single Swallow and two Slavonian Grebes at Merkinch (Penny Insole). Ten Grey Plover at Whiteness (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (John Chester)
Sutherland: 120 Fulmar on cliffs, 60 Ringed Plover on the beach, 550 Barnacle Geese and 10 Whooper Swans, Faraid Head and Balnakeil ( Gordon Birnie)
Monday 30th November
Inverness: drake Gadwall on Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: seven Little Gulls (five adult, one 1st winter and one 2nd winter) at Brora (David Tattersley)
Inverness: drake Gadwall on Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: seven Little Gulls (five adult, one 1st winter and one 2nd winter) at Brora (David Tattersley)
Sunday 29th November
Easter Ross: five drake Goldeneye in Strathconon (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: 14 Slavonian Grebes on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (John Chester)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Great Northern Divers on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris), 16 Bar-tailed Godwit plus two Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 18 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: 18 Golden Plover on Carn Gorm (Clair Bale)
Easter Ross: five drake Goldeneye in Strathconon (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: 14 Slavonian Grebes on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (John Chester)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Great Northern Divers on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris), 16 Bar-tailed Godwit plus two Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 18 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: 18 Golden Plover on Carn Gorm (Clair Bale)
Saturday 28th November
Inverness: Swallow Merkinch LNR (Tony Cluxton).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), juvenile Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 12 Bramblings in large finch flock in weedy field by railway hut at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Swallow Merkinch LNR (Tony Cluxton).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), juvenile Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 12 Bramblings in large finch flock in weedy field by railway hut at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 27th November
Easter Ross: 150 Scaups Invergordon (Dave Tanner)
.
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Kentra (per BirdGuides), juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig (Steven MacDonald).
Sutherland: 6 adult & 4 immature Little Gulls, Little Auk & Great Northern Diver Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 26th November
Easter Ross: Great Crested Grebe Udale Bay and 5 Bramblings Cullicudden area (Alan MacAskill and Dave Barnett) - no large flocks of Bramblings reported yet but possibly a few more than last winter?
Inverness: Magpie in a garden for first time in 45 years, 2-3 reported Drumnadrochit (Josie Mackenzie)
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Blair Mhor, Fort William (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), adult pale-bellied Brent Goose and Black-throated Diver Achnacloich, Sleat (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Great Crested Grebe Udale Bay and 5 Bramblings Cullicudden area (Alan MacAskill and Dave Barnett) - no large flocks of Bramblings reported yet but possibly a few more than last winter?
Inverness: Magpie in a garden for first time in 45 years, 2-3 reported Drumnadrochit (Josie Mackenzie)
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Blair Mhor, Fort William (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), adult pale-bellied Brent Goose and Black-throated Diver Achnacloich, Sleat (Bob McMillan).
Wednesday 25th November
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Swallow Balintore Harbour/Shandwick Bay (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: female Long-tailed Duck Lochy Estuary near Fort William (Tony Laidlaw).
Sutherland: 3 male Bramblings Loch Fleet (Ann Sime).
Wester Ross: 2 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Great Northern Divers Little Loch Broom at Camusnagaul (Andy Williams), Black-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Divers, 96 Barnacle Geese Gruinard Sound at Mungusdale (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Swallow Balintore Harbour/Shandwick Bay (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: female Long-tailed Duck Lochy Estuary near Fort William (Tony Laidlaw).
Sutherland: 3 male Bramblings Loch Fleet (Ann Sime).
Wester Ross: 2 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Great Northern Divers Little Loch Broom at Camusnagaul (Andy Williams), Black-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Divers, 96 Barnacle Geese Gruinard Sound at Mungusdale (Andy Williams).
.
Tuesday 24th November
Easter Ross: 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese (2 adults), 11 Barnacle Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 15 Greylags and 8000 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 20+ Tree Sparrows and Woodcock Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Fort William on flood by A830 opposite Police Station (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: Magpie between Dornoch Firth and Struie hill (David Tattersley) - this is at the edge of range.
Tuesday 24th November
Easter Ross: 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese (2 adults), 11 Barnacle Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 15 Greylags and 8000 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 20+ Tree Sparrows and Woodcock Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Fort William on flood by A830 opposite Police Station (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: Magpie between Dornoch Firth and Struie hill (David Tattersley) - this is at the edge of range.
Monday 23rd November
Easter Ross: Snow Goose left Udale Bay to NE at 09.20 (Tim Stowe), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 6 Barnacle Geese Udale Bay/Poyntsfield and 7 Barnacle Geese Kinbeachie/Culbo (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 (1st winter and 2nd winter) Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: Snow Goose left Udale Bay to NE at 09.20 (Tim Stowe), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 6 Barnacle Geese Udale Bay/Poyntsfield and 7 Barnacle Geese Kinbeachie/Culbo (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 (1st winter and 2nd winter) Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 22nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Laggan (per Fraser Todd), Iceland Gull Loch Insh (Craig Johnston).
Easter Ross: Snow Goose south of Cullicudden (per Alex Penn), 1-2 Hawfinches, 11 Bramblings, 60 Twites, 200 Linnets at feeders Cygnus House, Gordon's Mill, Udale Bay
Lochaber: Great Spotted Woodpecker Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 58 Barnacle Geese Balmaquien, Trotternish (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 6 adult, 1 1st winter Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 21st November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Greenland White-fronted Goose, Ruthven Barracks (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Intermediate morph Snow Goose at Navity, NH787654 (David Tattersley)
Inverness: Two Blackcaps, Kirkhill (Sue Pettitt)
Lochaber: Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Fieldfares, Broadford (Neil Bennett) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Greenland White-fronted Goose, Ruthven Barracks (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Intermediate morph Snow Goose at Navity, NH787654 (David Tattersley)
Inverness: Two Blackcaps, Kirkhill (Sue Pettitt)
Lochaber: Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Fieldfares, Broadford (Neil Bennett) per skye-birds.com
Friday 20th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Loch Va (Toby Green). Iceland Gull, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Blackcap, Isleornsay, Skye (RC) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Loch Va (Toby Green). Iceland Gull, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Blackcap, Isleornsay, Skye (RC) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 19th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Second Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Insh at roost this evening, also Slavonian Grebe (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis). Juvenile White-tailed Eagle past Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Intermediate morph Snow Goose in field at Peddieston near Jemimaville (Ro Scott)
Inverness: Single Brambling, Croy (Marcus Conway)
Sutherland: Little Auk and Little Gull past Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Second Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Insh at roost this evening, also Slavonian Grebe (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis). Juvenile White-tailed Eagle past Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Intermediate morph Snow Goose in field at Peddieston near Jemimaville (Ro Scott)
Inverness: Single Brambling, Croy (Marcus Conway)
Sutherland: Little Auk and Little Gull past Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 18th November
Lochaber: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Mallaig Harbour (Peter Cosgrove)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting, Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris), Whimbrel and Jack Snipe, Isleornsay, Skye (RC), male Blackcap, Torrin, Skye (JB) all per skye-birds.com
Lochaber: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Mallaig Harbour (Peter Cosgrove)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting, Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris), Whimbrel and Jack Snipe, Isleornsay, Skye (RC), male Blackcap, Torrin, Skye (JB) all per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 17th November
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Divers and two Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness also c75 Whooper Swans were at Rockfield Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers, Whin Park and Braes Area, Inverness (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Kilmallie shinty pitch, Fort William (Alastair Matthewson)
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Divers and two Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness also c75 Whooper Swans were at Rockfield Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers, Whin Park and Braes Area, Inverness (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Kilmallie shinty pitch, Fort William (Alastair Matthewson)
Monday 16th November
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Jay (rare on Skye) over Drumfearn, flew towards Leitir Fura (PK), five Common Scoter off The Aird, Gedintailor and 15 Great Northern Divers (Neil Bennett) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two adult and three first winter Little Gulls, Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Single House Martin, Inverbroom Farm (Tessa Rhodes)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Jay (rare on Skye) over Drumfearn, flew towards Leitir Fura (PK), five Common Scoter off The Aird, Gedintailor and 15 Great Northern Divers (Neil Bennett) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two adult and three first winter Little Gulls, Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Single House Martin, Inverbroom Farm (Tessa Rhodes)
Sunday 15th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Greenland White-fronted Goose, Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Three Great Northern Divers and three Purple Sandpipers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Mallaig harbour and 28 Great Northern Divers in Camusdarach Bay, Morar (Peter Cosgrove).
Skye & Lochalsh: 33 Whooper Swans, Lochailort (SC) and 18 Shelduck, Broadford Bay(MB) both per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Greenland White-fronted Goose, Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Three Great Northern Divers and three Purple Sandpipers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Mallaig harbour and 28 Great Northern Divers in Camusdarach Bay, Morar (Peter Cosgrove).
Skye & Lochalsh: 33 Whooper Swans, Lochailort (SC) and 18 Shelduck, Broadford Bay(MB) both per skye-birds.com
Saturday 14th November
Skye & Lochalsh: two Common Scoter off Achnacloich, Sleat (Bob McMillan), Blackcap in Portree (Neil Bennett), Scaup on Loch Meallt, Staffin, four Whooper Swans on Storr Lochs (J D Jones) and Snow Bunting, Knockbreck, Waternish (A.Sillence) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Surf Scoter and at least nine Velvet Scoter off Dornoch, while at the point were three Snow Bunting and 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Little Gull and single Sandwich Tern (latter now been present for a week) at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Common Scoter off Achnacloich, Sleat (Bob McMillan), Blackcap in Portree (Neil Bennett), Scaup on Loch Meallt, Staffin, four Whooper Swans on Storr Lochs (J D Jones) and Snow Bunting, Knockbreck, Waternish (A.Sillence) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Surf Scoter and at least nine Velvet Scoter off Dornoch, while at the point were three Snow Bunting and 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Little Gull and single Sandwich Tern (latter now been present for a week) at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 13th November
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Male Blackcap in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: single Swallow at Merkinch (Alex Penn via John Poyner). Single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Easter Dalziel, while a single Great Crested Grebe was off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous and Iceland Gulls at Mallaig harbour (Stephen MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting and ring-tail Hen Harrier at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: single Swallow at Brora (Penny Insole)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Male Blackcap in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: single Swallow at Merkinch (Alex Penn via John Poyner). Single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Easter Dalziel, while a single Great Crested Grebe was off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous and Iceland Gulls at Mallaig harbour (Stephen MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting and ring-tail Hen Harrier at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: single Swallow at Brora (Penny Insole)
Thursday 12th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Pitmain farm, Kingussie and Brambling in Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: three Barnacle Geese and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, 16 Whooper Swans and single Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Lynda Graham)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Pitmain farm, Kingussie and Brambling in Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: three Barnacle Geese and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, 16 Whooper Swans and single Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Lynda Graham)
Wednesday 11th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Iceland Gull at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Iceland Gull at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Tuesday 10th November
Easter Ross: two Red-throated Diver plus single Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebes and eight Great Northern Divers off Pabay, while on Loch Ainort were 24 Common Scoter (Neil Bennett). Single Brambling still visiting a Portree garden (J D Jones) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, River Brora (Carmel Smith)
Wester Ross: Dusky Warbler still showing occasionally at Redpoint during the morning only, Firecrest showing again in the same area during the afternoon (Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: two Red-throated Diver plus single Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebes and eight Great Northern Divers off Pabay, while on Loch Ainort were 24 Common Scoter (Neil Bennett). Single Brambling still visiting a Portree garden (J D Jones) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, River Brora (Carmel Smith)
Wester Ross: Dusky Warbler still showing occasionally at Redpoint during the morning only, Firecrest showing again in the same area during the afternoon (Bob McMillan)
Monday 9th November
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Swallow over the city centre (Penny Insole)
Lochaber: highlights at Kentra Bay today included ten Greenshank, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 38 Curlew, 29 Dunlin, two Goosander and four Knot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett). Snow Bunting at Salisbury's Dam, Ram (Sean Morris) - both from skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Dusky Warbler at Redpoint in the vicinity of grid ref NG731684 (north/northwest of the farm buildings) - can be elusive and use of audio lure not recommended - plus Firecrest in the area also (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Swallow over the city centre (Penny Insole)
Lochaber: highlights at Kentra Bay today included ten Greenshank, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 38 Curlew, 29 Dunlin, two Goosander and four Knot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett). Snow Bunting at Salisbury's Dam, Ram (Sean Morris) - both from skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Dusky Warbler at Redpoint in the vicinity of grid ref NG731684 (north/northwest of the farm buildings) - can be elusive and use of audio lure not recommended - plus Firecrest in the area also (Peter Stronach)
Sunday 8th November
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (intermediate phase) amongst Pink-footed/Greylag Geese southwest of Portmahomack (Oscar Puls via John Poyner)
Inverness: single Merlin, five Common Scoter, four Red-throated Diver, seven Slavonian Grebe, 116 Scaup, two Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rail at Merkinch (Ann Sime)
Lochaber: Black Duck drake still at river mouth in Strontian (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (intermediate phase) amongst Pink-footed/Greylag Geese southwest of Portmahomack (Oscar Puls via John Poyner)
Inverness: single Merlin, five Common Scoter, four Red-throated Diver, seven Slavonian Grebe, 116 Scaup, two Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rail at Merkinch (Ann Sime)
Lochaber: Black Duck drake still at river mouth in Strontian (per BirdGuides)
Saturday 7th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red Kite over the Cairn Gorm plateau, between Moray and Highland airspace - an unusual record (Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: 8 Barnacle Geese Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Lochaber: 9 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (S MacDonald per skye-birds.com).
Skye & Lochalsh: a late Arctic Skua Neist Point and first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds.com). Lapland Bunting Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 2 male Surf Scoters Dornoch, first-winter Iceland Gull, 5 Little Gulls (2 adults, 3 first-winters),Sandwich Tern Brora rivermouth, 16 Grey Plovers Dornoch, 3 Great Northern Divers, 15 Slavonian Grebes, 12 Red-throated Divers and 70 Twites Coul Links, 7 Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver Embo (all (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red Kite over the Cairn Gorm plateau, between Moray and Highland airspace - an unusual record (Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: 8 Barnacle Geese Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Lochaber: 9 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (S MacDonald per skye-birds.com).
Skye & Lochalsh: a late Arctic Skua Neist Point and first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds.com). Lapland Bunting Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 2 male Surf Scoters Dornoch, first-winter Iceland Gull, 5 Little Gulls (2 adults, 3 first-winters),Sandwich Tern Brora rivermouth, 16 Grey Plovers Dornoch, 3 Great Northern Divers, 15 Slavonian Grebes, 12 Red-throated Divers and 70 Twites Coul Links, 7 Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver Embo (all (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 6th November
Easter Ross: Tundra Bean Goose and 12 Barnacle Geese with 6000 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Wheatear Hilton of Cadboll (Judith Levene).
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 2 first-winter Iceland Gulls Loch Pooltiel (AS).
Sutherland: 2 male Surf Scoters and 7 Velvet Scoters with large flock of distant Common Scoters, Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks Dornoch Beach (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Tundra Bean Goose and 12 Barnacle Geese with 6000 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Wheatear Hilton of Cadboll (Judith Levene).
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 2 first-winter Iceland Gulls Loch Pooltiel (AS).
Sutherland: 2 male Surf Scoters and 7 Velvet Scoters with large flock of distant Common Scoters, Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks Dornoch Beach (Dean McAskill).
Thursday 5th November
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Inverness: On a journey between Leys (Inverness) and Strathdearn, 11 Red Kites, 30 Ravens, 12 Common Buzzards, a female Merlin and 6 Kestrels were noted. (Alan MacAskill and David).
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Inverness: On a journey between Leys (Inverness) and Strathdearn, 11 Red Kites, 30 Ravens, 12 Common Buzzards, a female Merlin and 6 Kestrels were noted. (Alan MacAskill and David).
Wednesday 4th November
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 first-winter Glaucous and a first-winter Iceland Gulls at Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), first-winter Glaucous Gull feeding on dead seal Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester), Bonxie between Eigg and Muck (Ronnie Dyer), long-staying Magpie still at Ellishadder (SG per skye-birds.com), 44 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (SG per skye-birds.com).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 first-winter Glaucous and a first-winter Iceland Gulls at Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), first-winter Glaucous Gull feeding on dead seal Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester), Bonxie between Eigg and Muck (Ronnie Dyer), long-staying Magpie still at Ellishadder (SG per skye-birds.com), 44 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (SG per skye-birds.com).
Tuesday 3rd November
Easter Ross: 3 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Monday 2nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: 18 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes from viewpoint (Mike Dilger).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Auks Dornoch Firth, NW of Tarbat Ness lighthouse (per BirdGuides), 8 Gadwalls Chanonry Point 07.10-09.10 (Kevin Davis) and 7 Gadwalls Udale Bay (Susan Seright).
Inverness: 5 Swallows Merkinch LNR (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo sp flew past Uig Hotel (Seth Gibson per Bob McMillan), 11 Shelducks entered Broadford Bay from north, later flew east (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), 18 Gadwalls Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), Great Spotted Woodpecker Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Carrion Crow on shore Kyleakin (ST per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1000 Common Scoters Dornoch Beach, also 110 Sanderlings, 42 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Grey Plovers and Northern Wheatear there (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 18 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes from viewpoint (Mike Dilger).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Auks Dornoch Firth, NW of Tarbat Ness lighthouse (per BirdGuides), 8 Gadwalls Chanonry Point 07.10-09.10 (Kevin Davis) and 7 Gadwalls Udale Bay (Susan Seright).
Inverness: 5 Swallows Merkinch LNR (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo sp flew past Uig Hotel (Seth Gibson per Bob McMillan), 11 Shelducks entered Broadford Bay from north, later flew east (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), 18 Gadwalls Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), Great Spotted Woodpecker Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Carrion Crow on shore Kyleakin (ST per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1000 Common Scoters Dornoch Beach, also 110 Sanderlings, 42 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Grey Plovers and Northern Wheatear there (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 1st November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Scaup with Tufted Ducks Lochindorb (Dave Pullan).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver, 40 Red-throated Divers and Common/Arctic Tern between 07.10 and 09.10 Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter Iceland Gull at head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Wheatear sp Loch Fleet at Littleferry side (per John Poyner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Scaup with Tufted Ducks Lochindorb (Dave Pullan).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver, 40 Red-throated Divers and Common/Arctic Tern between 07.10 and 09.10 Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter Iceland Gull at head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Wheatear sp Loch Fleet at Littleferry side (per John Poyner).
Saturday 31st October
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 50 Pintail, 483 Golden Plover and c90 Fieldfare, Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Brambling, Millers Cottage, Eigg (John Chester via skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 50 Pintail, 483 Golden Plover and c90 Fieldfare, Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Brambling, Millers Cottage, Eigg (John Chester via skye-birds.com).
Friday 30th October
Easter Ross: one Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 17 Barnacle Geese at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte). Single Brambling in Tain (Gary and Rosemary Aitken).
Skye & Lochalsh: Eastern Yellow Wagtail on Eigg confirmed by sound recording as a first record for Highland! Note due to COVID restrictions there is no access to the island by visitors from outwith Scottish Tier 1 areas so exact location is not being shared (John Chester via Bob McMillan, Dave Pullan and Ronnie Dyer).
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch beach with single Wheatear and 36 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Dornoch Point also two Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 29th October
Easter Ross: 2 Swallows at Petley Pig Farm and 300 Whooper Swans including 37 juveniles at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: single Storm Petrel between Arisaig and Muick (R Dyer via skye-birds.com). Black Duck drake still at river mouth opposite Strontian Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling still at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com).
Easter Ross: 2 Swallows at Petley Pig Farm and 300 Whooper Swans including 37 juveniles at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: single Storm Petrel between Arisaig and Muick (R Dyer via skye-birds.com). Black Duck drake still at river mouth opposite Strontian Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling still at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com).
Wednesday 28th October
Easter Ross: Magpie and 20 Whooper Swans at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two drake Velvet Scoter plus Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, also 25 Whooper Swans at Petley Pig Farm, another 75 at Tarrel Farm, 35 at Wilkhaven Farm and 200+ at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Snow Goose intermediate phase still in stubble field by A9 near Kildary (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: two Swallows over Longman dump (Thomas Plant). 38 Twite and a female Shoveler at Alturlie also 20+ Fieldfare at Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Three Swallows and 11 Snipe at Merkinch LNR (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow Wagtail sp. still on Eigg (John Chester via Bob McMillan). Brambling pair in Kilmory Glen and two in garden at Kinloch, Rum also 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Barnacle Geese at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch, along with single Wheatear at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). 20 Sanderling at Loch Fleet (Jonathan Willet)
Easter Ross: Magpie and 20 Whooper Swans at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two drake Velvet Scoter plus Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, also 25 Whooper Swans at Petley Pig Farm, another 75 at Tarrel Farm, 35 at Wilkhaven Farm and 200+ at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Snow Goose intermediate phase still in stubble field by A9 near Kildary (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: two Swallows over Longman dump (Thomas Plant). 38 Twite and a female Shoveler at Alturlie also 20+ Fieldfare at Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Three Swallows and 11 Snipe at Merkinch LNR (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow Wagtail sp. still on Eigg (John Chester via Bob McMillan). Brambling pair in Kilmory Glen and two in garden at Kinloch, Rum also 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Barnacle Geese at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch, along with single Wheatear at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). 20 Sanderling at Loch Fleet (Jonathan Willet)
Tuesday 27th October
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter plus Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Snow Goose intermediate phase amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near the A9/Nigg roundabout (Dean MacAskill). Purple Sandpiper and 20 Whooper Swans at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Northern ssp. Bullfinch at Merkinch reserve with a flock of Redwing (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow Wagtail sp. flushed from stubble field on Eigg (John Chester via Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Swallow at Mellon Udrigle (C Rose)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter plus Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Snow Goose intermediate phase amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near the A9/Nigg roundabout (Dean MacAskill). Purple Sandpiper and 20 Whooper Swans at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Northern ssp. Bullfinch at Merkinch reserve with a flock of Redwing (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow Wagtail sp. flushed from stubble field on Eigg (John Chester via Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Swallow at Mellon Udrigle (C Rose)
Monday 26th October
Easter Ross: single Puffin, plus 14 Twite briefly at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c60 Redwing on Muirtown Street in the city (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: singles of Snow Bunting, Merlin, Blackcap, Brambling and Jack Snipe in Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch, along with single Great Crested Grebe and a number of Slavonian Grebes plus a single Wheatear on the point and six Grey Plover. A further ten Grey Plover were at Dornoch links, while at Coul Links seven Twite were seen. A flock of c300 winter thrushes was at Strath Brora, while Brora itself yielded 83 Ringed Plover and c150 Sanderling (Dean MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: single Puffin, plus 14 Twite briefly at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c60 Redwing on Muirtown Street in the city (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: singles of Snow Bunting, Merlin, Blackcap, Brambling and Jack Snipe in Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch, along with single Great Crested Grebe and a number of Slavonian Grebes plus a single Wheatear on the point and six Grey Plover. A further ten Grey Plover were at Dornoch links, while at Coul Links seven Twite were seen. A flock of c300 winter thrushes was at Strath Brora, while Brora itself yielded 83 Ringed Plover and c150 Sanderling (Dean MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sunday 25th October
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull (1st summer/2nd winter) past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Yellow-browed Warbler in Craigdarroch by Contin (Keith & Rosie Barnes). Seawatch off Chanonry Point (0650-0850hrs) included two Black-throated Diver, seven Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot and 55 Long-tailed Duck (Kevin Davis). 38 Whooper Swan (including six juveniles) on the Brahan estate, while seen at Munlochy Bay were three Black-tailed Godwit, single Greenshank and c20 Fieldfare (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: eleven Grey Plover at Whiteness (Colin Leslie). 20 Redwing on Muirtown Street/Davies Square in the city (Thomas Plant), with mixed flock of c60 Redwing and Fieldfare in Firthview Drive also (Sam Borthwick)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch but distant (Steve Broyd)
Saturday 24th October
Easter Ross: single Black-headed Gull (unusual for location) and Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Very late sighting of an Osprey (with a fish) near Conon Bridge (via John Poyner)
Inverness: two Water Rail at Merkinch reserve, with 18 Whooper Swan and seven Redwing over (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sooty Shearwater in Loch Slapin ('RW'), Brambling ringed in a Portree garden (JD Jones) with another bird visiting a garden in Kyleakin ('ST') - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, seven Velvet Scoter off Dornoch beach, four Jack Snipe on the saltmarsh and Hoopoe still present on the nearby Struie golf course (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Black-headed Gull (unusual for location) and Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Very late sighting of an Osprey (with a fish) near Conon Bridge (via John Poyner)
Inverness: two Water Rail at Merkinch reserve, with 18 Whooper Swan and seven Redwing over (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sooty Shearwater in Loch Slapin ('RW'), Brambling ringed in a Portree garden (JD Jones) with another bird visiting a garden in Kyleakin ('ST') - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, seven Velvet Scoter off Dornoch beach, four Jack Snipe on the saltmarsh and Hoopoe still present on the nearby Struie golf course (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 23rd October
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Chanonry Point seawatch (0750-0950hrs) included seven Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver, 224 Long-tailed Duck, three Goldeneye, 196 Shag and (unusually for here) a single Mallard (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: single Whooper Swan and ring-tailed Hen Harrier over Drumashie moor (Blair Whyte). Seven Brambling, eight Common Crossbill and c100 Fieldfare at Coulmore (Bob Wilson). Kingfisher and small group of Redwings at Muirtown Pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Gadwall pair, single Whooper Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull and c70 Fieldfare at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling visiting a Portree garden (JD Jones). Two Long-tailed Duck and two Common Scoter on Loch Slapin ('ST') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 41 Grey Plovers at Dornoch (Simon Levene)
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Chanonry Point seawatch (0750-0950hrs) included seven Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver, 224 Long-tailed Duck, three Goldeneye, 196 Shag and (unusually for here) a single Mallard (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: single Whooper Swan and ring-tailed Hen Harrier over Drumashie moor (Blair Whyte). Seven Brambling, eight Common Crossbill and c100 Fieldfare at Coulmore (Bob Wilson). Kingfisher and small group of Redwings at Muirtown Pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Gadwall pair, single Whooper Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull and c70 Fieldfare at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling visiting a Portree garden (JD Jones). Two Long-tailed Duck and two Common Scoter on Loch Slapin ('ST') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 41 Grey Plovers at Dornoch (Simon Levene)
Thursday 22nd October
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Broomhill, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Easter Ross: three Velvet Scoter (1m/2f), two Great Skua and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Udale Bay birds included 6,500 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Barnacle Geese, two Greenland White-fronted Geese, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, twelve Whooper Swan (including eight juveniles), three Black-tailed Godwit plus single Kingfisher, while highlights out on the Cromarty Firther were 34 Slavonian Grebe and 87 Scaup (Mark Finn)
Lochaber: Storm Petrel off Arisaig (R Dyer via skye-birds.com). Single Slavonian Grebe at Traigh (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: pale morph Arctic Skua off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Good movement of Whooper Swans around the region - see skye-birds.com for details
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff in Keoldale, while at Balnakeil were 340 Barnacle Geese, 22 Whooper Swans, eight Crossbill sp. (all giving 'Parrot' bill features) plus winter thrushes (Dean MacAskill). Marsh Harrier over Dornoch dunes, while a Little Auk was off Embo (Sue Sykes)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Broomhill, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Easter Ross: three Velvet Scoter (1m/2f), two Great Skua and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Udale Bay birds included 6,500 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Barnacle Geese, two Greenland White-fronted Geese, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, twelve Whooper Swan (including eight juveniles), three Black-tailed Godwit plus single Kingfisher, while highlights out on the Cromarty Firther were 34 Slavonian Grebe and 87 Scaup (Mark Finn)
Lochaber: Storm Petrel off Arisaig (R Dyer via skye-birds.com). Single Slavonian Grebe at Traigh (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: pale morph Arctic Skua off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Good movement of Whooper Swans around the region - see skye-birds.com for details
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff in Keoldale, while at Balnakeil were 340 Barnacle Geese, 22 Whooper Swans, eight Crossbill sp. (all giving 'Parrot' bill features) plus winter thrushes (Dean MacAskill). Marsh Harrier over Dornoch dunes, while a Little Auk was off Embo (Sue Sykes)
Wednesday 21st October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler in community woodland near the cafe in Laggan (Duncan Macdonald). Single Swallow near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: seawatch off Chanonry Point 0800-0945hrs included 179 Long-tailed Duck, 120+ Kittiwake plus single Swallow (Tim Stowe). Single Todd's Canada Goose plus Grey-bellied Brant at Munlochy Bay (via Peter Stronach). Two Brambling (a pair) at Heights of Dochcarty - first sighting in a week (Simon Cohen). Single Swallow over the Nigg fabrication yard, with 22 Whooper Swans and six Redwing near the birdhide (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: seven Whooper Swans, 40+ Lesser Redpoll and good numbers of winter thrushes in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: single drake Surf Scoter amongst c500 Commom Scoter off Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler in community woodland near the cafe in Laggan (Duncan Macdonald). Single Swallow near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: seawatch off Chanonry Point 0800-0945hrs included 179 Long-tailed Duck, 120+ Kittiwake plus single Swallow (Tim Stowe). Single Todd's Canada Goose plus Grey-bellied Brant at Munlochy Bay (via Peter Stronach). Two Brambling (a pair) at Heights of Dochcarty - first sighting in a week (Simon Cohen). Single Swallow over the Nigg fabrication yard, with 22 Whooper Swans and six Redwing near the birdhide (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: seven Whooper Swans, 40+ Lesser Redpoll and good numbers of winter thrushes in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: single drake Surf Scoter amongst c500 Commom Scoter off Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 20th October
Easter Ross: Little Gull Shandwick Bay (Simon Levene), 3 Little Auks and Black-throated Diver Balintore (Simon Levene, Blair Whyte), Snow Goose intermediate phase A( 1 mile N of Kildary (Ken's Garage) (Dave Tanner), 43 Scaups, 16 Shovelers, 3 Pochards, 3 Slavonian Grebes and a Long-tailed Duck Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill), 2 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested and 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Lynda Graham), male Pintail Loch Flemington, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Shovelers Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), Swallow there (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: 106 Redshank, 89 Wigeon, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Greenshank, 38 Curlew, two Knot, 30 Oystercatcher, plus single Grey Wagtail and three Rock Pipit in Kentra Bay (Sandy McNeil)
Easter Ross: Little Gull Shandwick Bay (Simon Levene), 3 Little Auks and Black-throated Diver Balintore (Simon Levene, Blair Whyte), Snow Goose intermediate phase A( 1 mile N of Kildary (Ken's Garage) (Dave Tanner), 43 Scaups, 16 Shovelers, 3 Pochards, 3 Slavonian Grebes and a Long-tailed Duck Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill), 2 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested and 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Lynda Graham), male Pintail Loch Flemington, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Shovelers Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), Swallow there (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: 106 Redshank, 89 Wigeon, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Greenshank, 38 Curlew, two Knot, 30 Oystercatcher, plus single Grey Wagtail and three Rock Pipit in Kentra Bay (Sandy McNeil)
Monday 19th October
Sutherland: Red-necked Grebe Lochinver (Duncan Orr-Ewing), Little Auk lingered off Car Park then headed north, Brora, also 6 Pomarine Skuas S and 2 first-winter Little Gulls off river mouth (Dean MacAskill). 800 Common Scoters, 150 Long-tailed Ducks, 11 Slavonian Grebes, 17 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Sand Martins Portmahomack Golf Course (Dave Tanner), Swallow Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas) - October Swallows (and House Martins) are expected but Sand Martins and Swifts then are exceptional. Velvet Scoter, 184 Long-tailed Ducks, Whooper Swan, Black-throated Diver, 3 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Intermediate-morph Snow Goose with Pinkfeet Kildary (per BirdGuides), Todd's Canada Goose Munlochy Bay, then flew south (Peter Stronach).
Sutherland: Red-necked Grebe Lochinver (Duncan Orr-Ewing), Little Auk lingered off Car Park then headed north, Brora, also 6 Pomarine Skuas S and 2 first-winter Little Gulls off river mouth (Dean MacAskill). 800 Common Scoters, 150 Long-tailed Ducks, 11 Slavonian Grebes, 17 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Sand Martins Portmahomack Golf Course (Dave Tanner), Swallow Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas) - October Swallows (and House Martins) are expected but Sand Martins and Swifts then are exceptional. Velvet Scoter, 184 Long-tailed Ducks, Whooper Swan, Black-throated Diver, 3 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Intermediate-morph Snow Goose with Pinkfeet Kildary (per BirdGuides), Todd's Canada Goose Munlochy Bay, then flew south (Peter Stronach).
Sunday 18th October
Sutherland: Red-necked Grebe Lochinver (Duncan Orr-Ewing), Hoopoe Dornoch Golf Course (Iain Forbes), Gadwall Loch Ospisdale (Dean MacAskill), escaped Reeve's Pheasant Strath Carnaig (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Greenshanks and 8 Barnacle Geese Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis). Little Auk flew N, came ashore then swam back out Chanonry Point, also 104 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Red-throated Divers there (Tim Stowe). 918 Whooper Swans Loch Eye (R Wood).
Inverness: 6 Grey Plovers Whiteness (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey; Brambling in Aviemore Garden (Audrey Turner), Swallow Loch Pityoulish (Blair Whyte). Male Pochard with 3 Goldeneyes Loch Mallachie (Mike Dilger). Scaup with Tufted Ducks Lochindorb (Dave Pullan),
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers at Kilmory Glen, Rum (SM) and Sligachan Hotel (PK). Arctic Skuas off Muck (Ronnie Dyer) and Neist Point (AS), Bonxie Neist Point (AS).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at mouth of R Lochy (Tony Laidler).
,
Saturday 17th October
Sutherland: Jay Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards) - rare there.
Easter Ross: Kingfisher and Brambling on Peffery, Dingwall and 5 Black-tailed Godwits at river mouth (Simeon Ewing), 2 Velvet Scoter males SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Auk Chanonry Point (Jo King), 40 Shovelers, 153 Coots & 12 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann), leucistic Barnacle Goose Udale Bay (Pat Douglas).
Inverness: Water Rail Alturlie on first pool (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Glenmore, by footbridge behind campsite (Duncan Macdonald), Long-tailed Duck and Slavonian Grebe Loch Insh (Steve Reddick).
Skye & Lochalsh: female/imm Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (JDJ.
Lochaber: 10 Greenland White-fronted Geese Back of Keppoch (SMacD)
Saturday 17th October
Sutherland: Jay Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards) - rare there.
Easter Ross: Kingfisher and Brambling on Peffery, Dingwall and 5 Black-tailed Godwits at river mouth (Simeon Ewing), 2 Velvet Scoter males SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Auk Chanonry Point (Jo King), 40 Shovelers, 153 Coots & 12 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann), leucistic Barnacle Goose Udale Bay (Pat Douglas).
Inverness: Water Rail Alturlie on first pool (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Glenmore, by footbridge behind campsite (Duncan Macdonald), Long-tailed Duck and Slavonian Grebe Loch Insh (Steve Reddick).
Skye & Lochalsh: female/imm Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (JDJ.
Lochaber: 10 Greenland White-fronted Geese Back of Keppoch (SMacD)
Friday 16th October.
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose and Barnacle Goose with 500 Pinkfeet and 350 Greylags The Mound, 5 Greenshanks Skelbo, 15 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point and Snow Bunting Dornoch Beach (all Dean MacAskill). Hoopoe by practice greens, Dornoch Golf Course (per Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 8 Blue Tits in off sea at Chanonry Point, then flew west (there has been an unusual influx into Shetland recently) also Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails and 5 Swallows there (John Poyner), Little Auk with 4 Guillemots there (per BirdGuides), 4-6 Swallows Redcastle (Leslie Bowman),
Inverness: Shoveler pair Alturlie Pools, 32 Scaups, Slavonian Grebe, 112 Golden Plovers and Brambling with tree sparrow and finch flock Alturlie Bay (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 30 Grey Partridges Badenedin - a recent release to top up the few birds remaining from a 2017 release (Pete Gordon), Slavonian Grebe and Long-tailed Duck Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Redpoll Scullamus, Broadford, Common Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (both Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose and Barnacle Goose with 500 Pinkfeet and 350 Greylags The Mound, 5 Greenshanks Skelbo, 15 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point and Snow Bunting Dornoch Beach (all Dean MacAskill). Hoopoe by practice greens, Dornoch Golf Course (per Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 8 Blue Tits in off sea at Chanonry Point, then flew west (there has been an unusual influx into Shetland recently) also Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails and 5 Swallows there (John Poyner), Little Auk with 4 Guillemots there (per BirdGuides), 4-6 Swallows Redcastle (Leslie Bowman),
Inverness: Shoveler pair Alturlie Pools, 32 Scaups, Slavonian Grebe, 112 Golden Plovers and Brambling with tree sparrow and finch flock Alturlie Bay (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 30 Grey Partridges Badenedin - a recent release to top up the few birds remaining from a 2017 release (Pete Gordon), Slavonian Grebe and Long-tailed Duck Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Redpoll Scullamus, Broadford, Common Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (both Bob McMillan)
Thursday 15th October
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Treecreeper, 12 Goldcrests and Great Spotted Woodpecker Durness area (Alan & Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett).
Easter Ross: Little Egret, five Greenshank and drake Shoveler at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: two Todd's Canada Geese amongst Pink-footed Geese in a ploughed field east of Dalcross airport, off minor road south of B9092/north of A96 (via Peter Stronach), Grey-bellied Brant Goose Castle Stuart (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20 Fieldfares over Burma Road, Lynwilg (Clair Beale).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Water Rails Loch Suardale, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), 7 Great Northern Divers Loch Slapin at Ob Gauscavaig (GP).
Lochaber: 23 Great Northern Diver, two Black-throated Diver and five Red-throated Diver at Arisaig (Pete Gordon)
Wednesday 14th October
Easter Ross: single Swallow near Portmahomack, while birds at/off Tarbat Ness included five Teal (a high count for the locus) with three Common Scoter (Dave Tanner). At Tarbat Ness' Brucefield plantation, four Blackcap, three Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler (Bob Swann). Little Egret, Grey Plover and drake Shoveler at Munlochy Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes) with a female Pintail noted later in the day (Tim Meredith). Off/around Chanonry Point (0730-0915hrs) included single Red-throated Diver, 18 Eider, 31 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye and three Black Guillemots (Tim Stowe) plus a juvenile Arctic Tern (John Poyner). Four Slavonian Grebe, single Pochard, three Scaup, 20 Shoveler and c100 Coot on Loch Eye (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: c60 Fieldfare and c30 Redwing on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). 30 Long-tailed Duck, 16 Scaup, c12 Twite, six Fieldfare and 30+ Redwing plus single Magpie at Alturlie (Tim Meredith). C300 Fieldfare and c200 Redwing at Clava (Lynda Graham)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Lapland Bunting at Rubha Shamhnan Insir, Rum (Sean Morris). Single Brambling on both Eigg and Rum's Kilmory Glen ('JC'/Sean Morris). Three Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Redwing movement (in the hundreds) over Drumfearn (Phil Knott). Also news was received that a satellite-tagged Red Kite from the Beauly, Inverness-shire area flew west to roost overnight (13/14th) in forestry near Sleat (all from www.skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: single Swallow near Portmahomack, while birds at/off Tarbat Ness included five Teal (a high count for the locus) with three Common Scoter (Dave Tanner). At Tarbat Ness' Brucefield plantation, four Blackcap, three Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler (Bob Swann). Little Egret, Grey Plover and drake Shoveler at Munlochy Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes) with a female Pintail noted later in the day (Tim Meredith). Off/around Chanonry Point (0730-0915hrs) included single Red-throated Diver, 18 Eider, 31 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye and three Black Guillemots (Tim Stowe) plus a juvenile Arctic Tern (John Poyner). Four Slavonian Grebe, single Pochard, three Scaup, 20 Shoveler and c100 Coot on Loch Eye (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: c60 Fieldfare and c30 Redwing on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). 30 Long-tailed Duck, 16 Scaup, c12 Twite, six Fieldfare and 30+ Redwing plus single Magpie at Alturlie (Tim Meredith). C300 Fieldfare and c200 Redwing at Clava (Lynda Graham)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Lapland Bunting at Rubha Shamhnan Insir, Rum (Sean Morris). Single Brambling on both Eigg and Rum's Kilmory Glen ('JC'/Sean Morris). Three Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Redwing movement (in the hundreds) over Drumfearn (Phil Knott). Also news was received that a satellite-tagged Red Kite from the Beauly, Inverness-shire area flew west to roost overnight (13/14th) in forestry near Sleat (all from www.skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 13th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler still present in Nethybridge private garden (Keith Duncan), with another bird in Grantown-on-Spey, downstream of Old Spey bridge and past second fishing hut (Simon Pawsey)
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (blue/intermediate phase) between Nigg and Pitcalnie amongst Pink-footed Geese (Peter Stronach). Single Manx Shearwater and three Great Skua past Tarbat Ness, with significan Gannet, Kittiwake and Razorbill movement also (Dave Tanner). 180 Whooper Swan and single Common Redstart at Wester Arboll by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Merlin hunting over A9, south or Tore roundabout at Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 17 Long-tailed Duck off Fort George (Mike Crutch).
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler by the pier in Arisaig (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Redwing over Kildonan, Eigg ('JC'). Yellow-browed Warbler at Kilmore, Sleat ('NH') and two at Rum's Kilmory Glen (Sean Morris). Sean also recorded two Brambling there, with a further single calling bird at Blackpark, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler still present in Nethybridge private garden (Keith Duncan), with another bird in Grantown-on-Spey, downstream of Old Spey bridge and past second fishing hut (Simon Pawsey)
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (blue/intermediate phase) between Nigg and Pitcalnie amongst Pink-footed Geese (Peter Stronach). Single Manx Shearwater and three Great Skua past Tarbat Ness, with significan Gannet, Kittiwake and Razorbill movement also (Dave Tanner). 180 Whooper Swan and single Common Redstart at Wester Arboll by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Merlin hunting over A9, south or Tore roundabout at Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 17 Long-tailed Duck off Fort George (Mike Crutch).
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler by the pier in Arisaig (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Redwing over Kildonan, Eigg ('JC'). Yellow-browed Warbler at Kilmore, Sleat ('NH') and two at Rum's Kilmory Glen (Sean Morris). Sean also recorded two Brambling there, with a further single calling bird at Blackpark, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all via skye-birds.com
Monday 12th October
Sutherland: adult winter Little Gull Brora, 3 Greenshanks Loch Fleet (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (Blue or intermediate phase) Nigg (Ian Bremner), Little Egret Munlochy Bay (Hugh Addlesee), 30 Redwings Hill of Fearn (D Thorogood) - still scarce. Brambling 2 Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Castle Stuart (Tim Stowe).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff in Nethybridge Garden (Keith Duncan).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Bramblings Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: adult winter Little Gull Brora, 3 Greenshanks Loch Fleet (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Snow Goose (Blue or intermediate phase) Nigg (Ian Bremner), Little Egret Munlochy Bay (Hugh Addlesee), 30 Redwings Hill of Fearn (D Thorogood) - still scarce. Brambling 2 Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Castle Stuart (Tim Stowe).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff in Nethybridge Garden (Keith Duncan).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Bramblings Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 11th October
Sutherland: Western Orphean Warbler Lothbeg Point (Colin Leslie et al), Jack Snipe, 4 Swallows and Wheatear Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 37 Shovelers Loch Eye and 98 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tain Links (Bob Swann), 5 Swallows SW Alness Point, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Dingwall Bay and Brambling Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen), leucistic Barnacle Goose Udale Bay (Sue Seright), White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Tim Meredith)..
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant Goose Castle Stuart (Pete Stronach).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Tormore, Aird of Sleat (per Bob McMillan), Yellow-browed Warbler (Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Yellow-browed Warbler Broadford Hospital (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: Western Orphean Warbler Lothbeg Point (Colin Leslie et al), Jack Snipe, 4 Swallows and Wheatear Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 37 Shovelers Loch Eye and 98 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tain Links (Bob Swann), 5 Swallows SW Alness Point, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Dingwall Bay and Brambling Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen), leucistic Barnacle Goose Udale Bay (Sue Seright), White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Tim Meredith)..
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant Goose Castle Stuart (Pete Stronach).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Tormore, Aird of Sleat (per Bob McMillan), Yellow-browed Warbler (Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Yellow-browed Warbler Broadford Hospital (Martin Benson).
Saturday 10th October
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver and two Whooper Swan past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Grey Plover, two Black-tailed Godwits plus 87 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links (Bob Swann/Dave Tanner). Seawatch off Chanonry Point (0715-0915hrs) saw a single Great Skua, 14 Whooper Swan, 186 Long-tailed Duck, four Scaup, eleven Red-throated Diver and single Merlin (Kevin Davis). Little Egret, three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwit at Munlochy Bay, with Little Egret also at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: three plus Chiffchaff and single Brambling at Merkinch (Tim Stowe). Steady stream of Fieldfare and Redwing over Milton of Leys through the morning (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler singletons in Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) and Broadford (Martin Benson), ten Swallows at Isleornsay ('RC'), at least two Long-tailed Duck, 13 Common Scoter plus Great Skua in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) plus dark morph Arctic Skua there later in the day (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler and probable Siberian Chiffchaff at Helmsdale, just north of the lodge holiday home (Dean MacAskill). Western Orphean Warbler in elders at Lothbeg point (located by Dean MacAskill, confirmed by Peter Stronach) - Dean also sighted a Hobby there this afternoon.
Lochaber: 17 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver and two Whooper Swan past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Grey Plover, two Black-tailed Godwits plus 87 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links (Bob Swann/Dave Tanner). Seawatch off Chanonry Point (0715-0915hrs) saw a single Great Skua, 14 Whooper Swan, 186 Long-tailed Duck, four Scaup, eleven Red-throated Diver and single Merlin (Kevin Davis). Little Egret, three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwit at Munlochy Bay, with Little Egret also at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: three plus Chiffchaff and single Brambling at Merkinch (Tim Stowe). Steady stream of Fieldfare and Redwing over Milton of Leys through the morning (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler singletons in Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) and Broadford (Martin Benson), ten Swallows at Isleornsay ('RC'), at least two Long-tailed Duck, 13 Common Scoter plus Great Skua in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) plus dark morph Arctic Skua there later in the day (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler and probable Siberian Chiffchaff at Helmsdale, just north of the lodge holiday home (Dean MacAskill). Western Orphean Warbler in elders at Lothbeg point (located by Dean MacAskill, confirmed by Peter Stronach) - Dean also sighted a Hobby there this afternoon.
Lochaber: 17 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre).
Friday 9th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Siberian Chiffchaff at the entrance to Glenmore camp site (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: adult Merlin at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Tundra Bean Geese still showing at Munlochy Bay amongst the Pink-feet, with 16 Barnacle Geese and two Brent Geese present also (Tim Meredith/Tim Stowe/Kevin Davis), with Little Egret seen there also (Blair Whyte). Gadwall plus an unusually high count of 36 Shoveler at Loch Eye (Bob Swann). Grey Plover at Chanonry Point, while at Udale on the afternoon high tide was singles of Little Egret and Greenland White-fronted Goose plus two Black-tailed Godwit (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Yellow-browed Warbler heard in scrub at Merkinch at South Kessock end of the reserve, plus eleven Black-tailed Godwits still present (Al & Jenny McNee); single Kingfisher seen also (Simon Cohen)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler still calling at Drumfearn (P Knott) plus two birds in the Broadford industrial estate Neil Bennett). Various Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose movement around the region, with highest counts at Loch Eynort (114 geese) and Arisaig (23 swans in two groups). Eight Long-tailed Duck plus 24 mixed Scaup/Tufted Duck raft at Broadford Bay, while to the west at Camas na Sgianadin were four Slavonian Grebe (Neil Bennett). A Kingfisher was reported on Scalpay's jetty (Nick Broughton) - all reports via Bob McMillan's excellent www.skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Siberian Chiffchaff at the entrance to Glenmore camp site (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: adult Merlin at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Tundra Bean Geese still showing at Munlochy Bay amongst the Pink-feet, with 16 Barnacle Geese and two Brent Geese present also (Tim Meredith/Tim Stowe/Kevin Davis), with Little Egret seen there also (Blair Whyte). Gadwall plus an unusually high count of 36 Shoveler at Loch Eye (Bob Swann). Grey Plover at Chanonry Point, while at Udale on the afternoon high tide was singles of Little Egret and Greenland White-fronted Goose plus two Black-tailed Godwit (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Yellow-browed Warbler heard in scrub at Merkinch at South Kessock end of the reserve, plus eleven Black-tailed Godwits still present (Al & Jenny McNee); single Kingfisher seen also (Simon Cohen)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler still calling at Drumfearn (P Knott) plus two birds in the Broadford industrial estate Neil Bennett). Various Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose movement around the region, with highest counts at Loch Eynort (114 geese) and Arisaig (23 swans in two groups). Eight Long-tailed Duck plus 24 mixed Scaup/Tufted Duck raft at Broadford Bay, while to the west at Camas na Sgianadin were four Slavonian Grebe (Neil Bennett). A Kingfisher was reported on Scalpay's jetty (Nick Broughton) - all reports via Bob McMillan's excellent www.skye-birds.com
Thursday 8th October
Easter Ross: Barred Warbler and three Yellow-browed Warbler at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness along with three Willow Warbler, four Chiffchaff and male Blackcap. Over Loch Eye were 18 Swallow and four House Martin (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). Six Blackcap (6m/1f) later noted at Tarbat Ness (Sue Sykes). Little Gull in Shandwick bay (Simon Levene). Off Chanonry Point (0715-0915hrs) were five Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver, 51 Long-tailed Duck, seven Scaup, plus single Pintail and Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Greenshank and 30 Lapwing at Loch Harport (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Balnakeil Farm (Peter Stronach), with another bird plus a Yellow-browed Warbler at Culkein (Jon Clarke)
Easter Ross: Barred Warbler and three Yellow-browed Warbler at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness along with three Willow Warbler, four Chiffchaff and male Blackcap. Over Loch Eye were 18 Swallow and four House Martin (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). Six Blackcap (6m/1f) later noted at Tarbat Ness (Sue Sykes). Little Gull in Shandwick bay (Simon Levene). Off Chanonry Point (0715-0915hrs) were five Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver, 51 Long-tailed Duck, seven Scaup, plus single Pintail and Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Greenshank and 30 Lapwing at Loch Harport (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Balnakeil Farm (Peter Stronach), with another bird plus a Yellow-browed Warbler at Culkein (Jon Clarke)
Wednesday 7th October
Easter Ross: Barred Warbler along the track between car park and lighthouse at Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach) - no sightings late afternoon but it can be elusive; a seawatch at the point 1410-1540hrs yielded four Manx Shearwaters, one Red-throated Diver, ten Common Scoters and 200 Gannets (Al McNee). 20 Whooper Swan, four Pochard, six Scaup, five Slavonian Grebe, c130 Coot and a single Swallow at Loch Eye (Blair Whyte). At Munlochy Bay, amongst eight thousand Pink-footed Geese, were two Tundra Bean Geese, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and seven Barnacle Geese (Al McNee)
Inverness: Yellow-browed Warbler heard in scrub at Merkinch, 84 Black-tailed Godwits also present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Yellow-browed Warblers at Drumfearn (P Knott) and one in a private garden in Broadford (Martin Benson) with Mr Knott finding another two in the village later in the day, two birds were close to the Edinbane Inn also (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler in scrub by the football pitch in Embo, while later in the day two Blackcaps plus late single Swallow and two House Martins were noted (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Barred Warbler along the track between car park and lighthouse at Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach) - no sightings late afternoon but it can be elusive; a seawatch at the point 1410-1540hrs yielded four Manx Shearwaters, one Red-throated Diver, ten Common Scoters and 200 Gannets (Al McNee). 20 Whooper Swan, four Pochard, six Scaup, five Slavonian Grebe, c130 Coot and a single Swallow at Loch Eye (Blair Whyte). At Munlochy Bay, amongst eight thousand Pink-footed Geese, were two Tundra Bean Geese, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and seven Barnacle Geese (Al McNee)
Inverness: Yellow-browed Warbler heard in scrub at Merkinch, 84 Black-tailed Godwits also present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Yellow-browed Warblers at Drumfearn (P Knott) and one in a private garden in Broadford (Martin Benson) with Mr Knott finding another two in the village later in the day, two birds were close to the Edinbane Inn also (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler in scrub by the football pitch in Embo, while later in the day two Blackcaps plus late single Swallow and two House Martins were noted (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 6th October
Easter Ross: eight Velvet Scoter and eleven Long-tailed Duck past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Grey-bellied Brant and Pale-bellied Brent Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy Bay (Peter Stronach). Magpie at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers at Kilmory Glen on Rum (5+/Sean Morris), Portree (1/Neil Bennett), Glen Varragill (2 - 3rd and 4th caught and ringed at this site by J D Jones), Broadford (2/Neil Bennett & Martin Benson) and another at Drumfearn - Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com states that (at least) six on one day on Skye is a record. Lapland Bunting still at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris)
Sutherland: Hoopoe at Dornoch water works (David Patterson). Yellow-browed Warbler at Drumbeg, Assynt (Kate & Jon Clarke)
Wester Ross: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, 29 Black-throated Diver, four Red-throated Diver and Peregrine at Gruinard Bay, Firecrest at Inverewe Garden (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: eight Velvet Scoter and eleven Long-tailed Duck past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Grey-bellied Brant and Pale-bellied Brent Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy Bay (Peter Stronach). Magpie at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers at Kilmory Glen on Rum (5+/Sean Morris), Portree (1/Neil Bennett), Glen Varragill (2 - 3rd and 4th caught and ringed at this site by J D Jones), Broadford (2/Neil Bennett & Martin Benson) and another at Drumfearn - Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com states that (at least) six on one day on Skye is a record. Lapland Bunting still at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris)
Sutherland: Hoopoe at Dornoch water works (David Patterson). Yellow-browed Warbler at Drumbeg, Assynt (Kate & Jon Clarke)
Wester Ross: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, 29 Black-throated Diver, four Red-throated Diver and Peregrine at Gruinard Bay, Firecrest at Inverewe Garden (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Monday 5th October
Easter Ross: female Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Yellow-browed Warblers also seen at Tarbat Ness, Wilkhaven Farm (both Peter Stronach) and at Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene); Wilkhaven Farm later yielded Redstart (found earlier by Peter Stronach), Spotted Flycatcher, five Blackcap, two WIllow Warbler, one Chiffchaff and seven Barnacle Geese overhead (Dave Tanner). One hour seawatch from Tarbat Ness saw two Pomarine Skua, single Great Skua and two Red-throated Diver (Al McNee)
Inverness: three Water Rail (two adults plus juvenile) at Merkinch plus four Chiffchaff, two Willow Warbler and male Blackcap; 78 Bar-tailed Godwits and two Kingfishers also present around the reserve (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Kingfisher at Lochailort (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler at Kinloch Glen, Rum plus at least ten birds now present in Kilmory Glen (Sean Morris) plus single birds also reported through the day on Skye at Drumfearn (P Knott) and Broadford industrial estate (M Benson - all via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com). A Lapland Bunting was also reported at Kinloch Glen, Rum with a late Wheatear at Kilmory Glen also (Sean Morris via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Coul Links (Peter Stronach), with at least ten still in the Durness area -three at Keoldale (also Swallow present), two at Borralie (40 Lesser Redpoll also), two at the craft village and two (plus a Chiffchaff) in Durness itself with another by the church, while at Balnakeil Farm both Willow Warbler and Blackcap noted along with 20 Redwing (Dean MacAskill). In the Assynt area, Yellow-browed Warblers were found at Drumbeg, Culkein and Clashmore (Kate & Jon Clarke)
Sunday 4th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler and several Chiffchaffs in trees by the Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge (Mike Coleman). Ten Swallows over Insh marshes, with seven Whooper Swans now present plus 58 Lapwing, 28 Canada Geese, single Merlin and two ring-tailed Hen Harriers (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter, two Long-tailed Duck, two Sandwich Tern and Brambling (near car park entrance) at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 33 Barnacle Geese overflew Cadboll Point at 1120hrs (Simon Levene). At Udale Bay were c3,000 Pink-footed Geese, two Little Egrets, two Black-tailed Godwits, two Barnacle Geese and singletons of Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose (Blair Whyte). Yellow-browed Warbler in the plantation at Tarbat Ness, while at Wilkhaven were Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher singletons, and in the Brucefield farm/plantation area were two Spotted Flycatchers and a Tree Pipit (Colin Leslie, Bob Swann & Peter Stronach). Chanonry Point seawatch (0730-0945hrs) included eleven Arctic Skua (nine pale/two dark phase), two Great Skua, one Great Northern Diver, four Red-throated Diver, twelve Long-tailed Duck, 750+ Gannet, 180+ Kittiwake, four Common Tern, two Sandwich Tern and one Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 18 plus Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Two Yellow-browed Warblers at Merkinch, along with single Wheatear, while 70 plus Black-tailed Godwits were at Muirtown Pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Swift near the Longman roundabout on the A9 (D Gibson via John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe on Loch Portree, female Scaup still with Tufted Ducks on Loch Mealt by Staffin, while in the Broadford area were two Black-tailed Godwits at Waterloo and five Barnacle Geese at Ashaig. Single Yellow-browed Warbler still at Kilmory Glen on Rum (all as per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: three Sooty Shearwaters past Lothbeg Point during seawatch 0815-1115hrs, along with three Great Skua, single Pomarine Skua, four Little Gull (one adult and three 1st winter), single Grey Plover and two Goldeneye; northbound Gannet count was 2,450/hour. 284 Barnacle Geese at the Dornoch saltings, with Jack Snipe present also (all from Dean MacAskill). Hoopoe Dornoch Golf Course (per Recorder).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull still at Ullapool river mouth (Kate & Jon Clarke)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler and several Chiffchaffs in trees by the Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge (Mike Coleman). Ten Swallows over Insh marshes, with seven Whooper Swans now present plus 58 Lapwing, 28 Canada Geese, single Merlin and two ring-tailed Hen Harriers (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter, two Long-tailed Duck, two Sandwich Tern and Brambling (near car park entrance) at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 33 Barnacle Geese overflew Cadboll Point at 1120hrs (Simon Levene). At Udale Bay were c3,000 Pink-footed Geese, two Little Egrets, two Black-tailed Godwits, two Barnacle Geese and singletons of Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose (Blair Whyte). Yellow-browed Warbler in the plantation at Tarbat Ness, while at Wilkhaven were Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher singletons, and in the Brucefield farm/plantation area were two Spotted Flycatchers and a Tree Pipit (Colin Leslie, Bob Swann & Peter Stronach). Chanonry Point seawatch (0730-0945hrs) included eleven Arctic Skua (nine pale/two dark phase), two Great Skua, one Great Northern Diver, four Red-throated Diver, twelve Long-tailed Duck, 750+ Gannet, 180+ Kittiwake, four Common Tern, two Sandwich Tern and one Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 18 plus Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Two Yellow-browed Warblers at Merkinch, along with single Wheatear, while 70 plus Black-tailed Godwits were at Muirtown Pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Swift near the Longman roundabout on the A9 (D Gibson via John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe on Loch Portree, female Scaup still with Tufted Ducks on Loch Mealt by Staffin, while in the Broadford area were two Black-tailed Godwits at Waterloo and five Barnacle Geese at Ashaig. Single Yellow-browed Warbler still at Kilmory Glen on Rum (all as per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: three Sooty Shearwaters past Lothbeg Point during seawatch 0815-1115hrs, along with three Great Skua, single Pomarine Skua, four Little Gull (one adult and three 1st winter), single Grey Plover and two Goldeneye; northbound Gannet count was 2,450/hour. 284 Barnacle Geese at the Dornoch saltings, with Jack Snipe present also (all from Dean MacAskill). Hoopoe Dornoch Golf Course (per Recorder).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull still at Ullapool river mouth (Kate & Jon Clarke)
Saturday 3rd October
Sutherland: 17 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point, 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 6 Greenshanks Skelbo, Swift with 11 Swallows Brora River (all Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher and 8 Redwings Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), 2 Little Egrets Udale Bay (John Poyner, Kevin Davis), also 2 Black-tailed Godwits and pale-bellied Brent Goose there (Kevin Davis), 239 Scaups and 3 Tufted Ducks Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). 18 Black-tailed Godwits Munlochy Bay (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Uig Woods (Seth Gibson) and 65-70 Barnacle Geese east Uig (SG). Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Brambling Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Sutherland: 17 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point, 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 6 Greenshanks Skelbo, Swift with 11 Swallows Brora River (all Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher and 8 Redwings Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), 2 Little Egrets Udale Bay (John Poyner, Kevin Davis), also 2 Black-tailed Godwits and pale-bellied Brent Goose there (Kevin Davis), 239 Scaups and 3 Tufted Ducks Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). 18 Black-tailed Godwits Munlochy Bay (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Uig Woods (Seth Gibson) and 65-70 Barnacle Geese east Uig (SG). Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Brambling Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Friday 2nd October
Sutherland: Total of 25 Yellow-browed Warblers in Durness area at Keoldale (3), Loch Borralie (2), Balnakiel (4), Craft Village (9), Durness (4), Smoo (2), Durness Kirk (1) with large fall of Redwings, smaller numbers of Song Thrush, Brambling and Blackcap, Ring Ouzel at far, 19 Barnacle Geese Balnakiel heading for Hoan (Peter Stronach), Turtle Dove and Yellow-browed Warbler Culkein (per BirdGuides), 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 25 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 3 Bramblings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Brambling Cove, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh).
Easter Ross: 3 Yellow-browed Warblers Tarbat Ness (Steve Broyd), 2 Arctic Skuas there (Dave Tanner), 11 Grey Plovers flew NE Chanonry Point (Craig Round), Little Egret and 6 Redwings Udale (Tim Meredith), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Little Egret Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris), Chiffchaff with 20 Long-tailed Tits Kildonan Glen, Eigg (John Chester).Black-tailed Godwit Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay (NH), 6 Greenshanks and 10 Bar-tailed Godwits Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Scaup with 12 Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Neil Bennett). Common Rosefinch Stoer garden (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: Total of 25 Yellow-browed Warblers in Durness area at Keoldale (3), Loch Borralie (2), Balnakiel (4), Craft Village (9), Durness (4), Smoo (2), Durness Kirk (1) with large fall of Redwings, smaller numbers of Song Thrush, Brambling and Blackcap, Ring Ouzel at far, 19 Barnacle Geese Balnakiel heading for Hoan (Peter Stronach), Turtle Dove and Yellow-browed Warbler Culkein (per BirdGuides), 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 25 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 3 Bramblings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Brambling Cove, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh).
Easter Ross: 3 Yellow-browed Warblers Tarbat Ness (Steve Broyd), 2 Arctic Skuas there (Dave Tanner), 11 Grey Plovers flew NE Chanonry Point (Craig Round), Little Egret and 6 Redwings Udale (Tim Meredith), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Little Egret Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris), Chiffchaff with 20 Long-tailed Tits Kildonan Glen, Eigg (John Chester).Black-tailed Godwit Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay (NH), 6 Greenshanks and 10 Bar-tailed Godwits Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Scaup with 12 Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Neil Bennett). Common Rosefinch Stoer garden (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 1st October
Wester Ross: 15 Brent Geese Inverewe (Morag McCullagh).
Easter Ross: Little Egret Munlochy Bay (Al McNee), 2 Little Egrets, pale-bellied Brent Goose and Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), 2 Grey Plovers, 24 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 221 Scaup Jemimaville (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Kilmory and Lapland Bunting Kinloch Glen, both Rum (Sean Morris).
Wednesday 30th September
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler at Heights of Dochcarty. part of an influx with 15+ Song Thrushes, 15+ Blackbirds, 4 Mistle Thrushes and 5 Robins (Simon Cohen), 200+ Scaup near Udale Bay (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 12 Redwings Aviemore (Audrey Turner).
Lochaber: Black Duck opposite hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler at Heights of Dochcarty. part of an influx with 15+ Song Thrushes, 15+ Blackbirds, 4 Mistle Thrushes and 5 Robins (Simon Cohen), 200+ Scaup near Udale Bay (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 12 Redwings Aviemore (Audrey Turner).
Lochaber: Black Duck opposite hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Tuesday 29th September
Sutherland: 15 pale-bellied Brent Geese Kyle of Durness (Peter Stronach), Yellow-browed Warbler mouth of Culag Burn, Lochinver (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 88 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tain (Bob Swann), Bonxie, Black-throated Diver and 7 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point 07.00-09.00 (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: , 2+ Yellow-browed Warblers Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).A Yellow-browed Warbler trapped at Glen Varragill was the third at tis site (2 on 27th) (JDJones).
Lochaber: Black Duck Strontian (Chris Jackson).
Monday 28th September
Sutherland: Greenland White-fronted Goose Balblair (Simon Pawsey).
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler Wilkhaven, Tarbat Ness (Jon Clarke).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pair of Scaup and a Shoveler Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Sabine's Gulls S and Long-tailed Skua 10.45-15.30 Point of Stoer (per Birdguides), Yellow-browed Warbler Broadford Coop Car Park (per Skye Birds), Whooper Swan 3S Ullinish Point (PS), Brent Goose 27 Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan).
Sunday 27th September
Easter Ross: Common Rosefinch (probable female) with Reed Buntings by the pool at Tarbat Ness, with c85 Whooper Swans overhead also (Dean MacAskill). Yellow-browed Warbler in Brucefield plantation, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: three Grey Plover and twelve Whooper Swan at Whiteness (Colin Leslie). At Milton of Culloden were 42 Pintail, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits and c200 Wigeon, while at Alturlie were seven Slavonian Grebes and a single Great Crested Grebe (Alan MacAskill). Nine Whooper Swans also flew over Inverness city centre (Thomas Plant)
Lochaber: Nuthatch seen along the old railway line at Appin, in the vicinity of grid NM928469 (Penny Insole)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers again reported at Drumfearn (P Knott) and now two at Kilmory, Rum (S Morris) plus two trapped and ringed at Glen Varragill (J D Jones) - via Bob McMillan
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler invasion of the Durness area continues with singles at the medical centre and John Lennon Memorial Garden, Smoo with another two located in the garden of a private house nearby; two others at Keoldale and four at Loch Borralie. Further birds recorded at Port Vasgo and Midtown (all from Peter Stronach). At Mid Garty Burn near Portgower, single Chiffchaff and male Blackcap plus seven Goldcrests (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Common Rosefinch (probable female) with Reed Buntings by the pool at Tarbat Ness, with c85 Whooper Swans overhead also (Dean MacAskill). Yellow-browed Warbler in Brucefield plantation, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: three Grey Plover and twelve Whooper Swan at Whiteness (Colin Leslie). At Milton of Culloden were 42 Pintail, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits and c200 Wigeon, while at Alturlie were seven Slavonian Grebes and a single Great Crested Grebe (Alan MacAskill). Nine Whooper Swans also flew over Inverness city centre (Thomas Plant)
Lochaber: Nuthatch seen along the old railway line at Appin, in the vicinity of grid NM928469 (Penny Insole)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers again reported at Drumfearn (P Knott) and now two at Kilmory, Rum (S Morris) plus two trapped and ringed at Glen Varragill (J D Jones) - via Bob McMillan
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler invasion of the Durness area continues with singles at the medical centre and John Lennon Memorial Garden, Smoo with another two located in the garden of a private house nearby; two others at Keoldale and four at Loch Borralie. Further birds recorded at Port Vasgo and Midtown (all from Peter Stronach). At Mid Garty Burn near Portgower, single Chiffchaff and male Blackcap plus seven Goldcrests (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 26th September
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater, Velvet Scoter, five Great Skua and 2,000+ Gannet past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), with mid-morning there seeing two Sooty Shearwater, single Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). Chanonry Point (between 0640-0920hrs) saw movements of Pink-footed Geese and Canada Geese plus ten Whooper Swan, 13 Long-tailed Duck, six Red-throated Diver, 35 Ringed Plover, 820 Gannet, single Common Tern plus Peregine attempting to take a Redshank (Kevin Davis). Off Portmahomack were c150 Common Scoter and ten Red-throated Diver, at Inver were eight Twite, single Greenshank and Dunlin plus two Bar-tailed Godwits, while at Loch Eye were c200 Mute Swan and c110 Coot (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warblers reported at Drumfearn (P Knott) and Kilmory, Rum (S Morris) - via Bob McMillan
Sutherland: single Yellow-browed Warblers reported at Keodale,Balnakeil and Durness kirk, the latter had a Brambling present also (via Peter Stronach). Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese past Skelbo, while a seawatch off Brora (1600-1700hrs) saw five Little Gulls (three adult/two 1st winter), single Sooty Shearwater, two Pomarine Skua, and singles of Arctic Skua and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 25th September
Easter Ross: two Sooty Shearwater past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 144 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links, with 23 Whooper Swans passing over early evening (Bob Swann). A Chanonry Point seawatch (0640-0910hrs) included single Pomarine Skua and Great Skua, two pale phase Arctic Skua, four Whooper Swan, ten Long-tailed Duck, four Red-throated Diver, 635 Gannet, eleven Common Tern and 20 Sandwich Tern (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Scaup plus a large influx of Kittiwakes into Broadford Bay due to the northerly winds, with three Sabine's Gull and six Arctic Skua also (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Sooty Shearwater past Strathy Point (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: two Sooty Shearwater past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 144 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links, with 23 Whooper Swans passing over early evening (Bob Swann). A Chanonry Point seawatch (0640-0910hrs) included single Pomarine Skua and Great Skua, two pale phase Arctic Skua, four Whooper Swan, ten Long-tailed Duck, four Red-throated Diver, 635 Gannet, eleven Common Tern and 20 Sandwich Tern (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Scaup plus a large influx of Kittiwakes into Broadford Bay due to the northerly winds, with three Sabine's Gull and six Arctic Skua also (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Sooty Shearwater past Strathy Point (Colin Leslie)
Thursday 24th September
Easter Ross: single Golden Plover and Sandwich Tern at Tarbat Ness, while c166 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links along with over 1,500 Wigeon (Dave Tanner). A seawatch at Chanonry Point (0630-0900hrs) included singles of Great Skua, Arctic Skua and Scaup along with two Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 450+ Pink-footed Geese, 73 Canada Geese, 26 Red-throated Diver, 480 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, ten Common Tern, twelve Sandwich Tern, 20 Red-breasted Merganser, six Golden Plover, 85+ Dunlin and 90+ Razorbill (Kevin Davis). Single Redwing amonst small flock of thrushes at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen). Two Little Egrets at Udale Bay mid-afternoon, with juvenile Marsh Harrier and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst the Pink-footed Geese (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: single Grey Plover and Wheater at Alturlie, offshore were seven Slavonian Grebe, 15 Scaup and three Red-throated Diver (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Broadford Bay with four at Loch Portree. Single Grey Plover at Ashaig, Broadford. Significant movement through the region and Lochaber of Pink-footed Geese (all per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: eleven Greenshank at Skelbo, while at Coul Links the gull roost included a 1st winter Little Gull with 40 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns (Dean MacAskill). Three juvenile Little Gulls and c100 Ringed Plover of the 'tundra' ssp. at Brora (Gordon Hamlett)
Wester Ross: single Swallow and four Black-throated Divers at Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Easter Ross: single Golden Plover and Sandwich Tern at Tarbat Ness, while c166 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain Links along with over 1,500 Wigeon (Dave Tanner). A seawatch at Chanonry Point (0630-0900hrs) included singles of Great Skua, Arctic Skua and Scaup along with two Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 450+ Pink-footed Geese, 73 Canada Geese, 26 Red-throated Diver, 480 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, ten Common Tern, twelve Sandwich Tern, 20 Red-breasted Merganser, six Golden Plover, 85+ Dunlin and 90+ Razorbill (Kevin Davis). Single Redwing amonst small flock of thrushes at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen). Two Little Egrets at Udale Bay mid-afternoon, with juvenile Marsh Harrier and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst the Pink-footed Geese (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: single Grey Plover and Wheater at Alturlie, offshore were seven Slavonian Grebe, 15 Scaup and three Red-throated Diver (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Broadford Bay with four at Loch Portree. Single Grey Plover at Ashaig, Broadford. Significant movement through the region and Lochaber of Pink-footed Geese (all per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: eleven Greenshank at Skelbo, while at Coul Links the gull roost included a 1st winter Little Gull with 40 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns (Dean MacAskill). Three juvenile Little Gulls and c100 Ringed Plover of the 'tundra' ssp. at Brora (Gordon Hamlett)
Wester Ross: single Swallow and four Black-throated Divers at Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Wednesday 23rd September
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Ring Ouzels amongst a mix thrush flock in Glen Tromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese south past Tarbat Ness, with c3,000 Pink-footed Geese in various skeins heading south also (Dave Tanner); a similar number flew past Chanonry Point also (Kevin Davis). 144 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain links (Bob Swann), while at Udale Bay were four Whooper Swan, single Little Egret, eight Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Black-tailed Godwit (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 87 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Broadford Bay with four at Loch Portree, with single Grey Plover and nine Bar-tailed Godwit at Ashaig, Broadford (all per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: c60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Inverewe (Keith Barnes). Twelve Whooper Swans over Loch Oscaig, Coigach (Stuart Edwards). Ullapool-Stornoway ferry pelagic trip included three Pomarine Skuas, six Arctic Skua, single Sooty Shearwater and two Leach's Petrel, while at the Ullapool river mouth were singles of Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Steady and significant southbound movement of Pink-footed Geese across the region through the day
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Ring Ouzels amongst a mix thrush flock in Glen Tromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese south past Tarbat Ness, with c3,000 Pink-footed Geese in various skeins heading south also (Dave Tanner); a similar number flew past Chanonry Point also (Kevin Davis). 144 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Tain links (Bob Swann), while at Udale Bay were four Whooper Swan, single Little Egret, eight Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Black-tailed Godwit (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 87 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Broadford Bay with four at Loch Portree, with single Grey Plover and nine Bar-tailed Godwit at Ashaig, Broadford (all per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: c60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Inverewe (Keith Barnes). Twelve Whooper Swans over Loch Oscaig, Coigach (Stuart Edwards). Ullapool-Stornoway ferry pelagic trip included three Pomarine Skuas, six Arctic Skua, single Sooty Shearwater and two Leach's Petrel, while at the Ullapool river mouth were singles of Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Steady and significant southbound movement of Pink-footed Geese across the region through the day
Tuesday 22nd September
Easter Ross: single Little Gull, Purple Sandpiper and Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 178 Pale-bellied Brent Geese off Tain links, three Black-tailed Godwits present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch nature reserve (Alan MacAskill), c60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese west past Fort George (David Shaw)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pale-bellied Brent Goose passage apparent around Skye also, including 24 at Loch Portree, 80 at Loch Ainort and 47 in Broadford Bay - more details on www.skye-birds.com (via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: skeins of 120 and 38 Pale-belled Brent Geese south past Brora, 1st winter Little Gull and Whimbrel recorded also. At Dornoch, 14 Pale-bellied Brent Geese seen along with four Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Little Gull, Purple Sandpiper and Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 178 Pale-bellied Brent Geese off Tain links, three Black-tailed Godwits present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch nature reserve (Alan MacAskill), c60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese west past Fort George (David Shaw)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pale-bellied Brent Goose passage apparent around Skye also, including 24 at Loch Portree, 80 at Loch Ainort and 47 in Broadford Bay - more details on www.skye-birds.com (via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: skeins of 120 and 38 Pale-belled Brent Geese south past Brora, 1st winter Little Gull and Whimbrel recorded also. At Dornoch, 14 Pale-bellied Brent Geese seen along with four Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 21st September
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: late report from 6th September of ten Short-eared Owls flushed from a concentrated area of dense bracken on the slopes of Sgurr Corrie Conechgan - presumably migrating birds (Walter McEwan)
Skye & Lochalsh: c40 Redwings reported at Kyleakin (per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: nine Black-throated Divers, nine Arctic Terns and single Dunlin at Applecross (Gordon Hamlett)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: late report from 6th September of ten Short-eared Owls flushed from a concentrated area of dense bracken on the slopes of Sgurr Corrie Conechgan - presumably migrating birds (Walter McEwan)
Skye & Lochalsh: c40 Redwings reported at Kyleakin (per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: nine Black-throated Divers, nine Arctic Terns and single Dunlin at Applecross (Gordon Hamlett)
Sunday 20th September
Skye & Lochalsh: five Manx Shearwaters off Neist Point, Chiffchaff (singing male) in forestry near Portree plus four Greenshank at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch burn mouth (Dean MacAskill/Peter Stronach/Blair Whyte through the day)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Manx Shearwaters off Neist Point, Chiffchaff (singing male) in forestry near Portree plus four Greenshank at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch burn mouth (Dean MacAskill/Peter Stronach/Blair Whyte through the day)
Saturday 19th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Sandwich Terns sound recorded migrating over Grantown-on-Spey at 2125hrs (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: single Pintail plus nine Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Osprey off Bunchrew (Eva Webster)
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch burn mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Sandwich Terns sound recorded migrating over Grantown-on-Spey at 2125hrs (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: single Pintail plus nine Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Osprey off Bunchrew (Eva Webster)
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch burn mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 18th September
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper at rivermouth, Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Yellow-legged Gull and Spotted Redshank Alturlie (per BirdGuides), no sign of either at 15.30 (Colin Leslie), Shoveler Alturlie (Dave Pierce), Curlew Sandpiper Whiteness (Dave Pierce), 3 Arctic Skuas (and Basking Shark) Fort George (Lynda Graham).
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper at rivermouth, Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Yellow-legged Gull and Spotted Redshank Alturlie (per BirdGuides), no sign of either at 15.30 (Colin Leslie), Shoveler Alturlie (Dave Pierce), Curlew Sandpiper Whiteness (Dave Pierce), 3 Arctic Skuas (and Basking Shark) Fort George (Lynda Graham).
Thursday 17th September
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper with 2 Curlew Sandpipers Dornoch (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull and 3 Common Terns Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Curlew Sandpiper (and 3 Basking Sharks) Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Little Gull Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Greshornish, Edinbane (DM).
Lochaber: Black Duck upstream near Church, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper with 2 Curlew Sandpipers Dornoch (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull and 3 Common Terns Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Curlew Sandpiper (and 3 Basking Sharks) Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Little Gull Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Greshornish, Edinbane (DM).
Lochaber: Black Duck upstream near Church, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
.
Wednesday 16th September
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Colin Leslie)
Wester Ross: Leach's Petrel, Pomarine Skua, 2 Sooty Shearwaters (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: blue-phase Fulmar and 3 Arctic Skuas Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Nuthatch near Loch Achilty (Keith Barnes), Whooper Swans 7S Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese with Pink-footed Geese over Rum (Sean Morris), Osprey fishing Lower Breakish/Ashaig area (JK).
Wednesday 16th September
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Colin Leslie)
Wester Ross: Leach's Petrel, Pomarine Skua, 2 Sooty Shearwaters (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: blue-phase Fulmar and 3 Arctic Skuas Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Nuthatch near Loch Achilty (Keith Barnes), Whooper Swans 7S Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese with Pink-footed Geese over Rum (Sean Morris), Osprey fishing Lower Breakish/Ashaig area (JK).
Tuesday 15th September.
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Russell Wood).
Easter Ross: a late Swift Tain (Bob Swann), Manx Shearwater Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 46 Scaups, 30 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Ruff Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Little Egret Udale Bay (Rob Sheldon).
Wester Ross: 20-30 Storm Petrels Ullapool-Stornoway and 3 Leach's Petrels in Western Isles waters (John Poyner).
Inverness: Kingfisher, 2 Water Rails, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Merkinch (Alan), 24 Black-tailed Godwits Lentran (Alan), Merlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits Fort George (Alan), 4 Ospreys Beauly Firth (Alan).
Lochaber: Juv Sabine's Gull Oberon Bank, off Arisaig (R Dyer), 3 Arctic Skuas off Eigg, 5 Bonxies Eigg-Arisaig (R Dyer), 4 Arctic Skuas and 1 Bonxie Neist Point (R Dyer, AS), 1 Arctic Skua, 8 Bonxies Elgol (DM), 1 Bonxie Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Russell Wood).
Easter Ross: a late Swift Tain (Bob Swann), Manx Shearwater Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 46 Scaups, 30 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Ruff Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Little Egret Udale Bay (Rob Sheldon).
Wester Ross: 20-30 Storm Petrels Ullapool-Stornoway and 3 Leach's Petrels in Western Isles waters (John Poyner).
Inverness: Kingfisher, 2 Water Rails, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Merkinch (Alan), 24 Black-tailed Godwits Lentran (Alan), Merlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits Fort George (Alan), 4 Ospreys Beauly Firth (Alan).
Lochaber: Juv Sabine's Gull Oberon Bank, off Arisaig (R Dyer), 3 Arctic Skuas off Eigg, 5 Bonxies Eigg-Arisaig (R Dyer), 4 Arctic Skuas and 1 Bonxie Neist Point (R Dyer, AS), 1 Arctic Skua, 8 Bonxies Elgol (DM), 1 Bonxie Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Monday 14th September
Sutherland: Baird's Sandpiper and 12 Curlew Sandpipers river mouth Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Manx Shearwater, 6 Arctic Skuas, 25 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point 06.30-08.30 (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: juv Little Gull Loch Flemington (Jon Clarke), 3 Gadwalls there (Blair Whyte), Osprey Alturlie (Alan).
Skye & Lochalsh: 4 Greenshanks Camas Ban, Portree (SA), 5 Bonxies Staffin Bay (SB).
Sunday 13th September
Sutherland: 4 Fieldfares Durness (Alan).
Easter Ross: Little Egret, Osprey, 2 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). Leach's Petrel seen distantly from Chanonry Point this morning (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: adult Sabine's Gull Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Arctic Skuas off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer).
Lochaber: Black Duck at rivermouth Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 4 Fieldfares Durness (Alan).
Easter Ross: Little Egret, Osprey, 2 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). Leach's Petrel seen distantly from Chanonry Point this morning (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: adult Sabine's Gull Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Arctic Skuas off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer).
Lochaber: Black Duck at rivermouth Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 12th September
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver and Merlin off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Leach's Petrel from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Kingfisher and Common Guillemot on the River Ness in the city near Holm Mills, plus two Swifts over Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey off Erbusaig (Judith Bullivant). Juvenile Arctic Skua and Whinchat in Broadford/Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: juvenile Little Gull off Brora river mouth, Curlew Sandpipers still present (Dean MacAskill). Seawatch off Strathy point included 60+ Manx Shearwater, ten Sooty Shearwater, plus Great Skuas, Rock Pipit, Storm Petrel, Puffin and Long-tailed Skua (Alan MacAskill/Sandy Morrison)
Friday 11th September
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas), while an 0615-0915hrs seawatch there also saw single Arctic Skua (dark morph) and Great Skua plus 15 Common Scoter (Kevin Davis). Little Egret still present on Udale Bay (John Poyner)
Inverness: eight Fieldfares in Cannich (Colin Leslie). Two Swifts over Culloden woods (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Storm Petrel off Eigg (seen from MV Sheerwater), single Great Northern Diver off Orbost (per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas), while an 0615-0915hrs seawatch there also saw single Arctic Skua (dark morph) and Great Skua plus 15 Common Scoter (Kevin Davis). Little Egret still present on Udale Bay (John Poyner)
Inverness: eight Fieldfares in Cannich (Colin Leslie). Two Swifts over Culloden woods (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Storm Petrel off Eigg (seen from MV Sheerwater), single Great Northern Diver off Orbost (per skye-birds.com)
Thursday 10th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: a wind-blown Common Guillemot on the River Spey at Boat of Garten (via Toby Green)
Easter Ross: 50+ Pink-footed Geese plus single Great Skua and a Peregrine past Chanonry Point, while over Cromarty two Swifts were noted plus a flock of c50 House Martins (Kevin Davis). Spotted Redshank at Tain river mouth (Bob Swann)
Inverness: singles of Grey Plover, Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Osprey along with eleven Golden Plover, 16 Black-tailed Godwits and three Bar-tailed Godwits at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 350+ Pink-footed Geese and seven Ospreys in the Beauly Firth (Sue Pettit)
Sutherland: twelve Curlew Sandpipers and juvenile Little Gull on Dornoch beach with 142 Pink-footed Geese seen over (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull again around Ullapool, while seen from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry on the eastern side of The Minch were twelve Sooty Shearwaters, 30 Storm Petrels, four Arctic Skuas plus Lesser Rorqual and Humpback whales (Andy WIlliams, John Clarke, Craig Johnstone, Al McNee, Simon Eaves et al)
Badenoch & Strathspey: a wind-blown Common Guillemot on the River Spey at Boat of Garten (via Toby Green)
Easter Ross: 50+ Pink-footed Geese plus single Great Skua and a Peregrine past Chanonry Point, while over Cromarty two Swifts were noted plus a flock of c50 House Martins (Kevin Davis). Spotted Redshank at Tain river mouth (Bob Swann)
Inverness: singles of Grey Plover, Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Osprey along with eleven Golden Plover, 16 Black-tailed Godwits and three Bar-tailed Godwits at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 350+ Pink-footed Geese and seven Ospreys in the Beauly Firth (Sue Pettit)
Sutherland: twelve Curlew Sandpipers and juvenile Little Gull on Dornoch beach with 142 Pink-footed Geese seen over (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull again around Ullapool, while seen from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry on the eastern side of The Minch were twelve Sooty Shearwaters, 30 Storm Petrels, four Arctic Skuas plus Lesser Rorqual and Humpback whales (Andy WIlliams, John Clarke, Craig Johnstone, Al McNee, Simon Eaves et al)
Wednesday 9th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whooper Swans on Loch Insh, plus at least one Shoveler at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point (0610-0850hrs) were singles of Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Storm Petrel plus two Great Skuas, with a Black-tailed Godwit on the nearby golf course (Kevin Davis). The Little Egret remains in Udale Bay, with three each of Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit along with single Peregrine and Osprey (Blair Whyte) while four Great Skua were also noted early evening (Mark Finn)
Lochaber: 130 Pink-footed Geese over Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: four-hour seawatch at Strathy Point yielded a Sabine's Gull, 32 Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua, seven Common Tern plus Manx Shearwaters and Great Skuas also (Dean MacAskill). At/off Brora were c18 Manx Shearwaters, c200 Sanderling, c50 Ringed Plover, c50 Sandwich Tern, four Arctic and 40-plus 'Commic' Tern, plus single Wheatear, while at Dornoch were 300+ Bar-tailed Godwits, c400 Knot, c60 Sanderling plus a Curlew Sandpiper and Greenshank (Alan MacAskill/David Barnett)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull again around Ullapool river mouth, while at Achnahaird were three Bar-tailed Godwits, three Sanderling and a Peregrine (Andy Williams). Around Loch Ewe were 26 Black-throated Divers, single Red-throated Diver and single Wheatear (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whooper Swans on Loch Insh, plus at least one Shoveler at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point (0610-0850hrs) were singles of Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Storm Petrel plus two Great Skuas, with a Black-tailed Godwit on the nearby golf course (Kevin Davis). The Little Egret remains in Udale Bay, with three each of Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit along with single Peregrine and Osprey (Blair Whyte) while four Great Skua were also noted early evening (Mark Finn)
Lochaber: 130 Pink-footed Geese over Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: four-hour seawatch at Strathy Point yielded a Sabine's Gull, 32 Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua, seven Common Tern plus Manx Shearwaters and Great Skuas also (Dean MacAskill). At/off Brora were c18 Manx Shearwaters, c200 Sanderling, c50 Ringed Plover, c50 Sandwich Tern, four Arctic and 40-plus 'Commic' Tern, plus single Wheatear, while at Dornoch were 300+ Bar-tailed Godwits, c400 Knot, c60 Sanderling plus a Curlew Sandpiper and Greenshank (Alan MacAskill/David Barnett)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull again around Ullapool river mouth, while at Achnahaird were three Bar-tailed Godwits, three Sanderling and a Peregrine (Andy Williams). Around Loch Ewe were 26 Black-throated Divers, single Red-throated Diver and single Wheatear (Morag McCullagh)
Tuesday 8th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: seven Fieldfares at Dalraddy (Eva Webster)
Easter Ross: Now 16 Pink-footed Geese at Udale Bay, Little Egret also present. Several Wheatears in the area if Navity (Mark Finn). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: six Black-tailed Godwit by Fort George, with 63 Bar-tailed Godwits counted on passage past along with a skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese (Blair Whyte). At Bunchrew were twelve Black-tailed Godwits and two Bar-tailed Godwits, with 16 Goldeneyes also (Alan MacAskill). Three Swifts over Craig Dunain, apparent family group of Spotted Flycatchers present also (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3-4,000 post-breeding Manx Shearwaters in a raft off Eigg, while a Slavonian Grebe seen on Loch Ainort. 25 Brent Geese at Bayfield, Portree. Twelve Knot at Traigh, Morar (per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull and Little Gull again around Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: seven Fieldfares at Dalraddy (Eva Webster)
Easter Ross: Now 16 Pink-footed Geese at Udale Bay, Little Egret also present. Several Wheatears in the area if Navity (Mark Finn). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: six Black-tailed Godwit by Fort George, with 63 Bar-tailed Godwits counted on passage past along with a skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese (Blair Whyte). At Bunchrew were twelve Black-tailed Godwits and two Bar-tailed Godwits, with 16 Goldeneyes also (Alan MacAskill). Three Swifts over Craig Dunain, apparent family group of Spotted Flycatchers present also (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3-4,000 post-breeding Manx Shearwaters in a raft off Eigg, while a Slavonian Grebe seen on Loch Ainort. 25 Brent Geese at Bayfield, Portree. Twelve Knot at Traigh, Morar (per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull and Little Gull again around Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams)
Monday 7th September
Easter Ross: 21 Red-throated Divers off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two hour seawatch from Chanonry Point from 0620hrs included one Pomarine Skua, 250+ Common Tern, 55 Sandwich Tern and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit (Kevin Davis). Little Egret still present at Udale Bay, also noted were three Black-tailed Godwits and single Bar-tailed Godwit, plus single Greenshank and 13 Pink-footed Geese (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Wheatear and Osprey at Alturlie, along with two Black-tailed Godwits and a Grey Plover (Dave Pierce)
Sutherland: two Little Gulls off Brora river mouth, with no less than ten Curlew Sandpiper present also (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Ullapool-Stornoway ferry trip yielded 18 Storm Petrels, six Manx Shearwaters, three Arctic Skuas, several Bonxies and a possible Leach's Petrel (Simon Eaves). Sabine's Gull at Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: 21 Red-throated Divers off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two hour seawatch from Chanonry Point from 0620hrs included one Pomarine Skua, 250+ Common Tern, 55 Sandwich Tern and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit (Kevin Davis). Little Egret still present at Udale Bay, also noted were three Black-tailed Godwits and single Bar-tailed Godwit, plus single Greenshank and 13 Pink-footed Geese (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Wheatear and Osprey at Alturlie, along with two Black-tailed Godwits and a Grey Plover (Dave Pierce)
Sutherland: two Little Gulls off Brora river mouth, with no less than ten Curlew Sandpiper present also (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Ullapool-Stornoway ferry trip yielded 18 Storm Petrels, six Manx Shearwaters, three Arctic Skuas, several Bonxies and a possible Leach's Petrel (Simon Eaves). Sabine's Gull at Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams)
Sunday 6th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Ring Ouzels feeding together in Gaick, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Rosy Starling with Starling flock near Balnuig bridge on the B9165, SW of Portmahomack (grid NH885802 - per Bird Guides)
Inverness: off the ICT football stadium were five Sandwich Tern, one Little Tern and c60 'Commic' Terns (all moving east towards Ft George); juvenile Black Tern also seen before it flew west towards the Beauly Firth (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: juvenile Little Stint, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and juvenile Ruff at Dornoch point along with 375 Sandwich Tern, 19 Common Tern, two Arctic Tern and 370 Dunlin plus a juvenile Peregrine. A juvenile Black Tern was also sighted along the beach (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: off the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry today in the eastern Minch were three Arctic Skua and two Sooty Shearwater (Andy Williams/Simeon Ewing). Single Arctic Skua off the point at Ullapool (Blair Whyte)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Ring Ouzels feeding together in Gaick, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Rosy Starling with Starling flock near Balnuig bridge on the B9165, SW of Portmahomack (grid NH885802 - per Bird Guides)
Inverness: off the ICT football stadium were five Sandwich Tern, one Little Tern and c60 'Commic' Terns (all moving east towards Ft George); juvenile Black Tern also seen before it flew west towards the Beauly Firth (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: juvenile Little Stint, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and juvenile Ruff at Dornoch point along with 375 Sandwich Tern, 19 Common Tern, two Arctic Tern and 370 Dunlin plus a juvenile Peregrine. A juvenile Black Tern was also sighted along the beach (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: off the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry today in the eastern Minch were three Arctic Skua and two Sooty Shearwater (Andy Williams/Simeon Ewing). Single Arctic Skua off the point at Ullapool (Blair Whyte)
Saturday 5th September
Sutherland: 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 5 Bonxies Stoer Point 07.00-08.00 (Donald Wilson), 2 Great Shearwaters, ad and juv Sabine's Gull, 110 Sooty Shearwaters, 79 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Blue Fulmar, 28 Bonxies, 7 Arctic Skuas, 3 Leach's Petrels, 1 Storm Petrel Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: "flocks" of Storm Petrels and Manx Shearwaters, Leach's Petrel Stornoway ferry (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett),on return to Ullapool large shearwater sp 1, Sooty Shearwater 2, Sabine's Gull at river mouth (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett), juv/iW Little Gull Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skuas, 2 Bonxies, 340 Common Terns, 11 Black-tailed Godwits 06.00-08.30 Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Redwings with Mistle Thrushes Drumguish (Dave Pierce) - immigrants or local breeders? 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls Insh (Dave Pierce), Swift near Aviemore (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Long-tailed Skua from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream River Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 5 Bonxies Stoer Point 07.00-08.00 (Donald Wilson), 2 Great Shearwaters, ad and juv Sabine's Gull, 110 Sooty Shearwaters, 79 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Blue Fulmar, 28 Bonxies, 7 Arctic Skuas, 3 Leach's Petrels, 1 Storm Petrel Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: "flocks" of Storm Petrels and Manx Shearwaters, Leach's Petrel Stornoway ferry (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett),on return to Ullapool large shearwater sp 1, Sooty Shearwater 2, Sabine's Gull at river mouth (Alan MacAskill, David Barnett), juv/iW Little Gull Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skuas, 2 Bonxies, 340 Common Terns, 11 Black-tailed Godwits 06.00-08.30 Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Redwings with Mistle Thrushes Drumguish (Dave Pierce) - immigrants or local breeders? 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls Insh (Dave Pierce), Swift near Aviemore (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Long-tailed Skua from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream River Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Friday 4th September
Sutherland: 99 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Bonxies, Storm Petrel Stoer Point (Donald Wilson), 3 Little Gulls Brora (Bob Swann).
Wester Ross: 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 23 Storm Petrels Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas and a Puffin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 4 Little Stints Bunchrew (per BirdGuides), Hobby Garbole, Strathdearn (John Poyner), 3 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 2 Little Stints Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juv Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: pale-bellied Brent arrival with 18, 8 and 10 arriving Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan, Martin Benson), Whimbrel and 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Leach's Petrel from Eigg-Mallaig ferry (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: male Black Duck upstream of 2nd bridge, Strontian River (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 99 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Bonxies, Storm Petrel Stoer Point (Donald Wilson), 3 Little Gulls Brora (Bob Swann).
Wester Ross: 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 23 Storm Petrels Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas and a Puffin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 4 Little Stints Bunchrew (per BirdGuides), Hobby Garbole, Strathdearn (John Poyner), 3 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 2 Little Stints Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juv Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: pale-bellied Brent arrival with 18, 8 and 10 arriving Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan, Martin Benson), Whimbrel and 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Leach's Petrel from Eigg-Mallaig ferry (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: male Black Duck upstream of 2nd bridge, Strontian River (per Birdguides).
Thursday 3rd September
Sutherland: still 9 juv Curlew Sandpipers Dornoch (Al McNee), 2 Pink-footed Geese Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards). 7 Sooty Shearwaters, 63 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Bonxies Stoer Point (Donald Wilson).
Easter Ross: 52 Black-tailed Godwits and 9 Ospreys between Lentran Bay and Bunchrew, Beauly Firth (Alan), Little Egret Udale Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 male, 1 female Gadwalls Loch Flemington and 2 Black-tailed Godwits Fort George (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 White Wagtails Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: still 9 juv Curlew Sandpipers Dornoch (Al McNee), 2 Pink-footed Geese Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards). 7 Sooty Shearwaters, 63 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Bonxies Stoer Point (Donald Wilson).
Easter Ross: 52 Black-tailed Godwits and 9 Ospreys between Lentran Bay and Bunchrew, Beauly Firth (Alan), Little Egret Udale Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 male, 1 female Gadwalls Loch Flemington and 2 Black-tailed Godwits Fort George (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 White Wagtails Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett).
Wednesday 2nd September
Sutherland: 9 juv Curlew Sandpipers and 6 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: "a few" Manx Shearwaters and a Merlin Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Swifts with 40 House Martins Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 White Wagtails Broadford Bay and 1 Ashaig (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), 2 Whimbrel s Broadford Bay and 20 Breakish Obe (NH).
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream Strontian River (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 9 juv Curlew Sandpipers and 6 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: "a few" Manx Shearwaters and a Merlin Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Swifts with 40 House Martins Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 White Wagtails Broadford Bay and 1 Ashaig (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), 2 Whimbrel s Broadford Bay and 20 Breakish Obe (NH).
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream Strontian River (per BirdGuides).
Tuesday 1st September
Sutherland: 2 Juvenile Curlew Sandpipers with 80 juv Sanderlings Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Stint Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch (Alan), juv Curlew Sandpiper, Whiteness, Black-tailed Godwit Fort George and 2 male Gadwalls Loch Flemington (all Colin Leslie), 6 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 3 Swifts central Inverness (Penny Insole).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swift 5 Rothiemurchus (Dave Pierce) - all records wanted now.
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream Strontian River (per BirdGuides).
Monday 31st August
Wester Ross: 3 Bonxies Ullapool (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 4 Black-tailed Godwits Fort George and a male Gadwall Loch Flemington (Jonathan Clarke).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Sabine's Gull, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 3-4 Leach's Petrels, 8 Storm Petrels early morning crossing Uig - Lochmaddy and 1 Leach's Petrel, 2 Storm Petrels, 1 Arctic Skua on return crossing (Rab Shand). 2 Sooty Shearwaters Sound of Raasay, off Black Rock (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: Black Duck by 2nd bridge upstream Strontian River (Blair Whyte).
Sunday 30th August
Sutherland: 4 Black-throated Divers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Honey Buzzard over Black Isle (per BirdGuides), Little Egret Udale Bay (Bob Wilson, Rowan Butterfield), 10 Black-tailed Godwits and a Kingfisher there (O Puls). 4 Swifts Cromarty .
Wester Ross: Leach's Petrel, 11 Storm Petrels and a Sooty Shearwater Ullapool-Stornoway crossing (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Little Gull Loch Morlich (per RBA), 2 Swifts feeding high E of Kingussie and family party of 4+ Whinchats Kinloch Laggan (Dave Pierce), Kingfisher Allt Ban, Glenmore (Duncan MacDonald).
Saturday 29th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: a notable count of 212 Barnacle Geese on Insh marshes, Marsh Harrier in the area also (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: amongst a significant seabird movement were two Sooty Shearwater, four Manx Shearwater plus two Arctic Skua past Tarbat Ness along with probable 2cy Little Gull, single Whimbrel present also (Dave Tanner). Immature Long-tailed Skua SW Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides).On Loch Eye, a record count of 85 Little Grebe and one Slavonian Grebe (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Bar-tailed Godwit, 54 Canada Geese and 57 Greylag Geese with flock of Goldfinch (c75) also (Blair Whyte), 2 Artic Skuas and a Pomarine Skua (Colin Leslie). 700 Sandwich Terns Whiteness (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: three Sanderling at Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: six Sooty Shearwater and a single Arctic Skua past Strathy (Rob Hughes). Two Little Gull juveniles plus c200 Common Scoters off Embo pier (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool river mouth mid-afternoon, with c150 Kittiwakes and single Little Tern on/over Loch Broom (Andy Williams), Sooty Shearwater and Humpback Whale Ullapool-Stornoway crossing (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Black Duck by second bridge upstream at Strontian (Rab Shand).
Badenoch & Strathspey: a notable count of 212 Barnacle Geese on Insh marshes, Marsh Harrier in the area also (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: amongst a significant seabird movement were two Sooty Shearwater, four Manx Shearwater plus two Arctic Skua past Tarbat Ness along with probable 2cy Little Gull, single Whimbrel present also (Dave Tanner). Immature Long-tailed Skua SW Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides).On Loch Eye, a record count of 85 Little Grebe and one Slavonian Grebe (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Bar-tailed Godwit, 54 Canada Geese and 57 Greylag Geese with flock of Goldfinch (c75) also (Blair Whyte), 2 Artic Skuas and a Pomarine Skua (Colin Leslie). 700 Sandwich Terns Whiteness (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: three Sanderling at Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: six Sooty Shearwater and a single Arctic Skua past Strathy (Rob Hughes). Two Little Gull juveniles plus c200 Common Scoters off Embo pier (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool river mouth mid-afternoon, with c150 Kittiwakes and single Little Tern on/over Loch Broom (Andy Williams), Sooty Shearwater and Humpback Whale Ullapool-Stornoway crossing (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Black Duck by second bridge upstream at Strontian (Rab Shand).
Friday 28th August
Easter Ross: single Red-throated Diver and small group of Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Pomarine Skua, two Long-tailed Skua, two Arctic Skua and seven Great Skua past Chanonry Point 0610-0810hrs (Peter Stronach)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit, three Sanderling and single Wheatear at Fort George (Blair Whyte), with a Great Crested Grebe off there later in the day along with an Arctic Skua (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: single Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits on Dornoch saltings (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Red-throated Diver and small group of Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Pomarine Skua, two Long-tailed Skua, two Arctic Skua and seven Great Skua past Chanonry Point 0610-0810hrs (Peter Stronach)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit, three Sanderling and single Wheatear at Fort George (Blair Whyte), with a Great Crested Grebe off there later in the day along with an Arctic Skua (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: single Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits on Dornoch saltings (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 27th August
Easter Ross: two Common Cranes seen at Nigg c1030hrs (Bob Swann/Ian Bremner), and picked up over Fortrose heading south across the firth towards Alturlie at 1045hrs (Alister Clunas). Six Sooty Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness - no sign of the Greenish Warbler (Bob Swann). In Nigg Bay, 445 Red-breasted Mergansers (Simon Levene)
Inverness: seven Black-tailed Godwits, single Greenshank, c120 Lapwing, c60 Goldfinches and an Osprey at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Whimbrel and 27 Black-tailed Godwits at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Knot and two Sanderling in Broadford Bay, with one Knot and ten Sanderling at Ashaig with c120 Twite present also (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: five Ruff on the saltmarsh at Dornoch (Dave Pierce)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool mid-afternoon (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: two Common Cranes seen at Nigg c1030hrs (Bob Swann/Ian Bremner), and picked up over Fortrose heading south across the firth towards Alturlie at 1045hrs (Alister Clunas). Six Sooty Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness - no sign of the Greenish Warbler (Bob Swann). In Nigg Bay, 445 Red-breasted Mergansers (Simon Levene)
Inverness: seven Black-tailed Godwits, single Greenshank, c120 Lapwing, c60 Goldfinches and an Osprey at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Whimbrel and 27 Black-tailed Godwits at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Knot and two Sanderling in Broadford Bay, with one Knot and ten Sanderling at Ashaig with c120 Twite present also (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: five Ruff on the saltmarsh at Dornoch (Dave Pierce)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool mid-afternoon (Andy Williams)
Wednesday 26th August
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), plus two Sooty Shearwaters past also (Peter Stronach). A two-hour seawatch from Chanonry Point from 0550hrs yielded 520+ Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Tern, seven Arctic Tern, five Great Skua, four Arctic Skua (two each of light and dark morphs) and nine Common Scoter (Kevin Davis). Greenish Warbler at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - PLEASE PARK AT THE POINT AND BE SENSITIVE TO RESIDENTS/WORKERS - with Wood Warbler also present in the willows by the pool nearby (Peter Stronach/Bob Swann et al). Steady flow of Manx and Sooty Shearwaters into Dornoch Firth (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: five Black-tailed Godwits at Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: three Ruff, three Black-tailed Godwit and single Grey Plover at Dornoch Point (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), plus two Sooty Shearwaters past also (Peter Stronach). A two-hour seawatch from Chanonry Point from 0550hrs yielded 520+ Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Tern, seven Arctic Tern, five Great Skua, four Arctic Skua (two each of light and dark morphs) and nine Common Scoter (Kevin Davis). Greenish Warbler at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - PLEASE PARK AT THE POINT AND BE SENSITIVE TO RESIDENTS/WORKERS - with Wood Warbler also present in the willows by the pool nearby (Peter Stronach/Bob Swann et al). Steady flow of Manx and Sooty Shearwaters into Dornoch Firth (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: five Black-tailed Godwits at Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: three Ruff, three Black-tailed Godwit and single Grey Plover at Dornoch Point (Dave Pierce)
Tuesday 25th August
Easter Ross: Great Shearwater north past Tarbat Ness at midday, plus two Sooty and three Manx Shearwaters (Peter Stronach). Single Sooty Shearwater and four Manx Shearwaters off Balintore (Simon Leven). Sabine's Gull at Hilton of Cadboll (per Birdguides).
Lochaber: single Snow Bunting seen on Ben Nevis (Ed Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Swifts off Neist Point (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: twenty Sooty Shearwaters and c60 Manx Shearwaters past Brora, while a single Cory's Shearwater flew north c1145hrs. Also three Arctic Skua and one adult/one juvenile Little Gull (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Great Shearwater north past Tarbat Ness at midday, plus two Sooty and three Manx Shearwaters (Peter Stronach). Single Sooty Shearwater and four Manx Shearwaters off Balintore (Simon Leven). Sabine's Gull at Hilton of Cadboll (per Birdguides).
Lochaber: single Snow Bunting seen on Ben Nevis (Ed Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Swifts off Neist Point (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: twenty Sooty Shearwaters and c60 Manx Shearwaters past Brora, while a single Cory's Shearwater flew north c1145hrs. Also three Arctic Skua and one adult/one juvenile Little Gull (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 24th August
Easter Ross: two Arctic Skua, single Sanderling and Whimbrel at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 'Blue' Fulmar off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Pintail off Tain (Dave Pierce). Little Egret in Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: three Black-tailed Godwits, Water Rail and female Shoveler at Alturlie pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Arctic Skua (light morph) off Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: two juvenile Ruff at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool - seen a.m. (John Carruthers)
Easter Ross: two Arctic Skua, single Sanderling and Whimbrel at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 'Blue' Fulmar off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Pintail off Tain (Dave Pierce). Little Egret in Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: three Black-tailed Godwits, Water Rail and female Shoveler at Alturlie pools (Al & Jenny McNee). Arctic Skua (light morph) off Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: two juvenile Ruff at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool - seen a.m. (John Carruthers)
Sunday 23rd August
Easter Ross: large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness, amongst which were four Arctic Skuas plus two moulting Black-throated Divers, with single Sanderling (juv) and Purple Sandpiper also recorded (Dave Tanner). Little Egret at Udale Bay, plus 320 Canada Geese (Colin Leslie). A record count of 370 Canada Geese on Loch Eye, with two Shovelers and single Whooper Swan and Scaup also present (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Little Terns plus c30 Golden Plover and 17 Sanderling at Whiteness, while on the pools at Alturlie were Water Rail (adult plus juvenile) and two Black-tailed Godwits (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Knot at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: seawatch at Strathy Point included 200+ Manx Shearwater, 110 Sooty Shearwater, 23 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, single Pomarine Skua, two Great Northern Diver and a juvenile Little Gull (Dean MacAskill). Single Ruff and Greenshank at Dornoch Point (Dave Pierce)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool by river mouth (Susan Seright). An Ullapool-Stornoway ferry crossing yielded six Storm Petrels, five Arctic Skuas and c60 Manx Shearwaters (Andy Williams/BobMcMillan)
Easter Ross: large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness, amongst which were four Arctic Skuas plus two moulting Black-throated Divers, with single Sanderling (juv) and Purple Sandpiper also recorded (Dave Tanner). Little Egret at Udale Bay, plus 320 Canada Geese (Colin Leslie). A record count of 370 Canada Geese on Loch Eye, with two Shovelers and single Whooper Swan and Scaup also present (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Little Terns plus c30 Golden Plover and 17 Sanderling at Whiteness, while on the pools at Alturlie were Water Rail (adult plus juvenile) and two Black-tailed Godwits (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Knot at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: seawatch at Strathy Point included 200+ Manx Shearwater, 110 Sooty Shearwater, 23 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, single Pomarine Skua, two Great Northern Diver and a juvenile Little Gull (Dean MacAskill). Single Ruff and Greenshank at Dornoch Point (Dave Pierce)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull at Ullapool by river mouth (Susan Seright). An Ullapool-Stornoway ferry crossing yielded six Storm Petrels, five Arctic Skuas and c60 Manx Shearwaters (Andy Williams/BobMcMillan)
Saturday 22nd August
Sutherland: Grey Plover Dornoch (Dave Pierce).
Wester Ross: 1st summer Sabine's Gull and Green Sandpiper Ullapool (Andy Williams, Al McNee).
Easter Ross: adult Pomarine Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Greenshank and Ruff Udale Bay (Dave Pierce), a latish Swift Fortrose (Mary Galloway), ringtail Hen Harrier Rosemarkie (Tim Stenton), Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, large movement of Sandwich Terns with a few Commics 17.45-19.00 (Mary Galloway), 3 Ospreys Inver Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: juv Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Little Terns Fort George -Whiteness (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Black Duck still at river mouth opposite Strontian Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: Grey Plover Dornoch (Dave Pierce).
Wester Ross: 1st summer Sabine's Gull and Green Sandpiper Ullapool (Andy Williams, Al McNee).
Easter Ross: adult Pomarine Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Greenshank and Ruff Udale Bay (Dave Pierce), a latish Swift Fortrose (Mary Galloway), ringtail Hen Harrier Rosemarkie (Tim Stenton), Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, large movement of Sandwich Terns with a few Commics 17.45-19.00 (Mary Galloway), 3 Ospreys Inver Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: juv Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Little Terns Fort George -Whiteness (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Black Duck still at river mouth opposite Strontian Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Friday 21st August
Sutherland: female King Eider and juvenile Black Tern Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 5 Sooty Shearwaters Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), juvenile Pomarine Skua, 2 Bonxies 1 Arctic Skua 06.00-08.30 Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Ruff, Little Egret, Greenshank Udale Bay (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross: first-summer Sabine's Gull on N side of Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Skye & Lochalsh: Arctic Skua and 6 Bonxies Bornasketaig, Kilmuir and Arctic Skua and 11 Bonxies Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett).
Inverness: Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits (Blair Whyte).
Thursday 20th August
Sutherland: 6 Sooty Shearwaters N in 1 hour (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (Rob Hughes).
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwaters, Great Skua, 1500 Kittiwakes, 150 Arctic Terns, Little Tern Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret, Ruff, Greenshank Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: 3 Black-tailed Godwits, female Shoveler, 3 Greenshanks Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 6 Sooty Shearwaters N in 1 hour (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (Rob Hughes).
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwaters, Great Skua, 1500 Kittiwakes, 150 Arctic Terns, Little Tern Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret, Ruff, Greenshank Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: 3 Black-tailed Godwits, female Shoveler, 3 Greenshanks Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Wednesday 19th August
Easter Ross: In 4 hours this afternoon, Cory's Shearwater N, Great Skua, 13 Manx Shearwaters, Merlin Tarbat Ness (Al McNee), earlier a probable Balearic Shearwater there (Dave Tanner) and Arctic Skua, Great Skua and 58 Manx Shearwaters (Al McNee). Little Egret, Ruff & Greenshank Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 3 Ospreys Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua 18.50-19.50 Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Red-throated Divers, Bar-tailed Godwit Fort George (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: In 4 hours this afternoon, Cory's Shearwater N, Great Skua, 13 Manx Shearwaters, Merlin Tarbat Ness (Al McNee), earlier a probable Balearic Shearwater there (Dave Tanner) and Arctic Skua, Great Skua and 58 Manx Shearwaters (Al McNee). Little Egret, Ruff & Greenshank Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 3 Ospreys Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua 18.50-19.50 Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Red-throated Divers, Bar-tailed Godwit Fort George (Blair Whyte).
Tuesday 18th August
Easter Ross: Little Egret, Ruff Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), 100+ Scaups Jemimaville (per BirdGuides), Great Skua 1N, Manx Shearwater 41N 9S 09.30-11.30 Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: Black Duck by Kilcomb Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Little Egret, Ruff Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), 100+ Scaups Jemimaville (per BirdGuides), Great Skua 1N, Manx Shearwater 41N 9S 09.30-11.30 Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: Black Duck by Kilcomb Hotel, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Monday 17th August
Sutherland: 2 Sooty Shearwaters and 118 Manx N 16.00-17.00 Embo (Dean MacAskill), 165 Ringed Plovers, 89 Sanderlings (mostly juvs), 56 Dunlins, 5 Turnstones, 1 Whimbrel Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Sooty Shearwaters and an adult Pomarine Skua Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach), Long-tailed Skua Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: Arctic Skua 5, Great Skua 4 Neist Point (AS).
Inverness: Whimbrel Fort George and Greenshank Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: adult Black Duck by river mouth opposite Strontian Hotel (per BirdGuides).
Sunday 16th August
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater south Tarbat Ness (Simon Eaves), Little Stint Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides), 6 Scaup Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Pink-footed Goose Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: adult Sabine's Gull Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Arctic Skuas and 4 Bonxies south in 3 hours Neist Point, 120 Twites Loch Mor, Waterstein (AS). A Whooper Swan apparently summered R Snizort, Skeabost (per SG).
Saturday 15th August
Easter Ross: Ruff flew east past Tarbat Ness, also present were five Knot, three Manx Shearwater, 61 Black Guillemot plus singles of Black-throated Diver and Arctic Skua (light morph) (Dave Tanner)
Wester Ross: adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid) back on Harbour Office Roof, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Little Stint at Whiteness, plus eleven Whimbrel and single Water Rail (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: Ruff flew east past Tarbat Ness, also present were five Knot, three Manx Shearwater, 61 Black Guillemot plus singles of Black-throated Diver and Arctic Skua (light morph) (Dave Tanner)
Wester Ross: adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid) back on Harbour Office Roof, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Little Stint at Whiteness, plus eleven Whimbrel and single Water Rail (Colin Leslie)
Friday 14th August
Easter Ross: Ruff plus seven Slavonian Grebe, 14 Scaup and 205 Red-breasted Mergansers at Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Little Egret, Ruff, Greenshank and 19 Golden Plover at Udale Bay (Simon Levene). Birdguides reported a Cory's Shearwater off Tarbat Ness at 1500hrs (see yesterday's sightings)
Inverness: single Whooper Swan on Loch Flemington, 77 Goosander off Alturlie while a Shoveler was on the pools (Bob Wilson)
Easter Ross: Ruff plus seven Slavonian Grebe, 14 Scaup and 205 Red-breasted Mergansers at Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Little Egret, Ruff, Greenshank and 19 Golden Plover at Udale Bay (Simon Levene). Birdguides reported a Cory's Shearwater off Tarbat Ness at 1500hrs (see yesterday's sightings)
Inverness: single Whooper Swan on Loch Flemington, 77 Goosander off Alturlie while a Shoveler was on the pools (Bob Wilson)
Thursday 13th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: nocturnal migration over Dulnain Bridge included three Arctic Terns in the early hours (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: Ruff and Little Egret at Udale Bay (Mary Galloway/Al McNee). A probable Cory's Shearwater past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Pomarine Skuas past Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson). Three Black-tailed Godwit at Nigg Bay (Simon Levene). Two Black-tailed Godwits and two Knot at Munlochy Bay (Al & Jenny McNee)
Inverness: single Black Guliiemot, Fulmar and Arctic Skua past Fort George (Colin Leslie). Female Shoveler on Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte). Five Whooper Swans in Glen Strathfarrar, plus day-hunting Barn Owl (John Smith/Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two juvenile Knot on Broadford Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: three Arctic Skua, 120 Manx Shearwater and ten Teal past Brora. Female King Eider amongst 22 eclipse drake Eiders at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 12th August
Easter Ross: Ruff, Little Egret and 25 Golden Plover at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte). Juvenile Pomarine Skua off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit in Ardersier (Marcus Conway)
Sutherland: ten Black-throated Divers off Coul Links, plus singles of Little Gull and Whimbrel (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 11th August
Easter Ross: off Jemimaville were c175 post-breeding Red-breasted Mergansers along with four Slavonian Grebes still in breeding plumage (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: single Whimbrel and female Wheatear at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two flocks of Twite totalling 100 birds at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 258 Manx Shearwaters past Embo early evening, three Great Skuas also (Dean MacAskill)
A colour-ringed Sandwich Tern ('Yellow UAS') recorded by Simon Levene off Balintore, Easter Ross on 9 August was ringed as a chick on Inner Farne off the Northumberland coast in June 2015
Monday 10th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whinchat pair plus two juveniles near Ruthven barracks (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: four Pomarine Skuas east of the Kessock Bridge (Al McNee)
Easter Ross: Arctic Skua (dark morph) off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sunday 9th August
Easter Ross: 22 Common Scoter, 31 Sandwich Tern, 27 Black Guillemot and single Puffin at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret still present at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). Single Puffin off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Arctic Skua (dark morph) off Lusa Mouth, Broadford (Bob McMillan), five Whimbrel on Broadford Bay and single Black-tailed Godwit at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: c70 Manx Shearwaters north past Brora, with another c20 passing into the Dornoch Firth, plus two Purple Sandpipes, 40+ Sanderling and 50+ Sandwich Tern (Alan MacAskill)
Saturday 8th August
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (Mark Finn) plus hybrid Canada x Greylag Goose amongst c600 Canada Geese (Blair Whyte), pale Arctic Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: male Black Duck with two hybrids upstream of 2nd bridge Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Friday 7th August
Sutherland: 2CY Little Gull Brora river mouth with 70 Manx Shearwaters N (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Little Egret and 2 Ospreys Udale Bay (Lynda Graham),
Inverness: 2 Ospreys, Peregrine, 16 Whimbrels, pale Arctic Skua, 3 Wheatears Whiteness (Blair Whyte),
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Redpoll at Feeders Uig (ML), Osprey fishing Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, 3 Sanderlings Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 10 Great Skuas and 2 Sandwich Terns off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 2CY Little Gull Brora river mouth with 70 Manx Shearwaters N (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Little Egret and 2 Ospreys Udale Bay (Lynda Graham),
Inverness: 2 Ospreys, Peregrine, 16 Whimbrels, pale Arctic Skua, 3 Wheatears Whiteness (Blair Whyte),
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Redpoll at Feeders Uig (ML), Osprey fishing Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, 3 Sanderlings Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 10 Great Skuas and 2 Sandwich Terns off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Thursday 6th August
Wester Ross: 2 Whooper Swans Upper Loch Torridon (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier hunting fields near Tarbat Ness (Kev Cuthbert).
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Mediterranean Gull Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill, Jon Clarke).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1 Storm Petrel Mallaig-Rum, 6 Storm Petrels S & W of Arisaig (RD), 19 Storm Petrels Lochboisdale-Mallaig (BG).3 Great Northern Divers, probably sub-ads, Back of Keppoch (RD).
Wednesday 5th August
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte, Dave Tanner, Craig).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Knots, 310 Dunlins, 24 Sanderlings Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pink-footed Goose with 20 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntley, Insh Marshes (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 44 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits & 7 Greenshanks Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil).
Tuesday 4th August
Sutherland: 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Whimbrels Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper Alturlie Pools, also 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew over and Little Stint flew out (Jon Clarke, Blair Whyte)), pale Arctic skua, 2 Whimbrels, 2 Golden Plovers, 2 Wheatears & a Black Guillemot Whiteness Bay (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Kingfisher Camasdarroch, Morar (per SMcD), 3 Storm Petrels Rum-Mallaig (SM)
Wester Ross: 2 Whooper Swans Upper Loch Torridon (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier hunting fields near Tarbat Ness (Kev Cuthbert).
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Mediterranean Gull Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill, Jon Clarke).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1 Storm Petrel Mallaig-Rum, 6 Storm Petrels S & W of Arisaig (RD), 19 Storm Petrels Lochboisdale-Mallaig (BG).3 Great Northern Divers, probably sub-ads, Back of Keppoch (RD).
Wednesday 5th August
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte, Dave Tanner, Craig).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Knots, 310 Dunlins, 24 Sanderlings Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pink-footed Goose with 20 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntley, Insh Marshes (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 44 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits & 7 Greenshanks Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil).
Tuesday 4th August
Sutherland: 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Whimbrels Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper Alturlie Pools, also 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew over and Little Stint flew out (Jon Clarke, Blair Whyte)), pale Arctic skua, 2 Whimbrels, 2 Golden Plovers, 2 Wheatears & a Black Guillemot Whiteness Bay (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Kingfisher Camasdarroch, Morar (per SMcD), 3 Storm Petrels Rum-Mallaig (SM)
Monday 3rd August
Sutherland: 3 Whimbrels, 1 Golden Plover Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Peregrines, 1 Greenshank Inver (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 93 Sandwich Terns Fort George (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie still on Canna (per Ranger Service), , 10 Storm Petrels Uig-Tarbert ferry (SMacD)
Sunday 2nd August
Sutherland: 2 Grey Plovers, 50 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, 3 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 4 Greenshanks Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill), 2 Black-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 41 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Greenshanks Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson), Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 26 Tree Sparrows Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl near Kingussie (Dave Pierce) - very scarce in Highland this year but apparently common in Eastern Cairngorms where a good vole year.
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel over Lochailort Fish Farm (SC), 3 Greenshanks head of Loch Ailort (Bob McMillan), 12 Greenshanks head of Loch Sligachan (Bob McMillan, Common Redpoll at feeders Uig (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 2 Grey Plovers, 50 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, 3 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 4 Greenshanks Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill), 2 Black-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 41 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Greenshanks Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson), Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 26 Tree Sparrows Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl near Kingussie (Dave Pierce) - very scarce in Highland this year but apparently common in Eastern Cairngorms where a good vole year.
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel over Lochailort Fish Farm (SC), 3 Greenshanks head of Loch Ailort (Bob McMillan), 12 Greenshanks head of Loch Sligachan (Bob McMillan, Common Redpoll at feeders Uig (per Birdguides).
Saturday 1st August
Easter Ross: nine Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus two Puffin and juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, six Common Sandpipers (unusual at this site) and a single Whimbrel (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: six Whimbrel and single Common Sandpiper at Whiteness (Colin Leslie), male Scaup Alturlie (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret at Arisaig (R Dyer via Bob McMillan). Greenshank near Meanish pier (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 165 Manx Shearwaters past Embo between 1430-1500hrs plus two Sooty Shearwater and single Pomarine Skua (Tom Wells)
Easter Ross: nine Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus two Puffin and juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, six Common Sandpipers (unusual at this site) and a single Whimbrel (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: six Whimbrel and single Common Sandpiper at Whiteness (Colin Leslie), male Scaup Alturlie (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret at Arisaig (R Dyer via Bob McMillan). Greenshank near Meanish pier (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 165 Manx Shearwaters past Embo between 1430-1500hrs plus two Sooty Shearwater and single Pomarine Skua (Tom Wells)
Friday 31st July
Easter Ross: 27 Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: ca 50 Whimbrels Hilton of Delnies (David Bain).
Sutherland: reports of a Red Kite at Apigill Hill (near Bettyhill) and Kirtomy - further reports requested as an unusual record for the species on the north Sutherland coast (via Stephen Kirkup)
Easter Ross: 27 Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: ca 50 Whimbrels Hilton of Delnies (David Bain).
Sutherland: reports of a Red Kite at Apigill Hill (near Bettyhill) and Kirtomy - further reports requested as an unusual record for the species on the north Sutherland coast (via Stephen Kirkup)
Thursday 30th July
Easter Ross: Wood Sandpiper (juv) briefly at Tarbat Ness - was last seen heading south towards Rockfield - plus Whinchat (juv) and two Whimbrel (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Little Stint still present at Alturlie pools (Colin Leslie). At Whiteness, drake Gadwall (eclipse), single Greenshank, 16 Sanderling, c100 Ringed Plover and c100 Dunlin (Blair Whyte). Five Greenshanks past South Kessock (Al McNee)
Sutherland: early evening seawatch off Embo yielded 75 Manx Shearwater and four Great Skua...and a Minke whale (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Wood Sandpiper (juv) briefly at Tarbat Ness - was last seen heading south towards Rockfield - plus Whinchat (juv) and two Whimbrel (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Little Stint still present at Alturlie pools (Colin Leslie). At Whiteness, drake Gadwall (eclipse), single Greenshank, 16 Sanderling, c100 Ringed Plover and c100 Dunlin (Blair Whyte). Five Greenshanks past South Kessock (Al McNee)
Sutherland: early evening seawatch off Embo yielded 75 Manx Shearwater and four Great Skua...and a Minke whale (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 29th July
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenshank at Coulmore (Bob Wilson). Amongst the waders in Munlochy Bay were three Greenshank and c50 Black-tailed Godwits (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Little Stint plus Greenshank at Alturlie pools (Bob Wilson) - still present early evening (Alan MacAskill/David Barnett). At Whiteness was a single drake Scaup, female Wheatear and a Grey Partridge near the old fabrication yard (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: ten Black-throated Divers, 62 Sanderling, single Whimbrel, two Little Tern and 46 Manx Shearwaters at/off Coul links (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of a Black-browed Albatross off Handa at 1340hrs, heading northeast around 300m from the observer (via John Poyner)
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenshank at Coulmore (Bob Wilson). Amongst the waders in Munlochy Bay were three Greenshank and c50 Black-tailed Godwits (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Little Stint plus Greenshank at Alturlie pools (Bob Wilson) - still present early evening (Alan MacAskill/David Barnett). At Whiteness was a single drake Scaup, female Wheatear and a Grey Partridge near the old fabrication yard (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: ten Black-throated Divers, 62 Sanderling, single Whimbrel, two Little Tern and 46 Manx Shearwaters at/off Coul links (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of a Black-browed Albatross off Handa at 1340hrs, heading northeast around 300m from the observer (via John Poyner)
Tuesday 28th July
Easter Ross: eight Turnstone in off the sea at Tarbat Ness, amongst the seabirds were single Manx Shearwater and Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Little Stint plus nine Bar-tailed Godwits, c30 Sanderling and c90 Dunlin at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: eight Turnstone in off the sea at Tarbat Ness, amongst the seabirds were single Manx Shearwater and Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Little Stint plus nine Bar-tailed Godwits, c30 Sanderling and c90 Dunlin at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Monday 27th July
Easter Ross: 17 Common Scoters off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), plus juvenile Cuckoo (John Poyner)
Inverness: 31 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, c70 Dunlin and C50 Ringed Plover, plus drake Gadwall (in eclipse) at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Greenshank at Loch Portree with a further nine at Loch Sligachan, while around Broadford Bay were four Sanderling, c80 Dunlin and a single Knot. Off Kilt Rock were some 250 Manx Shearwaters, with another 100 or so at Loch Snizort (Bob McMillan and skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: 17 Common Scoters off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), plus juvenile Cuckoo (John Poyner)
Inverness: 31 Sanderling, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, c70 Dunlin and C50 Ringed Plover, plus drake Gadwall (in eclipse) at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Greenshank at Loch Portree with a further nine at Loch Sligachan, while around Broadford Bay were four Sanderling, c80 Dunlin and a single Knot. Off Kilt Rock were some 250 Manx Shearwaters, with another 100 or so at Loch Snizort (Bob McMillan and skye-birds.com)
Sunday 26th July
Skye & Lochalsh: 180 Dunlin in Broadford Bay plus another 140 at Ashaig, small numbers of Sanderling present at both also (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: 180 Dunlin in Broadford Bay plus another 140 at Ashaig, small numbers of Sanderling present at both also (Bob McMillan)
Saturday 25th July
Easter Ross: single Purple Sandpiper and Arctic Tern at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 18 Bar-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford, while on Broadford Bay were single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: five Purple Sandpiper amongst Turnstones at Brora, with nine Little Terns noted past the river mouth. At Coul Links were 132 Sandwich Terns, two Whimbrel and a single Greenshank, while off Embo were five immature Great Northern Divers, two Great Skuas and single Manx Shearwater (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: single female Shoveler and c300 Common Terns at Mellon Charles (Thomas Plant and Bea Ayling)
Easter Ross: single Purple Sandpiper and Arctic Tern at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 18 Bar-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford, while on Broadford Bay were single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: five Purple Sandpiper amongst Turnstones at Brora, with nine Little Terns noted past the river mouth. At Coul Links were 132 Sandwich Terns, two Whimbrel and a single Greenshank, while off Embo were five immature Great Northern Divers, two Great Skuas and single Manx Shearwater (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: single female Shoveler and c300 Common Terns at Mellon Charles (Thomas Plant and Bea Ayling)
Friday 24th July
Easter Ross: 23 Manx Shearwater, 2,500+ Kittiwake plus auk and skua sp. amongst seabird feeding off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Skua off Whiteness with mixed flock of Ringed Plover/Dunlin/Sanderling - 9/Turnstone - 2 also present, Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: four Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: 23 Manx Shearwater, 2,500+ Kittiwake plus auk and skua sp. amongst seabird feeding off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Skua off Whiteness with mixed flock of Ringed Plover/Dunlin/Sanderling - 9/Turnstone - 2 also present, Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: four Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Thursday 23rd July
Easter Ross: 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Greenshanks Munlochy Bay and 100 Canada Geese and an Osprey Udale Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 4 Whimbrels, Gadwall, Peregrine Whiteness Head (Alan MacAskill), 28 mostly summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and Common Sandpipers Bunchrew (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pink-footed Goose with Greylag Geese Loch Gynack, Kingussie (Duncan Macdonald), Great Northern Diver and Whooper Swan Loch Insh (Angus Miller).
Wednesday 22nd July
Easter Ross: Nuthatch at feeder Contin (Keith and Rosie Barnes)., Great Crested Grebe Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: Whimbrel, Water Rail and an Osprey at Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Northern Diver and Whooper Swan Loch Insh (Colin Leslie, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes).
Skye & Lochalsh: 120 Dunlins but only 1 juvenile Broadford Bay (Bob MacMillan). 3 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson),
Easter Ross: Nuthatch at feeder Contin (Keith and Rosie Barnes)., Great Crested Grebe Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: Whimbrel, Water Rail and an Osprey at Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Northern Diver and Whooper Swan Loch Insh (Colin Leslie, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes).
Skye & Lochalsh: 120 Dunlins but only 1 juvenile Broadford Bay (Bob MacMillan). 3 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson),
Tuesday 21st July
Easter Ross: Rosy Starling Inver, near Tain (per Blair Whyte) - a controversial bird owing to rather poor photograph, 130 Canada Geese Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), 8 Black-tailed Godwits & 7 Greenshanks Munlochy Bay (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 Ospreys Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: breeding-plumaged Great Northern Diver for second day, Loch Insh (Steve Broyd.)
Skye & Lochalsh: Arctic Skua Dark phase S, 300 Manx Shearwaters, many Puffins and a leucorhoa Wheatear Neist Point (AS). Nuthatch at feeders The Lodge, Eigg (per JC).
Lochaber: American Black Duck above first bridge, Strontian (per BirdGuides).
Monday 20th July
Sutherland: 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 25 Manx Shearwaters and 6 Bonxies west in 2 hours Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Greenshanks, 2 Black-tailed Godwits Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 200 Manx Shearwaters off Neist Point (AS), 12 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 25 Manx Shearwaters and 6 Bonxies west in 2 hours Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Greenshanks, 2 Black-tailed Godwits Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 200 Manx Shearwaters off Neist Point (AS), 12 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 19th July
Sutherland: 230 Dunlins, 116 Sanderlings, 19 Ringed Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Manx Shearwaters, 10 Red-throated Divers, 26 Sandwich Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, all W 05.40-08.40, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 light) Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Inverness: 4 Black-tailed Godwits Castle Stuart (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in garden at Erbusaig, different from earlier Kyleakin bird (K MacL), 7 Black-tailed Godwits and a Knot Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), Common Redpoll at feeders Uig (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 230 Dunlins, 116 Sanderlings, 19 Ringed Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Manx Shearwaters, 10 Red-throated Divers, 26 Sandwich Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, all W 05.40-08.40, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 light) Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Inverness: 4 Black-tailed Godwits Castle Stuart (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in garden at Erbusaig, different from earlier Kyleakin bird (K MacL), 7 Black-tailed Godwits and a Knot Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), Common Redpoll at feeders Uig (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 18th July
Easter Ross: At Udale Bay were - single Sanderling (sumplum moult) and four sumplum Turnstones (both species unusual for this site), 13 Dunlin, two Greenshank, single Arctic Tern and juvenile Wheatear (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber/The Minch: Sooty Shearwater seen from the Lochboisdale-Mallaig ferry (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whimbrel (flushed by a Sparrowhawk) in Broadford Bay, plus 27 Sanderling and 120 Dunlin (per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: At Udale Bay were - single Sanderling (sumplum moult) and four sumplum Turnstones (both species unusual for this site), 13 Dunlin, two Greenshank, single Arctic Tern and juvenile Wheatear (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber/The Minch: Sooty Shearwater seen from the Lochboisdale-Mallaig ferry (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whimbrel (flushed by a Sparrowhawk) in Broadford Bay, plus 27 Sanderling and 120 Dunlin (per skye-birds.com)
Friday 17th July
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpipers, 46 Common Scoter, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpipers, 46 Common Scoter, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Thursday 16th July
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Greenshank, eight Bar-tailed Godwit, single Dunlin and Knot plus juvenile Sandwich Tern (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: six Whooper Swans in Glen Strathfarrar (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling in private garden in Erbusaig (via John Poyner)
Sutherland: three Greenshank at Dornoch Point, while at Embo a 30 minute early evening seawatch included Great Skua, two Aractic Terns, 21 Sandwich Tern and a single Little Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Greenshank, eight Bar-tailed Godwit, single Dunlin and Knot plus juvenile Sandwich Tern (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: six Whooper Swans in Glen Strathfarrar (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling in private garden in Erbusaig (via John Poyner)
Sutherland: three Greenshank at Dornoch Point, while at Embo a 30 minute early evening seawatch included Great Skua, two Aractic Terns, 21 Sandwich Tern and a single Little Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 15th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: Stock Dove at Insh marshes (Duncan Macdonald). Four Mute Swan on Lochindorb - not a common sight there (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, c30 Swifts, nine Sandwich Tern (including four juveniles) at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Red-throated Diver off Chanonry Point, plus single Greenshank in Munlochy Bay (Blair Whyte)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Stock Dove at Insh marshes (Duncan Macdonald). Four Mute Swan on Lochindorb - not a common sight there (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, c30 Swifts, nine Sandwich Tern (including four juveniles) at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Red-throated Diver off Chanonry Point, plus single Greenshank in Munlochy Bay (Blair Whyte)
Tuesday 14th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Ring Ouzel in Cairngorm Mountain car park (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). Two Greenshank and two Wheatears in Udale Bay (John Carruthers)
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Ring Ouzel in Cairngorm Mountain car park (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). Two Greenshank and two Wheatears in Udale Bay (John Carruthers)
Monday 13th July
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Greenshank and wo Bar-tailed Godwits at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: single Wood Sandpiper at Dornoch, with c200 Linnets nearby. Two Greenshank at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Greenshank and wo Bar-tailed Godwits at Loch Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: single Wood Sandpiper at Dornoch, with c200 Linnets nearby. Two Greenshank at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 12th July
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpipers in summer plumage at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), third bird present by late afternoon plus two Knot (Mary Galloway). 15 Dunlin at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpipers in summer plumage at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), third bird present by late afternoon plus two Knot (Mary Galloway). 15 Dunlin at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Saturday 11th July
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Kingfisher dead on A95 near Aviemore (Mike Coleman).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Kingfisher dead on A95 near Aviemore (Mike Coleman).
Friday 10th July
Easter Ross: Bonxie and summer-plumaged Turnstone Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan).
Thursday 9th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Dunlins from The Lookout, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Bonxies Staffin Island and 2 Bonxies Loch Mealt (ML), Water Rail Monkstadt, Kilmuir (ML).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Dunlins from The Lookout, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Bonxies Staffin Island and 2 Bonxies Loch Mealt (ML), Water Rail Monkstadt, Kilmuir (ML).
Wednesday 8th July
Easter Ross: 6 Manx Shearwaters Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: singing Lesser Whitethroat near Inverarnie by bridge over R Nairn (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 75 Barnacle Geese (feral) Balavil (Dave Pierce).
Tuesday 7th July
Sutherland: Semi-palmated Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 37 Common Scoters and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Ring Ousel Redcastle (Lesley Bowman) - unusual time of year for this location.
Sutherland: Semi-palmated Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 37 Common Scoters and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Ring Ousel Redcastle (Lesley Bowman) - unusual time of year for this location.
Monday 6th July
Sutherland: Semi-palmated Sandpiper still at Dornoch Point (Steve Broyd et al), 3 Bonxies, 6 Manx Shearwaters and 3 Puffins in evening Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua (possibly 2nd summer), 2 Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 2 Twites Wilkhaven Farm House (Dave Tanner).
Skye& Lochalsh: Kite sp (probably Red) Struan - Portree hill road near to Totardor (M Harper).
Sunday 5th July
Sutherland: Semi-palmated Sandpiper with Dunlin, 5 Sanderlings and Whimbrel Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 2 Rosy Starlings Durness, present at least 10 days (per Sutherland Wildlife Group).
Sutherland: Semi-palmated Sandpiper with Dunlin, 5 Sanderlings and Whimbrel Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), 2 Rosy Starlings Durness, present at least 10 days (per Sutherland Wildlife Group).
Saturday 4th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch in a private garden in Aviemore (Audrey Turner)
Sutherland: two Arctic Skuas at Littleferry (Neil Wilson). Single Whimbrel at Loch Fleet (Alan MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch in a private garden in Aviemore (Audrey Turner)
Sutherland: two Arctic Skuas at Littleferry (Neil Wilson). Single Whimbrel at Loch Fleet (Alan MacAskill)
Friday 3rd July
Easter Ross: pale morph Arctic Skua off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Cuckoo at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Flock of c80 Siskin around Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Storm Petrel off Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: pale morph Arctic Skua off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Cuckoo at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Flock of c80 Siskin around Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Storm Petrel off Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 2nd July
Easter Ross: 55 Common Scoter, five Manx Shearwater, 250 Kittiwake, two Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: 17 Wigeon and three Greenshank on Loch Fleet from Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 55 Common Scoter, five Manx Shearwater, 250 Kittiwake, two Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: 17 Wigeon and three Greenshank on Loch Fleet from Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 1st July
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrel and three Bar-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, nine Dunlin, seven Ringed Plover, four Sanderling and a Grey Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrel and three Bar-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, nine Dunlin, seven Ringed Plover, four Sanderling and a Grey Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 30th June
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit in Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrel and four Bar-tailed Godwits at Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit in Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrel and four Bar-tailed Godwits at Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Monday 29th June
Sutherland: Rosy Starling reported in a private garden in Brora (via Pete Cosgrove)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Lochlonghead (northeast of Dornie - per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: four Black-tailed Godwits on the Lochcarron golf course (Ingrid Deschryver)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling reported in a private garden in Brora (via Pete Cosgrove)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Lochlonghead (northeast of Dornie - per skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: four Black-tailed Godwits on the Lochcarron golf course (Ingrid Deschryver)
Sunday 28th June
Easter Ross: 16 Manx Shearwater, 116 Common Scoter, 150 Kittiwake and singletons of Black Guillemot and Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Easter Ross: 16 Manx Shearwater, 116 Common Scoter, 150 Kittiwake and singletons of Black Guillemot and Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Saturday 27th June
Easter Ross: Water Rail Kinellan (Keith Barnes).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrels at Broadford Bay and Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 2 Arctic Skuas Neist Point (AS).
Easter Ross: Water Rail Kinellan (Keith Barnes).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Whimbrels at Broadford Bay and Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 2 Arctic Skuas Neist Point (AS).
Friday 26th June
Inverness: 3 Black-tailed Godwits Muirton Pools (Al McNee), Water Rail Whiteness (Blair Whyte), 22 Knots Whiteness (per BirdTrack)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Black-tailed Godwit by A9 bridge Kingussie, Kingfisher Ruthven Bridge Kingussie (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 250 (sic) Black-tailed Godwits Breakish Obbe, moved to Waterloo - failed/non-breeders (NH, Bob McMillan), Lesser Whitethroat still at Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: Rosy Starling Acharacle (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: 3 Black-tailed Godwits Muirton Pools (Al McNee), Water Rail Whiteness (Blair Whyte), 22 Knots Whiteness (per BirdTrack)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Black-tailed Godwit by A9 bridge Kingussie, Kingfisher Ruthven Bridge Kingussie (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 250 (sic) Black-tailed Godwits Breakish Obbe, moved to Waterloo - failed/non-breeders (NH, Bob McMillan), Lesser Whitethroat still at Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: Rosy Starling Acharacle (per BirdGuides).
.Thursday 25th June
Sutherland: 32 Manx Shearwaters Embo 19.00-19.30 (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), Corn Bunting Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte) - all records of this species wanted.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Magpie in Grantown garden for past two days (Moira McLeod), Grey Partridge Muckrach - both scarce in area.
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Sandwich Terns Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - scarce in area.
Sutherland: 32 Manx Shearwaters Embo 19.00-19.30 (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), Corn Bunting Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte) - all records of this species wanted.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Magpie in Grantown garden for past two days (Moira McLeod), Grey Partridge Muckrach - both scarce in area.
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Sandwich Terns Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - scarce in area.
Wednesday 24th June
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still singing at Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel Breakish, Obe (NH)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still singing at Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel Breakish, Obe (NH)
Tuesday 23rd June
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 50 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: juvenile Cuckoo being fed by Meadow Pipit Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte), 20 Swifts and 6 Grey Wagtails River Ness at Braes (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 50 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: juvenile Cuckoo being fed by Meadow Pipit Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte), 20 Swifts and 6 Grey Wagtails River Ness at Braes (Alan MacAskill)
Monday 22nd June
Easter Ross: singing Grasshopper Warbler Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshanks, 4 Wigeons Udale Bay (Kevin Davis),.
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Teangue (H Dodgson), Lesser Whitethroat still at Broadford Industrial Estate (Martin Benson), Whimbrel Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 2 Stock Doves cricket pith, Fort William (SC)
Easter Ross: singing Grasshopper Warbler Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshanks, 4 Wigeons Udale Bay (Kevin Davis),.
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Teangue (H Dodgson), Lesser Whitethroat still at Broadford Industrial Estate (Martin Benson), Whimbrel Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 2 Stock Doves cricket pith, Fort William (SC)
Sunday 21st June
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Durness (per Donald Mitchell), Reed Warbler briefly at Granny's Caravan Site, flew to south corner by burn (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Manx Shearwaters inbound Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Swift Rum (Sean Morris).
Saturday 20th June
Easter Ross: c50 Common Scoter, three Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Shoveler in eclipse plumage on the pool at Nether Kinellan by Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Mediterranean Gull off Embo, flew south into Dornoch Firth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: c50 Common Scoter, three Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Shoveler in eclipse plumage on the pool at Nether Kinellan by Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Mediterranean Gull off Embo, flew south into Dornoch Firth (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 19th June
Easter Ross: seven Common Scoter, single Red-throated Diver plus c800 auk species off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Easter Ross: seven Common Scoter, single Red-throated Diver plus c800 auk species off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Thursday 18th June
Easter Ross: 17 Common Scoter and three Puffins off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Kyleakin community centre (via Bob McMillan). Common Redpoll visitings feeders in Uig (per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: 17 Common Scoter and three Puffins off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Kyleakin community centre (via Bob McMillan). Common Redpoll visitings feeders in Uig (per skye-birds.com)
Wednesday 17th June
Easter Ross: 50 Common Scoter, four Black Guillemot, seven Sandwich Tern and ten Puffins off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Whinchat with young on the Leys estate (Alan MacAsill)
Easter Ross: 50 Common Scoter, four Black Guillemot, seven Sandwich Tern and ten Puffins off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Whinchat with young on the Leys estate (Alan MacAsill)
Tuesday 16th June
Easter Ross: 18 Common Scoter, five Black Guillemot, six Sandwich Tern and single Great Skua and Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Water Rail with young at Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte). Greylag Geese with young on Loch Duntelchaig (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: two Little Terns, five Manx Shearwaters, single Great Northern Diver and 16 Common Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 18 Common Scoter, five Black Guillemot, six Sandwich Tern and single Great Skua and Puffin off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Water Rail with young at Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte). Greylag Geese with young on Loch Duntelchaig (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: two Little Terns, five Manx Shearwaters, single Great Northern Diver and 16 Common Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 15th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Spotted Flycatcher and c1,000 Greylag Geese at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch). Water Rail with young near Boat of Garten (Kate Johnson via Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Spotted Flycatcher and c1,000 Greylag Geese at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch). Water Rail with young near Boat of Garten (Kate Johnson via Facebook)
Sunday 14th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whooper Swan and two confirmed Marsh Harriers (non-breeding) at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c150 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob McMillan)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whooper Swan and two confirmed Marsh Harriers (non-breeding) at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c150 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob McMillan)
Saturday 13th June
Easter Ross: European Storm Petrel feeding off the point Tarbat Ness early morning (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Nethybridge - possibly the bird of 21 May (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett), 2 singing Wood Warblers and a Garden Warbler Leitir Fura path, Kinloch (PK), 2 singing Wood Warblers Cow Hill, Fort William (SC).
Sutherland: two Great Egrets on Loch Inchard (Carrier MacWeager via Facebook). Single Pink-footed Goose at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: European Storm Petrel feeding off the point Tarbat Ness early morning (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Nethybridge - possibly the bird of 21 May (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett), 2 singing Wood Warblers and a Garden Warbler Leitir Fura path, Kinloch (PK), 2 singing Wood Warblers Cow Hill, Fort William (SC).
Sutherland: two Great Egrets on Loch Inchard (Carrier MacWeager via Facebook). Single Pink-footed Goose at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 12th June
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob Mc Millan).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob Mc Millan).
Thursday 11th June
Inverness: Osprey and Goldeneye Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Quail at Aviemore, did two flybys at midnight. then stayed two hours calling intermittently (Peter Stronach).
Inverness: Osprey and Goldeneye Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Quail at Aviemore, did two flybys at midnight. then stayed two hours calling intermittently (Peter Stronach).
Wednesday 10th June
Sutherland: During a seawatch at Embo 16.30-17.30 177 Manx Shearwaters north, also (all south) Bonxie 2, Black-throated Diver 1, Red-throated Diver 2, Sandwich Tern 4, Puffin 3, Auk sp 250+, Fulmar 21 and Kittiwake 34 (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Canada Goose 3SE, Long-tailed Duck adult winter Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Whin Park (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Arctic Skuas between Eigg and Muck (Ronnie Dyer), Lesser Whitethroat male still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Martin Benson), juvenile Cuckoo possibly hosted by Blackbird Portree (D Stammers).
Tuesday 9th June
Easter Ross: Peregrine, 35 Knots, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 57 Common Scoters south and Great Northern Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 12 Whooper Swans north Avoch (Tim Meredith).
Inverness: Corn Bunting singing Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Whin Pond (Lynda Graham).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: Peregrine, 35 Knots, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 57 Common Scoters south and Great Northern Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 12 Whooper Swans north Avoch (Tim Meredith).
Inverness: Corn Bunting singing Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Whin Pond (Lynda Graham).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Neil Bennett).
Monday 8th June
Easter Ross: Still 500 Common Scoters Portmahomack and 16 Pink-footed Geese north Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 40 Pink-footed Geese north Heathmount/High Mills (Alan Hollick).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob McMillan).
Sunday 7th June
Easter Ross: summer plumage Great Northern Diver, 3 Bonxies and dark phase Arctic Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Whimbrel Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Rosy Starling briefly on fat feeders Tomatin (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Kyleakin garden (EH), Lesser Whitethroat still on territory Broadford Industrial Estate (Bob McMillan).
Saturday 6th June
Easter Ross: a seawatch 0515-0645hrs off Chanonry Point included two Great Skuas, one Arctic Skua (dark phase), four Fulmars, 58 Kittiwakes, two Red-throated Divers and eleven Ringed Plover; a Red-breasted Merganser was enjoying the calm waters of a puddle on the the golf course following the overnight weather! (Kevin Davis). Around Tarbat Ness were - amongst significant seabird movement - a White Wagtail, three Great Skua, six Black Guillemot and single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds,com)
Sutherland: four Whimbrel, 148 Sanderling and five Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: a seawatch 0515-0645hrs off Chanonry Point included two Great Skuas, one Arctic Skua (dark phase), four Fulmars, 58 Kittiwakes, two Red-throated Divers and eleven Ringed Plover; a Red-breasted Merganser was enjoying the calm waters of a puddle on the the golf course following the overnight weather! (Kevin Davis). Around Tarbat Ness were - amongst significant seabird movement - a White Wagtail, three Great Skua, six Black Guillemot and single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds,com)
Sutherland: four Whimbrel, 148 Sanderling and five Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 5th June
Easter Ross: a seawatch 0515-0645hrs off Chanonry Point yielded Arctic Skua (dark phase), two Common Scoter, four Red-throated Diver, three Fulmar, ten Greylag Geese and 80+ Common Tern (Kevin Davis). Two Black-tailed Godwits at Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate. In Broadford Bay, three Common Scoter, three Manx Shearwaters plus a single Sandwich Tern (per skye-birds.com). Another Rosy Starling on feeders at Sassaig, Sleat (per Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: a seawatch 0515-0645hrs off Chanonry Point yielded Arctic Skua (dark phase), two Common Scoter, four Red-throated Diver, three Fulmar, ten Greylag Geese and 80+ Common Tern (Kevin Davis). Two Black-tailed Godwits at Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate. In Broadford Bay, three Common Scoter, three Manx Shearwaters plus a single Sandwich Tern (per skye-birds.com). Another Rosy Starling on feeders at Sassaig, Sleat (per Bob McMillan).
Thursday 4th June
Easter Ross: 64 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: Rosy Starling reported in Ardgay (David McAllister via Facebook). At Dornoch were 22 Ringed Plover, four Whimbrel, 28 Sanderling, two Turnstones and 76 Bar-tailed Godwit while seen off Embo were three Little Tern plus singletons of Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 64 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still visiting a Kyleakin garden and the Lesser Whitethroat is still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: Rosy Starling reported in Ardgay (David McAllister via Facebook). At Dornoch were 22 Ringed Plover, four Whimbrel, 28 Sanderling, two Turnstones and 76 Bar-tailed Godwit while seen off Embo were three Little Tern plus singletons of Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 3rd June
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua (dark morph) past Fortrose (Bob Wilson). Single Great Skua, c300 Razorbill, c500 Guillemot and c150 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Corn Buntings at Milton of Gollanfield, Water Rail heard at Loch Flemington - single Whooper Swan present also (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling in Kyleakin (Alan Horner via Bob McMillan). Lesser Whitethroat still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua (dark morph) past Fortrose (Bob Wilson). Single Great Skua, c300 Razorbill, c500 Guillemot and c150 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Corn Buntings at Milton of Gollanfield, Water Rail heard at Loch Flemington - single Whooper Swan present also (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling in Kyleakin (Alan Horner via Bob McMillan). Lesser Whitethroat still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 2nd June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Quail recorded overflying site near Boat of Garten in the early hours (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel, 62 Sanderling, nine Ringed Plover, four Dunlin and single Great Northern Diver and Great Skua off/at Embo (Dean MacAskill). Rosy Starling in Melness, Tongue (via Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Quail recorded overflying site near Boat of Garten in the early hours (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat still present in Broadford Industrial Estate (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel, 62 Sanderling, nine Ringed Plover, four Dunlin and single Great Northern Diver and Great Skua off/at Embo (Dean MacAskill). Rosy Starling in Melness, Tongue (via Facebook)
Monday 1st June
Badenoch & Strathspey: breeding Shoveler confirmed (with six young) at Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Tern past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Corn Bunting at Easter Dalziel, Grasshopper Warbler at Dalcross airport, 25 Goosander off Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat in Broadford Industrial Estate; the last spring record of such on Skye was on 1st June 2013! (Bob McMillan, located by Phil Knott)
Badenoch & Strathspey: breeding Shoveler confirmed (with six young) at Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Tern past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Corn Bunting at Easter Dalziel, Grasshopper Warbler at Dalcross airport, 25 Goosander off Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Whitethroat in Broadford Industrial Estate; the last spring record of such on Skye was on 1st June 2013! (Bob McMillan, located by Phil Knott)
Sunday 31st May
Easter Ross: four Black Guillemot off Tarbat Ness; 35 Knot plus single Turnstone and Dunlin present also (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Corn Buntings (one singing) at Dalcross airport (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: twelve Manx Shearwaters, two Whimbrel and single Black-throated Diver off/at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: four Black Guillemot off Tarbat Ness; 35 Knot plus single Turnstone and Dunlin present also (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Corn Buntings (one singing) at Dalcross airport (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: twelve Manx Shearwaters, two Whimbrel and single Black-throated Diver off/at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 30th May
Sutherland: 27 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-footed Goose The Mound and 2 Stock Doves Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Common Crane west over Inverness (Andrew Whitelee). Male Gadwall and male Gadwall Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), male Shoveler between Croy and Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: Glaucous Gull following creel boat Broadford Bay, also 4 Bonxies and male Gadwall (Neil Bennett), male Yellowhammer Drumbuie (per Skye Birds), pair of Shoveler Lochailort (SC).
Sutherland: 27 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-footed Goose The Mound and 2 Stock Doves Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Common Crane west over Inverness (Andrew Whitelee). Male Gadwall and male Gadwall Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), male Shoveler between Croy and Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: Glaucous Gull following creel boat Broadford Bay, also 4 Bonxies and male Gadwall (Neil Bennett), male Yellowhammer Drumbuie (per Skye Birds), pair of Shoveler Lochailort (SC).
Friday 29th May
Sutherland: Hawfinch at feeders Golspie (per Pete Cosgrove).
Easter Ross: 9 Manx Shearwaters N Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 16 Barnacle Geese Lonnie (per BirdTrack).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 17 Barnacle Geese N near Nethybridge (Steve Broyd), 6 Canada Geese Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Sandwich Terns Broadford (Bob McMillan), Magpie Halistra, Waternish (J Hewes). Common Redpoll on feeders at Uig (MC).
Lochaber: 15 Common Swifts Achintee, Fort William (SC).
Sutherland: Hawfinch at feeders Golspie (per Pete Cosgrove).
Easter Ross: 9 Manx Shearwaters N Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 16 Barnacle Geese Lonnie (per BirdTrack).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 17 Barnacle Geese N near Nethybridge (Steve Broyd), 6 Canada Geese Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Sandwich Terns Broadford (Bob McMillan), Magpie Halistra, Waternish (J Hewes). Common Redpoll on feeders at Uig (MC).
Lochaber: 15 Common Swifts Achintee, Fort William (SC).
Thursday 28th May
Sutherland: 2 Black-throated Divers, 75 Ringed Plovers, 2 Whimbrels and 28 Manx Shearwaters Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: still 500 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe South Kessock (Al McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing male Pied Flycatcher Loch Alvie and 17 Barnacle Geese Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Corncrake heard calling Trotternish - rarely heard,this suggests a female has arrived in territory lacking a male (Nick Hodgetts), pair of Redwings fledged young in Lochalsh, possibly first proven breeding in Skye and Lochalsh (per Bob McMillan))
Sutherland: 2 Black-throated Divers, 75 Ringed Plovers, 2 Whimbrels and 28 Manx Shearwaters Coul Links (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: still 500 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe South Kessock (Al McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing male Pied Flycatcher Loch Alvie and 17 Barnacle Geese Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Corncrake heard calling Trotternish - rarely heard,this suggests a female has arrived in territory lacking a male (Nick Hodgetts), pair of Redwings fledged young in Lochalsh, possibly first proven breeding in Skye and Lochalsh (per Bob McMillan))
Wednesday 27th May
Sutherland: Wood Warbler Migdale Wood (Di Alexander).
Easter Ross: Still 500 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Wood Warbler Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller).
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Pied Flycatchers, 3 Wood Warblers and CUckoo Craigellachie, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Canada Goose Breakish Obbe (FM), 1 Knot, 30 Dunlins, 25 Ringed Plovers Lusa Mouth (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Wood Warbler Migdale Wood (Di Alexander).
Easter Ross: Still 500 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Wood Warbler Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller).
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Pied Flycatchers, 3 Wood Warblers and CUckoo Craigellachie, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Canada Goose Breakish Obbe (FM), 1 Knot, 30 Dunlins, 25 Ringed Plovers Lusa Mouth (Bob McMillan).
Tuesday 26th May
Sutherland: 4 Stock Doves Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 310 Ringed Plovers (tundrae race), Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Second calendar year Glaucous Gull Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Sanderlings, 40 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, and a Turnstone Broadford (Bob McMillan). Magpie Waternish (per SP).
Sutherland: 4 Stock Doves Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 310 Ringed Plovers (tundrae race), Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Second calendar year Glaucous Gull Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Sanderlings, 40 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, and a Turnstone Broadford (Bob McMillan). Magpie Waternish (per SP).
Monday 25th May
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Hawfinch on feeders in Portree garden (per Bob McMillan).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Hawfinch on feeders in Portree garden (per Bob McMillan).
Sunday 24th May
Sutherland: 378 Ringed Plovers, 32 Sanderlings, 76 Dunlins and 2 Little Terns Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and 5 Canada Geese Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: a Quail called half a dozen or more times between 22.15 and 22.35 near Insh (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: 378 Ringed Plovers, 32 Sanderlings, 76 Dunlins and 2 Little Terns Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and 5 Canada Geese Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: a Quail called half a dozen or more times between 22.15 and 22.35 near Insh (Dave Pierce).
23rd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Pied Flycatcher at Loch Insh, with female Marsh Harrier and single Whooper Swan seen again on/over the nearby marshes (Dave Pierce via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: twelve Whimbrel in Lower Breakish, Broadford (via skye-birds.com)
22nd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Whooper Swan still at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Bar-tailed Godwith and single Knot at Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 14 Manx Shearwaters southbound past Embo this afternoon (Dean MacAskill)
21st May
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose and Marsh Harrier at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce via Facebook). Lesser Whitethroat in Nethybridge (Steve Broyd via Pete Gordon), Magpie present also (PG)
Inverness: c30 Swift over the River Ness in the city centre today (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Sanderling at Lusa, Broadford (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Three Whimbrel and a Great Northern Diver at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
20th May
Skye & Lochalsh: four Great Northern Divers in the Sound of Raasay. Seven Whimbrel attempting a birdie on the golf course at Sconser (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Firecrest in a garden near Lochinver (R Cliff)
<