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 a small team led by Pete Gordon.
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 a small team led by Pete Gordon.
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.
SOC HIGHLAND RECORDER
After three years of sterling service our Bird Recorder, Peter Stronach, is stepping down. SOC Highland Branch is now actively seeking a replacement for this prestigious voluntary post. We would like to hear from interested and experienced Highland birders who are SOC members with good IT and administrative skills and willing to commit time and effort to this important role.
The Recorder is responsible for collating reports of Highland birds, submitting relevant records of rarities to assessment committees or the Rare Breeding Birds Panel and informing observers of outcomes.
If you are interested in applying for this challenging but rewarding post, or would like more details, please contact
Carol Miller highlandchair@the-soc.org.uk
The Recorder is responsible for collating reports of Highland birds, submitting relevant records of rarities to assessment committees or the Rare Breeding Birds Panel and informing observers of outcomes.
If you are interested in applying for this challenging but rewarding post, or would like more details, please contact
Carol Miller highlandchair@the-soc.org.uk
13th November
Skye & Localsh: Mediterranean Gull (1st winter) on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Short-eared Owl over Dornoch airfield, seven Snow Buntings on beach near Dornoch point (Bob Wilson)
no reports for 12th November
Skye & Localsh: Mediterranean Gull (1st winter) on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Short-eared Owl over Dornoch airfield, seven Snow Buntings on beach near Dornoch point (Bob Wilson)
no reports for 12th November
11th November
Easter Ross: Swallow Hilton of Cadboll (per BirdTrack), Hume's Warbler still at Tarbat Ness (per Birdguides).
Inverness: 30+ Waxwings Muirtown Street (Simeon Ewing), 3 Waxwings Raigmore Hospital Car Park (Alison Fraser).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1 Waxwing in a private garden north Aviemore (Audrey Turner), Northern Gannet recently Loch an Eilein (per Birdguides), female Long-tailed Duck and female Common Scoter Lochindorb (per Birdguides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Brent Goose Stein, Waternish (CM per Skye Birds), Waxwing Portree (WH, per Skye Birds).
Easter Ross: Swallow Hilton of Cadboll (per BirdTrack), Hume's Warbler still at Tarbat Ness (per Birdguides).
Inverness: 30+ Waxwings Muirtown Street (Simeon Ewing), 3 Waxwings Raigmore Hospital Car Park (Alison Fraser).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1 Waxwing in a private garden north Aviemore (Audrey Turner), Northern Gannet recently Loch an Eilein (per Birdguides), female Long-tailed Duck and female Common Scoter Lochindorb (per Birdguides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Brent Goose Stein, Waternish (CM per Skye Birds), Waxwing Portree (WH, per Skye Birds).
10th November
Sutherland: No sign of Red-breasted Flycatcher at Keoldale but Waxwing present, also Little Egret at Kyle of Durness, plus 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs in willows east of Durness Church (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Hume's Warbler Tarbat Ness (Alastair Matthewson), Ruddy Shelduck & Little Egret Udale Bay (P Clark).
Inverness: American Wigeon and Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 2 Snow Buntings around lighthouse, Ardnamurchan (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: No sign of Red-breasted Flycatcher at Keoldale but Waxwing present, also Little Egret at Kyle of Durness, plus 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs in willows east of Durness Church (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Hume's Warbler Tarbat Ness (Alastair Matthewson), Ruddy Shelduck & Little Egret Udale Bay (P Clark).
Inverness: American Wigeon and Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 2 Snow Buntings around lighthouse, Ardnamurchan (per BirdGuides).
9th November
Sutherland: Little Egret Achnahaird (per Stuart Edwards), Hoopoe near Reiff (per Stuart Edwards).
Ross: Hume's Warbler still in nettles and willows at Tarbat Ness (Steve Broyd), Snow Bunting Tarbat Ness (Steve Broyd), Jack Snipe, Blackcap and Swallow South Sutor (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: dead Little Auk Whiteness (Colin Leslie).
Skye and Lochalsh: Tree Sparrow at feeders Milovaig (AS) - autumn records on Skye are rare.
8th November
Skye & Localsh: two Waxwings at Drynoch, 40 Golden Plover at Feorlig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Red-breasted Flycatcher (female or 1st winter bird) in plantation at Keoldale, grid NC386652. Five Siberian Chiffchaffs in willows just east of Durness kirk (Andy Williams)
Skye & Localsh: two Waxwings at Drynoch, 40 Golden Plover at Feorlig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Red-breasted Flycatcher (female or 1st winter bird) in plantation at Keoldale, grid NC386652. Five Siberian Chiffchaffs in willows just east of Durness kirk (Andy Williams)
7th November
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Barnacle Goose with Pink-footed Geese on stubble south of entrance track to Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 20 Waxwings Garbole, Strathdearn (John Poyner). American Wigeon near the Clachnaharry sea lock, Kingfisher at Muirtown Pool (Al McNee)
Wester Ross: 8 Waxwings at Inverbroom farm, Ullapool (Tessa Rhodes)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Barnacle Goose with Pink-footed Geese on stubble south of entrance track to Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 20 Waxwings Garbole, Strathdearn (John Poyner). American Wigeon near the Clachnaharry sea lock, Kingfisher at Muirtown Pool (Al McNee)
Wester Ross: 8 Waxwings at Inverbroom farm, Ullapool (Tessa Rhodes)
6th November
Easter Ross: Hume's Warbler still at Tarbat Ness (Dave Pullan, Peter Norgate), "Several" Waxwings Godsman Tyres, Tain (Dean McAskill), 12 Waxwings Recycling Centre, Shore Road, Tain (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 12 Waxwings near courtyard Muirtown Street, Inverness (Simeon Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Long-tailed Duck Loch Insh, present for a week (Dave Pierce) - a rare inland record.
5th November
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff Midgarty, south of Portgordon (Dean McAskill), 3 Waxwings Dornoch (per SOC Member).
Wester Ross: 5 Waxwings by bridge, Moss Road, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Hume's Warbler by pool in willows and nearby nettle bed Tarbat Ness NH940875 (Peter Stronach, Bob Swann), Olive-backed Pipit in plantation Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach, Bob Swann), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (C Johnstone), Little Egret Udale Bay (John Poyner), 3 Little Auks & 2 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
The Hume's Warbler (a first for Highland) was trapped and ringed today and had been heard three days ago. The Pipit (probably a first for Highland) was not seen in the afternoon.
Inverness: 9 Waxwings by Barn Church Road, south Of Culloden Academy, Culloden (SOC Member), 2 Waxwings Harrowden Road, Inverness (Sam Borthwick).
Skye & Lochalsh: Adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), 2 Waxwings Tianavaig Place, Portree (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: male Black Duck downstream of second bridge on Strontian River (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff Midgarty, south of Portgordon (Dean McAskill), 3 Waxwings Dornoch (per SOC Member).
Wester Ross: 5 Waxwings by bridge, Moss Road, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Hume's Warbler by pool in willows and nearby nettle bed Tarbat Ness NH940875 (Peter Stronach, Bob Swann), Olive-backed Pipit in plantation Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach, Bob Swann), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (C Johnstone), Little Egret Udale Bay (John Poyner), 3 Little Auks & 2 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
The Hume's Warbler (a first for Highland) was trapped and ringed today and had been heard three days ago. The Pipit (probably a first for Highland) was not seen in the afternoon.
Inverness: 9 Waxwings by Barn Church Road, south Of Culloden Academy, Culloden (SOC Member), 2 Waxwings Harrowden Road, Inverness (Sam Borthwick).
Skye & Lochalsh: Adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), 2 Waxwings Tianavaig Place, Portree (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: male Black Duck downstream of second bridge on Strontian River (per Birdguides).
4th November
Sutherland: Hoopoe near Summer Isles Hotel, Aciltibuie (Stuart Edwards), six Little Auks past Embo this morning, with afternoon skua passage southbound into the Dornoch Firth noted including twelve Pomarine Skuas (9 adult/3 juveniles) and single Arctic Skua (Dean MacAskill). Swallow again at Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Inverness: 7 Waxwings by Barn Church Road, south Of Culloden Academy, Culloden mid afternoon (per Birdguides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Waxwings Ardvasar (per RBA), 2 Orbost (LS).
Lochaber: Swallow Acharacle (per BirdTrack).
3rd November
Easter Ross: Little Auk at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas) plus Sooty Shearwater (Mary Galloway). Off/at Tarbart Ness 1st winter Iceland Gull, 3 Great Skua, 3 Purple Sandpiper plus significant Kittiwake and Gannet movement (Dave Tanner)
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gulls still present at Applecross (Pete Gordon). Two Waxwings in Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Little Auk at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas) plus Sooty Shearwater (Mary Galloway). Off/at Tarbart Ness 1st winter Iceland Gull, 3 Great Skua, 3 Purple Sandpiper plus significant Kittiwake and Gannet movement (Dave Tanner)
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gulls still present at Applecross (Pete Gordon). Two Waxwings in Ullapool (Andy Williams)
2nd November
Skye & Localsh: Chiffchaff at Kilmory Glen, Rum. Four Slavonian Grebes still present on Loch Ainort (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Sooty Shearwater, three Manx Shearwater, single Little Auk, twelve Great Skua, two Arctic Skua and eleven Little Gulls past Brora, with significant Gannet passage (1600/hour) offshore. Also 1st winter Glaucous Gull and single Little Gull at the river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gulls at Applecross (Pete Gordon). Six Waxwings in Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Skye & Localsh: Chiffchaff at Kilmory Glen, Rum. Four Slavonian Grebes still present on Loch Ainort (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Sooty Shearwater, three Manx Shearwater, single Little Auk, twelve Great Skua, two Arctic Skua and eleven Little Gulls past Brora, with significant Gannet passage (1600/hour) offshore. Also 1st winter Glaucous Gull and single Little Gull at the river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gulls at Applecross (Pete Gordon). Six Waxwings in Ullapool (Andy Williams)
1st November
Easter Ross: Kingfisher along the River Peffery in Dingwall (Doreen Manson). Drake American Wigeon still on Loch Eye, along with 17 Pochard and 700 Whooper Swans (Bob Swann). Single Swallow at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Localsh: Iceland Gull at Kilmory, Rum. Two Swallows at Arisaig. Four Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort (all per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 60 Twite at Brora (by the radio station). At Embo, twelve Twite, adult Little Gull and nine Slavonian Grebes. At Dornoch point, a single Merlin along with two Snow Bunting, four Grey Plover and 17 Rock Pipits (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: see late report of Hoopoe on 31st October below
Easter Ross: Kingfisher along the River Peffery in Dingwall (Doreen Manson). Drake American Wigeon still on Loch Eye, along with 17 Pochard and 700 Whooper Swans (Bob Swann). Single Swallow at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Localsh: Iceland Gull at Kilmory, Rum. Two Swallows at Arisaig. Four Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort (all per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 60 Twite at Brora (by the radio station). At Embo, twelve Twite, adult Little Gull and nine Slavonian Grebes. At Dornoch point, a single Merlin along with two Snow Bunting, four Grey Plover and 17 Rock Pipits (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: see late report of Hoopoe on 31st October below
31st October
Sutherland: late Swallow Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards), Waxwing Midgarty Burn, south of Portgower (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Waxwing Ardvannie, Edderton (Bob Swann).
Wester Ross: Hoopoe videoed near the Am Fuaran Bar, Altandhu (postcode IV26 2YR, per Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20 Waxwings N end of Aviemore (Bob Turner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Kilvaxter (Bob McMillan) - a rare Skye record.
30th October
Still no news,
Still no news,
29th October
Sutherland: Tengmalm's Owl 2 miles south of Forsinard, flushed from fenceposts by A897 and went into forestry on east side at approx. NC881400 late at night (per BirdGuides), 2 (ad and 1st W) Little Gulls Brora (Jenny & Al McNee). Probable Siberian Chiffchaff by waterworks building NC904034 Brora (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: adult Little Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Waxwing in private garden, Inverness (per Birdguides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Mackenzie Crescent, Nethybridge (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret on pool at Ardelve, Lochalsh, flew up Loch Long (BN), late juv Whinchat Gedintaillor, Braes (Neil Bennett), Brent Goose Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), 6 Long-tailed Tits Lower Milovaig (AS).
These Long-tailed Tits were the first there since 2008 and are part of an unusual westward movement with birds also noted on Rum yesterday and today on Tiree, the first there since 2013.
28th October
Sutherland: 3 1st W Little Gulls Brora rivermouth (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher between Tarradale and Tomich Burn on Beauly Firth (Martin Hind).
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (per Birdguides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Mossbank, near Nethybridge NJ04225 (Pete Gordon),
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Oronsay, Ullinish (per Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 3 1st W Little Gulls Brora rivermouth (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher between Tarradale and Tomich Burn on Beauly Firth (Martin Hind).
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (per Birdguides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Mossbank, near Nethybridge NJ04225 (Pete Gordon),
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Oronsay, Ullinish (per Bob McMillan).
27th October
Sutherland: 8 Snow Buntings and 3 Grey Plovers Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous (or Viking) Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Little Egret and Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), White-fronted Goose Killen (Blair Whyte), 2 Black-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 (late) Swallows Harrapool (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: 8 Snow Buntings and 3 Grey Plovers Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous (or Viking) Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Little Egret and Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), White-fronted Goose Killen (Blair Whyte), 2 Black-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 (late) Swallows Harrapool (Martin Benson).
26th October
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (Colin Leslie, Sam Borthwick), Kingfisher Merkinch (Sam Borthwick).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Nethybridge (by Nethy House Café, then Craigmore Crescent) (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Brent Goose Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (Colin Leslie, Sam Borthwick), Kingfisher Merkinch (Sam Borthwick).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Nethybridge (by Nethy House Café, then Craigmore Crescent) (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Brent Goose Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
25th October
Sutherland: 2 Swallows and 1 Arctic Tern (all late) Loch Fleet (Dave Slater).
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), drake American Wigeon by jetty on far side Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (per BirdTrack).
Skye and Lochalsh: Brent Goose Loch Ailort (SC), Brent Goose Glas Eilean, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 Swallows and 1 Arctic Tern (all late) Loch Fleet (Dave Slater).
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), drake American Wigeon by jetty on far side Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: male American Wigeon Merkinch (per BirdTrack).
Skye and Lochalsh: Brent Goose Loch Ailort (SC), Brent Goose Glas Eilean, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
24th October
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (J Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull Portree, flew to Big Skerry off Scorrybreac (per Birdguides),33 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (>50% juvemiles) Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), 7 Gadwalls Broadford Bay, then flew south (R McMillan), 5 Brent Geese KIlmory, Rum (Sean Morris), Iceland Gull 1CY Kildonan, Eigg (JS), Jack Snipe Kildonan, Eigg (JS).
Lochaber: 54 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (per BirdTrack).
23rd October
Wester Ross: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still near Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams), adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid) back at Ullapool (per R Archer).
Lochaber: male Black Duck Strontian (upstream beyond second bridge then flew to river mouth) (per Birdguides).
Wester Ross: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still near Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams), adult Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid) back at Ullapool (per R Archer).
Lochaber: male Black Duck Strontian (upstream beyond second bridge then flew to river mouth) (per Birdguides).
22nd October
Skye & Localsh: 35 Redshank in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan/Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams). Adult Viking Gull in Ullapool also (R Archer)
Skye & Localsh: 35 Redshank in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan/Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams). Adult Viking Gull in Ullapool also (R Archer)
21st October
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gary Deplacido)
Inverness: single European White-fronted Goose seen near Norbord plant floods (with Pink-footed Geese) before flying towards Castle Stuart (Jon Clarke). Swallow seen over Seafield Road earlier in the day (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Localsh: 500 plus Fieldfare at Falls of Glomach, Morvich (Mary Galloway). Brambling at Kinloch and Kilmory, Rum. Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (both per www.skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: Grey Plover at Achnahaird, NW of the dunes (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gary Deplacido)
Inverness: single European White-fronted Goose seen near Norbord plant floods (with Pink-footed Geese) before flying towards Castle Stuart (Jon Clarke). Swallow seen over Seafield Road earlier in the day (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Localsh: 500 plus Fieldfare at Falls of Glomach, Morvich (Mary Galloway). Brambling at Kinloch and Kilmory, Rum. Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (both per www.skye-birds.com)
Wester Ross: Grey Plover at Achnahaird, NW of the dunes (Andy Williams)
20th October
Sutherland: single Waxwings near Durness health centre and in Kinlochbervie (Andy WIlliams). Jack Snipe and Black Redstart in field near old radio station, Brora - latter near the big dune, adult plus 1st winter Little Gulls near the river mouth at Brora, single Snow Bunting on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill). Great Egret at Kinbrace around grid ref NC841314 (C L Mitchell via Facebook)
Sutherland: single Waxwings near Durness health centre and in Kinlochbervie (Andy WIlliams). Jack Snipe and Black Redstart in field near old radio station, Brora - latter near the big dune, adult plus 1st winter Little Gulls near the river mouth at Brora, single Snow Bunting on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill). Great Egret at Kinbrace around grid ref NC841314 (C L Mitchell via Facebook)
19th October
Inverness: 25 Whooper Swans over the city (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Localsh: Little Gull juvenile in Broadford Bay (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Chiffchaff (one possibly Siberian ssp) along the Midgarty Burn, Portgower grid area NC9912, first winter Iceland Gull off Embo pier (Dean MacAskill),
Wester Ross: five Slavonian Grebes on upper Loch Torridon (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: 25 Whooper Swans over the city (Sam Borthwick)
Skye & Localsh: Little Gull juvenile in Broadford Bay (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Chiffchaff (one possibly Siberian ssp) along the Midgarty Burn, Portgower grid area NC9912, first winter Iceland Gull off Embo pier (Dean MacAskill),
Wester Ross: five Slavonian Grebes on upper Loch Torridon (Bob McMillan)
18th October
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull (1st winter) and Little Gull at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-browed Warbler in vicinity of Miller's Cottage, Eigg (J Chester)
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull (1st winter) and Little Gull at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-browed Warbler in vicinity of Miller's Cottage, Eigg (J Chester)
17th October
Easter Ross: 14 Whooper Swan at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret at Udale Bay (Pru Ward)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler in vicinity of Balnakiel craft village, Durness (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: 14 Whooper Swan at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret at Udale Bay (Pru Ward)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler in vicinity of Balnakiel craft village, Durness (Andy Williams)
16th October
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-browed Warbler in Kilmory Glen, Rum (per www.skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-browed Warbler in Kilmory Glen, Rum (per www.skye-birds.com)
15th October
Easter Ross: 65+ Slavonian Grebes on the Cromarty Firth, plus circa 250 Scaup (John Poyner)
Inverness: two Kingfishers at Muirtown Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: wing tagged Red Kite over Loch Bay, Waternish (per www.skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: 65+ Slavonian Grebes on the Cromarty Firth, plus circa 250 Scaup (John Poyner)
Inverness: two Kingfishers at Muirtown Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: wing tagged Red Kite over Loch Bay, Waternish (per www.skye-birds.com)
14th October
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler ringed at Lentran (Alex Penn via Facebook)
Skye & Localsh: some 3,000 estimated Redwings through the Broadford area this morning (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: one, possibly two Yellow-browed Warblers plus three Blackcaps along the Midgarty Burn, Portgower grid NC996125 (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler ringed at Lentran (Alex Penn via Facebook)
Skye & Localsh: some 3,000 estimated Redwings through the Broadford area this morning (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: one, possibly two Yellow-browed Warblers plus three Blackcaps along the Midgarty Burn, Portgower grid NC996125 (Dean MacAskill)
13th October
Caithness: unconfirmed report of Siberian Lesser Whitethroat at Noss Head (per Birdguides)
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon on Loch Eye, plus 2 Gadwall and 8 Pochard. Six hundred plus Whooper Swans on nearby fields (Bob Swann). Kingfisher seen from the bridge in Avoch (John Carruthers)
Skye & Localsh: 25 Black-throated Divers in Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin, Skye (Bob McMillan). Yellow-browed Warbler still behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Martin Benson). Glaucous Gull at Aird Bernisdale (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Great Egret eastern end of Loch Borralan, Altnacealgach (David Haines; late report of this bird from 10th October also received today from Mark Keighley). Adult Little Gull plus 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls near the river mouth at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Caithness: unconfirmed report of Siberian Lesser Whitethroat at Noss Head (per Birdguides)
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon on Loch Eye, plus 2 Gadwall and 8 Pochard. Six hundred plus Whooper Swans on nearby fields (Bob Swann). Kingfisher seen from the bridge in Avoch (John Carruthers)
Skye & Localsh: 25 Black-throated Divers in Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin, Skye (Bob McMillan). Yellow-browed Warbler still behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Martin Benson). Glaucous Gull at Aird Bernisdale (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Great Egret eastern end of Loch Borralan, Altnacealgach (David Haines; late report of this bird from 10th October also received today from Mark Keighley). Adult Little Gull plus 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls near the river mouth at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
12th October
Easter Ross: three Whooper Swans over Tarbart Ness. Significant Gannet and auk sp. movement/feeding over the water and into the Dornich Firth (Dave Tanner). Hobby at Lentran, plus Yellow-browed Warbler ringed nearby (Alex Penn via Facebook)
Inverness: three Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie). Yellow-browed Warbler near cow field on west side of Loch Flemington (per Birdguides)
Skye & Localsh: 6 Slavonian Grebes in outer Loch Ainort plus two in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Continued movement of Whooper Swans in and around Skye
Sutherland: juvenile Little Gull in wader roost at Dornoch Point (Dave Tanner)
Easter Ross: three Whooper Swans over Tarbart Ness. Significant Gannet and auk sp. movement/feeding over the water and into the Dornich Firth (Dave Tanner). Hobby at Lentran, plus Yellow-browed Warbler ringed nearby (Alex Penn via Facebook)
Inverness: three Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie). Yellow-browed Warbler near cow field on west side of Loch Flemington (per Birdguides)
Skye & Localsh: 6 Slavonian Grebes in outer Loch Ainort plus two in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Continued movement of Whooper Swans in and around Skye
Sutherland: juvenile Little Gull in wader roost at Dornoch Point (Dave Tanner)
11th October
Badenoch and Strathspey: Sixteen Swallows feeding over Insh this evening (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: five Whooper Swans over Portmahomack plus single Arctic Skua at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: Barnacle Goose 14 south over Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris). Whooper Swan - birds migrating late last night over Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables); 9 east over Kildonan, Eigg (JC); 10 resting Duisdale Bay, Sleat (NH) & 9 on Loch Harport (Bob McMillan). Bar-tailed Godwit 20 in Broadford Bay plus two Knot and three Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). Wheatear singleton in Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope showed all day through 1630hrs alongside the River Borgie by footbridge in area of Dalness, grid ref NC653546 (Peter Cosgrove et al). Adult Little Gull plus 1st winter Iceland Gull near the river mouth at Brora (Mark Keighley)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Sixteen Swallows feeding over Insh this evening (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: five Whooper Swans over Portmahomack plus single Arctic Skua at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: Barnacle Goose 14 south over Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris). Whooper Swan - birds migrating late last night over Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables); 9 east over Kildonan, Eigg (JC); 10 resting Duisdale Bay, Sleat (NH) & 9 on Loch Harport (Bob McMillan). Bar-tailed Godwit 20 in Broadford Bay plus two Knot and three Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). Wheatear singleton in Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope showed all day through 1630hrs alongside the River Borgie by footbridge in area of Dalness, grid ref NC653546 (Peter Cosgrove et al). Adult Little Gull plus 1st winter Iceland Gull near the river mouth at Brora (Mark Keighley)
10th October
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua off Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope both on and alongside the River Borgie by footbridge in area of Dalness, grid ref NC652545 (Peter Cosgrove). At Strathy Point, 11 Barnacle Geese, 26 Sooty Shearwater and single Storm Petrel (Dean McAskill). At Brora, two Purple Sandpipers, two House Martins and four Little Gulls (Mary Galloway)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua off Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope both on and alongside the River Borgie by footbridge in area of Dalness, grid ref NC652545 (Peter Cosgrove). At Strathy Point, 11 Barnacle Geese, 26 Sooty Shearwater and single Storm Petrel (Dean McAskill). At Brora, two Purple Sandpipers, two House Martins and four Little Gulls (Mary Galloway)
9th October
Inverness: Curlew Sandpiper Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Dalmore pier, Cromarty (Jimmy Fraser)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Little Terns still at Broadford Bay, also adult Little Gull (Neil Bennett, Martin Benson, Bob McMillan). A Dark-bellied Brent Goose with Light-bellied Brent Geese Glas Eilean, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Inverness: Curlew Sandpiper Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Dalmore pier, Cromarty (Jimmy Fraser)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Little Terns still at Broadford Bay, also adult Little Gull (Neil Bennett, Martin Benson, Bob McMillan). A Dark-bellied Brent Goose with Light-bellied Brent Geese Glas Eilean, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
8th October
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Little Terns Broadford Bay were very late (Neil Bennett, Martin Benson, Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: adult Sabine's Gull at Brora (Mark Keighley)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Little Terns Broadford Bay were very late (Neil Bennett, Martin Benson, Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: adult Sabine's Gull at Brora (Mark Keighley)
7th October
Easter Ross: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats Tarbat Ness. Also 3 Ring Ousels, 30 Song Thrushes and a Blackcap (All Bob Swann). An orange-legged Pink-footed Goose Udale Bay (per C Round).
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats Tarbat Ness. Also 3 Ring Ousels, 30 Song Thrushes and a Blackcap (All Bob Swann). An orange-legged Pink-footed Goose Udale Bay (per C Round).
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
6th October
Sutherland: Little Auk & 2 Little Gulls north Lothbeg Point (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), Short-eared Owl Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Martin Benson). Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS).
Sutherland: Little Auk & 2 Little Gulls north Lothbeg Point (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), Short-eared Owl Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler behind Skye Candles, Broadford (Martin Benson). Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS).
5th October
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler Brucefield Plantation, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann).
Easter Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler Brucefield Plantation, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann), Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann).
4th October
Sutherland: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers near Laxford Bridge and 1 Sheigra (per Birdguides).
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 1 (or 2) Taiga Bean Geese Udale Bay (Al McNee), White-fronted Goose (unraced) Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Black Duck still at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
Sutherland: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers near Laxford Bridge and 1 Sheigra (per Birdguides).
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 1 (or 2) Taiga Bean Geese Udale Bay (Al McNee), White-fronted Goose (unraced) Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Lesser Whitethroat Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Black Duck still at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
3rd October
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Keith Barns).
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater, 8 Pomarine Skuas, 2 adult Little Gulls Embo (Dean MacAskill), 2 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Little Gull Golspie (Dean MacAskill), Male American Wigeon Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: male Lady Amherst's Pheasant at large Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Heaste, near Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Keith Barns).
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater, 8 Pomarine Skuas, 2 adult Little Gulls Embo (Dean MacAskill), 2 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Little Gull Golspie (Dean MacAskill), Male American Wigeon Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: male Lady Amherst's Pheasant at large Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Heaste, near Broadford (Neil Bennett).
2nd October
Sutherland: Juv Sabine's Gull N Sheigra (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler Scourie Lodge (per Birdguides), Yellow-browed Warbler Loch Duart Beg (per Birdguides).
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Bob McMillan, Peter Stronach).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great White Egret Moy Bridge, River Conon (Doreen Manson).
Inverness: 2 Mandarin Ducks Kilravock (per BirdTrack).
Sutherland: Juv Sabine's Gull N Sheigra (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler Scourie Lodge (per Birdguides), Yellow-browed Warbler Loch Duart Beg (per Birdguides).
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Bob McMillan, Peter Stronach).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great White Egret Moy Bridge, River Conon (Doreen Manson).
Inverness: 2 Mandarin Ducks Kilravock (per BirdTrack).
1st October
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Sheigra (per Birdguides)
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Black Redstart Conon Bridge, single Kingfishers at Conon Bridge and Dingwall (Simeon Ewing)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Broadford (Martin Benson)
30th September
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Sheigra (per Birdguides)
Easter Ross: Black Brant Udale Bay (identification disputed) (per Susan Seright), Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), Egret sp ("Grey Heron sized" so probably Great White Egret) River Conon (Edwin Hafiz), Pomarine Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Sheigra (per Birdguides)
Wester Ross: Buff-breasted Sandpiper Achnahaird (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Black Redstart Conon Bridge, single Kingfishers at Conon Bridge and Dingwall (Simeon Ewing)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Broadford (Martin Benson)
30th September
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Sheigra (per Birdguides)
Easter Ross: Black Brant Udale Bay (identification disputed) (per Susan Seright), Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), Egret sp ("Grey Heron sized" so probably Great White Egret) River Conon (Edwin Hafiz), Pomarine Skua Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson)
29th September
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Keoldale Plantation, Durness (Bob McMillan), Yellow-browed Warbler Scourie, near burn (Andy Williams), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Durness Health Centre (Bob McMillan), 2 Jays Strathy Village (per P Higson) (unusual so far north and may be migrants, 2 also seen in Orkney today)
Easter Ross: Jay flying south Portmahomack may also be a migrant (Dave Tanner)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Drumfearn (NB & PK)
Lochaber: Green Woodpecker Uilleann, Morvern (per BirdTrack) (out-of-range birds are reported almost annually although this is essentially a sedentary species)
28th September
Sutherland: Hobby Strathy Village (Kevin Davis), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler on road to Rhue, a few miles N of Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Drumfearn (PK)
Sutherland: Hobby Strathy Village (Kevin Davis), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler on road to Rhue, a few miles N of Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Drumfearn (PK)
27th September
Sutherland: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Portree (Neil Bennett)
26th September
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Durness, near Health Centre (Per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler Morefield, Ullapool by path on N side of river (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull and 1 Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Drumfearn, Skye (PK)
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler Durness, near Health Centre (Per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Yellow-browed Warbler Morefield, Ullapool by path on N side of river (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull and 1 Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-browed Warbler Drumfearn, Skye (PK)
25th September
Easter Ross: 2 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Easter Ross: 2 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
24th September
Easter Ross: 3 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 2 Pomarine Skuas Fort George (Mike Crutch), 4 there (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: The Yellow-legged Gull still at Loch Poolteil (A Stables).
Easter Ross: 3 Pomarine Skuas Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 2 Pomarine Skuas Fort George (Mike Crutch), 4 there (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: The Yellow-legged Gull still at Loch Poolteil (A Stables).
23rd September
Wester Ross: 2 Leach's Petrels, 2 Pomarine Skuas Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (also 30+ Storm Petrels, 30 Arctic Skuas & 50 Great Skuas) (John Poyner)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), Long-tailed Skua and 12 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Great Egret Dingwall area (per BirdGuides)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: 2 Leach's Petrels, 2 Pomarine Skuas Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (also 30+ Storm Petrels, 30 Arctic Skuas & 50 Great Skuas) (John Poyner)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), Long-tailed Skua and 12 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Great Egret Dingwall area (per BirdGuides)
Skye and Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan)
22nd September
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater 11kms SE of Tarbat Ness (Andy Williams).
Skye and Lochalsh: The Yellow-legged Gull still at Loch Poolteil (per A Stables).
Lochaber: 4 Gadwalls Linhe and Lochy Mouth (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater 11kms SE of Tarbat Ness (Andy Williams).
Skye and Lochalsh: The Yellow-legged Gull still at Loch Poolteil (per A Stables).
Lochaber: 4 Gadwalls Linhe and Lochy Mouth (per BirdTrack).
21st September
Sutherland: Balearic Shearwater and 3 Pomarine Skuas south Embo (Dean MacAskill). Kingfisher by A835 15 minutes N of Ullapool (Mike Crutch).
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull off Tain Links (Bob Swann), Gadwall Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
20th September
Easter Ross: juvenile Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: immature Pomarine Skua South Kessock (Jenny McNee)
Badenoch and Strathspey: first Fieldfare Nethybridge-Grantown (John Poyner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Pomarine Skua Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per Birdguides) - also 2 Killer Whales, 1 Minke Whale
Lochaber: Lapland Bunting Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: juvenile Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: immature Pomarine Skua South Kessock (Jenny McNee)
Badenoch and Strathspey: first Fieldfare Nethybridge-Grantown (John Poyner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Pomarine Skua Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per Birdguides) - also 2 Killer Whales, 1 Minke Whale
Lochaber: Lapland Bunting Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan)
19th September
Sutherland: Barred Warbler trapped and ringed Melvich (per E Maughan). Juvenile Little Gull off Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Adult Pomarine Skua and 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 11 kms SE of Tarbat Ness (Andy Williams)
Sutherland: Barred Warbler trapped and ringed Melvich (per E Maughan). Juvenile Little Gull off Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Adult Pomarine Skua and 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 11 kms SE of Tarbat Ness (Andy Williams)
18th September
Skye and Lochalsh: Pomarine Skua from Uig - Lochmaddy Ferry (per Birdguides). The Yellow-legged Gull still at Lower Milovaig (per A Stables).
Lochaber: Black Duck above second bridge Strontian in afternoon (but not seen in four-hour search in morning) (per Birdguides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Juvenile Marsh Harrier Invertromie/Ballochbuie (Insh) (Dave Pierce).
Skye and Lochalsh: Pomarine Skua from Uig - Lochmaddy Ferry (per Birdguides). The Yellow-legged Gull still at Lower Milovaig (per A Stables).
Lochaber: Black Duck above second bridge Strontian in afternoon (but not seen in four-hour search in morning) (per Birdguides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Juvenile Marsh Harrier Invertromie/Ballochbuie (Insh) (Dave Pierce).
17th September
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua passed Tarbat Ness into Dornoch Firth this morning (Birdguides).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua passed Tarbat Ness into Dornoch Firth this morning (Birdguides).
16th September
Wester Ross: Juvenile Sabine's Gull, 2 Pomarine Skua, 3 Whooper Swan and 2 Sooty Shearwaters on the Highland side of the Minch from the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry (Peter Stronach).
Easter Ross: Juvenile Black Tern, juvenile Little Tern and 60 Common Tern on Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Juvenile Sabine's Gull, 2 Pomarine Skua, 3 Whooper Swan and 2 Sooty Shearwaters on the Highland side of the Minch from the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry (Peter Stronach).
Easter Ross: Juvenile Black Tern, juvenile Little Tern and 60 Common Tern on Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill).
15th September
Sutherland: 1 Balearic, 23 Sooty and hundreds of Manx Shearwaters, 1 Pomarine, 2 Arctic and 21 Great Skuas, all at Balnakeil (Nina O'Hanlon and Rob Hughes). 5 hour swatch from Strathy Point; 5 Pomarine Skuas, 1 adult Long-tailed Skua, 33 Arctic Skua, 32 Bonxie, 56 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Leach's Petrel, 10 Common Tern and 100's of Manx Shearwaters (Dean MacAskill).
Skye and Lochalsh: 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese Broadford (NH)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Sutherland: 1 Balearic, 23 Sooty and hundreds of Manx Shearwaters, 1 Pomarine, 2 Arctic and 21 Great Skuas, all at Balnakeil (Nina O'Hanlon and Rob Hughes). 5 hour swatch from Strathy Point; 5 Pomarine Skuas, 1 adult Long-tailed Skua, 33 Arctic Skua, 32 Bonxie, 56 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Leach's Petrel, 10 Common Tern and 100's of Manx Shearwaters (Dean MacAskill).
Skye and Lochalsh: 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese Broadford (NH)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
At least one of the Insh Barnacle Geese is confirmed to be a feral bird from Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig as its ring indicated it had been ringed there in 2016. In January 2018 it was sighted in Dumfriesshire).
|
14th September
Skye and Lochalsh: 1 Leach's Petrel, 13 pale-bellied Brent Geese in Loch Ainort (NB), 14 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Loch Portree (NB). Juvenile Sabine's Gull reported from the Uig-Stornoway ferry within Skye waters (per Skye Birds). 13th September
Easter Ross: 570 Red-breasted Mergansers off Ballintraid is an exceptionally high count (Bob Swann) Skye and Lochalsh: 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Loch Portree (NB) Badenoch and Strathspey: 163 Barnacle Geese at Dell of Killiehuntly (Dave Pierce) - too early for Svalbard birds and likely to be local birds en route to wintering grounds (some are known to winter on Solway), immature Marsh Harrier at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce). |
12th September
Easter Ross: 410 Ballintraid Pier is a high count (per BirdTrack). An early Long-tailed Duck at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Common Redpoll (Mealy or NW-type) dropped into Mountain Garden Cairngorm after rain shower (J Poyner), 80 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly (Dave Pierce) - very early for migrants.
Skye and Lochalsh: 62 Brent Geese Broadford Bay am, 110 early evening (M Benson).
Easter Ross: 410 Ballintraid Pier is a high count (per BirdTrack). An early Long-tailed Duck at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Common Redpoll (Mealy or NW-type) dropped into Mountain Garden Cairngorm after rain shower (J Poyner), 80 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly (Dave Pierce) - very early for migrants.
Skye and Lochalsh: 62 Brent Geese Broadford Bay am, 110 early evening (M Benson).
11th September
Inverness-shire: 3 Swifts at Craig Dunain, Inverness (Sam Borthwick).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Male Ring Ouzel in the Mountain Garden at Cairngorm (J Poyner).
Skye and Lochalsh: 63 (3, 12 and 48) Brent Geese in Broadford Bay (MB, P O-W), 130 Sconser (L Hamilton).
Inverness-shire: 3 Swifts at Craig Dunain, Inverness (Sam Borthwick).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Male Ring Ouzel in the Mountain Garden at Cairngorm (J Poyner).
Skye and Lochalsh: 63 (3, 12 and 48) Brent Geese in Broadford Bay (MB, P O-W), 130 Sconser (L Hamilton).
10th September
Sutherland: Black Scoter with Common Scoters at Achmelvich Bay (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 9 Ospreys in the Beauly Firth (Sue Pettit).
Skye and Lochalsh: Great Skua at Kilmory (Sean Morris), Great Skua and Arctic Skua at Raasay (G Rees).
Sutherland: Black Scoter with Common Scoters at Achmelvich Bay (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 9 Ospreys in the Beauly Firth (Sue Pettit).
Skye and Lochalsh: Great Skua at Kilmory (Sean Morris), Great Skua and Arctic Skua at Raasay (G Rees).
