2020
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.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it is imperative that information provided here does not encourage anyone to breach any current Government advice regarding travel restrictions and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. News of some sightings will not be published where we consider that the risk of people being tempted to travel to see particular birds is too high (or, as is always the case, if it might reveal breeding sites of vulnerable species).
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.
Highland Bird Report 2018 is now on sale. For details on how to obtain your copy, click "Publications" at the top of this page and buy!
Next SOC Talk is on Tuesday 1st December - see Events page.
Wednesday 2nd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Dell of Killiehuntly farm, Insh (Dave Pierce)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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)
19th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: the Rare Bird Alert service is carrying a report of a Spotted Crake that was 'singing recently' at Insh marshes. Although the site has historically held the species in spring/summer, your SOC Highland team would very much appreciate any reports like this to come to us directly, and with appropriate detail. Such rarities can be reported just to the Highland Recorder (e-mail above or via BirdTrack) if you wish, especially as such data can later be used for conservation and similar efforts.
Easter Ross: two female Scaup still showing off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Spotted Flycatcher in Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: waders around and about Alturlie included c30 Ringed Plover, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit plus small numbers of Knot and Dunlin (Alan MacAskill). Single Whimbrel at Merkinch (Penny Insole). Late report from 11th May of a Turtle Dove in Kilmartin, Glenurquhart (via BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Canada Geese on Loch Portree, 2cy Iceland Gull at Bayfield plus Whimbrel still present in and around the area (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Seen at Dornoch point was the regular 2cy Iceland Gull, while on passage were 120 Pink-footed Geese, more than 360 Ringed Plover, and 210 Sanderling. At Embo, a single Whimbrel, two White Wagtails, 'Nordic' Jackdaw and - near Grannie's Heilan Hame - Tree Sparrow gathering food (Dean MacAskill)
18th May
Easter Ross: two female Scaup off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: male Cuckoo calling early morning approximately one mile south of the city centre (Sue Tracey via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2cy and 3cy Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree during the day. Three Arctic Skuas over Rum (all via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 184 Sanderling and three Pink-footed Geese at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
17th May
Easter Ross: drake Gadwall at Tain links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Dotterel present again at Alturlie (Stuart Benn via Facebook). 14 Black-tailed Godwits at Muirtown pools (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2cy Iceland Gull and five Whimbrel at Loch Portree, seven Whimbrel at Broadford also (Neil Bennett and Bob McMillan via skye-birds.com)
16th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker near Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Still 2000 Common Scoters and 2000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Gadwall on Loch Eye )Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2CY Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS). Whooper Swan Sheabost (GF), 225 Dunlins and 75 Ringed Plovers Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan), 150 Dunlins and 150 Ringed Plovers Traigh, Morar (S MacD).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker near Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Still 2000 Common Scoters and 2000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Gadwall on Loch Eye )Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2CY Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS). Whooper Swan Sheabost (GF), 225 Dunlins and 75 Ringed Plovers Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan), 150 Dunlins and 150 Ringed Plovers Traigh, Morar (S MacD).
15th May
Sutherland: 500 Ringed Plovers and 700 Dunlins Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 500+ Sand Martins Loch Eye - showing how cold it is (Bob Swan).
Inverness: Dotterel at Alturlie again in evening (Blair Whyte), Osprey fishing off South Kessock (Tommy Youd and Julie Vivers).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch Abernethy, near Loch Garten RSPB (Neil Stonehouse).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2CY Iceland Gull Scorrybreck, Portree )Neil Bennett).
14th May
Inverness: Dotterel still at Alturlie early morning (Stuart Benn).
Badenoch & Strathspey: migrant Honey Buzzard over moorland Glen Tromie (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-eared Owls with 1+ young Canna (Ranger Service).
Inverness: Dotterel still at Alturlie early morning (Stuart Benn).
Badenoch & Strathspey: migrant Honey Buzzard over moorland Glen Tromie (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-eared Owls with 1+ young Canna (Ranger Service).
13th May
Sutherland: Little Tern and 2 Great Northern Divers Embo and female King Eider still at Coul Links (Dean MacAskill). Wader passage held up at Dornoch Point with 482 Ringed Plovers, 70 Sanderlings, 6 Whimbrels and 1 Grey Plover, also 3 White Wagtails and an Osprey (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Dotterel still at Alturlie early morning (Stuart Benn), 23 Black-tailed Godwits Muiton Pools (Tommy Youd and Julie Vivers).
Easter Ross: adult Iceland Gull near Cromarty (Kevin Davis), 2 Sedge Warblers and a Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe Broadford (Martin Benson), 2 Whooper Swans (one with injured foot) still at Black Lochs, Broadford (Martin Benson). 15 Great Northern Divers Sound of Sleat off Aird (KMcA).
Sutherland: Little Tern and 2 Great Northern Divers Embo and female King Eider still at Coul Links (Dean MacAskill). Wader passage held up at Dornoch Point with 482 Ringed Plovers, 70 Sanderlings, 6 Whimbrels and 1 Grey Plover, also 3 White Wagtails and an Osprey (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Dotterel still at Alturlie early morning (Stuart Benn), 23 Black-tailed Godwits Muiton Pools (Tommy Youd and Julie Vivers).
Easter Ross: adult Iceland Gull near Cromarty (Kevin Davis), 2 Sedge Warblers and a Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe Broadford (Martin Benson), 2 Whooper Swans (one with injured foot) still at Black Lochs, Broadford (Martin Benson). 15 Great Northern Divers Sound of Sleat off Aird (KMcA).
12th May
Inverness: Dotterel Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: 2000 Long-tailed Ducks and 2000 Common Scoters Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull 2CY and 2 Whimbrels Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 7 Whimbrels Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan).
11th May
Sutherland: Hawfinch in garden Littleferry, present a couple of days (per Stan Holryd).
Inverness: Dotterel in field at Alturlie (Simon Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Crane over Mains of Garten flew towards Loch Garten/Nethybridge (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie back at Ellishadder (per SG), 11 Whimbrels Broadford Bay & 4 Ashaig (Bob McMillan), Jack Snipe crossed the road (why?) at Head of Loch Slapin (RW), Wood Warbler Skye Shrubs, Portree (TH).
Sutherland: Hawfinch in garden Littleferry, present a couple of days (per Stan Holryd).
Inverness: Dotterel in field at Alturlie (Simon Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Crane over Mains of Garten flew towards Loch Garten/Nethybridge (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie back at Ellishadder (per SG), 11 Whimbrels Broadford Bay & 4 Ashaig (Bob McMillan), Jack Snipe crossed the road (why?) at Head of Loch Slapin (RW), Wood Warbler Skye Shrubs, Portree (TH).
10th May
Sutherland: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bonxie Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan), male Pied Flycatcher Tromiebridge (Dave Pierce), probable Glaucous Gull over Tulloch (Simon Eaves), arrival of Spotted Flycatchers eg 9 Nethybridge (Pete Gordon). Still 16 Pink-footed Geese at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Brent Geese Glendale (A Atherton).
Sutherland: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bonxie Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan), male Pied Flycatcher Tromiebridge (Dave Pierce), probable Glaucous Gull over Tulloch (Simon Eaves), arrival of Spotted Flycatchers eg 9 Nethybridge (Pete Gordon). Still 16 Pink-footed Geese at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Brent Geese Glendale (A Atherton).
9th May
Easter Ross: Sedge Warbler at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner via Facebook)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar along with c300 Dunlin (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: c300 Dunlin, two Sanderling and various wader movement due poor weather in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Small arrivals of Swifts in Strathspey and Inverness today
8th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Black-tailed Godwit Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing near Sleat - our friend Bob McMillan of the excellent skye-birds.com website notes this 5th record for Skye brings an unusually high annual count thus far for the species (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Black-tailed Godwit Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing near Sleat - our friend Bob McMillan of the excellent skye-birds.com website notes this 5th record for Skye brings an unusually high annual count thus far for the species (per skye-birds.com)
7th May
Easter Ross: Still several thousand Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Bar-tailed Godwit, seven Whimbrel and single sumplum Knot at Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Garganey near Embo (Dean MacAskill)
6th May
Easter Ross: White Wagtail at Portmahomack, while offshore were c2000 Common Scoter with similar number of Long-tailed Duck; a single Velvet Scoter was also recorded (Dave Tanner via Facebook), juvenile Glaucous Gull Munlochy (Robert Wilson), 2 Grasshopper Warblers Quarryfield (Robert Wilson).
Inverness: pair of Shovelers and 2 Stock Doves near Croy (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Whimbrel at Broadford Bay, skein of c75 Pink-footed Geese over also (Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com)
5th May
Badenoch and Strathspey: Wood Warbler in Craigellachie NNR (Craig Johnstone)
Inverness: Wood Warbler in Strathglass (Carol Miller via Facebook)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler singing at Lochailort (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing in Uig wood, Spotted Flycatcher at Blar Bubh on Eigg, Arctic Tern in Staffin Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Wood Warbler in Craigellachie NNR (Craig Johnstone)
Inverness: Wood Warbler in Strathglass (Carol Miller via Facebook)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler singing at Lochailort (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing in Uig wood, Spotted Flycatcher at Blar Bubh on Eigg, Arctic Tern in Staffin Bay (per skye-birds.com)
4th May
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing in the Armadale woods, Garden Warbler also (Bob McMillan). Single Black-tailed Godwit at Balmeanach Bay (per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Warbler singing in the Armadale woods, Garden Warbler also (Bob McMillan). Single Black-tailed Godwit at Balmeanach Bay (per skye-birds.com)
3rd May
Easter Ross: Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail (m.f. thunbergi ssp.) at Portmahomack, two Pomarine Skuas and c1,000 Long-tailed Duck also (Dave Tanner via Facebook) BIRDERS ARE REMINDED OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES REGARDING NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull (2cy) at Bayfield, Portree plus Garden Warbler near the town also plus Arctic Terns in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennet/per skye-birds.com)
2nd May
Easter Ross: Arctic Skua Shandwick Bay (Simon Levene). 1000 Long-tailed Ducks still at Portmahomack, also Whitethroat (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Swifts back at Muirton (Thomas Plant).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Eigg (1st record, presemably yesterday's Canna bird?) (John Chester), Wood Warbler Lisergary river walk, Portree (TH), Whimbrels at Rum (1), Broadford (4), Waterloo (14), Teangue, Sleat (8) and Back of Keppoch (21) (per Skye Birds).
1st May
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers).
Inverness: 12 Waxwings Westhill (Lynda Graham).
Badenoch and Strathspey: 9 Barnacle Geese Cromdale (feral birds from Highland Wildlife Park?) (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel, Cuckoo and Whinchat on Canna (Ranger Service). Magpie (yesterday's Canna bird?), Yellowhammer, Sedge Warbler and 3 Common Terns Rum (Sean Morris). 14 Whimbrels Back of Keppoch (S MacD), 5 Whimbrels Milovaig (AS).
Lochaber: Mandarin Dalelia, Acharacle (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers).
Inverness: 12 Waxwings Westhill (Lynda Graham).
Badenoch and Strathspey: 9 Barnacle Geese Cromdale (feral birds from Highland Wildlife Park?) (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel, Cuckoo and Whinchat on Canna (Ranger Service). Magpie (yesterday's Canna bird?), Yellowhammer, Sedge Warbler and 3 Common Terns Rum (Sean Morris). 14 Whimbrels Back of Keppoch (S MacD), 5 Whimbrels Milovaig (AS).
Lochaber: Mandarin Dalelia, Acharacle (per BirdTrack).
30th April
Sutherland: Female King Eider Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), also there were a Red Kite feeding on a porpoise, a Bonxie, 3 Whimbrels and 6 White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Common Cranes overflew Strathrusdale (Neil Wilson), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack,also Fieldfare at Golf Course (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whimbrels sound-recorded over Aviemore (Peter Stronach), 2 Pied Flycatchers near Aviemore (Craig Johnstone), 4 Whooper Swans, 56 Pink-footed Geese, Whinchat and Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: A pair of Nuthatches thought to be feeding young Arisaig area (RD, MW), 10 Whimbrels Broadford Bay (Martin Benson)
Sutherland: Female King Eider Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), also there were a Red Kite feeding on a porpoise, a Bonxie, 3 Whimbrels and 6 White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Common Cranes overflew Strathrusdale (Neil Wilson), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack,also Fieldfare at Golf Course (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whimbrels sound-recorded over Aviemore (Peter Stronach), 2 Pied Flycatchers near Aviemore (Craig Johnstone), 4 Whooper Swans, 56 Pink-footed Geese, Whinchat and Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: A pair of Nuthatches thought to be feeding young Arisaig area (RD, MW), 10 Whimbrels Broadford Bay (Martin Benson)
29th April
Sutherland: 6 Whimbrels, 5 White Wagtails and Arctic Terns Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Whimbrels Rosemarkie Golf Course (John Carruthers).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Pied Flycatchers Craigellachie NNR (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Canna (GG per Ranger Service) - first record for island. Marsh Harrier over Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 8 Whimbrels Waterloo (Bob McMillan), Corncrake Trotternish but no calling birds on Skye yet (NH).
Sutherland: 6 Whimbrels, 5 White Wagtails and Arctic Terns Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 3 Whimbrels Rosemarkie Golf Course (John Carruthers).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Pied Flycatchers Craigellachie NNR (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Canna (GG per Ranger Service) - first record for island. Marsh Harrier over Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 8 Whimbrels Waterloo (Bob McMillan), Corncrake Trotternish but no calling birds on Skye yet (NH).
28th April
Easter Ross: Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Sedge Warblers Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Magpie Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway), 25 Wheatears near Quarryfield (R Wilson),
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Black Redstart in Boat of Garten garden (Val Inglis).
Skye and Lochalsh: Snow Goose sp Waterstein (RS), Whimbrels - 4 at Loch Portree and 7 at Broadford (Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan), 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) 2 White Wagtails Lower Milovaig (AS), 2 White Wagtails Balmeanach Bay, Braes (WM), Whitethroat Mallaig (NR).
Easter Ross: Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Sedge Warblers Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Magpie Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway), 25 Wheatears near Quarryfield (R Wilson),
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Black Redstart in Boat of Garten garden (Val Inglis).
Skye and Lochalsh: Snow Goose sp Waterstein (RS), Whimbrels - 4 at Loch Portree and 7 at Broadford (Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan), 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) 2 White Wagtails Lower Milovaig (AS), 2 White Wagtails Balmeanach Bay, Braes (WM), Whitethroat Mallaig (NR).
27th April
Wester Ross: Grasshopper Warbler Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: 2000 Kittiwakes Dornoch Firth - clearly rich feeding there now (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: immature/female Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye and Lochalsh: female Garganey Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) (if acepted, only 3rd Skye record), 2 Whinchats in Broadford garden (Bob McMillan), singing Sedge Warbler Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: Grasshopper Warbler Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: 2000 Kittiwakes Dornoch Firth - clearly rich feeding there now (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: immature/female Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Skye and Lochalsh: female Garganey Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) (if acepted, only 3rd Skye record), 2 Whinchats in Broadford garden (Bob McMillan), singing Sedge Warbler Broadford (Neil Bennett).
26th April
Easter Ross: Grasshopper Warbler Quarryfield (R Wilson).
Inverness: Yellow Wagtail in garden near Inverness (FP per Recorder)
Badenoch & Strathspey: adult Glaucous Gull Cromdale (per BirdGuides), still 20 Pink-footed Geese Nethybridge (Pete Gordon) , 4 Black-tailed Godwits Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Skye & Lochalsh: still 3 Whooper Swans near Broadford (RMcM). Magpie Portnalong (ST), Nuthatch still on feeders, Eigg (JC).
Lochaber: Magpie near Fort William (SC)
. This bird 25th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo on Dava moor (pers.comm.). Waxwing remarkably visiting a seed feeder in a Kincraig garden (Suzi Duncan via Facebook) - this bird is an escapee, close-ringed in 2017 which may account for unusual diet.
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg (1st ever record for the island), and Redwing still present on Rum. 30 Puffin on Loch Poolteil, Skye with sizeable auk sp. movement noted through The Minch. Iceland Gull (2w) at Bayfield, Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo on Dava moor (pers.comm.). Waxwing remarkably visiting a seed feeder in a Kincraig garden (Suzi Duncan via Facebook) - this bird is an escapee, close-ringed in 2017 which may account for unusual diet.
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg (1st ever record for the island), and Redwing still present on Rum. 30 Puffin on Loch Poolteil, Skye with sizeable auk sp. movement noted through The Minch. Iceland Gull (2w) at Bayfield, Portree (per skye-birds.com)
24th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pied Flycatcher near Aviemore (pers.comm. - note that one was recorded in this area on 20 April, believed to be the earliest Highland record), Kingfisher near Nethybridge (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: c20 Waxwings on Druid Road in the city (Simeon Ewing via Facebook). c30 Golden Plover at Gollanfield (Paul Sharman via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Whitethroat near Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Pied Flycatcher near Aviemore (pers.comm. - note that one was recorded in this area on 20 April, believed to be the earliest Highland record), Kingfisher near Nethybridge (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: c20 Waxwings on Druid Road in the city (Simeon Ewing via Facebook). c30 Golden Plover at Gollanfield (Paul Sharman via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Whitethroat near Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
23rd April
Inverness: Cuckoo near Loch Ruthven and four Swifts over Loch Duntelchaig (Linda Kerr via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler in Scullamus (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Redstart reported in Rogart (David Patterson via Facebook)
Inverness: Cuckoo near Loch Ruthven and four Swifts over Loch Duntelchaig (Linda Kerr via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler in Scullamus (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Redstart reported in Rogart (David Patterson via Facebook)
22nd April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the River Spey at Broomhill (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Tree Pipit at Balnain, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler near Braebost. Small groups of Greenshank and Whimbrel seen at Loch Portree and Loch Slapin. Seven Blackcaps singing in woodland at Balmacara (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Hawfinch in Clashnessie (C Puddephat)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the River Spey at Broomhill (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Tree Pipit at Balnain, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller via Facebook)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler near Braebost. Small groups of Greenshank and Whimbrel seen at Loch Portree and Loch Slapin. Seven Blackcaps singing in woodland at Balmacara (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Hawfinch in Clashnessie (C Puddephat)
21st April
Easter Ross: nine Wheatears around Portmahomack golf course area, plus c300 Long-tailed Duck just offshore (Dave Tanner via Facebook). Ruddy Shelduck at Ferry Point, Dingwall and Whitethroat recorded on the Black Isle (via BirdTrack)
Lochaber: Hoopoe seen in Corpach (per skye-birds.com). Cuckoo at Allt Fearn (via BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: three reeling Grasshopper Warblers at Leitir Fura, Kinloch with single Garden Warbler and eleven Blackcaps, plus at least two Tree Pipits. Grasshopper Warbler in Mallaig also. Whinchat in Drumfearn and Lower Milovaig (per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: nine Wheatears around Portmahomack golf course area, plus c300 Long-tailed Duck just offshore (Dave Tanner via Facebook). Ruddy Shelduck at Ferry Point, Dingwall and Whitethroat recorded on the Black Isle (via BirdTrack)
Lochaber: Hoopoe seen in Corpach (per skye-birds.com). Cuckoo at Allt Fearn (via BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: three reeling Grasshopper Warblers at Leitir Fura, Kinloch with single Garden Warbler and eleven Blackcaps, plus at least two Tree Pipits. Grasshopper Warbler in Mallaig also. Whinchat in Drumfearn and Lower Milovaig (per skye-birds.com)
(24/3 to 20/4/20 - SIGHTINGS PAGE SUSPENSION PERIOD IN RESPONSE TO THE INITIAL PUBLIC HEALTH LOCKDOWN)
23rd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Wheatear near Newtonmore (Dave Pierce via Facebook)
Inverness: two Chiffchaffs on Ardersier common (Paul Sharman via Facebook)
22nd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Pintail on Loch Insh (Audrey Turner via Facebook)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Pale-belled Brent Goose amongst Pink-feet flock between Balblair and Gordon's Mill (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: two Jays near sub-station at Loch Buidhe, Lairg (Scott Wotherspoon). Lapland Bunting at Culkein (David Haines). Four adult Surf Scoters , two Snow Bunting (Dean Macaskill) plus Red-necked Grebe and three Great Northern Divers off Embo (Tim Meredith). Female Hen Harrier plus 82 Whooper Swans and 47 Velvet Scoters around Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill) - Dean identified three female Surf Scoters later in the day.
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Pintail on Loch Insh (Audrey Turner via Facebook)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Pale-belled Brent Goose amongst Pink-feet flock between Balblair and Gordon's Mill (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: two Jays near sub-station at Loch Buidhe, Lairg (Scott Wotherspoon). Lapland Bunting at Culkein (David Haines). Four adult Surf Scoters , two Snow Bunting (Dean Macaskill) plus Red-necked Grebe and three Great Northern Divers off Embo (Tim Meredith). Female Hen Harrier plus 82 Whooper Swans and 47 Velvet Scoters around Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill) - Dean identified three female Surf Scoters later in the day.
21st March
Sutherland: 5 Surf Scoters (2 ad males, 1 second CY male and 2 females) Embo (Scott Wotherspoon).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff just E of Hillockhead, near Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Adult and First-winter Iceland Gulls and 2 first-winter Glaucous Gulls Portree (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff Lower Milovaig (A Stables), first Wheatear Staffin (Kate Halliday). A Rook at Kildonan, Eigg was first on the island since 2014 (John Chester).
There are 2 male and 4 female Golden Pheasants in grounds of Greshornish Hotel, apparently.
Sutherland: 5 Surf Scoters (2 ad males, 1 second CY male and 2 females) Embo (Scott Wotherspoon).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff just E of Hillockhead, near Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Adult and First-winter Iceland Gulls and 2 first-winter Glaucous Gulls Portree (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff Lower Milovaig (A Stables), first Wheatear Staffin (Kate Halliday). A Rook at Kildonan, Eigg was first on the island since 2014 (John Chester).
There are 2 male and 4 female Golden Pheasants in grounds of Greshornish Hotel, apparently.
20th March
Sutherland: 3 Surf Scoters (2 males, 1 female) off Embo Caravan Site (Dean Macaskill).
Inverness: "plenty" Chiffchaffs" singing Craig Dunain (Phil Clark).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Osprey between Broomhill Bridge and Dulnain Bridge (Neil Stonehouse).
Skye & Lochalsh: possible 2nd winter American Herring Gull, 2 first-winter Iceland Gulls and first-winter Glaucous Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 2 Blackcaps at feeders Isleornsay (RC), male Yellowhammer Miller's Cottage, Eigg (J Chester), first Great Skua outer Loch Carron (M Bliss).
Sutherland: 3 Surf Scoters (2 males, 1 female) off Embo Caravan Site (Dean Macaskill).
Inverness: "plenty" Chiffchaffs" singing Craig Dunain (Phil Clark).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Osprey between Broomhill Bridge and Dulnain Bridge (Neil Stonehouse).
Skye & Lochalsh: possible 2nd winter American Herring Gull, 2 first-winter Iceland Gulls and first-winter Glaucous Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 2 Blackcaps at feeders Isleornsay (RC), male Yellowhammer Miller's Cottage, Eigg (J Chester), first Great Skua outer Loch Carron (M Bliss).
19th March
Sutherland: A White-billed Diver flew south at Brorar at 16.00 (Gavin Woodbridge), 3 Surf Scoters (2 males, 1 female) off Embo Caravan Site (Lynda Graham, Peter Stronach) - an aberrant Common Scoter with extensive yellow on its bill is also present there, Snow Bunting Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: 32 Waxwings in larches Milton of Leys Primary School (David Bain).
Badenoch & Strathspey: first reported Osprey near Boat of Garten (Neil Stonehouse).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable second winter American Herring Gull, 2 first-winter Glaucous Gulls, 4 Iceland Gulls (3 first-winter, 1 second-winter) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: A White-billed Diver flew south at Brorar at 16.00 (Gavin Woodbridge), 3 Surf Scoters (2 males, 1 female) off Embo Caravan Site (Lynda Graham, Peter Stronach) - an aberrant Common Scoter with extensive yellow on its bill is also present there, Snow Bunting Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: 32 Waxwings in larches Milton of Leys Primary School (David Bain).
Badenoch & Strathspey: first reported Osprey near Boat of Garten (Neil Stonehouse).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable second winter American Herring Gull, 2 first-winter Glaucous Gulls, 4 Iceland Gulls (3 first-winter, 1 second-winter) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
18th March
Sutherland: now a pair of Surf Scoters off Embo Caravan Site (Dean Macaskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 first-winter and a second-winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Also a female Silver Pheasant.
Also males of Golden Pheasant and Lady Amherst's Pheasant at Strathdearn today (if you're into that kind of thing)
Sutherland: now a pair of Surf Scoters off Embo Caravan Site (Dean Macaskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 first-winter and a second-winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Also a female Silver Pheasant.
Also males of Golden Pheasant and Lady Amherst's Pheasant at Strathdearn today (if you're into that kind of thing)
17th March
Sutherland: Drake Surf Scoter showing well by Embo Pier (Dean Macaskill), adult and 2 first-winter Little Gulls flew South past river mouth Brora (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Alan Macaskill), Kingfisher Whin Pond, Inverness (per BirdTrack), Blackcap Cradlehall (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Nuthatch Inchree (per BirdTrack).
Sutherland: Drake Surf Scoter showing well by Embo Pier (Dean Macaskill), adult and 2 first-winter Little Gulls flew South past river mouth Brora (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Alan Macaskill), Kingfisher Whin Pond, Inverness (per BirdTrack), Blackcap Cradlehall (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Nuthatch Inchree (per BirdTrack).
A Pink-footed Goose ringed in Iceland as an adult in 2017 was seen at Dornoch on 6th March. It spent its first winter in Norfolk but then spent summer 2018 in Lincolnshire. This is the first report since then.
16th March
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and adult Glaucous Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and adult Glaucous Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
15th March
Easter Ross: American Wigeon drake Loch Eye, from jetty by Loch Eye House (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Kingfisher and 2 Nuthatches Loch Killin (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: American Wigeon drake Loch Eye, from jetty by Loch Eye House (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Kingfisher and 2 Nuthatches Loch Killin (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
14th March
Easter Ross: single Sandwich Tern off Cromarty and Lesser Black-backed Gull (Kevin Davis). American Wigeon present again on Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe (in summer plumage) off Alturlie, Gadwall on Loch Flemington (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree along with the 'probable' 2nd winter American Herring Gull (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter again off the pier at Embo (George Gay)
13th March
Easter Ross: American Wigeon present again on Loch Eye. Two Barnacle Geese amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock near LIDL supermarket, Tain (Dean MacAskill)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck reported again at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
Easter Ross: American Wigeon present again on Loch Eye. Two Barnacle Geese amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock near LIDL supermarket, Tain (Dean MacAskill)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck reported again at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
12th March
Easter Ross: Pintail noted off Redcastle (Pru Ward via Facebook)
Sutherland: five Snow Buntings and a single Magpie at Dornoch Point. Drake Surf Scoter off the pier at Embo amongst c300 Common Scoter (Dean MacAskill), Velvet Scoter also reported by BirdTrack
Easter Ross: Pintail noted off Redcastle (Pru Ward via Facebook)
Sutherland: five Snow Buntings and a single Magpie at Dornoch Point. Drake Surf Scoter off the pier at Embo amongst c300 Common Scoter (Dean MacAskill), Velvet Scoter also reported by BirdTrack
11th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: six Kittiwakes on Loch Insh, 58 Golden Plover also (Dave Pierce via Facebook)
Sutherland: six Little Gulls noted past Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: six Kittiwakes on Loch Insh, 58 Golden Plover also (Dave Pierce via Facebook)
Sutherland: six Little Gulls noted past Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
10th March
Inverness: Kingfisher in Whin Park (via BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Portree again (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 100 Barnacle Geese at Keoldale, 16 Whooper Swans at Balnakeil (Gordon Birnie via Facebook)
Inverness: Kingfisher in Whin Park (via BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Portree again (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 100 Barnacle Geese at Keoldale, 16 Whooper Swans at Balnakeil (Gordon Birnie via Facebook)
9th March
Easter Ross: two Waxwings near Moor Farm, Tain (per BirdTrack)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck reported again at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), joined by a third bird by late morning (Bob McMillan). Four Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (per skye-birds.com)
First Osprey of the season sighted in Caithness airspace on the 6th and again today
Easter Ross: two Waxwings near Moor Farm, Tain (per BirdTrack)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck reported again at Strontian (per BirdTrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), joined by a third bird by late morning (Bob McMillan). Four Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (per skye-birds.com)
First Osprey of the season sighted in Caithness airspace on the 6th and again today
8th March
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay, plus pair of Canada Geese at Jemimaville (Jack Harrison)
Lochaber: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Caol spit (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree in the morning with a different example - with a 2nd winter bird - in the afternoon. Probable 2nd winter American Herring Gull was again showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull at Polin beach, Kinlochbervie (Gordon Birnie via Facebook)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay, plus pair of Canada Geese at Jemimaville (Jack Harrison)
Lochaber: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Caol spit (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree in the morning with a different example - with a 2nd winter bird - in the afternoon. Probable 2nd winter American Herring Gull was again showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull at Polin beach, Kinlochbervie (Gordon Birnie via Facebook)
7th March
Easter Ross: five Waxwings in Edderton (Russell Wood via Facebook)
Inverness: 'possible' Grey-bellied Brant near Castle Stuart amongst Pink-footed Geese (per BirdTrack)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull Helmsdale (George Gay).
Easter Ross: five Waxwings in Edderton (Russell Wood via Facebook)
Inverness: 'possible' Grey-bellied Brant near Castle Stuart amongst Pink-footed Geese (per BirdTrack)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull Helmsdale (George Gay).
6th March
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose with Pink-footed Geese in field below school, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 43 Slavonian Grebes Embo (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose 1.5 miles NE of Culloden, also Grey-bellied Brent Goose (per BirdGuides), Kingfisher Muirton Locks (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Chracaigh and second winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose with Pink-footed Geese in field below school, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 43 Slavonian Grebes Embo (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose 1.5 miles NE of Culloden, also Grey-bellied Brent Goose (per BirdGuides), Kingfisher Muirton Locks (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Chracaigh and second winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
5th March
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter off Caravan Park, Embo (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Udale Bay - very early (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: possible adult Grey-bellied Brent near Culloden at NH752501 (per RBA), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls Portree (N Hinchliffe). juvenile Glaucous Gull Arisaid (R Dyer), juvenile Loch Eil, Duisky (Bob McMillan), pair of Nuthatches nr Arisaig (Bob McMillan), male Mandarin Morar River (per Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter off Caravan Park, Embo (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel Udale Bay - very early (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: possible adult Grey-bellied Brent near Culloden at NH752501 (per RBA), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls Portree (N Hinchliffe). juvenile Glaucous Gull Arisaid (R Dyer), juvenile Loch Eil, Duisky (Bob McMillan), pair of Nuthatches nr Arisaig (Bob McMillan), male Mandarin Morar River (per Bob McMillan).
4th March
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, probably 2CY, W over Avoch (Alister Clunas).
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, probably 2CY, W over Avoch (Alister Clunas).
3rd March
Sutherland: Snow Bunting on beach just past stream, Coul Links (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: ca 10 Waxwings Boat of Garten, at first house on left entering village over R Spey (John Poyner).
Inverness: single Kingfishers at Merkinch LNR and Whin Park, Inverness (David and Judith Edge).
2nd March
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter with Common Scoters and 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Coul Links (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck "from garage" early afternoon then flew off, Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 51 pale-bellied Brent Geese plus male Blackcap nearby, Rosemarkie (Kevin Davies).
Lochaber: Water Pipit at Caol VP, Fort William (per BirdTrack).
1st March
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter at mouth of L Fleet, Coul Links though distant (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Grant Kay).
Skye & Lochalsh: second winter Glaucous Gull Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Glaucous Gull Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (R Dyer), first winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter at mouth of L Fleet, Coul Links though distant (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Grant Kay).
Skye & Lochalsh: second winter Glaucous Gull Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Glaucous Gull Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (R Dyer), first winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
29th February
Easter Ross: 28 Red-throated Divers, 76 Common Scoters, 22 Long-tailed Duck plus single Purple Sandpiper at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Little Auk and Great Northern Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Sutherland: Velvet Scoter at Embo - no sign of Surf Scoter but the large scoter raft has moved north, off Coul Links (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 28 Red-throated Divers, 76 Common Scoters, 22 Long-tailed Duck plus single Purple Sandpiper at Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Little Auk and Great Northern Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Sutherland: Velvet Scoter at Embo - no sign of Surf Scoter but the large scoter raft has moved north, off Coul Links (Dean MacAskill)
28th February
Inverness: four Slavonian Grebes and 65 Black-tailed Godwits at Bunchrew (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter off Embo, amongst Common Scoter (Dean Macskill)
Inverness: four Slavonian Grebes and 65 Black-tailed Godwits at Bunchrew (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter off Embo, amongst Common Scoter (Dean Macskill)
27th February
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans just south of Moy Bridge, Marybank (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Iceland Gulls, single Glaucous Gull and 4cy Viking Gull at Portree (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult and one 1st winter) at Brora; two Brent Geese and 26 Purple Sandpipers at Embo (Al McNee), while Dornoch Bay held some 3,500 Common Scoters, two Velvet Scoters and some 800 Eiders (Al McNee/John Carruthers)
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans just south of Moy Bridge, Marybank (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Iceland Gulls, single Glaucous Gull and 4cy Viking Gull at Portree (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult and one 1st winter) at Brora; two Brent Geese and 26 Purple Sandpipers at Embo (Al McNee), while Dornoch Bay held some 3,500 Common Scoters, two Velvet Scoters and some 800 Eiders (Al McNee/John Carruthers)
26th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Long-tailed Duck still present on Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck and Slavonian Grebe at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown Pools, Grey Wagtail on territory in Merkinch LNR (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: the 2nd winter American Herring Gull again showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 23 Purple Sandpipers and 30 Sanderling at Brora river mouth (Allan Lawrence via Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Long-tailed Duck still present on Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck and Slavonian Grebe at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown Pools, Grey Wagtail on territory in Merkinch LNR (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: the 2nd winter American Herring Gull again showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 23 Purple Sandpipers and 30 Sanderling at Brora river mouth (Allan Lawrence via Facebook)
25th February
Sutherland: Slavonian Grebe on Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Sutherland: Slavonian Grebe on Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
24th February
Sutherland: Little Gull off river mouth, Brora (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: juvenile Glaucous Gull Marybank (per BirdGuides), 2 Barnacle Geese with 500 Pink-footed Geese opposite Wilkhaven Farm House, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: early Puffin Castle Tioram (per BirdTrack).
Sutherland: Little Gull off river mouth, Brora (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: juvenile Glaucous Gull Marybank (per BirdGuides), 2 Barnacle Geese with 500 Pink-footed Geese opposite Wilkhaven Farm House, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: early Puffin Castle Tioram (per BirdTrack).
23rd February
Inverness: Little Egret at Borlum Farm, Fort Augustus (per Kenny Hay)
Skye & Lochalsh: the 2nd winter American Herring Gull showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (moving to Bayfield by afternoon) along with a 1st winter Iceland Gull and 4th winter Viking Gull, with a confirmed second 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield (Neil Bennett). Tree Sparrow at Lower Milovaig (per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Little Egret at Borlum Farm, Fort Augustus (per Kenny Hay)
Skye & Lochalsh: the 2nd winter American Herring Gull showing on the River Chracaig, Portree (moving to Bayfield by afternoon) along with a 1st winter Iceland Gull and 4th winter Viking Gull, with a confirmed second 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield (Neil Bennett). Tree Sparrow at Lower Milovaig (per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: male American Black Duck (per BirdGuides).
22nd February
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls off rivermouth, Brora (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous Gull and second-winter Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck (Lynette Clark) and Green-winged Teal (John Poyner) Udale Bay.
Inverness: Snow Goose Arabella (George Gay).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (N Bennett).
Lochaber: Black Duck by stream Kilcamb Lodge (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls off rivermouth, Brora (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous Gull and second-winter Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck (Lynette Clark) and Green-winged Teal (John Poyner) Udale Bay.
Inverness: Snow Goose Arabella (George Gay).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (N Bennett).
Lochaber: Black Duck by stream Kilcamb Lodge (per BirdGuides).
21st February
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls off rivermouth, Brora (also Minke Whale swam northwards) (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck off hide, Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 13 Twite at Nigg (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls off rivermouth, Brora (also Minke Whale swam northwards) (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck off hide, Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 13 Twite at Nigg (Blair Whyte).
20th February
Easter Ross: Blue morph Snow Goose with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Arabella (NH804753) (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Pink-footed Geese Balloch (NH741480) (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings near Tulloch (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Lower Milovaig (per BirdTrack), Water Rail Elgol (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Black Duck at rivermouth Strontian (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: Blue morph Snow Goose with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Arabella (NH804753) (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Pink-footed Geese Balloch (NH741480) (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings near Tulloch (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Lower Milovaig (per BirdTrack), Water Rail Elgol (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: Black Duck at rivermouth Strontian (per Birdguides).
19th February
Sutherland: juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Simon Levene). 120 Snow Buntings at Dornoch, two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Embo, single Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock at Golspie, three Greenshank and a Peregrine at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Marybank (per BirdGuides), an adult White-tailed Eagle flew south over Tain Bay (Bob Swann).
Sutherland: juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Simon Levene). 120 Snow Buntings at Dornoch, two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Embo, single Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock at Golspie, three Greenshank and a Peregrine at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Marybank (per BirdGuides), an adult White-tailed Eagle flew south over Tain Bay (Bob Swann).
18th February
Lochaber: a Leach's Petrel flying around a fish farm at Lochailort (Stu Crutchfield).
Lochaber: a Leach's Petrel flying around a fish farm at Lochailort (Stu Crutchfield).
17th February
Easter Ross: Kingfisher at Arabella (around grid NH808753 - Simon Levene)
Sutherland: Little Gull off Brora River mouth (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Short-eared Owl Inverness Airport (Duncan Macdonald).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow -legged Gull and second-winter Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: Kingfisher Cliff and River Shiel (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher at Arabella (around grid NH808753 - Simon Levene)
Sutherland: Little Gull off Brora River mouth (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Helmsdale (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Short-eared Owl Inverness Airport (Duncan Macdonald).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow -legged Gull and second-winter Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (per BirdGuides).
Lochaber: Kingfisher Cliff and River Shiel (per BirdGuides).
16th February
Skye & Lochalsh: a juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree in morning, later a 2nd winter there (per Skye Birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: a juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree in morning, later a 2nd winter there (per Skye Birds).
15th February
Easter Ross: single Waxwings - one along school path at Hilton of Cadboll (Judith Levene), the other in Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith). Unconfirmed report of 2 Great White Egrets in ditch at Shadwick Mains, near RSPB NIgg Bay hide, at NH797751 but no subsequent reports.
Sutherland: 60 Twite and 120 Snow Buntings still around Dornoch Point. Five Little Gulls seen southbound past Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Waxwings - one along school path at Hilton of Cadboll (Judith Levene), the other in Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith). Unconfirmed report of 2 Great White Egrets in ditch at Shadwick Mains, near RSPB NIgg Bay hide, at NH797751 but no subsequent reports.
Sutherland: 60 Twite and 120 Snow Buntings still around Dornoch Point. Five Little Gulls seen southbound past Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
14th February
Easter Ross: unconfirmed reports of two Great Egrets at Nigg Bay, seen from road between RSPB hide and Arabella, with single bird also seen to the north near Shandwick Mains (via John Poyner)
Inverness: Seven Waxwings around Barn Church Road/Moray Park Avenue, Culloden (Howard Loates), others seen at Barn Church Road/Tower Road junction (Mary Galloway)
Easter Ross: unconfirmed reports of two Great Egrets at Nigg Bay, seen from road between RSPB hide and Arabella, with single bird also seen to the north near Shandwick Mains (via John Poyner)
Inverness: Seven Waxwings around Barn Church Road/Moray Park Avenue, Culloden (Howard Loates), others seen at Barn Church Road/Tower Road junction (Mary Galloway)
13th February
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay (Lynda Graham). Two Pintail off Redcastle (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: c30 Waxwings around Barn Church Road/Moray Park Avenue, Culloden (Howard Loates)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay (Lynda Graham). Two Pintail off Redcastle (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: c30 Waxwings around Barn Church Road/Moray Park Avenue, Culloden (Howard Loates)
12th February
Skye & Lochalsh: blue phase Fulmar seen from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Steve Duffield via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: four Little Gulls present around the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: blue phase Fulmar seen from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Steve Duffield via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: four Little Gulls present around the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
11th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male Brambling and at least one Lesser Redpoll visiting feeders in an Aviemore garden (Audrey Turner)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver off Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: the putative 2nd winter American Herring Gull showed again at Bayfield, Portree in the afternoon (Bob McMillan et al). Five Barnacle Geese at Kilmaluag plus 43 others on Staffin Island (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Little Gulls still present around the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male Brambling and at least one Lesser Redpoll visiting feeders in an Aviemore garden (Audrey Turner)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver off Tarbart Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: the putative 2nd winter American Herring Gull showed again at Bayfield, Portree in the afternoon (Bob McMillan et al). Five Barnacle Geese at Kilmaluag plus 43 others on Staffin Island (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: two Little Gulls still present around the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
10th February
Easter Ross: 155 Dunlin, 15 Twite, 12 Turnstone plus singletons of Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit and Knot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Waxwing flock still present Tower Road/Culloden Road junction (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: white goose of unknown sp. reported with Greylags on Loch Treaslane (via Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: 155 Dunlin, 15 Twite, 12 Turnstone plus singletons of Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit and Knot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Waxwing flock still present Tower Road/Culloden Road junction (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: white goose of unknown sp. reported with Greylags on Loch Treaslane (via Bob McMillan)
9th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 190 Lapwings at Duthil (Roy Dennis)
Easter Ross: 125 Whooper Swans and two Shelduck in Drumancroy Bay (Dave Tanner). Six Pochard at Loch Eye (Simon Levene)
Inverness: 90 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Twite and Skylarks displaying at Lentran (Thomas Plant). Waxwings now number 53 on Tower Road (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: first winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree along with the putative American Herring Gull (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: two Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth, with a White-tailed Eagle in off the sea (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 190 Lapwings at Duthil (Roy Dennis)
Easter Ross: 125 Whooper Swans and two Shelduck in Drumancroy Bay (Dave Tanner). Six Pochard at Loch Eye (Simon Levene)
Inverness: 90 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Twite and Skylarks displaying at Lentran (Thomas Plant). Waxwings now number 53 on Tower Road (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: first winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree along with the putative American Herring Gull (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: two Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth, with a White-tailed Eagle in off the sea (Dean MacAskill)
8th February
Inverness: circa 35 Waxwings still present around Tower Road/Culloden Road junction through the day (Lynda Graham)
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) plus another on Loch Scresort, Rum (per skye-birds.com)
Inverness: circa 35 Waxwings still present around Tower Road/Culloden Road junction through the day (Lynda Graham)
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) plus another on Loch Scresort, Rum (per skye-birds.com)
7th February
Inverness: 38 Waxwings Tower Road, Inverness (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: an extremely early report of a Swallow over hills in Lochaber (per Paul Rowan).
Inverness: 38 Waxwings Tower Road, Inverness (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: an extremely early report of a Swallow over hills in Lochaber (per Paul Rowan).
6th February
Sutherland: Nuthatch 100m N of large walkers' car park at Corriehallie (Al McNee). Meadow Pipits back on breeding territory in the upper levels of the Alladale estate (Roy Dennis)
Inverness: 23 Waxwings top of Tower Road, Inverness (Colin Leslie), later 50 there (Simeon Ewing). 3 Brent Geese, 20 Snow Buntings and Grey Plover Whiteness Point (Craig Johnstone).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Long-tailed Duck Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 (1st W and 2nd W) Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (Bob McMillan).
5th February
Sutherland: 106 Snow Buntings on beach at Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: second calendar year Iceland Gull Chracaig River, Portree but no sign of putative American Herring Gull (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 106 Snow Buntings on beach at Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: second calendar year Iceland Gull Chracaig River, Portree but no sign of putative American Herring Gull (Bob McMillan).
4th February
Inverness: probable pale 1st winter Glaucous Gull between Fort George and Ardersier this evening (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: the third calendar year gull at Portree was present again. It is thought to be an American Herring Gull but RBA reports it as a Viking Gull (hybrid Herring x Glaucous). For photographs see http://www.skye-birds.com/gallery/skye-birds
Inverness: probable pale 1st winter Glaucous Gull between Fort George and Ardersier this evening (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: the third calendar year gull at Portree was present again. It is thought to be an American Herring Gull but RBA reports it as a Viking Gull (hybrid Herring x Glaucous). For photographs see http://www.skye-birds.com/gallery/skye-birds
3rd February
Sutherland: 7 (5 ads, 2 first-winters) Little Gulls flew south Brora (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: possible third calendar year American Herring Gull again at Chracaig River, Portree in afternoon (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 7 (5 ads, 2 first-winters) Little Gulls flew south Brora (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: possible third calendar year American Herring Gull again at Chracaig River, Portree in afternoon (Neil Bennett).
2nd February
Sutherland: First winter Iceland Gull on broken sea wall Helmsdale Harbour (Dave Tanner), 4000 Common Scoters, 1000 Long-tailed Ducks, 800 Eiders, 100 Scaups, 14 Velvet Scoters distantly from Dornoch Beach car park (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 11 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 26 Shovelers Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill), Greenshank Munlochy (Kevin Davis), 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie Burn (Kenny,Jenny).
Inverness: 38 Snow Buntings, Pintail and Peregrine Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie), female Blackcap Westhill garden (Simeon Ewing). 37 pale-bellied Brent Geese Fort George (David Shaw).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Lochan Mor area (Kate Mennie).
Skye & Lochalsh: possible third calendar year American Herring Gull Chracaig River, Portree, flew to outer loch (Bob McMillan), 3 Iceland Gulls there (Neil Bennett).
1st February
Easter Ross: single drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Iceland Gulls in Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Yellow-legged Gull still present at Loch Pooteil (Andy Stables)
Easter Ross: single drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Iceland Gulls in Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Yellow-legged Gull still present at Loch Pooteil (Andy Stables)
31st January
Inverness: 157 Scaup off Seafield (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Viking Gull (Glaucous/Herring hybrid sp.) at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Inverness: 157 Scaup off Seafield (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Viking Gull (Glaucous/Herring hybrid sp.) at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
30th January
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck in Udale Bay (Blair Whyte). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis). 40 Pale-bellied Brent Geese around the burn mouth in Rosemarkie (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: four different Iceland Gulls confirmed in the Portree area. A second winter Herring Gull sp. sighting is also being investigated as features appear akin to American Herring Gull (Neil Bennett via Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck in Udale Bay (Blair Whyte). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis). 40 Pale-bellied Brent Geese around the burn mouth in Rosemarkie (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: four different Iceland Gulls confirmed in the Portree area. A second winter Herring Gull sp. sighting is also being investigated as features appear akin to American Herring Gull (Neil Bennett via Bob McMillan)
29th January
Easter Ross: two drake Velvet Scoter flew past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 33 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 2CY Iceland Gulls at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Easter Ross: two drake Velvet Scoter flew past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 33 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 2CY Iceland Gulls at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
28th January
Lochaber: 20 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig harbour (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 40 Snow Buntings at Dornoch point (Martin Bennett). Iceland Gull (2CY) in Helmsdale harbour (Alister Clunas). Nine Slavonian Grebes off Golspie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: 20 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig harbour (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 40 Snow Buntings at Dornoch point (Martin Bennett). Iceland Gull (2CY) in Helmsdale harbour (Alister Clunas). Nine Slavonian Grebes off Golspie (Blair Whyte)
27th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe at Drumguish, also 177 Pink-footed Geese at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull again at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables), first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Portree - a different bird (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe at Drumguish, also 177 Pink-footed Geese at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull again at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables), first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Portree - a different bird (Neil Bennett).
26th January
Easter Ross: Long-eared Owl on minor road between Redcastle and Charleston (NH5949 locality - Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: 80+ Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point with single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock nearby; two White-tailed Eagles over the Dornoch Firth; three Greenshanks at Loch Fleet; two Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Single Pink-footed Goose amongst Greylag flock at Strathcarron (Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Long-eared Owl on minor road between Redcastle and Charleston (NH5949 locality - Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: 80+ Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point with single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock nearby; two White-tailed Eagles over the Dornoch Firth; three Greenshanks at Loch Fleet; two Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Single Pink-footed Goose amongst Greylag flock at Strathcarron (Bob McMillan)
25th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Merlin and 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese Lochindorb (per Sue Sykes).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Merlin and 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese Lochindorb (per Sue Sykes).
24th January
Sutherland: Nuthatch Corriehallie (Andy Williams) - still a rare bird in Highland, all records wanted.
Inverness: Kingfisher Whin Park (per BirdTrack).
Sutherland: Nuthatch Corriehallie (Andy Williams) - still a rare bird in Highland, all records wanted.
Inverness: Kingfisher Whin Park (per BirdTrack).
23rd January
Skye & Lochalsh: second calendar year Iceland Gull again at Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan).
22nd January
Sutherland: 167 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a ringtail Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Steve Broyd). 9 Brent Geese Rosemarie (Mary Galloway).
Inverness: 2 Grey Plovers and 6 Magpies Whiteness Bay (Jon Clarke).
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese Staffin Bay (Neil Bennett), single Magpies at Kilvaxter and Ellishadder (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 167 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a ringtail Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Steve Broyd). 9 Brent Geese Rosemarie (Mary Galloway).
Inverness: 2 Grey Plovers and 6 Magpies Whiteness Bay (Jon Clarke).
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese Staffin Bay (Neil Bennett), single Magpies at Kilvaxter and Ellishadder (Neil Bennett).
21st January
Inverness: 10 Waxwings Cawdor Drive, Inverness (Phil Clark).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull feeding on pheasant at The Lookout, Insh Marshes (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: second calendar year Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan).
Inverness: 10 Waxwings Cawdor Drive, Inverness (Phil Clark).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull feeding on pheasant at The Lookout, Insh Marshes (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: second calendar year Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan).
20th January
Sutherland: 2 adult Little Gulls & adult Iceland Gull flew S off Brora River (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls in Harbour, Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Basin (per BirdTrack).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Insh Marshes (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap in an Aviemore garden (Audrey Turner).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull Talisker (J Cook), probable Iceland Gull flew past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Sutherland: 2 adult Little Gulls & adult Iceland Gull flew S off Brora River (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls in Harbour, Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Basin (per BirdTrack).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Insh Marshes (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap in an Aviemore garden (Audrey Turner).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull Talisker (J Cook), probable Iceland Gull flew past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
19th January
Sutherland: 130 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point but no sign of Water Pipit or Shore Lark (Al McNee).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff (probably abietinus) in garden Portmahomack for third winter (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull at The Lookout, Insh Marshes, also Waxwing flew over (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull 2nd calendar year Loch Portree (NB), Glaucous Gull 2nd calendar year feeding on dead sheep Luib Score, Duntulm (NH), Glaucous Gull, no age given, Loch Brittle (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: 130 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point but no sign of Water Pipit or Shore Lark (Al McNee).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff (probably abietinus) in garden Portmahomack for third winter (Dave Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: juvenile Glaucous Gull at The Lookout, Insh Marshes, also Waxwing flew over (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull 2nd calendar year Loch Portree (NB), Glaucous Gull 2nd calendar year feeding on dead sheep Luib Score, Duntulm (NH), Glaucous Gull, no age given, Loch Brittle (per BirdGuides).
18th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Glaucous Gull at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce), Glaucous Gull Loch Garten (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 45 Whooper Swans North Tarrel, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: two Little Auks and two Long-tailed Ducks west of An Caol island, Caol (Tony Laidler)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Glaucous Gull at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce), Glaucous Gull Loch Garten (per Birdguides).
Easter Ross: 45 Whooper Swans North Tarrel, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: two Little Auks and two Long-tailed Ducks west of An Caol island, Caol (Tony Laidler)
17th January
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull off Lub Score, Duntuilm (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull off Lub Score, Duntuilm (Bob McMillan)
16th January
Inverness: single Slavonian Grebe off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Iceland Gulls at the head of Loch Portree and Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Inverness: single Slavonian Grebe off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Iceland Gulls at the head of Loch Portree and Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
15th January
Inverness: Greeland White-fronted Goose and four Barnacle Geese amongst Pink-footed Goose flock adjacent to the B9006 at Ardersier (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: six Little Gulls (mix of ages) at Brora river mouth (Dave Tanner)
14th January
Easter Ross: five Twite in Balintore harbour plus c30 near the hide at Nigg Bay (Simon Levene)
Inverness: c25 Waxwings in the cemetery on Chapel Street (Al McNee), with a singleton sighted on Caulfield Road (Blair Whyte). Brambling sighted amongst mixed finch flock around beech trees in Daviot at A9/B851 junction (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: five Twite in Balintore harbour plus c30 near the hide at Nigg Bay (Simon Levene)
Inverness: c25 Waxwings in the cemetery on Chapel Street (Al McNee), with a singleton sighted on Caulfield Road (Blair Whyte). Brambling sighted amongst mixed finch flock around beech trees in Daviot at A9/B851 junction (Sue Sykes)
13th January
Inverness: 28 Waxwings in the cemetery on Chapel Street (Thomas Plant via Facebook).
Sutherland: notable seabird movement in the stormy conditions off Embo, with single Great Skua amongst Kittiwakes and Fulmars (Dean MacAskill). At least 13 Little Gulls (9 adults/4 immature) around Brora river mouth (Al McNee)
Inverness: 28 Waxwings in the cemetery on Chapel Street (Thomas Plant via Facebook).
Sutherland: notable seabird movement in the stormy conditions off Embo, with single Great Skua amongst Kittiwakes and Fulmars (Dean MacAskill). At least 13 Little Gulls (9 adults/4 immature) around Brora river mouth (Al McNee)
12th January
Easter Ross: 135 Whooper Swans, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and 65 Knot at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner via Facebook)
Inverness: 25 Waxwings on Muirtown Street (Thomas Plant via Facebook). Male and female Blackcaps in a Cradlehall garden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull still at Bayfield, Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: report of Ring-necked Duck on Loch Loyal (via Andrea Goddard)
Easter Ross: 135 Whooper Swans, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and 65 Knot at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner via Facebook)
Inverness: 25 Waxwings on Muirtown Street (Thomas Plant via Facebook). Male and female Blackcaps in a Cradlehall garden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull still at Bayfield, Portree (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: report of Ring-necked Duck on Loch Loyal (via Andrea Goddard)
11th January
Sutherland: Water Pipit, male Hen Harrier and 60 Snow Buntings (Thomas Plant) also Shore Lark (per BirdGuides), adult + 1st winter Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill). Possible Ross's Gull sighting at Balnakeil Bay (Chris Spray via John Poyner) - more information required.
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Portree (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Water Pipit, male Hen Harrier and 60 Snow Buntings (Thomas Plant) also Shore Lark (per BirdGuides), adult + 1st winter Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill). Possible Ross's Gull sighting at Balnakeil Bay (Chris Spray via John Poyner) - more information required.
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Portree (Bob McMillan).
10th January
Sutherland: 2 adult Little Gulls off river mouth, Brora (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose with Pink-footed Geese just north of Gordon's Mill/Kirkmichael (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: 76 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (per BirdTrack) - one of the very few regular flocks in our area.
9th January
Sutherland: Shore Lark east side beach, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), Ring-necked Duck Loch Ospidale, Skibo Castle (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull near rivermouth, Ardmair (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Hide (Dave Tanner), 4 Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese Poyntzfield, west of Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Waxwing by B9006 at national speed limit Westhill, Inverness (Kate)
Skye & Lochalsh: Glaucous Gull (no age given) Duntulm, Skye (per Birdguides).
See late report of Green-winged Teal Udale Bay 3rd January.
Sutherland: Shore Lark east side beach, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), Ring-necked Duck Loch Ospidale, Skibo Castle (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull near rivermouth, Ardmair (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Hide (Dave Tanner), 4 Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese Poyntzfield, west of Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Waxwing by B9006 at national speed limit Westhill, Inverness (Kate)
Skye & Lochalsh: Glaucous Gull (no age given) Duntulm, Skye (per Birdguides).
See late report of Green-winged Teal Udale Bay 3rd January.
8th January
Inverness: Lesser Snow Goose (blue morph) and 2CY Greenland White-fronted Goose by A96 near Blackcastle at NH825539 - just in Highland Recording area (Craig Johnstone and Pete Gordon).
Inverness: Lesser Snow Goose (blue morph) and 2CY Greenland White-fronted Goose by A96 near Blackcastle at NH825539 - just in Highland Recording area (Craig Johnstone and Pete Gordon).
7th January
Inverness: Snow Goose (blue morph) and Greenland White-fronted Goose by A96 near Blackcastle at NH825542 (George Gay), Great Crested Grebe off Alturlie Sewage Works (Colin Leslie).
A moribund 25-tonne Sperm Whale was beached at Ardersier and died.
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon Insh Marshes, viewed from The Lookout (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Snow Goose (blue morph) and Greenland White-fronted Goose by A96 near Blackcastle at NH825542 (George Gay), Great Crested Grebe off Alturlie Sewage Works (Colin Leslie).
A moribund 25-tonne Sperm Whale was beached at Ardersier and died.
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon Insh Marshes, viewed from The Lookout (per BirdGuides).
6th January
Sutherland: Shore Lark, Water Pipit, 30 Twite, 70 Snow Buntings on beach at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Sutherland: Shore Lark, Water Pipit, 30 Twite, 70 Snow Buntings on beach at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
5th January
Sutherland: Shore Lark on west side weed bank at Dornoch Point (Bob Swann).
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Pinkfeet by A96 opposite Highland Camper Vans (Mel Greenhalgh).
This bird in this sighting has subsequently been re-identified by Killian Mullarney, from photographs, as a Light-bellied Brent Goose.
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull briefly Portree Harbour (Neil Bennett), adult Yellow-legged Gull Lower Milovaig (AS).
4th January
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still present on Loch Eye (Bob Swann). At Tain Links, around 70 Pintail and 45 Black-tailed Godwit (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: male Blackcap in a Cradlehall garden (Blair Whyte). Three Whooper Swans on the lochan next to A96 at Culblair, opposite Dalcross Airport (Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: 19 Bar-tailed Godwits at Broadford Bay, with 16 at Loch Portree. Three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort, with in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Water Pipit still on west side of Dornoch point, with around 120 Snow Bunting also (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still present on Loch Eye (Bob Swann). At Tain Links, around 70 Pintail and 45 Black-tailed Godwit (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: male Blackcap in a Cradlehall garden (Blair Whyte). Three Whooper Swans on the lochan next to A96 at Culblair, opposite Dalcross Airport (Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: 19 Bar-tailed Godwits at Broadford Bay, with 16 at Loch Portree. Three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort, with in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Water Pipit still on west side of Dornoch point, with around 120 Snow Bunting also (Dean MacAskill)
3rd January
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Udale Bay (per Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Udale Bay (per Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS).
2nd January
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (per Birdguides), also Canada Goose there.
1st January
Sutherland: Water Pipit Dornoch Point (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: two Waxwings near Hilton of Cadboll school (Judith Levene)
Skye & Localsh: Shoveler pair at Glas Eilean, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Water Pipit Dornoch Point (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: two Waxwings near Hilton of Cadboll school (Judith Levene)
Skye & Localsh: Shoveler pair at Glas Eilean, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
2019
31st December
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose seen with Pink-footed Goose flock east of Dalcross Airport alongside Old Military Road between Ardersier and A96 at lunchtime (I Broadbent/ J Nadin et al via Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Slavonian Grebes in Broadford bay (per skye-birds.com)
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose seen with Pink-footed Goose flock east of Dalcross Airport alongside Old Military Road between Ardersier and A96 at lunchtime (I Broadbent/ J Nadin et al via Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Slavonian Grebes in Broadford bay (per skye-birds.com)
30th December
Badenoch and Strathspey: no sign of American Wigeon on Loch Insh, however two Long-tailed Ducks and single drake Shoveler present (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: two Whooper Swans on the lochan next to A96 at Culblair, opposite Dalcross Airport (Mike Crutch)
Skye & Localsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay, with a single Knot. Small numbers of Whooper Swans on Loch Shiel, Loch Meodal and at Inverinate (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch and Strathspey: no sign of American Wigeon on Loch Insh, however two Long-tailed Ducks and single drake Shoveler present (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: two Whooper Swans on the lochan next to A96 at Culblair, opposite Dalcross Airport (Mike Crutch)
Skye & Localsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay, with a single Knot. Small numbers of Whooper Swans on Loch Shiel, Loch Meodal and at Inverinate (per skye-birds.com)
29th December
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon on Loch Insh (Audrey Turner)
Inverness: possible Grey-bellied Brant (a bird has been recently recorded at Nairn, with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose also) with four Barnacle Geese and around 2,000 Pink-footed Geese near Castle Stuart Links (Tim Stowe). 150 plus Scaup at Alturlie, 11 Pintail nearby at Seafield (Dave Pierce)
Sutherland: Shore Lark at Dornoch (John Carruthers), plus Water Pipit at Dornoch Point, plus drake Ring-necked Duck still at western end of Loch Evelix with Tufted Ducks (Al McNee) plus single Jack Snipe flushed loch-side (Blair Whyte). Two adult Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon on Loch Insh (Audrey Turner)
Inverness: possible Grey-bellied Brant (a bird has been recently recorded at Nairn, with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose also) with four Barnacle Geese and around 2,000 Pink-footed Geese near Castle Stuart Links (Tim Stowe). 150 plus Scaup at Alturlie, 11 Pintail nearby at Seafield (Dave Pierce)
Sutherland: Shore Lark at Dornoch (John Carruthers), plus Water Pipit at Dornoch Point, plus drake Ring-necked Duck still at western end of Loch Evelix with Tufted Ducks (Al McNee) plus single Jack Snipe flushed loch-side (Blair Whyte). Two adult Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
28th December
Sutherland: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks from causeway, Loch Evelix (Bob Wilson), Shore Lark and 25 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Alastair Matthewson), also Water Pipit there (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 2 Grey Plovers and 3 Shovelers Nigg Hide (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose opposite Castle Stuart Links (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon Loch Insh (per BirdGuides).
Sutherland: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks from causeway, Loch Evelix (Bob Wilson), Shore Lark and 25 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Alastair Matthewson), also Water Pipit there (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 2 Grey Plovers and 3 Shovelers Nigg Hide (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose opposite Castle Stuart Links (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: drake American Wigeon Loch Insh (per BirdGuides).
27th December
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose opposite Castle Stuart Links (per BirdGuides), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR Inner basin, then Muirton Basin (Alastair Matthewson).
Skye and Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose opposite Castle Stuart Links (per BirdGuides), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR Inner basin, then Muirton Basin (Alastair Matthewson).
Skye and Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
26th December
Sutherland: Shore Lark, Water Pipit and 25 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Scott Wotherspoon), first-winter Glaucous Gull, adult Iceland Gull, Great Skua and 4 Little Gulls Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch and Strathspey: male American Wigeon Loch Insh, SW end seen from railway (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: Shore Lark, Water Pipit and 25 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Scott Wotherspoon), first-winter Glaucous Gull, adult Iceland Gull, Great Skua and 4 Little Gulls Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch and Strathspey: male American Wigeon Loch Insh, SW end seen from railway (Dave Pierce).
25th December
Easter Ross: Waxwing Obsdale Road, Alness (Ian Herd).
Skye & Lochalsh: Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS).
24th December
Sutherland: Ring-necked Duck, probably first-winter, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Waxwing at 60 Obsdale Road, Alness (Ian Herd), Great Skua Tarbat Ness. flew into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner).
Sutherland: Ring-necked Duck, probably first-winter, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Waxwing at 60 Obsdale Road, Alness (Ian Herd), Great Skua Tarbat Ness. flew into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner).
23rd December
No noteworthy reports.
No noteworthy reports.
22nd December
Easter Ross: Female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: Female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Tim Meredith).
Skye & Lochalsh: First winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
21st December
Sutherland: Shore Lark still showing at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still showing at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
20th December
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still showing on Loch Eye, plus ten Pochard (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Water Rail heard amongst reeds on a small pond on the Carse of Ardersier (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: 201 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale, 23 Great Northern Divers off Laide with five more along with six Black-throated Divers at Little Gruinard (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still showing on Loch Eye, plus ten Pochard (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Water Rail heard amongst reeds on a small pond on the Carse of Ardersier (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: 201 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale, 23 Great Northern Divers off Laide with five more along with six Black-throated Divers at Little Gruinard (Andy Williams)
19th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker heard in Anagach woods, Grantown-on-Spey (via Facebook)
Easter Ross: probable Siberian Chiffchaff near allotments in Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker heard in Anagach woods, Grantown-on-Spey (via Facebook)
Easter Ross: probable Siberian Chiffchaff near allotments in Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
18th December
Skye & Localsh: first winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree, with an adult bird at the head of Loch Portree (Neill Bennett)
Skye & Localsh: first winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree, with an adult bird at the head of Loch Portree (Neill Bennett)
17th December
Skye & Localsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Broadford Bay (Neill Bennett)
Sutherland: Water Pipit x 2 and Shore Lark, amongst Rock and Meadow Pipits plus 32 Snow Bunting, feeding in tideline at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Broadford Bay (Neill Bennett)
Sutherland: Water Pipit x 2 and Shore Lark, amongst Rock and Meadow Pipits plus 32 Snow Bunting, feeding in tideline at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
16th December
Inverness: no sign of the Cackling Goose ssp. today near Balloch, though Grey-bellied Brent Goose plus three Barnacle Geese still present; five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie Point (Andy Williams et al)
Sutherland: five Waxwings near Dornoch fire station (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: no sign of the Cackling Goose ssp. today near Balloch, though Grey-bellied Brent Goose plus three Barnacle Geese still present; five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie Point (Andy Williams et al)
Sutherland: five Waxwings near Dornoch fire station (Dean MacAskill)
15th December
Inverness: possible Richardson's Cackling Goose still between Balloch and Newton of Petty at 57.505N 4.112W or grid NH735480, also adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose plus two Barnacle Geese present with same flock (Peter Stronach, Al McNee et al, through 1330hrs at least).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at mouth of River Nevis, grid NN108746 (Tony Laidler),
Skye & Localsh: two Iceland Gulls at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: possible Richardson's Cackling Goose still between Balloch and Newton of Petty at 57.505N 4.112W or grid NH735480, also adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose plus two Barnacle Geese present with same flock (Peter Stronach, Al McNee et al, through 1330hrs at least).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at mouth of River Nevis, grid NN108746 (Tony Laidler),
Skye & Localsh: two Iceland Gulls at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
14th December
Wester Ross: Waxwing over Castle Terrace, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose between Balloch and Newton of Petty at 57.505N 4.112W NH735480, also adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese (per Birdguides). Male Gadwall Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (JDJ).
Wester Ross: Waxwing over Castle Terrace, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Richardson's Cackling Goose between Balloch and Newton of Petty at 57.505N 4.112W NH735480, also adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese (per Birdguides). Male Gadwall Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: first-winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (JDJ).
13th December
Sutherland: Shore Lark with 20 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Mark Breaks).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous Gull on spit at Loch Broom, visible from Castle Terrace, Ullapool (per Birdguides), Kingfisher Clachan Estuary, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Blue Snow Goose Newton of Petty (Mark Breaks).
Sutherland: Shore Lark with 20 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Mark Breaks).
Wester Ross: adult Glaucous Gull on spit at Loch Broom, visible from Castle Terrace, Ullapool (per Birdguides), Kingfisher Clachan Estuary, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Blue Snow Goose Newton of Petty (Mark Breaks).
12th December
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brent Goose again near Castle Stuart at approximately NH751506 (per Birdguides)
Skye & Lochalsh: male Blackcap at feeders Kyleakin (AH).
11th December
Easter Ross: 6 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), male Hen Harrier near Tullich Wood, Munlochy (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Blackcap at feeders Achnahanaid, Braes (GR).
Easter Ross: 6 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (per BirdTrack), male Hen Harrier near Tullich Wood, Munlochy (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Blackcap at feeders Achnahanaid, Braes (GR).
10th December
Inverness: Kingfisher by canal at Torvean, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey Wagtail River Ness, Inverness (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: first winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Inverness: Kingfisher by canal at Torvean, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey Wagtail River Ness, Inverness (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: first winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
9th December
Sutherland: Shore Lark Dornoch Point (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 12 Waxwings opposite Muirtown Primary School, King Brude Road (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: 30 Waxwings flew past Forest Lodge, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan).
Sutherland: Shore Lark Dornoch Point (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 12 Waxwings opposite Muirtown Primary School, King Brude Road (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch and Strathspey: 30 Waxwings flew past Forest Lodge, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan).
8th December
Sutherland: 10 adult Little Gulls Brora rivermouth and 2 first-winters flew S there (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff Tain - Moor Farm - High Mills -Hartfield Farm Road (sic) (per Birdtrack).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Allanfearn, Alturlie (per Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 10 adult Little Gulls Brora rivermouth and 2 first-winters flew S there (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff Tain - Moor Farm - High Mills -Hartfield Farm Road (sic) (per Birdtrack).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Allanfearn, Alturlie (per Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Yellow-legged Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS), first-winter Iceland Gull Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
7th December
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point, twelve Snow Buntings also (Dean MacAskill)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point, twelve Snow Buntings also (Dean MacAskill)
6th December
Inverness: Kingfisher on the River Ness near Whin Park (Carol Miller)
Inverness: Kingfisher on the River Ness near Whin Park (Carol Miller)
5th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: late report of Great Grey Shrike at Milton Loch, Boat of Garten on 29 November (Sandy Young via Peter Stronach)
Inverness: Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and two Barnacle Geese amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Castle Stuart/West Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Localsh: three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort (per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: late report of Great Grey Shrike at Milton Loch, Boat of Garten on 29 November (Sandy Young via Peter Stronach)
Inverness: Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and two Barnacle Geese amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Castle Stuart/West Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Localsh: three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort (per skye-birds.com)
4th December
Easter Ross: Two Swallows at Tain links (Kev Cuthbert)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows at Tain links (Kev Cuthbert)
3rd December
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point (Bob Swann)
2nd December
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point, 300m east. Male Hen Harrier in the area also (Al McNee)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Udale Bay (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch point, 300m east. Male Hen Harrier in the area also (Al McNee)
1st December
Easter Ross: single Waxwing in Rosemarkie (per Peter Stronach)
Skye & Localsh: two female Common Scoter in Uig bay. Small numbers of Whooper Swans in the area (Loch Dunvegan, Kinloch and Arisaig - per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls around the river mouth in Brora. Red-necked Grebe off Embo near the caravan park (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Waxwing in Rosemarkie (per Peter Stronach)
Skye & Localsh: two female Common Scoter in Uig bay. Small numbers of Whooper Swans in the area (Loch Dunvegan, Kinloch and Arisaig - per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls around the river mouth in Brora. Red-necked Grebe off Embo near the caravan park (Dean MacAskill)
30th November
Sutherland: Shore Lark on tideline at Dornoch Point (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: probable Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Fortrose towards Avoch but not relocated (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Blackcap on feeders Dunhallin, Waternish (RA).
Sutherland: Shore Lark on tideline at Dornoch Point (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: probable Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Fortrose towards Avoch but not relocated (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Blackcap on feeders Dunhallin, Waternish (RA).
29th November.
No news today
No news today
28th November
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff Ardmair (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: 3 Waxwings Greenside Avenue, Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose near Castle Stuart (Jon Clarke), 2 Grey Plovers and 30 Snow Buntings Whiteness (Jon Clarke), 2 Shovelers and 2 Barnacle Geese Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), Great Skua Ardersier (per BirdTrack).
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff Ardmair (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: 3 Waxwings Greenside Avenue, Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose near Castle Stuart (Jon Clarke), 2 Grey Plovers and 30 Snow Buntings Whiteness (Jon Clarke), 2 Shovelers and 2 Barnacle Geese Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), Great Skua Ardersier (per BirdTrack).
27th November
Sutherland: "putative" 1st winter Kumlien's Gull feeding by pier, Embo, also adult Little Gull and 4 Great Skuas north there (all Dean MacAskill), immature Pomarine Skua and 3 Snow Buntings (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Tree Sparrow at Lower Minovaig (rare in winter on Skye) (AS).
Lochaber: Nuthatch Port na h'uamha, Loch Sunart (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: "putative" 1st winter Kumlien's Gull feeding by pier, Embo, also adult Little Gull and 4 Great Skuas north there (all Dean MacAskill), immature Pomarine Skua and 3 Snow Buntings (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Tree Sparrow at Lower Minovaig (rare in winter on Skye) (AS).
Lochaber: Nuthatch Port na h'uamha, Loch Sunart (per BirdGuides)
The Hume's Warbler at Tarbat Ness from 5 November has been confirmed by DNA analysis as belonging to the (expected) humei subspecies.
26th November
Wester Ross: 2 Snow Buntings on north side of Bealach na Ba, Applecross (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: European White-fronted Goose (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Pink-footed Geese near Castle Stuart (Peter Stronach), also 2 Barnacle Geese (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing in garden next to Anagach Woods, Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides).
Wester Ross: 2 Snow Buntings on north side of Bealach na Ba, Applecross (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: European White-fronted Goose (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brent Goose with Pink-footed Geese near Castle Stuart (Peter Stronach), also 2 Barnacle Geese (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing in garden next to Anagach Woods, Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides).
25th November
Sutherland: 1st winter Iceland Gull west of Eilean Hoan, Durness (per BirdGuides), at least 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs around Durness Kirk (per BirdGuides), Siberian Chiffchaff Craft Village, Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: male American Wigeon still on Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Kingfisher on boating pond at Dingwall (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Red-necked Grebe Fort George, seen from car park at west end (Allan Lawrence).
Skye & Lochalsh: another male Blackcap in garden at Portnalong (AS).
Sutherland: 1st winter Iceland Gull west of Eilean Hoan, Durness (per BirdGuides), at least 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs around Durness Kirk (per BirdGuides), Siberian Chiffchaff Craft Village, Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: male American Wigeon still on Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Kingfisher on boating pond at Dingwall (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Red-necked Grebe Fort George, seen from car park at west end (Allan Lawrence).
Skye & Lochalsh: another male Blackcap in garden at Portnalong (AS).
A Cormorant at Loch Insh on 23rd November had been ringed as a pullus in April 2016 at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Nottingham
24th November
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Castle Stuart at approximately NH750503 (per Sam Viles) - presumably last winter's bird. 2 Black Guillemots Fort George (Colin Leslie), 10 Waxwings Murray Terrace, Smithtown (Catherine Clark), Kingfisher between last two lock gates Muirtown (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet) - different to bird of 23rd, male Blackcap on fallen apples Kyleakin (HS).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Castle Stuart at approximately NH750503 (per Sam Viles) - presumably last winter's bird. 2 Black Guillemots Fort George (Colin Leslie), 10 Waxwings Murray Terrace, Smithtown (Catherine Clark), Kingfisher between last two lock gates Muirtown (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet) - different to bird of 23rd, male Blackcap on fallen apples Kyleakin (HS).
23rd November
Inverness: drake American Wigeon at Merkinch (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: drake American Wigeon at Merkinch (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides)
22nd November
Inverness: 35 Waxwings in the Bught Park area (Martin Benson). Intermediate phase Snow Goose with five Barnacle Geese amongst Pink-footed Goose flock opposite Castle Stuart golf course entrance, best viewed from Easter Dalziel road (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Localsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch, along the burn running towards the point. Circa 30 Snow Buntings also (Stuart Edwards)
Inverness: 35 Waxwings in the Bught Park area (Martin Benson). Intermediate phase Snow Goose with five Barnacle Geese amongst Pink-footed Goose flock opposite Castle Stuart golf course entrance, best viewed from Easter Dalziel road (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Localsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Shore Lark still present at Dornoch, along the burn running towards the point. Circa 30 Snow Buntings also (Stuart Edwards)
21st November
Inverness: 50+ Waxwings around Inshes roundabout (Susan Seright)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls past Brora. Shore Lark still present - with Snow Buntings - feeding in the tide line at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: 50+ Waxwings around Inshes roundabout (Susan Seright)
Sutherland: three Little Gulls past Brora. Shore Lark still present - with Snow Buntings - feeding in the tide line at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
20th November
Inverness: 35+ Waxwings around Inshes roundabout (per local reports). Great Crested Grebe just off Milton of Culloden, with 14 Pintail nearby, while at Alturlie were 84 Scaup (Dave Pierce)
Inverness: 35+ Waxwings around Inshes roundabout (per local reports). Great Crested Grebe just off Milton of Culloden, with 14 Pintail nearby, while at Alturlie were 84 Scaup (Dave Pierce)
19th November
Easter Ross: American Wigeon on Loch Eye, nine Pochard and three Barnacle Geese present also (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-legged Gull at Lower Milovaig, three Slavonian Grebes at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting on Dornoch beach (Simon Levene), plus a Shore Lark foraging towards the point. Greenland White-fronted Goose at Embo plus two Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: American Wigeon on Loch Eye, nine Pochard and three Barnacle Geese present also (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: Yellow-legged Gull at Lower Milovaig, three Slavonian Grebes at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting on Dornoch beach (Simon Levene), plus a Shore Lark foraging towards the point. Greenland White-fronted Goose at Embo plus two Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Dean MacAskill)
18th November
Skye & Localsh: three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort, three in Broadford Bay and two off Lusa (per www.skye-birds.com)
Skye & Localsh: three Slavonian Grebes on Loch Ainort, three in Broadford Bay and two off Lusa (per www.skye-birds.com)
17th November
Easter Ross: Waxwings still present on Shore Road, Tain (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Greenland White-fronted Goose at Dornoch amongst Pink-footed Geese flock (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Waxwings still present on Shore Road, Tain (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Greenland White-fronted Goose at Dornoch amongst Pink-footed Geese flock (Dean MacAskill)
16th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Snow Bunting at roadside, north end of Lochindorb (John Picton). Drake Pochard on Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: four Waxwings at Aldie farm, Tain (per R & G Aitken)
Lochaber: three Long-tailed Ducks on the River Lochy estuary near to Caol spit (Tony Laidler)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Snow Bunting at roadside, north end of Lochindorb (John Picton). Drake Pochard on Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: four Waxwings at Aldie farm, Tain (per R & G Aitken)
Lochaber: three Long-tailed Ducks on the River Lochy estuary near to Caol spit (Tony Laidler)
15th November
Easter Ross: At Udale Bay, single Kingfisher, Ruddy Shelduck and Shoveler plus eight Black-tailed Godwit. Also circa 335 Scaup off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: drake Green-winged Teal on Loch Flemington (per Peter Stronach). 30 Waxwings on Muirton Street, Inverness (Al McNee). Kingfisher at Muirton basin (Tim Meredith)
Easter Ross: At Udale Bay, single Kingfisher, Ruddy Shelduck and Shoveler plus eight Black-tailed Godwit. Also circa 335 Scaup off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: drake Green-winged Teal on Loch Flemington (per Peter Stronach). 30 Waxwings on Muirton Street, Inverness (Al McNee). Kingfisher at Muirton basin (Tim Meredith)
14th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Waxwing by the Aviemore police station (Duncan Macdonald via Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Waxwing by the Aviemore police station (Duncan Macdonald via Facebook)
13th November
Easter Ross: 20 Waxwings in Tain (junction of A9/Hartfield Gardens)
Skye & Localsh: Mediterranean Gull (1st winter) on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Single Chiffchaff in Uig woods (per www.skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Short-eared Owl over Dornoch airfield, seven Snow Buntings on beach near Dornoch point (Bob Wilson)
no reports for 12th November
Easter Ross: 20 Waxwings in Tain (junction of A9/Hartfield Gardens)
Skye & Localsh: Mediterranean Gull (1st winter) on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Single Chiffchaff in Uig woods (per www.skye-birds.com)
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).
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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).
