30th April
Easter Ross: 6 Whimbrel on the beach at Red Burn, near Cromarty and a pair of Grey Partridge at Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Blue-Winged Teal still at Charles Mellon on lochan by graveyard and Grasshopper Warbler reeling about 1km west of Gairloch on B8021 (Peter Norgate).
Lochaber: Little Egret still at Invercaimbe, Arisaig (S MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Osprey, Wood Warbler, Kestrel, and a Mistle Thrush feeding young in nest made from lichen; all at Craigellachie. Female Snow Bunting and male Ring Ouzel at Cairngorm (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 6 Whimbrel on the beach at Red Burn, near Cromarty and a pair of Grey Partridge at Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Blue-Winged Teal still at Charles Mellon on lochan by graveyard and Grasshopper Warbler reeling about 1km west of Gairloch on B8021 (Peter Norgate).
Lochaber: Little Egret still at Invercaimbe, Arisaig (S MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Osprey, Wood Warbler, Kestrel, and a Mistle Thrush feeding young in nest made from lichen; all at Craigellachie. Female Snow Bunting and male Ring Ouzel at Cairngorm (Alan MacAskill).
29th April
Easter Ross: Swift in Cromarty (Sinclair Dunnet). 1 Whimbrel flying over calling, 1 Cuckoo, House Martins and 175 Pink-footed Geese heading North East over the Heights of Docharty, also 3 other flocks of Pink-footed Geese heard migrating over Dingwall (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Dotterel back in Glenfeshie hills today (David Pierce), also one reported on Cairn Gorm by visiting birder (John Poyner)
Easter Ross: Swift in Cromarty (Sinclair Dunnet). 1 Whimbrel flying over calling, 1 Cuckoo, House Martins and 175 Pink-footed Geese heading North East over the Heights of Docharty, also 3 other flocks of Pink-footed Geese heard migrating over Dingwall (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Dotterel back in Glenfeshie hills today (David Pierce), also one reported on Cairn Gorm by visiting birder (John Poyner)
28th April
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl hunting over the fields immediately south east of Wilkhaven Farm House, Tarbat Ness. Mixed flock of several thousand sea duck distantly off Portmahomack, mostly Common Scoter with 200+ Long-tailed Duck and stretching at least 2 miles long (David Tanner). 2 Grasshopper Warblers singing on the Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch at garden feeders in Cromdale (Kevin Cuthbert). 3 singing Wood Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher at Craigellachie (Steve Broyd).
Lochaber: Adult Iceland Gull at Mallaig (Bob McMillan).
Skye and Lochalsh: Dark morph Arctic Skua at Neist Point, Skye (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl hunting over the fields immediately south east of Wilkhaven Farm House, Tarbat Ness. Mixed flock of several thousand sea duck distantly off Portmahomack, mostly Common Scoter with 200+ Long-tailed Duck and stretching at least 2 miles long (David Tanner). 2 Grasshopper Warblers singing on the Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch at garden feeders in Cromdale (Kevin Cuthbert). 3 singing Wood Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher at Craigellachie (Steve Broyd).
Lochaber: Adult Iceland Gull at Mallaig (Bob McMillan).
Skye and Lochalsh: Dark morph Arctic Skua at Neist Point, Skye (Bob McMillan).
27th April
Easter Ross: Dark morph Arctic Skua south west past Tarbat Ness into the Dornoch Firth (David Tanner). Sedge warbler in song near Evanton shore (Carol Miller).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1 male Whinchat at Killiehuntly, Glen Tromie. Long-eared Owl hunting at dusk at Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: Drake Garganey, 5 pairs of Gadwall, 2 pairs of Shoveler and 2 drake Shoveler all at Balnakeil (Dean MacAskill).
Skye and Lochalsh: Garganey at Broadford river mouth and Jack Snipe at Broadford (Martin Benson). 2 Corncrake calling in North Skye (S. Parlane).
Easter Ross: Dark morph Arctic Skua south west past Tarbat Ness into the Dornoch Firth (David Tanner). Sedge warbler in song near Evanton shore (Carol Miller).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1 male Whinchat at Killiehuntly, Glen Tromie. Long-eared Owl hunting at dusk at Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: Drake Garganey, 5 pairs of Gadwall, 2 pairs of Shoveler and 2 drake Shoveler all at Balnakeil (Dean MacAskill).
Skye and Lochalsh: Garganey at Broadford river mouth and Jack Snipe at Broadford (Martin Benson). 2 Corncrake calling in North Skye (S. Parlane).
26th April
Skye and Lochalsh: Black-headed Wagtail, Trumpan, Skye.
Inverness-shire: Singing Whinchat, Strathfarrar (Carol Miller). 1 singing Redstart, 1 singing Wood Warbler, 8+ singing Tree Pipit, 2 male Wheatear and 1 calling Cuckoo all in Glen Strathfarrar (Simon Cohen).
Easter Ross: 3 Whimbrel and 1 Dunlin at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). 3 Grasshopper Warblers along Rosemarkie beach also Common Whitethroat and Common Sandpiper on the beach (Kevin Davis).
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull around fish cages between Eriboll and Heilam (Rob Hughes).
Skye and Lochalsh: Black-headed Wagtail, Trumpan, Skye.
Inverness-shire: Singing Whinchat, Strathfarrar (Carol Miller). 1 singing Redstart, 1 singing Wood Warbler, 8+ singing Tree Pipit, 2 male Wheatear and 1 calling Cuckoo all in Glen Strathfarrar (Simon Cohen).
Easter Ross: 3 Whimbrel and 1 Dunlin at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). 3 Grasshopper Warblers along Rosemarkie beach also Common Whitethroat and Common Sandpiper on the beach (Kevin Davis).
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull around fish cages between Eriboll and Heilam (Rob Hughes).
25th April
Lochaber: Black Duck 50 yards north of the second bridge with drake Mallards, Strontian (Mark Dawson).
Easter Ross: Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler at Boath (Neil Wilson). Lesser Whitethroat still at Tarbat Ness but relocated to willows by pool (Bob Swann). 6 Common Tern at the raft at Fouils (Alan MacAskill). 2 Common Whitethroat at Newhall, 15 Wheatear in the sown field at Kinbeachie and a Cuckoo at Mount Eagle (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Singing Sedge Warbler in Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes).
Sutherland: Little Gull, 22 Ringed Plover, circa 1000 auk and circa 1000 Kittiwake, 2 Turnstone, Sand Martin and House Martin at Brora. 4 Osprey, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, Pair Pintail, Sand Martin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Whinchat at The Mound, Loch Fleet. circa 200+ Long-tailed duck, 80 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 12 Red-throated diver, 4 Sandwich Tern from Embo Pier (Alan MacAskill).
Keep an eye out for colour ringed common sandpipers in the Cromdale area. Mark Warren saw a Common Sandpiper with the combination of Red over White and Lime Green over metal on the 14th of April 2019. This bird was ringed just downstream of Cromdale Bridge on 2nd May 2017, was present in 2018 and first seen on the 12th of April this year. Please send colour sightings of Common Sandpipers in this area to Brian Bates at dunlin_@hotmail.com
Lochaber: Black Duck 50 yards north of the second bridge with drake Mallards, Strontian (Mark Dawson).
Easter Ross: Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler at Boath (Neil Wilson). Lesser Whitethroat still at Tarbat Ness but relocated to willows by pool (Bob Swann). 6 Common Tern at the raft at Fouils (Alan MacAskill). 2 Common Whitethroat at Newhall, 15 Wheatear in the sown field at Kinbeachie and a Cuckoo at Mount Eagle (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Singing Sedge Warbler in Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes).
Sutherland: Little Gull, 22 Ringed Plover, circa 1000 auk and circa 1000 Kittiwake, 2 Turnstone, Sand Martin and House Martin at Brora. 4 Osprey, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, Pair Pintail, Sand Martin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Whinchat at The Mound, Loch Fleet. circa 200+ Long-tailed duck, 80 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 12 Red-throated diver, 4 Sandwich Tern from Embo Pier (Alan MacAskill).
Keep an eye out for colour ringed common sandpipers in the Cromdale area. Mark Warren saw a Common Sandpiper with the combination of Red over White and Lime Green over metal on the 14th of April 2019. This bird was ringed just downstream of Cromdale Bridge on 2nd May 2017, was present in 2018 and first seen on the 12th of April this year. Please send colour sightings of Common Sandpipers in this area to Brian Bates at dunlin_@hotmail.com
24th April
Sutherland: Spotted Redshank in summer plumage just below the car park on the sandbank at the Mound, Loch Fleet (David Tanner).
Easter Ross: Lesser Whitethroat in bush opposite feeders at Tarbat Ness, singing Sedge Warbler at pools and 2CY Pied Flycatcher in very southwestern corner of northern half of the Brucefield Plantation, Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach). Great Skua at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Common Sandpiper back at Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Skye and Lochalsh: Singing Sedge Warbler on Skye (Peter Stronach).
Sutherland: Spotted Redshank in summer plumage just below the car park on the sandbank at the Mound, Loch Fleet (David Tanner).
Easter Ross: Lesser Whitethroat in bush opposite feeders at Tarbat Ness, singing Sedge Warbler at pools and 2CY Pied Flycatcher in very southwestern corner of northern half of the Brucefield Plantation, Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach). Great Skua at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Common Sandpiper back at Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Skye and Lochalsh: Singing Sedge Warbler on Skye (Peter Stronach).
23rd April
Inverness-shire: Little Egret at Muirtown Pools, then flew west (Al McNee). Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Willow Warblers, Swallows and a cuckoo at Loch Duntelchaig (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Grasshopper Warbler calling and showing in rough ground approx 3/4 mile along unclassified road opposite Munlochy Church, field opposite Quarry field (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Redstart pair at Ord Ban, Rothiemurchus and male Redstart at Feshie Bridge (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: 2 Great Skua, 47 Manx shearwater, 80 summer plumage Long-tailed Duck, 3 Slavonian Grebe and 7 Velvet Scoter (Dean MacAskill).
Lochaber: Sedge Warbler on Rhum (Peter Stronach).
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 singing Whinchat in Dunvegan area; singing Sedge Warbler at Broadford; very early Spotted Flycatcher at Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Sedge Warbler in West Skye (Peter Stronach).
Inverness-shire: Little Egret at Muirtown Pools, then flew west (Al McNee). Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Willow Warblers, Swallows and a cuckoo at Loch Duntelchaig (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Grasshopper Warbler calling and showing in rough ground approx 3/4 mile along unclassified road opposite Munlochy Church, field opposite Quarry field (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Redstart pair at Ord Ban, Rothiemurchus and male Redstart at Feshie Bridge (Dave Pierce).
Sutherland: 2 Great Skua, 47 Manx shearwater, 80 summer plumage Long-tailed Duck, 3 Slavonian Grebe and 7 Velvet Scoter (Dean MacAskill).
Lochaber: Sedge Warbler on Rhum (Peter Stronach).
Skye and Lochalsh: 2 singing Whinchat in Dunvegan area; singing Sedge Warbler at Broadford; very early Spotted Flycatcher at Waterloo, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Sedge Warbler in West Skye (Peter Stronach).
22nd April
Inverness-shire: Redstart, Cuckoo and Tree Pipits on territory at Blackfold (Al McNee). 52 Golden Plover at Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Common Whitethroat at Cadboll Point (Simon Levene).
Wester Ross: Sand Martin and Chiffchaff in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards). Tree Pipit at Loch Broom (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Greenshank and a pair of Shoveler from the Insh Marshes Lookout (Dave Pierce).
Lochaber: 1 first summer Glaucous Gull and 3 Black-Tailed Godwits at Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler).
Sutherland: 2nd Calendar Year Iceland Gull at Brora North beach with gull roost, half way along golfcourse area also Whimbrel and 60+ Sanderling (Mary Galloway). Ring Ouzel below Watch Hill, outside of Tongue and 2 Arctic Tern in Tongue Bay (Clair Bale).
Inverness-shire: Redstart, Cuckoo and Tree Pipits on territory at Blackfold (Al McNee). 52 Golden Plover at Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Common Whitethroat at Cadboll Point (Simon Levene).
Wester Ross: Sand Martin and Chiffchaff in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards). Tree Pipit at Loch Broom (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Greenshank and a pair of Shoveler from the Insh Marshes Lookout (Dave Pierce).
Lochaber: 1 first summer Glaucous Gull and 3 Black-Tailed Godwits at Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler).
Sutherland: 2nd Calendar Year Iceland Gull at Brora North beach with gull roost, half way along golfcourse area also Whimbrel and 60+ Sanderling (Mary Galloway). Ring Ouzel below Watch Hill, outside of Tongue and 2 Arctic Tern in Tongue Bay (Clair Bale).
21st April
Inverness-shire: 17 White Wagtail and 8 Wheatear and 46 Common Terns at Fort George (Colin Leslie). 5 House Martins at Culduthel and another at the Red Cafe. 2 Blackcaps singing at the RollerBowl (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: Grasshopper Warbler singing on beach path east of Rosemarkie (Vanessa Halhead). Grasshopper warbler at Moy Island, Brahan, Redwing on the Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen). Male Redstart, 1 Tree Pipit, 16 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Jay all at Whitebog and Grey Cairn Woods, by Glenurquhart Farm, on the Black Isle (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo and Redwing, cove near Poolewe (Mary Galloway). Swallow in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Sutherland: 41 White Wagtails all feeding together along the tide line and 17 Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). 3 Little Gulls (2 adults, 1 juvenile) at Brora river mouth (M MacDonald).
Skye and Lochalsh: 100 Black-tailed Godwits at the head of Loch Caroy, Skye (Bob McMillan).
Inverness-shire: 17 White Wagtail and 8 Wheatear and 46 Common Terns at Fort George (Colin Leslie). 5 House Martins at Culduthel and another at the Red Cafe. 2 Blackcaps singing at the RollerBowl (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: Grasshopper Warbler singing on beach path east of Rosemarkie (Vanessa Halhead). Grasshopper warbler at Moy Island, Brahan, Redwing on the Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen). Male Redstart, 1 Tree Pipit, 16 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Jay all at Whitebog and Grey Cairn Woods, by Glenurquhart Farm, on the Black Isle (Kevin Davis).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo and Redwing, cove near Poolewe (Mary Galloway). Swallow in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Sutherland: 41 White Wagtails all feeding together along the tide line and 17 Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). 3 Little Gulls (2 adults, 1 juvenile) at Brora river mouth (M MacDonald).
Skye and Lochalsh: 100 Black-tailed Godwits at the head of Loch Caroy, Skye (Bob McMillan).
20th April
Inverness-shire: singing Redstart up the River Nairn near Tordarroch, and a singing Tree Pipit nearby (Alex Joss). Big arrival of Willow Warbler in the Strathdearn valley, also good numbers of Sand Martins at the Glen Mazeran Dipper bridge (Dave Slater). Golden Pheasant previously reported still in Strathdearn along with female (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Common Sandpiper over Tarbat Ness (David Tanner).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen, probable third calendar year Iceland Gull at the mouth of Grunaird River (Dean MasAskill). 2 Bonxies in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 House Martin in Nethybridge, around the Mountview (George Gay). Big arrival of Williw Warbler, also Tree Pipit and Common Sandpiper at Carrbridge and River Dulnain (Toby Green). Common Sandpiper and Wheatear at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch). Pair of Shoveler at Lochan Dubh Mor, Insh Marshes (David Pierce).
Sutherland: Swallow at Tongue House, Tongue (Clair Bale).
Skye and Lochalsh: 150+ singing Willow Warblers on a trip round Sleat (R. Doan). House Martin at Drumfearn (PK). Tree Pipit at Sleat (Bob McMillan).
Inverness-shire: singing Redstart up the River Nairn near Tordarroch, and a singing Tree Pipit nearby (Alex Joss). Big arrival of Willow Warbler in the Strathdearn valley, also good numbers of Sand Martins at the Glen Mazeran Dipper bridge (Dave Slater). Golden Pheasant previously reported still in Strathdearn along with female (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Common Sandpiper over Tarbat Ness (David Tanner).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen, probable third calendar year Iceland Gull at the mouth of Grunaird River (Dean MasAskill). 2 Bonxies in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 House Martin in Nethybridge, around the Mountview (George Gay). Big arrival of Williw Warbler, also Tree Pipit and Common Sandpiper at Carrbridge and River Dulnain (Toby Green). Common Sandpiper and Wheatear at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch). Pair of Shoveler at Lochan Dubh Mor, Insh Marshes (David Pierce).
Sutherland: Swallow at Tongue House, Tongue (Clair Bale).
Skye and Lochalsh: 150+ singing Willow Warblers on a trip round Sleat (R. Doan). House Martin at Drumfearn (PK). Tree Pipit at Sleat (Bob McMillan).
19th April
Inverness-shire: Swallow at Fort George, Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Blackcap at Castle Stuart (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: 3 White Wagtails, Greenshank flying East and a Whimbrel heard at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). House Martin at Tarbat Ness feeding over the Plantation (David Tanner).
Lochaber: 2 Wood Warblers singing at Druimindarroch, Arisaig (R. Doan).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Wood Warblers in Anagach, Grantown (David Lindo). Common Sandpiper at Lochindorb (Jack Harrison).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo calling in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Sutherland: Hawkfinch at Tongue (Bird Guides). House Martin and Willow Warbler at Scullomie near Tongue (Clair Bale).
Skye and Lochalsh: Grasshopper Warbler reeling, Portree (JDJ). 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Broadford Bay, Skye (Bob McMillan).
Inverness-shire: Swallow at Fort George, Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Blackcap at Castle Stuart (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: 3 White Wagtails, Greenshank flying East and a Whimbrel heard at Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). House Martin at Tarbat Ness feeding over the Plantation (David Tanner).
Lochaber: 2 Wood Warblers singing at Druimindarroch, Arisaig (R. Doan).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Wood Warblers in Anagach, Grantown (David Lindo). Common Sandpiper at Lochindorb (Jack Harrison).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo calling in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Sutherland: Hawkfinch at Tongue (Bird Guides). House Martin and Willow Warbler at Scullomie near Tongue (Clair Bale).
Skye and Lochalsh: Grasshopper Warbler reeling, Portree (JDJ). 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Broadford Bay, Skye (Bob McMillan).
18th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Northern Long-tailed Tit or intergrade at still at Aviemore in the same location (M Eaton). Please park here for the Northern Long-tailed Tit and walk southeast along estate road to view. 1 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper at Loch Insh, 50 Brambling at a garden feeding station in Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel over Tarbat Ness heading North (David Tanner). Tree pipit calling at hill of Fortrose (exactly the same day as last year) also singing Willow Warbler. Common Terns inbound towards Avoch Rafts (Mary Galloway). Circa 1,000 Pink-footed Geese at Udale Bay (Jack Harrison).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo and Swallow in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Inverness-shire: Cuckoo at Leys estate, above Essich (Alan MacAskill). White Wagtail, 33 Sandwich Tern and 9 Common Tern at Whitness Head (Al McNee). 11 Whimbrel at Ardersier (Marcus Conway). 8 Willow Warblers singing at Arderseir Common (Colin Leslie).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Northern Long-tailed Tit or intergrade at still at Aviemore in the same location (M Eaton). Please park here for the Northern Long-tailed Tit and walk southeast along estate road to view. 1 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper at Loch Insh, 50 Brambling at a garden feeding station in Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Whimbrel over Tarbat Ness heading North (David Tanner). Tree pipit calling at hill of Fortrose (exactly the same day as last year) also singing Willow Warbler. Common Terns inbound towards Avoch Rafts (Mary Galloway). Circa 1,000 Pink-footed Geese at Udale Bay (Jack Harrison).
Wester Ross: Cuckoo and Swallow in Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards).
Inverness-shire: Cuckoo at Leys estate, above Essich (Alan MacAskill). White Wagtail, 33 Sandwich Tern and 9 Common Tern at Whitness Head (Al McNee). 11 Whimbrel at Ardersier (Marcus Conway). 8 Willow Warblers singing at Arderseir Common (Colin Leslie).
17th April
Easter Ross: Willow Warbler singing on the Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen). Great Skua (Bonxie) south west past Tarbat Ness into the Dornoch Firth (David Tanner).
Inverness-shire: 2 Male & 1 Female Shoveler on Altutlie pools this afternoon also Magpie and 78 Golden Plover in field next to coastal access road (Jon Clarke).
Wester Ross: Red-necked Grebe reported in Gruinard Bay, in front of the island today (per Bird guides). Magpie seen in garden in Achnahaird near Achiltibuie. Garden of house furthest West in village (Stuart Edwards). 2 House Martin at Loch Broom, Inverlael (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Willow Warbler singing on the Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen). Great Skua (Bonxie) south west past Tarbat Ness into the Dornoch Firth (David Tanner).
Inverness-shire: 2 Male & 1 Female Shoveler on Altutlie pools this afternoon also Magpie and 78 Golden Plover in field next to coastal access road (Jon Clarke).
Wester Ross: Red-necked Grebe reported in Gruinard Bay, in front of the island today (per Bird guides). Magpie seen in garden in Achnahaird near Achiltibuie. Garden of house furthest West in village (Stuart Edwards). 2 House Martin at Loch Broom, Inverlael (Andy Williams).
16th April
Easter Ross: Male Blackcap at the SNH office on Dingwall Business Park (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 42+ Sand Martins at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch).
Inverness-shire: 24 Waxwings southwest of Findhorn Bridge, Tomatin, per BG.
Easter Ross: Male Blackcap at the SNH office on Dingwall Business Park (Simon Cohen).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 42+ Sand Martins at Lochindorb (Mike Crutch).
Inverness-shire: 24 Waxwings southwest of Findhorn Bridge, Tomatin, per BG.
15th April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen. Male Blackcap at Inverewe gardens (Henry Farquhar).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua adult heading South East past Tarbat Ness (David Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 15+ waxwing in Abernethy Forest about 1.5km from Forest Lodge (Peter Norgate).
Skye and Lochalsh: Still 3 Velvet Scoter at Loch Ainort, Skye (Bob McMillan).
Lochaber: Cuckoo near the schoolhouse, Eigg (Ben Cormack). Adult drake Black Duck still at Strontian above second bridge (per Bird guides).
Sutherland: 2 Arctic Terns, 12 Manx Shearwater and at least 8 Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen. Male Blackcap at Inverewe gardens (Henry Farquhar).
Easter Ross: Pomarine Skua adult heading South East past Tarbat Ness (David Tanner).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 15+ waxwing in Abernethy Forest about 1.5km from Forest Lodge (Peter Norgate).
Skye and Lochalsh: Still 3 Velvet Scoter at Loch Ainort, Skye (Bob McMillan).
Lochaber: Cuckoo near the schoolhouse, Eigg (Ben Cormack). Adult drake Black Duck still at Strontian above second bridge (per Bird guides).
Sutherland: 2 Arctic Terns, 12 Manx Shearwater and at least 8 Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
14th April
Inverness-shire: Willow Warblers and Blackcap on territory at Craig Phadrig, Inverness (Al McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Drake Mandarin Duck on Grantown on Spey duck pond (Peter Cosgrove). Salvonian Grebe on Loch Insh, pair of Shovler on Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hybrid American Wigeon at Loch Ussie (David Edge).
Sutherland: Circa 60 Sand Martins at Loch Migdale with at least 3 Swallows and 1 House martin, 5 Manx Shearwater, 8 Velvet scoter and circa 120 Long-tailed duck at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness-shire: Willow Warblers and Blackcap on territory at Craig Phadrig, Inverness (Al McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Drake Mandarin Duck on Grantown on Spey duck pond (Peter Cosgrove). Salvonian Grebe on Loch Insh, pair of Shovler on Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hybrid American Wigeon at Loch Ussie (David Edge).
Sutherland: Circa 60 Sand Martins at Loch Migdale with at least 3 Swallows and 1 House martin, 5 Manx Shearwater, 8 Velvet scoter and circa 120 Long-tailed duck at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
13th April
Sutherland: Snowy Owl reported by side of road near Loch anArbhair in Assynt (Nate Dolton-Thornton). 10 White Wagtails at Dornoch Point this morning (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness-shire: 2 Wheatears at Fort George this evening, 12 Sandwich Terns and a single Fulmar (Colin Leslie).
Sutherland: Snowy Owl reported by side of road near Loch an
Inverness-shire: 2 Wheatears at Fort George this evening, 12 Sandwich Terns and a single Fulmar (Colin Leslie).
12th April
Inverness-shire: Common Sandpiper at Ardclach, Nairn (Peter Elford).
Easter Ross: Swallow at Raddery Smithy, Raddery, Black Isle (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Willow Warbler singing in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Skye and Lochalsh: Common Sandpiper at Glendale (Andy Stables). 3 Velvet Scoter at Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett),
Inverness-shire: Common Sandpiper at Ardclach, Nairn (Peter Elford).
Easter Ross: Swallow at Raddery Smithy, Raddery, Black Isle (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Willow Warbler singing in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Skye and Lochalsh: Common Sandpiper at Glendale (Andy Stables). 3 Velvet Scoter at Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett),
11th April
Inverness-shire: 6 Waxwing on Redwood Avenue, Milton of Leys, Inverness (Rare Bird Alert). Report of a White-billed Diver flying west from Nairn (Via Colin Leslie). 32 Scaup at Alturlie bay and 2 Water Rails and a Jack Snipe at Alturlie Pools (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: House Martin at Fortrose (Mary Galloway).
Skye and Lochalsh: Common Sandpiper at Lochlonghead, Lochalsh and several Willow Warblers singing in south Skye (Bob McMillan). Twite at Heaste (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: A Tree Sparrow and 13 Brambling at Drumguish garden feeding station. Drake Shoveler at Loch Insh (David Pierce).
Inverness-shire: 6 Waxwing on Redwood Avenue, Milton of Leys, Inverness (Rare Bird Alert). Report of a White-billed Diver flying west from Nairn (Via Colin Leslie). 32 Scaup at Alturlie bay and 2 Water Rails and a Jack Snipe at Alturlie Pools (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: House Martin at Fortrose (Mary Galloway).
Skye and Lochalsh: Common Sandpiper at Lochlonghead, Lochalsh and several Willow Warblers singing in south Skye (Bob McMillan). Twite at Heaste (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: A Tree Sparrow and 13 Brambling at Drumguish garden feeding station. Drake Shoveler at Loch Insh (David Pierce).
10th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Northern Long-tailed Tit or intergrade at Aviemore found by Steve Broyd. Please park here for the Northern Long-tailed Tit and walk southeast along estate road to view.
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present and displaying at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Jon Clarke). Kingfisher on Black Water, Contin, seen from old Contin Bridge (Thomas Plant). 2 Common Scoters in Loch Broom, Viking Gull at Ullapool Harbour, first returning Ring Ouzel back on territory and 6 Sand Martins back at a local colony (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Great Crested Grebe still on Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Wheatear on golf course at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Sutherland: 4 Common Redpoll at Loch Buie, near Bonar Bridge. At least 7 Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Northern Long-tailed Tit or intergrade at Aviemore found by Steve Broyd. Please park here for the Northern Long-tailed Tit and walk southeast along estate road to view.
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present and displaying at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Jon Clarke). Kingfisher on Black Water, Contin, seen from old Contin Bridge (Thomas Plant). 2 Common Scoters in Loch Broom, Viking Gull at Ullapool Harbour, first returning Ring Ouzel back on territory and 6 Sand Martins back at a local colony (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Great Crested Grebe still on Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Wheatear on golf course at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Sutherland: 4 Common Redpoll at Loch Buie, near Bonar Bridge. At least 7 Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill).
9th April
Inverness-shire: Drake King Eider off Nairn beach in Moray (Steve Duffield).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Stuart Edwards).
Inverness-shire: Drake King Eider off Nairn beach in Moray (Steve Duffield).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Stuart Edwards).
8th April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen, 100 Barnacle Geese in fields at Loch Gruinard, 8 Black-throated Divers, 10 Great Northern Divers and, 6 Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ewe. Osprey at Lochluichart, Greenshank at Achnasheen, 20 Sand Martin at Achnahalt, Chiffchaff at Kinlochewe. 2 Wheatear and 2 Icelandic Redwind at Loch Ewe (Mark Finn).
Easter Ross: Green Winged Teal back at Tain Links again, near footbridge (Jude Levene). 2 Sandwich Tern past Tarbat Ness (David Turner). Sand Martin at Loch Achanalt (Mary Galloway).
Sutherland: Hawfinch in a garden in Bonar Bridge for the last two days (Phil Gurr). Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 4 Whimbrel, 1 White wagtail, 3 Grey Plover, 46 Sandwich Terns and a Wheatear at Dornoch Point. 17 Sandmartins at Loch Migdale and 12 at Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness-shire: Pair of Kingfisher in The Islands, Inverness (Carol Miller). Great Grey Shrike at Garbole Moor, Glen Kyllachy (Keith Barns).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Sandpiper at Speydam, near Laggan Bridge (David Pierce). Ring Ouzel by lower car park at Cairngorm (Steve Duffield).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen, 100 Barnacle Geese in fields at Loch Gruinard, 8 Black-throated Divers, 10 Great Northern Divers and, 6 Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ewe. Osprey at Lochluichart, Greenshank at Achnasheen, 20 Sand Martin at Achnahalt, Chiffchaff at Kinlochewe. 2 Wheatear and 2 Icelandic Redwind at Loch Ewe (Mark Finn).
Easter Ross: Green Winged Teal back at Tain Links again, near footbridge (Jude Levene). 2 Sandwich Tern past Tarbat Ness (David Turner). Sand Martin at Loch Achanalt (Mary Galloway).
Sutherland: Hawfinch in a garden in Bonar Bridge for the last two days (Phil Gurr). Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 4 Whimbrel, 1 White wagtail, 3 Grey Plover, 46 Sandwich Terns and a Wheatear at Dornoch Point. 17 Sandmartins at Loch Migdale and 12 at Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness-shire: Pair of Kingfisher in The Islands, Inverness (Carol Miller). Great Grey Shrike at Garbole Moor, Glen Kyllachy (Keith Barns).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Sandpiper at Speydam, near Laggan Bridge (David Pierce). Ring Ouzel by lower car park at Cairngorm (Steve Duffield).
7th April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 110 Sand Martins and 2 Swallows at Loch Insh (Steve Duffield).
Sutherland: 20 Sandwich Terns and 1 Whimbrel at Loch Fleet, 4 Wheatears at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Osprey at Loch Fleet, pair of Hen Harrier at Forsinard (Mark Finn).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Bob Wilson).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 110 Sand Martins and 2 Swallows at Loch Insh (Steve Duffield).
Sutherland: 20 Sandwich Terns and 1 Whimbrel at Loch Fleet, 4 Wheatears at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Osprey at Loch Fleet, pair of Hen Harrier at Forsinard (Mark Finn).
6th April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Mary Galloway). 12 Black Throated Divers in Loch Ewe off Aultbea. Circa 40 Great Northern Divers and 5 Slavonian Grebe in Loch Ewe off Naast. Single Greenshanks at Poolewe and Dundonnell (Andy Williams). Singing Chiffchaff in Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes). Iceland gull and Glaucous Gull at Ullapool (Duncan Orr-Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swallow 1 km downstream of Old Spey Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Audrey Turner).
Skye and Lochalsh: Willow Warbler singing at Drumbuie, Lochalsh. Jack Snipe on Ardnish, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Manx Shearwater, 8 Sandwich Terns and 2 White Wagtails at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still present at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Mary Galloway). 12 Black Throated Divers in Loch Ewe off Aultbea. Circa 40 Great Northern Divers and 5 Slavonian Grebe in Loch Ewe off Naast. Single Greenshanks at Poolewe and Dundonnell (Andy Williams). Singing Chiffchaff in Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes). Iceland gull and Glaucous Gull at Ullapool (Duncan Orr-Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swallow 1 km downstream of Old Spey Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Audrey Turner).
Skye and Lochalsh: Willow Warbler singing at Drumbuie, Lochalsh. Jack Snipe on Ardnish, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Manx Shearwater, 8 Sandwich Terns and 2 White Wagtails at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
5th April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still showing very well at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Various Records).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swallow at Street of Kincardine, Strathspey (H Robinson).
Sutherland: 550 Barnacle Geese at Durness, 50+ Icelandic Redwing at Durness Village, 8 Gadwall and 3 Sandwich Tern at Balnakiel Farm, 6 Male Northern Wheatear and 1 White Wagtail at Balnakiel Bay, 5 Slavonian Grebe, 1 adult Iceland Gull and 2 Common Cuckoo at Loch Eriboll, 1 Greenshank and 1 Magpie at Bettyhill and 1 Eurasian Woodcock at Hope Valley (Mark Finn). Snow Bunting at Sandwood Bay (Duncan Orr-Ewing).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still showing very well at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Various Records).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swallow at Street of Kincardine, Strathspey (H Robinson).
Sutherland: 550 Barnacle Geese at Durness, 50+ Icelandic Redwing at Durness Village, 8 Gadwall and 3 Sandwich Tern at Balnakiel Farm, 6 Male Northern Wheatear and 1 White Wagtail at Balnakiel Bay, 5 Slavonian Grebe, 1 adult Iceland Gull and 2 Common Cuckoo at Loch Eriboll, 1 Greenshank and 1 Magpie at Bettyhill and 1 Eurasian Woodcock at Hope Valley (Mark Finn). Snow Bunting at Sandwood Bay (Duncan Orr-Ewing).
4th April
Inverness-shire: ~20 Waxwings at Strathdearn, feeding in Larches by bridge (John Poyner).
Wester Ross: 8 Greenshank at Kishorn saltmarsh, 2 Greenshank at Culbuie, Applecross (Ian Bailey).
Inverness-shire: ~20 Waxwings at Strathdearn, feeding in Larches by bridge (John Poyner).
Wester Ross: 8 Greenshank at Kishorn saltmarsh, 2 Greenshank at Culbuie, Applecross (Ian Bailey).
3rd April
Inverness-shire: Circa 25 Waxwings still present in Strathdearn. Seen near Coignafearn on juniper (John Poyner).
Lochaber: Second Calendar Year (2CY) Iceland Gull at Ardnish Fish Farm (Stu Crutchfield).
Easter Ross: 2 Sandwich Tern at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Pair of Wheatear in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
Inverness-shire: Circa 25 Waxwings still present in Strathdearn. Seen near Coignafearn on juniper (John Poyner).
Lochaber: Second Calendar Year (2CY) Iceland Gull at Ardnish Fish Farm (Stu Crutchfield).
Easter Ross: 2 Sandwich Tern at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway).
Wester Ross: Pair of Wheatear in Inverpolly (Stuart Edwards).
2nd April
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still showing very well at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Dave Tanner). Iceland gull still at Ullapool harbour. First returning Lesser Black-backed Gulls back at Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Great-crested Grebe in full summer plumage on loch eye (Bob Swann). Chiffchaff at Fairburn Wind Farm access track (Thomas Plant). 2 Male Chiffchaff singing by minor road between Moor Farm and High Mills, by Tain (Rosemary Aitken).
Wester Ross: Blue-winged Teal drake still showing very well at Mellon Charles, Achnasheen (Dave Tanner). Iceland gull still at Ullapool harbour. First returning Lesser Black-backed Gulls back at Ullapool river mouth (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Great-crested Grebe in full summer plumage on loch eye (Bob Swann). Chiffchaff at Fairburn Wind Farm access track (Thomas Plant). 2 Male Chiffchaff singing by minor road between Moor Farm and High Mills, by Tain (Rosemary Aitken).
1st April
Wester Ross: 4 Great Northern Diver at Camusnagaul, 8 Great Northern Diver and 3 Slavonian Grebe at Gruinard Sound, 5 Great Northern Diver and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Little Gruinard and 8 Great Northern Diver at Laid (Andy Williams).
Sutherland: 8 Velvet Scoter, 3 Pale bellied Brent Geese, Little Gull, White Wagtail and Sandwich Tern all at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Chiffchaff calling by SNH Office, Craig Dunain (Toby Stainton). 3 Sand Martins at Merkinch (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Glaucous Gull at Dingwall business park (per Bird Guides).
Wester Ross: 4 Great Northern Diver at Camusnagaul, 8 Great Northern Diver and 3 Slavonian Grebe at Gruinard Sound, 5 Great Northern Diver and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Little Gruinard and 8 Great Northern Diver at Laid (Andy Williams).
Sutherland: 8 Velvet Scoter, 3 Pale bellied Brent Geese, Little Gull, White Wagtail and Sandwich Tern all at Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Chiffchaff calling by SNH Office, Craig Dunain (Toby Stainton). 3 Sand Martins at Merkinch (Colin Leslie).
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Glaucous Gull at Dingwall business park (per Bird Guides).
