Sightings
This page features the 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 may not be used without explicit permission of the named photographers who retain copyright. Photographs of schedule 1 species will not be displayed here during the breeding season, unless accompanied by a valid SNH licence and 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 [email protected].
This page is currently updated for the SOC Highland branch by Steve Broyd, Mike Crutch and Sue Sykes, plus occasional guest appearances by Pete Gordon.
Highland Records Committee (HRC) species are in green, Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) species are in blue and British Bird Rarities Committee (BBRC) species are in red.
Rarities and Schedule 1 species Information should be passed via BirdTrack and/or emailed to the Highland Recorder at [email protected]
Various online resources, in addition to Highland Rare Bird News, skye-birds.com and Highland Scarce Bird News, are trawled for records reported here. You can also report newsworthy records (and photographs) to [email protected] - thank you to everyone that contributes records to this page
This page features the 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 may not be used without explicit permission of the named photographers who retain copyright. Photographs of schedule 1 species will not be displayed here during the breeding season, unless accompanied by a valid SNH licence and 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 [email protected].
This page is currently updated for the SOC Highland branch by Steve Broyd, Mike Crutch and Sue Sykes, plus occasional guest appearances by Pete Gordon.
Highland Records Committee (HRC) species are in green, Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) species are in blue and British Bird Rarities Committee (BBRC) species are in red.
Rarities and Schedule 1 species Information should be passed via BirdTrack and/or emailed to the Highland Recorder at [email protected]
Various online resources, in addition to Highland Rare Bird News, skye-birds.com and Highland Scarce Bird News, are trawled for records reported here. You can also report newsworthy records (and photographs) to [email protected] - thank you to everyone that contributes records to this page
HIGHLAND BIRD REPORT 2023 is now available, free to read - click to right on "Publications", then "Highland Bird Report"
Blogs of the Corrimony Blackcock outing and the trip to Handa have been published - click on "Blog" above.
2025
Sunday 18th May
Thanks to Frank Law and Bird Information Services
Jack Snipe - 1 "in Highland"
Golden Oriole - 1 reported singing unseen in Glenborrodale
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in garden near Carrbridge
Nuthatch - 1 "in Highland"
Hawfinch - 1 (possibly 2) at Cawdor again
Thanks to Frank Law and Bird Information Services
Jack Snipe - 1 "in Highland"
Golden Oriole - 1 reported singing unseen in Glenborrodale
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in garden near Carrbridge
Nuthatch - 1 "in Highland"
Hawfinch - 1 (possibly 2) at Cawdor again
Saturday 17th May
Thanks to Fiona Strachan and Skye Birds
Great Skua - 3 around Pabay area
Redwing - 1 near Lochalsh. Also there 1 Wood Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in garden near Croy
Thanks to Fiona Strachan and Skye Birds
Great Skua - 3 around Pabay area
Redwing - 1 near Lochalsh. Also there 1 Wood Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in garden near Croy
Friday 16th May
Thanks to Andy Chapman, Margaret McKie, Lynn Newton, Dave Tanner, "Scott W", and Bird Information Services
Glossy Ibis - 1. Probable, but unconfirmed, sighting from the Cromarty Bridge
Yellow Wagtail - 1F. Probable Flavissima at Balnakeil
Wood Warbler - 1 at Armadale woods. Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher also present there
Sedge Warbler - 1 Nairn beach in dunes
Spotted flycatcher - ! unusually in Portmahomack Community Woodland
Hawfinch - 1 on Cawdor Castle feeders
Diver and Tern species continue to be reported from Skye and Loch Carron areas.
Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers reported to have been present in Tongue and Melness area "for several weeks".
Thanks to Andy Chapman, Margaret McKie, Lynn Newton, Dave Tanner, "Scott W", and Bird Information Services
Glossy Ibis - 1. Probable, but unconfirmed, sighting from the Cromarty Bridge
Yellow Wagtail - 1F. Probable Flavissima at Balnakeil
Wood Warbler - 1 at Armadale woods. Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher also present there
Sedge Warbler - 1 Nairn beach in dunes
Spotted flycatcher - ! unusually in Portmahomack Community Woodland
Hawfinch - 1 on Cawdor Castle feeders
Diver and Tern species continue to be reported from Skye and Loch Carron areas.
Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers reported to have been present in Tongue and Melness area "for several weeks".
Thursday 15th May
Thanks to Simon Levene, Ross Macleod
Ringed Plover - high number at Alturlie Pools
Golden Plover - 50 near Alturlie Pools
Whimbrel - still 4 along shore at Alturlie
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still at Hilton of Cadboll
Corn Bunting - still 2 in fields at Alturlie
Thanks to Simon Levene, Ross Macleod
Ringed Plover - high number at Alturlie Pools
Golden Plover - 50 near Alturlie Pools
Whimbrel - still 4 along shore at Alturlie
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still at Hilton of Cadboll
Corn Bunting - still 2 in fields at Alturlie
Wednesday 14th May
Thanks to John Hague, Pete Jeavons, Peter Leigh, Jude Levene, Bob MacMillan, Dave Tanner, Robert Wilson, Gairloch and Loch Ewe Facebook page
Long-tailed Duck - 1 on Loch Fleet and 7 off Partmahomach (nearby 200+ Common Scoter)
Quail - 1 near Munlochy
Manx Shearwater - 2 off Brora. Also there 1 Great Skua, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, I Fulmar and 9 Arctic Tern Sabine's gull - 1 over Highland waters between Uig and Lochmaddy
Greenshank - 3+ at head pf Loch Carron
Bee-eater - over Loch Ewe. Heard only
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 singing at Hilton of Cadboll
Wood Warbler - 2+ at Kinloch
Thanks to John Hague, Pete Jeavons, Peter Leigh, Jude Levene, Bob MacMillan, Dave Tanner, Robert Wilson, Gairloch and Loch Ewe Facebook page
Long-tailed Duck - 1 on Loch Fleet and 7 off Partmahomach (nearby 200+ Common Scoter)
Quail - 1 near Munlochy
Manx Shearwater - 2 off Brora. Also there 1 Great Skua, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, I Fulmar and 9 Arctic Tern Sabine's gull - 1 over Highland waters between Uig and Lochmaddy
Greenshank - 3+ at head pf Loch Carron
Bee-eater - over Loch Ewe. Heard only
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 singing at Hilton of Cadboll
Wood Warbler - 2+ at Kinloch
Tuesday 13th May
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte and Skye Birds
Divers - 5 Red-throated Diver, 4+ Black-throated Diver and 3+ Great Northern Diver off Applecross. Also 31 Red-throated Diver at Connage Bay
Whimbrel - 2 at Loch Fleet. 2 at Connage Bay and 2 at Alturlie still
Ringed Plover - 160 at Alturlie (large number)
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 reeling in small woodland at Morvich. Also there 2+ Whinchat 2+ Common Whitethroat and brood of Stonechat
Corn Bunting - 2 still at Alturlie
Continued arrival of Swifts across the region
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte and Skye Birds
Divers - 5 Red-throated Diver, 4+ Black-throated Diver and 3+ Great Northern Diver off Applecross. Also 31 Red-throated Diver at Connage Bay
Whimbrel - 2 at Loch Fleet. 2 at Connage Bay and 2 at Alturlie still
Ringed Plover - 160 at Alturlie (large number)
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 reeling in small woodland at Morvich. Also there 2+ Whinchat 2+ Common Whitethroat and brood of Stonechat
Corn Bunting - 2 still at Alturlie
Continued arrival of Swifts across the region
Monday 12th May
Thanks to Neil Bennett, John Poyner, Blair Whyte
Gadwall - 4 at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 1 at North Kessock, 4 at Alturlie
Ringed Plover - 268 at Alturlie plus 43 Dunlin
Corn Bunting - 3 at Alturlie
Further arrival of Swifts across the region
Thanks to Neil Bennett, John Poyner, Blair Whyte
Gadwall - 4 at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 1 at North Kessock, 4 at Alturlie
Ringed Plover - 268 at Alturlie plus 43 Dunlin
Corn Bunting - 3 at Alturlie
Further arrival of Swifts across the region
Sunday 11th May
Thanks to Chris Corrigan, Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Tim Stowe
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Corran
Red-throated Diver - 5 offshore at Lochcarron
Little Egret - 1 at ferry point, Dingwall
Whimbrel - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll, 1 at Lochcarron
Wood Warbler - 4 at Ariundle NNR, Strontian, 1 at Arinackaig, Strathcarron
Thanks to Chris Corrigan, Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Tim Stowe
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Corran
Red-throated Diver - 5 offshore at Lochcarron
Little Egret - 1 at ferry point, Dingwall
Whimbrel - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll, 1 at Lochcarron
Wood Warbler - 4 at Ariundle NNR, Strontian, 1 at Arinackaig, Strathcarron
Saturday 10th May
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Kim Dawson, 'Scott W'
Whimbrel - 6 at Coul Links, 1 at Skelbo
Stock Dove - 1 at Hartfield, Tain
Blue-headed Wagtail - 1 at Durness
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Kim Dawson, 'Scott W'
Whimbrel - 6 at Coul Links, 1 at Skelbo
Stock Dove - 1 at Hartfield, Tain
Blue-headed Wagtail - 1 at Durness
Friday 9th May
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Robert Wilson, 'Scott W', skye-birds.com, bird information services
Whimbrel - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, 1 at Meanish, Skye
Ringed Plover - 165 at Alturlie (presumably mostly tundrae ssp), plus 2 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin and 30 Goosander
Blue-headed Wagtail - 2 at Durness
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Robert Wilson, 'Scott W', skye-birds.com, bird information services
Whimbrel - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, 1 at Meanish, Skye
Ringed Plover - 165 at Alturlie (presumably mostly tundrae ssp), plus 2 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin and 30 Goosander
Blue-headed Wagtail - 2 at Durness
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Thursday 8th May
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simon Levene
Whimbrel - 1 at Coul Links, plus 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Long-tailed Duck
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still at Hilton of Cadboll
Late news from 4th May of a possible Eagle Owl in the vicinity of the mast on the Bealach na Ba
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simon Levene
Whimbrel - 1 at Coul Links, plus 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Long-tailed Duck
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still at Hilton of Cadboll
Late news from 4th May of a possible Eagle Owl in the vicinity of the mast on the Bealach na Ba
Wednesday 7th May
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Andy Stables, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 40+ north of Talisker Bay, Skye plus 600+ Manx Shearwater and auk/tern species along with at least two Lesser Rorqual whales
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Fort George
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point, Skye plus 8 Purple Sandpiper
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie, 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Further return of Garden Warbler across the region
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Andy Stables, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 40+ north of Talisker Bay, Skye plus 600+ Manx Shearwater and auk/tern species along with at least two Lesser Rorqual whales
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Fort George
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point, Skye plus 8 Purple Sandpiper
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie, 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Further return of Garden Warbler across the region
Tuesday 6th May
Thanks to Paulo Bessa, David McNee, Simon Levene, John Carruthers, Kim Dawson, Atholl Murray, Alan MacAskill
Surf Scoter - 1 drake Loch Gairloch
Whimbrel - 8 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - 1 at Pityoulish, 1 at Sgorr Ruadh, Torridon
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 on moor 7k behind Sands Campsite, Gairloch, 1 Alturlie
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 Hilton of Cadboll, Gowanbank Place
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Thanks to Paulo Bessa, David McNee, Simon Levene, John Carruthers, Kim Dawson, Atholl Murray, Alan MacAskill
Surf Scoter - 1 drake Loch Gairloch
Whimbrel - 8 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - 1 at Pityoulish, 1 at Sgorr Ruadh, Torridon
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 on moor 7k behind Sands Campsite, Gairloch, 1 Alturlie
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 Hilton of Cadboll, Gowanbank Place
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Monday 5th May
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Skye Birds, Simon Levene, Tim Stowe, James Hammond, John Taylor, ,Allan Archer, Ross Macleod, Thomas Plant, Sydney Henderson
Great Northern Diver - 1 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Whimbrel - 30 Harlosh, 14 Loch Fleet, 4 Alturlie
Jack Snipe - 1 (a late record) near Ord
Arctic Skua - 1 Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 west of Cromarty at Balblair at Newhall Mains
Common Swift - birds back in Inverness
Pied Flycatcher - 2 Craigellachie NNR
Lesser Whitehroat - 1 Hilton oi Cadboll
Wood Warbler - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Spotted Flycatcher - reported from several sites
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Skye Birds, Simon Levene, Tim Stowe, James Hammond, John Taylor, ,Allan Archer, Ross Macleod, Thomas Plant, Sydney Henderson
Great Northern Diver - 1 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Whimbrel - 30 Harlosh, 14 Loch Fleet, 4 Alturlie
Jack Snipe - 1 (a late record) near Ord
Arctic Skua - 1 Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 west of Cromarty at Balblair at Newhall Mains
Common Swift - birds back in Inverness
Pied Flycatcher - 2 Craigellachie NNR
Lesser Whitehroat - 1 Hilton oi Cadboll
Wood Warbler - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Spotted Flycatcher - reported from several sites
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Sunday 4th May
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Rob Sheldon, Kim Dawson, Graeme Prest, Tony Laidler, Pete Moore, Chriss Corrigan, Skye Birds
Whimbrel - 20 Alturlie, 40+ Traigh, Morar
Great Skua - 1 Milton Loch Applecross
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Common Swift - 2 Grantown on Spey
Nuthatch - 1 Fort Willian in a suburban garden
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 Craig Meagaidh
Garden Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Rob Sheldon, Kim Dawson, Graeme Prest, Tony Laidler, Pete Moore, Chriss Corrigan, Skye Birds
Whimbrel - 20 Alturlie, 40+ Traigh, Morar
Great Skua - 1 Milton Loch Applecross
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Common Swift - 2 Grantown on Spey
Nuthatch - 1 Fort Willian in a suburban garden
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 Craig Meagaidh
Garden Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie
Saturday 3rd May
Thanks to Atholl Murray, Tim Stowe, Steve Broyd, Blair Whyte, T racy Allan, Peter Leigh, Peter Cunningham, Kim Dawson, Graeme Prest, Skye Birds
Black-throated Diver - 4 on sea Golspie
Whimbrel - 41 Gairloch Gathering Ground, 1 Altutlie, 3 Coul Links, 3 North Kessock to Redcastle, 5 Swordal, Strath
Arctic Skua - 2 Coul Links
Iceland Gull - 2cy Ullapool river mouth
Black Redstart - 1 female Heights of Achterneed
Pied Flycatcher - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Garden Warbler - 1 Pityoulish
Wood Warbler - 3 Acharn and Arienas Woods, Morvern
Corn Bunting - 1 Alturlie
Thanks to Atholl Murray, Tim Stowe, Steve Broyd, Blair Whyte, T racy Allan, Peter Leigh, Peter Cunningham, Kim Dawson, Graeme Prest, Skye Birds
Black-throated Diver - 4 on sea Golspie
Whimbrel - 41 Gairloch Gathering Ground, 1 Altutlie, 3 Coul Links, 3 North Kessock to Redcastle, 5 Swordal, Strath
Arctic Skua - 2 Coul Links
Iceland Gull - 2cy Ullapool river mouth
Black Redstart - 1 female Heights of Achterneed
Pied Flycatcher - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Garden Warbler - 1 Pityoulish
Wood Warbler - 3 Acharn and Arienas Woods, Morvern
Corn Bunting - 1 Alturlie
Friday 2nd May
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Ross Macleod
White-billed Diver - 2 Brora
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Arctic Tern - 2 Brora
Little Tern - 5 Brora
Whimbrel - 2 Alturlie, 6 Brora
Sand Martin - c1500 Loch Eye
Corn Bunting - 2 Highland Campervans, Inverness
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Ross Macleod
White-billed Diver - 2 Brora
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Arctic Tern - 2 Brora
Little Tern - 5 Brora
Whimbrel - 2 Alturlie, 6 Brora
Sand Martin - c1500 Loch Eye
Corn Bunting - 2 Highland Campervans, Inverness
Thursday 1st May
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Kevin Davis, Kate M, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Ian Ford
Manx Shearwater - 1 Chanonry Point, c300 off Neist Point
Puffin - 1 Channory Point
Common Swift - 1 Upper Achintore, Fort William
Nuthatch - 2 near Loch an Eilean Memorial junction. This species is now being reported much more frequently across Highland
Pied Flycatcher - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Eaater Moy, 7 Portree
Tree Sparrow - 1 near Cromdale (notable local record)
Whimbrels continue to pass through Higlhand and Cuckoos, Whitethroats, Whinchats and Sedge Warblers continue to arrive.
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Kevin Davis, Kate M, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Ian Ford
Manx Shearwater - 1 Chanonry Point, c300 off Neist Point
Puffin - 1 Channory Point
Common Swift - 1 Upper Achintore, Fort William
Nuthatch - 2 near Loch an Eilean Memorial junction. This species is now being reported much more frequently across Highland
Pied Flycatcher - 1 Craigellachie NNR
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Eaater Moy, 7 Portree
Tree Sparrow - 1 near Cromdale (notable local record)
Whimbrels continue to pass through Higlhand and Cuckoos, Whitethroats, Whinchats and Sedge Warblers continue to arrive.
Wednesday 30th April
Thanks to Sandy Sutherland, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Duncan MacDonald
Great Northern Diver - 1 Glen Erg, 1 Loch Hourn, 35 Traigh, Morar
Black-throated Diver - 1 Glen Erg
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Whimbrel - 4 Alturlie, 23 Traigh, Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 16 Brora
Garden Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Corn Bunting - 1 East/West Dalziel
Thanks to Sandy Sutherland, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Duncan MacDonald
Great Northern Diver - 1 Glen Erg, 1 Loch Hourn, 35 Traigh, Morar
Black-throated Diver - 1 Glen Erg
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Whimbrel - 4 Alturlie, 23 Traigh, Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 16 Brora
Garden Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Corn Bunting - 1 East/West Dalziel
Tuesday 29th April
Thanks to John Caruthers,, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, Alan MacAskill, Tim Stowe, Louis Schopp, Dave Pierce
Pink-footed Goose - 420 Dingwall
Whooper Swan - 5 Loch Eye
Greater Scaup - 4 Loch Eye
Pintail - 2 Redcastle
Gadwall - 4 Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 1 Portmahomack
Velvet Scoter - 3 Embo Pier, 3 Portmahomack
Common Scoter - c300 Portmahomack
White-billed Diver - 1 still Brora
Black-throsted Diver 2 Brora
Great White Egret - 1 still Tain Range
Dotterel - at least 7 birds back in the Badanoch hills
Whimbrel - 15 Loch Fleet, 4 Dornoch Beach, 1 Golspie, 3 Alturlie, 13 Dornoch Point,, 1 Embo Pier
Purple Sandpiper - 18 Brora, 52 Embo Pier
Arctic Skua - 2 Chanonry Point
Pomarine Skua - 1 Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - 1 Dingwall
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Dornoch Point, 1 Dingwall
Thanks to John Caruthers,, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, Alan MacAskill, Tim Stowe, Louis Schopp, Dave Pierce
Pink-footed Goose - 420 Dingwall
Whooper Swan - 5 Loch Eye
Greater Scaup - 4 Loch Eye
Pintail - 2 Redcastle
Gadwall - 4 Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 1 Portmahomack
Velvet Scoter - 3 Embo Pier, 3 Portmahomack
Common Scoter - c300 Portmahomack
White-billed Diver - 1 still Brora
Black-throsted Diver 2 Brora
Great White Egret - 1 still Tain Range
Dotterel - at least 7 birds back in the Badanoch hills
Whimbrel - 15 Loch Fleet, 4 Dornoch Beach, 1 Golspie, 3 Alturlie, 13 Dornoch Point,, 1 Embo Pier
Purple Sandpiper - 18 Brora, 52 Embo Pier
Arctic Skua - 2 Chanonry Point
Pomarine Skua - 1 Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - 1 Dingwall
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Dornoch Point, 1 Dingwall
Monday 28th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ian Ford, Carol Miiler, Geraint Roberts, Mary Galloway, Tommy Youd, Skye Birds, John Poyner
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Kildonan Bay, Eigg
White-billed Diver - 1 adult summer plumaged bird Brora beach
Black-throated Diver - 2 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 30 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 14 Chanonry Point
Whimbrel - 3 Waterloo, Broadford, 2 Ashaig, 12 Swordale, Strath, 16 Kilmarie Bay, 21 Achabeag, Morvern
Kittiwake - 42 Chanonry Point
Ring-necked Parakeet - 2 (of unknown origin) Tornagrain area
Garden Warbler - 1 Glen Nevis, Fort William
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Rosemarkie
Wood Warbler - 1 Strathfarrer, 1 Braemore
Returning Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and House Martins also reported
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ian Ford, Carol Miiler, Geraint Roberts, Mary Galloway, Tommy Youd, Skye Birds, John Poyner
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Kildonan Bay, Eigg
White-billed Diver - 1 adult summer plumaged bird Brora beach
Black-throated Diver - 2 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 30 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 14 Chanonry Point
Whimbrel - 3 Waterloo, Broadford, 2 Ashaig, 12 Swordale, Strath, 16 Kilmarie Bay, 21 Achabeag, Morvern
Kittiwake - 42 Chanonry Point
Ring-necked Parakeet - 2 (of unknown origin) Tornagrain area
Garden Warbler - 1 Glen Nevis, Fort William
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Rosemarkie
Wood Warbler - 1 Strathfarrer, 1 Braemore
Returning Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and House Martins also reported
Sunday 27th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Matthew Broadbent, Rob Sheldon
Barnacle Goose - 1 Tarbat Ness
Red-throated Diver - 17 Chanonry Point
Greater Scaup - 12 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 22 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Common Tern - 23 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern -7 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 40 Chanonry Point
Fulmar - 1 Chanonry Point
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 12 Loch Fleet, 1 Castle Stuart, 7 Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 Alturlie, 20 Castle Stuart
Purple Sandpiper - 12 Tarbat Ness
Grasshopper Warbler 1- 1Castle Stuart
Corn Bunting - 1 Dalziel Farm
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Matthew Broadbent, Rob Sheldon
Barnacle Goose - 1 Tarbat Ness
Red-throated Diver - 17 Chanonry Point
Greater Scaup - 12 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 22 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Common Tern - 23 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern -7 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 40 Chanonry Point
Fulmar - 1 Chanonry Point
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 12 Loch Fleet, 1 Castle Stuart, 7 Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 Alturlie, 20 Castle Stuart
Purple Sandpiper - 12 Tarbat Ness
Grasshopper Warbler 1- 1Castle Stuart
Corn Bunting - 1 Dalziel Farm
Saturday 26th April
Thanks to Matt Eade, David Patterson, Skye Birds, Blair Whyte, Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Calum Urquhart
Manx Shearwater - 1 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 6 Tarbat Ness
Great Skua - 1 Tarbat Ness
Grey Plover - 1 Loch Eil
Whimbrel - 1 Tarbat Ness, 2 Loch Eil, 1 Broadford, 3 Kilmaluag Bay, 1 Greshornish
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 Munlochy Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 30 Alturlie Bay
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Knot - 68 Alturlie Bay
Puple Sandpiper - 5 Embo
Common Tern - 1 Alturlie Bay
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Corntown
Sedge Warbler - 1 Araisaig, 1. Harrapool
Whitethroat - 1 Nonach, Lochalsh
Wood Warbler - 1 Gorston, Loch Linnhe, 1 Garve
Hawfinch - 1 west of Rogart
Thanks to Matt Eade, David Patterson, Skye Birds, Blair Whyte, Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Calum Urquhart
Manx Shearwater - 1 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 6 Tarbat Ness
Great Skua - 1 Tarbat Ness
Grey Plover - 1 Loch Eil
Whimbrel - 1 Tarbat Ness, 2 Loch Eil, 1 Broadford, 3 Kilmaluag Bay, 1 Greshornish
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 Munlochy Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 30 Alturlie Bay
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Knot - 68 Alturlie Bay
Puple Sandpiper - 5 Embo
Common Tern - 1 Alturlie Bay
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Corntown
Sedge Warbler - 1 Araisaig, 1. Harrapool
Whitethroat - 1 Nonach, Lochalsh
Wood Warbler - 1 Gorston, Loch Linnhe, 1 Garve
Hawfinch - 1 west of Rogart
Friday 25th April
Thanks to Carol Bulloch, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Colin Ormston, Stuart Owen, Andy Walker, Blair Whyte and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Geese - skeins passing over Skye
Grey Partridge - 2 at Carse pf Ardesier
Red-throated Diver - 57+ of Connage bay
Common Tern - 3 at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 2 near Cromarty and 35 today at Monkstadt
Swallow - 1 at Tain
Tree Pipit - 2 at Kinrara
Common Whitethroat - 1 displaying at Alturlie pools
Willow Warbler - 1 at Grantown on Spey and 2 at Boat of Garten
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Inverness Airport
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at Kiltearn and 1 at Uig
Thursday 24th April
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Tony Cluxton, Simon Eaves, Jude Levene, David MacAllister, Duncan Macdonald, "Simon", Andy Walker and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Goose - 1000 heading NW over Tain
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Uath Lochans
Great White Egret - 1 still at Tain
Whimbrel - 20 at Monkstadt. Also there 12 Great Northern Diver offshore
Great Skua - 2 seen from Plockton and 2 from Reiff
Whinchat - 1 at Breakish
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Cadboll in morning
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 singing at Tulloch, 1 at Kincraig and 2 at Heights of Docherty this evening. Reports also from Portree, Ardnish and Broadford
Wednesday 23rd April
Thanks to Kim DawsonLouis Parkerson, Louis Schopp, "Jacob" and Skye Birds
Great Skua - 3 at Staffin Island
Golden Plover -161+ at Balloch opposite village hall
Barn Owl - 1 on Rum
Meadow Pipit - 80 (unusually high number) at Greshornish, Isle of Skye
Tree Pipit - 4 at Kylelhea
Whinchat - 1 at Scardroy (Strathconon)
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling birds at Portree, Kylerhea and Ashaig
Crossbill - 1 on Rum
White Wagtail - 2 at Alturlie
Corn Bunting - 1 at Alturlie
Tuesday 22nd April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Tommy Youd and Skye Birds
Scaup - 181 still off Jemimaville
Common Scoter - 30 at Embo
Arctic Skua - 1 on Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 6 at Loch Scresort, 1 at Fort William, 1 overnight over Rum and 4 on Ardnish (Broadford)
Osprey - 1 fishing at Arisaig on Isle of Skye
Hen Harrier - 1 at The Mound
Rock Pipit litorralis (Scandinavian form) - 1 at Tianavaig Bay
Whinchat - 1 at Drumguish
Whitethroat - 1 by Rosemarkie camp site again, 1 at Drumfearn (Isle of Skye), I on Unversity Campus Inverness and 1 at Jemimaville
Tuesday 22nd April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Tommy Youd and Skye Birds
Scaup - 181 still off Jemimaville
Common Scoter - 30 at Embo
Arctic Skua - 1 on Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 6 at Loch Scresort, 1 at Fort William, 1 overnight over Rum and 4 on Ardnish (Broadford)
Osprey - 1 fishing at Arisaig on Isle of Skye
Hen Harrier - 1 at The Mound
Rock Pipit litorralis (Scandinavian form) - 1 at Tianavaig Bay
Whinchat - 1 at Drumguish
Whitethroat - 1 by Rosemarkie camp site again, 1 at Drumfearn (Isle of Skye), I on Unversity Campus Inverness and 1 at Jemimaville
Monday 21st April
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Matt Eade, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod, Duncan MacDonald, Dave Pierce, Joseph Puffin, "Kate M", "Shaz", "Simon", Audrey Turner, Andy Walker, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
White-fronted Goose - 1 at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Udale bay. Also there 8+ White Wagtail
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 still from Culloden
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Uath Lochans
Cuckoo - 1 at Heights of Docherty, 1 at Inshriach, 1 at Glen Loth, 1 at Abriachan and 2 at Loch Ashie
Black Redstart - 1 female in Portree near dental surgery
Tree Pipit - 1 in song at Loch Pityoulish, 1 at Loch Alsh and 3+ at Loch Insh
Whinchat - 1 at Abriachan
Common Whitethroat - 1 singing at Rosemarkie camp site
Chiffchaff - 1 Kincraig. Also there Blackcap and Willow Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 each at Fort William, Scullamus Moss, Lochalsh and 2 at Tote
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Matt Eade, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod, Duncan MacDonald, Dave Pierce, Joseph Puffin, "Kate M", "Shaz", "Simon", Audrey Turner, Andy Walker, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
White-fronted Goose - 1 at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Udale bay. Also there 8+ White Wagtail
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 still from Culloden
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Uath Lochans
Cuckoo - 1 at Heights of Docherty, 1 at Inshriach, 1 at Glen Loth, 1 at Abriachan and 2 at Loch Ashie
Black Redstart - 1 female in Portree near dental surgery
Tree Pipit - 1 in song at Loch Pityoulish, 1 at Loch Alsh and 3+ at Loch Insh
Whinchat - 1 at Abriachan
Common Whitethroat - 1 singing at Rosemarkie camp site
Chiffchaff - 1 Kincraig. Also there Blackcap and Willow Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 each at Fort William, Scullamus Moss, Lochalsh and 2 at Tote
Sunday 20th April
Thanks to Paulo Bessa, Kim Dawson, Matthew Broadbent, Kevin Davis, Tommy, "Shaz" and Skye-birds
Pink-footed Goose - large flock of c1500 off Milton of Culloden
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 at Alturlie in afternoon and Tornagrain in evening
Red-throated Diver - 18, Chanonry Point and
Whimbrel - 3 at Portmahomach. Also there 5 White Wagtail
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Chanonry Point
Ring Ouzel - 5 at Loth
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling Upper Tote
Returning Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, White Wagtail, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Ring Ouzel continue at several sites.
Thanks to Paulo Bessa, Kim Dawson, Matthew Broadbent, Kevin Davis, Tommy, "Shaz" and Skye-birds
Pink-footed Goose - large flock of c1500 off Milton of Culloden
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 at Alturlie in afternoon and Tornagrain in evening
Red-throated Diver - 18, Chanonry Point and
Whimbrel - 3 at Portmahomach. Also there 5 White Wagtail
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Chanonry Point
Ring Ouzel - 5 at Loth
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling Upper Tote
Returning Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, White Wagtail, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Ring Ouzel continue at several sites.
Saturday 19th April
Thanks to Matt Eade, Sylvia Brennan, Julie Vivers and Skye Birds
Golden Plover - 90 circling Hungladder and 200+ at Ardmore (both on Skye)
Sandwich Tern - 5 past Tarbat Ness. Also there 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Skua, 2 Long-tailed Duck and 35 Common Scoter
Fieldfare - 75 on field with 1 Redwing near Sliemire (Nethybridge)
Sand Martin - "large flock" over river at Inverness
Thanks to Matt Eade, Sylvia Brennan, Julie Vivers and Skye Birds
Golden Plover - 90 circling Hungladder and 200+ at Ardmore (both on Skye)
Sandwich Tern - 5 past Tarbat Ness. Also there 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Skua, 2 Long-tailed Duck and 35 Common Scoter
Fieldfare - 75 on field with 1 Redwing near Sliemire (Nethybridge)
Sand Martin - "large flock" over river at Inverness
Friday 18th April
Thanks to Nick Baker, Sandy McNeil, Ann Sime, Julie Vivers, Skye Birds and Bird Informaton Services
Pink-footed Goose - 80 over Sligachan(Skye)
Canada Goose - 12 at Loch na dal, Kinloch
Ring Necked Duck - 1 female on Loch Sheil
Common Crane - 2 near Dulnain Bridge
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Loch Snizort
Common Sandpiper - 4 at Lochindorb
Golden Plover - 41 at Kilmaluag (Skye)
Great Skua - on Skye: 1 at Waterloo, 2 at Loch Mealt and 3 at Staffin Island
Common Tern - 3 off Chanonry Point
Swallow - 1 over Inverness
Redstart - 1 at Arisaig also 1 at Lochindorb
Thanks to Nick Baker, Sandy McNeil, Ann Sime, Julie Vivers, Skye Birds and Bird Informaton Services
Pink-footed Goose - 80 over Sligachan(Skye)
Canada Goose - 12 at Loch na dal, Kinloch
Ring Necked Duck - 1 female on Loch Sheil
Common Crane - 2 near Dulnain Bridge
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Loch Snizort
Common Sandpiper - 4 at Lochindorb
Golden Plover - 41 at Kilmaluag (Skye)
Great Skua - on Skye: 1 at Waterloo, 2 at Loch Mealt and 3 at Staffin Island
Common Tern - 3 off Chanonry Point
Swallow - 1 over Inverness
Redstart - 1 at Arisaig also 1 at Lochindorb
Thursday 17th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Goose - c800 at Allanfearn
Brent Goose - 1 at Ashaig (Skye). Also there 1 Great Skua
Long-tailed Duck - 260 at Coul Links.
Ringed Plover - (Tundra race) - 98 at Coul Links and 50 at Ashaig
Golden Plover - c500 at Allanfearn
Common Tern - 1 off Chanonry Point
Puffin - 200+ off Neist Point. Also there 5 Common Scoter
Grasshopper Warbler - singles reeling at Upper Tote and Portree (both Skye)
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Goose - c800 at Allanfearn
Brent Goose - 1 at Ashaig (Skye). Also there 1 Great Skua
Long-tailed Duck - 260 at Coul Links.
Ringed Plover - (Tundra race) - 98 at Coul Links and 50 at Ashaig
Golden Plover - c500 at Allanfearn
Common Tern - 1 off Chanonry Point
Puffin - 200+ off Neist Point. Also there 5 Common Scoter
Grasshopper Warbler - singles reeling at Upper Tote and Portree (both Skye)
Wednesday 16th April
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tina Marshall, Bob McMillan, Tim Stenton and Skye Birds
Long-tailed Duck - 100+ on Cromarty Firth. Also there c50 Eider
Red-throated Diver - 28 off Dornoch beach and 10+ in Cromarty Firth
Whimbrel - 2 on Dornoch Beach. Also there
White-tailed Eagle - 1 in inner Beauly Firth
Wheatear - 10 on Loch Ailort (including leucorhoa types). Also there 4 Common Sandpiper and 2 Tree Pipit.
White Wagtail - 15 at Dprnoch beach
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tina Marshall, Bob McMillan, Tim Stenton and Skye Birds
Long-tailed Duck - 100+ on Cromarty Firth. Also there c50 Eider
Red-throated Diver - 28 off Dornoch beach and 10+ in Cromarty Firth
Whimbrel - 2 on Dornoch Beach. Also there
White-tailed Eagle - 1 in inner Beauly Firth
Wheatear - 10 on Loch Ailort (including leucorhoa types). Also there 4 Common Sandpiper and 2 Tree Pipit.
White Wagtail - 15 at Dprnoch beach
Tuesday 15th April
Thanks to Dougie Bruton, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, John Poyner Dave Tanner, Blair White and Skye Birds
White Stork - 1 on Loch Ailort
Whimbrel - at Dalziel farm
Golden Plover - c400 between Arabella and Kildary
Sandwich Tern - 1 fishing in Connage Bay. Also there 17 Red-throated Diver
Cuckoo - 1 at Culrain. Also 1 at Loch Gorm Blobany
Sand Martin - 200 at Alness Point
White Wagtail - 15 at Hilton of Cadboll
Wheatear - 1 on Cairngorm
Chiffchaff - 2+ at Alturlie Pools. 1 Green-winged Teal still there
Willow Warbler - 7 at Portmahomack Community Wood. Also there 2 Blackcap and 1 Chiffchaff
Corn Bunting - 4 near Dalcross. Also 4 at Dalziel Farm
Thanks to Dougie Bruton, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, John Poyner Dave Tanner, Blair White and Skye Birds
White Stork - 1 on Loch Ailort
Whimbrel - at Dalziel farm
Golden Plover - c400 between Arabella and Kildary
Sandwich Tern - 1 fishing in Connage Bay. Also there 17 Red-throated Diver
Cuckoo - 1 at Culrain. Also 1 at Loch Gorm Blobany
Sand Martin - 200 at Alness Point
White Wagtail - 15 at Hilton of Cadboll
Wheatear - 1 on Cairngorm
Chiffchaff - 2+ at Alturlie Pools. 1 Green-winged Teal still there
Willow Warbler - 7 at Portmahomack Community Wood. Also there 2 Blackcap and 1 Chiffchaff
Corn Bunting - 4 near Dalcross. Also 4 at Dalziel Farm
Monday 14th April
Thanks to Matthew Broadbent, Andrew Douse, "Jacob", Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Bob Swann, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain Links. Also 1 still at Alturlie on pools
Gadwall - 2 males at Loch Flemington
Great Northern Diver - 14 at Score Bay (Isle of Skye)
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Dornoch airfield
Redshank - 350 at Redcastle
Ringed Plover - 135 on Dornoch beach
Golden Plover - 200 at Tarbat Ness
Whimbrel - On Skye: 2 at Kilmaluag, 2 at Solitote and 1 at Kileakin. Also 1 at Redcastle
Greenshank - 1 at Redcastle
Common Sandpiper - 2 on Findhorn at Strathdearn
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 11 at Kilmaluag
Cuckoo - 1 at Corrimony and 1 at Isleornsay
House Martin - 1 at Portnalong
Barn Swallow - 2 at Tain and 1+ in Strathdearn
White Wagtail - 14 on Dornoch beach. Also 2 at Kilmaluag
Wheatear - 1 at Ross Cairn, also 1 at Lochindorb and 1 at Coignafearn
Fieldfare - 20+ in Strathdearn. Also in same flock: 2+ Redwing, 2+ Song Thrush and 4+ Mistle Thrush
Ring Ouzel - pair on Cairngorm
Willow Warbler - 1 on Dava Moor
Snow Bunting - 5 at Cairngorm top car park still
Thanks to Matthew Broadbent, Andrew Douse, "Jacob", Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Bob Swann, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain Links. Also 1 still at Alturlie on pools
Gadwall - 2 males at Loch Flemington
Great Northern Diver - 14 at Score Bay (Isle of Skye)
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Dornoch airfield
Redshank - 350 at Redcastle
Ringed Plover - 135 on Dornoch beach
Golden Plover - 200 at Tarbat Ness
Whimbrel - On Skye: 2 at Kilmaluag, 2 at Solitote and 1 at Kileakin. Also 1 at Redcastle
Greenshank - 1 at Redcastle
Common Sandpiper - 2 on Findhorn at Strathdearn
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 11 at Kilmaluag
Cuckoo - 1 at Corrimony and 1 at Isleornsay
House Martin - 1 at Portnalong
Barn Swallow - 2 at Tain and 1+ in Strathdearn
White Wagtail - 14 on Dornoch beach. Also 2 at Kilmaluag
Wheatear - 1 at Ross Cairn, also 1 at Lochindorb and 1 at Coignafearn
Fieldfare - 20+ in Strathdearn. Also in same flock: 2+ Redwing, 2+ Song Thrush and 4+ Mistle Thrush
Ring Ouzel - pair on Cairngorm
Willow Warbler - 1 on Dava Moor
Snow Bunting - 5 at Cairngorm top car park still
Sunday 13th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, "Holly", "Simon", Alan Jones, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Duncan MacDonald, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts, "Shaz", Sue Sykes, "Tommy" , Audrey Turner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie
Shelduck - 2 on Lochindorb
Great Skua - 3 off Summer Isles
Common Sandpiper - 2 at Loch Aline and 1 on the Spey at Grantown
Black-tailed Godwit - 62 at The Mound
Greenshank - 6 at The Mound
Purple Sandpiper - 16 at Hilton of Cadboll. Also there 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Long-tailed Duck
Cuckoo - 1 at Arisaig and 1 at Breaknish
Barn Owl - 2 at Braemore
Barn Swallow - 1 at Alness and 1 on River Ness
Tree Pipit - 1 in Glen Nevis
White Wagtail - 2 at The Mound and 19 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Redstart - 1 at Arisaig and 2 at Acharn, Morvern
Wheatear - 4 at Alturlie and 2+ at Glen Loth
Redwing - 1 at Glen Loth
Mistle Thrush - 1 at Glen Loth
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Gaick and 1 at Glen Loth. (Present on Canna since Friday)
Willow Warbler - 1+ at Loch Insh, 1 at Dingwall, 1 at Ardgeal and 1 at Balvonie of Leys
Thanks to Kim Dawson, "Holly", "Simon", Alan Jones, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Duncan MacDonald, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts, "Shaz", Sue Sykes, "Tommy" , Audrey Turner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie
Shelduck - 2 on Lochindorb
Great Skua - 3 off Summer Isles
Common Sandpiper - 2 at Loch Aline and 1 on the Spey at Grantown
Black-tailed Godwit - 62 at The Mound
Greenshank - 6 at The Mound
Purple Sandpiper - 16 at Hilton of Cadboll. Also there 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Long-tailed Duck
Cuckoo - 1 at Arisaig and 1 at Breaknish
Barn Owl - 2 at Braemore
Barn Swallow - 1 at Alness and 1 on River Ness
Tree Pipit - 1 in Glen Nevis
White Wagtail - 2 at The Mound and 19 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Redstart - 1 at Arisaig and 2 at Acharn, Morvern
Wheatear - 4 at Alturlie and 2+ at Glen Loth
Redwing - 1 at Glen Loth
Mistle Thrush - 1 at Glen Loth
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Gaick and 1 at Glen Loth. (Present on Canna since Friday)
Willow Warbler - 1+ at Loch Insh, 1 at Dingwall, 1 at Ardgeal and 1 at Balvonie of Leys
Saturday 12th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Matt Eade, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, 'Simon' skye-birds.com
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie
Common Scoter - 500+ off Portmahomack plus 69 Long-tailed Duck
Whimbrel - 1 past Neist Point, Skye plus 10 Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 1 at The Mound and 2 at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - c200 between Kildary and Arabella
Turnstone - 39 at Coul Links
Bar-tailed Godwit - 47 at Loch Fleet plus single Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Matt Eade, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, 'Simon' skye-birds.com
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie
Common Scoter - 500+ off Portmahomack plus 69 Long-tailed Duck
Whimbrel - 1 past Neist Point, Skye plus 10 Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 1 at The Mound and 2 at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - c200 between Kildary and Arabella
Turnstone - 39 at Coul Links
Bar-tailed Godwit - 47 at Loch Fleet plus single Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage
Friday 11th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, Simeon Ewing, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, 'Stu', skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-feet at Loch Duntelchaig
Whooper Swan - 15 at Loch Arienas, Morvern
Whimbrel - 1 past Bearreraig Bay, Skye
Golden Plover - c150 between Kildary and Arabella
Cuckoo - 1 at Druimarbin, Fort William, 1 at Loch Arienas, Morvern
Fieldfare - 6 at East Croachy plus 3 Golden Plover
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel, 1 at Tornagrain
White Wagtail - 7 at Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, Simeon Ewing, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, 'Stu', skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-feet at Loch Duntelchaig
Whooper Swan - 15 at Loch Arienas, Morvern
Whimbrel - 1 past Bearreraig Bay, Skye
Golden Plover - c150 between Kildary and Arabella
Cuckoo - 1 at Druimarbin, Fort William, 1 at Loch Arienas, Morvern
Fieldfare - 6 at East Croachy plus 3 Golden Plover
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel, 1 at Tornagrain
White Wagtail - 7 at Hilton of Cadboll
Thursday 10th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan Kennedy, David McNee, Stephen Kirkup, Ross Macleod
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus c40 Knot
Great Skua -3 at Gairloch, plus 1 Greenshank
Sandwich Tern - 35+ at Coul Links
Golden Plover - 200+ at Brucefield Farm , Tarbat Ness
Shelduck - 44 at The Mound, Loch Fleet
Cuckoo - 1(m) at Loch Doire nam Mart, Ardtornish and 1(m) at Borgie Breco woods
Corn Bunting - 6 at Kerrowaird, near Inverness
Continuing return of Sandwich Tern, Common Sandpiper, Ring Ouzel, House Martin, Tree Pipit and Common Redstart across the region
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan Kennedy, David McNee, Stephen Kirkup, Ross Macleod
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus c40 Knot
Great Skua -3 at Gairloch, plus 1 Greenshank
Sandwich Tern - 35+ at Coul Links
Golden Plover - 200+ at Brucefield Farm , Tarbat Ness
Shelduck - 44 at The Mound, Loch Fleet
Cuckoo - 1(m) at Loch Doire nam Mart, Ardtornish and 1(m) at Borgie Breco woods
Corn Bunting - 6 at Kerrowaird, near Inverness
Continuing return of Sandwich Tern, Common Sandpiper, Ring Ouzel, House Martin, Tree Pipit and Common Redstart across the region
Wednesday 9th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, Alan MacAskill
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Urquhart Bay, Loch Ness and 1 on the River Spey at Grantown-on-Spey
Swallow - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Redwing - 5 at Scorguie, Inverness
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, Alan MacAskill
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Urquhart Bay, Loch Ness and 1 on the River Spey at Grantown-on-Spey
Swallow - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Redwing - 5 at Scorguie, Inverness
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie
Tuesday 8th April
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, James Drage Hubert, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Mark Wynn, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 16 at Hilton of Cadboll
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale
Great Skua - 2 off Valtos, Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 52 at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - c50 between Kildary and Arabella
Common Sandpiper - 1 near Evanton
Ring Ouzel - 1(m) at Cairn Gorm
Wheatear - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Redstart - 1 at Acharn, Morvern and 1 at Loch Garten plus 1 Tree Pipit
Black Redstart - 1 at Durness
Blackcap - 1(m) at Strathpeffer
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Andrew Douse, James Drage Hubert, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Mark Wynn, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 16 at Hilton of Cadboll
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale
Great Skua - 2 off Valtos, Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 52 at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - c50 between Kildary and Arabella
Common Sandpiper - 1 near Evanton
Ring Ouzel - 1(m) at Cairn Gorm
Wheatear - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Redstart - 1 at Acharn, Morvern and 1 at Loch Garten plus 1 Tree Pipit
Black Redstart - 1 at Durness
Blackcap - 1(m) at Strathpeffer
Monday 7th April
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, John Ingham, Judith & Simon Levene, Steven Williams, 'Jacob', skye-birds.com, bird information services
Whooper Swan - 47 at Kilmaluag Bay with 25 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Long-tailed Duck
Common Sandpiper - first returning birds at Lochindorb and the River Beauly near Kilmorack
Snowy Owl - 1 reported near Loch Oich, Strathy
Ring Ouzel - 1(m) in Strathdearn
Redwing - small flock at Kingussie
Swallow - 1 at Loans of Tullich, 1 at Alturlie
White Wagtail - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, John Ingham, Judith & Simon Levene, Steven Williams, 'Jacob', skye-birds.com, bird information services
Whooper Swan - 47 at Kilmaluag Bay with 25 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Long-tailed Duck
Common Sandpiper - first returning birds at Lochindorb and the River Beauly near Kilmorack
Snowy Owl - 1 reported near Loch Oich, Strathy
Ring Ouzel - 1(m) in Strathdearn
Redwing - small flock at Kingussie
Swallow - 1 at Loans of Tullich, 1 at Alturlie
White Wagtail - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Sunday 6th April
Thanks to Josh Allan, Matthew Broadbent, Kim Dawson, Thomas Plant, Bob Swann, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Great Crest Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale
Sandwich Tern - 25 at Loch Fleet
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie, plus 64 Scaup
Golden Plover - c100 between Kildary and Arabella
Common Sandpiper - 2 at Loch Affric
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Balmaquien, Skye
House Martin - 1 at Rockfield, Portmahomack
Corn Bunting - 2 singing at Alturlie, plus 1 Wheatear
Further reports of Blackcap and Willow Warbler across the region, plus continued northbound migration of Pink-footed Goose
Thanks to Josh Allan, Matthew Broadbent, Kim Dawson, Thomas Plant, Bob Swann, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Great Crest Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale
Sandwich Tern - 25 at Loch Fleet
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie, plus 64 Scaup
Golden Plover - c100 between Kildary and Arabella
Common Sandpiper - 2 at Loch Affric
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Balmaquien, Skye
House Martin - 1 at Rockfield, Portmahomack
Corn Bunting - 2 singing at Alturlie, plus 1 Wheatear
Further reports of Blackcap and Willow Warbler across the region, plus continued northbound migration of Pink-footed Goose
Saturday 5th April
Thanks to Ann Shirley, Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, Ross, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson
Red-throated Diver - 23 Chanonry Point, also 385 Razorbills and 87 Guillemots there
Golden Plover - 200 Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 19 Coul Links , 2 Chanonry Point
Mandarin - 2(m) at Maryburgh
White Wagtail - 3 Dornoch, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Ann Shirley, Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, Ross, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson
Red-throated Diver - 23 Chanonry Point, also 385 Razorbills and 87 Guillemots there
Golden Plover - 200 Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 19 Coul Links , 2 Chanonry Point
Mandarin - 2(m) at Maryburgh
White Wagtail - 3 Dornoch, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Friday 4th April
Thanks to Mary Galloway, Louise Parkerson, Dave Pierce, AA, AK, SC, Neil Bennett, Lynden Schofield
Barnacle Goose - 1 Udale Bay
Scaup - 200 Jemimaville + female Velvet Scoter
Manx Shearwater - 1 Chanonry Point
House Martin - 1 at Speybridge, Grantown-on-Spey
Nuthatch - 1 at Drumnadrochit
Ring Ousel - 1 Gaick
Blackcap - 1 singing at Lochaline
Willow Warbler - reports from Cow Hill, Fort William and Staffin Road, Portree
Magpie - 1 Lochlonghead
Thanks to Mary Galloway, Louise Parkerson, Dave Pierce, AA, AK, SC, Neil Bennett, Lynden Schofield
Barnacle Goose - 1 Udale Bay
Scaup - 200 Jemimaville + female Velvet Scoter
Manx Shearwater - 1 Chanonry Point
House Martin - 1 at Speybridge, Grantown-on-Spey
Nuthatch - 1 at Drumnadrochit
Ring Ousel - 1 Gaick
Blackcap - 1 singing at Lochaline
Willow Warbler - reports from Cow Hill, Fort William and Staffin Road, Portree
Magpie - 1 Lochlonghead
Thursday 3rd April
Thanks to Ross, Mary Galloway, Bethany Walsh, Sam, Neil Bennet
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, with 50 Scaup and 2 Barnacle Geese
Nuthatch - 1 calling at Laggan Lochs (still scarce in Highland, beware other species, especially Siskins, calling like Nuthatch)
House Martin - 2 Aultbea, 2 Moy/Daviot
Willow Warbler - 1 at Broadford
Thanks to Ross, Mary Galloway, Bethany Walsh, Sam, Neil Bennet
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, with 50 Scaup and 2 Barnacle Geese
Nuthatch - 1 calling at Laggan Lochs (still scarce in Highland, beware other species, especially Siskins, calling like Nuthatch)
House Martin - 2 Aultbea, 2 Moy/Daviot
Willow Warbler - 1 at Broadford
Willow Warbler, Broadford, 3//4/2025 (Neil Bennet)
Wednesday 2nd April
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Matthew Broadbent, Ross, Andy Douse, Neil Bennet, Sean Morris, DB, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner, Kim Dawson, Lynden Schofield, Graeme Prest
Whooper Swan - 20N at Portree
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 at Udale - Jemimaville with 300 Pink-footed Geese, also Barnacle Goose
Canada Goose - 2 at Ord
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Alturlie
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Portmahomack
Shoveler - male at Culloden House Hotel
Scaup - 215 Jemimaville
Golden Plover - 220 Arabella/Kildary
Jack Snipe - 1 at Glen Cassley
Great Crested Grebe -1 at Alturlie
Osprey - 2 feeding Kyle of Sutherland, 1 at Kilmorack
Swallow - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Nuthatch - 1 at Drumnadrochit
Wheatear - 4 at Glen Cassley
Chiffchaff - 4 at Dalchork
Willow Warbler - 1 at Kilmaluag, 1 at Torridon
Tuesday 1st April
Thanks to Sean Morris, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce, MB, AK, James Gordon, Alan MacAskill. Louis Parkerson, Al McNee, Matthew Broadbent, Shaz, Tommy Youd, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 31 at Kilmory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - 5000 Portmahomack and movement noted up west coast
Greenshank - 3 in Badenoch where Ringed Plovers too
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Phorpachy
Kumlien's Gull - 1 at Helmsdale
Sand Martin - 1 Newtonmore, 12 Dochgarroch
Blackcap - singing male Armadale
White Wagtail - 1 Achabeag, 1 Alturlie, 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie Please submit all records of this species
Thanks to Sean Morris, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce, MB, AK, James Gordon, Alan MacAskill. Louis Parkerson, Al McNee, Matthew Broadbent, Shaz, Tommy Youd, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 31 at Kilmory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - 5000 Portmahomack and movement noted up west coast
Greenshank - 3 in Badenoch where Ringed Plovers too
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Phorpachy
Kumlien's Gull - 1 at Helmsdale
Sand Martin - 1 Newtonmore, 12 Dochgarroch
Blackcap - singing male Armadale
White Wagtail - 1 Achabeag, 1 Alturlie, 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Corn Bunting - 2 Alturlie Please submit all records of this species
Monday 31 March
Thanks to Sean Morris, DB, MB, Graeme Prest
Whooper Swan - 8 at Kilmaluag Bay and 24 N over Plockton
Canada Goose - 2 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Barnacle Goose - 61 Balmaquien
Manx Shearwater - noted off Kilmory, Rum
Redshank - 350 at Redcastle
Greenshank - 7 at Loch Torridon, also 5 Slavonian Grebes
Hawfinch - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Sunday 30 March
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Andy Williams, Phil, DB, Ross, James Hubert, Sandy McNeil, Jack Cakebread
Barnacle Goose - 27 at Balmaquien
Green-winged Teal - 1 Loch Kishorn
Shoveler - 1 male Culloden House Hotel
Ring-necked Duck - female at Acharacle
Scaup - 225 at Jemimaville, 62 at Loch Eye, 50 at Alturlie
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Black-throated Diver - 5 at Firemore
Glaucous Gull - juv at Ullapool
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Greenshank - 6 at Loch Kishorn
Nuthatch - 1 at Eilean Shona
White Wagtail - 30 at Kilmaluag
Saturday 29th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Morag McCullagh, skye-birds.com, bird infomation services
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate
Barnacle Goose - 160 Mungersdale
Long-tailed Duck - 9 at Hilton of Cadboll, 19 at Coul Links
Scaup - 60 Loch Eye
Purple Sandpiper - 35 at Balintore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 46 a Loch Fleet, plus 3 Greenshank and 16 Lapwing
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Loch Fleet
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 3 Knock Bay, Sleat
Sand Martin - 110 at Loch Ashie, 8 at Loch Migdale
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Morag McCullagh, skye-birds.com, bird infomation services
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate
Barnacle Goose - 160 Mungersdale
Long-tailed Duck - 9 at Hilton of Cadboll, 19 at Coul Links
Scaup - 60 Loch Eye
Purple Sandpiper - 35 at Balintore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 46 a Loch Fleet, plus 3 Greenshank and 16 Lapwing
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Loch Fleet
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 3 Knock Bay, Sleat
Sand Martin - 110 at Loch Ashie, 8 at Loch Migdale
Friday 28th March
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 7 at Kinloch glen, Rum
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Portmahomack
Greater Scaup - c250 at Udale Bay plus c50 Long-tailed Duck
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet, 10 at Lochlonghead, Kyle
Sand Martin - 100+ at Loch Insh
Corn Bunting - 1 at Alturlie
Snow Bunting - 1 at Loch Fleet
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 7 at Kinloch glen, Rum
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Portmahomack
Greater Scaup - c250 at Udale Bay plus c50 Long-tailed Duck
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet, 10 at Lochlonghead, Kyle
Sand Martin - 100+ at Loch Insh
Corn Bunting - 1 at Alturlie
Snow Bunting - 1 at Loch Fleet
Thursday 27th March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Eider - 764 at Coul Links including 1 borealis ssp. type bird
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Eider - 764 at Coul Links including 1 borealis ssp. type bird
Wednesday 26th March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, Geraint Roberts, skye-birds.com, bird information services
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Embo, plus 2 Black-throated Diver, 34 Red-throated Diver, 6 Slavonian Grebe
Red-necked Grebe - 1 at Golspie links
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Firemore
Barnacle Goose - 156 at Mungasdale Bay plus 8 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver
Common Scoter - 324 at Dornoch, 140 at Embo
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (f) at Acharacle (on Loch Shiel)
Sand Martin - 1 at Broadford
Twite - 35 at Dornoch Point
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, Geraint Roberts, skye-birds.com, bird information services
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Embo, plus 2 Black-throated Diver, 34 Red-throated Diver, 6 Slavonian Grebe
Red-necked Grebe - 1 at Golspie links
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Firemore
Barnacle Goose - 156 at Mungasdale Bay plus 8 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver
Common Scoter - 324 at Dornoch, 140 at Embo
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (f) at Acharacle (on Loch Shiel)
Sand Martin - 1 at Broadford
Twite - 35 at Dornoch Point
Tuesday 25th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Milton of Culloden
Whooper Swan - c100 over the A9 at Evelix, 29 Storr Lochs area, 7 still at Loch Scresort, Rum
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Connage Burn, plus 1 Greenshank, 20+ Dunlin
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake at Loch Eye, plus 2 Grey Partridge
Scaup - 60 at Loch Eye, 67 at Milton of Culloden
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Coul Links
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie, plus 1 Merlin
Brambling - 1 at Grampian View, Aviemore
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Milton of Culloden
Whooper Swan - c100 over the A9 at Evelix, 29 Storr Lochs area, 7 still at Loch Scresort, Rum
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Connage Burn, plus 1 Greenshank, 20+ Dunlin
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake at Loch Eye, plus 2 Grey Partridge
Scaup - 60 at Loch Eye, 67 at Milton of Culloden
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Coul Links
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie, plus 1 Merlin
Brambling - 1 at Grampian View, Aviemore
Monday 24th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, David Williams, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 120 at Balmuchy, 7 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Common Crane - 1 reported at Acharacle
Lapwing - 25 at Alness
Widespread arrival of Wheatear and Chiffchaff continuing
Thanks to Kim Dawson, David Williams, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 120 at Balmuchy, 7 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Common Crane - 1 reported at Acharacle
Lapwing - 25 at Alness
Widespread arrival of Wheatear and Chiffchaff continuing
Sunday 23rd March
Thanks to Josh Allan, Kim Dawson, Mike Dilger, Ross Macleod, Tony Laidler, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Chanonry Point plus 10 Kittiwake, 5 Common Scoter, 50 Eider, 3 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 2 Black Guillemot, 80 Razorbill, and 20 Common Guillemot
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Kiltearn and 2 at Saltburn
Red-breasted Merganser - 47 at Kiltearn, 5 at Chanonry Point
Goldeneye - 37 at Saltburn, 10 at Chanonry Point
Greater Scaup - 50+ at Milton of Culloden
Long-tailed Duck - 6 at Saltburn, 20 at Chanonry Point
Pintail - 28 at Redcastle
Osprey - further returning birds seen in Strathspey and Easter Ross
Sand Martin - 2 at Arisaig, 2 at Alturlie
Wheatear - 2 at Mellon Charles, plus singles at Heaste Road, Broadford and Scullamus
Hawfinch - 2 at Craggan, Grantown-on-Spey
Blackcap - 1(f) in a Fort William garden
Corn Bunting - 1 at Alturlie
Thanks to Josh Allan, Kim Dawson, Mike Dilger, Ross Macleod, Tony Laidler, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Chanonry Point plus 10 Kittiwake, 5 Common Scoter, 50 Eider, 3 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 2 Black Guillemot, 80 Razorbill, and 20 Common Guillemot
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Kiltearn and 2 at Saltburn
Red-breasted Merganser - 47 at Kiltearn, 5 at Chanonry Point
Goldeneye - 37 at Saltburn, 10 at Chanonry Point
Greater Scaup - 50+ at Milton of Culloden
Long-tailed Duck - 6 at Saltburn, 20 at Chanonry Point
Pintail - 28 at Redcastle
Osprey - further returning birds seen in Strathspey and Easter Ross
Sand Martin - 2 at Arisaig, 2 at Alturlie
Wheatear - 2 at Mellon Charles, plus singles at Heaste Road, Broadford and Scullamus
Hawfinch - 2 at Craggan, Grantown-on-Spey
Blackcap - 1(f) in a Fort William garden
Corn Bunting - 1 at Alturlie
Saturday 22nd March
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Mary Galloway, Bird Information Services, Blair Whyte, Tim Stenton, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 27 Loch Caroy
Pink-footed Goose - c.1000 Inver
Shelduck -118 Inver
Shoveler - 2 Insh Marshes
Gannet - 1 Chanonry Point
Redshank - 280+ Inver
Purple Sandpiper - 25 Portmahomack
Snipe - 1 drumming Insh Marshes
Osprey - Returning birds at several sites in Strathspey/Easter Ross/Sutherland since yesterday
Water Rail - 1 Hilllockhead, Black Isle (captured on Trail Cam), 1 Insh Mrashes
Glaucous Gull - 1 ist winter Big Sand
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Sandwich Tern - 1-Portmahomack
Swallow - 2 Lower Breakish
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Mary Galloway, Bird Information Services, Blair Whyte, Tim Stenton, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 27 Loch Caroy
Pink-footed Goose - c.1000 Inver
Shelduck -118 Inver
Shoveler - 2 Insh Marshes
Gannet - 1 Chanonry Point
Redshank - 280+ Inver
Purple Sandpiper - 25 Portmahomack
Snipe - 1 drumming Insh Marshes
Osprey - Returning birds at several sites in Strathspey/Easter Ross/Sutherland since yesterday
Water Rail - 1 Hilllockhead, Black Isle (captured on Trail Cam), 1 Insh Mrashes
Glaucous Gull - 1 ist winter Big Sand
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Sandwich Tern - 1-Portmahomack
Swallow - 2 Lower Breakish
Friday 21st March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Tim Leerschool, Skye Birds, Paul Rich,
Whooper Swan - 1 still Loch Nan Corr, Inverinate
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Greater Scaup - 40 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 4 Chanonry Point
Long tailed Duck - 14 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 32 Chanonry Point
Slavonian Grebe - 3 Upper Loch Torridon
Gannet - 2 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 17 Chanonry Point
Black Guillemot - 2 Invergordon
Razorbill - 280 Chanonry Point
Sand Martin - 2 Ardersier
White Wagtail - 1 Lochlonghead
Wheatear - more returning birds appearing across Highland
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Tim Leerschool, Skye Birds, Paul Rich,
Whooper Swan - 1 still Loch Nan Corr, Inverinate
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Greater Scaup - 40 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 4 Chanonry Point
Long tailed Duck - 14 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 32 Chanonry Point
Slavonian Grebe - 3 Upper Loch Torridon
Gannet - 2 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 17 Chanonry Point
Black Guillemot - 2 Invergordon
Razorbill - 280 Chanonry Point
Sand Martin - 2 Ardersier
White Wagtail - 1 Lochlonghead
Wheatear - more returning birds appearing across Highland
Thursday 20th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alastair McNee, Dean MacAskill, Tony Laidler, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Eye, 20 over Broadford
Shoveler - 2 Loch Eye
Greater Scaup - 60 - Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Eider - 652 (including 1 Northern Eider) Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - 20 Chanonry Point, 80 Coul Links
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 16 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Altulie
Gannet - 8 (1st of the year at this site) - Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 adult at the river mouth Ullapool
Kittiwake - 32 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern - 6 Coul Links
Razorbill - 397 (for comparison just ten Guillemot) Chanonry Point
Stock Dove - 2 Alturlie
Swallow - 1 Loch Kinellan
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alastair McNee, Dean MacAskill, Tony Laidler, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Eye, 20 over Broadford
Shoveler - 2 Loch Eye
Greater Scaup - 60 - Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Eider - 652 (including 1 Northern Eider) Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - 20 Chanonry Point, 80 Coul Links
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 16 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Altulie
Gannet - 8 (1st of the year at this site) - Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 adult at the river mouth Ullapool
Kittiwake - 32 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern - 6 Coul Links
Razorbill - 397 (for comparison just ten Guillemot) Chanonry Point
Stock Dove - 2 Alturlie
Swallow - 1 Loch Kinellan
Wednesday 19th March
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Bird Information Sevices, Mike Crutch, Skye Birds, George Dunbar, Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 22 head of Loch Slapin
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Tain Links
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Acharacle, Loch Sheil
Velvet Scoter - 1 female still Loch Ainort
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Loch Ainort, Camas na Sgianadin
Merlin - 1 Dava Moor
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Snow Bunting - 29+ Cairngorm Car Park, 1 Cairngorm top Restuarant
Reports received of Lesser black-backed Gulls, Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Twites from various sites across Highland
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Bird Information Sevices, Mike Crutch, Skye Birds, George Dunbar, Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 22 head of Loch Slapin
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Tain Links
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Acharacle, Loch Sheil
Velvet Scoter - 1 female still Loch Ainort
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Loch Ainort, Camas na Sgianadin
Merlin - 1 Dava Moor
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Snow Bunting - 29+ Cairngorm Car Park, 1 Cairngorm top Restuarant
Reports received of Lesser black-backed Gulls, Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Twites from various sites across Highland
Tuesday 18th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Shaz, John Hunter, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 48 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, 8 Loch Nn Eala, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 1 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, c1000 Alturlie Pools
Shoveler - 2 Culloden Hotel pond
Pintail - 2 Tain Links
Greater Scaup - 64 - Alturlie Point
Long-tailed Duck - c50 Alturlie Point, 7 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie Point
Slavonian Grebe - 11 Alturlie Point
Red-throated Diver - 8 Alturlie Point, 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Manx Shearwater - birds returning Rum
Bar-tailed Godwit - 49 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, 90 Alturlie Point
Knot - 20 Urquhart old cemetery nr Alcaig
Ringed Plover - 23 Coul Links
Purple Sandpiper - 16 Hilton of Cadboll
Dunlin - 2 Coul Links
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Ullapool
Stock Dove - 3 Alturlie Pools
Snow Bunting - 15 Cairngorm Base Station
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Shaz, John Hunter, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 48 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, 8 Loch Nn Eala, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 1 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, c1000 Alturlie Pools
Shoveler - 2 Culloden Hotel pond
Pintail - 2 Tain Links
Greater Scaup - 64 - Alturlie Point
Long-tailed Duck - c50 Alturlie Point, 7 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie Point
Slavonian Grebe - 11 Alturlie Point
Red-throated Diver - 8 Alturlie Point, 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Manx Shearwater - birds returning Rum
Bar-tailed Godwit - 49 Urquhart old cemetery nr alcaig, 90 Alturlie Point
Knot - 20 Urquhart old cemetery nr Alcaig
Ringed Plover - 23 Coul Links
Purple Sandpiper - 16 Hilton of Cadboll
Dunlin - 2 Coul Links
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Ullapool
Stock Dove - 3 Alturlie Pools
Snow Bunting - 15 Cairngorm Base Station
Monday 17th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Bob MacMillan, Marin Benson, Alan MacAskill, Craig Forsyth
Whooper Swan - 3 Chanonry Point , 4 Loch Eye
Shelduck - 80 Loch Fleet
Greater Scaup - 64 Loch Eye
Pochard - 6 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Loch Sheil (from pier)
Eider - 60 Embo
Long-tailed duck - 33 Chanonry Point
Red-breasted Merganser - 30+ Loch Fleet
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo
Red-throated diver -16 Chanonry Point, 7 Embo
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit- 14 Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 4 Loch Fleet
Razorbill - 51 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern - 2 Loch Fleet
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Bob MacMillan, Marin Benson, Alan MacAskill, Craig Forsyth
Whooper Swan - 3 Chanonry Point , 4 Loch Eye
Shelduck - 80 Loch Fleet
Greater Scaup - 64 Loch Eye
Pochard - 6 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Loch Sheil (from pier)
Eider - 60 Embo
Long-tailed duck - 33 Chanonry Point
Red-breasted Merganser - 30+ Loch Fleet
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo
Red-throated diver -16 Chanonry Point, 7 Embo
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit- 14 Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 4 Loch Fleet
Razorbill - 51 Chanonry Point
Sandwich Tern - 2 Loch Fleet
Sunday 16th March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Skye Birds, Gary Aitken, Ross Macleod, David Paterson, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Pete Gordon, Jack McWatt
Whooper Swan - 2 Redcastle
Shelduck - 50 Milton of Culloden
Greater Scaup - 60 Loch Eye, 20 Milton of Culloden, 50 Alturlie
Pochard - 2 Loch Eye
Pintail - 4 Milton of Culloden
Ring-necked Duck - 1 Loch Eye
Eider - 625 Golspie coast,
Northern Eider - 1 drake Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 head of Loch Ainort
Common Scoter - 180 Dornoch, 51 cGolspie coast, 28 Balnabruach
Long-tailed Duck – 355 Golspie coast, 9 Balnabruach
Ptarmigan - 4 on Mullach nan Coirean, Mamores
Great Northern Diver -12 Embo, 18 Moll/Ainort/Scalpay
Black-throated Diver - Embo, 1Moll/Ainort/Scalpay
Red-throated Diver - 4 Moll/Ainort/Scalpay, 16 Tarbat Ness, 1 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Great Northern Diver -12 Embo, 18 Moll/Ainort/Scalpa
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe -12 Embo, 19 Golspie coast, 1 Alturlie
Water Rail - 2 Kilmuir
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 24 head of Loch Portree, 21 Balnabruach
Greenshank - 4 head of Loch Portree
Purple Sandpiper - 52 Embo, 4 Balnabruach
Black Guillemot - 1 Tarbat Ness
Lesser black-backed Gull - returning birds at several locations
Sandwich Tern - 3 Skelbo
Northern Wheatear - Mellon Udridgle
Snow Bunting - 40 Cairngorm Car Park
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Skye Birds, Gary Aitken, Ross Macleod, David Paterson, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Pete Gordon, Jack McWatt
Whooper Swan - 2 Redcastle
Shelduck - 50 Milton of Culloden
Greater Scaup - 60 Loch Eye, 20 Milton of Culloden, 50 Alturlie
Pochard - 2 Loch Eye
Pintail - 4 Milton of Culloden
Ring-necked Duck - 1 Loch Eye
Eider - 625 Golspie coast,
Northern Eider - 1 drake Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 head of Loch Ainort
Common Scoter - 180 Dornoch, 51 cGolspie coast, 28 Balnabruach
Long-tailed Duck – 355 Golspie coast, 9 Balnabruach
Ptarmigan - 4 on Mullach nan Coirean, Mamores
Great Northern Diver -12 Embo, 18 Moll/Ainort/Scalpay
Black-throated Diver - Embo, 1Moll/Ainort/Scalpay
Red-throated Diver - 4 Moll/Ainort/Scalpay, 16 Tarbat Ness, 1 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Great Northern Diver -12 Embo, 18 Moll/Ainort/Scalpa
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe -12 Embo, 19 Golspie coast, 1 Alturlie
Water Rail - 2 Kilmuir
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 24 head of Loch Portree, 21 Balnabruach
Greenshank - 4 head of Loch Portree
Purple Sandpiper - 52 Embo, 4 Balnabruach
Black Guillemot - 1 Tarbat Ness
Lesser black-backed Gull - returning birds at several locations
Sandwich Tern - 3 Skelbo
Northern Wheatear - Mellon Udridgle
Snow Bunting - 40 Cairngorm Car Park
Saturday 15th March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird Information Services
Common Scoter - 6 Embo
Long-tailed Duck - 8 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 4 Embo
Hen Harrier - 1 (Ringtail) Loch Fleet
Sandwich Tern - 3 at Loch Fleet
Lapwing - 44 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Ardmair fish pens
Razorbill- now being regularly reported along the east coat
Kingfisher - 1 Loch Migdale
Crested Tit - 2 Lochindorb
Raven - a group of 36 near Loch Migdale
Twite - birds returning on Skye at Breakish and Heaste Road
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird Information Services
Common Scoter - 6 Embo
Long-tailed Duck - 8 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 4 Embo
Hen Harrier - 1 (Ringtail) Loch Fleet
Sandwich Tern - 3 at Loch Fleet
Lapwing - 44 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Ardmair fish pens
Razorbill- now being regularly reported along the east coat
Kingfisher - 1 Loch Migdale
Crested Tit - 2 Lochindorb
Raven - a group of 36 near Loch Migdale
Twite - birds returning on Skye at Breakish and Heaste Road
Friday 14th March
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon, Dean MaAskill, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Mary Galloway, Rob Hughes, Louis Parkerson, Simeon Ewing
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Canada Goose - 1 Alturlie
Pink-footed Goose - 500+ Alturlie
Whooper Swan - 19 Arabella
Shelduck - 20 Alturlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 Alturlie, 1 Tain
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Eider - 5 Alturlie
Red-breasted Merganser - 5 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 10 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Manx Shearwater - 2 Tarbat Ness
Bar-tailed Godwit - 20 Alturlie
Redshank - 100 Alturlie
Knot - 20 Alturlie
Dunlin - 50 Alturlie
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Northern Wheatear - 1 Fortrose Golf Course
Chiffchaff - singing birds at several locations
Crested Tit - 1 Lochindorb
Snow Bunting - 25 Cairngorm Car Park
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon, Dean MaAskill, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Mary Galloway, Rob Hughes, Louis Parkerson, Simeon Ewing
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Canada Goose - 1 Alturlie
Pink-footed Goose - 500+ Alturlie
Whooper Swan - 19 Arabella
Shelduck - 20 Alturlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 Alturlie, 1 Tain
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Eider - 5 Alturlie
Red-breasted Merganser - 5 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 10 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Manx Shearwater - 2 Tarbat Ness
Bar-tailed Godwit - 20 Alturlie
Redshank - 100 Alturlie
Knot - 20 Alturlie
Dunlin - 50 Alturlie
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Northern Wheatear - 1 Fortrose Golf Course
Chiffchaff - singing birds at several locations
Crested Tit - 1 Lochindorb
Snow Bunting - 25 Cairngorm Car Park
Thursday 13th March
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Louis Parkerson, Robert Wilson ,John Poyner, Kim Dawson, Keith Barnes
Greater Scaup - c350 Jemimaville, 40 + Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 Jemimaville
Long-tailed Duck - 19 Hilton of Cadboll
Red-throated Diver - 3 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Jemimaville, 1 Alturlie
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale on river at Kilphedir
Razorbill - 16 Hilton of Cadboll
Northern Wheatear - 1 Mellon Udrigle
Corn Bunting - 1 Alturlie
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Louis Parkerson, Robert Wilson ,John Poyner, Kim Dawson, Keith Barnes
Greater Scaup - c350 Jemimaville, 40 + Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 Jemimaville
Long-tailed Duck - 19 Hilton of Cadboll
Red-throated Diver - 3 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Jemimaville, 1 Alturlie
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale on river at Kilphedir
Razorbill - 16 Hilton of Cadboll
Northern Wheatear - 1 Mellon Udrigle
Corn Bunting - 1 Alturlie
Wednsday 12th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, Alan MacAskill, Marcus Lawson
Barnacle Goose - 200+ Gruinard Island/Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 30 Chanonry Point
Common Scoter -3 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Little Loch broom, 11 Gruinard Island/Bay
Black-throated Diver - 2 Little Loch Broom
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point,
Greenshank - 1 Little Loch Broom
Little Gull - 1 adult Loch Eye
Black Guillemot - 5 Gruinard Island/Bay
Brambling - 1 Grampian View, Aviemore
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, Alan MacAskill, Marcus Lawson
Barnacle Goose - 200+ Gruinard Island/Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 30 Chanonry Point
Common Scoter -3 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Little Loch broom, 11 Gruinard Island/Bay
Black-throated Diver - 2 Little Loch Broom
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point,
Greenshank - 1 Little Loch Broom
Little Gull - 1 adult Loch Eye
Black Guillemot - 5 Gruinard Island/Bay
Brambling - 1 Grampian View, Aviemore
Tuesday 11th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 9 Arabella, 44 near Easter Airfield
Long-tailed Duck - 45 Chanonry Point, 31 Hilton of Cadboll, 4 Saltburn
Common Scoter - 2 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver -1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 39 Chanonry Point, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Saltburn
Curlew - c.60 Hilton of Cadboll
Purple Sandpiper - 10 Balintore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 18 between Portmahomack and Inver
Ringed Plover - 21 between Portmahomack and Inver
Lesser-black backed Gull - 2 Udale Bay
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale Harbour
Kittiwake - 4 Chanonry Point
Black Guillemot - 3 Chanonry Point
Razorbill - 68 Chanonry Point, 4 Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 9 Arabella, 44 near Easter Airfield
Long-tailed Duck - 45 Chanonry Point, 31 Hilton of Cadboll, 4 Saltburn
Common Scoter - 2 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver -1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 39 Chanonry Point, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Saltburn
Curlew - c.60 Hilton of Cadboll
Purple Sandpiper - 10 Balintore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 18 between Portmahomack and Inver
Ringed Plover - 21 between Portmahomack and Inver
Lesser-black backed Gull - 2 Udale Bay
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale Harbour
Kittiwake - 4 Chanonry Point
Black Guillemot - 3 Chanonry Point
Razorbill - 68 Chanonry Point, 4 Hilton of Cadboll
Monday 10th March
Thanks to Alastair McNee, Mary Galloway, Bird Information Services, Jack Morris
Whooper Swan - 22 Munlochy Bay
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale Harbour
Chiffchaff - 1 Merkinch LNR, 2 Craig Phadrig
Hawfinch - 2 still Kiltearn Burial Ground
Thanks to Alastair McNee, Mary Galloway, Bird Information Services, Jack Morris
Whooper Swan - 22 Munlochy Bay
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale Harbour
Chiffchaff - 1 Merkinch LNR, 2 Craig Phadrig
Hawfinch - 2 still Kiltearn Burial Ground
Sunday 9th March
Thanks to Bob McMillan, John Poyner, Shaz, Ross Macleo, Keith Barnes, Gary Aitken, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Ann Shirley, Dean MacAskill
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Nan Eala, 2 Mill Dam, Applecross, two skeins over Harrapool (14 & 25)
Shelduck - 50 Milton of Cullodon, 81 Tain Links, 140 Inver
Green-winged Teal - 1 head of Loch Kishorn
Scaup - 20 Milton of Culloden
Ring-neck Duck - adult still Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 60 Sand, Applecross
Black-throated Diver - 23 Sand, Applecross
Gannet - 100+ North Erradale
Shag - c300 North Erradale
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Greenshank - 1 Loch Fleet
Turnstone - c.30 Coul Links
Lapwing - 75 Loch Fleet
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale
Chiffchaff - birds singing at several locations
Thanks to Bob McMillan, John Poyner, Shaz, Ross Macleo, Keith Barnes, Gary Aitken, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Ann Shirley, Dean MacAskill
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Nan Eala, 2 Mill Dam, Applecross, two skeins over Harrapool (14 & 25)
Shelduck - 50 Milton of Cullodon, 81 Tain Links, 140 Inver
Green-winged Teal - 1 head of Loch Kishorn
Scaup - 20 Milton of Culloden
Ring-neck Duck - adult still Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 60 Sand, Applecross
Black-throated Diver - 23 Sand, Applecross
Gannet - 100+ North Erradale
Shag - c300 North Erradale
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Greenshank - 1 Loch Fleet
Turnstone - c.30 Coul Links
Lapwing - 75 Loch Fleet
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale
Chiffchaff - birds singing at several locations
Saturday 8th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Sue Sykes and Skye Birds
Canada Goose - 20 on Loch Insh
Pink-footed Goose - c500 over Duthil
Red-throated Diver - 15 past Tarbat Ness. Also 7 Long-tailed Duck.
Curlew - 50+ near Carrbridge. 1 Deshar Road, Carrbridge
Jay - 2 in woods at Boat of Garten. 1 at Balmacara
Red Crossbill - 12 at Balmacara
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Sue Sykes and Skye Birds
Canada Goose - 20 on Loch Insh
Pink-footed Goose - c500 over Duthil
Red-throated Diver - 15 past Tarbat Ness. Also 7 Long-tailed Duck.
Curlew - 50+ near Carrbridge. 1 Deshar Road, Carrbridge
Jay - 2 in woods at Boat of Garten. 1 at Balmacara
Red Crossbill - 12 at Balmacara
Friday 7th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 40 west over Rum. Also 5 left Loch Nan Eala, Arisaig
Ring-necked Duck - 1 still on Loch Eye
Green-winged Teal - 1 still on Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Alness Bay. 90+ Shelduck also there
Yellowhammer - 1 male back on territory at Rhu Road, Arisaig
Redwing - mixed flock of 40 with Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh. 70 Siskin also there
Pied Wagtail - reports from Arisaig, Lochlonghead, Kirkton, Broadford and Kilmory, Rum
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 40 west over Rum. Also 5 left Loch Nan Eala, Arisaig
Ring-necked Duck - 1 still on Loch Eye
Green-winged Teal - 1 still on Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Alness Bay. 90+ Shelduck also there
Yellowhammer - 1 male back on territory at Rhu Road, Arisaig
Redwing - mixed flock of 40 with Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh. 70 Siskin also there
Pied Wagtail - reports from Arisaig, Lochlonghead, Kirkton, Broadford and Kilmory, Rum
Thursday 6th March
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce and Bob Swann,
Whooper Swan - 18 overhead near Invergordon
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 still at Loch Eye. 61 Scaup also there
Red-throated Diver - 1 returned to Loch Insh. 1 White-tailed Eagle overhead
Grey Wagtail - Leys Estate
Twite - 45 on Dornoch saltings
Snow Bunting - 10 on Dornoch Beach
Wednesday 5th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis and Bird Information Services
Great-crested Grebe - 1 past Chanonry Point. Also past 3 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver,
45 Red- throated Diver, 46 Long-tailed Duck
Black Guillemot - 3 past Chanonry Point
Kumliens Gull - 1 at Helmsdale
Thanks to Kevin Davis and Bird Information Services
Great-crested Grebe - 1 past Chanonry Point. Also past 3 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver,
45 Red- throated Diver, 46 Long-tailed Duck
Black Guillemot - 3 past Chanonry Point
Kumliens Gull - 1 at Helmsdale
Tuesday 4th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 12 at Loch Fleet. Also there 3 Greenshank and c80 Dunlin
Long-tailed Duck - 30+ at mouth of Loch Fleet and 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Merlin - 1 at Udale Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 25 at Balintore
Hawfinch - 4 still at Kiltearn Burial ground
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 12 at Loch Fleet. Also there 3 Greenshank and c80 Dunlin
Long-tailed Duck - 30+ at mouth of Loch Fleet and 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Merlin - 1 at Udale Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 25 at Balintore
Hawfinch - 4 still at Kiltearn Burial ground
Monday 3rd March
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 19 over Portmahomack
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Loch Kishorn
Ptarmigan - 3 on Ben Aslak again
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 19 over Portmahomack
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Loch Kishorn
Ptarmigan - 3 on Ben Aslak again
Sunday 2nd March
Thanks to Neill Bennet, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness. First seen since autumn 2024
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Kishorn
Ptarmigan - 4 on Ben Aslak, Skye
Water Rail - 1 in garden at Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 13 at Mallaig
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Iceland Gull - 1 at Portree
Viking Gull - 1 at Portree
Thanks to Neill Bennet, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness. First seen since autumn 2024
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Kishorn
Ptarmigan - 4 on Ben Aslak, Skye
Water Rail - 1 in garden at Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 13 at Mallaig
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Iceland Gull - 1 at Portree
Viking Gull - 1 at Portree
Saturday 1st March
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mary Galloway, Tony Laidler, Stephen MacDonald, Sean Morris, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Raddery
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st w) near Broadford river mouth, Skye
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Alturlie
Pintail - 2 at Udale Bay
Water Rail - 1 at Rhubana View, Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 13 at Mallaig
Brambling - 1(f) in a Fort William garden
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mary Galloway, Tony Laidler, Stephen MacDonald, Sean Morris, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Raddery
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st w) near Broadford river mouth, Skye
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Alturlie
Pintail - 2 at Udale Bay
Water Rail - 1 at Rhubana View, Morar
Purple Sandpiper - 13 at Mallaig
Brambling - 1(f) in a Fort William garden
Friday 28th February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob Swann
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain links
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob Swann
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain links
Thursday 27th February
Thanks to Mary Galloway, George Polson, Joe Woods
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Shieldaig
Pintail - 5 at Redcastle
Brambling - 1(f) at Midmills Road, Inverness
Thanks to Mary Galloway, George Polson, Joe Woods
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Shieldaig
Pintail - 5 at Redcastle
Brambling - 1(f) at Midmills Road, Inverness
Wednesday 26th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Embo
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 80 at Embo, 32 at Dornoch, 58 at Chanonry Point, 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Slavonian Grebe - 24 at Dornoch, 14 at Embo, 1 at Chanonry Point
Barnacle Goose - 5 on Staffin Island, Skye
Long-tailed Duck - 4 at Hilton of Cadboll, 65 at Chanonry Point plus 9 Common Scoter
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Loch Eye, plus 1 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 48 Scaup, 136 Goldeneye
Purple Sandpiper - 45 at Embo, 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Embo
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 80 at Embo, 32 at Dornoch, 58 at Chanonry Point, 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Slavonian Grebe - 24 at Dornoch, 14 at Embo, 1 at Chanonry Point
Barnacle Goose - 5 on Staffin Island, Skye
Long-tailed Duck - 4 at Hilton of Cadboll, 65 at Chanonry Point plus 9 Common Scoter
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Loch Eye, plus 1 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 48 Scaup, 136 Goldeneye
Purple Sandpiper - 45 at Embo, 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Tuesday 25th February
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Geraint Roberts, Sue Sykes, Audrey Turner, Steven Williams
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Saltburn plus 4 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Golden Plover - c20 in Strathdearn, plus c180 Lapwing
Brambling - 1(m) at Aviemore
Snow Bunting - 8 at Dornoch beach, 30+ at Cairn Gorm car park
Twite -3 at Balintore harbour
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Geraint Roberts, Sue Sykes, Audrey Turner, Steven Williams
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Saltburn plus 4 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Golden Plover - c20 in Strathdearn, plus c180 Lapwing
Brambling - 1(m) at Aviemore
Snow Bunting - 8 at Dornoch beach, 30+ at Cairn Gorm car park
Twite -3 at Balintore harbour
Monday 24th February
Thanks to Alister Clunas, George Gay, Kevin Davis, George Dunbar, Blair Whyte
Red-throated Diver - 23 at Chanonry Point plus (0720-0820hrs) 31 Long-tailed Duck, 15 Turnstone and 80 Dunlin
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 5 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Alturlie
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Hawfinch - 3 still at Kiltearn church
Thanks to Alister Clunas, George Gay, Kevin Davis, George Dunbar, Blair Whyte
Red-throated Diver - 23 at Chanonry Point plus (0720-0820hrs) 31 Long-tailed Duck, 15 Turnstone and 80 Dunlin
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 5 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Alturlie
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Hawfinch - 3 still at Kiltearn church
Sunday 23rd February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Bob Swann, Audrey Turner
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0730-0830hrs were 36 Red-throated Diver, 58 Long-tailed Duck and 4 Common Scoter plus a possible 'Continental' Cormorant (ssp. sinensis)
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 15 Long-tailed Duck
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st winter) at the head of Loch Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain Links, 1 at Alturlie
Scaup - 50 at Alturlie, plus 3 Shelduck, 1(f) Shoveler, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Knot, 20 Dunlin, 20 Lapwing, 50 Redshank
Brambling - 1(m) at Aviemore
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Bob Swann, Audrey Turner
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0730-0830hrs were 36 Red-throated Diver, 58 Long-tailed Duck and 4 Common Scoter plus a possible 'Continental' Cormorant (ssp. sinensis)
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 15 Long-tailed Duck
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st winter) at the head of Loch Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain Links, 1 at Alturlie
Scaup - 50 at Alturlie, plus 3 Shelduck, 1(f) Shoveler, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Knot, 20 Dunlin, 20 Lapwing, 50 Redshank
Brambling - 1(m) at Aviemore
Saturday 22nd February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Andy Williams, Louis Pakerson, Kim Dawson
Shelduck - 72 Ness of Portnaculter
Eider - 82 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 38 Chanonry Point, c120 Mouth of Loch Fleet (plus 1 Common Scoter)
Red-throated Diver - 28 Chanonry Point
Lapwing - 72 Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 3 Loch Fleet
Dunlin - 95 Chanonry Point
Mediterranean Gull - 1 Ullapool
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Andy Williams, Louis Pakerson, Kim Dawson
Shelduck - 72 Ness of Portnaculter
Eider - 82 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 38 Chanonry Point, c120 Mouth of Loch Fleet (plus 1 Common Scoter)
Red-throated Diver - 28 Chanonry Point
Lapwing - 72 Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 3 Loch Fleet
Dunlin - 95 Chanonry Point
Mediterranean Gull - 1 Ullapool
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point
Friday 2tst February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Joseph Puffin, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 20 Loch Eye, 4 Loch Cillchriosd
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 49 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 35 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 female/imm Drumashie
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Joseph Puffin, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 20 Loch Eye, 4 Loch Cillchriosd
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 49 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 35 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 female/imm Drumashie
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point
Thursday 20th February
Thanks to Susan S, Louis Parkerson, Callum Urquhart, Julie Vinters, Matt Eade, Blair Whyte, Dave Pierce, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 2 Udale Bay
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 42 Rosemarkie beach
Shelduck - 251 Udale Bay
Greater Scaup - 20+ Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Shoveler -1 Loch Eye
Common Scoter - 2 still Broadford Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 182 Udale Bay, 11 Broardford Bay, 20 Loch Portree
Greenshank - 3 Loch Portree
Knot - c1000 Udale Bay
Dunlin - c200 Udale Bay
Hawfinch - 6 still Kiltearn Church
Blackcap - 1 singing Drummand Road, also 1 Balnafettack (both Inverness)
Snow Bunting - 1 Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie
Thanks to Susan S, Louis Parkerson, Callum Urquhart, Julie Vinters, Matt Eade, Blair Whyte, Dave Pierce, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 2 Udale Bay
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 42 Rosemarkie beach
Shelduck - 251 Udale Bay
Greater Scaup - 20+ Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Shoveler -1 Loch Eye
Common Scoter - 2 still Broadford Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 182 Udale Bay, 11 Broardford Bay, 20 Loch Portree
Greenshank - 3 Loch Portree
Knot - c1000 Udale Bay
Dunlin - c200 Udale Bay
Hawfinch - 6 still Kiltearn Church
Blackcap - 1 singing Drummand Road, also 1 Balnafettack (both Inverness)
Snow Bunting - 1 Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie
Wednesday 19th February
Thanks to Josh Allan, Ross Macleod, Bird Information Services, Robert Archer, Joseph Puffin, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 100 Balmaquien
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Shoveler - 1 drake Culloden House Hotel pond
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 2 Broadford Bay
Great Crested Grebe -1 Alturlie
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Oystercatcher - 1 Loch Fleet yesterday with an Icelandic ring (first sighting outside Iceland since ringed in May 2021)
Glaucous Gull - 1 1st winter Big Sand
Kumlein's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Waxwing - 1 Boat of Garten, at Grampian Crescent
Thanks to Josh Allan, Ross Macleod, Bird Information Services, Robert Archer, Joseph Puffin, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 100 Balmaquien
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still Loch Eye
Shoveler - 1 drake Culloden House Hotel pond
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 2 Broadford Bay
Great Crested Grebe -1 Alturlie
Great White Egret - 1 still Loch Eye
Oystercatcher - 1 Loch Fleet yesterday with an Icelandic ring (first sighting outside Iceland since ringed in May 2021)
Glaucous Gull - 1 1st winter Big Sand
Kumlein's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale
Waxwing - 1 Boat of Garten, at Grampian Crescent
Tuesday 18th February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson
Long-tailed Duck - 62 Chanonry Point, 14 atHilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter -1 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 3 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 31 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail Alturlie
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Hilton of Cadboll, 7 at Balintore
Glaucous Gull (possibly showing Viking Gull features) - 1 1st winter Allt a Mhuillinn mouth, 1 1st winter Big Sand
Brambling - 1 Dramguish
Snow Bunting - 11 Dornoch Beach
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson
Long-tailed Duck - 62 Chanonry Point, 14 atHilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter -1 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 3 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 31 Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail Alturlie
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Hilton of Cadboll, 7 at Balintore
Glaucous Gull (possibly showing Viking Gull features) - 1 1st winter Allt a Mhuillinn mouth, 1 1st winter Big Sand
Brambling - 1 Dramguish
Snow Bunting - 11 Dornoch Beach
Monday 17th February
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Kevin Davis, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 75 Chanonry Point, 4 Alturlie
Common Scoter -1 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 31 Channonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Whimbrel - Loch Snizort at Skeabost
Hawfinch - 2 Kiltearn Burial Ground
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Kevin Davis, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 2 Alturlie
Greater Scaup - 50 Alturlie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Long-tailed Duck - 75 Chanonry Point, 4 Alturlie
Common Scoter -1 Chanonry Point
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 31 Channonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Whimbrel - Loch Snizort at Skeabost
Hawfinch - 2 Kiltearn Burial Ground
Sunday 16th February
Thanks to Louis Parkerson, Skye Birds, Sandy McNeil, Ross Macleod, Matt Eade, John and Jenny Caruthers
Whooper Swan - 1 Whiteness Bay
Brent Goose - 20 Whiteness Bay
Greater Scaup - 35+ Loch Eye, 172 Beauly Firth/Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 15 Whiteness Point
Black-throated Diver - 3 Breakish Obbe
Red-throated Diver - 1 Whiteness Point
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Beauly Firth/Udale Bay
Fulmar - 1 Whiteness Bay
Goshawk - 1 Whiteness Bay
Sanderling - 30 Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter north past Neist Point, 1 1st winter Duisky, Loch Eil
Kittiwake - 1 Whiteness Bay
Thanks to Louis Parkerson, Skye Birds, Sandy McNeil, Ross Macleod, Matt Eade, John and Jenny Caruthers
Whooper Swan - 1 Whiteness Bay
Brent Goose - 20 Whiteness Bay
Greater Scaup - 35+ Loch Eye, 172 Beauly Firth/Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 15 Whiteness Point
Black-throated Diver - 3 Breakish Obbe
Red-throated Diver - 1 Whiteness Point
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Beauly Firth/Udale Bay
Fulmar - 1 Whiteness Bay
Goshawk - 1 Whiteness Bay
Sanderling - 30 Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter north past Neist Point, 1 1st winter Duisky, Loch Eil
Kittiwake - 1 Whiteness Bay
Saturday 15th February
Thanks to Gary and Rosemary Aitkin, Ros Macleod and Skye Birds, Tommy
Barnacle Goose - in fields next to Alturlie Pools
Brent Goose - 20 Whiteness Bay
Whooper swan - 55 Marybank, 1 Whiteness Bay
Ptarmigan - 3 on Ben Aslak still
Knot - 20 at Arterlie
Thanks to Gary and Rosemary Aitkin, Ros Macleod and Skye Birds, Tommy
Barnacle Goose - in fields next to Alturlie Pools
Brent Goose - 20 Whiteness Bay
Whooper swan - 55 Marybank, 1 Whiteness Bay
Ptarmigan - 3 on Ben Aslak still
Knot - 20 at Arterlie
Friday 14th February
Thanks to Craig Forsyth, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - still 1 at Tain Links (or Tain Links pond) and 1 at Alturlie
Ptarmigan - 4 at Ben Aslak, Kylerhea
Great White Egret - 1 still on far side of Loch Eye
Thanks to Craig Forsyth, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - still 1 at Tain Links (or Tain Links pond) and 1 at Alturlie
Ptarmigan - 4 at Ben Aslak, Kylerhea
Great White Egret - 1 still on far side of Loch Eye
Thursday 13th February
Thanks to Rosemary Aitken, Jort Brough. Kim Dawson, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Long-tailed Duck - 29 at Hilton of Cadbol. Also there 1 Red-throated Diver
Purple Sandpiper - 48 at Balintore and 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Jack Snipe - again today 1 at Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Waxwing - 1? at Tain
Hawfinch - 2 at Kiltearn Burial ground still
Thanks to Rosemary Aitken, Jort Brough. Kim Dawson, Dave Tanner and Skye Birds
Long-tailed Duck - 29 at Hilton of Cadbol. Also there 1 Red-throated Diver
Purple Sandpiper - 48 at Balintore and 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Jack Snipe - again today 1 at Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Waxwing - 1? at Tain
Hawfinch - 2 at Kiltearn Burial ground still
Wednesday 12th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill and Dave Tanner,
Black-throated Diver - 1 past Chanonry Point also there 46 Red-throated Diver, 40 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Black Guillemot and 28 Ringed Plover
Barn Owl - 1 at Coulmore
Iceland Gull - 1 Ullapool
Hawfinch - 2 at Kiltearn Old Kirk, Evanton
Snow Bunting - 8 on Dornoch Beach
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill and Dave Tanner,
Black-throated Diver - 1 past Chanonry Point also there 46 Red-throated Diver, 40 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Black Guillemot and 28 Ringed Plover
Barn Owl - 1 at Coulmore
Iceland Gull - 1 Ullapool
Hawfinch - 2 at Kiltearn Old Kirk, Evanton
Snow Bunting - 8 on Dornoch Beach
Tuesday 11th February
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Steve Broyd, Simon Eaves and Kevin Davis
Barnacle Goose - 100 at Balmacquien
Red-throated Diver - 73 at/past Chanonry Point also there 35 Long-tailed Duck , 1 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 2 Fulmar, 220 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter at Rigg, Isle of Skye
Waxwing -1 still at Glenmore Caravan Site and Youth Hostel
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Steve Broyd, Simon Eaves and Kevin Davis
Barnacle Goose - 100 at Balmacquien
Red-throated Diver - 73 at/past Chanonry Point also there 35 Long-tailed Duck , 1 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 2 Fulmar, 220 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter at Rigg, Isle of Skye
Waxwing -1 still at Glenmore Caravan Site and Youth Hostel
Monday 10th February
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Steve Reddick, Shaz, Blair White and Skye Birds
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 24 flew to Fort George from Rosemarkie
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at the Mound
Bar-tailed Godwit - 100 off Fort George. Also there 16 Knot, 50 Dunlin, 1 Black-throated Diver, 14 Common Scoter and c300 Eider
Jack Snipe - 1 at Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Kumleins Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Little gull - 1 at Ardmair. Also there 3 Black-throated Diver
Waxwing -1 at Glenmore Caravan Site and Youth Hostel
Snow Bunting - 5 on Dornoch beach
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Steve Reddick, Shaz, Blair White and Skye Birds
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 24 flew to Fort George from Rosemarkie
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at the Mound
Bar-tailed Godwit - 100 off Fort George. Also there 16 Knot, 50 Dunlin, 1 Black-throated Diver, 14 Common Scoter and c300 Eider
Jack Snipe - 1 at Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Kumleins Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Little gull - 1 at Ardmair. Also there 3 Black-throated Diver
Waxwing -1 at Glenmore Caravan Site and Youth Hostel
Snow Bunting - 5 on Dornoch beach
Sunday 9th February
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andy Lawson, Dave Pierce, Shaz, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain
Purple Sandpiper - 6 at Hilton of Cadboll. Also there 27 Long-tailed Duck and 4 Red-throated Diver
Lapwing - 30 at Gesto Farm
Kumleins Gull - 1 adult at Helmsdale harbour
Iceland Gull - head of Portree (believed to be separate bird)
Glaucus Gull - 1 at Gairloch
Lesser Black-backed Gull at Newtonmor. Also there 2 early Black-headed Gull.
Barn Owl - 1 at Drumfearn junction
Skylark - late report of 6 at Insh on Saturday. Very early in year.
Blackcap - 2 females on feeders at Plockton
Hawfinch - 7+ at Evanton burial ground
Snow Bunting - 5 at Point of Sleet
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Andy Lawson, Dave Pierce, Shaz, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at Tain
Purple Sandpiper - 6 at Hilton of Cadboll. Also there 27 Long-tailed Duck and 4 Red-throated Diver
Lapwing - 30 at Gesto Farm
Kumleins Gull - 1 adult at Helmsdale harbour
Iceland Gull - head of Portree (believed to be separate bird)
Glaucus Gull - 1 at Gairloch
Lesser Black-backed Gull at Newtonmor. Also there 2 early Black-headed Gull.
Barn Owl - 1 at Drumfearn junction
Skylark - late report of 6 at Insh on Saturday. Very early in year.
Blackcap - 2 females on feeders at Plockton
Hawfinch - 7+ at Evanton burial ground
Snow Bunting - 5 at Point of Sleet
Saturday 8th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Louis Parkerson, Bob Swann, 'Fiona'
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Embo, 44 at Chanonry Point - also seen 0800-0900hrs were 62 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Tain links
Long-tailed Duck - 4 at Coul links, 1 at Embo
Greenshank - 3 at Loch Fleet
Hawfinch - 7 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Blackcap - 1(f) in a Strathpeffer garden
Common Crossbill - 1(f) at Chanonry Point (unusual here)
Snow Bunting - 25+ at the Cairn Gorm car park
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Louis Parkerson, Bob Swann, 'Fiona'
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Embo, 44 at Chanonry Point - also seen 0800-0900hrs were 62 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Tain links
Long-tailed Duck - 4 at Coul links, 1 at Embo
Greenshank - 3 at Loch Fleet
Hawfinch - 7 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Blackcap - 1(f) in a Strathpeffer garden
Common Crossbill - 1(f) at Chanonry Point (unusual here)
Snow Bunting - 25+ at the Cairn Gorm car park
Friday 7th February
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Seth Gibson, Dean MacAskill, 'Simon', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 7 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black Guillemot, 25 Common Scoter, 65 Curlew
Little Egret - 1 at Morvich
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) still at The Mound
Long-tailed Duck - 17 at Hilton of Cadboll and 15 at Tarbat Ness
Hawfinch - c4 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Seth Gibson, Dean MacAskill, 'Simon', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 7 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black Guillemot, 25 Common Scoter, 65 Curlew
Little Egret - 1 at Morvich
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) still at The Mound
Long-tailed Duck - 17 at Hilton of Cadboll and 15 at Tarbat Ness
Hawfinch - c4 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thursday 6th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point plus (0750-0900hrs), 111 Red-throated Diver and 110 Long-tailed Duck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 14 at Broadford Bay
Red Kite - 28 at Achavandra muir
Hawfinch - c12 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point plus (0750-0900hrs), 111 Red-throated Diver and 110 Long-tailed Duck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 14 at Broadford Bay
Red Kite - 28 at Achavandra muir
Hawfinch - c12 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Wednesday 5th February
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Andy Walker, Blair Whyte
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 11 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye, plus 1(m) Ring-necked Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 at Rosemarkie
Scaup - 42 at Alturlie, plus 1(f) Shoveler, 1 Hen Harrier (ring-tail)
Whooper Swan - 20 at Tain air weapons range
Hawfinch - 1 at The Viewpoint, Grantown-on-Spey, c20 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Andy Walker, Blair Whyte
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 11 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye, plus 1(m) Ring-necked Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 at Rosemarkie
Scaup - 42 at Alturlie, plus 1(f) Shoveler, 1 Hen Harrier (ring-tail)
Whooper Swan - 20 at Tain air weapons range
Hawfinch - 1 at The Viewpoint, Grantown-on-Spey, c20 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Tuesday 4th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, Tessa Rhodes, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 6 at Embo, 112 at Chanonry Point between 0800-0900hrs, plus 182 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot (full breeding plumage), 249 Eider and 14 Turnstone
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Saltburn
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 1(m) Ring-necked Duck, c25 Scaup, 5 Shoveler
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st w) at Kilmory, Rum
Greenshank - 5 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Knot - c400 at Nigg Bay, plus c200 Dunlin, c165 Pintail, c170 Shelduck
Lapwing - 134 at Insh marshes
Kingfisher - 1 on the River Broom at Inverbroom
Hawfinch - 6 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, Tessa Rhodes, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 6 at Embo, 112 at Chanonry Point between 0800-0900hrs, plus 182 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot (full breeding plumage), 249 Eider and 14 Turnstone
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Saltburn
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 1(m) Ring-necked Duck, c25 Scaup, 5 Shoveler
Glaucous Gull - 1(1st w) at Kilmory, Rum
Greenshank - 5 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Knot - c400 at Nigg Bay, plus c200 Dunlin, c165 Pintail, c170 Shelduck
Lapwing - 134 at Insh marshes
Kingfisher - 1 on the River Broom at Inverbroom
Hawfinch - 6 at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Monday 3rd February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Andy Williams, David Williams
Red-throated Diver - 136 at Chanonry Point between 0800-0930hrs, also seen were 115 Long-tailed Duck, 17 Common Scoter, 125 Eider, 1 Goldeneye and 30 Ringed Plover
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at Rosemarkie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (m) at Loch Eye
Little Gull - 2 (both 1st winter) at Ullapool river mouth
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Andy Williams, David Williams
Red-throated Diver - 136 at Chanonry Point between 0800-0930hrs, also seen were 115 Long-tailed Duck, 17 Common Scoter, 125 Eider, 1 Goldeneye and 30 Ringed Plover
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at Rosemarkie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (m) at Loch Eye
Little Gull - 2 (both 1st winter) at Ullapool river mouth
Sunday 2nd February
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Louis Parkerson, 'Simon'
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 50 Scaup
Pintail - 250+ at Nigg Bay
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (m) at Loch Eye, plus 1 Great White Egret
Purple Sandpiper - 18 at Balintore harbour
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet, plus 35 Red-breasted Merganser
Hawfinch - 12+ at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Louis Parkerson, 'Simon'
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 50 Scaup
Pintail - 250+ at Nigg Bay
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (m) at Loch Eye, plus 1 Great White Egret
Purple Sandpiper - 18 at Balintore harbour
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet, plus 35 Red-breasted Merganser
Hawfinch - 12+ at Old Kiltearn kirk, Evanton
Saturday 1st February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Fiona Harvey, Skye Birds, David McNee, Kim Dawson, Craig, Ross Macleod
Barnacle Goose - 80 still Balmaquien
Whooper Swan - 30 Loch Eye
Shelduck - 80 Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 21 Milton of Culloden
Shoveler - 5 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 2 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Pochard - 1 Loch Eye
Scaup - 9 Milton of Culloden, 10 Loch Eye
Eider - c80 Tarbat Ness
Common Scoter - 8 Chanonry Point, c70 Tarbat Ness
Long-tailed Duck - 79 Chanonry Point, 10 Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver -2 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 94 Chanonry Point, 18 Tarbat Ness, 2 Roy's Bay, Portmahomack
Gannet - 2 Tarbat Ness
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 Alness
Water Rail - 1 Dunhallin, Waternish
Glaucous Gull - 1 Gairloch
Iceland Gull - 1 Gairloch
Black Guillemot - 4 Tarbat Ness
Guillemot - 2 Tarbat Ness
Razorbill - 5 Tarbat Ness
Lapwing - 56 Tarbat Ness, 80+ at Roy's Bay, Portmahomack
Ringed Plover - 20 Balintore
Curlew - 82 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Bar-tailed Godwit - 21 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 6 Balnabruach, 40 Balintore
Blackcap - 1 Culloden
Hawfinch - 6 Kiltern Church, Evanton
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Fiona Harvey, Skye Birds, David McNee, Kim Dawson, Craig, Ross Macleod
Barnacle Goose - 80 still Balmaquien
Whooper Swan - 30 Loch Eye
Shelduck - 80 Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 21 Milton of Culloden
Shoveler - 5 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 2 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Pochard - 1 Loch Eye
Scaup - 9 Milton of Culloden, 10 Loch Eye
Eider - c80 Tarbat Ness
Common Scoter - 8 Chanonry Point, c70 Tarbat Ness
Long-tailed Duck - 79 Chanonry Point, 10 Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver -2 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 94 Chanonry Point, 18 Tarbat Ness, 2 Roy's Bay, Portmahomack
Gannet - 2 Tarbat Ness
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 Alness
Water Rail - 1 Dunhallin, Waternish
Glaucous Gull - 1 Gairloch
Iceland Gull - 1 Gairloch
Black Guillemot - 4 Tarbat Ness
Guillemot - 2 Tarbat Ness
Razorbill - 5 Tarbat Ness
Lapwing - 56 Tarbat Ness, 80+ at Roy's Bay, Portmahomack
Ringed Plover - 20 Balintore
Curlew - 82 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Bar-tailed Godwit - 21 Balnabruach, Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 6 Balnabruach, 40 Balintore
Blackcap - 1 Culloden
Hawfinch - 6 Kiltern Church, Evanton
Friday 31st January
Thanks to Jack Morris, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Geraint Roberts, Kevin Davis
Barnacle Goose - 80 Kilmaluag
Whooper Swan - 3 still Loch Cillchriosd
Scaup - 8 Longman Bay
Pintail - 9 Longman Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 25 at Hilton of Cadboll, 17 at Coul Links
Red-breasted Merganser - 27 Coul Links
Red-throated Diver - 4 Hilton of Cadboll
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Golden Plover - 18 over Cromarty
Bar-tailed Godwit - 11 Longman Bay
Greenshank - 1 Loch Fleet
Knot - 14 Longman Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 64 Balintore Harbour, 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Snipe - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Barn Owl - SE of Contin
Thanks to Jack Morris, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Geraint Roberts, Kevin Davis
Barnacle Goose - 80 Kilmaluag
Whooper Swan - 3 still Loch Cillchriosd
Scaup - 8 Longman Bay
Pintail - 9 Longman Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 25 at Hilton of Cadboll, 17 at Coul Links
Red-breasted Merganser - 27 Coul Links
Red-throated Diver - 4 Hilton of Cadboll
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Golden Plover - 18 over Cromarty
Bar-tailed Godwit - 11 Longman Bay
Greenshank - 1 Loch Fleet
Knot - 14 Longman Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 64 Balintore Harbour, 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Snipe - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Barn Owl - SE of Contin
Thursday 30th January
Thanks to Fiona, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, David McNee
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Pintail - 1 drake Dornoch
Great Northern Diver - 20 off Lusa, Broadford
Black-throated Diver - 7 off Lusa, Broadford
Slavonian Grebe - 2 off Lusa, Broadford
Glaucous Gull - 1 Gairloch
Iceland Gull - 1 Gairloch
Brambling - 2 Clava Cairns
Hawfinch - 6 Kiltern Church, Evanton
Thanks to Fiona, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, David McNee
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Pintail - 1 drake Dornoch
Great Northern Diver - 20 off Lusa, Broadford
Black-throated Diver - 7 off Lusa, Broadford
Slavonian Grebe - 2 off Lusa, Broadford
Glaucous Gull - 1 Gairloch
Iceland Gull - 1 Gairloch
Brambling - 2 Clava Cairns
Hawfinch - 6 Kiltern Church, Evanton
Wednesday 29th January
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Redwing - 12 Plockton (scarce here this winter)
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Redwing - 12 Plockton (scarce here this winter)
Tuesday 28th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Jacob, Bird Information Services, Andy Williams, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill
Barnacle Goose - 186 Mungasdale
Shoveler - 10 Loch Eye
Scaup - 6 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Common Scoter - 2 Little Gruinard Bay., 10 Embo/Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck -5 Loch Fleet, 6 Embo/Dornoch
Great Northern Diver - 20 Mungasdale
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 Dalcross
Greenshank - 1 Embo/Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 28 Embo/Dornoch
Iceland Gull - 1 Little Gruinard Bay, 1 adult Broadford Bay
Brambling - 1 Homefarm, Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Jacob, Bird Information Services, Andy Williams, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill
Barnacle Goose - 186 Mungasdale
Shoveler - 10 Loch Eye
Scaup - 6 Loch Eye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Common Scoter - 2 Little Gruinard Bay., 10 Embo/Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck -5 Loch Fleet, 6 Embo/Dornoch
Great Northern Diver - 20 Mungasdale
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Merlin - 1 Dalcross
Greenshank - 1 Embo/Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 28 Embo/Dornoch
Iceland Gull - 1 Little Gruinard Bay, 1 adult Broadford Bay
Brambling - 1 Homefarm, Portree
Monday 27th January
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Scaup - 41 Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 female type Loch Ainort
Red-throated Diver - 12 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 8 Alturlie
Grey Plover - 9 Dornoch Beach
Fieldfare - 40 Alturlie
Redwing - c110 Alturlie
Snow Bunting - 4 Heaste Road, Skye
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Scaup - 41 Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 female type Loch Ainort
Red-throated Diver - 12 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 8 Alturlie
Grey Plover - 9 Dornoch Beach
Fieldfare - 40 Alturlie
Redwing - c110 Alturlie
Snow Bunting - 4 Heaste Road, Skye
Sunday 26th January
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Neil Bennet, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Dave Pierce, Josh Allan, Kim Dawson
Barnacle Goose - 40 Cuidrach
Whooper Swan - 2 Loch Suardal, 4 Loch Nan Corr ,Inverinate
Scaup - 10 Longman Bay
Common Scoter - 120 Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck - 32 Chanonry Point
Goosander - 5 River Ness
Red-throated Diver - 10 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 2 SE past Tarbat Ness
Water Rail - 1 Merkinch, 1 Morar
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch, 1 Loch Snizort, Skebost
Golden Plover - 45 Head of Loch Dunvegan, 2 between Kingussie and Newtonmore
Ringed Plover - 33 Chanonry Point
Sanderling -18 Chanonry Point
Woodcock - 2 Tarbat Ness car park
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Bayfield, Portree
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Neil Bennet, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Dave Pierce, Josh Allan, Kim Dawson
Barnacle Goose - 40 Cuidrach
Whooper Swan - 2 Loch Suardal, 4 Loch Nan Corr ,Inverinate
Scaup - 10 Longman Bay
Common Scoter - 120 Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck - 32 Chanonry Point
Goosander - 5 River Ness
Red-throated Diver - 10 Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 2 SE past Tarbat Ness
Water Rail - 1 Merkinch, 1 Morar
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch, 1 Loch Snizort, Skebost
Golden Plover - 45 Head of Loch Dunvegan, 2 between Kingussie and Newtonmore
Ringed Plover - 33 Chanonry Point
Sanderling -18 Chanonry Point
Woodcock - 2 Tarbat Ness car park
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Bayfield, Portree
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch
Saturday 25th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Al McNee, Dave Pierce
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (0840-0940hrs) 39 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake (rare winter record for here), 11 Long-tailed Duck and 70 Dunlin
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 12 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Velvet Scoter
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 2 Water Rail
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 5 Red-throated Diver, 15 Long-tailed Duck
Golden Plover - 36 at Insh marshes
Jack Snipe - 1 at Drumguish, (plus singles of Snipe and Woodcock also)
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Al McNee, Dave Pierce
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (0840-0940hrs) 39 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake (rare winter record for here), 11 Long-tailed Duck and 70 Dunlin
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 12 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Velvet Scoter
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 2 Water Rail
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 5 Red-throated Diver, 15 Long-tailed Duck
Golden Plover - 36 at Insh marshes
Jack Snipe - 1 at Drumguish, (plus singles of Snipe and Woodcock also)
Friday 24th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Kumlein's Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree
'Viking' Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Fort William
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Portree
Golden Plover - 5 at Insh marshes, plus 44 Lapwing
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Kumlein's Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree
'Viking' Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Fort William
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Portree
Golden Plover - 5 at Insh marshes, plus 44 Lapwing
Thursday 23rd January
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Paulo Bessa, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Little Egret - 1 at Loch Duich
Mandarin Duck - 7 (5m/2f) at Blackwater, Garve
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 14 at Dornoch
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Paulo Bessa, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Little Egret - 1 at Loch Duich
Mandarin Duck - 7 (5m/2f) at Blackwater, Garve
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 14 at Dornoch
Wednesday 22nd January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Jonathan Willet
Slavonian Grebe - 3 at Loch Ainort, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Green Woodpecker - 1 calling The Square, Grantown-on-Spey
Brambling - 1 amongst finches at Station Road, Dalwhinnie
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Jonathan Willet
Slavonian Grebe - 3 at Loch Ainort, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Green Woodpecker - 1 calling The Square, Grantown-on-Spey
Brambling - 1 amongst finches at Station Road, Dalwhinnie
Tuesday 21st January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Sean Morris, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, plus 55 Red-throated Diver, 71 Long-tailed Duck
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Golspie
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Kilmory, Rum
Little Gull - 3 at Brora
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (plus 1 Kingfisher)
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Sean Morris, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, plus 55 Red-throated Diver, 71 Long-tailed Duck
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Golspie
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Kilmory, Rum
Little Gull - 3 at Brora
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (plus 1 Kingfisher)
Monday 20th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sean Morris, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Scaup - an exceptional 423 at Jemimaville, plus 7 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Whooper Swan
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sean Morris, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Scaup - an exceptional 423 at Jemimaville, plus 7 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Whooper Swan
Sunday 19th January
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Bob McMIllan, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 21 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Alturlie, 1 near Inver
Slavonian Grebe -2 at Alturlie
Whooper Swan - c75 at Balmuchy, Fearn and 1 at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Loch Ainort
Scaup - 50 at Milton of Culloden, 20 at Alturlie, plus 2 Barnacle Goose
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15 between Portmahomack and Inver, plus 350+ Wigeon, 75 Curlew and 1 Common Scoter
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Kingfisher - 1(m) at Whin Park, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 14 at Cairn Gorm car park
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Bob McMIllan, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 21 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Alturlie, 1 near Inver
Slavonian Grebe -2 at Alturlie
Whooper Swan - c75 at Balmuchy, Fearn and 1 at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Loch Ainort
Scaup - 50 at Milton of Culloden, 20 at Alturlie, plus 2 Barnacle Goose
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15 between Portmahomack and Inver, plus 350+ Wigeon, 75 Curlew and 1 Common Scoter
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Kingfisher - 1(m) at Whin Park, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 14 at Cairn Gorm car park
Saturday 18th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Peter MacKay, Graeme Prest, Sean Morris, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied brent Goose - 18 at Rosemarkie
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Loch Scresort, Rum
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Tain links, plus 1 (m) Gadwall
Bar-tailed Godwit - 70+ at Dalmore, Alness
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 795 Redshank (high-tide roost) and 1 Kingfisher
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Peter MacKay, Graeme Prest, Sean Morris, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied brent Goose - 18 at Rosemarkie
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Loch Scresort, Rum
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Tain links, plus 1 (m) Gadwall
Bar-tailed Godwit - 70+ at Dalmore, Alness
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet, 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 795 Redshank (high-tide roost) and 1 Kingfisher
Friday 17th January
Thanks to Josh Allan, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - an exceptional 117 past Chanonry Point 0840-0950hrs, plus 3 Black-throated Diver, 34 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Common Scoter, 1(f) Velvet Scoter, 1 Slavonian Grebe and 196 Eider
Whooper Swan - 7 at Glen Shiel lochs, 1 at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie, plus 3 Pintail
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) still at Kyleakin
Thanks to Josh Allan, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - an exceptional 117 past Chanonry Point 0840-0950hrs, plus 3 Black-throated Diver, 34 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Common Scoter, 1(f) Velvet Scoter, 1 Slavonian Grebe and 196 Eider
Whooper Swan - 7 at Glen Shiel lochs, 1 at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate
Green-winged Teal - 1 (m) at Alturlie, plus 3 Pintail
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) still at Kyleakin
Thursday 16th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Cluny meadows, Newtonmore
Purple Sandpiper - 40+ at Balintore harbour
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 ssp monedula at Bayfield, Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Cluny meadows, Newtonmore
Purple Sandpiper - 40+ at Balintore harbour
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 ssp monedula at Bayfield, Portree
Wednesday 15th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) still at Kyleakin
Greenshank - 2 at Munlochy
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - 1 (1st winter) still at Kyleakin
Greenshank - 2 at Munlochy
Tuesday 14th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Bob Wilson and Skye Birds
Red-breasted Merganser - 46. High number off Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 with 2 Common Scoter at Loch Ainort. 2 Slavonian Grebe also there.
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Embo, with 49 past Chanonry Point. Also past: 95 Long-tailed Duck
Goshawk - 1m and 1f at Insh Marshes. Also seen there 20 Whooper Swan, 8 Common Buzzard, 4 Red Kite
Golden Eagle - 1m and 1f at Insh Marshes
Iceland Gull - 1 still at Kyleakin
Raven - 20+ displaying at Insh Marshes (unusually high number there)
Skylark - 2 unseasonal birds at Armadale
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Corn Bunting - 1 at Easter Dalziel near Inverness
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Bob Wilson and Skye Birds
Red-breasted Merganser - 46. High number off Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 with 2 Common Scoter at Loch Ainort. 2 Slavonian Grebe also there.
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Embo, with 49 past Chanonry Point. Also past: 95 Long-tailed Duck
Goshawk - 1m and 1f at Insh Marshes. Also seen there 20 Whooper Swan, 8 Common Buzzard, 4 Red Kite
Golden Eagle - 1m and 1f at Insh Marshes
Iceland Gull - 1 still at Kyleakin
Raven - 20+ displaying at Insh Marshes (unusually high number there)
Skylark - 2 unseasonal birds at Armadale
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Corn Bunting - 1 at Easter Dalziel near Inverness
Monday 13th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Jack Morris, Skye Birds, Andy Williams
Whooper Swan - 8 on River Sheil pools, Skye
Scaup - 30 in Longman Bay. 10 Goldeneye also there
Long-tailed Duck - 22 at Hilton of Cadboll
Iceland Gull - adult still at Loch Scresort, Rum and 1st winter still Kyleakin Pier
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult at Helmsdale harbour
Little Gull - 1 first winter Ullapool at river mouth
Stock Dove - 1 at Allangrange
Hawfinch - 1 still present at Allangrange
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Jack Morris, Skye Birds, Andy Williams
Whooper Swan - 8 on River Sheil pools, Skye
Scaup - 30 in Longman Bay. 10 Goldeneye also there
Long-tailed Duck - 22 at Hilton of Cadboll
Iceland Gull - adult still at Loch Scresort, Rum and 1st winter still Kyleakin Pier
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult at Helmsdale harbour
Little Gull - 1 first winter Ullapool at river mouth
Stock Dove - 1 at Allangrange
Hawfinch - 1 still present at Allangrange
Sunday 12th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Skye Birds, Calum Urquhart and Bob Wilson
Green-winged Teal - 1 male off Alturlie
Common Scoter - 160 off Dornoch
Scaup - 150 off Alturlie
Great-crested Grebe - 1 off Alturlie
Little Egret - 1 still at Loch Duich
Merlin - 1 over Insh Marshes
Iceland Gull - 1 first winter still at Kyleakin Pier
Barn Owl - 1 near Kirkmichael and 1 near Cromarty (Black Isle)
Saturday 11th January
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Matt Eade, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill
Green-winged Teal - males at Alturlie and Loch Fleet (viewed from Ferry Road)
Common Scoter - 2 Loch Ainort
Water Rail - 1 caught in camera trap Ullinish, 2 Merkinch LNR
Peregrine - 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Iceland Gull - 1st W Kyleakin
Jackdaw - 1 Nordic Jackdaw Nethybridge garden
Hawfinch - 1 at Allangrange
Twite - 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Brambling - 1 in Aviemore garden
Friday 10th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Louis Parkerson, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Skye Birds, Dave Pierce
Velvet Scoter - 1 female-type with 1 Common Scoter at Loch Ainort
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail at Easter Dalziel near Inverness
Merlin - 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Iceland Gull - 1st W Kyleakin Pier
Stonechat - Ruthven Barracks, also Meadow Pipit there (both scarce inland in mid-winter)
Snow Bunting - 2 at Elgol
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Louis Parkerson, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Skye Birds, Dave Pierce
Velvet Scoter - 1 female-type with 1 Common Scoter at Loch Ainort
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail at Easter Dalziel near Inverness
Merlin - 1 at Dalziel Farm near Inverness
Iceland Gull - 1st W Kyleakin Pier
Stonechat - Ruthven Barracks, also Meadow Pipit there (both scarce inland in mid-winter)
Snow Bunting - 2 at Elgol
Thursday 9th January
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Bob MacMillan, Skye Birds, Kevin Davis, John Carruthers
Pink-footed Goose - 5 still Glas Eilean, Broadford
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 15 Rosemarkie
Little Egret - 1 at Isleornsay. There have been recent reports from Morvich, Lochalsh; Traigh, Morar & Fort William in the last couple of days suggesting a cold weather movement from further east.
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 reported near Raddery anonymously on BirdTrack
Water Rail - 1 Merkinch LNR
Lapwing - 5 Loch Snizort, Skeabost + 5 Goosander
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch LNR
Woodcock - 1 Brinkman Terrace, Westhill
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Cromarty (rare at this site)
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter Kyleakin Pier
Kingfisher - Merkinch LNR
Stonechat - 1 Merkinch LNR
Snow Bunting - 1 Kilmory Rum
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Bob MacMillan, Skye Birds, Kevin Davis, John Carruthers
Pink-footed Goose - 5 still Glas Eilean, Broadford
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 15 Rosemarkie
Little Egret - 1 at Isleornsay. There have been recent reports from Morvich, Lochalsh; Traigh, Morar & Fort William in the last couple of days suggesting a cold weather movement from further east.
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 reported near Raddery anonymously on BirdTrack
Water Rail - 1 Merkinch LNR
Lapwing - 5 Loch Snizort, Skeabost + 5 Goosander
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch LNR
Woodcock - 1 Brinkman Terrace, Westhill
Purple Sandpiper - 1 Cromarty (rare at this site)
Iceland Gull - 1 1st winter Kyleakin Pier
Kingfisher - Merkinch LNR
Stonechat - 1 Merkinch LNR
Snow Bunting - 1 Kilmory Rum
Wednesday 8th January
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Steve Broyd, Dave Pierce, Syke Birds,
Pink-footed Goose - c700 West Dalziel, 5 still Glas Eilean, Broadford
Barnacle Goose - 1 West Dalziel near Inverness
Long-tailed Duck - 100+ Alturlie Point
Common Scoter - 1 Waterloo, 1 Head of Loch Ainort
Great Northern Diver - 1 Alturlie Point, 10 Lua, 4 Head of Loch Ainort
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Ashaig, 1 Head of Loch Ainort
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail West Dalziel near Inverness also Peregrine, 2 Red Kite and Kestrel there
Ptarmigan - 2 flew W over road near "Jesus Saves" stone on A939 N of Grantown. An exceptional, low-ground record.
Water Rail - 1 Merkinch LNR
Bar-tailed Godwit - c100 Alturlie Point
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch LNR
Knot - 400+ Alturlie Point
Purple Sandpiper - 10 Lusa
Woodcock - 1 Brinkman Terrace, Westhill, Inverness 2 Lealachan, Loch Alsh
Jack Snipe - 1 Merkinch LNR, 1 Connage Burn
Grey Wagatail - 1 Connage Burn
Skylark - 120+ West Dalziel near Inverness
Brambling - 1 Nethy Bridge, 1 Drumguish
Snow Bunting - 1 over Kinloch Rum
Tuesday 7th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill,, Audrey Turner, Angus Cruudace, Skye Birds
Little Egret - Isleornsay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 10 Waterloo, Broadford
Spotted Redshank - 1 Alness point 12:20-12:30
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch LNR
Jack Snipe - 1 Merkinch LNR
Iceland Gull - 1 juv Kyleakin
Brambling - 1 Aviemore, 1 Home Farm Portree
Thanks to Alan MacAskill,, Audrey Turner, Angus Cruudace, Skye Birds
Little Egret - Isleornsay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 10 Waterloo, Broadford
Spotted Redshank - 1 Alness point 12:20-12:30
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch LNR
Jack Snipe - 1 Merkinch LNR
Iceland Gull - 1 juv Kyleakin
Brambling - 1 Aviemore, 1 Home Farm Portree
Monday 6th January
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dave Tanner
Whooper Swan - 3 Loch Sguabaidh
Pink-footed Goose - 5 Glas Eilean, Broadford (largest wintering group recorded here)
Green-winged Teal - 1 still Tain Links
Jack Snipe - Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dave Tanner
Whooper Swan - 3 Loch Sguabaidh
Pink-footed Goose - 5 Glas Eilean, Broadford (largest wintering group recorded here)
Green-winged Teal - 1 still Tain Links
Jack Snipe - Scullamus Moss, Breakish
Sunday 5th January
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Ross Macleod, Geraint Roberts, Skye Birds, Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Alexander Keith
Barnacle Goose - 19 Balmaquien, 1 Laggan
Great Northern Diver - 1 Ullapool
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Loch Ainort
Goldeneye - 20 Longman Bay, Inverness
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye also 1 Gadwall there
Lapwing - 10 Kilmuir, 10 Balmaquien
Iceland Gull - 1 Adult Bayfield, Portree
Twite - 50 Cow Hill Fort William
Brambling - 1 Foyers
Hawfinch - 4 still ESE of Tore at Old Allangrange also Chiffchaff, and Grey Wagtail there, plus 2 Whooper Swan over
Thanks to Bird Information Services, Ross Macleod, Geraint Roberts, Skye Birds, Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Alexander Keith
Barnacle Goose - 19 Balmaquien, 1 Laggan
Great Northern Diver - 1 Ullapool
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Loch Ainort
Goldeneye - 20 Longman Bay, Inverness
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye also 1 Gadwall there
Lapwing - 10 Kilmuir, 10 Balmaquien
Iceland Gull - 1 Adult Bayfield, Portree
Twite - 50 Cow Hill Fort William
Brambling - 1 Foyers
Hawfinch - 4 still ESE of Tore at Old Allangrange also Chiffchaff, and Grey Wagtail there, plus 2 Whooper Swan over
Saturday 4th January
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts, Ann Sime, Audrey Turner, Bob Wilson, 'Emily', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Rosemarkie, 19 Balmaquien
Green-winged Teal - 1 at The Mound, Loch Fleet
Purple Sandpiper - 72 at Embo, 49 at Brora
Snipe - 4 at Kingussie
Red Kite - 22 at Achavandra near Dornoch
Hawfinch - 4 at Allangrange, plus 1 Chiffchaff nearby
Brambling - 1 at Aviemore, 1 at Braemore Square
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts, Ann Sime, Audrey Turner, Bob Wilson, 'Emily', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Rosemarkie, 19 Balmaquien
Green-winged Teal - 1 at The Mound, Loch Fleet
Purple Sandpiper - 72 at Embo, 49 at Brora
Snipe - 4 at Kingussie
Red Kite - 22 at Achavandra near Dornoch
Hawfinch - 4 at Allangrange, plus 1 Chiffchaff nearby
Brambling - 1 at Aviemore, 1 at Braemore Square
Friday 3rd January
Thanks to Roger Cottis, Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, Pete Gordon, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Carol Miller, Ann Sime, Bob Swann, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus the following 0900-1030hrs 19 Red throated Diver, 1 (f) Velvet Scoter, 91 Long-tailed Duck, 320+ Eider, 14 Sanderling, 37 Ringed Plover, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Snow Bunting
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 24 Scaup
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness plus 4 Whooper Swan
Iceland Gull - 1 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Common Scoter - 2 at Luib on Loch Ainort, 1 at Chanonry Point
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links, plus 3 Gadwall
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Ashaig, Broadford
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Golden Plover - c 200 at Alturlie, 1 at at Ashaig, Broadford
Hen Harrier - 1 (m) at Bailliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Hawfinch - 2 at Allangrange
Brambling - 6 at Corrimony
Twite - 2 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Thanks to Roger Cottis, Kevin Davis, Seth Gibson, Pete Gordon, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Carol Miller, Ann Sime, Bob Swann, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus the following 0900-1030hrs 19 Red throated Diver, 1 (f) Velvet Scoter, 91 Long-tailed Duck, 320+ Eider, 14 Sanderling, 37 Ringed Plover, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Snow Bunting
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 24 Scaup
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness plus 4 Whooper Swan
Iceland Gull - 1 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Common Scoter - 2 at Luib on Loch Ainort, 1 at Chanonry Point
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links, plus 3 Gadwall
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Ashaig, Broadford
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 Water Rail
Golden Plover - c 200 at Alturlie, 1 at at Ashaig, Broadford
Hen Harrier - 1 (m) at Bailliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Hawfinch - 2 at Allangrange
Brambling - 6 at Corrimony
Twite - 2 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Thursday 2nd January
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Seth Gibson, Pete Gordon, Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 77 at Balintore, plus 6 Twite
Jack Snipe - 2 at Drumguish, plus 1 Goshawk
Hen Harrier - 1 at Tarbat Ness with 1 at Insh marsh, plus 1 Merlin
Long-eared Owl - 1 at Leanahcan forest, Spean Bridge
Hawfinch - still at least 2 at Kiltearn
Brambling - 1 at Nethy Bridge, 1 at Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Seth Gibson, Pete Gordon, Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 77 at Balintore, plus 6 Twite
Jack Snipe - 2 at Drumguish, plus 1 Goshawk
Hen Harrier - 1 at Tarbat Ness with 1 at Insh marsh, plus 1 Merlin
Long-eared Owl - 1 at Leanahcan forest, Spean Bridge
Hawfinch - still at least 2 at Kiltearn
Brambling - 1 at Nethy Bridge, 1 at Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer
Wednesday 1st January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Roger Cottis, Kim Dawson, Rob Lambert, Ross Macleod, Gavin McWhirter, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Jemimaville, plus 120 Scaup
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 18 Purple Sandpiper
Great White Egret - 1 still on Loch Eye
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Kumlein's Gull - possible 1 (ad) at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 29 at Insh marshes
Long-tailed Duck - 45 at Hilton of Cadboll
Woodcock - 31+ at Kinloch, Rum plus 1 Jack Snipe, 24+ Snipe
Greenshank - 2 at Udale Bay, plus 10 Knot, 30 Dunlin, and 200 Shelduck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 100 at Udale Bay, 23 at Bayfield, Portree
Hen Harrier - 1 (m) at Dalchork, Lairg
Kingfisher - 1 at Dingwall
Hawfinch - at least 2 at Kiltearn
Snow Bunting - 13 at Cairn Gorm car park
Brambling -1 at Homefarm, Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Roger Cottis, Kim Dawson, Rob Lambert, Ross Macleod, Gavin McWhirter, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Jemimaville, plus 120 Scaup
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 18 Purple Sandpiper
Great White Egret - 1 still on Loch Eye
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay, Skye
Kumlein's Gull - possible 1 (ad) at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 29 at Insh marshes
Long-tailed Duck - 45 at Hilton of Cadboll
Woodcock - 31+ at Kinloch, Rum plus 1 Jack Snipe, 24+ Snipe
Greenshank - 2 at Udale Bay, plus 10 Knot, 30 Dunlin, and 200 Shelduck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 100 at Udale Bay, 23 at Bayfield, Portree
Hen Harrier - 1 (m) at Dalchork, Lairg
Kingfisher - 1 at Dingwall
Hawfinch - at least 2 at Kiltearn
Snow Bunting - 13 at Cairn Gorm car park
Brambling -1 at Homefarm, Portree
2024
Tuesday 31st December
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod
Whooper Swan - 2 at Castle Stuart bay plus 100 Redshank, 10 Knot, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Dunlin, 4 Greenshank, and 10 Shelduck
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod
Whooper Swan - 2 at Castle Stuart bay plus 100 Redshank, 10 Knot, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Dunlin, 4 Greenshank, and 10 Shelduck
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Monday 30th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, Andy Williams, 'Chris'
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack plus and 5 Common Scoter
Slavonian Grebe - 1 off Castle Stuart golf course
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel farm, near Inverness
Whooper Swan - 130 at Balmuchy near Fearn, with 2 at Castle Stuart bay along with 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Golden Plover, 4 Greenshank, 7 Turnstone, 10 Shelduck, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Knot, c150 Dunlin, c250 Redshank
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll, 5 off Castle Stuart, 2 at Alness Point, 1 at Portmahomack
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Ullapool
Purple Sandpiper - 48 at Balintore harbour
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes, plus c48 Lapwing
Goshawk - 1 at Jemimaville (on salt marsh)
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Castle Stuart golf course
Kingfisher - 1 at Newtonmore golf course
Hawfinch - at least 2 at Kiltearn
Twite - 2 at Dalziel farm, near Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, Andy Williams, 'Chris'
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack plus and 5 Common Scoter
Slavonian Grebe - 1 off Castle Stuart golf course
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel farm, near Inverness
Whooper Swan - 130 at Balmuchy near Fearn, with 2 at Castle Stuart bay along with 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Golden Plover, 4 Greenshank, 7 Turnstone, 10 Shelduck, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Knot, c150 Dunlin, c250 Redshank
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll, 5 off Castle Stuart, 2 at Alness Point, 1 at Portmahomack
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Ullapool
Purple Sandpiper - 48 at Balintore harbour
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes, plus c48 Lapwing
Goshawk - 1 at Jemimaville (on salt marsh)
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Castle Stuart golf course
Kingfisher - 1 at Newtonmore golf course
Hawfinch - at least 2 at Kiltearn
Twite - 2 at Dalziel farm, near Inverness
Sunday 29th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-feet at Udale Bay, plus c120 Scaup, 194 Shelduck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Bernisdale, Skye
Greenshank - 4 at Skelbo/Loch Fleet
Bar-tailed Godwit - 45 at Skelbo/Loch Fleet, 137 at Udale Bay
Knot - 10 at Udale Bay, plus 30 Dunlin
Linnet - c400 at Davidston, Black Isle
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-feet at Udale Bay, plus c120 Scaup, 194 Shelduck
Great White Egret - 1 still at Bernisdale, Skye
Greenshank - 4 at Skelbo/Loch Fleet
Bar-tailed Godwit - 45 at Skelbo/Loch Fleet, 137 at Udale Bay
Knot - 10 at Udale Bay, plus 30 Dunlin
Linnet - c400 at Davidston, Black Isle
Saturday 28th December
Thanks to Elizabeth Lawson, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Graeme Prest, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Fodderty. 1 Pintail also there
Black Grouse - today 9 on Dava Moor
Whooper Swan - 3 near Beauly, plus 50 Lapwing, c200 Linnet
Great White Egret - 1 today at The Aird Bernisdale, Skye
Little Egret - 1 still at the Saltings, Isleornsay
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Eil
Brambling - 2 in private garden in Portree
Thanks to Elizabeth Lawson, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Graeme Prest, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Fodderty. 1 Pintail also there
Black Grouse - today 9 on Dava Moor
Whooper Swan - 3 near Beauly, plus 50 Lapwing, c200 Linnet
Great White Egret - 1 today at The Aird Bernisdale, Skye
Little Egret - 1 still at the Saltings, Isleornsay
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Eil
Brambling - 2 in private garden in Portree
Friday 27th December
Thanks to Skye Birds, David Patterson and Dave Tanner
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Portmahomach. Also offshore there c250 Common Scoter and 125 Eider
Little Grebe - 20 on Loch Mor, Skye
Thanks to Skye Birds, David Patterson and Dave Tanner
Pink-footed Goose - 1000+ Portmahomach. Also offshore there c250 Common Scoter and 125 Eider
Little Grebe - 20 on Loch Mor, Skye
Thursday 26th December
Thanks to Maureen Hearn, Ross Macleod, Derek McAlone, Alan McAskill, Katrina McMahon, Bob Swann, Brenda Todd, Blair White and Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel Farm. 2 at Alturlie Pools.
Pink-footed Goose - 600 in fields at Alturlie Pools and 250 at Dalziel farm.
Black Grouse - 1 on Dava Moor
Green-winged Teal - 1 on Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 still on Loch Eye. also there 3 Shoveler and 35 Scaup
Merlin - 1 at Lochindorb
Knott - 30 at Alturlie Point. Also there 30 Bar-tailed Godwit
Fulmar - 20+ back on nesting ledges at Neist Point, Skye
Blackcap - 1 male at Cradlehall
Twite - 5 at Dalziel Farm. 1 Corn Bunting also there.
Crossbill - 2 at Lochindorb. Also small flock at plantation Coignafearn
Snow Bunting - 5 at Cairngorm top car park
Thanks to Maureen Hearn, Ross Macleod, Derek McAlone, Alan McAskill, Katrina McMahon, Bob Swann, Brenda Todd, Blair White and Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Dalziel Farm. 2 at Alturlie Pools.
Pink-footed Goose - 600 in fields at Alturlie Pools and 250 at Dalziel farm.
Black Grouse - 1 on Dava Moor
Green-winged Teal - 1 on Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 still on Loch Eye. also there 3 Shoveler and 35 Scaup
Merlin - 1 at Lochindorb
Knott - 30 at Alturlie Point. Also there 30 Bar-tailed Godwit
Fulmar - 20+ back on nesting ledges at Neist Point, Skye
Blackcap - 1 male at Cradlehall
Twite - 5 at Dalziel Farm. 1 Corn Bunting also there.
Crossbill - 2 at Lochindorb. Also small flock at plantation Coignafearn
Snow Bunting - 5 at Cairngorm top car park
Wednesday 25th December
Thanks to Bob Swann and Skye Birds
Green-winged Teal - 1 on pond at Tain Links
Glaucus Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Tuesday 24th December
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Peter MacKay, Ralph Todd, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services,
Wigeon - 15 on Loch Garten (unusual sighting there)
Golden Eagle - 3 from Insh Marshes look out
White-tailed Eagle - 3 from Insh Marshes look out
Peregrine - 1 at Conor Bridge
Iceland Gull - 1 at Ardmair
Little Gull - 1 at Ardmair
Kingfisher - 1 seen again at Merkinch
Skylark - 1 unseasonal bird at Milovaig, Skye
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Peter MacKay, Ralph Todd, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services,
Wigeon - 15 on Loch Garten (unusual sighting there)
Golden Eagle - 3 from Insh Marshes look out
White-tailed Eagle - 3 from Insh Marshes look out
Peregrine - 1 at Conor Bridge
Iceland Gull - 1 at Ardmair
Little Gull - 1 at Ardmair
Kingfisher - 1 seen again at Merkinch
Skylark - 1 unseasonal bird at Milovaig, Skye
Monday 23rd December
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Ewing, George Polson, Tim Stowe and Skye Birds
Black Guillemot - 2 past Chanonry Point
Barn Owl - 2 on the Black Isle at separate locations
Kingfisher - 1 on the large pool at Merkinch. 1 Greenshank also there
Waxwing - 1 at the Muir of Ord Distillery Visitor Centre
Crossbill - 10+ in Portree forestry
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Ewing, George Polson, Tim Stowe and Skye Birds
Black Guillemot - 2 past Chanonry Point
Barn Owl - 2 on the Black Isle at separate locations
Kingfisher - 1 on the large pool at Merkinch. 1 Greenshank also there
Waxwing - 1 at the Muir of Ord Distillery Visitor Centre
Crossbill - 10+ in Portree forestry
Sunday 22nd December
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye Birds
Wigeon - 126 at Ardelve, Skye.
Red-throated Diver - 24 off Chanonry Point also 27 Long-tailed Duck and 1 female Velvet Scoter.
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Ringed Plover - 27 at Chanonry Point
Gulls - c500. Unusually high number in mixed flock at Kyle narrows
Brambling - 1 at Ardelve
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye Birds
Wigeon - 126 at Ardelve, Skye.
Red-throated Diver - 24 off Chanonry Point also 27 Long-tailed Duck and 1 female Velvet Scoter.
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Ringed Plover - 27 at Chanonry Point
Gulls - c500. Unusually high number in mixed flock at Kyle narrows
Brambling - 1 at Ardelve
Saturday 21st December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Peter Mackay, Skye Birds
Bar-tailed Godwit - 26 head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - 1st winter at the head of Loch Portree, adult still Loch Scresort, Rum, 1st winter Skye Bridge
Barn Owl - 1 Conon Bridge
Kingfisher - 1 Dingwall Canal
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Peter Mackay, Skye Birds
Bar-tailed Godwit - 26 head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - 1st winter at the head of Loch Portree, adult still Loch Scresort, Rum, 1st winter Skye Bridge
Barn Owl - 1 Conon Bridge
Kingfisher - 1 Dingwall Canal
Friday 20th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Andy Williams, Alastair McNee, Peter Mackay
Pink-footed Goose - c2000 over Portmahomack
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still Dornoch
Velvet Scoter - 1 female Chanonry Point
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid - 1 still Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 1 Ullapool
Barn Owl - 1 Coul, Contin
Kingfisher - 1 The Mound
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Andy Williams, Alastair McNee, Peter Mackay
Pink-footed Goose - c2000 over Portmahomack
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still Dornoch
Velvet Scoter - 1 female Chanonry Point
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid - 1 still Loch Fleet
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 1 Ullapool
Barn Owl - 1 Coul, Contin
Kingfisher - 1 The Mound
Thursday 19th December
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Simon Levene
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Nan Corr, Inverinate
Little Egret - 1 still Isleornsay
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness
Blackcap - 2 Balintore
Twite - 6 Balintore
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Simon Levene
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Nan Corr, Inverinate
Little Egret - 1 still Isleornsay
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness
Blackcap - 2 Balintore
Twite - 6 Balintore
Wednesday 18th December
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Skye Birds, Simeon Ewing
Little Egret - 1 still Isleornsay
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 adult Cluny Meadows, near Newtonmore
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Skye Birds, Simeon Ewing
Little Egret - 1 still Isleornsay
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 adult Cluny Meadows, near Newtonmore
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness
Tuesday 17th December
Thanks to Tim, Fiona
Velvet Scoter - 1 female Chanonry Point
Scaup - 71 Alturlie and Longman Bay also 6 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 28 Goldeneye, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Long-tailed Duck and 12 Red-breasted Merganser
White-tailed Eagle - 1 Dunglas Island
Thanks to Tim, Fiona
Velvet Scoter - 1 female Chanonry Point
Scaup - 71 Alturlie and Longman Bay also 6 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 28 Goldeneye, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Long-tailed Duck and 12 Red-breasted Merganser
White-tailed Eagle - 1 Dunglas Island
Monday 16th December
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Jonathan Clarke
Barnacle Goose - 1 Glas Eilean, Broadford plus 5 Pink-footed Geese
Great Northern Diver - 3 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 41 Dornoch
Slavonian Grebe - 18 Dornoch
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still at Dornoch
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid - 1 still Loch Fleet
Gannet - 38 Embo
Puprle Sandpiper - 96 Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 Loch Flemington (Highland end)
Glaucous Gull - 3rd winter Loch Scresort, Rum
Iceland Gull - adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Jonathan Clarke
Barnacle Goose - 1 Glas Eilean, Broadford plus 5 Pink-footed Geese
Great Northern Diver - 3 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 41 Dornoch
Slavonian Grebe - 18 Dornoch
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still at Dornoch
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid - 1 still Loch Fleet
Gannet - 38 Embo
Puprle Sandpiper - 96 Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 Loch Flemington (Highland end)
Glaucous Gull - 3rd winter Loch Scresort, Rum
Iceland Gull - adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Sunday 15th December
Thanks to Louis Parkerson, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Simon Levene, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 4 Dalziel Farm plus
Barnacle goose - 2 Dalziel Farm
Velvet Scoter - 1 (female type) at Chanonry Point
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid- 1 drake Loch Fleet (from road at SW end)
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie plus 25 Scuap, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Eider, and 5 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - Loch Eye
Iceland Gull - 1 adult still Loch Scresort ,Rum
Short-eared Owl - 1 near Portree re-cycling centre
Hawfinch - 4+ still at Allangrange
Twite - 5 Dalziel Farm,
Thanks to Louis Parkerson, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Simon Levene, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 4 Dalziel Farm plus
Barnacle goose - 2 Dalziel Farm
Velvet Scoter - 1 (female type) at Chanonry Point
American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid- 1 drake Loch Fleet (from road at SW end)
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie plus 25 Scuap, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Eider, and 5 Long-tailed Duck
Great White Egret - Loch Eye
Iceland Gull - 1 adult still Loch Scresort ,Rum
Short-eared Owl - 1 near Portree re-cycling centre
Hawfinch - 4+ still at Allangrange
Twite - 5 Dalziel Farm,
Saturday 14th December
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Bob McMillan, Louis Parkerson, John Ross, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 9 at Jemimaville, plus 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, c250 Scaup, 8 Goldeneye
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Little Egret - 1 still at Fort William (a long-staying bird)
Iceland Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Scresort, Rum
Whooper Swan - c50 near Muir of Ord
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (f) Loch Shiel, Acharacle
Velvet Scoter - 1 (f-type) at Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 25 at Jemimaville c75 at Chanonry Point
Hawfinch - 3+ still at Allangrange
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Bob McMillan, Louis Parkerson, John Ross, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 9 at Jemimaville, plus 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, c250 Scaup, 8 Goldeneye
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Little Egret - 1 still at Fort William (a long-staying bird)
Iceland Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Scresort, Rum
Whooper Swan - c50 near Muir of Ord
Ring-necked Duck - 1 (f) Loch Shiel, Acharacle
Velvet Scoter - 1 (f-type) at Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 25 at Jemimaville c75 at Chanonry Point
Hawfinch - 3+ still at Allangrange
Friday 13th December
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Dave Pierce, Bob Swann
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links
Jack Snipe - 2 at Drumguish
Chiffchaff - 1 at Rosemarkie burn mouth (in plantation)
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Dave Pierce, Bob Swann
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links
Jack Snipe - 2 at Drumguish
Chiffchaff - 1 at Rosemarkie burn mouth (in plantation)
Thursday 12th December
Thanks to Ross Macleod, Bob Swann
Swallow - 1 at Inver
Brambling - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Thanks to Ross Macleod, Bob Swann
Swallow - 1 at Inver
Brambling - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Wednesday 11th December
Thanks to Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Hawfinch - 6+ still at Allangrange
News that a 3rd winter Snow Bunting (ring combination C52, performed in Iceland) was seen on Cairn Gorm on 20 November
Thanks to Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Hawfinch - 6+ still at Allangrange
News that a 3rd winter Snow Bunting (ring combination C52, performed in Iceland) was seen on Cairn Gorm on 20 November
Tuesday 10th December
Thanks to Josh Allan, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 8 at Loch Ainort, plus 10 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 1 (m) Long-tailed Duck
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Shiel and 4 at Loch nan Corr
Woodcock - 10 at Easter Dalziel, plus 1 Barn Owl
Thanks to Josh Allan, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 8 at Loch Ainort, plus 10 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 4 Common Scoter, 1 (m) Long-tailed Duck
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Shiel and 4 at Loch nan Corr
Woodcock - 10 at Easter Dalziel, plus 1 Barn Owl
Monday 9th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon, Sue Sykes, skye-birds.com
Goldeneye - 24 at Lochindorb
Snow Bunting - 20 at Cairn Gorm car park
Hawfinch - birds still at Allangrange
Brambling - m/f pair at Home Farm, Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon, Sue Sykes, skye-birds.com
Goldeneye - 24 at Lochindorb
Snow Bunting - 20 at Cairn Gorm car park
Hawfinch - birds still at Allangrange
Brambling - m/f pair at Home Farm, Portree
Sunday 8th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Finley Hutchinson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch na Corr, Skye and 3 at Loch Eilt, Lochaber
Iceland Gull - 1(ad) still at the head of Loch Portree
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Ainort
Velvet Scoter - 1(f) at Chanonry Point
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes
Hawfinch - 5 still at Allangrange
Brambling - 1(f) in a Portree garden plus female Blackcap also
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Finley Hutchinson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch na Corr, Skye and 3 at Loch Eilt, Lochaber
Iceland Gull - 1(ad) still at the head of Loch Portree
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Ainort
Velvet Scoter - 1(f) at Chanonry Point
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes
Hawfinch - 5 still at Allangrange
Brambling - 1(f) in a Portree garden plus female Blackcap also
Saturday 7th December
Thanks to Josh Allan, Simon Cohen, Hannah Humphreys, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 5 grounded at Lochlonghead, Skye
Barnacle Goose - 100+ at Tongue behind Burrs; 2 at Killen; and at least 1 with Pink-footed Geese between Dingwall and Strathpeffer
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
White-tailed Eagle - 2 chasing Curlew at Dingwall Ferry Point
Kittiwake - c700 in Broadford Bay
Hawfinch - 5 still at Allangrange
Thanks to Josh Allan, Simon Cohen, Hannah Humphreys, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 5 grounded at Lochlonghead, Skye
Barnacle Goose - 100+ at Tongue behind Burrs; 2 at Killen; and at least 1 with Pink-footed Geese between Dingwall and Strathpeffer
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
White-tailed Eagle - 2 chasing Curlew at Dingwall Ferry Point
Kittiwake - c700 in Broadford Bay
Hawfinch - 5 still at Allangrange
Friday 6th December
Thanks to Josh Allan, Jack Morris, Joseph Puffin, Calum Urquhart, Blair White and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 3 on Skye at Loch Eilt
Scaup - 100 in Cromarty Firth south of Barbaraville. Also 80 at Saltburn Pier, Invergordon
Slavonian Grebe - 34 off Jemimaville (unusally high number) and 6 at Saltburn Pier
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Kumlein's Gull - 1 again at Helmsdale harbour
Blackcap - 1 male at Cradlehall, Inverness. Also there c1000 Redwing and c50 Fieldfare
Hawfinch - 5 still near Allangrange
Thanks to Josh Allan, Jack Morris, Joseph Puffin, Calum Urquhart, Blair White and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 3 on Skye at Loch Eilt
Scaup - 100 in Cromarty Firth south of Barbaraville. Also 80 at Saltburn Pier, Invergordon
Slavonian Grebe - 34 off Jemimaville (unusally high number) and 6 at Saltburn Pier
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Kumlein's Gull - 1 again at Helmsdale harbour
Blackcap - 1 male at Cradlehall, Inverness. Also there c1000 Redwing and c50 Fieldfare
Hawfinch - 5 still near Allangrange
Thursday 5th December
Thanks to Kim Barrett and Bird Information Services
Surf Scoter - 2 at Dornoch still
Shelduck - 48 still at Alness and 32 at Dalcross
No other reported sightings today
Thanks to Kim Barrett and Bird Information Services
Surf Scoter - 2 at Dornoch still
Shelduck - 48 still at Alness and 32 at Dalcross
No other reported sightings today
Wednesday 4th December
Thanks to Jenny Caruthers, Kevin Davis, Peter Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod
Barnacle Goose - 4 near Allanfearn. Also there 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Canada Goose and 200 Greylag Goose
Brent Goose - 4 in Castle Stuart Bay
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 off Alturlie
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 94 at Embo (unusually high number)
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree thought to be different from previous bird
Jay - 1 between Kyle and Balmacara
Twite - 50 at Dornoch and 10 at Dalziel Farm
Hawfinch - 3 still in trees at Allangrange
Snow Bunting - 80 (unusually high number) at Cairngorm car park
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel Farm
Thanks to Jenny Caruthers, Kevin Davis, Peter Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod
Barnacle Goose - 4 near Allanfearn. Also there 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Canada Goose and 200 Greylag Goose
Brent Goose - 4 in Castle Stuart Bay
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch
Green-winged Teal - 1 still at The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 off Alturlie
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 94 at Embo (unusually high number)
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree thought to be different from previous bird
Jay - 1 between Kyle and Balmacara
Twite - 50 at Dornoch and 10 at Dalziel Farm
Hawfinch - 3 still in trees at Allangrange
Snow Bunting - 80 (unusually high number) at Cairngorm car park
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel Farm
Tuesday 3rd December
Thanks to Dean McAskill, Neil Bennett and Dave Tanner
Pochard - 1 at Loch Eye (locally scarce)
Shoveler - 1 at Loch Eye (locally scarce)
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye.
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Thanks to Dean McAskill, Neil Bennett and Dave Tanner
Pochard - 1 at Loch Eye (locally scarce)
Shoveler - 1 at Loch Eye (locally scarce)
Great White Egret - 1 still at Loch Eye.
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Monday 2nd December
Thanks to Josh Allan, Mary Galloway, Malcolm MacClachlan, Bob Wilson and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Goose - singles at Kinloch, Rum and at Drumbuie, Lochalsh
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still off Dornoch with 100 Common Scoter
Red-necked Grebe - 1 at Jemimaville
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Hawfinch - 5+ still near Allangrange/Black Isle Brewery
Twite - 50+ at Coul Links
Thanks to Josh Allan, Mary Galloway, Malcolm MacClachlan, Bob Wilson and Skye Birds
Pink-footed Goose - singles at Kinloch, Rum and at Drumbuie, Lochalsh
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes still off Dornoch with 100 Common Scoter
Red-necked Grebe - 1 at Jemimaville
Little Egret - 1 still at Isleornsay
Hawfinch - 5+ still near Allangrange/Black Isle Brewery
Twite - 50+ at Coul Links
Sunday 1st December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Bob McMillan, Bob Wilson and Bird Information Services
Shelduck - 48 Alness Bay and a further 22 at Dalmore
Surf Scoter - 2 at Dornoch
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still at Helmsdale harbour
Little Egret - 1 at Isleornsay
Crane - 1 over Udale Bay
Pomarine Skua - 1 past Tarbat Ness
Hawfinch - 5+ near Allangrange/Black Isle Brewery
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Bob McMillan, Bob Wilson and Bird Information Services
Shelduck - 48 Alness Bay and a further 22 at Dalmore
Surf Scoter - 2 at Dornoch
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still at Helmsdale harbour
Little Egret - 1 at Isleornsay
Crane - 1 over Udale Bay
Pomarine Skua - 1 past Tarbat Ness
Hawfinch - 5+ near Allangrange/Black Isle Brewery
Saturday 30th November
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Alister Clunas
Long-tailed Duck - 8 SW past Tarbat Ness
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie water works
Black-throated Diver - 1 SW past Tarbat Ness
Pomarine Skua - 1 adult SE past Tarbat Ness
Blackcap - Fortrose
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Alister Clunas
Long-tailed Duck - 8 SW past Tarbat Ness
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie water works
Black-throated Diver - 1 SW past Tarbat Ness
Pomarine Skua - 1 adult SE past Tarbat Ness
Blackcap - Fortrose
Friday 29th November
Thanks to George Dunbar, Jack Morris, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch
Common Scoter - 600 Dornoch
Slavonian Grebe - 8
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale harbour
Thanks to George Dunbar, Jack Morris, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch
Common Scoter - 600 Dornoch
Slavonian Grebe - 8
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale harbour
Thursday 28th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird information Services
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Embo
Goldeneye - 22 Alness Point
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Slavonian Grebe - 22 Embo, 1 Alness Point
Black-throated Diver - 4 off Drumbuie, Lochalsh
Jack Snipe - 1 Scullamos Moss, Breakish
Waxwing - 2 reported Hill of Fearn
Brambling - 1 Drumguish
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Bird information Services
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Embo
Goldeneye - 22 Alness Point
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Slavonian Grebe - 22 Embo, 1 Alness Point
Black-throated Diver - 4 off Drumbuie, Lochalsh
Jack Snipe - 1 Scullamos Moss, Breakish
Waxwing - 2 reported Hill of Fearn
Brambling - 1 Drumguish
Wednesday 27th November
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill
Pochard - 8 Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Snow Bunting - 40 Cairngorm Car Park
Tuesday 26th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing
Whooper Swan - 12 Fodderty, c.200 Petley Farm, Portmahomack
Barnacle Goose - 2 with Pinkfeet Allanfearn off A96
Long-tailed Duck - 28 Hilton of Cadboll
Kingfisher - Peffery
Little Gull - 12 Brora
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing
Whooper Swan - 12 Fodderty, c.200 Petley Farm, Portmahomack
Barnacle Goose - 2 with Pinkfeet Allanfearn off A96
Long-tailed Duck - 28 Hilton of Cadboll
Kingfisher - Peffery
Little Gull - 12 Brora
Monday 25th November
Thanks to Skye Birds, Andy Walker
Whooper Swan - 30 Tain Links, 21 Loch Mealt
Thanks to Skye Birds, Andy Walker
Whooper Swan - 30 Tain Links, 21 Loch Mealt
Sunday 24th November
Thanks to Ross Macleod, Kim Dawson
Greenshank - 8 Loch Fleet
Sanderling - 15 Embo, plus 12 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Red-throated Diver
Brambling - 3 Westhill
Large number of Fieldfare and Redwing raemain across the region
Thanks to Ross Macleod, Kim Dawson
Greenshank - 8 Loch Fleet
Sanderling - 15 Embo, plus 12 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Red-throated Diver
Brambling - 3 Westhill
Large number of Fieldfare and Redwing raemain across the region
Saturday 23rd November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Embo, plus 4 Little Auk
Whooper Swan - 6 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, plus 1 Barnacle Goose
Long-tailed Duck - 15 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 1 Red-throated Diver
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 6 Snipe, 100 Redshank
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness (plus 4 Snipe)
Snow Bunting - 5 at Dalcross airport, 4 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Brambling - 1 at Westhill and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Twite - 10 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Embo, plus 4 Little Auk
Whooper Swan - 6 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, plus 1 Barnacle Goose
Long-tailed Duck - 15 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 1 Red-throated Diver
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 6 Snipe, 100 Redshank
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness (plus 4 Snipe)
Snow Bunting - 5 at Dalcross airport, 4 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Corn Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Brambling - 1 at Westhill and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Twite - 10 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Friday 22nd November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach, plus 1 Little Auk, 22 Snow Bunting, c>800 Linnet
Crossbill sp. - c55 at Alvie estate, near Aviemore
Brambling - 3 at Westhill, Inverness
continued movement of thrushes into towns due snowfall
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach, plus 1 Little Auk, 22 Snow Bunting, c>800 Linnet
Crossbill sp. - c55 at Alvie estate, near Aviemore
Brambling - 3 at Westhill, Inverness
continued movement of thrushes into towns due snowfall
Thursday 21st November
Thanks to Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach
Purple Sandpiper - 62 at Balintore, plus 4 Snipe
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch, 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Woodcock - 1 at Westhill, Inverness plus a movement of thrushes into the city due to snow
Brambling - 3 at Ardgeal, Kincraig and 2 at Westhill, Inverness
Thanks to Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach
Purple Sandpiper - 62 at Balintore, plus 4 Snipe
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch, 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Woodcock - 1 at Westhill, Inverness plus a movement of thrushes into the city due to snow
Brambling - 3 at Ardgeal, Kincraig and 2 at Westhill, Inverness
Wednesday 20th November
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts
Merlin - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 1 (m) Hen Harrier
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, plus 1 Water Rail, 3 Greenshank
Brambling - 4 at Braemore
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Geraint Roberts
Merlin - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 1 (m) Hen Harrier
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, plus 1 Water Rail, 3 Greenshank
Brambling - 4 at Braemore
Tuesday 19th November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, skye-birds.com, bird news services
Whooper Swan - 170 at Wester Seafield Farm, near Portmahomack, and 16 near Inver
Glaucous Gull - 1 reported at Staffin island, Skye
Water Rail - 1 in a Kilmuir garden, Skye
Woodcock - 2 at Leys Farm, Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, skye-birds.com, bird news services
Whooper Swan - 170 at Wester Seafield Farm, near Portmahomack, and 16 near Inver
Glaucous Gull - 1 reported at Staffin island, Skye
Water Rail - 1 in a Kilmuir garden, Skye
Woodcock - 2 at Leys Farm, Inverness
Monday 18th November
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, bird news services
Whooper Swan - c200 at Petley farm, portmahomack with c750 Pink-footed Goose
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Embo
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Great Crested Grebe, 54+ Goldeneye
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Hilton Cadboll, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 24 Turnstone, 19 Long-tailed Duck
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 possible bird near Lochindorb
Hoopoe - 1 back at Sunnyside, Arisaig
Kingfisher - 1 at The Mound, Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 1 at Dornich
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Louis Parkerson, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, bird news services
Whooper Swan - c200 at Petley farm, portmahomack with c750 Pink-footed Goose
Surf Scoter - 2 still off Dornoch beach
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Embo
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Great Crested Grebe, 54+ Goldeneye
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Hilton Cadboll, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 24 Turnstone, 19 Long-tailed Duck
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 possible bird near Lochindorb
Hoopoe - 1 back at Sunnyside, Arisaig
Kingfisher - 1 at The Mound, Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 1 at Dornich
Sunday 17th November
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point plus 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 6 Eider, 1 Scaup, 15 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Goldeneye
Shoveler - 1 (m) at Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 6 at Embo, 15 at Chanonry Point
Redshank - 250 at Connage bay plus 100 Dunlin, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank, 20 Ringed Plover, 3 Knot and 10 Turnstone
Snow Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, plus 1 Corn Bunting, 10 Twite, 30 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Whooper Swan, 15 Snipe and 1 Woodcock
Brambling - 1 at Portree
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 at Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point plus 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 6 Eider, 1 Scaup, 15 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Goldeneye
Shoveler - 1 (m) at Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 6 at Embo, 15 at Chanonry Point
Redshank - 250 at Connage bay plus 100 Dunlin, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank, 20 Ringed Plover, 3 Knot and 10 Turnstone
Snow Bunting - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, plus 1 Corn Bunting, 10 Twite, 30 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Whooper Swan, 15 Snipe and 1 Woodcock
Brambling - 1 at Portree
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 at Portree
Saturday 16th November
Thanks to Andy Amphlett, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, James Drage Hubert, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, David Williams and Skye Birds`
Whooper Swan - 100 at Loch Evelix
Gadwall - I at Tain Links duck pond
Green-winged Teal - 2 males still at Tain Links (by bridge)
Surf Scoter - 2 still present off Dornoch beach
Velvet Scoter - 20 off Dornoch beach. 20 Long-tailed Duck also there
Scaup - 20 at Loch Eye. Also 1 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 6 Whooper Swan, c250 Tufted Duck, 200 Coot and 11 Mute Swans
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Water Rail - 1 at Kingussie
Great White Egret - 1 on Loch Insh seen from Water Sports Centre and 1 on east side of Loch Eye
Purple Sandpiper - 95 at Brora, 42 at Balintore Harbour, 20 at Dornoch beach and 20 at Embo pier
Woodcock - 1 at Westhill and 1 near Dalroy
Little Gull -3 at Brora
Barn Owl - 1 near Clephanton
Hoopoe - 1 still at back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Fieldfare - 100s seen from A9 in the area of the Gatehouse cafe
Fieldfare + Redwing - c500 at Lochlonghead
Crossbill sp. - many in Daviot Woods
Thanks to Andy Amphlett, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, James Drage Hubert, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, David Williams and Skye Birds`
Whooper Swan - 100 at Loch Evelix
Gadwall - I at Tain Links duck pond
Green-winged Teal - 2 males still at Tain Links (by bridge)
Surf Scoter - 2 still present off Dornoch beach
Velvet Scoter - 20 off Dornoch beach. 20 Long-tailed Duck also there
Scaup - 20 at Loch Eye. Also 1 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 6 Whooper Swan, c250 Tufted Duck, 200 Coot and 11 Mute Swans
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Water Rail - 1 at Kingussie
Great White Egret - 1 on Loch Insh seen from Water Sports Centre and 1 on east side of Loch Eye
Purple Sandpiper - 95 at Brora, 42 at Balintore Harbour, 20 at Dornoch beach and 20 at Embo pier
Woodcock - 1 at Westhill and 1 near Dalroy
Little Gull -3 at Brora
Barn Owl - 1 near Clephanton
Hoopoe - 1 still at back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Fieldfare - 100s seen from A9 in the area of the Gatehouse cafe
Fieldfare + Redwing - c500 at Lochlonghead
Crossbill sp. - many in Daviot Woods
Friday 15th November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Kate M, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 1 on Rum at Kinloch. Also family at Kincraig on the Spey
Surf Scoter - still 2 off Dornoch beach
Manx Shearwater - 3 off Embo
Hoopoe - 1 still at Arisaig
Kingfisher - 2 on the Spey at Kincraig
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Kate M, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 1 on Rum at Kinloch. Also family at Kincraig on the Spey
Surf Scoter - still 2 off Dornoch beach
Manx Shearwater - 3 off Embo
Hoopoe - 1 still at Arisaig
Kingfisher - 2 on the Spey at Kincraig
Thursday 14th November
Thanks to Stuart Crutchfield, Tony LidlerDean MacAskil, Duncan Macdonald, Bob McMillan and Skye Birds
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes with c200 Common Scoter off Dornoch beach
Slavonian Grebe - 6 on Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Hoopoe - 1 still at Keppoch
Fieldfare - estimated thousands in Inverpolly. Very vocal.
Nuthatch - 1 at the NTS visitor centre in Glencoe
Crossbill sp. - c60 at Ardgeal
Thanks to Stuart Crutchfield, Tony LidlerDean MacAskil, Duncan Macdonald, Bob McMillan and Skye Birds
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes with c200 Common Scoter off Dornoch beach
Slavonian Grebe - 6 on Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Hoopoe - 1 still at Keppoch
Fieldfare - estimated thousands in Inverpolly. Very vocal.
Nuthatch - 1 at the NTS visitor centre in Glencoe
Crossbill sp. - c60 at Ardgeal
Wednesday 13th November
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Geraint Roberts and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie still
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Coul Links
Water Rail - 1 at Merkinch. Also there 300+ Redshank
Barn Owl - 1 last night south of Conon Bridge
Kingfisher - 1 near Boat of Garten
Twite - several at Coul Links
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Geraint Roberts and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie still
Little Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Coul Links
Water Rail - 1 at Merkinch. Also there 300+ Redshank
Barn Owl - 1 last night south of Conon Bridge
Kingfisher - 1 near Boat of Garten
Twite - several at Coul Links
Tuesday 12th November
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, Tessa Rhodes
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Tain Links
Scaup - 35 at Loch Eye. Also 2 Pochard and 159 Coot there
Green-winged Teal - 1 off Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 20 at Hilton of Cadboll
Great White Egret - 2 at Loch Eye
Golden Eagle - 3 over Drumochter Hills. Possibly 8 seen in the area
Greenshank - 9 still at Loch Fleet
Woodcock - possibly 2 at Drumguish
Hoopoe - 1 still in private garden near Culloden viaduct
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Inver Broom
Brambling - with Chaffinch flock near Insh
Snow Bunting - 2 between Portmahomack and Inver
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, Tessa Rhodes
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Tain Links
Scaup - 35 at Loch Eye. Also 2 Pochard and 159 Coot there
Green-winged Teal - 1 off Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 20 at Hilton of Cadboll
Great White Egret - 2 at Loch Eye
Golden Eagle - 3 over Drumochter Hills. Possibly 8 seen in the area
Greenshank - 9 still at Loch Fleet
Woodcock - possibly 2 at Drumguish
Hoopoe - 1 still in private garden near Culloden viaduct
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Inver Broom
Brambling - with Chaffinch flock near Insh
Snow Bunting - 2 between Portmahomack and Inver
Monday 11th November
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Peter Gordon, Peter Leigh, David Patterson and John Poyner
Whooper Swan - counts of 95 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver plus 40 in fields there; 125 nearby at Petley F arm; 8 at Balmuchy Farm near Hilton of Cadboll and a further 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter - c200 off Portmahomack
White-billed Diver - 1 at Strathy Point east. Also 2 Pomarine Skua and 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose
Great Shearwater - Strathy Point west. Also 24 Sooty Shearwater, 9 Manx Shearwater and 10 Great Northern Diver
Great White Egret - still on Insh Marshes
White-tailed Eagle - 2 again at The Mound
Hoopoe- 1 near Culloden viaduct
Tree Sparrow - Nethybridge on Speyside Way 150m north of Old Station
Thanks to Andy Crawford, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Peter Gordon, Peter Leigh, David Patterson and John Poyner
Whooper Swan - counts of 95 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver plus 40 in fields there; 125 nearby at Petley F arm; 8 at Balmuchy Farm near Hilton of Cadboll and a further 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter - c200 off Portmahomack
White-billed Diver - 1 at Strathy Point east. Also 2 Pomarine Skua and 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose
Great Shearwater - Strathy Point west. Also 24 Sooty Shearwater, 9 Manx Shearwater and 10 Great Northern Diver
Great White Egret - still on Insh Marshes
White-tailed Eagle - 2 again at The Mound
Hoopoe- 1 near Culloden viaduct
Tree Sparrow - Nethybridge on Speyside Way 150m north of Old Station
Sunday 10th November
Thanks to Matthew Broadbent, Jort Brough, Simon Cohen, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Ben Hancock-Smith, Ross McGregor, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, John Poyner and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 45 with Pink-footed Goose flock between Jamestown and Contin; also 11 at Coul Links
Barnacle Goose - 2 in Dingwall Bay with flock of c3000 Pink-footed Goose
Brent Goose - 2 pale-bellied at Lower Milavaig on Skye
Ptarmigan - 1 on Ben Loyal
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Embo and 5 Red-breasted Merganser also there
Great White Egret - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford Bay
White-tailed Eagle - 2 at The Mound
Hen Harrier - 2 at Insh Marshes
Goshawk - 1 at Insh Marshes and 2 Red Kite also there
Merlin - 2 at foot of Ben Loyal, 1 at Alturlie Pools and 1 at Inver
Green Sandpiper - 1 between Loch Insh and the Marshes
Golden Plover - c80 at Inver and 1 with 24 Lapwing at Insh Marshes
Greenshank - 9 on Loch Fleet
Swift species - almost certainly Pallid Swift west of Abernethy; similar also reported at Talmine earlier in day
Swallow - 4 over Dornoch town centre, 1 past Rosemarkie beach and 1 two miles south of Dalwhinnie
Black Redstart - 1 at Kinloch Rum
Fieldfare - 200 at Loch Longhead (Skye) with some Redwing
Tree Sparrow - 2 at Dingwall by footbridge
Blackcap - 1 female at Lower Milavaig
Snow Bunting - c15 on Ben Loyal
Thanks to Matthew Broadbent, Jort Brough, Simon Cohen, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Ben Hancock-Smith, Ross McGregor, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, John Poyner and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 45 with Pink-footed Goose flock between Jamestown and Contin; also 11 at Coul Links
Barnacle Goose - 2 in Dingwall Bay with flock of c3000 Pink-footed Goose
Brent Goose - 2 pale-bellied at Lower Milavaig on Skye
Ptarmigan - 1 on Ben Loyal
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Embo and 5 Red-breasted Merganser also there
Great White Egret - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford Bay
White-tailed Eagle - 2 at The Mound
Hen Harrier - 2 at Insh Marshes
Goshawk - 1 at Insh Marshes and 2 Red Kite also there
Merlin - 2 at foot of Ben Loyal, 1 at Alturlie Pools and 1 at Inver
Green Sandpiper - 1 between Loch Insh and the Marshes
Golden Plover - c80 at Inver and 1 with 24 Lapwing at Insh Marshes
Greenshank - 9 on Loch Fleet
Swift species - almost certainly Pallid Swift west of Abernethy; similar also reported at Talmine earlier in day
Swallow - 4 over Dornoch town centre, 1 past Rosemarkie beach and 1 two miles south of Dalwhinnie
Black Redstart - 1 at Kinloch Rum
Fieldfare - 200 at Loch Longhead (Skye) with some Redwing
Tree Sparrow - 2 at Dingwall by footbridge
Blackcap - 1 female at Lower Milavaig
Snow Bunting - c15 on Ben Loyal
Saturday 9th November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter and Carole Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Stuart, David Williams, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 130 Petley Farm, near Portmahomack, 40 Jamestown, 8 Insh Marsh
Goldeneye - 30 Alness Point
Black-throated Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Balnakeil and 3 at Scourie
White-billed Diver - 1 at Balnakeil
Little Grebe - 7 Alness Point
Hen Harrier - 1 (male) Tarbat Ness
Curlew - 60 Tarbat Ness
Redshank - 26 Tarbat Ness
Black Guillemot - 2 Tarbat Ness
Barn Owl - 1 Insh Marsh
Fieldfare - 100+ Strathdearn, 200 Loch Longhead
Redwing - c400 Insh Marsh,
Fieldfare/Redwing - c500 mixed flock Inverpolly
Crested Tit - 1 Daviot Forest Walk
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter and Carole Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Stuart, David Williams, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 130 Petley Farm, near Portmahomack, 40 Jamestown, 8 Insh Marsh
Goldeneye - 30 Alness Point
Black-throated Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Balnakeil and 3 at Scourie
White-billed Diver - 1 at Balnakeil
Little Grebe - 7 Alness Point
Hen Harrier - 1 (male) Tarbat Ness
Curlew - 60 Tarbat Ness
Redshank - 26 Tarbat Ness
Black Guillemot - 2 Tarbat Ness
Barn Owl - 1 Insh Marsh
Fieldfare - 100+ Strathdearn, 200 Loch Longhead
Redwing - c400 Insh Marsh,
Fieldfare/Redwing - c500 mixed flock Inverpolly
Crested Tit - 1 Daviot Forest Walk
Friday 8th November
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Dean MacAskill, Steve Broyd, Bob Swann, Alister Clunas, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Morag McCullagh
Whooper Swan - 97 Loch Evelix, 156 Shandwick
Great Northern Diver - 24 Inverasdale
Red-throated Diver - 3 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 5 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - c205 Alturlie, 12 Hilton of Cadboll
Eider - c570 Alturlie
Scaup - 55 Loch Eye
Pochard - 1 drake Alturlie
Gadwall - 8 Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 Broadford Bay, 1 loch Eye, 1 Loch Insh
Coot - 155 Loch Eye
Curlew - 60 Hilton of Cadboll
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off Loch Fleet
Little Auk - 1 Ullapool - Stornoway ferry Highland side
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Dean MacAskill, Steve Broyd, Bob Swann, Alister Clunas, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Morag McCullagh
Whooper Swan - 97 Loch Evelix, 156 Shandwick
Great Northern Diver - 24 Inverasdale
Red-throated Diver - 3 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 5 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - c205 Alturlie, 12 Hilton of Cadboll
Eider - c570 Alturlie
Scaup - 55 Loch Eye
Pochard - 1 drake Alturlie
Gadwall - 8 Loch Eye
Great White Egret - 1 Broadford Bay, 1 loch Eye, 1 Loch Insh
Coot - 155 Loch Eye
Curlew - 60 Hilton of Cadboll
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off Loch Fleet
Little Auk - 1 Ullapool - Stornoway ferry Highland side
Thursday 7th November
Thanks to Skye Birds, Mark Wynn
Whooper Swan - 15 Loch Cillchriosd
Nuthatch - 1 Belladrum Fprest
Snow Bunting - 2 Kilmory Rum
Thanks to Skye Birds, Mark Wynn
Whooper Swan - 15 Loch Cillchriosd
Nuthatch - 1 Belladrum Fprest
Snow Bunting - 2 Kilmory Rum
Wednesday 6th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Duncan MacDonald, John Poyner, John Manson
Whooper Swan - 115. near Shandwick, Easter Ross
Long-tailed Duck - 15 Hilton of Cadboll
Velvet Scoter - 1 female east of Kessock Bridge Inverness
Lesser Scaup - 1 Melon Udrigle (female in flight photographed - off sea flew inland)
Great White Egret - Loch Insh in lagoons at the norh end, 1 on river Con below Torrachilty Dam
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off mouth of Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 10 Brora
Crested Tit - 2 at the Piicnic Area in Daviot Forest
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Duncan MacDonald, John Poyner, John Manson
Whooper Swan - 115. near Shandwick, Easter Ross
Long-tailed Duck - 15 Hilton of Cadboll
Velvet Scoter - 1 female east of Kessock Bridge Inverness
Lesser Scaup - 1 Melon Udrigle (female in flight photographed - off sea flew inland)
Great White Egret - Loch Insh in lagoons at the norh end, 1 on river Con below Torrachilty Dam
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off mouth of Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 10 Brora
Crested Tit - 2 at the Piicnic Area in Daviot Forest
Tuesday 5th November
Thanks to John Poyner, Gary Hodgson, Tony Laidler, Dave Pullan, David Williams, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Dark-bellied Brent Goose - 1 Udale Bay
Velvet Scoter - 1 f North Kessock just east of bridge
Long-tailed Duck - 48 Connage
Common Scoter - 200+ Dornoch
Scaup - 8 Alurlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Connage
Red-necked Grebe - 1 Golspie Caravan site
Slavonian Grebe - 12 Connage
Red-throated Diver - 1 Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Insh, i Loch Eye
Little Egret - 1 Lochy estury
Bar-tailed Godwit - 17 Loch Portree
Greenshank - 1 Alturlie, 2 Loch Fleet
Lapwing - 60 Alturlie
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 probable in hedgerow Coulmore, Beauly Firth
Snow Bunting - 60 top of Fingers Ridge, Coire an t-sneachda Cairngorm
Thanks to John Poyner, Gary Hodgson, Tony Laidler, Dave Pullan, David Williams, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Dark-bellied Brent Goose - 1 Udale Bay
Velvet Scoter - 1 f North Kessock just east of bridge
Long-tailed Duck - 48 Connage
Common Scoter - 200+ Dornoch
Scaup - 8 Alurlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Connage
Red-necked Grebe - 1 Golspie Caravan site
Slavonian Grebe - 12 Connage
Red-throated Diver - 1 Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Insh, i Loch Eye
Little Egret - 1 Lochy estury
Bar-tailed Godwit - 17 Loch Portree
Greenshank - 1 Alturlie, 2 Loch Fleet
Lapwing - 60 Alturlie
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 probable in hedgerow Coulmore, Beauly Firth
Snow Bunting - 60 top of Fingers Ridge, Coire an t-sneachda Cairngorm
Monday 4th November
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Kim Dawson, Mike Crutch, Blair Whyte, Alister Clunas , Bob Swann, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner. David Williams, Tim Leerschool
Whooper Swan - 11 flying over at Hilton of Cadboll
Pink-footed Goose - 1 Lochindorb, 90 Loch Ashie
European White-fronted Goose - 1 Loch Ashie, 1 Cuthill
Common Scoter - 250 - Dornoch
Scaup - 33 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 7 Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 28 Sand north of Applecross
Black-throated Diver - 1 Sand north of Applecross
Slavonian Grebe - 8 Loch Ashie, 1 Chanonry Point, 17 Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye, 1 possible by A9 at southern end of Cromarty Bridge
Coot - 125 Loch Eye
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch
Grey Plover - 8 Dornoch
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still mouth of Loch Fleet
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch
Ring Ouzel - 1 Cairngorm Ski Area behind Funicular building
Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry - Highland waters
Great Northern Diver - 1
Great Shearwater - 11
Sooty Shearwater - 25
Storm Petel - 4
Puffin - 1
Arctic Skua - 1
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Kim Dawson, Mike Crutch, Blair Whyte, Alister Clunas , Bob Swann, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner. David Williams, Tim Leerschool
Whooper Swan - 11 flying over at Hilton of Cadboll
Pink-footed Goose - 1 Lochindorb, 90 Loch Ashie
European White-fronted Goose - 1 Loch Ashie, 1 Cuthill
Common Scoter - 250 - Dornoch
Scaup - 33 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 7 Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 28 Sand north of Applecross
Black-throated Diver - 1 Sand north of Applecross
Slavonian Grebe - 8 Loch Ashie, 1 Chanonry Point, 17 Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye, 1 possible by A9 at southern end of Cromarty Bridge
Coot - 125 Loch Eye
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch
Grey Plover - 8 Dornoch
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still mouth of Loch Fleet
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch
Ring Ouzel - 1 Cairngorm Ski Area behind Funicular building
Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry - Highland waters
Great Northern Diver - 1
Great Shearwater - 11
Sooty Shearwater - 25
Storm Petel - 4
Puffin - 1
Arctic Skua - 1
Sunday 3rd November
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Bob McMillan, Stu Crutchfield, Josh Allan, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 9 Tarbat Ness, 78 Inver
Red-throated Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver - 1 Tarbat Ness
Black Guillemot - 1 Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 7 Tarbat Ness
Golden Plover - 4 Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - 1 Adult Applecross by river mouth
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 Applecross by river mouth
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off Coul Links
Common Tern - 1 juv Coul Links
Lapland Bunting - 8 on the shoulder of Marsco, Cuillins
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Bob McMillan, Stu Crutchfield, Josh Allan, Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - 9 Tarbat Ness, 78 Inver
Red-throated Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver - 1 Tarbat Ness
Black Guillemot - 1 Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 7 Tarbat Ness
Golden Plover - 4 Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - 1 Adult Applecross by river mouth
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 Applecross by river mouth
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off Coul Links
Common Tern - 1 juv Coul Links
Lapland Bunting - 8 on the shoulder of Marsco, Cuillins
Saturday 2nd November
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Peter and Carole Leigh, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Fleet
Brent Goose - 3 Loch Fleet
Long-tailed Duck - 10 Hilton of Cadboll
Pochard - 6 Loch Insh
Lesser Scaup? - 1 possible female type Loch Insh
Great White Egret - 1 north over Loch Insh
Curlew - 40 Hilton of Cadboll
Greenshank - 10 Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 2 Brora
Sandwich Tern - 1 Embo
Common/Arctic Tern - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Fieldfare - 40 Leys, Inverness
Lesser Redpoll - 17 Leys, Inverness
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Peter and Carole Leigh, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill
Whooper Swan - 6 Loch Fleet
Brent Goose - 3 Loch Fleet
Long-tailed Duck - 10 Hilton of Cadboll
Pochard - 6 Loch Insh
Lesser Scaup? - 1 possible female type Loch Insh
Great White Egret - 1 north over Loch Insh
Curlew - 40 Hilton of Cadboll
Greenshank - 10 Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 2 Brora
Sandwich Tern - 1 Embo
Common/Arctic Tern - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Fieldfare - 40 Leys, Inverness
Lesser Redpoll - 17 Leys, Inverness
Friday 1st November
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Holly, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Duncan Orr-Ewing
Whooper Swan - 35 Broomhill, Nethy Bridge, 1 Kilmory, Rum
Slavonian Grebe - Lochinver harbour
Great Northern Diver - 5 Ashaig, 3 Clachtoll
Jack Snipe - 1 Culkein near Stoer
Swallow - 1 Westhill
Fieldfare - 14 Leys Estate, Invernes
Redwing - 200 Leys Estae, Invernes
Brambling - 1 Kingcraig
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Holly, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Duncan Orr-Ewing
Whooper Swan - 35 Broomhill, Nethy Bridge, 1 Kilmory, Rum
Slavonian Grebe - Lochinver harbour
Great Northern Diver - 5 Ashaig, 3 Clachtoll
Jack Snipe - 1 Culkein near Stoer
Swallow - 1 Westhill
Fieldfare - 14 Leys Estate, Invernes
Redwing - 200 Leys Estae, Invernes
Brambling - 1 Kingcraig
Thursday 31st October
Thanks to Bob Swann, Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, David McAllister, Pete Gordon
Whooper Swan - 428 Petley near Portmahomack, 45 Broomhill
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 7 Tain Links
Long-tailed Duck - 113 Chanonry Point
Scaup - 1 female Loch Insh
Green-winged Teal - 2 Tain Links (one by suspension bridge and one on pond), 1 The Mound
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - Loch Insh
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still mouth of Loch Fleet (viewed from north side)
Fieldfare - 500 over Isleornsay
Redwing -200 over Isleornsay
Thanks to Bob Swann, Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, David McAllister, Pete Gordon
Whooper Swan - 428 Petley near Portmahomack, 45 Broomhill
Light-bellied Brent Goose - 7 Tain Links
Long-tailed Duck - 113 Chanonry Point
Scaup - 1 female Loch Insh
Green-winged Teal - 2 Tain Links (one by suspension bridge and one on pond), 1 The Mound
Black-throated Diver - 1 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - Loch Insh
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still mouth of Loch Fleet (viewed from north side)
Fieldfare - 500 over Isleornsay
Redwing -200 over Isleornsay
Wednesday 30th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Jonathan Willet, Skye Birds, Sarah Goodman, Bob McMillan, Susan Morris
Whooper Swan - 50 Broomhill Bridge, Nethy Bridge, c 200 Portmahomack, 4 Loch Ailot, 4 Mill Dam Applecross, 1 Kilmory Rum, 1 Broadford river, 2 Loch Damh, Kishorn, 3 Fort Augustus
Common Scoter - 300 Embo, c120 Portmahomack
Eider - c150 Portmahomack
Tufted Duck - 300 Loch Eye
Scaup - 3 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 7 Loch Eye
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still The Mound
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Embo
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 2 Brora, 2 Portmahomack
Red-throated Diver - 42 Embo, 4 Portmahomack
Little Gull - 8 Brora
Hoopoe - 1 Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Jonathan Willet, Skye Birds, Sarah Goodman, Bob McMillan, Susan Morris
Whooper Swan - 50 Broomhill Bridge, Nethy Bridge, c 200 Portmahomack, 4 Loch Ailot, 4 Mill Dam Applecross, 1 Kilmory Rum, 1 Broadford river, 2 Loch Damh, Kishorn, 3 Fort Augustus
Common Scoter - 300 Embo, c120 Portmahomack
Eider - c150 Portmahomack
Tufted Duck - 300 Loch Eye
Scaup - 3 Loch Eye
Gadwall - 7 Loch Eye
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still The Mound
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Embo
Great White Egret - 1 Loch Eye
Great Northern Diver - 2 Brora, 2 Portmahomack
Red-throated Diver - 42 Embo, 4 Portmahomack
Little Gull - 8 Brora
Hoopoe - 1 Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Tuesday 29th October
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 8 south over Portree, 1 Kilmory, Rum
Shoveler - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Little Egret - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Glaucous Gull. - 1 (2cy) Lochy estuary, Fort William
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off mouth of Dornoch Firth
Wood Pigeon - 300 south over Upper Achintore, Fort William
Chiffchaff - 1 Kilmory Rum
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 8 south over Portree, 1 Kilmory, Rum
Shoveler - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Little Egret - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Glaucous Gull. - 1 (2cy) Lochy estuary, Fort William
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still off mouth of Dornoch Firth
Wood Pigeon - 300 south over Upper Achintore, Fort William
Chiffchaff - 1 Kilmory Rum
Monday 28th October
Thanks to Bob Swann, Tommy, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 55 (14 juvs) Broomhill, Nethy Bridge
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 24 through Broadford Bay, 21 Old Corry
Pink-footed Goose - c3000 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Scaup - c400 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Green-winged Teal - 2 Tain Links, 1 The Mound
Red-throated Diver - 6 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Slavonian Grebe - 26 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Great White Egret - 1 reported Insh Marshes
Little Egret - 1 head of Loch Dunvegan
Bat-tailed Godwit - 10 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Redshank - 200 Merkinch
Greenshank - 4 Merkinch
Common Snipe - 2 Merkinch
Starling - c1000 murmuration at UHI Inverness
Common Crossbill - 5 Orbost Forest
Reed Bunting - 12+ Farness, Cromarty
Thanks to Bob Swann, Tommy, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 55 (14 juvs) Broomhill, Nethy Bridge
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 24 through Broadford Bay, 21 Old Corry
Pink-footed Goose - c3000 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Scaup - c400 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Green-winged Teal - 2 Tain Links, 1 The Mound
Red-throated Diver - 6 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Slavonian Grebe - 26 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Great White Egret - 1 reported Insh Marshes
Little Egret - 1 head of Loch Dunvegan
Bat-tailed Godwit - 10 Udale Bay/Jemimaville
Redshank - 200 Merkinch
Greenshank - 4 Merkinch
Common Snipe - 2 Merkinch
Starling - c1000 murmuration at UHI Inverness
Common Crossbill - 5 Orbost Forest
Reed Bunting - 12+ Farness, Cromarty
Sunday 27th October
Thanks to Colin, Ross Macleod, Bob Swann, Tommy, Graeme Prest, Kim Dawson, Shaz, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 9 Golspie, 23 Contin, 58+ Cuthill
Brent Goose - 5 broadford Bay, 1 past Neist Point
Long-tailed Duck - 4 Alturlie, 4 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Golspie
Scaup - 2 Alturlie
Shoveler - 3 Alturlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Alturlie, 1 drake at Tain Links
Red-throated Diver - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Greenshank - 8 Loch Fleet
Tern sp Common/Arctic - 2 head of Loch Ainort
Redwing - 200 Glen Sheil, 3-4000 through Fort Wiloiam
Blackcap - 1 Craig Phadrig
Thanks to Colin, Ross Macleod, Bob Swann, Tommy, Graeme Prest, Kim Dawson, Shaz, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 9 Golspie, 23 Contin, 58+ Cuthill
Brent Goose - 5 broadford Bay, 1 past Neist Point
Long-tailed Duck - 4 Alturlie, 4 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Golspie
Scaup - 2 Alturlie
Shoveler - 3 Alturlie
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Alturlie, 1 drake at Tain Links
Red-throated Diver - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Greenshank - 8 Loch Fleet
Tern sp Common/Arctic - 2 head of Loch Ainort
Redwing - 200 Glen Sheil, 3-4000 through Fort Wiloiam
Blackcap - 1 Craig Phadrig
Saturday 26th October
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Graemem Prest, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 4 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay
Whooper Swan - 14 at Loch Insh, 86 at Broomhill by Nethy Bridge, c250 at Petley Farm near Portmahomack, 7 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver, 6 at Cuthill and 2 near Tain
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Black-headed Gull - 20 at Kilmory (unusually high count for Rum)
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 23 Turnstone, 68 Wigeon
Redwing - significant (in the thousands) nocturnal/early morning passage over eastern Skye, 25 at Insh marshes
Swallow - small numbers of birds in Strathspey and Easter Ross
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Ross Macleod, Graemem Prest, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 4 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay
Whooper Swan - 14 at Loch Insh, 86 at Broomhill by Nethy Bridge, c250 at Petley Farm near Portmahomack, 7 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver, 6 at Cuthill and 2 near Tain
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Black-headed Gull - 20 at Kilmory (unusually high count for Rum)
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Fleet
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 23 Turnstone, 68 Wigeon
Redwing - significant (in the thousands) nocturnal/early morning passage over eastern Skye, 25 at Insh marshes
Swallow - small numbers of birds in Strathspey and Easter Ross
Friday 25th October
Thanks to Ronnie Dyer, Pete Gordon, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - c65 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with continued passage of small groups (up to 16) down the west coast/Skye
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 8 Gadwall, 34 Scaup, 1 Pochard and 355 Tufted Duck (highest count in "many years")
Little Egret - 1 at the head of Loch Dunvegan
Hoopoe - 1 at Arisaig
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Thanks to Ronnie Dyer, Pete Gordon, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - c65 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with continued passage of small groups (up to 16) down the west coast/Skye
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 8 Gadwall, 34 Scaup, 1 Pochard and 355 Tufted Duck (highest count in "many years")
Little Egret - 1 at the head of Loch Dunvegan
Hoopoe - 1 at Arisaig
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Thursday 24th October
Thanks to Jort Brough, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 at Loch Ainort, 7 at Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - 29 between Dornoch and Davochfin, plus continuing small groups across Skye
Great White Egret - 1 still at Shielfoot
Sanderling - 3 at Broadford Bay
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 (ad) at Coul links, plus 2 (ad) Little Gull, 1 (juv) Arctic Tern and 60 Twite
Kingfisher - 1 at Alness Point, plus 7 Little Grebe, 5 Goldeneye
Blackcap - 1 (m) at Achanvandra, Dornoch
Thanks to Jort Brough, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 at Loch Ainort, 7 at Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - 29 between Dornoch and Davochfin, plus continuing small groups across Skye
Great White Egret - 1 still at Shielfoot
Sanderling - 3 at Broadford Bay
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 (ad) at Coul links, plus 2 (ad) Little Gull, 1 (juv) Arctic Tern and 60 Twite
Kingfisher - 1 at Alness Point, plus 7 Little Grebe, 5 Goldeneye
Blackcap - 1 (m) at Achanvandra, Dornoch
Wednesday 23rd October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Penny Insole, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Sandy McNeil, Graeme Prest, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Brora plus 2 Common Tern
Red-throated Diver - 14 at Brora, 2 at Tarbat Ness
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - c49 around Broadford Bay, 13 at Loch Ainort, 4 at Tain links
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 60 over Loch Nan Eala, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 6 at Fodderty, plus 2 Canada Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock
Whooper Swan - 12 over Inverness 6 at Dingwall, 6 at Brora, plus groups of up to 17 around Skye
Great White Egret - 1 still at Shielfoot
Redwing - 20 at Dingwall
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Penny Insole, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Sandy McNeil, Graeme Prest, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Brora plus 2 Common Tern
Red-throated Diver - 14 at Brora, 2 at Tarbat Ness
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - c49 around Broadford Bay, 13 at Loch Ainort, 4 at Tain links
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 60 over Loch Nan Eala, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 6 at Fodderty, plus 2 Canada Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock
Whooper Swan - 12 over Inverness 6 at Dingwall, 6 at Brora, plus groups of up to 17 around Skye
Great White Egret - 1 still at Shielfoot
Redwing - 20 at Dingwall
Tuesday 22nd October
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Gordon Hamlett, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
White-billed Diver - 1 at Brora, plus 1 Manx Shearwater
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Harrapool
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Shiel, 1 at Loch nan Carr, Inverinate
Common Scoter - c40 at Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 at Shielfoot
Greenshank - 8 at Loch Fleet
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 3 Swallow
Little Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree
Red-rumped Swallow - 3 at Cromarty, with Swallows and 1 House Martin
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch glen, Rum
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at the aluminium plant, Fort William
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Gordon Hamlett, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
White-billed Diver - 1 at Brora, plus 1 Manx Shearwater
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Harrapool
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Shiel, 1 at Loch nan Carr, Inverinate
Common Scoter - c40 at Dornoch
Great White Egret - 1 at Shielfoot
Greenshank - 8 at Loch Fleet
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 3 Swallow
Little Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree
Red-rumped Swallow - 3 at Cromarty, with Swallows and 1 House Martin
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch glen, Rum
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at the aluminium plant, Fort William
eMonday 21st October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Camus More, Skye plus c2,000 Kittiwake, c400 Gannet and 100+ Twite
Whooper Swan - 6 at Storr lochs, Skye
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 8 at Sanna, Ardnamurchan
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Fodderty, plus 2 Canada Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock
Little Egret - 1 at Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Little Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree, with c500 Common Gull
Long-tailed Duck - 3 at Chanonry Point
Hen Harrier - 1 (ring-tail) at Insh marshes
Swallow - 1 at Fortrose, 3 at Insh marshes
Snow Bunting - 1 near Mam Tuath, Rum
A further flux of Redwing around the Black Isle today
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Camus More, Skye plus c2,000 Kittiwake, c400 Gannet and 100+ Twite
Whooper Swan - 6 at Storr lochs, Skye
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 8 at Sanna, Ardnamurchan
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Fodderty, plus 2 Canada Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock
Little Egret - 1 at Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Little Gull - 1 (ad) at Loch Portree, with c500 Common Gull
Long-tailed Duck - 3 at Chanonry Point
Hen Harrier - 1 (ring-tail) at Insh marshes
Swallow - 1 at Fortrose, 3 at Insh marshes
Snow Bunting - 1 near Mam Tuath, Rum
A further flux of Redwing around the Black Isle today
Sunday 20th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack
Pomarine Skua - 3 at Embo, plus 9 Arctic Skua
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Whooper Swan - c250 at Arabella, plus 50 at Petley Farm, near Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 44 Golden Plover
Whimbrel - 1 at Kimory, Rum
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Broadford Bay
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 1 Russian White-fronted Goose
Swallow - 5 at Insh marshes
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Simon Levene, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack
Pomarine Skua - 3 at Embo, plus 9 Arctic Skua
Great White Egret - 1 at Loch Eye
Whooper Swan - c250 at Arabella, plus 50 at Petley Farm, near Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 44 Golden Plover
Whimbrel - 1 at Kimory, Rum
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Broadford Bay
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 1 Russian White-fronted Goose
Swallow - 5 at Insh marshes
Saturday 19th October
Thanks to Neill Bennett, Kim Dawson, Simon Levene, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - c300 near Portmahomach
Green-winged Teal - 1 male at Alturlie off Sewage Works
Goshawk - 1 on Leys Estate
Greenshank - 2 from Skelbo
Little Gull - 1 adult at head of Loch Portree
Stock Dove - 17 at Achavandra Muir
Hoopoe - 1 still at Balintore. Birders please continue to be respectful of residents' privacy
Swallow - 3 still at Drumguish and 5 at Insh
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 juvenile still Kilmory Glen, Rum
Thanks to Neill Bennett, Kim Dawson, Simon Levene, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - c300 near Portmahomach
Green-winged Teal - 1 male at Alturlie off Sewage Works
Goshawk - 1 on Leys Estate
Greenshank - 2 from Skelbo
Little Gull - 1 adult at head of Loch Portree
Stock Dove - 17 at Achavandra Muir
Hoopoe - 1 still at Balintore. Birders please continue to be respectful of residents' privacy
Swallow - 3 still at Drumguish and 5 at Insh
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 juvenile still Kilmory Glen, Rum
Friday 18th October
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Rhodri Evetts, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie Point
Kingfisher - 1 at Ferry Point, Dingwall
Hoopoe - 1 still at Balintore. Birders please be respectful of residents' privacy
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 juvenile still Kilmory Glen, Rum
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Rhodri Evetts, Skye Birds and Bird Information Services
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie Point
Kingfisher - 1 at Ferry Point, Dingwall
Hoopoe - 1 still at Balintore. Birders please be respectful of residents' privacy
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 juvenile still Kilmory Glen, Rum
Thursday 17th October
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kenny Mathieson, Bob McMillan, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, John Poyner and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 2 on Loch Morlich
Great Shearwater - 8 from boat south-west of Muck. Also 40 Sooty Shearwater there
Water Rail - 1 at Arisaig
Whimbrel - 1 in Udale Bay
Jack Snipe - 1 at Insh Marshes
Hoopoe - 1 at Balintore, also 1 still at Aird-Dhubh
Grey Wagtail - 1 still lingering Insh Marshes also 7+ swallows still there
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 in Kilmory Glen, Rum
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still Portree
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kenny Mathieson, Bob McMillan, Sean Morris, Dave Pierce, John Poyner and Bird Information Services
Whooper Swan - 2 on Loch Morlich
Great Shearwater - 8 from boat south-west of Muck. Also 40 Sooty Shearwater there
Water Rail - 1 at Arisaig
Whimbrel - 1 in Udale Bay
Jack Snipe - 1 at Insh Marshes
Hoopoe - 1 at Balintore, also 1 still at Aird-Dhubh
Grey Wagtail - 1 still lingering Insh Marshes also 7+ swallows still there
Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1 in Kilmory Glen, Rum
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still Portree
Wednesday 16th October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds,
Bob Swann and Sue Sykes
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Hen Harrier - 1 male at Loch Insh
Peregrine - 1 female at Insh Marshes
Stock Dove - 8 at Achavandra
Barn Owl - 1 at Kinloch
Swallow - 30+ at Insh Marshes
Redwing - c300 at Insh Marshes, c100 + c100 over Loch Insh, 200 at Breakish, Skye and 16 at Isle Ornsay, 60 over Aviemore,
c50 at Leys Estate, Inverness and 50+ at Westhill, Inverness
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still in Portree garden
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds,
Bob Swann and Sue Sykes
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Hen Harrier - 1 male at Loch Insh
Peregrine - 1 female at Insh Marshes
Stock Dove - 8 at Achavandra
Barn Owl - 1 at Kinloch
Swallow - 30+ at Insh Marshes
Redwing - c300 at Insh Marshes, c100 + c100 over Loch Insh, 200 at Breakish, Skye and 16 at Isle Ornsay, 60 over Aviemore,
c50 at Leys Estate, Inverness and 50+ at Westhill, Inverness
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still in Portree garden
Tuesday 15th October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 7 at Alturlie, Inverness; also group at Loch Coultrie (Sheildaig)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - skeins of 13 and 21 over Kilmory, Rum
Canada Goose - 60 at Insh Marshes (centre back bird thought possibly different)
Red Kite - 1 possible near Black Lochs, Broadford
Golden Plover - 41 at Tarbat Ness, also 45 Lapwing there and 4 Black-throated Diver past
Swallow - 6+ at Insh Marshes also there 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Golden Eagle and 2 White-tailed Eagle plus 1 Peregrine and 1 Red Kite
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in garden at Portree and 1 at Broadford
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Dave Pierce and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 7 at Alturlie, Inverness; also group at Loch Coultrie (Sheildaig)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - skeins of 13 and 21 over Kilmory, Rum
Canada Goose - 60 at Insh Marshes (centre back bird thought possibly different)
Red Kite - 1 possible near Black Lochs, Broadford
Golden Plover - 41 at Tarbat Ness, also 45 Lapwing there and 4 Black-throated Diver past
Swallow - 6+ at Insh Marshes also there 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Golden Eagle and 2 White-tailed Eagle plus 1 Peregrine and 1 Red Kite
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in garden at Portree and 1 at Broadford
Monday 14th October
Thanks to Neil Bennett and to Skye Birds
Great White Egret - 1 on Rum
Kingfisher - 1 on River Morar
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett and to Skye Birds
Great White Egret - 1 on Rum
Kingfisher - 1 on River Morar
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in Portree
Sunday 13th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes
Barnacle Goose - 6 in Udale Bay
Pochard - 2 at Loch Eye, also there 5 Gadwall
Scaup - 480+ in Udale Bay from Jemimaville and 33 at Loch Eye
Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel - 3 from boat just off the Summer Isles
Hen Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes, also there 3 Red Kites
Great White Egret - 1 over Udale Bay also 1 at Loch Eye
Grey Plover - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 5 on Loch Fleet
Swallow - 10 at Insh Marshes
Jay - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye and 10 at Insh Marshes
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes
Barnacle Goose - 6 in Udale Bay
Pochard - 2 at Loch Eye, also there 5 Gadwall
Scaup - 480+ in Udale Bay from Jemimaville and 33 at Loch Eye
Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel - 3 from boat just off the Summer Isles
Hen Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes, also there 3 Red Kites
Great White Egret - 1 over Udale Bay also 1 at Loch Eye
Grey Plover - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 5 on Loch Fleet
Swallow - 10 at Insh Marshes
Jay - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye and 10 at Insh Marshes
Saturday 12th October
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Jeff Duncan, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, Bird Information Services and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - late report of 150 at Nigg three days ago
Barnacle Goose - 12 at Kilmory, Rum
Great Shearwater - c1000+ from boat west of Rum. Boundary difficult to define but many in Highland waters
Common Sandpiper - late report of 1 on 9th near Lochailort
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 near outflow Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 at Tain, 2 at Evanton, 3 at Rosemarkie, 5 at Westhill, Inverness and 9 at Insh
Hoopoe - 1 at Applecross
Chiffchaff - 1 at Alturlie
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Jeff Duncan, Mary Galloway, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, Bird Information Services and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - late report of 150 at Nigg three days ago
Barnacle Goose - 12 at Kilmory, Rum
Great Shearwater - c1000+ from boat west of Rum. Boundary difficult to define but many in Highland waters
Common Sandpiper - late report of 1 on 9th near Lochailort
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 near outflow Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 at Tain, 2 at Evanton, 3 at Rosemarkie, 5 at Westhill, Inverness and 9 at Insh
Hoopoe - 1 at Applecross
Chiffchaff - 1 at Alturlie
Friday 11th October
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Fiona Harvey, Ann Sime, Sue Sykes, Blair White and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 27 at Udale Bay; 7 over Kilmory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - c1000 in Udale Bay also 2 Canada Goose and 1 Barnacle Goose plus 26 Bar-tailed Godwit
Scaup - c320 from Jemimaville plus a single Red-throated Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 11 at Jemimaville and 4 at Milton of Culloden
Greenshank - 7 in Munlochy Bay and 2 at Merkinch LNR
Swallow - 3 over Culloden
Jay - 1 in Anagach Woods (Grantown on Spey) and 1 at Sleet
Chiffchaff - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Fiona Harvey, Ann Sime, Sue Sykes, Blair White and Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 27 at Udale Bay; 7 over Kilmory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - c1000 in Udale Bay also 2 Canada Goose and 1 Barnacle Goose plus 26 Bar-tailed Godwit
Scaup - c320 from Jemimaville plus a single Red-throated Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 11 at Jemimaville and 4 at Milton of Culloden
Greenshank - 7 in Munlochy Bay and 2 at Merkinch LNR
Swallow - 3 over Culloden
Jay - 1 in Anagach Woods (Grantown on Spey) and 1 at Sleet
Chiffchaff - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Thursday 10th October
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Ashaig, Broadford
Gannet - c375 off Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - c60 at Clay of Allan (near Hill of Fearn), 4 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver, 2 at Inver plus a general movement over Skye (maximum 62 over Portree)
Greenshank - 7 at Loch Portree
Merlin - 1 (f) at Leys estate, Inverness plus 1 Chiffchaff
Redwing - c40 at Isleornsay, Skye
House Martin - 7 over Evanton
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in a Portree garden, 1 at Ardvasar, 2 at Tormore
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Ashaig, Broadford
Gannet - c375 off Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - c60 at Clay of Allan (near Hill of Fearn), 4 on beach between Portmahomack and Inver, 2 at Inver plus a general movement over Skye (maximum 62 over Portree)
Greenshank - 7 at Loch Portree
Merlin - 1 (f) at Leys estate, Inverness plus 1 Chiffchaff
Redwing - c40 at Isleornsay, Skye
House Martin - 7 over Evanton
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in a Portree garden, 1 at Ardvasar, 2 at Tormore
Wednesday 9th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Little Grebe - 6 at Alness Point plus 8 Goldeneye
Pintail - 1 (f) at UHI pond, Inverness
Whooper Swan - 135 at Arabella, 1 (juv) at Loch Flemington, plus 1 Swallow
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye
Chiffchaff - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Little Grebe - 6 at Alness Point plus 8 Goldeneye
Pintail - 1 (f) at UHI pond, Inverness
Whooper Swan - 135 at Arabella, 1 (juv) at Loch Flemington, plus 1 Swallow
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye
Chiffchaff - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Tuesday 8th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Nigel Fairney, Pete Jeavons, Dave Tanner, 'Daniel', 'Shaz' skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 10 at Applecross, plus 1 Great Northern Diver, 12+ Red-breasted Merganser, 66 Great Black-backed Gull
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Loch Ainort
Pink-footed Goose - steady, new movement over Skye
Whooper Swan - 10 at Cuthill
Scaup - c150 east of Jemimaville
Long-tailed Duck - 7 at Tarbat Ness with c35 Common Scoter
Bar-tailed Godwit - c70 at Dornoch Point
Redwing - c30 in the Oldshoremore/Polin area, small numbers on the Borrobol estate near Kildonan, c50 at Kilmory glen, Rum plus ring-tailed Hen Harrier
Yellow-browed Warbler - still 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum
Chiffchaff - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Brambling - 1 at Polin, Kinlochbervie
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Nigel Fairney, Pete Jeavons, Dave Tanner, 'Daniel', 'Shaz' skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 10 at Applecross, plus 1 Great Northern Diver, 12+ Red-breasted Merganser, 66 Great Black-backed Gull
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Loch Ainort
Pink-footed Goose - steady, new movement over Skye
Whooper Swan - 10 at Cuthill
Scaup - c150 east of Jemimaville
Long-tailed Duck - 7 at Tarbat Ness with c35 Common Scoter
Bar-tailed Godwit - c70 at Dornoch Point
Redwing - c30 in the Oldshoremore/Polin area, small numbers on the Borrobol estate near Kildonan, c50 at Kilmory glen, Rum plus ring-tailed Hen Harrier
Yellow-browed Warbler - still 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum
Chiffchaff - 1 at Northfield, Invergordon
Brambling - 1 at Polin, Kinlochbervie
Monday 7th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Thomas Plant, Tessa Rhodes, skye-birds.com
Sooty Shearwater - 5 at Brora, plus 2 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 11 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Great Northern Diver, 9 Little Gull
Barnacle Goose - 7 over Kilmory, Rum plus 7 Whooper Swan
Green-winged Teal - 1 probable at The Mound; bird was in moult (see photo)
Redwing - 7 at Portree, 6 at Inverbroom
Swallow - c50 over Tornagrain/Croy with small number of House Martin
Wheatear - 3 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Neist Point car park, Skye plus 1 Golden Plover
Chiffchaff - 1 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Yellow-browed Warbler - 4 at Tormore, Sleat, plus 1 at Torrin and 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Thomas Plant, Tessa Rhodes, skye-birds.com
Sooty Shearwater - 5 at Brora, plus 2 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 11 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Great Northern Diver, 9 Little Gull
Barnacle Goose - 7 over Kilmory, Rum plus 7 Whooper Swan
Green-winged Teal - 1 probable at The Mound; bird was in moult (see photo)
Redwing - 7 at Portree, 6 at Inverbroom
Swallow - c50 over Tornagrain/Croy with small number of House Martin
Wheatear - 3 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Neist Point car park, Skye plus 1 Golden Plover
Chiffchaff - 1 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Yellow-browed Warbler - 4 at Tormore, Sleat, plus 1 at Torrin and 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum
Sunday 6th October
Thanks to Andrew Dacre, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 25 at Kentra Moss, Lochaber
Slavonian Grebe - 19 in the Cromarty Firth, plus 340 Scaup and 690 Eider
Common Scoter - 210 off Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Shoveler - 6 at Alturlie
Greenshank - 3 at Skelbo
Kingfisher - 1 at Coul Links
Chiffchaff - 2 at Alturlie, 1 in a Fort William garden
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum, 2 caught and ringed at Kilmuir, Skye, 2 at Portree plus 1 Blackcap
Thanks to Andrew Dacre, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 25 at Kentra Moss, Lochaber
Slavonian Grebe - 19 in the Cromarty Firth, plus 340 Scaup and 690 Eider
Common Scoter - 210 off Dornoch
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Shoveler - 6 at Alturlie
Greenshank - 3 at Skelbo
Kingfisher - 1 at Coul Links
Chiffchaff - 2 at Alturlie, 1 in a Fort William garden
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Kilmory glen, Rum, 2 caught and ringed at Kilmuir, Skye, 2 at Portree plus 1 Blackcap
Saturday 5th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus c400 Redshank
Redwing - 6 at Portree
House Martin - 1 at Insh marshes plus c50 Swallow
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Camas Luinie and 1 at Killilan, both Lochalsh, 1 at Tormore, Sleat, Skye
Chiffchaff - 1 at Millburn and 1 at Westhill, both Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus c400 Redshank
Redwing - 6 at Portree
House Martin - 1 at Insh marshes plus c50 Swallow
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Camas Luinie and 1 at Killilan, both Lochalsh, 1 at Tormore, Sleat, Skye
Chiffchaff - 1 at Millburn and 1 at Westhill, both Inverness
Friday 4th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Fiona Harvey, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Whooper Swan - 5 at Insh marshes
Whimbrel - 1 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum
House Martin - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Swallow - 6 at Insh
Yellow-browed Warbler - 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Chiffchaff - 2 still in a Culloden garden
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Fiona Harvey, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Whooper Swan - 5 at Insh marshes
Whimbrel - 1 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum
House Martin - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Swallow - 6 at Insh
Yellow-browed Warbler - 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Chiffchaff - 2 still in a Culloden garden
Thursday 3rd October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan Jones, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Graeme Prest, Dave Tanner
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 4 Whooper Swan (2 ad/2 juv)
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Merlin - 1 (imm) at Alturlie
House Martin - 1 at Ruthven barracks with 10 Swallow
Chiffchaff - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 at Dalneigh, Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Alan Jones, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Graeme Prest, Dave Tanner
Black-throated Diver - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 4 Whooper Swan (2 ad/2 juv)
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Merlin - 1 (imm) at Alturlie
House Martin - 1 at Ruthven barracks with 10 Swallow
Chiffchaff - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 1 at Dalneigh, Inverness
Wednesday 2nd October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Fiona Harvey, Alan MacAskill, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Alurlie, plus 3 Slavonian Grebe, 15 Long-tailed Duck
Whooper Swan - 6 at Loch Ailort
Yellow-browed Warbler - 5 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Broadford primary school (another bird heard at the Broadford Hotel later), 1 still at Kilmory glen, Rum
Lesser Whitethroat - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Blackcap
Wheatear - 1 along the Heaste Road, Broadford
Chiffchaff - 2 in a Culloden garden, similar in Northfield, Invergordon
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Fiona Harvey, Alan MacAskill, Bob Swann, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 12 at Alurlie, plus 3 Slavonian Grebe, 15 Long-tailed Duck
Whooper Swan - 6 at Loch Ailort
Yellow-browed Warbler - 5 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Broadford primary school (another bird heard at the Broadford Hotel later), 1 still at Kilmory glen, Rum
Lesser Whitethroat - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Blackcap
Wheatear - 1 along the Heaste Road, Broadford
Chiffchaff - 2 in a Culloden garden, similar in Northfield, Invergordon
Tuesday 1st October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Thomas Plant, Graeme Prest, Bob Swann, Skye Birds, Alan MacAskill
Leach's Petrel - 5 on the Highland side of The Minch during return Ullapool-Stornoway crossing, plus 7 Storm Petrel, 3 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua; cetaceans seen include Fin Whale and Humpback Whale
Pink-footed Goose - 160 over Balmacara
Whooper Swan - 2 over Longman Roundabout Inverness
Greenshank - 10 at Loch Fleet
White-tailed Eagle - 1 over Glenmorangie distillery, Tain
Goshawk - Insh Marshes also 3 Red Kite, Peregrine and male Hen Harrier
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in the plantation Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Thomas Plant, Graeme Prest, Bob Swann, Skye Birds, Alan MacAskill
Leach's Petrel - 5 on the Highland side of The Minch during return Ullapool-Stornoway crossing, plus 7 Storm Petrel, 3 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua; cetaceans seen include Fin Whale and Humpback Whale
Pink-footed Goose - 160 over Balmacara
Whooper Swan - 2 over Longman Roundabout Inverness
Greenshank - 10 at Loch Fleet
White-tailed Eagle - 1 over Glenmorangie distillery, Tain
Goshawk - Insh Marshes also 3 Red Kite, Peregrine and male Hen Harrier
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 in the plantation Tarbat Ness
Sightings for February - August (September) 2024 have been archived and can now be found by clicking the Sightings heading on the Home Page. A box will appear on the top left of the page. By clicking on the appropriate year you will be able to access past records. Earlier sightings for 2024 and past years will be archived shortly
Wednesday 31st January
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack, plus 6 Red-throated Diver
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Golden Plover - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 1(m) Hen Harrier
Brambling - 3(1m/2f) visiting feeders in Tain
Yellowhammer - 40+ at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Portmahomack, plus 6 Red-throated Diver
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Golden Plover - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 1(m) Hen Harrier
Brambling - 3(1m/2f) visiting feeders in Tain
Yellowhammer - 40+ at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Tuesday 30th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Nigel Fairney, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Dave Tanner, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Snow Goose - 1 still at Fodderty
Barnacle Goose - 80 at Oldshoremore (same or similar-sized flock near Balnakiel craft village also), 3 at Fodderty
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Portree with 1 (ad) Kittiwake
Little Gull - 6 at Brora
Red-breasted Merganser - 32 at Coul Links
Shoveler - 3 (drakes) at Alturlie, plus offshore were 2 Great Crested Grebe, c100 Scaup
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 3 in Balnakiel Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 40 at Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch Point
Snipe - 14 at Skelbo, Loch Fleet
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Staffin
Waxwing - c50 at Aviemore
Brambling - 4 coming to feeders in Station Road, Golspie (1 male in full breeding plumage)
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Nigel Fairney, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Dave Tanner, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Snow Goose - 1 still at Fodderty
Barnacle Goose - 80 at Oldshoremore (same or similar-sized flock near Balnakiel craft village also), 3 at Fodderty
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Portree with 1 (ad) Kittiwake
Little Gull - 6 at Brora
Red-breasted Merganser - 32 at Coul Links
Shoveler - 3 (drakes) at Alturlie, plus offshore were 2 Great Crested Grebe, c100 Scaup
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 3 in Balnakiel Bay
Purple Sandpiper - 40 at Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 at Dornoch Point
Snipe - 14 at Skelbo, Loch Fleet
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Staffin
Waxwing - c50 at Aviemore
Brambling - 4 coming to feeders in Station Road, Golspie (1 male in full breeding plumage)
Monday 29th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Barry Bramley, Steve Broyd, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Fortrose, with 5 at Broadford Bay along with 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Velvet Scoter and 1 Gannet
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Snow Goose - 1 still at Fodderty amongst Pink-feet, with 11 Whooper Swan and 6 Barnacle Goose present also
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Rosemarkie burn
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Peffery Point, Dingwall plus 500+ Dunlin, c70 Shelduck
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Balintore harbour with 26 Ringed Plover, 91 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone and 40 Redshank
Pintail - 1 at Baliiefurth
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Borrodale
Hawfinch - 1 still present along southern boundary of golf course adjacent to Morefield estate
Blackcap - 1 (female) in a Fortrose garden
Brambling - 2 at Evanton
Small but general movement of pre-breeding waders and gull species into Strathspey
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Barry Bramley, Steve Broyd, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Fortrose, with 5 at Broadford Bay along with 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Velvet Scoter and 1 Gannet
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Snow Goose - 1 still at Fodderty amongst Pink-feet, with 11 Whooper Swan and 6 Barnacle Goose present also
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Rosemarkie burn
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Peffery Point, Dingwall plus 500+ Dunlin, c70 Shelduck
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Balintore harbour with 26 Ringed Plover, 91 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone and 40 Redshank
Pintail - 1 at Baliiefurth
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Borrodale
Hawfinch - 1 still present along southern boundary of golf course adjacent to Morefield estate
Blackcap - 1 (female) in a Fortrose garden
Brambling - 2 at Evanton
Small but general movement of pre-breeding waders and gull species into Strathspey
Sunday 28th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Barry Bramley, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 16 past Cromarty
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Meodal, Sleat
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 10 at Brora
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Redshank - 70 at Balintore
Linnet - c60 at Dornoch
Brambling - 1 still at Evanton
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Barry Bramley, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 16 past Cromarty
Whooper Swan - 3 at Loch Meodal, Sleat
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 10 at Brora
Kumlien's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale harbour
Redshank - 70 at Balintore
Linnet - c60 at Dornoch
Brambling - 1 still at Evanton
Saturday 27th January
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Pete Gordon, Ashley Grove, Dave Pierce, Ross Macleod, Audrey Turner, Dave Wheeler, Skye Birds.
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 at Coul Links, plus 28 Red-breasted Merganser
European White-fronted Goose - 1 at Fodderty with 1 Snow Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 12 Whooper Swan and 1 Great White Egret
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Lapwing - c80 Insh Marshes, 25 at Balliefurth
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1, amongst c180 Herring Gull at Laggan Bridge
Parrot Crossbill - 6 at Anagach Woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Waxwing - 40+ between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue, Aviemore
Brambling - 1 still at Evanton
Jackdaw - 5,000+ mixed flock with Rooks at Milton loch, Boat of Garten
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Pete Gordon, Ashley Grove, Dave Pierce, Ross Macleod, Audrey Turner, Dave Wheeler, Skye Birds.
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Hilton of Cadboll
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 at Coul Links, plus 28 Red-breasted Merganser
European White-fronted Goose - 1 at Fodderty with 1 Snow Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 12 Whooper Swan and 1 Great White Egret
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Cill Chriosd, Skye
Lapwing - c80 Insh Marshes, 25 at Balliefurth
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1, amongst c180 Herring Gull at Laggan Bridge
Parrot Crossbill - 6 at Anagach Woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Waxwing - 40+ between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue, Aviemore
Brambling - 1 still at Evanton
Jackdaw - 5,000+ mixed flock with Rooks at Milton loch, Boat of Garten
Friday 26th January
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Tony Laidler, Peter & Carole Leigh, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds.
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty with 1 Canada Goose, 12 Whooper Swan, 4 Barnacle Goose and huge flocks of Pink-footed Goose and Greylag Goose
Pink-footed Goose - c1600 in Arabella
Scaup - 100 at Alturlie with 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shoveler and 1 Slovenian Grebe
Wigeon - 130 at Kirkton Bay. (Late report)
Greenshank - 2 on Lochy estuary with 1 Purple Sandpiper, foraging in seaweed amongst a flock of 16 Turnstone
Lapwing - 2 small flocks at Insh Marshes
Woodcock - 1 at Culloden West
Brambling - 5 in a garden on Station Road, Golspie, 1 at Evanton and 3 in Drumguish
Waxwing - 2 in Drumguish
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Tony Laidler, Peter & Carole Leigh, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds.
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty with 1 Canada Goose, 12 Whooper Swan, 4 Barnacle Goose and huge flocks of Pink-footed Goose and Greylag Goose
Pink-footed Goose - c1600 in Arabella
Scaup - 100 at Alturlie with 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shoveler and 1 Slovenian Grebe
Wigeon - 130 at Kirkton Bay. (Late report)
Greenshank - 2 on Lochy estuary with 1 Purple Sandpiper, foraging in seaweed amongst a flock of 16 Turnstone
Lapwing - 2 small flocks at Insh Marshes
Woodcock - 1 at Culloden West
Brambling - 5 in a garden on Station Road, Golspie, 1 at Evanton and 3 in Drumguish
Waxwing - 2 in Drumguish
Thursday 25th January
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Peter Gordon, Bob McMillan, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds.
Mute Swan - 9 at Tain Range, departed south
Pintail - 9 at Balliefurth, Nethybridge
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Portree (mouth of River Chracaig)
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Waxwing - 26 at Aviemore, Grampian Road junction with Dalfaber Drive
Pied Wagtail - 1 at Portree (scarce in winter). (Late report)
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Peter Gordon, Bob McMillan, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds.
Mute Swan - 9 at Tain Range, departed south
Pintail - 9 at Balliefurth, Nethybridge
Iceland Gull - 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Portree (mouth of River Chracaig)
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Waxwing - 26 at Aviemore, Grampian Road junction with Dalfaber Drive
Pied Wagtail - 1 at Portree (scarce in winter). (Late report)
Wednesday 24th January
Thanks to Michael Bestwick, Catriona Bowes, Barry Bramley, Alan MacAskill, Andy Williams, Birdtrack, Skye Birds.
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Armadale
Little Gull - at Ardmair, a 2CY Iceland Gull also present at the fish pens
Common Scoter - 11 in Broadford Bay
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Insh Marshes with 2 at Alturlie plus 90 Scaup, 2 (m) Shoveler
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Waxwing - small group in Tain at corner of Gower Place and Fountain Road. Also 14 in Aviemore, between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue
Thanks to Michael Bestwick, Catriona Bowes, Barry Bramley, Alan MacAskill, Andy Williams, Birdtrack, Skye Birds.
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Armadale
Little Gull - at Ardmair, a 2CY Iceland Gull also present at the fish pens
Common Scoter - 11 in Broadford Bay
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Insh Marshes with 2 at Alturlie plus 90 Scaup, 2 (m) Shoveler
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Waxwing - small group in Tain at corner of Gower Place and Fountain Road. Also 14 in Aviemore, between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue
Tuesday 23rd January
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Dean MacAskill, P J Mackay, Alastair McNee, Karen Otter, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Dave Tanner, Ebird.
Snow Goose - 1 from A834 near Fodderty with Pink -footed Goose (report from yesterday)
Whooper Swan - 10 at Fodderty amongst large flock of Pink -footed Goose and Greylag Goose, also 250+ Tree Sparrows in hedges along the track
Wigeon - c150 SW past Portmahomack Beach heading into Roy’s Bay, Balnabruaich
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Fleet. Also report from yesterday of 1 at Ardvasar, Sleat, with Redshank
Brambling - 2 at Evanton
Skylark - c70 at Ferry Road, Dingwall
Hawfinch - 1 at Morefield Place, Ullapool
Thanks to Barry Bramley, Dean MacAskill, P J Mackay, Alastair McNee, Karen Otter, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Dave Tanner, Ebird.
Snow Goose - 1 from A834 near Fodderty with Pink -footed Goose (report from yesterday)
Whooper Swan - 10 at Fodderty amongst large flock of Pink -footed Goose and Greylag Goose, also 250+ Tree Sparrows in hedges along the track
Wigeon - c150 SW past Portmahomack Beach heading into Roy’s Bay, Balnabruaich
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Fleet. Also report from yesterday of 1 at Ardvasar, Sleat, with Redshank
Brambling - 2 at Evanton
Skylark - c70 at Ferry Road, Dingwall
Hawfinch - 1 at Morefield Place, Ullapool
Monday 22nd January
Thanks to Michael Bestwick, Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Pete Moore, Dave Pierce, Shaz.
European White-front Goose - 1 at Loch Insh
Great White Egret - 1 still at Fodderty
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Dornoch, 2 at Port Gordon
Kumlien's Gull - 1 at Helmsdale harbour
Little Gull - 6 at Brora
Common Scoter - 3 in Broadford Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Port Gordon harbour
Greenshank - 1 at Ardvasar, Sleat, with Redshank
Sanderling - 50 plus 1 Grey Plover and 1 Golden Plover all at Dornoch
Grey Partridge - 8 near Alcaig, Black Isle
Lesser Redpoll - 290 (with at least 4 showing characteristics of Mealy Redpoll) Grantown on Spey
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Nuthatch - 1 beside the Caledonian Canal, near Banavie
Thanks to Michael Bestwick, Barry Bramley, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Pete Moore, Dave Pierce, Shaz.
European White-front Goose - 1 at Loch Insh
Great White Egret - 1 still at Fodderty
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Dornoch, 2 at Port Gordon
Kumlien's Gull - 1 at Helmsdale harbour
Little Gull - 6 at Brora
Common Scoter - 3 in Broadford Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Port Gordon harbour
Greenshank - 1 at Ardvasar, Sleat, with Redshank
Sanderling - 50 plus 1 Grey Plover and 1 Golden Plover all at Dornoch
Grey Partridge - 8 near Alcaig, Black Isle
Lesser Redpoll - 290 (with at least 4 showing characteristics of Mealy Redpoll) Grantown on Spey
Brambling - 1 at Evanton
Nuthatch - 1 beside the Caledonian Canal, near Banavie
Sunday 21st January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Seth Gibson, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Andy Williams, 'Sarah'
Red-throated Diver - 8 in the outer Cromarty firth area (Cromarty-Nigg-Udale Bay) plus 28 Slavonian Grebe, 12 Goldeneye, 30 Common Scoter, 110 Long-tailed Duck and 810 Scaup (in 11 distinct rafts)
Greater White-fronted Goose ssp. - 1 at Insh marshes
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Portree (mouth of River Chracaig)
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 at Brora (south of the beach car park)
Little Gull - 9 (less one taken by a Peregrine) at Brora river mouth, 1 (1st winter) at Ullapool
Bar-tailed Godwit - 30 at Waterloo, Broadford
Golden Plover - 1 at Insh marshes
Red-breasted Merganser - 35 at Coul Links
Kingfisher - 1 at Avoch harbour
Nuthatch - 1 at Banavie (on the Cally Canal)
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Seth Gibson, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Andy Williams, 'Sarah'
Red-throated Diver - 8 in the outer Cromarty firth area (Cromarty-Nigg-Udale Bay) plus 28 Slavonian Grebe, 12 Goldeneye, 30 Common Scoter, 110 Long-tailed Duck and 810 Scaup (in 11 distinct rafts)
Greater White-fronted Goose ssp. - 1 at Insh marshes
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Portree (mouth of River Chracaig)
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 at Brora (south of the beach car park)
Little Gull - 9 (less one taken by a Peregrine) at Brora river mouth, 1 (1st winter) at Ullapool
Bar-tailed Godwit - 30 at Waterloo, Broadford
Golden Plover - 1 at Insh marshes
Red-breasted Merganser - 35 at Coul Links
Kingfisher - 1 at Avoch harbour
Nuthatch - 1 at Banavie (on the Cally Canal)
Saturday 20th January
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, 'Fin', skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Barnacle Goose - 60 at Balmaqueen, Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Shoremills, Cromarty
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty
Green-winged Teal - 1 (drake) at Alturlie
Scaup - c100 at Alturlie
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 at Brora river mouth (then joined with Little Gull in the bay near the old radio station)
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Loch Insh
Jack Snipe - 1 at Davidston, Crimarty and 1 at Harrapool, Skye
Kingfisher - 1 at Alturlie
Waxwing - 15 at Ryvoan cafe, 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Water Pipit - 1 reported at Alturlie
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, 'Fin', skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Barnacle Goose - 60 at Balmaqueen, Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Shoremills, Cromarty
Snow Goose - 1 at Fodderty
Green-winged Teal - 1 (drake) at Alturlie
Scaup - c100 at Alturlie
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 at Brora river mouth (then joined with Little Gull in the bay near the old radio station)
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Loch Insh
Jack Snipe - 1 at Davidston, Crimarty and 1 at Harrapool, Skye
Kingfisher - 1 at Alturlie
Waxwing - 15 at Ryvoan cafe, 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Water Pipit - 1 reported at Alturlie
Friday 19th January
Thanks to Mairi Grannd, Dave Pierce, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Edwin Hafiz, Andy Williams, Bob McMillan, Susan Aird, Ross and bird information services.
Barnacle Goose - 38 Ardelve, near Dornie (no wintering flock within 50 miles)
Green-winged Teal - male at Alturlie
Shoveler - 2 males Alturlie
Scaup - 75 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 1 Ullapool
Long-tailed Duck - male River Conon near A835 Bridge (there have been a number of inland records recently)
Grey Plover - 3 Dornoch
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch LNR
Woodcock - several singles reported but 4 in a garden at Ardross
Waxwing - 1 Inverdruie, 10 Seafield Place, Aviemore
Jack Snipe - singles Dornoch and Ullapool
Kingfisher - 1 Kingussie
Stonechat - 2 Insh Marshes (few inland birds in hard winters)
Brambling - 6 Drumguish
Snow Bunting - 42 Dornoch
Thanks to Mairi Grannd, Dave Pierce, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Edwin Hafiz, Andy Williams, Bob McMillan, Susan Aird, Ross and bird information services.
Barnacle Goose - 38 Ardelve, near Dornie (no wintering flock within 50 miles)
Green-winged Teal - male at Alturlie
Shoveler - 2 males Alturlie
Scaup - 75 Alturlie
Common Scoter - 1 Ullapool
Long-tailed Duck - male River Conon near A835 Bridge (there have been a number of inland records recently)
Grey Plover - 3 Dornoch
Greenshank - 2 Merkinch LNR
Woodcock - several singles reported but 4 in a garden at Ardross
Waxwing - 1 Inverdruie, 10 Seafield Place, Aviemore
Jack Snipe - singles Dornoch and Ullapool
Kingfisher - 1 Kingussie
Stonechat - 2 Insh Marshes (few inland birds in hard winters)
Brambling - 6 Drumguish
Snow Bunting - 42 Dornoch
Thursday 18th January
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Peter Norgate, AH per Skye-birds
Long-tailed Duck - Merkinch LNR
Greenshank - Merkinch LNR
Stonechat - male at garden feeders near Cromdale
Blackcap - female at feeder Kyleakin
Waxwing - 14 Seafield Place, Aviemore
Brambling - a flurry of sightings in gardens e.g. 4 at Aviemore and Drumguish
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Peter Norgate, AH per Skye-birds
Long-tailed Duck - Merkinch LNR
Greenshank - Merkinch LNR
Stonechat - male at garden feeders near Cromdale
Blackcap - female at feeder Kyleakin
Waxwing - 14 Seafield Place, Aviemore
Brambling - a flurry of sightings in gardens e.g. 4 at Aviemore and Drumguish
Wednesday 17th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Simon Levene
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Ness Islands, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 Ballintore
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Simon Levene
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Ness Islands, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 Ballintore
Tuesday 16th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ronnie Dyer, Simon Eaves and bird information services
Little Egret - 1 still in Arisaig area
Grey Wagtail - 5 Dornoch Beach
Little Gull - adult Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 6 Aviemore
Snow Bunting - 24 Dornoch Beach (also 45 Rock Pipits, 16 Reed Buntings, 11 Yellowhammers & 12 Greenfinches)
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ronnie Dyer, Simon Eaves and bird information services
Little Egret - 1 still in Arisaig area
Grey Wagtail - 5 Dornoch Beach
Little Gull - adult Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 6 Aviemore
Snow Bunting - 24 Dornoch Beach (also 45 Rock Pipits, 16 Reed Buntings, 11 Yellowhammers & 12 Greenfinches)
Monday 15th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Mike Crutch, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Brora river mouth
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Portree, at mouth of Chracaig River
Little Gull - 5 at Brora river mouth
Scaup - 56 at Alturlie
Golden Plover - 41 at Brora
Grey Wagtail - 1 at Krispy Creme Doughnuts, High St, Inverness - central Inverness is a regular wintering site, presumably because of the "heat island" effect and not the availability of junk food.
Magpie - 1 at Balliemore, Nethybridge (unusual for location)
Brambling - 1 of Leys estate, Inverness
Sunday 14th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan Bowie, Jort, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross, Shaz
Great White Egret - 1 Fodderty
Snow Goose - 1 Fodderty
Barnacle Goose - 2 with Pink-footed and Greylag Geese Fodderty
Brent Goose - 4 Embo Pier
Shoveler - 3 Alturlie
Scaup - 350 Cromarty firth near Udale Bay, 50 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 7 Common Scoter
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter Portree, at mouth of Chracaig River, flew to Black Rock
Kumlien's Gull - adult Helmsdale harbour
Purple Sandpiper - 38 at Balintore
Waxwing - 12 near Dougal Drive, Aviemore
Common Redpoll - 1 visiting feeders in Grampian View, Aviemore
Tree Sparrow - 40 Fodderty Burn
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan Bowie, Jort, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Ross, Shaz
Great White Egret - 1 Fodderty
Snow Goose - 1 Fodderty
Barnacle Goose - 2 with Pink-footed and Greylag Geese Fodderty
Brent Goose - 4 Embo Pier
Shoveler - 3 Alturlie
Scaup - 350 Cromarty firth near Udale Bay, 50 Alturlie
Long-tailed Duck - 8 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 7 Common Scoter
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter Portree, at mouth of Chracaig River, flew to Black Rock
Kumlien's Gull - adult Helmsdale harbour
Purple Sandpiper - 38 at Balintore
Waxwing - 12 near Dougal Drive, Aviemore
Common Redpoll - 1 visiting feeders in Grampian View, Aviemore
Tree Sparrow - 40 Fodderty Burn
Saturday 13th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Cohen, Blair Whyte, Amy Archer, Shaz, Ross, Stephen MacDonald< Graeme Prest and bird information services
Great Northern Diver - 1 Dornoch beach
Great White Egret - still at Fodderty
Little Egret - 1 Invercaimbe, Arisaig
Snow Goose - 1 at Brae Farm, Dingwall (amongst Pink-footed Goose flock) plus 11 Whooper Swan
Green-winged Teal - male Tain
Scaup - 53 Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 25 at head of Loch Portree
Greenshank - 3 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter at Chracaig rivermouth, Portree, one at Udale Bay
Kumlien's Gull - adult Helmsdale Harbour
Kingfisher - 1 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 15 Cairn Gorm car park
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Cohen, Blair Whyte, Amy Archer, Shaz, Ross, Stephen MacDonald< Graeme Prest and bird information services
Great Northern Diver - 1 Dornoch beach
Great White Egret - still at Fodderty
Little Egret - 1 Invercaimbe, Arisaig
Snow Goose - 1 at Brae Farm, Dingwall (amongst Pink-footed Goose flock) plus 11 Whooper Swan
Green-winged Teal - male Tain
Scaup - 53 Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 25 at head of Loch Portree
Greenshank - 3 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter at Chracaig rivermouth, Portree, one at Udale Bay
Kumlien's Gull - adult Helmsdale Harbour
Kingfisher - 1 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 15 Cairn Gorm car park
Friday 12th January
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Robert Wilson, John Poyner, Geraint Roberts, Blair Whyte, Simeon Ewing, Sean Morris and bird information services
Great Crested Grebe - 2 Alturlie
Snow Goose - 1 at Brae Farm, Dingwall (amongst Pink-footed Goose flock)
Shoveler - Pair Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 1 Milton of Culloden
Scaup - 45 Alturlie
Iceland Gull - 1st winter Ullapool river, adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 Alturlie
Tree Sparrow - 12 near Brae Farm, Dingwall
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Robert Wilson, John Poyner, Geraint Roberts, Blair Whyte, Simeon Ewing, Sean Morris and bird information services
Great Crested Grebe - 2 Alturlie
Snow Goose - 1 at Brae Farm, Dingwall (amongst Pink-footed Goose flock)
Shoveler - Pair Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 1 Milton of Culloden
Scaup - 45 Alturlie
Iceland Gull - 1st winter Ullapool river, adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 Alturlie
Tree Sparrow - 12 near Brae Farm, Dingwall
Thursday 11th January
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Dave Tanner, Barry Bramley, Skye Birds, RBA
Great White Egret - 1 at Fodderty
Snow Goose - 1 again just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Great Northern Diver - 1 Portmahomack from 1st beach car park
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Chracaig river, Portree another 1st winter following a fishing boat off Kishorn
Blackcap - 1 female in an Evanton garden
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Dave Tanner, Barry Bramley, Skye Birds, RBA
Great White Egret - 1 at Fodderty
Snow Goose - 1 again just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Great Northern Diver - 1 Portmahomack from 1st beach car park
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Chracaig river, Portree another 1st winter following a fishing boat off Kishorn
Blackcap - 1 female in an Evanton garden
Wednesday 10th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Pete Gordon, Neil Bennett, Jude Levene, James Hammond, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, RBA
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Merkinch NR, 2 Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 6 Broadford Bay
Velvet Scoter - 1 nw of Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Shoveler - 14 Tain links
Gadwall - 1 drake Tain Links
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Tain Links
Great Northern Diver -c20 Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 4 Broadford Bay, 1 Camas na Sgianadin
Water Rail - Merkinch NR
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch NR
Snipe - 10 Merkinch NR
Jack Snipe - stiill Scallamus Moss
Iceland Gull- 1 adult Fiunary Fish Farm, Lochaline
Kingfisher - 1 Aviemore on River Spey at Dalfabar
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Cadboll at Cadboll Farm on fence by road this morning
Brambling - 2 Leys Estate, 1 Kingussie
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Pete Gordon, Neil Bennett, Jude Levene, James Hammond, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, RBA
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Merkinch NR, 2 Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 6 Broadford Bay
Velvet Scoter - 1 nw of Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Shoveler - 14 Tain links
Gadwall - 1 drake Tain Links
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Tain Links
Great Northern Diver -c20 Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 4 Broadford Bay, 1 Camas na Sgianadin
Water Rail - Merkinch NR
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch NR
Snipe - 10 Merkinch NR
Jack Snipe - stiill Scallamus Moss
Iceland Gull- 1 adult Fiunary Fish Farm, Lochaline
Kingfisher - 1 Aviemore on River Spey at Dalfabar
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Cadboll at Cadboll Farm on fence by road this morning
Brambling - 2 Leys Estate, 1 Kingussie
Tuesday 9th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Sarah, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, RBA
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Broadford Bay, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter - 2 Jemimaville, 10 Broadford Bay
Shoveler - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point, - 12 Broadford Bay, 3 Hilton of Cadboll
Black-throated Diver - Hilton of Cadboll
Red-throated Diver - 5 Broadford Bay
Little Egret - 1 Camasdarroch Arisaig
Hen Harrier - 1 (ringtail) Easter Airfield
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point, 1 Jemimaville
Jack Snipe - 1 in garden Scullamus Moss
Grey Wagtail - Falcon Square, inverness
Kingfisher - 1 still Avoch Harbour
Blackcap - 1 Cromarty
Mealy Redpoll - Feabuie - 2 miles east of Grantown on Spey
Brambling - 1 Balvonie of Leys
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Sarah, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, RBA
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Broadford Bay, 2 Hilton of Cadboll
Common Scoter - 2 Jemimaville, 10 Broadford Bay
Shoveler - 1 Lochy estuary, Fort William
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry Point, - 12 Broadford Bay, 3 Hilton of Cadboll
Black-throated Diver - Hilton of Cadboll
Red-throated Diver - 5 Broadford Bay
Little Egret - 1 Camasdarroch Arisaig
Hen Harrier - 1 (ringtail) Easter Airfield
Black Guillemot - 1 Chanonry Point, 1 Jemimaville
Jack Snipe - 1 in garden Scullamus Moss
Grey Wagtail - Falcon Square, inverness
Kingfisher - 1 still Avoch Harbour
Blackcap - 1 Cromarty
Mealy Redpoll - Feabuie - 2 miles east of Grantown on Spey
Brambling - 1 Balvonie of Leys
Monday 8th January
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Neil Bennett,
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 12 Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 16 Broadford Bay
Black-throated Diver - 1 Broadford Bay
Red-throated Diver - 2 Broadford Bay
Little Egret - 1 Loch Nan Ceall Arisag and then a report or another or the same at Loch Cillchriosd which flew towards Broadford
Jack Snipe - 1 Kingussie
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness by sluice, 1 Kingussie
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Neil Bennett,
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 12 Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 16 Broadford Bay
Black-throated Diver - 1 Broadford Bay
Red-throated Diver - 2 Broadford Bay
Little Egret - 1 Loch Nan Ceall Arisag and then a report or another or the same at Loch Cillchriosd which flew towards Broadford
Jack Snipe - 1 Kingussie
Kingfisher - 1 Whin Park, Inverness by sluice, 1 Kingussie
Sunday 7th January
Thanks to Siemon Ewing, Neil Bennett, RBA, Pete Gordon, Audrey Turner, Bob McMillan, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Tim Bowditch, Nigel Fairney, Blair Whyte
Snow Goose - 1 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Barnacle Goose - 2 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm, 63 Balmaquien
Whooper Swan - 8 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Long-tailed Duck - 3 Loch Clash/Kinlochbervie by harbour
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Chracaig river mouth, Portree
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale at river mouth at 1pm and then flew up river
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Fort William River Lochy mouth
Little Egret - 1 Invercambe, Back of Keppoch Arisaig
Woodcock - 1 Easter Dalziel
Kingfisher - 1 Loch Tulloch, 1 Dornoch near Medical Centre
Waxwing - 14 Aviemore in trees between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue
Snow Bunting - 3 Oldshoremore Beach
Thanks to Siemon Ewing, Neil Bennett, RBA, Pete Gordon, Audrey Turner, Bob McMillan, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Tim Bowditch, Nigel Fairney, Blair Whyte
Snow Goose - 1 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Barnacle Goose - 2 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm, 63 Balmaquien
Whooper Swan - 8 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Long-tailed Duck - 3 Loch Clash/Kinlochbervie by harbour
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Chracaig river mouth, Portree
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult Helmsdale at river mouth at 1pm and then flew up river
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Fort William River Lochy mouth
Little Egret - 1 Invercambe, Back of Keppoch Arisaig
Woodcock - 1 Easter Dalziel
Kingfisher - 1 Loch Tulloch, 1 Dornoch near Medical Centre
Waxwing - 14 Aviemore in trees between Grampian View and Strathspey Avenue
Snow Bunting - 3 Oldshoremore Beach
Saturday 6th January
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Pete Moore, Sue Sykes, Tom Flowers, Skye Birds, RBA, Shaz, Pete Walkden
Snow Goose - 1 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Barnacle Gooser - 2 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Whooper Swan - 8 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm, 6 Loch Achaidh na h'Inich, Plockton
Velvet Scoter - 1 nw of Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Great Northern Diver - 1. Avoch
Long-tailed Duck - 1 still Inverness UHI pond
Kumlien's Gull - 1 Helmsdale at rivermouth
Little Auk - 1 reported Alturlie Point
Kingfisher - 1 Avoch
Waxwing - 1 Grantown. on Spey next to the High Street car park
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Pete Moore, Sue Sykes, Tom Flowers, Skye Birds, RBA, Shaz, Pete Walkden
Snow Goose - 1 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Barnacle Gooser - 2 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm
Whooper Swan - 8 just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty at Brae Farm, 6 Loch Achaidh na h'Inich, Plockton
Velvet Scoter - 1 nw of Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Great Northern Diver - 1. Avoch
Long-tailed Duck - 1 still Inverness UHI pond
Kumlien's Gull - 1 Helmsdale at rivermouth
Little Auk - 1 reported Alturlie Point
Kingfisher - 1 Avoch
Waxwing - 1 Grantown. on Spey next to the High Street car park
Friday 5th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Cohen, Peter Stronach, John Poyner, Simon Eaves, George Gay, Birdguides, David Patterson
Snow Goose - 1 with Pinkfeet just outside Dingwall towards Fodderty also seen over Dingwall earlier
European White-fronted Goose - 1 with Snow Goose and Pinkfeet just outdide Digwal
Brent Goose - 37 Nigg Bay
Pintail - 130 Nigg Bay
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Bayfield, Portree
Kumlien's Gull -1 reported Helmsdale
Iceland Gull - 1 first winter Chracaig river mouth, Portree
Lapwing -30 Broomhill Bridge, Nethy Bridge
Mealy Redpoll - 1 Nethy Bridge along Spey Way opposite Castle Roy
Thursday 4th January
Thanks to Roy Dennis, Bob Swann, Ben, Duncan Macdonald, Mary Galloway, Sarah Macdonald-Taylor, Stuart, Alan MacAkill, Blair Whyte, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce, Pete Nienow, Skye Birds
Canada Goose - 44 Loch Insh
Velvet Scoter - 1 Scalpay Narrows
Long-tailed Duck - some unusual inland sightings including 49 Loch Eye, 1 female Lochindorb, 1 female Merkinch NR, 1 along Helmsdale river,
Red-breasted Merganser -13 Loch Eye
Goldeneye - 110 Loch Eye
Pintail - 6 Redcastle
Great Northern Diver - 1 Loch Fleet, 1 Portmohomack, 4 Achnahaird Bay
Egret sp - 1 reported from Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Merlin - 1 female Leys Farm track
Water Rail 1 - Merkinch NR
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch
Jack Snipe - Insh marshes
Glaucous Gull - 1 adult reported Ulapool Ferry Terminal
Kingfisher - 1 Avoch Harbou
No sign of the Rough Legged Buzaard at Loch Killen/Garrogie Estate
Thanks to Roy Dennis, Bob Swann, Ben, Duncan Macdonald, Mary Galloway, Sarah Macdonald-Taylor, Stuart, Alan MacAkill, Blair Whyte, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce, Pete Nienow, Skye Birds
Canada Goose - 44 Loch Insh
Velvet Scoter - 1 Scalpay Narrows
Long-tailed Duck - some unusual inland sightings including 49 Loch Eye, 1 female Lochindorb, 1 female Merkinch NR, 1 along Helmsdale river,
Red-breasted Merganser -13 Loch Eye
Goldeneye - 110 Loch Eye
Pintail - 6 Redcastle
Great Northern Diver - 1 Loch Fleet, 1 Portmohomack, 4 Achnahaird Bay
Egret sp - 1 reported from Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Merlin - 1 female Leys Farm track
Water Rail 1 - Merkinch NR
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch
Jack Snipe - Insh marshes
Glaucous Gull - 1 adult reported Ulapool Ferry Terminal
Kingfisher - 1 Avoch Harbou
No sign of the Rough Legged Buzaard at Loch Killen/Garrogie Estate
Wednesday 3rd January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Peter Stronach
Gannet - 1 unseasonal bird Broadford Bay
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 Garrogie Estate view from Garrogie Lodge towards Cairn Ruigh na Craedha
Waxwing - 11 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent area, 1 Boat of Garten Golf Club Car Park, 6 over Milton Loch Boat of Garten
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Peter Stronach
Gannet - 1 unseasonal bird Broadford Bay
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 Garrogie Estate view from Garrogie Lodge towards Cairn Ruigh na Craedha
Waxwing - 11 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent area, 1 Boat of Garten Golf Club Car Park, 6 over Milton Loch Boat of Garten
Tuesday 2nd January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Simon Eaves, Al McNee,, Alexander Keith, Blair Whyte, Malcom Harvey, Graeme Priest, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce
Long-tailed Duck - 1 UHI pond Inverness, 13 Hilton of Cadboll
Shoveler - 1 drake Alturlie Pools
Great Crested Grebe - 2 Allanfearn WWTW, 1 Castle Stuart Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Allanfearn WWTW
Great Northern Diver - 6 Brora north past river mouth, 1 Portmahomack
Gannet - 24 Brora, north past river mouth
Fulmar - 27 Brora, north past river mouth
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 Loch Killen, nr Fort Augustus
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch LNR
Purple Sandpiper - 43 Balitimore
Jack Snipe - Insh
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - 1st winter head of Loch Portree
Little Gull - 19 Brora north past river mouth
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch LNR
Waxwing - 3 Nethy Bridge opposite Lynstock Crescent
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Simon Eaves, Al McNee,, Alexander Keith, Blair Whyte, Malcom Harvey, Graeme Priest, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Dave Tanner, Dave Pierce
Long-tailed Duck - 1 UHI pond Inverness, 13 Hilton of Cadboll
Shoveler - 1 drake Alturlie Pools
Great Crested Grebe - 2 Allanfearn WWTW, 1 Castle Stuart Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Allanfearn WWTW
Great Northern Diver - 6 Brora north past river mouth, 1 Portmahomack
Gannet - 24 Brora, north past river mouth
Fulmar - 27 Brora, north past river mouth
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 Loch Killen, nr Fort Augustus
Greenshank - 3 Merkinch LNR
Purple Sandpiper - 43 Balitimore
Jack Snipe - Insh
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - 1st winter head of Loch Portree
Little Gull - 19 Brora north past river mouth
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch LNR
Waxwing - 3 Nethy Bridge opposite Lynstock Crescent
Monday 1st January
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Neil Bennett, Simon Eaves, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Ross Macleod
Whooper Swan - 12 Hunting Hill Tain
Long-tailed Duck -2 Portmahomack
Common Scoter - 15 Coul Links
Scaup - 6 Alturlie
Shoveler - 2 (Male and Female) Alturlie
Great Northern Diver - 1 Portmahomack, 10+ Loch Scresort
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 1 Portmahomack, 2 Alturlie
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail Ulilinish Point
Ringed Plover - 41 Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 3 Portmahomack
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 Portmahomack
Dunlin - 71 Portmahomack
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - 1 adult head of Loch Portree
Short-eared 0wl - 1 Loch Sneosdal, Duntulm
Kingfisher - 1 still Loch Tulloch
Magpie - 1 Lower Milovaig
Greenfinch - 60+ Portree
2023
Sunday 31st December
Thanks to Simon Eaves, RBA, Pete Gordon, Steve Broyd, Bob McMillan, Skye-birds, Blair Whyte, Alan MacAskill ,Kim Dawson, Peter Stronach, John Poyner, Neil Bennett
Common Scoter - 1 Alturlie, 5 Hilton of Cadboll
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Inverness UHI Campus
Scaup - 10 Alturlie
Shoveler - pair Alturlie
Black-throated Diver - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Bittern - 1 reported Lairg - viewed from footpath by A836 at hhtps://maps.app.goo.gl/4Nkg3g4WE48XuEHA?g_st=ic
Glaucous Gull - 1st winter Bayfield, Portree
Kingfisher - 1 still Loch Tulloch
Waxwing - c10 Nethy Bridge in the Dirdhu Court/Craigmore Crescent/Lynstock Crescent area
Blackcap - 1 female Morar
Common Redpoll - 1 Tulloch
Brambling - 4 Redcastle, Gallow Hill vicinity
Saturday 30th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Graeme Prest, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Fortrose, 2 at Brora, 1 at Dornoch, 1 at Muirtown basin, Inverness
Great Crested Grebe - 1 off Fortrose caravan site, plus 1 Slavonian Grebe
Little Grebe - 7 at Clachnaharry/Muirtown area, Inverness plus 10 Long-tailed Duck
Herring Gull - 2 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. at Bayfield, Portree plus 1 Iceland Gull
Little Gull - 11 at Brora plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Sanderling - 6 at Chanonry Point, plus 10 Turnstone
Greenshank - 3 at Merkinch LNR/Muirtown pools, Inverness
Woodcock - 1 at Essich, Inverness plus 1 Peregrine
Hen Harrier - 1 at Dornoch point, plus 21 Rock Pipit
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste Road, Broadford and 12 at Dornoch point
Friday 29th December
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Alan MacAskill, Susan Seright, Bob Swann, BirdGuides, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Alturlie, plus 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Black-throated Diver, 6 Red-throated Diver
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Iceland Gull - 1 at Fort William (West End car park), 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Herring Gull - 1 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. at Bayfield, Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 13 Long-tailed Duck, 9 Red-breasted Merganser
Shoveler - 1 at Alturlie, plus 6 Scaup
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Alan MacAskill, Susan Seright, Bob Swann, BirdGuides, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Alturlie, plus 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Black-throated Diver, 6 Red-throated Diver
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Iceland Gull - 1 at Fort William (West End car park), 1 at Bayfield, Portree
Herring Gull - 1 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. at Bayfield, Portree
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Loch Eye, plus 13 Long-tailed Duck, 9 Red-breasted Merganser
Shoveler - 1 at Alturlie, plus 6 Scaup
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
Thursday 28th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Broadford Bay, plus 1 Slavonian Grebe, 8 Common Scoter
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Long-tailed Duck - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 7 Common Scoter, 34 Turnstone
Mandarin - 1 on UHI Inverness ponds plus 1 Long-tailed Duck
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Broadford Bay, plus 1 Slavonian Grebe, 8 Common Scoter
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Long-tailed Duck - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 7 Common Scoter, 34 Turnstone
Mandarin - 1 on UHI Inverness ponds plus 1 Long-tailed Duck
Wednesday 27th December
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Blackcap - 1 visiting feeders at Kyle of Localsh
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Blackcap - 1 visiting feeders at Kyle of Localsh
Tuesday 26th December
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, 'Tommy' skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Alturlie
Whooper Swan - 8 at Loch na Corr, Inverinate
Common Scoter - 3 at Portree harbour and 4 at Broadford Bay
Grey Phalarope -1 at Fort George
Purple Sandpiper - 44 at Embo
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Dornoch plus 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 77 Sanderling
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Dornoch dunes
Kingfisher - 1 at the Loch Ailort fishfarm shore base
Waxwing - 3 at the Storehouse of Foulis
Snow Bunting - 9 at Dornoch beach
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, 'Tommy' skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Alturlie
Whooper Swan - 8 at Loch na Corr, Inverinate
Common Scoter - 3 at Portree harbour and 4 at Broadford Bay
Grey Phalarope -1 at Fort George
Purple Sandpiper - 44 at Embo
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Dornoch plus 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 77 Sanderling
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Dornoch dunes
Kingfisher - 1 at the Loch Ailort fishfarm shore base
Waxwing - 3 at the Storehouse of Foulis
Snow Bunting - 9 at Dornoch beach
Monday 25th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Nigel Fairney, Pete Gordon
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Loch Clash, Kinlochbervie
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 26 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter
Waxwing - 16 at Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Snow Bunting - 4 at Oldshoremore beach
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Nigel Fairney, Pete Gordon
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Loch Clash, Kinlochbervie
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll plus 26 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter
Waxwing - 16 at Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Snow Bunting - 4 at Oldshoremore beach
Sunday 24th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Kilmarie Bay, Skye and single Black-throated Diver
Great White Egret - 1 at Rhives, Balnagown
Bar-tailed Godwit - 32 in Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 9 at Brora river mouth
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Brora river mouth
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links
Waxwing - 16 at Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Kilmarie Bay, Skye and single Black-throated Diver
Great White Egret - 1 at Rhives, Balnagown
Bar-tailed Godwit - 32 in Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 9 at Brora river mouth
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Brora river mouth
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links
Waxwing - 16 at Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Saturday 23rd December
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Steve Broyd
Waxwing - 16 Lynstock Crescent Nethy Bridge, 10 Boat of Garten Golf Course car park
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Steve Broyd
Waxwing - 16 Lynstock Crescent Nethy Bridge, 10 Boat of Garten Golf Course car park
Friday 22nd December
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill
Slavonian Grebe - 3 Dornoch Point
Waxwing - 15 Lynstock Crescent Nethy Bridge
Greenfinch - 55 Dornoch Point
Thursday 21st December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Susan Seright, RBA, Blair Whyte
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Rosemarkie burn mouth
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 9 Brora river mout
Waxwing - 14 still Lynstock Crescent Nethy Bridgex
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Susan Seright, RBA, Blair Whyte
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Rosemarkie burn mouth
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 9 Brora river mout
Waxwing - 14 still Lynstock Crescent Nethy Bridgex
Wednesday 20th December
Thanks to Simon Eves, John Clube, Kim Dawson, RBA
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Black tailed Gowit - 1 Dornoch Golf Course
Kingfisher - Alness Point
Waxwing - 4 Boat of Garten Golf Club car park, 14 Nethy Bridge west of 40 Lynstock Crescent
Thanks to Simon Eves, John Clube, Kim Dawson, RBA
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Black tailed Gowit - 1 Dornoch Golf Course
Kingfisher - Alness Point
Waxwing - 4 Boat of Garten Golf Club car park, 14 Nethy Bridge west of 40 Lynstock Crescent
Tuesday 19th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskil, Alan MacAskill, Alister Clunas, RBA
Pale Bellied Brent Goose - 2 Rosemarkie
Barnacle Goose - 2 Taradale
Whooper Swan - 84 Taradale
Pink-footed Goose - c900 Taradale
Great White Egret - 1 Kinbrace, just norh of Borrobol Lodge
Short-eared Owl - Beauly riivermouth
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch LNR
Rock Pipit - 27 Dornoch Beach
Snow Bunting -5 Dornoch Beach
Thanks to Dean MacAskil, Alan MacAskill, Alister Clunas, RBA
Pale Bellied Brent Goose - 2 Rosemarkie
Barnacle Goose - 2 Taradale
Whooper Swan - 84 Taradale
Pink-footed Goose - c900 Taradale
Great White Egret - 1 Kinbrace, just norh of Borrobol Lodge
Short-eared Owl - Beauly riivermouth
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch LNR
Rock Pipit - 27 Dornoch Beach
Snow Bunting -5 Dornoch Beach
Monday 18th December
Thanks to Sandy Sutherland, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 14 Embo
Purple Sandpiper - 46 Embo
Blackcap - 1 male Dalchalm, Brora
Thanks to Sandy Sutherland, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 14 Embo
Purple Sandpiper - 46 Embo
Blackcap - 1 male Dalchalm, Brora
Sunday 17th December
Thanks to Evelyn Grant Thomas Plant, Bea Ayling, Stuart
Whooper Swan -101 Wester Lovat
Barnacle Goose - 87 Achiltibuie
Short-eared Owl - 1 Wester Lovat
Kingfisher - 1 Mouth of Newton Burn
Blackcap - 1 female in an Inverness garden
Thanks to Evelyn Grant Thomas Plant, Bea Ayling, Stuart
Whooper Swan -101 Wester Lovat
Barnacle Goose - 87 Achiltibuie
Short-eared Owl - 1 Wester Lovat
Kingfisher - 1 Mouth of Newton Burn
Blackcap - 1 female in an Inverness garden
Saturday 16th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - c200 at Balmuchy also 84 at Petley Farm, near Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Balintore
Turnstone - c60 at Hilton of Cadboll and 6 Long-tailed Duck
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whooper Swan - c200 at Balmuchy also 84 at Petley Farm, near Portmahomack
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Balintore
Turnstone - c60 at Hilton of Cadboll and 6 Long-tailed Duck
Friday 15th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Twite - 30 at Coul Links
Snipe - on the shore at Alturlie also Common Scoter and 8 Scaup
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Embo
Little Gull - 4 at Brora
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch na Corr, Inverinate
Woodcock - at Harrapool
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Twite - 30 at Coul Links
Snipe - on the shore at Alturlie also Common Scoter and 8 Scaup
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Embo
Little Gull - 4 at Brora
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch na Corr, Inverinate
Woodcock - at Harrapool
Thursday 14th December
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Andy Williams, Simeon Ewing, Alastair McNee, Skye-Birds
Kingfisher - still on Loch Tulloch, Tulloch Abernethy
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also c80 Lesser Redpoll and Kingfisher
Common Scoter - close in at Arturlie and 4 in Broadford Bay and 2 off Lusa,Broadford
Great White Egret - still at Fodderty
Grey Plover - 1 at Laide also 3 Common Scoter, 9 Black-throated Divers, 8 Great Northern Divers.
Great Northern Divers - 7 at Little Gruinard also 4 Common Scoter
Barnacle geese - 197 at Mungasdale also 25 Black-throated Divers, 5 Great Northern Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers.
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Camusnagaul also 6 Great Northern Divers
Jack Snipe - single at Harrapool
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Andy Williams, Simeon Ewing, Alastair McNee, Skye-Birds
Kingfisher - still on Loch Tulloch, Tulloch Abernethy
Greenshank - 2 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also c80 Lesser Redpoll and Kingfisher
Common Scoter - close in at Arturlie and 4 in Broadford Bay and 2 off Lusa,Broadford
Great White Egret - still at Fodderty
Grey Plover - 1 at Laide also 3 Common Scoter, 9 Black-throated Divers, 8 Great Northern Divers.
Great Northern Divers - 7 at Little Gruinard also 4 Common Scoter
Barnacle geese - 197 at Mungasdale also 25 Black-throated Divers, 5 Great Northern Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers.
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Camusnagaul also 6 Great Northern Divers
Jack Snipe - single at Harrapool
Wednesday 13th December
No significant sightings
No significant sightings
Tuesday 12th December
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 42 at Kilmaluag & 8 Lapwing
Black Grouse - male flew east towards Black Lochs from Heaste viewpoint
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 42 at Kilmaluag & 8 Lapwing
Black Grouse - male flew east towards Black Lochs from Heaste viewpoint
Monday 11th December
Thanks to skye-birds.com, Simeon Ewing, Birdtrack
Great White Egret - River Dyke near Forsinard
Scaup - female at Milton of Culloden also male Pintail
Common Scoter - single at Alturlie also single bird off The Aird, Gedintailor
Blackcap - still visiting feeders at Plockton
Thanks to skye-birds.com, Simeon Ewing, Birdtrack
Great White Egret - River Dyke near Forsinard
Scaup - female at Milton of Culloden also male Pintail
Common Scoter - single at Alturlie also single bird off The Aird, Gedintailor
Blackcap - still visiting feeders at Plockton
Sunday 10th December
Thanks to skye-birds.com, Kim Dawson Simon Cohen
Great White Egret - one at Fodderty
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alness Point also 5 Little Grebe and 1 Scaup
Black-throated Diver - 10 between Faoilean and Camas Malag on Loch Slapin, 6 Great Northern Divers, and four Red-throated Diver at the head of the loch
Waxwing - two still on apple tree at Sallachy, Lochalsh
Whooper Swan - two at Loch Suardal + four Goldeneye
Golden Plover - 40 at the head of Loch Dunvegan
Thanks to skye-birds.com, Kim Dawson Simon Cohen
Great White Egret - one at Fodderty
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alness Point also 5 Little Grebe and 1 Scaup
Black-throated Diver - 10 between Faoilean and Camas Malag on Loch Slapin, 6 Great Northern Divers, and four Red-throated Diver at the head of the loch
Waxwing - two still on apple tree at Sallachy, Lochalsh
Whooper Swan - two at Loch Suardal + four Goldeneye
Golden Plover - 40 at the head of Loch Dunvegan
Saturday 9th December
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Graeme Prest, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Clachnaharry, Inverness plus 35 Long-tailed Duck, 5 Goldeneye
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Wester Dalziel, near Inverness
Common Scoter - 2 at Loch Portree
Golden Plover - 11 at Castle Stuart golf course entrance
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Graeme Prest, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Clachnaharry, Inverness plus 35 Long-tailed Duck, 5 Goldeneye
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Wester Dalziel, near Inverness
Common Scoter - 2 at Loch Portree
Golden Plover - 11 at Castle Stuart golf course entrance
Friday 8th December
Thanks to Gary & Rosemary Aitken, Dean MacAskill, Michael Thornton, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great White Egret - near Fodderty
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Wester Dalziel, near Inverness
Whooper Swan - 13 at Loch Evelix plus 1 Scaup
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay
Jack Snipe - 2 at Dornoch, plus 1 Hen Harrier and 30 Twite
Waxwing - c5 at Golspie
Thanks to Gary & Rosemary Aitken, Dean MacAskill, Michael Thornton, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great White Egret - near Fodderty
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Wester Dalziel, near Inverness
Whooper Swan - 13 at Loch Evelix plus 1 Scaup
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay
Jack Snipe - 2 at Dornoch, plus 1 Hen Harrier and 30 Twite
Waxwing - c5 at Golspie
Thursday 7th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith, skye-birds.com
Glossy Ibis - 1 probable east over the Kessock Bridge, Inverness
Little Gull - 2 at Brora, 10 at Embo
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Skye
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith, skye-birds.com
Glossy Ibis - 1 probable east over the Kessock Bridge, Inverness
Little Gull - 2 at Brora, 10 at Embo
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Skye
Wednesday 6th December
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Blackcap - 1 visiting feeders in Plockton
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Blackcap - 1 visiting feeders in Plockton
Tuesday 5th December
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 15 off Lusa, Broadford plus 3 Slavonian Grebe
Smew - 1 at Loch Tarff, Glendoebeg
Jack Snipe - 2 at Dornoch Point, 1 at Loch Cillchriosd, Skye
Sanderling - 12 at Dornoch beach
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Lusa, Broadford
Water Pipit - 1 at Dornoch Point
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 15 off Lusa, Broadford plus 3 Slavonian Grebe
Smew - 1 at Loch Tarff, Glendoebeg
Jack Snipe - 2 at Dornoch Point, 1 at Loch Cillchriosd, Skye
Sanderling - 12 at Dornoch beach
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Lusa, Broadford
Water Pipit - 1 at Dornoch Point
Monday 4th December
Thanks to Jenny McNee, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Egret - probable bird in Munlochy area
Greenshank - 2 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 at Torrin, Skye
Thanks to Jenny McNee, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Egret - probable bird in Munlochy area
Greenshank - 2 at Muirtown pools, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 at Torrin, Skye
Sunday 3rd December
Thanks to Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 2 at Bayfield, Portree with 3 Goldeneye
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Waxwing - 8 at Torrin quarry, Skye
Thanks to Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 2 at Bayfield, Portree with 3 Goldeneye
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Waxwing - 8 at Torrin quarry, Skye
Saturday 2nd December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alastair McNee, Gary Aitken, Blair Whyte
Whooper Swan - 80 Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 2 still Dornoch Beach
Short-eared Owl - 2 still Dornoch Airfield
Water Pipit - Dornoch Point
Waxwing - 11 near Moulinard
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alastair McNee, Gary Aitken, Blair Whyte
Whooper Swan - 80 Loch Eye
Surf Scoter - 2 still Dornoch Beach
Short-eared Owl - 2 still Dornoch Airfield
Water Pipit - Dornoch Point
Waxwing - 11 near Moulinard
Friday 1st December
Thanks to Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Shaz, Mitch Teasdale
Great Northern Diver - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Jack Snipe - 1 Ardnish Broadford
Waxwing - 3 Helmsdale (near tennis courts)
Snow Bunting - 30+ Cairngorm Car Park, including a returning bird ringed in NE Iceland
Thanks to Skye Birds, Kim Dawson, Shaz, Mitch Teasdale
Great Northern Diver - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Jack Snipe - 1 Ardnish Broadford
Waxwing - 3 Helmsdale (near tennis courts)
Snow Bunting - 30+ Cairngorm Car Park, including a returning bird ringed in NE Iceland
Thrusday 30th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Great White Egret - 1 still Pol na Coarach
Short-eared Owl - 2 Dornoch (dunes by airfield)
Water Pipit - 1 Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 1 Elgol, Skye
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Great White Egret - 1 still Pol na Coarach
Short-eared Owl - 2 Dornoch (dunes by airfield)
Water Pipit - 1 Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 1 Elgol, Skye
Wednesday 29th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver.- 1 Brora
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st cy) Bora
Little Gull - 7 Brora,
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver.- 1 Brora
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st cy) Bora
Little Gull - 7 Brora,
Tuesday 28th November
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh, John Poyne, Kim Dawson
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Great Norther Diver - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Little Gull - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Grey Shrike - 1 South of Tongue at Loch Loyal (west side)
Waxwing - 2 Dornoch (by war memorial), 4 Golspie, Station Road
Water Pipit - Dornoch Beach (towards point)
Blackcap - 1 Munlochy
Snow Bunting - 5 Cairngorm car park
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh, John Poyne, Kim Dawson
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Great Norther Diver - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Little Gull - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Great Grey Shrike - 1 South of Tongue at Loch Loyal (west side)
Waxwing - 2 Dornoch (by war memorial), 4 Golspie, Station Road
Water Pipit - Dornoch Beach (towards point)
Blackcap - 1 Munlochy
Snow Bunting - 5 Cairngorm car park
Monday 27th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, Andy Williams, Neil Bennett
Barnacle Goose - 186 Mungasdale
Great Northern Diver - 5 Brora, 13 Mungasdale, 6 Camusnagaul (Little Loch Broom)
Little Auk - 2 Brora
Little Gull - 14 Brora
Common Sandpiper - 1 Loch Scresort, Rum
Jack Snipe - 2 Harrapool
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, Andy Williams, Neil Bennett
Barnacle Goose - 186 Mungasdale
Great Northern Diver - 5 Brora, 13 Mungasdale, 6 Camusnagaul (Little Loch Broom)
Little Auk - 2 Brora
Little Gull - 14 Brora
Common Sandpiper - 1 Loch Scresort, Rum
Jack Snipe - 2 Harrapool
Sunday 26th November
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Surf Scoter - 2 Dornoch Beach
Grey Plover - 15 Dornoch Beach
Purple Sandpiper -46 Balintore Harbour
Puffin -Neist Point
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Bayfield, Portree
Waxwing - 2 Golspie, Station Road
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Surf Scoter - 2 Dornoch Beach
Grey Plover - 15 Dornoch Beach
Purple Sandpiper -46 Balintore Harbour
Puffin -Neist Point
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Bayfield, Portree
Waxwing - 2 Golspie, Station Road
Saturday 25th November
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Simeone Ewing
Common Scoter - single on Loch Slapin at Torrin
Grey Plover - 3 at Dornoch beach to Dornoch Point also 60+ Common Scoter, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 11 Sanderling, 1 Merlin, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links
Great Egret - at Skibo also Jack Snipe
Slavonian Grebe - three at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Waxwing - still a single in Harrapool
Great Spotted Woodpecker - single visiting feeders at Uig ; and another at Viewfield Road, Portree ; also one at Ferinquarrie on 31 October
Snow Bunting - 25-30 in several groups at Carnach, Arisaig
Kingfisher - still present on Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Simeone Ewing
Common Scoter - single on Loch Slapin at Torrin
Grey Plover - 3 at Dornoch beach to Dornoch Point also 60+ Common Scoter, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 11 Sanderling, 1 Merlin, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links
Great Egret - at Skibo also Jack Snipe
Slavonian Grebe - three at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Waxwing - still a single in Harrapool
Great Spotted Woodpecker - single visiting feeders at Uig ; and another at Viewfield Road, Portree ; also one at Ferinquarrie on 31 October
Snow Bunting - 25-30 in several groups at Carnach, Arisaig
Kingfisher - still present on Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
Friday 24th November
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Alan, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson
Iceland Gull - adult still Bayfield Portree
Common Scoter - four imm/female in Broadford Bay also 22 Bar-tailed Godwits
Surf Scoter - 2 drake at Dornoch Beach
Knot - 100 at Arturlie also Teal, Drake Shovler, 50 Dunlin, Red Kite and c20 Tree Sparrow
Long-tailed Duck - 14 at Hilton of Cadboll also 3 Common Scoter
Waxwing - still at Station Road, Golspie
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Alan, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson
Iceland Gull - adult still Bayfield Portree
Common Scoter - four imm/female in Broadford Bay also 22 Bar-tailed Godwits
Surf Scoter - 2 drake at Dornoch Beach
Knot - 100 at Arturlie also Teal, Drake Shovler, 50 Dunlin, Red Kite and c20 Tree Sparrow
Long-tailed Duck - 14 at Hilton of Cadboll also 3 Common Scoter
Waxwing - still at Station Road, Golspie
Thursday 23rd November
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Peter & Carole Leigh
Iceland Gull - adult at Bayfield, Portree
Common Scoter - 6 immature/female near Moll
Brambling - single still at Lochlonghead
Waxwing - in garden in Station Road Golspie
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Peter & Carole Leigh
Iceland Gull - adult at Bayfield, Portree
Common Scoter - 6 immature/female near Moll
Brambling - single still at Lochlonghead
Waxwing - in garden in Station Road Golspie
Wednesday 22nd November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Skye-Birds
Common Scoter - 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Purple Sandpiper - two in Broadford Bay, a Common Scoter & 18 Bar-tailed Godwits
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Skye-Birds
Common Scoter - 3 at Hilton of Cadboll
Purple Sandpiper - two in Broadford Bay, a Common Scoter & 18 Bar-tailed Godwits
Tuesday 21st November
Thanks to Simeone Ewing, Thomas Plant, Kathleen Line, Sarah, Alan MacAskill, Bob Swann, Tom Laidler, Chris Donald, Skye-Birds
Magpie - Single bird over Hilton, Inverness, also a sighting over UHI Campus and another Westhill Inverness. Belated sightings 17th November, 1 at Arturlie, 18th November 2 on a tree by Farr at the Fort Augustus turn off at the A9, 19th November 2 near Strathy Point
Kingfisher - Merkinch Nature Reserve also 2 Water Rail
Swallow - very late bird at Isleoransay
Black Grouse - single male at Loch Cluanie side just beyond Lochalsh boundary
Jay - single flew from Kinloch Lodge to Drumfearn woodland
Goldeneye - 130 at Loch Eye also 12 Long-tailed Duck and 3 Slavonian Grebe
Little Egret Lochy Estuary Fort William also Kingfisher, Common Scoter and 2 Greenshank
Green-winged Teal - at The Mound, Dornoch
Common Scoter - single in Broadford Bay and two off Bayfield, Portree
Little Egret - Inverlochy Fort William
Snow Bunting - 14 at Cairngorm Car Park
Waxwing - 2 at Harris Rum NNR and a Lapland Bunting
Thanks to Simeone Ewing, Thomas Plant, Kathleen Line, Sarah, Alan MacAskill, Bob Swann, Tom Laidler, Chris Donald, Skye-Birds
Magpie - Single bird over Hilton, Inverness, also a sighting over UHI Campus and another Westhill Inverness. Belated sightings 17th November, 1 at Arturlie, 18th November 2 on a tree by Farr at the Fort Augustus turn off at the A9, 19th November 2 near Strathy Point
Kingfisher - Merkinch Nature Reserve also 2 Water Rail
Swallow - very late bird at Isleoransay
Black Grouse - single male at Loch Cluanie side just beyond Lochalsh boundary
Jay - single flew from Kinloch Lodge to Drumfearn woodland
Goldeneye - 130 at Loch Eye also 12 Long-tailed Duck and 3 Slavonian Grebe
Little Egret Lochy Estuary Fort William also Kingfisher, Common Scoter and 2 Greenshank
Green-winged Teal - at The Mound, Dornoch
Common Scoter - single in Broadford Bay and two off Bayfield, Portree
Little Egret - Inverlochy Fort William
Snow Bunting - 14 at Cairngorm Car Park
Waxwing - 2 at Harris Rum NNR and a Lapland Bunting
Monday 20th November
Thanks to Jort Brough, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - two still at Kyle of Lochalsh, two at Blackpark, Broadford and 5 at Davochfin, Dornoch
Brambling - single bird still at Lochlonghead
Thanks to Jort Brough, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - two still at Kyle of Lochalsh, two at Blackpark, Broadford and 5 at Davochfin, Dornoch
Brambling - single bird still at Lochlonghead
Sunday 19th November
Thanks to Peter MacKay, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Susan Seright, Roy Dennis, Skye-Birds
Blackcap - female in garden in Inverness and female on feeders at Lower Milovaig
Great Egret - still at Skibo
Purple Sandpiper - 37 at Embo
Goldeneye - 45 off Coulmore, Kessock
Common Scoter - 13 at Coul Links
Golden Plover - 420 at Whiteness Head
Thanks to Peter MacKay, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Dean MacAskill, Susan Seright, Roy Dennis, Skye-Birds
Blackcap - female in garden in Inverness and female on feeders at Lower Milovaig
Great Egret - still at Skibo
Purple Sandpiper - 37 at Embo
Goldeneye - 45 off Coulmore, Kessock
Common Scoter - 13 at Coul Links
Golden Plover - 420 at Whiteness Head
Saturday 18th November
Thanks to Tommy Bird, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Helmsdale harbour
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 1(f) Waterloo, Broadford Bay
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes at Dornoch beach
Waxwing - 6 at Helmsdale
Snow Bunting - 36 at Dornoch beach
Wood Pigeon - c1,000 over Portmahomack
Thanks to Tommy Bird, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Helmsdale harbour
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 1(f) Waterloo, Broadford Bay
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes at Dornoch beach
Waxwing - 6 at Helmsdale
Snow Bunting - 36 at Dornoch beach
Wood Pigeon - c1,000 over Portmahomack
Friday 17th November
Thanks to 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 30 amongst Pink-footed Geese between Dingwall and Fodderty
Waxwing - 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Northern Treecreeper - 1 at Kilmuir, Skye, plus probable Siberian Chiffchaff and 5 Woodcock
Thanks to 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 30 amongst Pink-footed Geese between Dingwall and Fodderty
Waxwing - 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Northern Treecreeper - 1 at Kilmuir, Skye, plus probable Siberian Chiffchaff and 5 Woodcock
Thursday 16th November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Tessa Rhodes. skye-birds.com
Long-tailed Duck - 21 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 1 Common Scoter
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Waxwing - 8 at Inverbroom Lodge, Ullapool, 4 at Portree, 1 at Kinlochewe
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Tessa Rhodes. skye-birds.com
Long-tailed Duck - 21 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 1 Common Scoter
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Waxwing - 8 at Inverbroom Lodge, Ullapool, 4 at Portree, 1 at Kinlochewe
Wednesday 15th November
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Egret - 1 at Pol na Coarach, Skibo plus 1 Kingfisher
Little Gull - 2 at Portmahomack harbour
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes at Dornoch beach
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links, single Gadwall nearby also
Jack Snipe - 1 at Newton Point, near Whiteface
Swallow - 1 at Arisaig
Waxwing - 7 at Arisaig, 1 at Ashaig, Skye, 3 at Golspie
Snow Bunting - 16 at Dornoch beach
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Egret - 1 at Pol na Coarach, Skibo plus 1 Kingfisher
Little Gull - 2 at Portmahomack harbour
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes at Dornoch beach
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links, single Gadwall nearby also
Jack Snipe - 1 at Newton Point, near Whiteface
Swallow - 1 at Arisaig
Waxwing - 7 at Arisaig, 1 at Ashaig, Skye, 3 at Golspie
Snow Bunting - 16 at Dornoch beach
Tuesday 14th November
Thanks to John Attiwell, Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, Kim Dawson, Sandy Morrison, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 (3rd winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Sanderling - 27 at Dornoch beach
Waxwing - c20 at Slochd summit, 3 in Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge, 13 at Kincraig
Snow Bunting - 19 at Dornoch beach
Thanks to John Attiwell, Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, Kim Dawson, Sandy Morrison, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - 1 (3rd winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Sanderling - 27 at Dornoch beach
Waxwing - c20 at Slochd summit, 3 in Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge, 13 at Kincraig
Snow Bunting - 19 at Dornoch beach
Monday 13th November
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Kate Harvey, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, 'Kate M', skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 10 at Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Balintore harbour
Waxwing - 1 at Kinloch, Rum, 1 at Golspie, 10 at Kincraig, 40 near the Barn Church in Culloden, 35 Conon Place in Inverness
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Kate Harvey, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, 'Kate M', skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 10 at Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Balintore harbour
Waxwing - 1 at Kinloch, Rum, 1 at Golspie, 10 at Kincraig, 40 near the Barn Church in Culloden, 35 Conon Place in Inverness
Sunday 12th November
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Angus Miller, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 4 at Kildonan, Eigg
Grey Phalarope -1 at Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 at mouth of River Evelix, NW of Skibo castle
Harrier sp. - the probable Hen x Pallid Harrier hybrid seen again at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 25 at Dingwall Academy, 16 at Kincraig
Brambling - 1 at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Thanks to Simon Cohen, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Angus Miller, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 4 at Kildonan, Eigg
Grey Phalarope -1 at Embo
Jack Snipe - 1 at mouth of River Evelix, NW of Skibo castle
Harrier sp. - the probable Hen x Pallid Harrier hybrid seen again at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 25 at Dingwall Academy, 16 at Kincraig
Brambling - 1 at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Saturday 11th November
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, Lynda Simpson, Kevin Hartwell, Blair Whyte, Stuart
Dark-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 2 females Alturlie
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links
Great White Egret - 1 Skibo
Jack Snipe 1 - Dornoch Beach, 4 Inverpolly
Waxwing - 18 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Causer, 5 Tain by Bannermans, 7 Arisaig Medical Centre, 4 Kildary, 20 Tower Road near Culloden Wood
Firecrest - 1 Laide 50yds north of Graveyard
Snow Bunting - 1 Dornoch Beach,
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds, Lynda Simpson, Kevin Hartwell, Blair Whyte, Stuart
Dark-bellied Brent Goose - 2 Alturlie
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 2 females Alturlie
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links
Great White Egret - 1 Skibo
Jack Snipe 1 - Dornoch Beach, 4 Inverpolly
Waxwing - 18 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Causer, 5 Tain by Bannermans, 7 Arisaig Medical Centre, 4 Kildary, 20 Tower Road near Culloden Wood
Firecrest - 1 Laide 50yds north of Graveyard
Snow Bunting - 1 Dornoch Beach,
Friday 10th November
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Duncan MacDonald, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Great Grey Shrike - 1 still Dalnahaitnach near river
Waxwing - 5. Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Causer, 2 Ard Dorch and 2 at Heaste
Blackcap - 1 female Nethy Bridge and 1 female Invergordon
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Duncan MacDonald, Audrey Turner, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Great Grey Shrike - 1 still Dalnahaitnach near river
Waxwing - 5. Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Causer, 2 Ard Dorch and 2 at Heaste
Blackcap - 1 female Nethy Bridge and 1 female Invergordon
Thursday 9th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, David Slater, Blair Johnston, Pete Gordon, Simoo Eaves, John Poyner, Steven Lucas
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Grey Plover - 1 Dornoch Beach
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Dalnahaitnach still near parking area at end of tarmac road
Waxwing - 1 near Dunvegan, 2 Nethy Bridge
Ring Ouzel - 1 Backies Golspie
Firecrest - 1 recently in Tongue
Snow Bunting - 3 Dornoch Beach
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, David Slater, Blair Johnston, Pete Gordon, Simoo Eaves, John Poyner, Steven Lucas
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Grey Plover - 1 Dornoch Beach
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Dalnahaitnach still near parking area at end of tarmac road
Waxwing - 1 near Dunvegan, 2 Nethy Bridge
Ring Ouzel - 1 Backies Golspie
Firecrest - 1 recently in Tongue
Snow Bunting - 3 Dornoch Beach
Wednesday 8th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Alan Tilmouth, Sarah, Audrey Turner, Tony Laidlar
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Tain Links
Great Grey Shrike - 2 Dalnahaitnach
Waxwing - 40 Rosemarkie, 34 Bonar Bridge, 4 Aviemore between Spey Avenue and Grampian View, 40 Inverness, Culduthel Road, 15 Nethy Bridge Causer area
Blackcap - 1 Fort William, 1 Nethy Bridge both in agrdens
Northern Bullfinch - 1 Tain Links by pond
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Alan Tilmouth, Sarah, Audrey Turner, Tony Laidlar
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Tain Links
Great Grey Shrike - 2 Dalnahaitnach
Waxwing - 40 Rosemarkie, 34 Bonar Bridge, 4 Aviemore between Spey Avenue and Grampian View, 40 Inverness, Culduthel Road, 15 Nethy Bridge Causer area
Blackcap - 1 Fort William, 1 Nethy Bridge both in agrdens
Northern Bullfinch - 1 Tain Links by pond
Tuesday 7th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Alan MacAskill, Fiona, Nick Baker, Al Mcnee, Dave Slater, SKye Birds, David Bain, Richard Aspinall, Mary Galloway, Lesley & Patrick Sage
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Great White Egret - 1 Pol na coarach , Skilbo
Sooty Shearwater - 13 at sea between Ullapool and Stornoway
Iceland Gull - 1 Clachnaharry then flew towards Beauly.
Short-eared Owl - 1 Newton Point
Pallid Swift - 1 probable over Brora Golf Club
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Dalnahaitnach
Waxwing - 120 Muirtown/Scourgie area, 15 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Lynstock Park with birds also seen in Dingwall (near Fraser's Auction Rooms) - a tree full, 3 Merkinch LNR,4 Grantown on Spey flying down Grant Road., Arisaig 24+ between the Village and the Cemetery, 50 Newfield south of Tain, 20 Milton of Leys by Eco House
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Alan MacAskill, Fiona, Nick Baker, Al Mcnee, Dave Slater, SKye Birds, David Bain, Richard Aspinall, Mary Galloway, Lesley & Patrick Sage
Surf Scoter - 2 drakes Dornoch Beach
Great White Egret - 1 Pol na coarach , Skilbo
Sooty Shearwater - 13 at sea between Ullapool and Stornoway
Iceland Gull - 1 Clachnaharry then flew towards Beauly.
Short-eared Owl - 1 Newton Point
Pallid Swift - 1 probable over Brora Golf Club
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Dalnahaitnach
Waxwing - 120 Muirtown/Scourgie area, 15 Nethy Bridge Lynstock Crescent/Lynstock Park with birds also seen in Dingwall (near Fraser's Auction Rooms) - a tree full, 3 Merkinch LNR,4 Grantown on Spey flying down Grant Road., Arisaig 24+ between the Village and the Cemetery, 50 Newfield south of Tain, 20 Milton of Leys by Eco House
Monday 6th November
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Oscar Puls, Phil, Alexander Keith, Steve Broyd, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Little Auk - 1 past Chanonry Point, 1 north at Portmahomack
Swallow - 1 Inver
Waxwing - stiil lots of reports including 200+ Muirtown Primary School and birds in the Scogie area of Inverness, 10+ in Dingwall (by Co-op), 6 UHI Inverness, 17 Falcon Square Inverness, 4 Cromarty Forsyth House plus 14 ove , 4 Boat of Garten Golf Club, 12 Portree
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Oscar Puls, Phil, Alexander Keith, Steve Broyd, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds
Little Auk - 1 past Chanonry Point, 1 north at Portmahomack
Swallow - 1 Inver
Waxwing - stiil lots of reports including 200+ Muirtown Primary School and birds in the Scogie area of Inverness, 10+ in Dingwall (by Co-op), 6 UHI Inverness, 17 Falcon Square Inverness, 4 Cromarty Forsyth House plus 14 ove , 4 Boat of Garten Golf Club, 12 Portree
Sunday 5th November
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Al Mcnee, D W Stone, Blair Whyte, John Owen, Gavin Woodbridge, Duncan McDonald, Sarah, Jort Brough, Mike Coleman, Skye Birds, David Patterson, Peter Mackay, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson
Long-tailed Duck - many reported including 120 Coul Links
Scaup - several reports including 590 in the Cromarty Firth
Great Northern Diver - 1 (summer plumage) Alturlie Point, 12 Kilmory Rum, 1 Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 Lower Milovaig
Waxwing - many reports with a large count of c550 in the Craig Phadrig/Muirtown Primary School area Inverness.
Firecrest - 1 Fort Augustus (in a private garden)
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Al Mcnee, D W Stone, Blair Whyte, John Owen, Gavin Woodbridge, Duncan McDonald, Sarah, Jort Brough, Mike Coleman, Skye Birds, David Patterson, Peter Mackay, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson
Long-tailed Duck - many reported including 120 Coul Links
Scaup - several reports including 590 in the Cromarty Firth
Great Northern Diver - 1 (summer plumage) Alturlie Point, 12 Kilmory Rum, 1 Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 Lower Milovaig
Waxwing - many reports with a large count of c550 in the Craig Phadrig/Muirtown Primary School area Inverness.
Firecrest - 1 Fort Augustus (in a private garden)
Saturday 4th November
Thanks to Arc Gulding, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Alister Clunas, Lorna Jappy, Adam Ritchie, Bob McMillan, Sean Morris
Osprey - 1 Kinbrace (a very late bird photgraphed)
Little Auk - 1 found dead at Nigg Ferry
Richard's Pipit - 1 Kilmory, Rum
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Kildonan, Strathkildonan
Waxwing - small flock in Helmsdale, 40 Fortrose, 40 Ashie Moor
Brambling - 8 Alturlie on beach at point
Thanks to Arc Gulding, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Alister Clunas, Lorna Jappy, Adam Ritchie, Bob McMillan, Sean Morris
Osprey - 1 Kinbrace (a very late bird photgraphed)
Little Auk - 1 found dead at Nigg Ferry
Richard's Pipit - 1 Kilmory, Rum
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Kildonan, Strathkildonan
Waxwing - small flock in Helmsdale, 40 Fortrose, 40 Ashie Moor
Brambling - 8 Alturlie on beach at point
Friday 3rd November
Thanks to Susan Seright, Jude Levene, RBA
Little Auk - 1 Alturlie pont
Waxwing - reports continue across the region including 100 Rosemaekie,, 80 Inverness (Muirtown Street), 50 Dingwall
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Caboll Lady Street
Thanks to Susan Seright, Jude Levene, RBA
Little Auk - 1 Alturlie pont
Waxwing - reports continue across the region including 100 Rosemaekie,, 80 Inverness (Muirtown Street), 50 Dingwall
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Caboll Lady Street
Thursday 2nd November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Tim Meridith, Jude Levene, Rob Hughes, Sarah, Pru Ward, Dave Pierce
Eider - c550 Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - 290 Coul Links
Common Scoter - 60 Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 Coul Links
Marsh Harrier - 1 2cy male Insh Marshes
Waxwing - continuing reports across the region including 300-400 at Avoch, 27 Hilton of Cadboll, 17 Nethy Bridge
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Caboll, Lady Street
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Tim Meridith, Jude Levene, Rob Hughes, Sarah, Pru Ward, Dave Pierce
Eider - c550 Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - 290 Coul Links
Common Scoter - 60 Coul Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 Coul Links
Marsh Harrier - 1 2cy male Insh Marshes
Waxwing - continuing reports across the region including 300-400 at Avoch, 27 Hilton of Cadboll, 17 Nethy Bridge
Black Redstart - 1 Hilton of Caboll, Lady Street
Wednesday 1st November
Thanks to Al McNee, Hugh Insley, RBA, Carol Miller ,John Poyner, Mike Coleman, Brian Etheridge
Little Auk - 1 Rosemarkie of Golf Club
Waxwing - a continuing discovery of birds throughout the region including big flocks in Inverness ( 200+ around Broom Drive and opposite Green Drive Co-op), Avoch (200 Braehead and Mackenzie Place), Chanonry Point (65), Helmsdale (50), Lochcarron (90)
Thanks to Al McNee, Hugh Insley, RBA, Carol Miller ,John Poyner, Mike Coleman, Brian Etheridge
Little Auk - 1 Rosemarkie of Golf Club
Waxwing - a continuing discovery of birds throughout the region including big flocks in Inverness ( 200+ around Broom Drive and opposite Green Drive Co-op), Avoch (200 Braehead and Mackenzie Place), Chanonry Point (65), Helmsdale (50), Lochcarron (90)
Tuesday 31st October
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Bob Swann, Pete Gordon, Chris Jackson, Skye Birds, Kirstin Cullum, Alan MacAskill, Tim Meredith, Andy Williams, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill
Little Auk - 1 Alturlie off waterworks
Continental Coal Tit -1 Leys Estate
Siberian Chiffchaff - Ardmair Campsite
Waxwing - numerous reports including 86 Fortrose Academy, 24 Tain, Rowna Drive, 20+ Applecross Inn, 100 Inverness, 5 Tarskavaig, 20 Broadford, 20 Glenelg, 11 Portree, 14 Arisaig Station, 30 Kyle Co-op, 4 Poolewe, 20 Gairloch, 42 Ullapool, 3 Helmsdale, 5 Fort William, 4 Portgower
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Bob Swann, Pete Gordon, Chris Jackson, Skye Birds, Kirstin Cullum, Alan MacAskill, Tim Meredith, Andy Williams, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill
Little Auk - 1 Alturlie off waterworks
Continental Coal Tit -1 Leys Estate
Siberian Chiffchaff - Ardmair Campsite
Waxwing - numerous reports including 86 Fortrose Academy, 24 Tain, Rowna Drive, 20+ Applecross Inn, 100 Inverness, 5 Tarskavaig, 20 Broadford, 20 Glenelg, 11 Portree, 14 Arisaig Station, 30 Kyle Co-op, 4 Poolewe, 20 Gairloch, 42 Ullapool, 3 Helmsdale, 5 Fort William, 4 Portgower
Monday 30th October
Thanks to Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Simon Eaves Alan MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Stuart, Skye Birds,Peter Leigh, Andy Williams, Kim Dawson, Bob McMillan, Pete Gordon, Thomas Plant, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 300 Tarbat Ness
Long-talied Duck - 100 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 still Arisaig, Loch Nan Eala (in morning)
Little Auk - 1 Brora, 1 Golspie, 1 Connage
Little Gull - 2 Brora
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Kingfisher - Tulloch, Abernethy
Swallow - 3 Connage
Northern Treecreeper - 1 still Tarbat Ness
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 Portmohmack Community Soodland
Waxwing - birds continue at Fortrose, Dornoch ,Inverpolly, Portmohomack, Inshes Tesco & Drakies Inverness, Ullapool, Portuairik, Applecross
Wheatear - 1 Brora
Northern Bullfinch - 1 (probably two) Tarbat Ness
Brambling -c15 Coulmore also birds at Munlochy Black Isle
Thanks to Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Simon Eaves Alan MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Stuart, Skye Birds,Peter Leigh, Andy Williams, Kim Dawson, Bob McMillan, Pete Gordon, Thomas Plant, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 300 Tarbat Ness
Long-talied Duck - 100 Chanonry Point
Great White Egret - 1 still Arisaig, Loch Nan Eala (in morning)
Little Auk - 1 Brora, 1 Golspie, 1 Connage
Little Gull - 2 Brora
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Kingfisher - Tulloch, Abernethy
Swallow - 3 Connage
Northern Treecreeper - 1 still Tarbat Ness
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 Portmohmack Community Soodland
Waxwing - birds continue at Fortrose, Dornoch ,Inverpolly, Portmohomack, Inshes Tesco & Drakies Inverness, Ullapool, Portuairik, Applecross
Wheatear - 1 Brora
Northern Bullfinch - 1 (probably two) Tarbat Ness
Brambling -c15 Coulmore also birds at Munlochy Black Isle
Sunday 29th October
Thanks to Peter Stronach, Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Neil Bennett, Stu, Skye Birds, RBA, Dave Tanner
Barnacle Goose - 3 Dunrobin
Greenland Whitefront - 1 Dunrobin
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Shiel, Arisaig
Great White Egret - Artisaig
Grey Phalarope -1 North Kessock (flew towards Redcastle)
Little Auk - 1 Rosemarkie (off Caravan site), 2 Brora
Little Gull - 2 adults Brora
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Arctic Tern - 2 Brora
Continental Coal Tit - 1 Tarbat Ness, 1 Coul Links
Northern Treecreeper - 1 Tarbat Ness
Waxwing -c30 Fortrose, 120 Inverness flewnorth over Kingsmills
Northern Bullfinch - 1 Tarbat Ness
Brambling - 1 Portmahomack
Thanks to Peter Stronach, Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Neil Bennett, Stu, Skye Birds, RBA, Dave Tanner
Barnacle Goose - 3 Dunrobin
Greenland Whitefront - 1 Dunrobin
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Shiel, Arisaig
Great White Egret - Artisaig
Grey Phalarope -1 North Kessock (flew towards Redcastle)
Little Auk - 1 Rosemarkie (off Caravan site), 2 Brora
Little Gull - 2 adults Brora
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Arctic Tern - 2 Brora
Continental Coal Tit - 1 Tarbat Ness, 1 Coul Links
Northern Treecreeper - 1 Tarbat Ness
Waxwing -c30 Fortrose, 120 Inverness flewnorth over Kingsmills
Northern Bullfinch - 1 Tarbat Ness
Brambling - 1 Portmahomack
Saturday 28th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Thomas Plant,Simeone Ewing, Margaret Galloway, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - Reports indicating general arrival throughout the area.
Little Gull - 3 at Brora also 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Arctic Skua and a Little Auk
Whooper Swan - c 800 between Portmahomack and Clay of Allan and large flock of 500 + at Clay of Allan
Long-tailed Duck - 5 at Coul Links
Red Kite - from Ferinquarrie, Glendale (two birds on same day is extremely unusual), and Borve
Brambling - four in Portree garden (JJ); two at Reraig
Black Grouse - male at the Heaste Road viewpoint (Isle of Skye) flew east - this the 2nd report in the area recently
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Thomas Plant,Simeone Ewing, Margaret Galloway, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - Reports indicating general arrival throughout the area.
Little Gull - 3 at Brora also 2 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Arctic Skua and a Little Auk
Whooper Swan - c 800 between Portmahomack and Clay of Allan and large flock of 500 + at Clay of Allan
Long-tailed Duck - 5 at Coul Links
Red Kite - from Ferinquarrie, Glendale (two birds on same day is extremely unusual), and Borve
Brambling - four in Portree garden (JJ); two at Reraig
Black Grouse - male at the Heaste Road viewpoint (Isle of Skye) flew east - this the 2nd report in the area recently
Friday 27th October
Thanks to Jude Levene, Mary Galloway, Oscar Puls, Bob McMillan, Bob Swann, Iain Baily, James Brander, Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Waxwing - general arrival throughout the area including sightings in Tain, Inverness, Lochalsh, Fortrose and Evanton
Bonaparte's Gull - Bayfield Portree - a first for Skye
Swift - Balnakeil House, Durness
Scaup - 440 Cromarty Firth also Great Northern Diver
Swallow - 2 birds still at Insh Marshes and 1 at Portmahomack beach
Thanks to Jude Levene, Mary Galloway, Oscar Puls, Bob McMillan, Bob Swann, Iain Baily, James Brander, Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Waxwing - general arrival throughout the area including sightings in Tain, Inverness, Lochalsh, Fortrose and Evanton
Bonaparte's Gull - Bayfield Portree - a first for Skye
Swift - Balnakeil House, Durness
Scaup - 440 Cromarty Firth also Great Northern Diver
Swallow - 2 birds still at Insh Marshes and 1 at Portmahomack beach
Thursday 26th October
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson, Jort Brough, Peter Gordon, Alan, Bob Swann, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - 16 Davochfin, Dornoch also 4 Sandavore, Eigg, 30 Golspie, Ferry Road area, 20 Hill of Fearn village green
Magpie - Balliemore, Nethybridge
Wigeon - c 800 Arturlie also 30 Linnett, single Corn Bunting and 3 Slavonian Grebe
Todd's Canada Goose - at Tarbat Ness also 300 Barnacle Goose, 1 late Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps and lots of thrushes
Purple Sandpiper - 6 at Balintore also 30 Redshank and 26 Turnstone
Whooper Swan - 22 at Easter Airfield nr Tain
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson, Jort Brough, Peter Gordon, Alan, Bob Swann, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - 16 Davochfin, Dornoch also 4 Sandavore, Eigg, 30 Golspie, Ferry Road area, 20 Hill of Fearn village green
Magpie - Balliemore, Nethybridge
Wigeon - c 800 Arturlie also 30 Linnett, single Corn Bunting and 3 Slavonian Grebe
Todd's Canada Goose - at Tarbat Ness also 300 Barnacle Goose, 1 late Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps and lots of thrushes
Purple Sandpiper - 6 at Balintore also 30 Redshank and 26 Turnstone
Whooper Swan - 22 at Easter Airfield nr Tain
Wednesday 25th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Alan, Bob Swann, Blair Whyte, Peter MacKay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 34 at Redcastle also c600 Redshank and 2 Dunlin
Barnacle Goose - 250 at Tarbat Ness and a Todd's Canada Goose
Waxwing - 2 Lower Breakish, Broadford and 20 near the Railway Station Golspie
Great White Egret - still at Tain Scalps, also 10 Whooper Swan and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit
Whooper Swan - 163 at Balloan Marybank
Magpie - single bird still at Conon Bridge
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Alan, Bob Swann, Blair Whyte, Peter MacKay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 34 at Redcastle also c600 Redshank and 2 Dunlin
Barnacle Goose - 250 at Tarbat Ness and a Todd's Canada Goose
Waxwing - 2 Lower Breakish, Broadford and 20 near the Railway Station Golspie
Great White Egret - still at Tain Scalps, also 10 Whooper Swan and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit
Whooper Swan - 163 at Balloan Marybank
Magpie - single bird still at Conon Bridge
Tuesday 24th October
Thanks to Tim Bodwitch, Robert Wilson, Alister Clunas, Fiona, Bob Swann, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - 20 near Dornoch fire station and 12 Benview Road South, Tain
Brambling - 8 West Coulmore also sightings at Eigg, Portree, Harapool, Scullamus Moss, Lochlongheaad
Spotted Flycatcher - late bird at Kildonan, Eigg also Blackcap
Greenshank - 2 Moy Island, Conon River
Brent Goose - 9 at the mouth of Rosemarkie Burn
Curlew - single bird at Highland Wildlife Park
Ruff - 1 at Inver Bay also Black-tailed Godwit and 65 Twite
Thanks to Tim Bodwitch, Robert Wilson, Alister Clunas, Fiona, Bob Swann, Skye-Birds
Waxwing - 20 near Dornoch fire station and 12 Benview Road South, Tain
Brambling - 8 West Coulmore also sightings at Eigg, Portree, Harapool, Scullamus Moss, Lochlongheaad
Spotted Flycatcher - late bird at Kildonan, Eigg also Blackcap
Greenshank - 2 Moy Island, Conon River
Brent Goose - 9 at the mouth of Rosemarkie Burn
Curlew - single bird at Highland Wildlife Park
Ruff - 1 at Inver Bay also Black-tailed Godwit and 65 Twite
Monday 23rd October
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Vicki Irving, Alan, Blair Whyte, Peter Duncan, Dave Tanner, Skye-Birds
Waxwing -5 Station Road, Golspie heading North East
Blackcap - at Brora today also Wheatear
Fieldfare/Redwing - mixed flock of 3-400 at Rigg, Staffin also 270 Fieldfare at Glen Feshie and 2 at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Great White Egret - at Tain Scalps also Short-eared Owl, 27 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Greenshank
Moorhen - although a pair bred on Loch nan Eala, Morar, & there have been nocmig records from Rum, a bird on Loch Mealt today is the 1st Skye record since 2021
Pintail - probable juvenile on Loch Mealt & 8 Tufted Duck
Great Northern Diver - arriving now in good numbers with 12 at Camus More, Bornesketaig
Brent Goose - 5 at Aulturlie also 5 Slavonian Grebe a single Whooper Swan and Scaup
Todd's Canada Goose - one in field at Balnakeil with Barnacle Goose
Pink-footed Goose - c5000 over Portmahomack also 31 Barnacle Goose
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Vicki Irving, Alan, Blair Whyte, Peter Duncan, Dave Tanner, Skye-Birds
Waxwing -5 Station Road, Golspie heading North East
Blackcap - at Brora today also Wheatear
Fieldfare/Redwing - mixed flock of 3-400 at Rigg, Staffin also 270 Fieldfare at Glen Feshie and 2 at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Great White Egret - at Tain Scalps also Short-eared Owl, 27 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Greenshank
Moorhen - although a pair bred on Loch nan Eala, Morar, & there have been nocmig records from Rum, a bird on Loch Mealt today is the 1st Skye record since 2021
Pintail - probable juvenile on Loch Mealt & 8 Tufted Duck
Great Northern Diver - arriving now in good numbers with 12 at Camus More, Bornesketaig
Brent Goose - 5 at Aulturlie also 5 Slavonian Grebe a single Whooper Swan and Scaup
Todd's Canada Goose - one in field at Balnakeil with Barnacle Goose
Pink-footed Goose - c5000 over Portmahomack also 31 Barnacle Goose
Sunday 22nd October
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Alan, Sue Sykes, Mary Galloway, Simon Levene, Bob Swann, Fiona, Pete Jeavons, Bob Swann, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, skye-birds.com
Blackcap - female at Lower Milovaig also Magpie
Brambling - many more reports than normal, from Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Portree, Lochlonghead, Drumfearn, and multiple birds Kinloch, Rum also 2 on feeders Catlodge, Laggan
Redwing - c140 also c20 Fieldfare flying over Leys towards Ashie
Common Scoter - still a single in Portree Harbour
Long-tailed Duck - still two in Broadford Bay also three Great Northern Divers & 26 Bar-tailed Godwits
Grey Phalarope - off Tain Sewage works and also seen Shandwick Bay with gulls
Black Guillemot - 9 on east side Chanonry Point also one at Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - c300 Arturlie Point also 18 Goldeneye, 3 Red-throated Diver and a pair of
Greenshank - 3 at Connage Burn Ardersier and 1 at Loch Fleet
Black-tailed Godwit - 5 at Connage Burn Ardersier
Goldeneye - Loch Kinellan also Long-tailed Duck
Great Egret - still at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Arturlie (between 1200 - 1400) also 6 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Dunlin
Ruff - 1 at Insh Marshes today, also Fieldfare c25
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch Point also flock of c.120 Linnet
Whooper Swan - 11 at Cuthill
Bar-tailed Godwit 7 at Dornoch Point and 31 at Loch Fleet
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Alan, Sue Sykes, Mary Galloway, Simon Levene, Bob Swann, Fiona, Pete Jeavons, Bob Swann, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, skye-birds.com
Blackcap - female at Lower Milovaig also Magpie
Brambling - many more reports than normal, from Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Portree, Lochlonghead, Drumfearn, and multiple birds Kinloch, Rum also 2 on feeders Catlodge, Laggan
Redwing - c140 also c20 Fieldfare flying over Leys towards Ashie
Common Scoter - still a single in Portree Harbour
Long-tailed Duck - still two in Broadford Bay also three Great Northern Divers & 26 Bar-tailed Godwits
Grey Phalarope - off Tain Sewage works and also seen Shandwick Bay with gulls
Black Guillemot - 9 on east side Chanonry Point also one at Coul Links
Long-tailed Duck - c300 Arturlie Point also 18 Goldeneye, 3 Red-throated Diver and a pair of
Greenshank - 3 at Connage Burn Ardersier and 1 at Loch Fleet
Black-tailed Godwit - 5 at Connage Burn Ardersier
Goldeneye - Loch Kinellan also Long-tailed Duck
Great Egret - still at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Arturlie (between 1200 - 1400) also 6 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Dunlin
Ruff - 1 at Insh Marshes today, also Fieldfare c25
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch Point also flock of c.120 Linnet
Whooper Swan - 11 at Cuthill
Bar-tailed Godwit 7 at Dornoch Point and 31 at Loch Fleet
Saturday 21st October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Frank Brae, Jon Clarke, Simeon Ewing, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Pete Jeavons, Colin Leslie, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, Bob McMillan, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, 1 at Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 6 at Alturlie
Great Egret - 1 still at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Portmahomack
Pomarine Skua - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point
Storm Petrel - 10+ at Alturlie, 1 at Broadford Bay, 1 at Rosemarkie, with groups of 10 and 20 seen along with Little Auk also showing off Chanonry Point
Leach's Petrel - 1 (probable) at Broadford Bay, 2 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 13 at Insh marshes, plus 54 Golden Plover, 1 Peregrine, 2 Swallow, 5 Brambling
Little Gull - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point, 2 (ad. + juv) at Alturlie, 3 (2 ad, plus 1st winter) at Embo
Grey Phalarope - 1 at Chanonry Point with a second bird off Fort George at same time
Knot - c100 at Alturlie, plus c2,500 Wigeon
Common Scoter -2 off Sconser quarry, Skye, 1 (f) at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Chanonry Point
Hawfinch - 2 (f) at Rogart plus 6 Brambling
Waxwing - unspecified number in Mallaig
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Frank Brae, Jon Clarke, Simeon Ewing, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Pete Jeavons, Colin Leslie, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, Bob McMillan, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, 1 at Broadford Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 6 at Alturlie
Great Egret - 1 still at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Portmahomack
Pomarine Skua - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point
Storm Petrel - 10+ at Alturlie, 1 at Broadford Bay, 1 at Rosemarkie, with groups of 10 and 20 seen along with Little Auk also showing off Chanonry Point
Leach's Petrel - 1 (probable) at Broadford Bay, 2 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 13 at Insh marshes, plus 54 Golden Plover, 1 Peregrine, 2 Swallow, 5 Brambling
Little Gull - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point, 2 (ad. + juv) at Alturlie, 3 (2 ad, plus 1st winter) at Embo
Grey Phalarope - 1 at Chanonry Point with a second bird off Fort George at same time
Knot - c100 at Alturlie, plus c2,500 Wigeon
Common Scoter -2 off Sconser quarry, Skye, 1 (f) at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Chanonry Point
Hawfinch - 2 (f) at Rogart plus 6 Brambling
Waxwing - unspecified number in Mallaig
Friday 20th October
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Tony Laidler, Oscar Puls, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all 0740-0930hrs) 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Auk, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 10 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 141 Long-tailed Duck, 8 Kittiwake, 1 Gannet and 593 Shag, with 470+ Redwing, 125+ Fieldfare and a 1 Peregrine
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Coul links
Great Skua - 3 at Coul links, 4 at Tarbat Ness
Little Gull - 2 at Coul links
Great Egret - 1 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Brent Goose - 27 still at Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 130 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 14 over Dingwall
Common Scoter - 1 in Portree harbour, 1 on Loch Insh
Mandarin Duck - 1 (drake) at UHI campus, Inverness
Grey Phalarope - 1 between Chanonry Point and Rosemarkie, plus 2 Storm Petrel
Turnstone - 27 at Hilton of Cadboll
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Woodcock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap
Brambling - 1 in a Fort William garden
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Tony Laidler, Oscar Puls, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all 0740-0930hrs) 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Auk, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 10 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 141 Long-tailed Duck, 8 Kittiwake, 1 Gannet and 593 Shag, with 470+ Redwing, 125+ Fieldfare and a 1 Peregrine
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 1 at Coul links
Great Skua - 3 at Coul links, 4 at Tarbat Ness
Little Gull - 2 at Coul links
Great Egret - 1 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Brent Goose - 27 still at Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 130 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 14 over Dingwall
Common Scoter - 1 in Portree harbour, 1 on Loch Insh
Mandarin Duck - 1 (drake) at UHI campus, Inverness
Grey Phalarope - 1 between Chanonry Point and Rosemarkie, plus 2 Storm Petrel
Turnstone - 27 at Hilton of Cadboll
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Woodcock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap
Brambling - 1 in a Fort William garden
Thursday 19th October
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Judith Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Paul Sharman, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Embo, plus 9 Arctic Skua, 5 Pomarine Skua, 3 Little Auk, 1 (first winter) Little Gull, 2 Manx Shearwater
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Chanonry Point plus (1215-1345hrs) 2 Little Gull (1 adult, 1 immature), 2 Common Scoter, 90 Long-tailed Duck, 72 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Black Guillemot, c100 Fieldfare
Little Gull - 2 at Chanonry Point (1 adult, 1 immature) plus (all between 0740-0930hrs) 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Arctic Tern, 413 Long-tailed Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 55 Wigeon, 1 Black Guillemot, 67 Kittiwake, 63 Gannet and 743 Shag plus hundreds of auks (mostly Razorbill) and 300+ Redwing and 15+ Fieldfare
Great Egret - 1 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 18 at Wilkhave Farm, Tarbat Ness plus c200 Golden Plover nearby at Brucefield Farm
Brent Goose - 27 still at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - c300 at Portmahomack
Jack Snipe - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Fort George
Waxwing - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Judith Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Paul Sharman, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Embo, plus 9 Arctic Skua, 5 Pomarine Skua, 3 Little Auk, 1 (first winter) Little Gull, 2 Manx Shearwater
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Chanonry Point plus (1215-1345hrs) 2 Little Gull (1 adult, 1 immature), 2 Common Scoter, 90 Long-tailed Duck, 72 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Black Guillemot, c100 Fieldfare
Little Gull - 2 at Chanonry Point (1 adult, 1 immature) plus (all between 0740-0930hrs) 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Arctic Tern, 413 Long-tailed Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 55 Wigeon, 1 Black Guillemot, 67 Kittiwake, 63 Gannet and 743 Shag plus hundreds of auks (mostly Razorbill) and 300+ Redwing and 15+ Fieldfare
Great Egret - 1 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig
Barnacle Goose - 18 at Wilkhave Farm, Tarbat Ness plus c200 Golden Plover nearby at Brucefield Farm
Brent Goose - 27 still at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - c300 at Portmahomack
Jack Snipe - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Fort George
Waxwing - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Sea Eagle on Skye - a tribute to the life, work and memory of John Love who passed yesterday (Mike Crutch)
Wednesday 18th October
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Bob Swann, 'Stu', skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Broadford Bay plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all 0740-0900hrs) 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Common Tern, 195 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye (first of autumn), 10 Gannet and 757 Shag
Arctic Skua - 6 at Brora during seawatching, plus 5 Great Skua, 11 Pomarine Skua, 15 Manx Shearwater, 6 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Little Auk, 36 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver all northwards, plus hundreds of Razorbill, Gannet and Kittiwakes; southbound were 27 Barnacle Goose and 46 Long-tailed Duck
Brent Goose - 27 at Broadford Bay
Ross's Goose - "possible" bird reported amongst Pink-footed Geese near Portmahomack
Whooper Swan - 642 between Arboll and Portmahomack, 134 near Hill of Fearn
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
House Martin - 1 at Upper Achintore, Ft William
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Bob Swann, 'Stu', skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Broadford Bay plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all 0740-0900hrs) 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Common Tern, 195 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye (first of autumn), 10 Gannet and 757 Shag
Arctic Skua - 6 at Brora during seawatching, plus 5 Great Skua, 11 Pomarine Skua, 15 Manx Shearwater, 6 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Little Auk, 36 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver all northwards, plus hundreds of Razorbill, Gannet and Kittiwakes; southbound were 27 Barnacle Goose and 46 Long-tailed Duck
Brent Goose - 27 at Broadford Bay
Ross's Goose - "possible" bird reported amongst Pink-footed Geese near Portmahomack
Whooper Swan - 642 between Arboll and Portmahomack, 134 near Hill of Fearn
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Tulloch, Abernethy
House Martin - 1 at Upper Achintore, Ft William
Tuesday 17th October
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Carole & Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Gruinard Bay
Black-throated Diver - 18 at Gruinard Bay, 1 at Alturlie
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Gruinard Bay, 1 at Loch Bracadale, Skye, 1 at Loch Eye, plus 2 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Pochard
Slavonian Grebe - 6 at Loch Ashie, 3 at Gruinard Bay
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Loch Ashie, 1 at Alturlie
Great Egret - 1 still at Skibo, 1 still at Loch Ailort
Barnacle Goose - 16 at Loch Harport, Skye
Brent Goose - 9 at Alturlie, 10 at Broadford Bay, 28 at Ardnish, Broadford
Whooper Swan - 250 near Portmahomack, 210+ west of Nethy Bridge, 12 at Cuthill, Dornoch
Greenshank - 1 at Gruinard Bay
Corncrake - very late bird at Ardnish, Broadford plus 1 Jack Snipe
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 2 Swallow
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Brora
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Carole & Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Gruinard Bay
Black-throated Diver - 18 at Gruinard Bay, 1 at Alturlie
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Gruinard Bay, 1 at Loch Bracadale, Skye, 1 at Loch Eye, plus 2 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Pochard
Slavonian Grebe - 6 at Loch Ashie, 3 at Gruinard Bay
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Loch Ashie, 1 at Alturlie
Great Egret - 1 still at Skibo, 1 still at Loch Ailort
Barnacle Goose - 16 at Loch Harport, Skye
Brent Goose - 9 at Alturlie, 10 at Broadford Bay, 28 at Ardnish, Broadford
Whooper Swan - 250 near Portmahomack, 210+ west of Nethy Bridge, 12 at Cuthill, Dornoch
Greenshank - 1 at Gruinard Bay
Corncrake - very late bird at Ardnish, Broadford plus 1 Jack Snipe
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 2 Swallow
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Brora
Monday 16th October
Thanks to Martin Benson, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Pete Jeavons, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner, Andy Walker, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Poolewe, plus 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2+ Great Northern Diver, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Razorbill.. 10+ Red-breasted Merganse.
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Broadford Bay, 4+ at Poolewe
Great Egret - 1 still near the head of Loch Ailort
Glossy Ibis - 2 at Aird of Sleat, Skye
Brent Goose - 8 at Broadford Bay, with 9 at Alturlie plus 1 Whimbrel
Whooper Swan - 37 west of Nethy Bridge, 5 over Portmahomack
Iceland Gull - juv at Neist Point
Water Rail - 1 at Waterloo, Broadford
Moorhen - 2 juveniles at Dalmore
Hen Harrier - 1 at Tain air weapons range, plus 2 Fieldfare
Blackcap - 1 (m) at Blackpark, Broadford
Chiffchaff - 1 at Achavandra, Dornoch
Thanks to Martin Benson, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Pete Jeavons, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner, Andy Walker, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Poolewe, plus 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2+ Great Northern Diver, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 Razorbill.. 10+ Red-breasted Merganse.
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Broadford Bay, 4+ at Poolewe
Great Egret - 1 still near the head of Loch Ailort
Glossy Ibis - 2 at Aird of Sleat, Skye
Brent Goose - 8 at Broadford Bay, with 9 at Alturlie plus 1 Whimbrel
Whooper Swan - 37 west of Nethy Bridge, 5 over Portmahomack
Iceland Gull - juv at Neist Point
Water Rail - 1 at Waterloo, Broadford
Moorhen - 2 juveniles at Dalmore
Hen Harrier - 1 at Tain air weapons range, plus 2 Fieldfare
Blackcap - 1 (m) at Blackpark, Broadford
Chiffchaff - 1 at Achavandra, Dornoch
Sunday 15th October
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Dean MacAskill, Morag McCullagh, Peter Leigh, Thomas Plant, Dave Pullan, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Laide, plus 2 Black Guillemot, c30 Ringed Plover, 1 Rock Pipit
Great Egret - 1 at Pol na Coarach, Skibo (grid NH729881)
Barnacle Goose -1 at Broadford Bay, 3 amongst Pink-footed Geese at Loch Fleet, plus probable Taiga Bean Goose noted there also
Brent Goose - 26 at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - 180+ west of Nethy Bridge alongside the B970, 10 over Portmahomack
Little Auk - 1 off Ardnish, Broadford
Jack Snipe - 2 at Lentran, plus 1 Kingfisher
Grey Plover - 14 at Lentran, 1 at Laide, 1 at Dalmore plus 3 Bar-tailed Godwit
Waxwing - 1 at Cove, Loch Ewe
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Pete Jeavons, Dean MacAskill, Morag McCullagh, Peter Leigh, Thomas Plant, Dave Pullan, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Laide, plus 2 Black Guillemot, c30 Ringed Plover, 1 Rock Pipit
Great Egret - 1 at Pol na Coarach, Skibo (grid NH729881)
Barnacle Goose -1 at Broadford Bay, 3 amongst Pink-footed Geese at Loch Fleet, plus probable Taiga Bean Goose noted there also
Brent Goose - 26 at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - 180+ west of Nethy Bridge alongside the B970, 10 over Portmahomack
Little Auk - 1 off Ardnish, Broadford
Jack Snipe - 2 at Lentran, plus 1 Kingfisher
Grey Plover - 14 at Lentran, 1 at Laide, 1 at Dalmore plus 3 Bar-tailed Godwit
Waxwing - 1 at Cove, Loch Ewe
Saturday 14th October
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Steve Lovell, Dean MacAskill, Stephen Macdonald, Bob McMillan, Milo Mole, Dave Pierce, Audrey Turner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Egret - 1 still near the head of Loch Ailort
Whooper Swan - 124+ at Mains of Garten, 7 at Udale Bay, 1 at Catlodge, Laggan Bridge
Pomarine Skua - 2 in Broadford Bay
'Viking' Gull - 1 still present at Ullapool
Golden Plover - 15 at Insh marshes with 260 at Udale Bay, plus 1 Merlin (fem/juv)
Greenshank - 11 at Skelbo, Loch Fleet (2 elsewhere at the site), plus 1 Wheatear
Ruff - 1 at Insh marshes
Hen Harrier - 2 ring-tails at Insh marshes
Fieldfare - 1 at Catlodge, Laggan Bridge
Redwing - c200 at Spey Dam
Swallow - 3 at Ballochroan, Kingussie
Brambling - 1 at the north end of Aviemore, 1 at Tulloch, Abernethy
Friday 13th October
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Kevin Davis, Ronnie Dyer, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Andrew Stevenson, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (0720-0840hrs) 1 Tufted Duck, 96 Long-tailed Duck, 9 Gannet and 652 Shag
Red-throated Diver - 29 at Chanonry Point
Common Tern - 1 at Embo
Leach's Petrel - 2 from Lochmaddy-Uig ferry off the Waternish peninsula, plus 1 Long-tailed Skua (juv), 1 Arctic Skua (juv) and c3,500 Kittiwake
Great Egret - 1 near head of Loch Ailort
Barnacle Goose - 42 at Loch Fleet
Brent Goose - 9 at Alturlie, 37 Broadford Bay, 13 at Loch Portree
Canada Goose - 6 at Loch Fleet
Pink-footed Goose - c1,500 near Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 108+ still at Mains of Garten, 6 at Loch Fleet, 3 near Fearn, 1 at Klimaluag Bay, Skye
Red Kite - 1 at Ruthven barracks
Hoopoe - 1 at Drumguish (grid ref NN791991)
Wheatear - 1 (f) at Alturlie plus 1 Twite
Garden Warbler - 1 at Achavandra muir, Dornoch plus 2 Chiffchaff
Thanks to Sylvia Brennan, Kevin Davis, Ronnie Dyer, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Andrew Stevenson, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (0720-0840hrs) 1 Tufted Duck, 96 Long-tailed Duck, 9 Gannet and 652 Shag
Red-throated Diver - 29 at Chanonry Point
Common Tern - 1 at Embo
Leach's Petrel - 2 from Lochmaddy-Uig ferry off the Waternish peninsula, plus 1 Long-tailed Skua (juv), 1 Arctic Skua (juv) and c3,500 Kittiwake
Great Egret - 1 near head of Loch Ailort
Barnacle Goose - 42 at Loch Fleet
Brent Goose - 9 at Alturlie, 37 Broadford Bay, 13 at Loch Portree
Canada Goose - 6 at Loch Fleet
Pink-footed Goose - c1,500 near Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 108+ still at Mains of Garten, 6 at Loch Fleet, 3 near Fearn, 1 at Klimaluag Bay, Skye
Red Kite - 1 at Ruthven barracks
Hoopoe - 1 at Drumguish (grid ref NN791991)
Wheatear - 1 (f) at Alturlie plus 1 Twite
Garden Warbler - 1 at Achavandra muir, Dornoch plus 2 Chiffchaff
Thursday 12th October
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Karen Miller, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, Sue Sykes, skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - c140 (including one leucistic bird) with Pink-footed Geese near Dornoch school, 13 Portmahomack>Inver
Brent Goose - 3 at Dornoch saltings, plus 1 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 11 at Arisaig
Canada Goose - 32 Portmahomack>Inver
Whooper Swan - 108+ at Mains of Garten, 44 Portmahomack>Inver, 32 over Broadford Bay, c25 near Dornie, 18 over Lower Breakish, 8 over Loch Linnhe, 6 at Insh marshes, 4 over Rosemarkie
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch saltings, plus 1 Wheatear
Golden Plover - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 3 Ruff, 2 Dunlin
Greenshank - 9 at Loch Fleet, plus 18 Red-breasted Merganser
Swallow - 1 over Rosemarkie, plus five Fieldfare
Brambling - 1 in a Lentran garden
Chiffchaff - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
***late report via Dave Tanner - from a non-birder giving a good description of a Snowy Owl at Balnabruach, Portmahomack on 8th October, route checked daily since and no further sightings
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Karen Miller, Dave Pierce, Dave Pullan, Sue Sykes, skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - c140 (including one leucistic bird) with Pink-footed Geese near Dornoch school, 13 Portmahomack>Inver
Brent Goose - 3 at Dornoch saltings, plus 1 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 11 at Arisaig
Canada Goose - 32 Portmahomack>Inver
Whooper Swan - 108+ at Mains of Garten, 44 Portmahomack>Inver, 32 over Broadford Bay, c25 near Dornie, 18 over Lower Breakish, 8 over Loch Linnhe, 6 at Insh marshes, 4 over Rosemarkie
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch saltings, plus 1 Wheatear
Golden Plover - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 3 Ruff, 2 Dunlin
Greenshank - 9 at Loch Fleet, plus 18 Red-breasted Merganser
Swallow - 1 over Rosemarkie, plus five Fieldfare
Brambling - 1 in a Lentran garden
Chiffchaff - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
***late report via Dave Tanner - from a non-birder giving a good description of a Snowy Owl at Balnabruach, Portmahomack on 8th October, route checked daily since and no further sightings
Wednesday 11th October
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Duncan Macdonald, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 10 at Chanonry Point, plus 114 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Tern, 367 Shag and 67 Ringed Plover
Whooper Swan - 60 at Loch Snizort, 26 over Lower Breakish and an unspecified number on Loch Alvie
Brent Goose - 65 at Broadford Bay, 33 at the head of Loch Portree, 11 at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Udale Bay, plus 99 Golden Plover,
Bar-tailed Godwit - 48 at Udale Bay, 30 at Broadford Bay
Ruff - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, c40 Lapwing
Sand Martin - 1 at Insh marshes, plus c12 Swallow
Wheatear - 1 (f) at Newhall Point, Balblair
Chiffchaff - 1 at Drumguish
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Duncan Macdonald, Bob McMillan, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 10 at Chanonry Point, plus 114 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Tern, 367 Shag and 67 Ringed Plover
Whooper Swan - 60 at Loch Snizort, 26 over Lower Breakish and an unspecified number on Loch Alvie
Brent Goose - 65 at Broadford Bay, 33 at the head of Loch Portree, 11 at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Udale Bay, plus 99 Golden Plover,
Bar-tailed Godwit - 48 at Udale Bay, 30 at Broadford Bay
Ruff - 2 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, c40 Lapwing
Sand Martin - 1 at Insh marshes, plus c12 Swallow
Wheatear - 1 (f) at Newhall Point, Balblair
Chiffchaff - 1 at Drumguish
Tuesday 10th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Caroline Pearson, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 8 at Kilmaluag Bay, Skye
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 4 at Achavandra, Dornoch amongst c100 Jackdaws
Swallow - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Brambling - 3 in a Nethy Bridge garden
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Caroline Pearson, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 8 at Kilmaluag Bay, Skye
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 4 at Achavandra, Dornoch amongst c100 Jackdaws
Swallow - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Brambling - 3 in a Nethy Bridge garden
Monday 9th October
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Duncan Macdonald, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Tommy Youd, 'Bea', 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 29 at Chanonry Point, plus (0715-0900hrs) 2 Sandwich Tern, 64 Long-tailed Duck, 16 Gannet and 1,681 Shag
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Neist Point, Skye and 3 at Loch Fleet along with 1 Knot
Brent Goose - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Whooper Swan - 14 over UHI campus, Inverness, 27 at Kilmory, Rum, 12 at Arisaig, 1 at Kilmaluag, Skye
Goldeneye - 20 at Lochindorb
Ruff - 1 at Insh marshes
Hen Harrier - ring-tails at Insh marshes and south Dava moor
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Swift - 1 at Insh marshes
Swallow - 1 at Portmahomack
Brambling - 1 amongst Lesser Redpoll flock at Strathdearn, c200 Mistle Thrush also
Snow Bunting - 1 at Strathy Point
Wheatear - 1 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Neist Point, Skye
Chiffchaff - 4 at Northfield, Invergordon (including 2 singing males) plus 6 Goldcrest
continued influx of Redwings throughout the region - biggest total was c2,000 in Strathdearn - and continued southerly passage of Pink-footed Geese
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Duncan Macdonald, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Tommy Youd, 'Bea', 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 29 at Chanonry Point, plus (0715-0900hrs) 2 Sandwich Tern, 64 Long-tailed Duck, 16 Gannet and 1,681 Shag
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Neist Point, Skye and 3 at Loch Fleet along with 1 Knot
Brent Goose - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Whooper Swan - 14 over UHI campus, Inverness, 27 at Kilmory, Rum, 12 at Arisaig, 1 at Kilmaluag, Skye
Goldeneye - 20 at Lochindorb
Ruff - 1 at Insh marshes
Hen Harrier - ring-tails at Insh marshes and south Dava moor
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Swift - 1 at Insh marshes
Swallow - 1 at Portmahomack
Brambling - 1 amongst Lesser Redpoll flock at Strathdearn, c200 Mistle Thrush also
Snow Bunting - 1 at Strathy Point
Wheatear - 1 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Neist Point, Skye
Chiffchaff - 4 at Northfield, Invergordon (including 2 singing males) plus 6 Goldcrest
continued influx of Redwings throughout the region - biggest total was c2,000 in Strathdearn - and continued southerly passage of Pink-footed Geese
Sunday 8th October
Thanks to Alistair Clunas, Kim Dawson, Louise Hughes, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Caroline Pearson, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, 'Stuart', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Loch Fleet, plus 2 Greenshank, 14 Red-breasted Merganser
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Redcastle, plus 11 Goldeneye
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree
Barnacle Goose - 3 at Insh marshes, plus 71 Canada Goose amongst 500+ Greylag Goose
Whooper Swan - 2 near Fearn
Common Scoter - 4 at Arisaig
Storm Petrel - 1 off Muck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 63 at Loch Fleet, 8 at Redcastle
Ruff - 3 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Dunlin
Hen Harrier - male at Achavandra muir
Osprey - 1 at Lagganlia
Redwing - further arrivals in Badenoch & Strathspey (150+ in Feshiebridge), Skye & Localsh, Easter & Wester Ross, and Sutherland (500+ at Achavandra muir)
Swallow - 1 at Insh marshes
Chiffchaff - 1 singing Northfield, Invergordon plus 1 at Achvandra, Dornoch
Wheatear - 2 at Achnahaird, 1 at Achavandra muir along with 3 Blackcap, 8 Stock Dove
Thanks to Alistair Clunas, Kim Dawson, Louise Hughes, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Caroline Pearson, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, 'Stuart', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Loch Fleet, plus 2 Greenshank, 14 Red-breasted Merganser
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Redcastle, plus 11 Goldeneye
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree
Barnacle Goose - 3 at Insh marshes, plus 71 Canada Goose amongst 500+ Greylag Goose
Whooper Swan - 2 near Fearn
Common Scoter - 4 at Arisaig
Storm Petrel - 1 off Muck
Bar-tailed Godwit - 63 at Loch Fleet, 8 at Redcastle
Ruff - 3 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Dunlin
Hen Harrier - male at Achavandra muir
Osprey - 1 at Lagganlia
Redwing - further arrivals in Badenoch & Strathspey (150+ in Feshiebridge), Skye & Localsh, Easter & Wester Ross, and Sutherland (500+ at Achavandra muir)
Swallow - 1 at Insh marshes
Chiffchaff - 1 singing Northfield, Invergordon plus 1 at Achvandra, Dornoch
Wheatear - 2 at Achnahaird, 1 at Achavandra muir along with 3 Blackcap, 8 Stock Dove
Saturday 7th October
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Dave Pierce, Skye-Birds
Redwing - 100+ flying over Fort William also two at Bernisdale and three at Portree
Whooper Swan - single still at Kilmaluag
Brent Goose - four at Lower Milovaig
Bar-tailed Godwit - 23 at Waterloo, Broadford and a single Knot
Pink-footed Goose - despite the weather, some movement today with skeins south through Rum during dayand others through Broadford Bay and Portree early evening
Marsh Harrier - 2CY male at Insh marshes
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Dave Pierce, Skye-Birds
Redwing - 100+ flying over Fort William also two at Bernisdale and three at Portree
Whooper Swan - single still at Kilmaluag
Brent Goose - four at Lower Milovaig
Bar-tailed Godwit - 23 at Waterloo, Broadford and a single Knot
Pink-footed Goose - despite the weather, some movement today with skeins south through Rum during dayand others through Broadford Bay and Portree early evening
Marsh Harrier - 2CY male at Insh marshes
Friday 6th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Tony Cluxton, Neil Bennett, Sue Sykes, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis
Pintail - 5 Past Chanonry point this morning (0710-0900) also 17 Red-throated Diver, 109 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Black Guillemot, 2 Common Tern, 5 Kittiwake, 25 Gannet and 964 Shag
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet also 38 Bar-tailed Godwit
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Udale also c500 Golden Plover which flew east towards Cromarty
Whooper Swan - 20 over Strathpeffer and 3 over Coul Links
Redwing - reported in South East Sutherland, Strathpeffer and Inverness today
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Fiona, Tony Cluxton, Neil Bennett, Sue Sykes, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis
Pintail - 5 Past Chanonry point this morning (0710-0900) also 17 Red-throated Diver, 109 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Black Guillemot, 2 Common Tern, 5 Kittiwake, 25 Gannet and 964 Shag
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet also 38 Bar-tailed Godwit
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Udale also c500 Golden Plover which flew east towards Cromarty
Whooper Swan - 20 over Strathpeffer and 3 over Coul Links
Redwing - reported in South East Sutherland, Strathpeffer and Inverness today
Thursday 5th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Graeme Prest, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, Duncan MacDonald, Mia Lawson, Skye Birds
Tundra Bean Goose - at Udale amongst a huge flock of Pink Footed Goose
Greenshank - 7 at Loch Fleet and 5 Great Northern Divers at Embo
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry point this morning (0705-0835) also 28 Red-throated Diver, 1 Common Tern, 69 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, 1 Black Guillemot and 1128 Shag
Razorbills - 20 at Chanonry Point also a few Gannett
Whooper Swan - 12 Loch Nan Ceall Arisaig
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also 2 Common Snipe
Willow Warbler - singing at Argeal
Chiffchaff - singing in garden Northfield nr Invergordon
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Graeme Prest, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, Duncan MacDonald, Mia Lawson, Skye Birds
Tundra Bean Goose - at Udale amongst a huge flock of Pink Footed Goose
Greenshank - 7 at Loch Fleet and 5 Great Northern Divers at Embo
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry point this morning (0705-0835) also 28 Red-throated Diver, 1 Common Tern, 69 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, 1 Black Guillemot and 1128 Shag
Razorbills - 20 at Chanonry Point also a few Gannett
Whooper Swan - 12 Loch Nan Ceall Arisaig
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also 2 Common Snipe
Willow Warbler - singing at Argeal
Chiffchaff - singing in garden Northfield nr Invergordon
Wednesday 4th October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Jock, Jort Brough, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - three Kildonan Bay, Eigg & four at the head of Loch Portree
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree + 5 Greenshank & 13 Bar-tailed Godwit and 16 Wigeon
Kingfisher - pair at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Chiffchaff - singing at Davochfin
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Jock, Jort Brough, Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - three Kildonan Bay, Eigg & four at the head of Loch Portree
Brent Goose - 13 still at the head of Loch Portree + 5 Greenshank & 13 Bar-tailed Godwit and 16 Wigeon
Kingfisher - pair at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Chiffchaff - singing at Davochfin
Tuesday 3rd October
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, George Gay, Bob Swan, Blair Whyte, Susan Seright, Skye-Birds, Peter MacKay, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson
Sabine's Gull - one at Strathy Point also Grey Phalarope feeding off the point then heading west.
Sooty Shearwater - 86 at Strathy Point also 45 Manx Shearwater, 6 pale Pomarine Skua, Storm Petrel, 6 Great Northern Diver and a Canada Goose
Brent Goose - group of Pale Bellied still at Loch Portree
Knot - single at Broadford Bay also 4 Bar-tailed Godwit
Scaup - 250c at Jemimaville
Ringed Plover - 22 at Balintore Harbour also 24 Redshank and 35 Turnstone
Great Crested Grebe - at Loch Eye also 15 Shoveler
Arctic Skua - one (juvenile) at Chanonry point (between 0700 and 0830) also Manx Shearwater, 1 Black-throated Diver, 22 Red-throated Diver, 34 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Common Tern, 3 Kittiwake, 19 Gannet and 1014 Shag
Swallow - 20 over Rosemarkie
Magpie - single bird at Conon Bridge
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, George Gay, Bob Swan, Blair Whyte, Susan Seright, Skye-Birds, Peter MacKay, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson
Sabine's Gull - one at Strathy Point also Grey Phalarope feeding off the point then heading west.
Sooty Shearwater - 86 at Strathy Point also 45 Manx Shearwater, 6 pale Pomarine Skua, Storm Petrel, 6 Great Northern Diver and a Canada Goose
Brent Goose - group of Pale Bellied still at Loch Portree
Knot - single at Broadford Bay also 4 Bar-tailed Godwit
Scaup - 250c at Jemimaville
Ringed Plover - 22 at Balintore Harbour also 24 Redshank and 35 Turnstone
Great Crested Grebe - at Loch Eye also 15 Shoveler
Arctic Skua - one (juvenile) at Chanonry point (between 0700 and 0830) also Manx Shearwater, 1 Black-throated Diver, 22 Red-throated Diver, 34 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Common Tern, 3 Kittiwake, 19 Gannet and 1014 Shag
Swallow - 20 over Rosemarkie
Magpie - single bird at Conon Bridge
Monday 2nd October
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Bob McMillan, Peter MacKay, Tony Phillips, Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill
Brent Goose - 13 at Loch Portree, including 9 juveniles
Wheatear - late bird at Kinloch, Rum also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter bird in Applecross Bay
Nuthatch - Curin, Strathconon
Chiffchaff - singing at Drumsmittal, North Kessock also 3 at Achavandra with 2 Blackcap
Redwing - 25 at Dingwall
Ruff - at Dornoch beach also 3 Swallow
Goshawk - female at Loch Fleet also a single Barnacle Goose, a Brent Goose and a Sandwich Tern
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Bob McMillan, Peter MacKay, Tony Phillips, Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill
Brent Goose - 13 at Loch Portree, including 9 juveniles
Wheatear - late bird at Kinloch, Rum also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter bird in Applecross Bay
Nuthatch - Curin, Strathconon
Chiffchaff - singing at Drumsmittal, North Kessock also 3 at Achavandra with 2 Blackcap
Redwing - 25 at Dingwall
Ruff - at Dornoch beach also 3 Swallow
Goshawk - female at Loch Fleet also a single Barnacle Goose, a Brent Goose and a Sandwich Tern
Sunday 1st October
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Bea Ayling, Kevin Davis
Arctic Skua - 1 at Chanonry point also (all between 0700-0800) 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Tern, one Kittiwake, 18 Long-tailed Duck, 352 Shag
Brent Goose - 9 at Castle Stuart
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Bea Ayling, Kevin Davis
Arctic Skua - 1 at Chanonry point also (all between 0700-0800) 16 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Tern, one Kittiwake, 18 Long-tailed Duck, 352 Shag
Brent Goose - 9 at Castle Stuart
Saturday 30th September
Thanks to Sandra Atherton, Kev Cuthbert, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 22 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 19 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Scaup, 5 Common Tern, 4 Black Guillemot, 5 Kittiwake, 78 Gannet, 2 Mute Swan (scarce past the point), 769 Shag & 31 Cormorant
Pomarine Skua - 1 during Ullapool-Stornoway-Ullapool ferry crossing (Highland side of The Minch), plus 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 8+ Storm Petrel, c40 Kittiwake, 40+ Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, and singles of Great Skua and Manx Shearwater
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Portmahomack plus 6 Common Scoter
Gadwall - 26 at Balnakiel, plus 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Tern and 2 Wheatear
Whooper Swan - 11 over Contin
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Vaa, 1 Guillemot also present
Thanks to Sandra Atherton, Kev Cuthbert, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 22 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 19 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Scaup, 5 Common Tern, 4 Black Guillemot, 5 Kittiwake, 78 Gannet, 2 Mute Swan (scarce past the point), 769 Shag & 31 Cormorant
Pomarine Skua - 1 during Ullapool-Stornoway-Ullapool ferry crossing (Highland side of The Minch), plus 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 8+ Storm Petrel, c40 Kittiwake, 40+ Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, and singles of Great Skua and Manx Shearwater
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Portmahomack plus 6 Common Scoter
Gadwall - 26 at Balnakiel, plus 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Tern and 2 Wheatear
Whooper Swan - 11 over Contin
Kingfisher - 1 at Loch Vaa, 1 Guillemot also present
Friday 29th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce
Red-throated Diver - 26 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 1 Great Crested Grebe (local rarity), 3 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Tern, 67 Gannet, 15 Kittiwake and 751 Shag
Gadwall - 6 at Insh marshes
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Pierce
Red-throated Diver - 26 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 1 Great Crested Grebe (local rarity), 3 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Tern, 67 Gannet, 15 Kittiwake and 751 Shag
Gadwall - 6 at Insh marshes
Thursday 28th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Roy Dennis, Carole & Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Skua, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 44 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Tern, 13 Kittiwake, 18 Gannet, 2 Black Guillemot and 753 Shag
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Embo
Whooper Swan - 11 still at Loch Glascarnoch
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 still at Embo
Ruff - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Wheatear (possible leuchorhoa ssp.)
Merlin - 1 fem/imm at Brora river mouth, plus 1 (f) Goosander and 1 (f) Wheatear
Blackcap - 1 at Achanvandra, Dornoch plus 2 Chiffchaff
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Roy Dennis, Carole & Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Arctic Skua, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 44 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Tern, 13 Kittiwake, 18 Gannet, 2 Black Guillemot and 753 Shag
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Embo
Whooper Swan - 11 still at Loch Glascarnoch
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 still at Embo
Ruff - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 1 Wheatear (possible leuchorhoa ssp.)
Merlin - 1 fem/imm at Brora river mouth, plus 1 (f) Goosander and 1 (f) Wheatear
Blackcap - 1 at Achanvandra, Dornoch plus 2 Chiffchaff
Wednesday 27th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Don & Sandra Otter, Sue Sykes, Andy Williams
Black-throated Diver - 6 at Gruinard Bay, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Common Scoter
Red-throated Diver - 9 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 3 Common Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 15 Wigeon, 3 Kittiwake, 38 Gannet, 766 Shag and 36 Cormorant
Arctic Skua - singles at Dornoch Point and Chanonry Point
'Viking' Gull - 1 still at Ullapool
Brent Goose - 16 at Alturlie, plus 5 Slavonian Grebe
Whooper Swan - 11 at Loch Glascarnoch
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Embo
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch Point
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill, Don & Sandra Otter, Sue Sykes, Andy Williams
Black-throated Diver - 6 at Gruinard Bay, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Common Scoter
Red-throated Diver - 9 at Chanonry Point, plus (all between 0700-0830hrs) 3 Common Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 15 Wigeon, 3 Kittiwake, 38 Gannet, 766 Shag and 36 Cormorant
Arctic Skua - singles at Dornoch Point and Chanonry Point
'Viking' Gull - 1 still at Ullapool
Brent Goose - 16 at Alturlie, plus 5 Slavonian Grebe
Whooper Swan - 11 at Loch Glascarnoch
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Embo
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch Point
Tuesday 26th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, 'Eric', BirdGuides
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Chanonry Point, plus 15 Kittiwake, 78 Gannet, 8 Long-tailed Duck, 37 Ringed Plover and 15 Dunlin
Arctic Skua - 6 at Chanonry Point, 5 at Brora
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Loch Fleet, 1 at Brora
Manx Shearwater - 3 at Chanonry Point, 15 at Brora
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Brora, plus 3 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, plus large Razorbill movement northbound
Common Tern - 5 at Chanonry Point, 2 at Brora
Sandwich Tern - 2 at Chanonry Point, 12 at Brora
Whooper Swan - 7 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Common Scoter - 20 at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 17 at Loch Portree
Hen Harrier - 2 at Glen Banchor (ring-tails), 5 at Insh marshes (mix of ages/sexes), plus 1 Hobby (juv), c48 Swallow and singles of House Martin and Swift
Stock Dove - 12 at Achavandra muir, Dornoch
Wheatear - 2 at Brora
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, 'Eric', BirdGuides
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Chanonry Point, plus 15 Kittiwake, 78 Gannet, 8 Long-tailed Duck, 37 Ringed Plover and 15 Dunlin
Arctic Skua - 6 at Chanonry Point, 5 at Brora
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Loch Fleet, 1 at Brora
Manx Shearwater - 3 at Chanonry Point, 15 at Brora
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Brora, plus 3 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, plus large Razorbill movement northbound
Common Tern - 5 at Chanonry Point, 2 at Brora
Sandwich Tern - 2 at Chanonry Point, 12 at Brora
Whooper Swan - 7 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Common Scoter - 20 at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 17 at Loch Portree
Hen Harrier - 2 at Glen Banchor (ring-tails), 5 at Insh marshes (mix of ages/sexes), plus 1 Hobby (juv), c48 Swallow and singles of House Martin and Swift
Stock Dove - 12 at Achavandra muir, Dornoch
Wheatear - 2 at Brora
Monday 25th September
Thanks to Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Little Grebe - 22 at Loch Mealt, Skye
Whooper Swan - 4 at Dornoch
Bar-tailed Godwit - 11 at Broadford Bay and 14 at Loch Portree
Whimbrel - 2 at Portmahomack
Thanks to Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Little Grebe - 22 at Loch Mealt, Skye
Whooper Swan - 4 at Dornoch
Bar-tailed Godwit - 11 at Broadford Bay and 14 at Loch Portree
Whimbrel - 2 at Portmahomack
Sunday 24th September
Thanks to Jort Brough, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, 'Stuart'
Red-throated Diver - 3 between Portmahomack/Inver, plus 1 Arctic Skua, 45 Lapwing, 1 Peregrine
Whooper Swan - 12 at Achiltibuie
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Brora river mouth
Hobby - 1 at the Slochd summit
Harrier sp. - the ringed Hen Harrier possible x Pallid still at Insh marshes
Chiffchaff - 6 at Davochfin, Dornoch
Thanks to Jort Brough, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, 'Stuart'
Red-throated Diver - 3 between Portmahomack/Inver, plus 1 Arctic Skua, 45 Lapwing, 1 Peregrine
Whooper Swan - 12 at Achiltibuie
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Brora river mouth
Hobby - 1 at the Slochd summit
Harrier sp. - the ringed Hen Harrier possible x Pallid still at Insh marshes
Chiffchaff - 6 at Davochfin, Dornoch
Saturday 23rd September
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Bob McMillan, Ben, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Sean Morris, Tony Cluxton
Gadwall - 5 Balnakiel
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Portmahomack- Inver.
Red-throated Diver - 1 Helmsdale River, 1 Portmahomack - Inver
Hen Harrier - 2 (1 juv & adult male) Insh Marshes
Marsh Harrier - 1 female - Insh Marshes
Goshawk - 1 Insh Marshes
Viking Gull - 1 still Ullapool
Whimbrel - 2 Balnakiel
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Balnakiel
Common Swift - 1 Tain Links, 1 Insh Marshes
Lesser Whitethroat - Balnakiel
Ovenbird - 1 Rum
Thanks to Gary Aitken, Bob McMillan, Ben, Kim Dawson, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Sean Morris, Tony Cluxton
Gadwall - 5 Balnakiel
Long-tailed Duck - 1 Portmahomack- Inver.
Red-throated Diver - 1 Helmsdale River, 1 Portmahomack - Inver
Hen Harrier - 2 (1 juv & adult male) Insh Marshes
Marsh Harrier - 1 female - Insh Marshes
Goshawk - 1 Insh Marshes
Viking Gull - 1 still Ullapool
Whimbrel - 2 Balnakiel
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Balnakiel
Common Swift - 1 Tain Links, 1 Insh Marshes
Lesser Whitethroat - Balnakiel
Ovenbird - 1 Rum
Friday 22nd September
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Skye Birds
Whooper Swans - 17 flew east Achavandra Muir, 30 past Rhu, Arisaig
Manx Sheawater - 2 Broadford Bay
Osprey - 1 Dornoch Point
Pomarine Skua - 4 Broadford Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 juv Dornoch Point, 12 Broadford Bay
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Skye Birds
Whooper Swans - 17 flew east Achavandra Muir, 30 past Rhu, Arisaig
Manx Sheawater - 2 Broadford Bay
Osprey - 1 Dornoch Point
Pomarine Skua - 4 Broadford Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 juv Dornoch Point, 12 Broadford Bay
Thursday 21st September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Nigel
Red-throated Diver - 7 Chanonry Point
Arctic Skua - 9 Chanonry Pont
Swift - 2 Culloden
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Nigel
Red-throated Diver - 7 Chanonry Point
Arctic Skua - 9 Chanonry Pont
Swift - 2 Culloden
Wednesday 20th September
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Eric
Pale bellied Brent Goose - 1 Coonage
Great Northern Diver - 1 Tokavaig, Sleat
Harrier - possible hybrid or well marked 1 cy Hen still Insh Marshes
Greenshank, - 9 Loch Fleet
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Beach
Little Gull. - 1 juv Dornoch Beach
Swift - 1 Insh Marshes, 1 Cromarty
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Eric
Pale bellied Brent Goose - 1 Coonage
Great Northern Diver - 1 Tokavaig, Sleat
Harrier - possible hybrid or well marked 1 cy Hen still Insh Marshes
Greenshank, - 9 Loch Fleet
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Beach
Little Gull. - 1 juv Dornoch Beach
Swift - 1 Insh Marshes, 1 Cromarty
Tuesday 19th September
Thanks to John Poyner, Skye Birds, Angus Miller, Andy Tonge, Morag McCullagh
Harrier sp. - 1 still Insh Marshes. This bird is now considered to be either a Hen Harrier or possibly a hybrid Hen/Pallid. The dark ring on the left leg suggests it was ringed this year as one of a Hen Harrier Brood.
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail Insh Marshes
Kingfisher - 1 still Lochlonghead,
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 reported Sligachan Hotel garden
Thanks to John Poyner, Skye Birds, Angus Miller, Andy Tonge, Morag McCullagh
Harrier sp. - 1 still Insh Marshes. This bird is now considered to be either a Hen Harrier or possibly a hybrid Hen/Pallid. The dark ring on the left leg suggests it was ringed this year as one of a Hen Harrier Brood.
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail Insh Marshes
Kingfisher - 1 still Lochlonghead,
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 reported Sligachan Hotel garden
Monday 18th September
Thanks to Birdguides, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Bob McMillan
Balearic Shearwater - 1 north past Helmsdale, 1 north past Brora
Barolo Shearwater type - 1 possible north past Hemlsdale
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Hen Hariier 2 Insh Marshes
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Beach
Curlew Sandpiper - Dornoch Beach
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch NR, 1 Lochlonghead, Lochalsh
Thanks to Birdguides, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Bob McMillan
Balearic Shearwater - 1 north past Helmsdale, 1 north past Brora
Barolo Shearwater type - 1 possible north past Hemlsdale
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Hen Hariier 2 Insh Marshes
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Beach
Curlew Sandpiper - Dornoch Beach
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch NR, 1 Lochlonghead, Lochalsh
Sunday 17th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan Tilmouth, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett, Duncan MacDonald, RBA
Scaup, - 2 Chanory Point
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Chanory point
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point, 2 Coul Links
Cory's Shearwater - 1 past Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 2 Helmsdale
Balearic Shearwater - 2 north past Helmsdale
Gannet - 292 Chanonry Point
Shag - 586 Chanonry Point
Marsh Harrier 2 (juv and 2cy) Insh Marshes
Hen Harrier - 1 (male) Insh Marshes
Pallid Harrier - 1 (juv presumed hybrid with Hen Harrier) Insh Marshes
Whimbrel - 1 Chanonry Point, 1 Port Gobhlaig, Kilmaluag
Long-tailed Skua - 2 Helmsdale
Arctic skua - 1 Chanonry Point, 2 Coul Links
Great Skua - 2 Neist Point
Sandwich Tern, - 16 Chanonry Point, 9 Coul Links
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan Tilmouth, Kim Dawson, Skye Birds, Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett, Duncan MacDonald, RBA
Scaup, - 2 Chanory Point
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Chanory point
Red-throated Diver - 11 Chanonry Point, 2 Coul Links
Cory's Shearwater - 1 past Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 2 Helmsdale
Balearic Shearwater - 2 north past Helmsdale
Gannet - 292 Chanonry Point
Shag - 586 Chanonry Point
Marsh Harrier 2 (juv and 2cy) Insh Marshes
Hen Harrier - 1 (male) Insh Marshes
Pallid Harrier - 1 (juv presumed hybrid with Hen Harrier) Insh Marshes
Whimbrel - 1 Chanonry Point, 1 Port Gobhlaig, Kilmaluag
Long-tailed Skua - 2 Helmsdale
Arctic skua - 1 Chanonry Point, 2 Coul Links
Great Skua - 2 Neist Point
Sandwich Tern, - 16 Chanonry Point, 9 Coul Links
Saturday 16th September
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis, Mike Crutch
Razorbill - 60 at Portmahomack also 47 Redshank, 37 Curlew, 6 Lapwing, 10 Turnstone and 2 Sandwich Tern
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Chanonry also 4 Arctic Skua, 13 Red-throated Diver, 10 Common Tern, 11 Sandwich Tern, 10 Scoter 8 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 24 Kittiwake, 357 Gannet,
Gannet - 272 at Fort George this morning also 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Bonxie, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 15 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 77 Knot, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 51 Red-breasted Merganser, 66 Pink footed goose
Garden Warbler - with juvenile Blackcaps Balvonie of Leys
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis, Mike Crutch
Razorbill - 60 at Portmahomack also 47 Redshank, 37 Curlew, 6 Lapwing, 10 Turnstone and 2 Sandwich Tern
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Chanonry also 4 Arctic Skua, 13 Red-throated Diver, 10 Common Tern, 11 Sandwich Tern, 10 Scoter 8 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 24 Kittiwake, 357 Gannet,
Gannet - 272 at Fort George this morning also 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Bonxie, 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, 15 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 77 Knot, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 51 Red-breasted Merganser, 66 Pink footed goose
Garden Warbler - with juvenile Blackcaps Balvonie of Leys
Friday 15th September
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Robert Wilson, Thomas Plant, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson,Steve Broyd
Corys Shearwater - sighted several times today at Chanonry and also at Avoch
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Chanonry also 17 Arctic Skua, 92 Common Tern, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter, one Long-tailed Duck, 18 Red-throated Diver, 34 Kittiwake, 215 Gannet ( mostly juveniles) and 549 Shag. Also single Great Spotted Woodpecker in flight over point and heading across firth.
Turnstone - 15 at Balintore and 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Lapwing - c50 at Storehouse at Foulis
Golden Plover - 15 in the hills (Glas Leathad) south of Glenfeshie
Greenshank - 8 at Munlochy bay
Slavonian Grebe - 15 at Connage
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Robert Wilson, Thomas Plant, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson,Steve Broyd
Corys Shearwater - sighted several times today at Chanonry and also at Avoch
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Chanonry also 17 Arctic Skua, 92 Common Tern, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Scoter, one Long-tailed Duck, 18 Red-throated Diver, 34 Kittiwake, 215 Gannet ( mostly juveniles) and 549 Shag. Also single Great Spotted Woodpecker in flight over point and heading across firth.
Turnstone - 15 at Balintore and 8 at Hilton of Cadboll
Lapwing - c50 at Storehouse at Foulis
Golden Plover - 15 in the hills (Glas Leathad) south of Glenfeshie
Greenshank - 8 at Munlochy bay
Slavonian Grebe - 15 at Connage
Thursday 14th September
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Calum Urquhart, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Kev Cuthbert
Arctic Skua - 14 at Chanonry point today also 94 Common Tern, 20 Sandwich Tern, 110 Kittiwake, 37 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Wigeon, 332 Shag (just 4 Cormorant), Pomarine Skua, Corys Shearwater, Storm Petrel
Long-tailed Skua - Adult at Pabay Sound and juvenile at Chanonry point
Brent goose - 9 at Nigg bay hide
Pink-footed Goose - 600+ at Udale also 35 Bar-tailed godwit and 40 Knot
Little Gull at Brora also Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Meadow Pipit, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull and Swift
Black Tern - juvenile off Brora river mouth
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Calum Urquhart, Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Kev Cuthbert
Arctic Skua - 14 at Chanonry point today also 94 Common Tern, 20 Sandwich Tern, 110 Kittiwake, 37 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Wigeon, 332 Shag (just 4 Cormorant), Pomarine Skua, Corys Shearwater, Storm Petrel
Long-tailed Skua - Adult at Pabay Sound and juvenile at Chanonry point
Brent goose - 9 at Nigg bay hide
Pink-footed Goose - 600+ at Udale also 35 Bar-tailed godwit and 40 Knot
Little Gull at Brora also Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Meadow Pipit, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull and Swift
Black Tern - juvenile off Brora river mouth
Wednesday 13th September
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, James Stevens, Nick Baker, Steven Broyd, Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Water Rail - 1 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also Grey Wagtail, 5 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, 6 Song Thrush and a juvenile Moorhen
Bar-tailed Godwit - c70 at Chanonry also Red-throated Diver
Pink-footed Goose - 250+ at Nethybridge, c 30 Chanonry also reports of numbers at Millovaig, Isleoransay, Lochaort, Scullamus, Sound of Raasay and Sallachy
Whooper Swan - 8 at Nethybridge
Ruff - single bird on foreshore Henrietta Street, Avoch
Sanderling - 7 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum and a Bar-tailed Godwit
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, James Stevens, Nick Baker, Steven Broyd, Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Water Rail - 1 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also Grey Wagtail, 5 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, 6 Song Thrush and a juvenile Moorhen
Bar-tailed Godwit - c70 at Chanonry also Red-throated Diver
Pink-footed Goose - 250+ at Nethybridge, c 30 Chanonry also reports of numbers at Millovaig, Isleoransay, Lochaort, Scullamus, Sound of Raasay and Sallachy
Whooper Swan - 8 at Nethybridge
Ruff - single bird on foreshore Henrietta Street, Avoch
Sanderling - 7 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum and a Bar-tailed Godwit
Tuesday 12th September
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis
Auks- 1500+ from the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry (Highland or Hebrides region not specified) also 4 Fulmar, 5 Puffin, c40 Manx Shearwater, 150 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Great Skua, 4 Storm Petrel
Ringed Plover - 85+ at Coul Links also 89 Guillemot, 25 Razorbill and 3 Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Loch Fleet
Curlew Sandpiper - at Udale also 2 Ruff, Black-tailed godwit, 45 Bar-tailed godwit, 85 Knot, 145 Wigeon, 600 Pink-footed goose, 240 Canada goose, 125 Greylag goose and 1 Canada Goose
Grey Phalarope - landed 50ft from Ulapool Ferry (Highland or Hebrides regions not specified)
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Kevin Davis
Auks- 1500+ from the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry (Highland or Hebrides region not specified) also 4 Fulmar, 5 Puffin, c40 Manx Shearwater, 150 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Great Skua, 4 Storm Petrel
Ringed Plover - 85+ at Coul Links also 89 Guillemot, 25 Razorbill and 3 Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Loch Fleet
Curlew Sandpiper - at Udale also 2 Ruff, Black-tailed godwit, 45 Bar-tailed godwit, 85 Knot, 145 Wigeon, 600 Pink-footed goose, 240 Canada goose, 125 Greylag goose and 1 Canada Goose
Grey Phalarope - landed 50ft from Ulapool Ferry (Highland or Hebrides regions not specified)
Monday 11th September
Thanks to, Alan Tillmouth, Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Mike Crutch, John Clarke, Craig Johnstone, John Poyner
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 at Broadford bay also 9 Knot, c110 Dunlin, c90 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling and 3 Whimbrel
Ruddy Shelduck - Dingwall
Sanderling -14 at Kilmory, Rum and a single Whimbrel
Twite - 70 at Neist Point
Linnet - 30 at Lephin, Glendale
Sooty Shearwater - 222 on the Highland side of The Minch during return Ullapool-Stornoway crossing, plus 12 Manx Shearweater, 3 Great Skua, 10 Storm Petrel, 1 Leach's Petrel, 141+ Gannet, 1 Common Tern, c360 Kittiwake plus good numbers (780+) of auk species including 1 juv Black Guillemot
Iceland Gull - at Udale also 3 Ruff
Thanks to, Alan Tillmouth, Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Mike Crutch, John Clarke, Craig Johnstone, John Poyner
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 at Broadford bay also 9 Knot, c110 Dunlin, c90 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling and 3 Whimbrel
Ruddy Shelduck - Dingwall
Sanderling -14 at Kilmory, Rum and a single Whimbrel
Twite - 70 at Neist Point
Linnet - 30 at Lephin, Glendale
Sooty Shearwater - 222 on the Highland side of The Minch during return Ullapool-Stornoway crossing, plus 12 Manx Shearweater, 3 Great Skua, 10 Storm Petrel, 1 Leach's Petrel, 141+ Gannet, 1 Common Tern, c360 Kittiwake plus good numbers (780+) of auk species including 1 juv Black Guillemot
Iceland Gull - at Udale also 3 Ruff
Sunday 10th September
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan
Balearic Shearwater - heading north past Brora
Brown Booby - at Tarbat Ness
Little Gull - juvenile at Dornoch beach also Curlew Sandpiper with Sanderling
Snipe - 18 on a pool next to airfield, Dornoch
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan
Balearic Shearwater - heading north past Brora
Brown Booby - at Tarbat Ness
Little Gull - juvenile at Dornoch beach also Curlew Sandpiper with Sanderling
Snipe - 18 on a pool next to airfield, Dornoch
Saturday. 9th September
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, Skye Birds, RBA
Sooty Shearwater - 182 at sea between Ullapool and Stornoway
Knot - 38 Broadford Bay
Greenshank - 7 Loch Fleet
Arctic Skua - 1 adult Loch Fleet
Pomarine Skua - 1 juv Loch Fleet
Thanks to, Alan MacAskill, Skye Birds, RBA
Sooty Shearwater - 182 at sea between Ullapool and Stornoway
Knot - 38 Broadford Bay
Greenshank - 7 Loch Fleet
Arctic Skua - 1 adult Loch Fleet
Pomarine Skua - 1 juv Loch Fleet
Friday 8th September
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes
Sedge Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 Drumguish
Numerous reports of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes
Sedge Warbler - 1 Ardgeal
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 Drumguish
Numerous reports of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers
Thursday 7th September
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte
Osprey - 1 Udale Bay
Ruff - 2 Udale Bay
Greenshank - 2 Udale Bay
Bar-tailed Gowit 216 - Udale Bay
Knot - 50 Udale Bay
Golden Plove - 60 Udale Bay
Little Gull - 1 juv Loch Fleet
Stock Dove - 2 Udale Bay
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte
Osprey - 1 Udale Bay
Ruff - 2 Udale Bay
Greenshank - 2 Udale Bay
Bar-tailed Gowit 216 - Udale Bay
Knot - 50 Udale Bay
Golden Plove - 60 Udale Bay
Little Gull - 1 juv Loch Fleet
Stock Dove - 2 Udale Bay
Wednesday 6th September
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Jort Brough Dornoch, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill
Pink-footed Goose - general movement of birds today
Arctic Skua - 1 Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 1 Loch Fleet
Cuckoo - 1 juvenile Inver
Redwing - 1 Glentromie
Thanks to Thomas Plant, Jort Brough Dornoch, Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill
Pink-footed Goose - general movement of birds today
Arctic Skua - 1 Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 1 Loch Fleet
Cuckoo - 1 juvenile Inver
Redwing - 1 Glentromie
Tuesday 5th September
Thanks to Tom Flowers, Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Rosemary Aitken
Pink-footed Goose - Returning birds noted 40 Dornoch, 65 Tain
Canada Goose - 13 Alturlie (flew west)
Balearic Shearwater - 1 Tarbat Ness
Hen Harrier - 1 Cadboll Point
Osprey - 1 Alturlie shoreline, 1 Loch Fleet
Ruff - 4 Alturlie shoreline, 1 Donoch
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Alturlie shoreline
Knot - 300+ Alturlie shoreline
Arctic Skua - 3 Loch Fleet, 4 Dornoch
Barred Warbler? - 1 possible Cadboll Point
Thanks to Tom Flowers, Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Rosemary Aitken
Pink-footed Goose - Returning birds noted 40 Dornoch, 65 Tain
Canada Goose - 13 Alturlie (flew west)
Balearic Shearwater - 1 Tarbat Ness
Hen Harrier - 1 Cadboll Point
Osprey - 1 Alturlie shoreline, 1 Loch Fleet
Ruff - 4 Alturlie shoreline, 1 Donoch
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Alturlie shoreline
Knot - 300+ Alturlie shoreline
Arctic Skua - 3 Loch Fleet, 4 Dornoch
Barred Warbler? - 1 possible Cadboll Point
Monday 4th September
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Mary Galloway, RBA
Pink-footed Goose - 3 Udale Bay
Sooty Shearwater - 103 flew west past Strathy Point
Balearic Shearwater - 1 past Strathy Point
Hen Harrier - 1 female Dornoch Point
Merlin - 1 female Dornoch Point
Ruff - 4 Dornoch Point, 7 Alturlie shoreline
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Mary Galloway, RBA
Pink-footed Goose - 3 Udale Bay
Sooty Shearwater - 103 flew west past Strathy Point
Balearic Shearwater - 1 past Strathy Point
Hen Harrier - 1 female Dornoch Point
Merlin - 1 female Dornoch Point
Ruff - 4 Dornoch Point, 7 Alturlie shoreline
Sunday3rd September
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Pete Gordon, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Mandarin Duck - 1 female Loch Garten
Great Northern Diver -1 Brora
Sooty Shearwater - 2 Lub Score
Bar-tailed Godwit - 65 Dornoch Point
Dunlin - 10 Dornoch Point
Little Gull - 4 Brora
Great Skua -1 Lub Score
Arctic Skua -1 Brora, 1 Lub Score, 2 Dornoch Point
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Pete Gordon, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Mandarin Duck - 1 female Loch Garten
Great Northern Diver -1 Brora
Sooty Shearwater - 2 Lub Score
Bar-tailed Godwit - 65 Dornoch Point
Dunlin - 10 Dornoch Point
Little Gull - 4 Brora
Great Skua -1 Lub Score
Arctic Skua -1 Brora, 1 Lub Score, 2 Dornoch Point
Saturday 2nd September
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner
Arctic Skua - 3 at Loch Fleet, plus 100+ Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 120 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 400+ Oystercatcher
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie, 5+ at Connage burn, 1 at Milton of Culloden)
Knot - 150 at Milton of Culloden
Common Scoter - 31 at Tarbat Ness, c50 Eider (moulting flock), 5 Common Tern (incuding 2 juv)
Dipper - 1 at Aviemore Ospreys' pond, Macdonald resort in Aviemore (unusual for this site), plus 1 Grey Wagtail
Ring Ouzel - 3 at Gaick amongst 30+ Mistle Thrush flock
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner
Arctic Skua - 3 at Loch Fleet, plus 100+ Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 120 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 400+ Oystercatcher
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie, 5+ at Connage burn, 1 at Milton of Culloden)
Knot - 150 at Milton of Culloden
Common Scoter - 31 at Tarbat Ness, c50 Eider (moulting flock), 5 Common Tern (incuding 2 juv)
Dipper - 1 at Aviemore Ospreys' pond, Macdonald resort in Aviemore (unusual for this site), plus 1 Grey Wagtail
Ring Ouzel - 3 at Gaick amongst 30+ Mistle Thrush flock
Friday 1st September
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, 1 at Avoch (plus 1 Little Grebe and 20 Turnstone)
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Udale Bay plus 1 Pink-footed Goose amongst Greylag/Canada Geese flock
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Chanonry Point
Arctic Skua - 3 at Embo, 2 at Loch Fleet (plus 50+ Sandwich Tern, 65+ Ringed Plover)
Sooty Shearwater - 9 at Embo, plus C120 Fulmar
Ruff - 8 at Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 at Inver, plus 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Osprey
Whimbrel - 1 at Portmahomack, plus 60+ Redshank, 2 Sandwich Tern
Shoveler - pair at Loch Insh, 1 at Insh marshes
Red-breasted Merganser - 1 at Loch Insh, 4 at Lochindorb
Goshawk - 1(f) at Isleornsay, Skye
Whinchat - 1 at Drumguish
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 still in a Strathpeffer garden
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Chiffchaff
Greenfinch - 1 (juv) on Rum - no known breeding on the island
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 at Chanonry Point, 1 at Avoch (plus 1 Little Grebe and 20 Turnstone)
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Udale Bay plus 1 Pink-footed Goose amongst Greylag/Canada Geese flock
Pomarine Skua - 1 at Chanonry Point
Arctic Skua - 3 at Embo, 2 at Loch Fleet (plus 50+ Sandwich Tern, 65+ Ringed Plover)
Sooty Shearwater - 9 at Embo, plus C120 Fulmar
Ruff - 8 at Alturlie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 at Inver, plus 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Osprey
Whimbrel - 1 at Portmahomack, plus 60+ Redshank, 2 Sandwich Tern
Shoveler - pair at Loch Insh, 1 at Insh marshes
Red-breasted Merganser - 1 at Loch Insh, 4 at Lochindorb
Goshawk - 1(f) at Isleornsay, Skye
Whinchat - 1 at Drumguish
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 still in a Strathpeffer garden
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Chiffchaff
Greenfinch - 1 (juv) on Rum - no known breeding on the island
Thursday 31st August
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Simon Levene, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie, 1 at the River Conon estuary (plus 4 Whimbrel)
Knot - 6 in Broadford Bay
Ringed Plover - 24 at Balintore harbour, plus 22 Turnstone
Swift - 3 over Ruthven barracks
Whinchat - 1 at Cadboll point, plus 2 Knot
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Portmahomack
Late report from Andrew Goulstone of an impaled beetle on barbed wire near Nigg on 13 August; classic shrike species food caching (see photo)
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Simon Levene, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie, 1 at the River Conon estuary (plus 4 Whimbrel)
Knot - 6 in Broadford Bay
Ringed Plover - 24 at Balintore harbour, plus 22 Turnstone
Swift - 3 over Ruthven barracks
Whinchat - 1 at Cadboll point, plus 2 Knot
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Portmahomack
Late report from Andrew Goulstone of an impaled beetle on barbed wire near Nigg on 13 August; classic shrike species food caching (see photo)
Wednesday 30th August
Thanks to Liz Amphlett, Tony Laidler, Peter Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale phase) at Avoch, 5 at Loch Fleet (plus 110+ Sandwich Tern)
Whimbrel - 1 at Chanonry Point
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Loch Fleet with 221 at Udale Bay
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Udale Bay, 1 at Avoch
Ruff - 4 at Udale Bay, 7 at Alturlie
Golden Plover - 28 at Udale Bay, plus 30 Knot, 1 Greenshank
Grey Plover - 6 at Dornoch beach
Water Rail - 1 (nocmig) over Kilmory, Rum
Kingfisher - 1 on River Lochy estuary, Fort William
House Martin - late nesters in Drumnadrochit
Greenland Wheatear - 2 at Alturlie
Nuthatch - 1 visiting garden adjacent to Beachen Wood, Grantown-on-Spey with a pair (m/f) visiting feeders at Torcastle, near Fort William
Thanks to Liz Amphlett, Tony Laidler, Peter Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale phase) at Avoch, 5 at Loch Fleet (plus 110+ Sandwich Tern)
Whimbrel - 1 at Chanonry Point
Bar-tailed Godwit - 12 at Loch Fleet with 221 at Udale Bay
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Udale Bay, 1 at Avoch
Ruff - 4 at Udale Bay, 7 at Alturlie
Golden Plover - 28 at Udale Bay, plus 30 Knot, 1 Greenshank
Grey Plover - 6 at Dornoch beach
Water Rail - 1 (nocmig) over Kilmory, Rum
Kingfisher - 1 on River Lochy estuary, Fort William
House Martin - late nesters in Drumnadrochit
Greenland Wheatear - 2 at Alturlie
Nuthatch - 1 visiting garden adjacent to Beachen Wood, Grantown-on-Spey with a pair (m/f) visiting feeders at Torcastle, near Fort William
Tuesday 29th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Storm Petrel - 4 from the Lochmaddy-Uig ferry
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit
Turnstone - 11 at Hilton of Cadboll
Honey Buzzard - 1 passing over Cromarty towards the South Sutor, 2 Swift present also
Kingfisher - 1 at Connage burn mouth, Ardersier
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Storm Petrel - 4 from the Lochmaddy-Uig ferry
Ruff - 6 at Alturlie plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit
Turnstone - 11 at Hilton of Cadboll
Honey Buzzard - 1 passing over Cromarty towards the South Sutor, 2 Swift present also
Kingfisher - 1 at Connage burn mouth, Ardersier
Monday 28th August
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kevin Davis, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 overhead Inverness
Canada Goose - c60 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Chanonry Point, also seen (0600-0730hrs) 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Red-throated Diver, 22 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 31 Kittiwake, 203 Shag, 1 Osprey
Little Gull - 3 at Brora, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 54 Sanderling
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 at Chanonry Point, 4 at Traigh golf course, Morar plus 2 Knot
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Chanonry Point
Ringed Plover - c310 at Dornoch, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 84 Dunlin, 34 Sanderling
Grey Plover - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 70+ Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Osprey (juv), c20 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, c60 Red-breasted Merganser (in 2 flocks)
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in a Strathpeffer garden, 4 in Portree forestry
Siskin - c120 in Portree forestry
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kevin Davis, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 2 overhead Inverness
Canada Goose - c60 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Chanonry Point, also seen (0600-0730hrs) 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Red-throated Diver, 22 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 31 Kittiwake, 203 Shag, 1 Osprey
Little Gull - 3 at Brora, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 54 Sanderling
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 at Chanonry Point, 4 at Traigh golf course, Morar plus 2 Knot
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Chanonry Point
Ringed Plover - c310 at Dornoch, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 84 Dunlin, 34 Sanderling
Grey Plover - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 70+ Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 1 Osprey (juv), c20 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, c60 Red-breasted Merganser (in 2 flocks)
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 in a Strathpeffer garden, 4 in Portree forestry
Siskin - c120 in Portree forestry
Sunday 27th August
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, BirdGuides
Sandwich Tern - 27 at Dornoch Point, plus 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Turnstone
Arctic Skua - 1 (juv) at Bunchcrew
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Invergordon
Stock Dove - 12 roosting at Achavandra, Dornoch
Goldfinch - c60 at Struie golf course, Dornoch
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, BirdGuides
Sandwich Tern - 27 at Dornoch Point, plus 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Turnstone
Arctic Skua - 1 (juv) at Bunchcrew
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Invergordon
Stock Dove - 12 roosting at Achavandra, Dornoch
Goldfinch - c60 at Struie golf course, Dornoch
Saturday 26th August
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Duncan MacDonald, Skye-Birds
Great Northern Diver - off Embo
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Portmahomack
Greenshank - 6 at Loch Fleet also 9 Knot, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit
Great Skua - observed attacking a juvenile Herring Gull off Cromarty
Long-tailed Skua - juvenile at Broadford Bay with Arctic Skua and Great Skua
Sabine's Gull - adult off Sconsor heading North
Knot - 7 in Broadford Bay and 2 Sanderling
Ruff - 4 at Insh Marsh also 90 Sand Martin
Kingfisher - on the Spey downstream of Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Duncan MacDonald, Skye-Birds
Great Northern Diver - off Embo
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Portmahomack
Greenshank - 6 at Loch Fleet also 9 Knot, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit
Great Skua - observed attacking a juvenile Herring Gull off Cromarty
Long-tailed Skua - juvenile at Broadford Bay with Arctic Skua and Great Skua
Sabine's Gull - adult off Sconsor heading North
Knot - 7 in Broadford Bay and 2 Sanderling
Ruff - 4 at Insh Marsh also 90 Sand Martin
Kingfisher - on the Spey downstream of Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore
Friday 25th August
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Peter Leigh, Duncan MacDonald, Catherine Stokoe
Little Egret - on An Caol spit, Fort William
Knot - 4 at Loch Fleet also 3 Greenshank and 12 Bar-tailed Godwit
Sand Martin - 4 on the Spey at Aviemore
Thanks to Tony Laidler, Peter Leigh, Duncan MacDonald, Catherine Stokoe
Little Egret - on An Caol spit, Fort William
Knot - 4 at Loch Fleet also 3 Greenshank and 12 Bar-tailed Godwit
Sand Martin - 4 on the Spey at Aviemore
Thursday 24th August
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Fiona
Bar-tailed Godwit - 33 on rising tide at Waterloo this morning then 12 Sanderling & 6 Knot in Broadford Bay this afternoon
Spotted Flycatcher - in garden in Strathpeffer
Nuthatch - on a garden feeder in Drumnadrochit
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Fiona
Bar-tailed Godwit - 33 on rising tide at Waterloo this morning then 12 Sanderling & 6 Knot in Broadford Bay this afternoon
Spotted Flycatcher - in garden in Strathpeffer
Nuthatch - on a garden feeder in Drumnadrochit
Wednesday 23rd August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Robert Wilson, Blair Whyte, Skye-Birds
Scaup - 12 at Jemimaville also 135 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Slavonian Grebe
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 at Redcastle also 22 Dunlin
Arctic Skua - 2 at Connage also Common Sandpiper and Red-throated Diver
Bar-tailed Godwit - 16 in Broadford Bay & 5 Knot and 1 Whimbrel
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird still at Nonach, Lochalsh
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Robert Wilson, Blair Whyte, Skye-Birds
Scaup - 12 at Jemimaville also 135 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Slavonian Grebe
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 at Redcastle also 22 Dunlin
Arctic Skua - 2 at Connage also Common Sandpiper and Red-throated Diver
Bar-tailed Godwit - 16 in Broadford Bay & 5 Knot and 1 Whimbrel
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird still at Nonach, Lochalsh
Tuesday 22nd August
Thanks to Sue Sykes, Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Simon Levene, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson, Skye-Birds
Little Stint - at Balintore also 1 Whimbrel
Knot - 6 at Loch Fleet (5 Juvenile and 1 adult in Summer plummage) also 1 Greenshank
Bar-tailed Godwit - 4 at Dornoch Point also 1 Whimbrel, 18 Turnstone, and 22 Sandwich Tern
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Inver also 6 Knot
Sandwich Tern - a large congregation of 200 - 300 at Udale, also 20 Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff still present
Turnstone - c30 at Broadford Bay also 25 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 40 Knot and 80 Redshank
Little Egret - the Loch Ailort bird was present this morning but not this afternoon so may have moved on
Arctic Skua - single bird at Ashaig with another 3 offshore also 30 Turnstone, and 25 Redshank
Manx Shearwater - c500 between Pabay and Croulins
Thanks to Sue Sykes, Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Simon Levene, Peter Leigh, Kim Dawson, Skye-Birds
Little Stint - at Balintore also 1 Whimbrel
Knot - 6 at Loch Fleet (5 Juvenile and 1 adult in Summer plummage) also 1 Greenshank
Bar-tailed Godwit - 4 at Dornoch Point also 1 Whimbrel, 18 Turnstone, and 22 Sandwich Tern
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Inver also 6 Knot
Sandwich Tern - a large congregation of 200 - 300 at Udale, also 20 Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff still present
Turnstone - c30 at Broadford Bay also 25 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 40 Knot and 80 Redshank
Little Egret - the Loch Ailort bird was present this morning but not this afternoon so may have moved on
Arctic Skua - single bird at Ashaig with another 3 offshore also 30 Turnstone, and 25 Redshank
Manx Shearwater - c500 between Pabay and Croulins
Monday 21st August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds, Robert Wilson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill
Arctic Skua - (5 dark, 2 pale) at Chanonry Point also 4 Red-throated diver , 70 Kittiwake, 92 Gannet, 135 Sandwich Tern, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit - 4 in Broadford Bay also 4 Sanderling, 180 Dunlin, 100 Ringed Plover a Sandwich Tern, 27 Knot, 3 Black-tailed Godwit in Broadford Bay, 40+ flew south over Broadford midday
Little Egret - single still at the head of Loch Ailort
Ruff - 9 at Udale also 2 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, and a Stock Dove, 5 Dunlin also Arctic Tern
Great Skua - 6 viewed on Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry - (Highland/Hebrides region not specified) also 12 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, c50 Manx Shearwater, around 25 Storm Petrel, Kittiwakes, 50+Arctic Tern, probable Red-necked Phalarope
Late Records - Thanks to Ian Hampson and Gordon MacLeod
Kingfisher - 1 by Lower Gaich, Grantown on Spey on 17 August and 2 at Aviemore Osprey Pond on 20 August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds, Robert Wilson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill
Arctic Skua - (5 dark, 2 pale) at Chanonry Point also 4 Red-throated diver , 70 Kittiwake, 92 Gannet, 135 Sandwich Tern, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit - 4 in Broadford Bay also 4 Sanderling, 180 Dunlin, 100 Ringed Plover a Sandwich Tern, 27 Knot, 3 Black-tailed Godwit in Broadford Bay, 40+ flew south over Broadford midday
Little Egret - single still at the head of Loch Ailort
Ruff - 9 at Udale also 2 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, and a Stock Dove, 5 Dunlin also Arctic Tern
Great Skua - 6 viewed on Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry - (Highland/Hebrides region not specified) also 12 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver, c50 Manx Shearwater, around 25 Storm Petrel, Kittiwakes, 50+Arctic Tern, probable Red-necked Phalarope
Late Records - Thanks to Ian Hampson and Gordon MacLeod
Kingfisher - 1 by Lower Gaich, Grantown on Spey on 17 August and 2 at Aviemore Osprey Pond on 20 August
Sunday 20th August
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 7 at Dornoch Point 2 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 3 Golden Plover, 28 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua some Swallows a few Sand Martin
Ringed Plover - 100+ Coul Links
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 7 at Dornoch Point 2 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 3 Golden Plover, 28 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua some Swallows a few Sand Martin
Ringed Plover - 100+ Coul Links
Saturday 19th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Judith & Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Skua - 4 at Embo
Pomarine Skua - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point, 2 at Embo
Arctic Skua - 7 at Embo, with 8 (all dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus (all seen 0550-0730hrs) 125 Sandwich Tern, 71 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, 1 Black Guillemot, 3 Teal
Whimbrel - 1 a Hilton of Cadboll
Bar-tailed Godwit - 3 at Dornoch
Little Stint - 1 still at Balintore
Swift - 8 at Kyleakin, Skye
Pied Flycatcher - 2 at the plantation by Tarbat Ness
Garden Warbler - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Simeon Ewing, Judith & Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Skua - 4 at Embo
Pomarine Skua - 1 (juv) at Chanonry Point, 2 at Embo
Arctic Skua - 7 at Embo, with 8 (all dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus (all seen 0550-0730hrs) 125 Sandwich Tern, 71 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, 1 Black Guillemot, 3 Teal
Whimbrel - 1 a Hilton of Cadboll
Bar-tailed Godwit - 3 at Dornoch
Little Stint - 1 still at Balintore
Swift - 8 at Kyleakin, Skye
Pied Flycatcher - 2 at the plantation by Tarbat Ness
Garden Warbler - 1 at Westhill, Inverness
Friday 18th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Carole & Peter Leigh, Judith & Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Graeme Prest, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Andy Williams, BirdGuides, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus juvenile Water Rail and 7 Bar-tailed Godwit
Brown Booby - 1 off Tarbat Ness (at 1530hrs)
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Helmsdale
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Manx Shearwater
Storm Petrel - 1 off Brora, plus 6 Sooty Shearwater and 50+ Manx Shearwater plus large numbers of tern species and Kittiwakes
Long-tailed Skua - 2 at Brora plus 6 Great Skua, 2 Little Gull and 36 Teal
Arctic Skua - 4 at Tarbat Ness, 5 at Brora, 3 at Alturlie, with 5 (all dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus 4 Gannet, 126 Sandwich Tern and 75 Kittiwake
Little Egret - 1 still at the head of Loch Ailort
Little Stint - 1 at Balintore, plus 1 Golden Plover, 2 Dunlin and 6 Turnstone (all sumplum)
Curlew - c230 at The Mound, near Dornoch
Swift - 3 at Brora, while 104 passed over Craig Padhrig, Inverness in 45 mins this evening
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Carole & Peter Leigh, Judith & Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Graeme Prest, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Andy Williams, BirdGuides, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus juvenile Water Rail and 7 Bar-tailed Godwit
Brown Booby - 1 off Tarbat Ness (at 1530hrs)
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Helmsdale
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Manx Shearwater
Storm Petrel - 1 off Brora, plus 6 Sooty Shearwater and 50+ Manx Shearwater plus large numbers of tern species and Kittiwakes
Long-tailed Skua - 2 at Brora plus 6 Great Skua, 2 Little Gull and 36 Teal
Arctic Skua - 4 at Tarbat Ness, 5 at Brora, 3 at Alturlie, with 5 (all dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus 4 Gannet, 126 Sandwich Tern and 75 Kittiwake
Little Egret - 1 still at the head of Loch Ailort
Little Stint - 1 at Balintore, plus 1 Golden Plover, 2 Dunlin and 6 Turnstone (all sumplum)
Curlew - c230 at The Mound, near Dornoch
Swift - 3 at Brora, while 104 passed over Craig Padhrig, Inverness in 45 mins this evening
Thursday 17th August
Thanks to Judith & Simon Levene, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Jonathan Willet, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Brora
Leach's Storm Petrel - 2 from Uig-Tarbert ferry, plus 20+ Storm Petrel
Little Stint - 1 at Balintore
Whimbrel - 1 at Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye
Little Egret - 1 still at the head of Loch Ailort
Ring Ouzel - 1 (juv) in Ardgeal, Kincraig
Corn Bunting - 2 at Dalziel Farm, plus 1 Whitethroat and resident Tree Sparrows
Linnet - 120+ at Connage burn
Swift - 19 at Grantown-on-Spey
Thanks to Judith & Simon Levene, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Jonathan Willet, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Brora
Leach's Storm Petrel - 2 from Uig-Tarbert ferry, plus 20+ Storm Petrel
Little Stint - 1 at Balintore
Whimbrel - 1 at Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye
Little Egret - 1 still at the head of Loch Ailort
Ring Ouzel - 1 (juv) in Ardgeal, Kincraig
Corn Bunting - 2 at Dalziel Farm, plus 1 Whitethroat and resident Tree Sparrows
Linnet - 120+ at Connage burn
Swift - 19 at Grantown-on-Spey
Wednesday 16th August
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 3 at Dornoch
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Brora; Basking Shark also seen
Little Gull - 6 at Brora, with 2 juv at Dornoch
Water Rail - 1 juvenile at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Little Egret - 1 at the head of Loch Ailort
Redshank - 350+ at Bunchrew plus 21 Black-tailed Godwit
Jay - 1 at Portmahomack (locally rare)
Swift - 40+ over Achantoul, Aviemore with 38+ over Inverness
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Duncan Macdonald, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 3 at Dornoch
Sooty Shearwater - 3 at Brora; Basking Shark also seen
Little Gull - 6 at Brora, with 2 juv at Dornoch
Water Rail - 1 juvenile at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Little Egret - 1 at the head of Loch Ailort
Redshank - 350+ at Bunchrew plus 21 Black-tailed Godwit
Jay - 1 at Portmahomack (locally rare)
Swift - 40+ over Achantoul, Aviemore with 38+ over Inverness
Tuesday 15th August
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 1 at Coul links
Pink-footed Goose - 1 amongst Greylags at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Red-breasted Merganser - 1 female with 3 juv at Lochindorb
Spotted Flycatcher - 3 (plus at least 1 juv) at Alladale, 4 at Strathpeffer
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 1 at Coul links
Pink-footed Goose - 1 amongst Greylags at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Red-breasted Merganser - 1 female with 3 juv at Lochindorb
Spotted Flycatcher - 3 (plus at least 1 juv) at Alladale, 4 at Strathpeffer
Monday 14th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 96 Sandwich Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Knot and 12 Turnstone
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Connage, plus 4 Black-tailed Godwit
Manx Shearwater - 700+ off Valtos, feeding near Lesser Rorqual whales
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Dunlin, 80 Ringed Plover, 4 Sanderling and 2 Knot
Ruff - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 1 at Ruthven Barracks
Osprey - at Waterloo, Broadford, Skye
Swift - 1 at Brogaig, Staffin, Skye plus 2 Whimbrel
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 96 Sandwich Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Knot and 12 Turnstone
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Connage, plus 4 Black-tailed Godwit
Manx Shearwater - 700+ off Valtos, feeding near Lesser Rorqual whales
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Dunlin, 80 Ringed Plover, 4 Sanderling and 2 Knot
Ruff - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 1 at Ruthven Barracks
Osprey - at Waterloo, Broadford, Skye
Swift - 1 at Brogaig, Staffin, Skye plus 2 Whimbrel
Sunday 13th August
Thanks to Paul Baxter, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Ullapool-Stornoway ferry plus 1 Balearic Shearwater
Great Skua - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Bar-tailed Godwit - 24 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Sanderling and 13 Knot
Golden Plover - 4 at Inver bay, plus 5 Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit
Cuckoo - juvenile on the Heaste Road, Broadford, Skye
Thanks to Paul Baxter, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Cory's Shearwater - 1 off Ullapool-Stornoway ferry plus 1 Balearic Shearwater
Great Skua - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Bar-tailed Godwit - 24 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Sanderling and 13 Knot
Golden Plover - 4 at Inver bay, plus 5 Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit
Cuckoo - juvenile on the Heaste Road, Broadford, Skye
Saturday 12th August
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Dave Pierce, RBA
Marsh Harrier - 2 Insh Marshes
Ruff - 1 Udale Bay
Greenshank - 3 Udale Bay
Red-necked Phalarope - 1 Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry
Kingfisher - 1 Udale Bay
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Dave Pierce, RBA
Marsh Harrier - 2 Insh Marshes
Ruff - 1 Udale Bay
Greenshank - 3 Udale Bay
Red-necked Phalarope - 1 Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry
Kingfisher - 1 Udale Bay
Friday 11th August
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, RBA, Blair Whyte, John Poyner
Greenshank - 1 Dornoch Point 3 Udale Bay
Golden Plover - 2 Dornoch Point
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Point, 1 Udale Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 93 Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 4 Dornoch Point
Long-tailed Skua - 1 from boat off Portree
Little Gull - 7 Brora
Swallow - an albino or leucistic bird Avoch
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, RBA, Blair Whyte, John Poyner
Greenshank - 1 Dornoch Point 3 Udale Bay
Golden Plover - 2 Dornoch Point
Ruff - 1 Dornoch Point, 1 Udale Bay
Bar-tailed Godwit - 93 Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 4 Dornoch Point
Long-tailed Skua - 1 from boat off Portree
Little Gull - 7 Brora
Swallow - an albino or leucistic bird Avoch
Thursday 10h August
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Blair Whyte
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Connage
Arctic Skua - 3 Chanory Point
Wednesday 9th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Arctic Skua - 3 Chanory Point
Storm Petrel - 1 From the Mallaig to Rum ferry
Kingfisher - 1 near River Averon mouth, Dalmore, Alness
Strathy Point - in morning (all birds heading west)
Black-throated Diver - 2
Great Northern Diver - 1
Manx Shearwater - 126
Sooty Shearwater - 8
Storm Petrel - 4
Great Skua - 16
Arctic Skua - 3
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson
Arctic Skua - 3 Chanory Point
Storm Petrel - 1 From the Mallaig to Rum ferry
Kingfisher - 1 near River Averon mouth, Dalmore, Alness
Strathy Point - in morning (all birds heading west)
Black-throated Diver - 2
Great Northern Diver - 1
Manx Shearwater - 126
Sooty Shearwater - 8
Storm Petrel - 4
Great Skua - 16
Arctic Skua - 3
Tuesday 8th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan Tilmouth, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Rare Bird Alert
Chanory Point 05:20 - 07:00
Gannet - 44
Pomarine Skua - 4 (3 adults & 1 juv)
Arctic Skua - 2
Kittiwake - 45
Sandwich Tern -54
Sooty Shearwater - 5 Strathy Point
Pomarine Skua - 1 adult Ardersier Bay
Great Skua - 1 between Pabay and Plockton
Arctic Skua - 1 Coul Links
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan Tilmouth, Alan MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Rare Bird Alert
Chanory Point 05:20 - 07:00
Gannet - 44
Pomarine Skua - 4 (3 adults & 1 juv)
Arctic Skua - 2
Kittiwake - 45
Sandwich Tern -54
Sooty Shearwater - 5 Strathy Point
Pomarine Skua - 1 adult Ardersier Bay
Great Skua - 1 between Pabay and Plockton
Arctic Skua - 1 Coul Links
Monday 7th August
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Alan MacAskill, Mike Crutch
Ringed Plover - 150 Brora, 12 Whteness
Arctic Skua - 2 Loch Fleet, 1 Brora
Sandwich Tern - 150 Brora
Arctic Tern - 1 Brora
Swift - 18 still Aviemore
No reports of the Harlequin Duck at Loch Fleet today.
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Blair Whyte, Fiona, Alan MacAskill, Mike Crutch
Ringed Plover - 150 Brora, 12 Whteness
Arctic Skua - 2 Loch Fleet, 1 Brora
Sandwich Tern - 150 Brora
Arctic Tern - 1 Brora
Swift - 18 still Aviemore
No reports of the Harlequin Duck at Loch Fleet today.
Sunday 6th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Donald Bremner, Alastair McNee, Kim Dawson,
Late news Saturday 5th August
Harlequin Duck - 1 drake mouth of Loch Fleet
Harlequin Duck - Coul Links/ mouth of Loch Fleet - quite close to Little Ferry (prior to 3pm today)
Manx Shearwater - 5 Tarbat Ness
Greenshank - 1 Dornoch Point
Grey Plover -1 Dornoch Point
Arctic Skua - 3 Chanonry Point + 1 Coul Links
Little Gull - 1 Coul Links
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Donald Bremner, Alastair McNee, Kim Dawson,
Late news Saturday 5th August
Harlequin Duck - 1 drake mouth of Loch Fleet
Harlequin Duck - Coul Links/ mouth of Loch Fleet - quite close to Little Ferry (prior to 3pm today)
Manx Shearwater - 5 Tarbat Ness
Greenshank - 1 Dornoch Point
Grey Plover -1 Dornoch Point
Arctic Skua - 3 Chanonry Point + 1 Coul Links
Little Gull - 1 Coul Links
Saturday 5th August
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Alan, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh
Greenshank - 4 at Udale also Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit and Whitethroat
Golden Plover - 3 juveniles at Arturlie
Arctic Skua - 3 at the mouth of Loch Fleet - also 2 at Score Bay, Kilmuir
Corn Bunting - 4 at Dalziel Farm
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Alan, Blair Whyte, Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh
Greenshank - 4 at Udale also Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit and Whitethroat
Golden Plover - 3 juveniles at Arturlie
Arctic Skua - 3 at the mouth of Loch Fleet - also 2 at Score Bay, Kilmuir
Corn Bunting - 4 at Dalziel Farm
Friday 4th August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Arctic Skua - 5 at Chanonry Point (1 dark, 3 pale, 1 intermediate), 29 Kittiwake, 47 Gannet, just 13 Sandwich Tern, one Osprey and one Turnstone
Grasshopper Warbler - still reeling at Upper Tote
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Arctic Skua - 5 at Chanonry Point (1 dark, 3 pale, 1 intermediate), 29 Kittiwake, 47 Gannet, just 13 Sandwich Tern, one Osprey and one Turnstone
Grasshopper Warbler - still reeling at Upper Tote
Thursday 3rd August
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Arctic Skua - 5 at Chanonry Point also 123 Sandwich Tern, 39 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet and 1 Red Throated Diver
Great Skua - 6 at Castle Island, Eigg
Storm Petrel - single Outer Loch Snizort from the ferry and a dark morph Arctic Skua
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds
Arctic Skua - 5 at Chanonry Point also 123 Sandwich Tern, 39 Kittiwake, 5 Gannet and 1 Red Throated Diver
Great Skua - 6 at Castle Island, Eigg
Storm Petrel - single Outer Loch Snizort from the ferry and a dark morph Arctic Skua
Wednesday 2nd August
Thanks to Alan Tilmouth, Tom, Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Pectoral Sandpiper - Alturlie Point
Ruff - Juvenile at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - Loch Fleet
Common Sandpiper - 22 at The Mound
Manx Shearwater - 26 at Embo also 2 Arctic Skua and a Bonxie
Great Skua - 13 over Staffin Island also a single Arctic Skua
Thanks to Alan Tilmouth, Tom, Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Pectoral Sandpiper - Alturlie Point
Ruff - Juvenile at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - Loch Fleet
Common Sandpiper - 22 at The Mound
Manx Shearwater - 26 at Embo also 2 Arctic Skua and a Bonxie
Great Skua - 13 over Staffin Island also a single Arctic Skua
Tuesday 1st August
Thanks to Emma Adam
Spotted Flycatcher - Geanies, Fearn
Thanks to Emma Adam
Spotted Flycatcher - Geanies, Fearn
Monday 31st July
Thanks to Graham Lennington, Dylan Duant
Bonaparte's Gull - Ullapool
Black-tailed Godwit - 7 at Udale Bay also 3 Greenshank, 500+ Canada Goose, 25 Greylag Goose, 250+ Redshank, 284 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 juvenile Shelduck and 128 Curlew
Sandwich Tern - two in Broadford Bay & two Sanderling
Thanks to Graham Lennington, Dylan Duant
Bonaparte's Gull - Ullapool
Black-tailed Godwit - 7 at Udale Bay also 3 Greenshank, 500+ Canada Goose, 25 Greylag Goose, 250+ Redshank, 284 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 juvenile Shelduck and 128 Curlew
Sandwich Tern - two in Broadford Bay & two Sanderling
Sunday 30th July
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, Blair Whyte, Andy Chapman, Peter Leigh, skye-birds.com
Wood Sandpiper - Connage Bay
Lapwing - 100+ at Redcastle also 16 Sandwich Tern, 40+ Curlew and 30 Dunlin
Goosander - 14 at head of Loch Carron also Female Red-breasted Merganser with 8 well grown young and 180 Greylag Goose
Manx Shearwater - Nairn East Beach also 2 Fulmar and Arctic Skua
Arctic Skua - 2 at Golspie
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, Blair Whyte, Andy Chapman, Peter Leigh, skye-birds.com
Wood Sandpiper - Connage Bay
Lapwing - 100+ at Redcastle also 16 Sandwich Tern, 40+ Curlew and 30 Dunlin
Goosander - 14 at head of Loch Carron also Female Red-breasted Merganser with 8 well grown young and 180 Greylag Goose
Manx Shearwater - Nairn East Beach also 2 Fulmar and Arctic Skua
Arctic Skua - 2 at Golspie
Saturday 29th July
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, 'Tom', skye-birds.com
Storm Petrel - 1 off Brora river mouth, plus 1 Little Gull, 19 Manx Shearwater and 1 Great Skua
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Brora
Knot - 1 (in sumplum) at Broadford Bay, Skye
Sanderling - 5 at Traigh, Morar, while on Skye were 2 at Broadford Bay and 2 at Staffin Bay
Whimbrel - 4 at Hilton of Cadboll
Quail - 1 calling south of Golspie
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, 'Tom', skye-birds.com
Storm Petrel - 1 off Brora river mouth, plus 1 Little Gull, 19 Manx Shearwater and 1 Great Skua
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Brora
Knot - 1 (in sumplum) at Broadford Bay, Skye
Sanderling - 5 at Traigh, Morar, while on Skye were 2 at Broadford Bay and 2 at Staffin Bay
Whimbrel - 4 at Hilton of Cadboll
Quail - 1 calling south of Golspie
Friday 28th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 11 at Dornoch plus 20 Sanderling
Great Skua - 7 at Neist Point, Skye plus 2 Arctic Skua (2 Orca seen also)
Common Sandpiper - 14 at The Mound, near Dornoch
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 11 at Dornoch plus 20 Sanderling
Great Skua - 7 at Neist Point, Skye plus 2 Arctic Skua (2 Orca seen also)
Common Sandpiper - 14 at The Mound, near Dornoch
Thursday 27th July
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Golspie
Arctic Skua - 2 at Golspie and 3 at Embo
Manx Shearwater - c62 at Embo and c10 at Golspie
Goldeneye - 1 at Embo
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 5 at Golspie
Arctic Skua - 2 at Golspie and 3 at Embo
Manx Shearwater - c62 at Embo and c10 at Golspie
Goldeneye - 1 at Embo
Wednesday 26th July
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Roseate Tern - possible sighting at Kilmory, Rum
Water Rail - 1 at Alturlie
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel
Twite - c40 (including young) at Harrapool, Skye
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Roseate Tern - possible sighting at Kilmory, Rum
Water Rail - 1 at Alturlie
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel
Twite - c40 (including young) at Harrapool, Skye
Tuesday 25th July
Thanks to Al McNee, BirdTrack
Storm Petrel - 2 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, plus single Manx Shearwater and 2 Great Skua
Little Egret - 1 reported at Nigg Bay
Thanks to Al McNee, BirdTrack
Storm Petrel - 2 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, plus single Manx Shearwater and 2 Great Skua
Little Egret - 1 reported at Nigg Bay
Monday 24th July
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, BirdGuides
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Golspie, plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Little Tern - 2 at Dornoch beach plus 1 Arctic Skua and 1 Whimbrel
Kingfisher - 1 on the River Gynack, Kingussie
Black Tern - 1 reported at Edderton
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, BirdGuides
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Golspie, plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Little Tern - 2 at Dornoch beach plus 1 Arctic Skua and 1 Whimbrel
Kingfisher - 1 on the River Gynack, Kingussie
Black Tern - 1 reported at Edderton
Sunday 23rd July
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Canada Goose -21 at Isleornsay, Skye (high count for the region)
Arctic Skua - 1 at Coul Links
Manx Shearwater - 109 off Brora during a one-hour seawatch, plus 3 Arctic Skua, and singles of Great Skua and Long-tailed Skua
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Canada Goose -21 at Isleornsay, Skye (high count for the region)
Arctic Skua - 1 at Coul Links
Manx Shearwater - 109 off Brora during a one-hour seawatch, plus 3 Arctic Skua, and singles of Great Skua and Long-tailed Skua
Saturday 22nd July
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill
Black-throated Diver - 3 Golspie
Manx Shearwater - c60 Golspie and 150 at Embo, plus c25 Puffin
Arctic Skua - 2 Golspie and 1 off Brora
Whimbrel - 2 at Loch Fleet
Thanks to Peter Leigh, Dean MacAskill
Black-throated Diver - 3 Golspie
Manx Shearwater - c60 Golspie and 150 at Embo, plus c25 Puffin
Arctic Skua - 2 Golspie and 1 off Brora
Whimbrel - 2 at Loch Fleet
Friday 21st July
Thanks to 'Tom'. Pat Douglas, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, RBA
Common Sandpiper - 4 Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 1 Embo pier
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 reported at Lochaline
Ullapool - Stornoway Ferry
Out - Great Skua 6, Arctic Skua 6, Storm Petrel 6, Manx Shearwater c80
Return - 12 Great Skua, c70 Arctic Tern, 4 Storm Petrel, c50 Manx Shearwater, 1 prob Cory's Shearwater
Thanks to 'Tom'. Pat Douglas, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, RBA
Common Sandpiper - 4 Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 1 Embo pier
Bonaparte's Gull - 1 reported at Lochaline
Ullapool - Stornoway Ferry
Out - Great Skua 6, Arctic Skua 6, Storm Petrel 6, Manx Shearwater c80
Return - 12 Great Skua, c70 Arctic Tern, 4 Storm Petrel, c50 Manx Shearwater, 1 prob Cory's Shearwater
Thursday 20th July
No significant reports
No significant reports
Wednesday 19th July
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Peter Leigh
Canada Goose - 300+ off Alness
Common Scoter - Loch Insh
Greenshank - 1 Inver
Whimbrel - 2 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Dornoch Beach
Arctic Skua - 1 Dornoch Beach, 4 Brora
Little Tern - 7 Dornoch Beach
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 still singing Arisaig area
Corn Bunting - 2 East/West Dalziel
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Sue Sykes, Blair Whyte, Skye Birds, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Peter Leigh
Canada Goose - 300+ off Alness
Common Scoter - Loch Insh
Greenshank - 1 Inver
Whimbrel - 2 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Dornoch Beach
Arctic Skua - 1 Dornoch Beach, 4 Brora
Little Tern - 7 Dornoch Beach
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 still singing Arisaig area
Corn Bunting - 2 East/West Dalziel
Tuesday 18th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 5 Embo
Black-throated Diver - 2 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 17 Embo
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 5 Embo
Black-throated Diver - 2 Embo
Red-throated Diver - 17 Embo
Monday 17th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskil, Al McNee
Black-throated Diver - 5 Coul Links
Manx Shearwater - 5 Coul Links
Cormorant - 500+ Brora
Common Sandpiper - 3 Muirtown Pools
Redshank - 140 Muirtown pools
Greenshank - 8 Skelbo, 6 Loch Fleet
Bar-tailed Godwit - 3 Brora, 4 Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 2 Skelbo, 4 Coul Links
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Mediterranean Gull - 2cy past Coul Links towards Golspie
Arctic/Common Tern - 24 Brora
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan MacAskil, Al McNee
Black-throated Diver - 5 Coul Links
Manx Shearwater - 5 Coul Links
Cormorant - 500+ Brora
Common Sandpiper - 3 Muirtown Pools
Redshank - 140 Muirtown pools
Greenshank - 8 Skelbo, 6 Loch Fleet
Bar-tailed Godwit - 3 Brora, 4 Loch Fleet
Whimbrel - 2 Skelbo, 4 Coul Links
Arctic Skua - 1 Brora
Mediterranean Gull - 2cy past Coul Links towards Golspie
Arctic/Common Tern - 24 Brora
Sunday 16th July
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - 1 Hilton of Cadboll
Saturday 15th July
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Dunlin - c70 in Broadford Bay and 4 Greenshank
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Dunlin - c70 in Broadford Bay and 4 Greenshank
Friday 14th July
Thanks to Simon Levene, Skye-Birds
Quail - 1 calling at Hilton of Cadboll
Black-tailed Godwit - 25 in Broadford Bay along with 2 Whimbrel
Grasshopper Warbler - male still reeling at Lephin, Glendale
Greenshank - 12 at Loch Portree also a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Thanks to Simon Levene, Skye-Birds
Quail - 1 calling at Hilton of Cadboll
Black-tailed Godwit - 25 in Broadford Bay along with 2 Whimbrel
Grasshopper Warbler - male still reeling at Lephin, Glendale
Greenshank - 12 at Loch Portree also a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel
Thursday 13th July
Thanks to Dave Pierce
Shoveler - Loch Insh also Marsh Harrier
Thanks to Dave Pierce
Shoveler - Loch Insh also Marsh Harrier
Wednesday 12th July
No significant reports
No significant reports
Tuesday 11th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Geoff Crook
Dunlin - 26 including 2 juvenile at Dornoch beach also 4 Sanderling, 2 Little Tern and an Arctic Skua
Common Rosefinch - singing in a garden, Highland also pair of Spotted Flycatcher
Arctic Skua - 3 dark birds off Chanonry Point also single Whimbrel
Greenshank - 2 at Skelbo and 2 Whimbrel
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Geoff Crook
Dunlin - 26 including 2 juvenile at Dornoch beach also 4 Sanderling, 2 Little Tern and an Arctic Skua
Common Rosefinch - singing in a garden, Highland also pair of Spotted Flycatcher
Arctic Skua - 3 dark birds off Chanonry Point also single Whimbrel
Greenshank - 2 at Skelbo and 2 Whimbrel
Monday 10th July
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Kim Dawson
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point
Sedge Warbler - Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Kim Dawson
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point
Sedge Warbler - Hilton of Cadboll
Sunday 9th July
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Geoff Crook
Tufted Duck - Loch Vaa
Common Rosefinch - in a garden, Highland
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Geoff Crook
Tufted Duck - Loch Vaa
Common Rosefinch - in a garden, Highland
Saturday 8th July
No significant reports
No significant reports
Friday 7th July
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Gairloch & Loch Ewe Wildlife Sightings Facebook page
Bonaparte's Gull - late report from "last week" of a possible bird on Eilean Fraoch, Loch Gairloch; this comes nearly a year after a bird was reported nearby at Firemore
Greenshank - 2 noted between Cromarty and Shoremill, plus 11 Common Sandpiper, single Golden Plover plus juvenile Lapwing
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Gairloch & Loch Ewe Wildlife Sightings Facebook page
Bonaparte's Gull - late report from "last week" of a possible bird on Eilean Fraoch, Loch Gairloch; this comes nearly a year after a bird was reported nearby at Firemore
Greenshank - 2 noted between Cromarty and Shoremill, plus 11 Common Sandpiper, single Golden Plover plus juvenile Lapwing
Thursday 6th July
Thanks to anonymous observer
Pacific Swift - possible bird along the River Rory north of Stittenham (around grid NH660776)
Thanks to anonymous observer
Pacific Swift - possible bird along the River Rory north of Stittenham (around grid NH660776)
Wednesday 5th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Sue Sykes
Manx Shearwater - 6 at Embo plus single Great Skua
Storm Petrel - 3 seen from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry plus 1 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Sue Sykes
Manx Shearwater - 6 at Embo plus single Great Skua
Storm Petrel - 3 seen from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry plus 1 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua
Tuesday 4th July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Embo
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at the head of Loch Ailort
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, skye-birds.com
Long-tailed Duck - 1 at Embo
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at the head of Loch Ailort
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Monday 3rd July
Thanks to Rob Armstrong, Neil Bennett, Frank Law, Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Coul Links plus 16 Black-throated Diver
Sandwich Tern - 72 at Dornoch saltings plus single Brent Goose
Black-tailed Godwit - 240+ at Broadford Bay, Skye
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Nuthatch - 1 western side of Carrbridge
Thanks to Rob Armstrong, Neil Bennett, Frank Law, Dean MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Coul Links plus 16 Black-throated Diver
Sandwich Tern - 72 at Dornoch saltings plus single Brent Goose
Black-tailed Godwit - 240+ at Broadford Bay, Skye
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Nuthatch - 1 western side of Carrbridge
Sunday 2nd July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Birdguides
Sandwich Tern - 52 at Loch Fleet, including 3 juveniles
Greenshank - 5 at Loch Fleet
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Birdguides
Sandwich Tern - 52 at Loch Fleet, including 3 juveniles
Greenshank - 5 at Loch Fleet
Steppe Grey Shrike - still present near Branault, Ardnamurchan
Saturday 1st July
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Al Mcnee, Ana Walia, Peter Stronach, Skye Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 24 Merkinch an 5 at Clachnaharry in Inverness, plus 8 Broadford River mouth
Greenshank - 5 Loch Fleet
Steppe Grey Shrike - 1 still 1/3rd mile WNW of Branault, Ardnamurchan in hawthorns east of road 500yds south of Achateny Farm.
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Al Mcnee, Ana Walia, Peter Stronach, Skye Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 24 Merkinch an 5 at Clachnaharry in Inverness, plus 8 Broadford River mouth
Greenshank - 5 Loch Fleet
Steppe Grey Shrike - 1 still 1/3rd mile WNW of Branault, Ardnamurchan in hawthorns east of road 500yds south of Achateny Farm.
Friday 30th June
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds, Sandy McNeil, John Connell, Birdguides, Peter Stronach
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 Back of Keppoch Arisag, 38 Waterloo, Broadford Bay, 37 Loch Fleet
Steppe Grey Shrike - 1 still 1/3rd mile WNW of Branault, Ardnamurchan in hawthorns east of road 500yds south of Achateny Farm.
Thursday 29th June
Thanks to Kate Larsen-Daw, John Poyner ,Sany McNeil, John Connell
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 Aultbea
Steppe Grey Shrike - 1 Branault Ardnamurchan c100yds south of Achanty Farm
Wednesday 28th June
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 still Breakish Obbe
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 still Breakish Obbe
Tuesday 27th June
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 Breakish Obbe then flew south
Greenshank - 7 Loch Portree
Dunlin - 32 Dornoch Saltings
Golden Plover - 1 Juv Dornoch Saltings
Stock Dove - 9 Dornoch Saltings
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye-Birds
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 Breakish Obbe then flew south
Greenshank - 7 Loch Portree
Dunlin - 32 Dornoch Saltings
Golden Plover - 1 Juv Dornoch Saltings
Stock Dove - 9 Dornoch Saltings
Monday 26th June
No Significant Sightings
No Significant Sightings
Sunday 25th June
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan
Wigeon - Single Drake at Loch Portree
Garden Warbler - Morvich
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan
Wigeon - Single Drake at Loch Portree
Garden Warbler - Morvich
Saturday 24th June
Thanks to John Poyner, Stuart, Steven Williams, Skye-Birds
(Late Record - 21st and 22nd June 2023)
Stone Curlew - in a field near Croyard Road, Beauly
Magpie - Achiltibuie
Grasshopper Warbler - Southend of Loch Insh
Spotted Flycatcher - Kilmarie, Strathaird
Thanks to John Poyner, Stuart, Steven Williams, Skye-Birds
(Late Record - 21st and 22nd June 2023)
Stone Curlew - in a field near Croyard Road, Beauly
Magpie - Achiltibuie
Grasshopper Warbler - Southend of Loch Insh
Spotted Flycatcher - Kilmarie, Strathaird
Friday 23rd June
No Significant Sightings
No Significant Sightings
Thursday 22nd June
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Andy Harrold
Common Tern - 4 at Loch Portree also 17 Goosander, 9 Greenshank and 1 Bar-tailed godwit
Ruddy Shellduck - female at Nigg
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Andy Harrold
Common Tern - 4 at Loch Portree also 17 Goosander, 9 Greenshank and 1 Bar-tailed godwit
Ruddy Shellduck - female at Nigg
Wednesday 21st June
No Significant Sightings
No Significant Sightings
Tuesday 20th June
Thanks to Neil Bennett, John Poyner
Hoopoe- Rothiemurcus
Spotted Flycatcher - 4 in territories around Portree
Whinchat - pair at Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, John Poyner
Hoopoe- Rothiemurcus
Spotted Flycatcher - 4 in territories around Portree
Whinchat - pair at Portree
Monday 19th June
Thanks to Bob McMillan
Lesser Whitethroat - Glen Nevis, Fort William
Thanks to Bob McMillan
Lesser Whitethroat - Glen Nevis, Fort William
Sunday 18th June
Thanks to Skye-Birds and Tom
Garden Warbler - Nostie Dam, Lochalsh, also one at Craigellachie NNR
Arctic Skua - two at Neist Point
Pied Flycatcher - at Craigellachie NNR
Thanks to Skye-Birds and Tom
Garden Warbler - Nostie Dam, Lochalsh, also one at Craigellachie NNR
Arctic Skua - two at Neist Point
Pied Flycatcher - at Craigellachie NNR
Saturday 17th June
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith
Manx Shearwater - 61 at Embo (northbound passage during one hour)
Garden Warbler - 2 singing males near Fairburn wind farm entrance, Strathconon
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith
Manx Shearwater - 61 at Embo (northbound passage during one hour)
Garden Warbler - 2 singing males near Fairburn wind farm entrance, Strathconon
Friday 16th June
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 on Glas Eilean in Broadford Bay
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 on Glas Eilean in Broadford Bay
Thursday 15th June
Thanks to Stu Crutchfield, Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 at Arisaig plus fledged young at Balmacara
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still in Glenfeshie (near the 'pony bridge') plus another bird in Glen Nevis
Thanks to Stu Crutchfield, Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 at Arisaig plus fledged young at Balmacara
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 still in Glenfeshie (near the 'pony bridge') plus another bird in Glen Nevis
Wednesday 14th June
Thanks to John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Hobby - 1 feeding over Gruinard Bay
Garden Warbler - 1 at Dornie, Lochalsh
Thanks to John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Hobby - 1 feeding over Gruinard Bay
Garden Warbler - 1 at Dornie, Lochalsh
Tuesday 13th June
Thanks to Carl Baggott, Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Harry Richardson, Dave Tanner
Great Skua - maximum 3 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 50+ Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 1 over Portmahomack
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 in Glenfeshie (near the 'pony bridge')
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Strathy
late report from 3rd June on the Cairn Gorm plateau of a drake Garganey (with Teal) near Loch nan Cnapan, with Quail calling nearby also
Thanks to Carl Baggott, Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Harry Richardson, Dave Tanner
Great Skua - maximum 3 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 50+ Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 1 over Portmahomack
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 in Glenfeshie (near the 'pony bridge')
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Strathy
late report from 3rd June on the Cairn Gorm plateau of a drake Garganey (with Teal) near Loch nan Cnapan, with Quail calling nearby also
Monday 12th June
Thanks to Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Pied Flycatcher - 3 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore plus 2 Wood Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 at Mill Pond, Portree
Thanks to Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Pied Flycatcher - 3 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore plus 2 Wood Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 at Mill Pond, Portree
Sunday 11th June
Thanks to Phil Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Skua - continued low numbers of birds seen, with 3 seen on Staffin island, Skye being the highest count of late
Grey Partridge - 2 at Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Phil Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Skua - continued low numbers of birds seen, with 3 seen on Staffin island, Skye being the highest count of late
Grey Partridge - 2 at Tarbat Ness
Saturday 10th June
Thanks to D W Stone
Quail - 1 calling about a mile north of Auchnagallin, near Grantown on Spey
Thanks to D W Stone
Quail - 1 calling about a mile north of Auchnagallin, near Grantown on Spey
Friday 9th June
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Quail - 1 Trumpan, Waternish
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo
Manx Shearwater - 12 Embo
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Skye Birds
Quail - 1 Trumpan, Waternish
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo
Manx Shearwater - 12 Embo
Thursday 8th June
No significant reports
No significant reports
Wednesday 7th June
Thanks to Alan MacAskill
Common Tern - 12 Alturlie Point
Common Whitethroat - 4 Dalziel Farm
Corn Bunting - 2 Dalziel Farm
Thanks to Alan MacAskill
Common Tern - 12 Alturlie Point
Common Whitethroat - 4 Dalziel Farm
Corn Bunting - 2 Dalziel Farm
Tuesday 6th June
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch
Whimbrel - 2 Tongue Causeway
Garden Warbler - 1 singing Ardgeal
Wood Warbler - 2 singing Craigellechie, Aviemore
Thanks to Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett, Mike Crutch
Whimbrel - 2 Tongue Causeway
Garden Warbler - 1 singing Ardgeal
Wood Warbler - 2 singing Craigellechie, Aviemore
Monday 5th June
Thanks to Birdguides, Skye Birds
Iceland Gull - 1 Breakish, Skye
Thanks to Birdguides, Skye Birds
Iceland Gull - 1 Breakish, Skye
Sunday 4th June
Thanks to John Poyner, Stuart Milligan, Pete Gordon, Birdguides, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Pink-footed goose - 3 head of Loch Kishorn
White-winged Black Tern - 1 reported from Stornoway to Ullapool ferry off Priest Hill
Wood Warbler - 2 still singing at Strathcaron + Garden Warbler
Late news yesterday
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 singing Tor Alvie near Aviemore
Icterine Warbler - 1 reported singing in a Melvich garden
Thanks to John Poyner, Stuart Milligan, Pete Gordon, Birdguides, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Pink-footed goose - 3 head of Loch Kishorn
White-winged Black Tern - 1 reported from Stornoway to Ullapool ferry off Priest Hill
Wood Warbler - 2 still singing at Strathcaron + Garden Warbler
Late news yesterday
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 singing Tor Alvie near Aviemore
Icterine Warbler - 1 reported singing in a Melvich garden
Saturday 3rd June
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Pete Stronach, P Marshall
Short-eared Owl - A'chailleach Newtonmore
Grey-headed Wagtail - Balnakeil
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Pete Stronach, P Marshall
Short-eared Owl - A'chailleach Newtonmore
Grey-headed Wagtail - Balnakeil
Friday 2nd June
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Great Skua - possibly two in the vicinity of Eilean Trodday
Ring Ouzel - two males & a female near Keppoch, Strath
Wood Warbler - singing bird at Nonach Lodge, Lochalsh
Arctic Skua - dark morph bird on the Oberan Bank, Arisaig + summer plumage Great Northern Diver
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Great Skua - possibly two in the vicinity of Eilean Trodday
Ring Ouzel - two males & a female near Keppoch, Strath
Wood Warbler - singing bird at Nonach Lodge, Lochalsh
Arctic Skua - dark morph bird on the Oberan Bank, Arisaig + summer plumage Great Northern Diver
Thursday 1st June
Thanks to Steve Williams
Sedge Warbler - on the Speyside Way between Nethybridge and Grantown also Tree Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Spotted Flycatcher
Thanks to Steve Williams
Sedge Warbler - on the Speyside Way between Nethybridge and Grantown also Tree Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Spotted Flycatcher
Wednesday 31st May
Thanks to Alan Macaskill, Skye-Birds
Redstart- at Dulnain Bridge also Spotted Flycatcher
Canada Goose - 2 at Duisdalemore, Sleat with 50+ Greylag Goose
Thanks to Alan Macaskill, Skye-Birds
Redstart- at Dulnain Bridge also Spotted Flycatcher
Canada Goose - 2 at Duisdalemore, Sleat with 50+ Greylag Goose
Tuesday 30th May
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Whooper Swan- single still at Loch Suardal
Thanks to Skye-Birds
Whooper Swan- single still at Loch Suardal
Monday 29th May
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - single at Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - single at Hilton of Cadboll
Sunday 28th May
Thanks to Karen Munro, Julie Vivers, Skye-Birds
European Bee-eater - Gartymore, Helmsdale
Magpie - Balnafettack House, Inverness
Great Skua - 2 at Waternish, single further west from ferry and single bird at Neist Point
Arctic Skua - dark morph near Waternish Point
Ptarmigan - single bird seen on Sgurr nan Gillean
Thanks to Karen Munro, Julie Vivers, Skye-Birds
European Bee-eater - Gartymore, Helmsdale
Magpie - Balnafettack House, Inverness
Great Skua - 2 at Waternish, single further west from ferry and single bird at Neist Point
Arctic Skua - dark morph near Waternish Point
Ptarmigan - single bird seen on Sgurr nan Gillean
Saturday 27th May
Thanks to skye-birds,com
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay
Thanks to skye-birds,com
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay
Friday 26th May
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, skye-birds,com
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point, plus 12 Kittiwake, 1 Fulmar and 4 Common Scoter
Sanderling - 2 (full sumplum) at Chanonry Point
Corncrake - 11 calling males surveyed by Bob Swann on the Isle of Canna, nearly three times more than usual and the highest count since 1982
Garden Warbler - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at south end of Loch Insh, 1 at Quarryfield near Munlochy
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, skye-birds,com
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point, plus 12 Kittiwake, 1 Fulmar and 4 Common Scoter
Sanderling - 2 (full sumplum) at Chanonry Point
Corncrake - 11 calling males surveyed by Bob Swann on the Isle of Canna, nearly three times more than usual and the highest count since 1982
Garden Warbler - 1 at Drumfearn, Skye
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at south end of Loch Insh, 1 at Quarryfield near Munlochy
Thursday 25th May
Thanks to Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 12 in Broadford Bay
Pintail - 1 at Ashaig, Broadford
Long-eared Owl - first report of fledged young in Drumguish, Badenoch
Thanks to Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 12 in Broadford Bay
Pintail - 1 at Ashaig, Broadford
Long-eared Owl - first report of fledged young in Drumguish, Badenoch
Wednesday 24th May
Thanks to 'Tom', skye-birds.com
Great Skua - singles seen at Kilmory, Rum and on the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry, continuing the trend of small numbers following HPAI effects on the population in 2022
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Bealach Easach near Crask
Thanks to 'Tom', skye-birds.com
Great Skua - singles seen at Kilmory, Rum and on the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry, continuing the trend of small numbers following HPAI effects on the population in 2022
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Bealach Easach near Crask
Tuesday 23rd May
Thanks to Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 1 at Neist Point, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Loch Portree
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at southern end of Loch Insh
Thanks to Duncan Macdonald, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 1 at Neist Point, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Loch Portree
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at southern end of Loch Insh
Monday 22nd May
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Caroline Pearson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Gruinard Bay plus single Great Skua
Common Scoter - c1,000 at Portmahomack
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Rothiemurchus, 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Wood Warbler present also)
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Caroline Pearson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner
Great Northern Diver - 5 at Gruinard Bay plus single Great Skua
Common Scoter - c1,000 at Portmahomack
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Rothiemurchus, 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Wood Warbler present also)
Sunday 21st May
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - c1,500 off Ardnamurchan Point
Little Egret - 1 at Acharacle, near the new Shiel bridge
Iceland Gull - 1 (juv) at Neist Point, Skye
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Lairg
Shoveler - pair at Lochlonghead (2nd known Localsh record)
Osprey - 1 at Staffin, Skye (uncommon on the island)
Golden Oriole - 1 reported by a non-birder at Glascairn wood, Culbokie
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - c1,500 off Ardnamurchan Point
Little Egret - 1 at Acharacle, near the new Shiel bridge
Iceland Gull - 1 (juv) at Neist Point, Skye
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Lairg
Shoveler - pair at Lochlonghead (2nd known Localsh record)
Osprey - 1 at Staffin, Skye (uncommon on the island)
Golden Oriole - 1 reported by a non-birder at Glascairn wood, Culbokie
Saturday 20th May
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Gordon Hamlett
Bar-tailed Godwit - 33 at Brora, plus 12 Knot and 5 'Tundra' Ringed Plover
Sanderling - 2 at Broadford Bay
Garden Warbler - 1 at Portree (near Isle of Skye Candle Company)
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Gordon Hamlett
Bar-tailed Godwit - 33 at Brora, plus 12 Knot and 5 'Tundra' Ringed Plover
Sanderling - 2 at Broadford Bay
Garden Warbler - 1 at Portree (near Isle of Skye Candle Company)
Friday 19th May
Thanks to Al McNee, John Carruthers, Pete Jeavons, Skye Birds, Peter Stronach
Great Northern Diver - 4 Ashaig, Broadford and 5 at Ord, Sleat
Long-tailed Duck - 3 Ardersier
Manx Shearwater - 2 Ardersier
Arctic Skua - 1 Ardersier
Greenshank - 5 at head of Loch Harport, Skye
Blue-headed Wagtail - 1 Balnakeil
Thanks to Al McNee, John Carruthers, Pete Jeavons, Skye Birds, Peter Stronach
Great Northern Diver - 4 Ashaig, Broadford and 5 at Ord, Sleat
Long-tailed Duck - 3 Ardersier
Manx Shearwater - 2 Ardersier
Arctic Skua - 1 Ardersier
Greenshank - 5 at head of Loch Harport, Skye
Blue-headed Wagtail - 1 Balnakeil
Thursday 18th May
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Pale-belied Brent Goose - 1 Dornoch plus 11 Pink-footed Geese
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Pale-belied Brent Goose - 1 Dornoch plus 11 Pink-footed Geese
Wednesday 17th May
Thanks to Alan MacAskill Dave Barnett
Wood Warbler - 2 Achilty Oak Wood
Thanks to Alan MacAskill Dave Barnett
Wood Warbler - 2 Achilty Oak Wood
Tuesday 16th May
Thanks to Alan MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo plus Purple Sandpiper, 34 Dunlin and 28 Ringed Plover
Thanks to Alan MacAskill
Great Northern Diver - 1 Embo plus Purple Sandpiper, 34 Dunlin and 28 Ringed Plover
Monday 15th May
Thanks to Peter Stronach, Scott Wotherspoon, Skye Birds, Pete Jeavons, Peter Mackay
Grey Partridge - Alcaig, Black Isle
Whimbrel - 2 Neist Point plus 200+ Manx Shearwater, 200+ Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua
Spotted Redshank - 1 Applecross
Citrine Wagatil - 1 Balnakeil
Thanks to Peter Stronach, Scott Wotherspoon, Skye Birds, Pete Jeavons, Peter Mackay
Grey Partridge - Alcaig, Black Isle
Whimbrel - 2 Neist Point plus 200+ Manx Shearwater, 200+ Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua
Spotted Redshank - 1 Applecross
Citrine Wagatil - 1 Balnakeil
Sunday 14th May
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Jort Brough, Rare Bird Alert
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 west of Dornoch from Cut Hill road
Little Ringed Plover - 1 The Mound
Little Stint - 1 Dornoch Beach
Golden Oriole - 1 Remains of a female found near Brora
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 reported at Tolvah car park Glen Feshie
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Jort Brough, Rare Bird Alert
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 west of Dornoch from Cut Hill road
Little Ringed Plover - 1 The Mound
Little Stint - 1 Dornoch Beach
Golden Oriole - 1 Remains of a female found near Brora
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 reported at Tolvah car park Glen Feshie
Saturday 13th May
Thanks to John Poyner, Fiona, Judith Levene, Gordon Hamlett, Skye-birds.com
Little Ringed Plover - Dornoch on the beach by the burn
Curlew Sandpiper - late news of summer plumage bird at Broadford bay on 10th May
Grey Headed Lapwing - Balmonie pig farm
Sedge Warbler - 2 at Nigg also at least 50 Pink-footed Goose
Garden Warbler - singing bird at Reraig, Lochalsh
Spotted Flycatcher - single male Kinloch, Rum
Swift - at Strathpeffer also Spotted Flycatcher, Common Sandpiper and Grey Wagtail at Contin Island
Thanks to John Poyner, Fiona, Judith Levene, Gordon Hamlett, Skye-birds.com
Little Ringed Plover - Dornoch on the beach by the burn
Curlew Sandpiper - late news of summer plumage bird at Broadford bay on 10th May
Grey Headed Lapwing - Balmonie pig farm
Sedge Warbler - 2 at Nigg also at least 50 Pink-footed Goose
Garden Warbler - singing bird at Reraig, Lochalsh
Spotted Flycatcher - single male Kinloch, Rum
Swift - at Strathpeffer also Spotted Flycatcher, Common Sandpiper and Grey Wagtail at Contin Island
Friday 12th May
Thanks to John Poyner, Robert Wilson, Peter Gordon, Mark Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Skye-birds.com
Garden Warbler - at Brahan Estate
Brambling - on Speyside Way, Balimore, Nethybridge
Swift - 2 at Nethybridge
Twite - pair at Corpach Sea basin
Glaucous Gull - still at Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Ashaig, Broadford
Little Stint - Dornoch also Little Ringed Plover
Thanks to John Poyner, Robert Wilson, Peter Gordon, Mark Galloway, Dean MacAskill, Skye-birds.com
Garden Warbler - at Brahan Estate
Brambling - on Speyside Way, Balimore, Nethybridge
Swift - 2 at Nethybridge
Twite - pair at Corpach Sea basin
Glaucous Gull - still at Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Ashaig, Broadford
Little Stint - Dornoch also Little Ringed Plover
Thursday 11th May
Thanks to John Poyner, Alan, Audrey Turner, Skye-birds.com
Hawfinch - at Talmine yesterday
Swift - 8 circling Inverness Castle and 2 over north end of Aviemore yesterday
Little Egret - Ardmore
Glaucous Gull - at Broadford Bay
Brent Goose - Breakish Obbe with Greylags
Thanks to John Poyner, Alan, Audrey Turner, Skye-birds.com
Hawfinch - at Talmine yesterday
Swift - 8 circling Inverness Castle and 2 over north end of Aviemore yesterday
Little Egret - Ardmore
Glaucous Gull - at Broadford Bay
Brent Goose - Breakish Obbe with Greylags
Wednesday 10th May
Thanks to Graeme Prest, Alan Jones, Pete Gordon, Alan, Duncan MacDonald, Pete Stronach, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Garden Warbler - at Loch Pityoulish another also singing at Loch Insh
Sedge Warbler - at Easter Dalziel also House Martin, Whitethroat and Skylark
Common Swift - 4 Crown area of Inverness
Bar-tailed Godwit - Connage Burn also 2 Dunlin and Whimbrel
Ringed Plover - 85 at Castle Stuart also pair of Long-tailed Duck
Dunlin - 20 at Alturlie also 50 Ringed Plover and 10 Whimbrel
Whooper Swan - single at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Whimbrel - 5 at Redcastle
Little Ringed Plover - on the saltings at Dornoch point, also Little Stint on beach by the burn
Thanks to Graeme Prest, Alan Jones, Pete Gordon, Alan, Duncan MacDonald, Pete Stronach, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Garden Warbler - at Loch Pityoulish another also singing at Loch Insh
Sedge Warbler - at Easter Dalziel also House Martin, Whitethroat and Skylark
Common Swift - 4 Crown area of Inverness
Bar-tailed Godwit - Connage Burn also 2 Dunlin and Whimbrel
Ringed Plover - 85 at Castle Stuart also pair of Long-tailed Duck
Dunlin - 20 at Alturlie also 50 Ringed Plover and 10 Whimbrel
Whooper Swan - single at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Whimbrel - 5 at Redcastle
Little Ringed Plover - on the saltings at Dornoch point, also Little Stint on beach by the burn
Tuesday 9th May
Thanks to Tommy Yourd, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay also a single Knot
Magpie - 2 at Inverness Retail Park
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird at Hamara Lodge, Glendale, Isle of Skye
Common Whitethroat - singing bird at Broadford War Memorail
Thanks to Tommy Yourd, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay also a single Knot
Magpie - 2 at Inverness Retail Park
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird at Hamara Lodge, Glendale, Isle of Skye
Common Whitethroat - singing bird at Broadford War Memorail
Monday 8th May
Thanks to Pete Gordon, John Poyner, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 7 at Alturlie
Hoopoe - 1 at Borrobol, Kinbrace
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore plus single Wood Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at Alturlie
Little Tern - 2 at Dornoch also 360 Ringed Plover and Sedge Warbler
Thanks to Pete Gordon, John Poyner, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 7 at Alturlie
Hoopoe - 1 at Borrobol, Kinbrace
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore plus single Wood Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at Alturlie
Little Tern - 2 at Dornoch also 360 Ringed Plover and Sedge Warbler
Sunday 7th May
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point, Skye plus 8 Purple Sandpiper
Common Scoter - c 3,530 off Portmahomack
Whimbrel - 18 at Sconser, Skye
Little Ringed Plover - 1 at The Mound near Dornoch
Pied Flycatcher - 1 near Aviemore
Redstart - 10 plus birds in wood above Blackfold, near Inverness
Wood Warbler - 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Arctic Skua - 2 at Neist Point, Skye plus 8 Purple Sandpiper
Common Scoter - c 3,530 off Portmahomack
Whimbrel - 18 at Sconser, Skye
Little Ringed Plover - 1 at The Mound near Dornoch
Pied Flycatcher - 1 near Aviemore
Redstart - 10 plus birds in wood above Blackfold, near Inverness
Wood Warbler - 1 at Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore
Saturday 6th May
Thanks to Claire Bale, Adam Batty, Kevin Davis, Peter Stronach, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 20 at Traigh, Morar
Little Ringed Plover - at Balnakeil, Cromarty
Whimbrel - 4 at Shoremills
Yellow Wagtail - single ssp. flavissima at Balnakeil
Corn Bunting - 3 birds at Tornagrain
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Loch Ashie and Boath, Alness
Growing return of Cuckoo, Whitethroat and Sedge Warblers in the region
Thanks to Claire Bale, Adam Batty, Kevin Davis, Peter Stronach, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 20 at Traigh, Morar
Little Ringed Plover - at Balnakeil, Cromarty
Whimbrel - 4 at Shoremills
Yellow Wagtail - single ssp. flavissima at Balnakeil
Corn Bunting - 3 birds at Tornagrain
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Loch Ashie and Boath, Alness
Growing return of Cuckoo, Whitethroat and Sedge Warblers in the region
Friday 5th May
Thanks to Peter Mackay, Holly Page, skye-birds.com
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 at Udale Bay amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, with an escapee Bar-Headed Goose also
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Wood Warbler - 2 at Blackmuir wood, Strathpeffer
Thanks to Peter Mackay, Holly Page, skye-birds.com
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 at Udale Bay amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, with an escapee Bar-Headed Goose also
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Wood Warbler - 2 at Blackmuir wood, Strathpeffer
Thursday 4th May
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, John Carruthers, Kevin Davis, Pete Gordon, Al McNee, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Arctic Tern - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Sandwich Tern and 80+ Common Tern
Scaup - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 19 Common Scoter
Whimbrel - 19 at Castle Stuart, Inverness and 12 at Sconser golf course, Skye
Sanderling - 2 at Chanonry Point
Corncrake - reports of returning birds on Skye
Pallid Harrier - 1 (female) reported at Balnakiel
Grey Partridge - 2 at Rose farm, Cromarty
Hoopoe - 1 in private garden at Gordonbush, Brora
Swift - 1 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
White Wagtail - 1 at Rosemarkie beach plus single Wheatear
Garden Warbler - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 3 Whitethroat
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, John Carruthers, Kevin Davis, Pete Gordon, Al McNee, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Glaucous Gull - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Arctic Tern - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Sandwich Tern and 80+ Common Tern
Scaup - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 19 Common Scoter
Whimbrel - 19 at Castle Stuart, Inverness and 12 at Sconser golf course, Skye
Sanderling - 2 at Chanonry Point
Corncrake - reports of returning birds on Skye
Pallid Harrier - 1 (female) reported at Balnakiel
Grey Partridge - 2 at Rose farm, Cromarty
Hoopoe - 1 in private garden at Gordonbush, Brora
Swift - 1 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
White Wagtail - 1 at Rosemarkie beach plus single Wheatear
Garden Warbler - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus 3 Whitethroat
Wednesday 3rd May
Thanks to Adam Batty, Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Charlotte Robertson, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 34 at Chanonry Point
Gadwall - 2 in mouth of the River Beauly
Whimbrel - 2 at Chanonry Point plus 2 at Alturlie along with 2 White Wagtail and leuchorhoa Wheatear
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 2 Pintail and 16 Pink-footed Goose
Stock Dove - 2 at Ryefield near Tore
Whinchat - 1 at Earlish, Skye
Corn Bunting - singing birds at Mid Coul farm, Tornagrain and Easter Dalziel farm
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Tornagrain and in the Gilchrist area of Muir of Ord
Whitethroat - singles at Chanonry Point, Balloan near Avoch and Easter Dalziel
Thanks to Adam Batty, Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Charlotte Robertson, skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Common Scoter - 34 at Chanonry Point
Gadwall - 2 in mouth of the River Beauly
Whimbrel - 2 at Chanonry Point plus 2 at Alturlie along with 2 White Wagtail and leuchorhoa Wheatear
Green Sandpiper - 1 at Loch Fleet, plus 2 Pintail and 16 Pink-footed Goose
Stock Dove - 2 at Ryefield near Tore
Whinchat - 1 at Earlish, Skye
Corn Bunting - singing birds at Mid Coul farm, Tornagrain and Easter Dalziel farm
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Tornagrain and in the Gilchrist area of Muir of Ord
Whitethroat - singles at Chanonry Point, Balloan near Avoch and Easter Dalziel
Tuesday 2nd May
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Bob Wilson
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 12 at Alturlie plus singles at Shoremills, Cromarty and Broadford Bay, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 (all in sumplum) at Jemimaville
Swift - 2 at Kingussie
White Wagtail - 6 at Alturlie plus 2 Wheatear
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 at Alturlie
Wider fall of Sedge Warblers along coastal areas east and west
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Bob Wilson
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 12 at Alturlie plus singles at Shoremills, Cromarty and Broadford Bay, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 (all in sumplum) at Jemimaville
Swift - 2 at Kingussie
White Wagtail - 6 at Alturlie plus 2 Wheatear
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 at Alturlie
Wider fall of Sedge Warblers along coastal areas east and west
Monday 1st May
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Loch Shieldaig
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 1 at Duntulm, Skye and 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Great Skua, plus 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Arctic Tern, 90+ Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 45 Kittiwake
Whimbrel - 3 at Neist Point, Skye and 22 at Traigh, Morar
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch, Boat of Garten
Wood Warbler - 1 at Achilty oak wood
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, Pete Gordon, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Loch Shieldaig
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 1 at Duntulm, Skye and 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry Point, plus 1 Great Skua, plus 8 Red-throated Diver, 5 Arctic Tern, 90+ Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 45 Kittiwake
Whimbrel - 3 at Neist Point, Skye and 22 at Traigh, Morar
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch, Boat of Garten
Wood Warbler - 1 at Achilty oak wood
Sunday 30th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Eaves, Simeon Ewing, Pete Gordon, Simon Levene, Kate M, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Blair Whyte, skyre-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 6 at Chanonry Point plus 2 Whimbrel, single Black-tailed Godwit (flying with 5 Razorbill), 5 Common Scoter
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Brother's Point, Staffin, Skye
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 on River Ness near Huntly Street, Inverness
Common Scoter - c3,000 at Tarbat Ness and c100 Long-tailed Duck (formal counts on 28/4 by NatureScot gave 3,940 and 190 respectively)
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch, Boat of Garten
Golden Plover - 55 at Davidston, Black Isle and 21 at Milton of Gollanfield
Redstart - 1 at Glen Affric
Tree Pipit - birds singing along Speyside Way at Boat of Garten
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel
Sedge Warbler - singles at Hilton of Cadboll and Loch Flemington
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Loch Insh and Ardentoul, Lochalsh
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Simon Eaves, Simeon Ewing, Pete Gordon, Simon Levene, Kate M, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Blair Whyte, skyre-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 6 at Chanonry Point plus 2 Whimbrel, single Black-tailed Godwit (flying with 5 Razorbill), 5 Common Scoter
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Brother's Point, Staffin, Skye
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 on River Ness near Huntly Street, Inverness
Common Scoter - c3,000 at Tarbat Ness and c100 Long-tailed Duck (formal counts on 28/4 by NatureScot gave 3,940 and 190 respectively)
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch, Boat of Garten
Golden Plover - 55 at Davidston, Black Isle and 21 at Milton of Gollanfield
Redstart - 1 at Glen Affric
Tree Pipit - birds singing along Speyside Way at Boat of Garten
Corn Bunting - 2 at Easter Dalziel
Sedge Warbler - singles at Hilton of Cadboll and Loch Flemington
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Loch Insh and Ardentoul, Lochalsh
Saturday 29th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds, Dave Pullan, Mary Galloway
Whimbrel - 3 Chanonry Point, 11 Kirton Bay, Lochalsh
Common Tern - 52 Chanonry Point
Alpine Swift - late report of a probable seen at Mallaig during coastguard training on 18 March
Common Swift -1 Upper Achintore, Fort William
Cuckoo - birds at Golspie Glen, West Langwell and Altnamain
Greenland Wheatear - 2 Mains of Garten
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Skye-Birds, Dave Pullan, Mary Galloway
Whimbrel - 3 Chanonry Point, 11 Kirton Bay, Lochalsh
Common Tern - 52 Chanonry Point
Alpine Swift - late report of a probable seen at Mallaig during coastguard training on 18 March
Common Swift -1 Upper Achintore, Fort William
Cuckoo - birds at Golspie Glen, West Langwell and Altnamain
Greenland Wheatear - 2 Mains of Garten
Friday 28th April
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - 4 Kildonan, Eigg, 3 Ahaig, 1 Broadford Bay, 6 Hilton of Cadboll
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Whinchat - birds back on territory at Scullamus, Broadford and Drumguish
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Portree
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Kim Dawson
Whimbrel - 4 Kildonan, Eigg, 3 Ahaig, 1 Broadford Bay, 6 Hilton of Cadboll
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Whinchat - birds back on territory at Scullamus, Broadford and Drumguish
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Portree
Thursday 27th April
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Al McNee Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Skye- Birds, Dave Pierce, John Poyner
Velvet Scoter - 10 Embo
Shelduck. - 3 Loch Insh
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch Boat of Garten
Great Northern Diver - 2 Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Passage Wheatears, Whimbrels and White Wagtails continue to be recorded at locations across Highland
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Al McNee Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Skye- Birds, Dave Pierce, John Poyner
Velvet Scoter - 10 Embo
Shelduck. - 3 Loch Insh
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still Milton Loch Boat of Garten
Great Northern Diver - 2 Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Passage Wheatears, Whimbrels and White Wagtails continue to be recorded at locations across Highland
Wednesday 26th April
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Tim Sykes, Duncan Macdonald, Mike Crutch, Neil Bennett, Skye- Birds
Red-breasted Merganser - pair Lochindorb (uncommon record at this site)
Great Northern Diver - 12 Monkstadt Shore
Whimbrel - 3 Tarbat Ness, 5 Ardnish, Broadford
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Twite - 4 Strone, Newtonmore
Hawfinch - 1 just north of Tongue in gardens around Norse Bakehouse by the A836
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Tim Sykes, Duncan Macdonald, Mike Crutch, Neil Bennett, Skye- Birds
Red-breasted Merganser - pair Lochindorb (uncommon record at this site)
Great Northern Diver - 12 Monkstadt Shore
Whimbrel - 3 Tarbat Ness, 5 Ardnish, Broadford
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Twite - 4 Strone, Newtonmore
Hawfinch - 1 just north of Tongue in gardens around Norse Bakehouse by the A836
Tuesday 25th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Blair Whyte, Fiona
Whimbrel - 5 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Redcastle, 6 Alturlie
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Blair Whyte, Fiona
Whimbrel - 5 Hilton of Cadboll, 1 Redcastle, 6 Alturlie
Glaucous Gull - 1 (2cy) still Broadford Bay
Monday 24th April
Thanks to Mary Galloway, Michael Balmain, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Al McNee, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Skye- Birds, Peter Gordon, Keith Betton
Northern Eider - Coul Links
Common Crane - 2 Drumossie Muir in fields then flew east.
Greenshank - 1 Alturlie,
Whimbrel - 1 Alturlie, 5 Dornoch Beach, 2 Merkinch LNR
Great Skua - 2 Broadford Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 Coul Links
Glaucous Gull - 2cy Broadford Bay
White Wagtail - 13 Dornoch Beach, 8 Alturlie, 1 Merkinch LNR
Wood Warbler - 1 singing along Woodland Walk opposite Inverewe Gardens
Corn Bunting - Highland Campervans - near Dalcross
Of interest an Oystercatcher which was ringed/flagged in Devon and winters there has returned to Lochindorb for at least a fifth year.
Late news 20 April White Stork reported Achnahaird
Thanks to Mary Galloway, Michael Balmain, John Poyner, Steve Broyd, Al McNee, Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Skye- Birds, Peter Gordon, Keith Betton
Northern Eider - Coul Links
Common Crane - 2 Drumossie Muir in fields then flew east.
Greenshank - 1 Alturlie,
Whimbrel - 1 Alturlie, 5 Dornoch Beach, 2 Merkinch LNR
Great Skua - 2 Broadford Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 Coul Links
Glaucous Gull - 2cy Broadford Bay
White Wagtail - 13 Dornoch Beach, 8 Alturlie, 1 Merkinch LNR
Wood Warbler - 1 singing along Woodland Walk opposite Inverewe Gardens
Corn Bunting - Highland Campervans - near Dalcross
Of interest an Oystercatcher which was ringed/flagged in Devon and winters there has returned to Lochindorb for at least a fifth year.
Late news 20 April White Stork reported Achnahaird
Sunday 23rd April
Thanks to John Poyer, Dave Pullan, Dean MacAskill, Rob Sheldon, Stephen Kirkup, Mary Galloway, Skye-Birds
Velvet Scoter - 18 Embo
Common Crane - 2 Flew east over Loch Ruthven
Whimbrel - 3 Sullamus, Broadford, 2 Traigh Morar, 5 Niest Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 Poolewe
Arctic Skua - 3 Embo
Sand Martin 800+ Loch Insh in poor weather
Black Redstart - 1 Tongue Causeway
Thanks to John Poyer, Dave Pullan, Dean MacAskill, Rob Sheldon, Stephen Kirkup, Mary Galloway, Skye-Birds
Velvet Scoter - 18 Embo
Common Crane - 2 Flew east over Loch Ruthven
Whimbrel - 3 Sullamus, Broadford, 2 Traigh Morar, 5 Niest Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 Poolewe
Arctic Skua - 3 Embo
Sand Martin 800+ Loch Insh in poor weather
Black Redstart - 1 Tongue Causeway
Saturday 22nd April
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Mary Galloway, Simon Cohen, Peter Gordon, Rob Sheldon, Skye-Birds, John Poyner
Greenshank - at Broomhill, Nethybridge also seen at Lochindorb
Whimbrel - single on shoreline at Alturlie also Wheatear and 3 White Wagtail
Corn Bunting - at Easter Dalziel
Cuckoo - at Badachro near Gairloch also a Tree Pipit
Grasshopper Warbler - 3 heard reeling at Broadford, also heard at Heights of Docharty, Strathpeffer on 19th April - Late report
Hawfinch - 1 in private garden Melness, East Strathen
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Mary Galloway, Simon Cohen, Peter Gordon, Rob Sheldon, Skye-Birds, John Poyner
Greenshank - at Broomhill, Nethybridge also seen at Lochindorb
Whimbrel - single on shoreline at Alturlie also Wheatear and 3 White Wagtail
Corn Bunting - at Easter Dalziel
Cuckoo - at Badachro near Gairloch also a Tree Pipit
Grasshopper Warbler - 3 heard reeling at Broadford, also heard at Heights of Docharty, Strathpeffer on 19th April - Late report
Hawfinch - 1 in private garden Melness, East Strathen
Friday 21st April
Thanks to Andy Tonge, Bob Swann
Corncrake - on Canna, a very early arrival
Waxwing - single bird on top of a conifer in Aviemore
Thanks to Andy Tonge, Bob Swann
Corncrake - on Canna, a very early arrival
Waxwing - single bird on top of a conifer in Aviemore
Thursday 20th April
Thanks to Skye-birds.com, John Poyner, Dave Tanner
Greenland Wheatear - pair at Udale bay
Hawfinch - Mackenzie Place, Kyle of Lochalsh, late report from Tuesday 18th
Cuckoo - calling at Sconser Golf Club
Skylark - c100 at Meikle Ferry Spit, Dornoch also 300 Meadow Pipit
Thanks to Skye-birds.com, John Poyner, Dave Tanner
Greenland Wheatear - pair at Udale bay
Hawfinch - Mackenzie Place, Kyle of Lochalsh, late report from Tuesday 18th
Cuckoo - calling at Sconser Golf Club
Skylark - c100 at Meikle Ferry Spit, Dornoch also 300 Meadow Pipit
Wednesday 19th April
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Osprey - single bird heading north along Kildonan cliffs, Eigg
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Osprey - single bird heading north along Kildonan cliffs, Eigg
Tuesday 18th April
Thanks to Pete Stronach, Pete Gordon, Alan, Dave Barnett, skye-birds.com
European White-fronted goose - 2 at Udale
Scaup - 380 at Jemimaville also 14 Red-throated diver
Whimbrel - first singles reported from Monkstadt and Ardnish
Cuckoo - at Guirds, Lairg also one heard calling on Eigg
Magpie - single bird at Lower Milovaig
Brambling - Male still visiting feeders on Eigg
Thanks to Pete Stronach, Pete Gordon, Alan, Dave Barnett, skye-birds.com
European White-fronted goose - 2 at Udale
Scaup - 380 at Jemimaville also 14 Red-throated diver
Whimbrel - first singles reported from Monkstadt and Ardnish
Cuckoo - at Guirds, Lairg also one heard calling on Eigg
Magpie - single bird at Lower Milovaig
Brambling - Male still visiting feeders on Eigg
Monday 17th April
Thanks to Kevin Davies, Duncan MacDonald Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Redstart - at Loch Vaa
White Wagtail - 19 at Dornoch beach also 2 Whimbrel
Magpie - 2 at Aulturlie
Corn Bunting - 2 on fence close to Inverness Airport, Castle Stuart
Hawfinch - still visiting garden feeders in Portree
European White-fronted goose - amonst 2000+ Pink-footed geese at Udale
Great Skua - single at Neist Point also 12 Puffin and 40 Manx Shearwater
Thanks to Kevin Davies, Duncan MacDonald Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Redstart - at Loch Vaa
White Wagtail - 19 at Dornoch beach also 2 Whimbrel
Magpie - 2 at Aulturlie
Corn Bunting - 2 on fence close to Inverness Airport, Castle Stuart
Hawfinch - still visiting garden feeders in Portree
European White-fronted goose - amonst 2000+ Pink-footed geese at Udale
Great Skua - single at Neist Point also 12 Puffin and 40 Manx Shearwater
Sunday 16th April
Thanks to Kevin Davies, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black Redstart - Grantown on Spey in the High Street car park
Hawfinch - male visiting feeders in Portree
Brambling - male visiting feeders at Cleadale, Eigg
White-fronted Goose - possibly Greenland at Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness in amongst c 500 Pink-footed Geese
Razorbill - 1500 Tarbat Ness also c750 Guillemot and c250 Kittiwake
Common Scoter - 32 at Chanonry Point also 1 Common Tern, 12 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar
Thanks to Kevin Davies, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black Redstart - Grantown on Spey in the High Street car park
Hawfinch - male visiting feeders in Portree
Brambling - male visiting feeders at Cleadale, Eigg
White-fronted Goose - possibly Greenland at Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness in amongst c 500 Pink-footed Geese
Razorbill - 1500 Tarbat Ness also c750 Guillemot and c250 Kittiwake
Common Scoter - 32 at Chanonry Point also 1 Common Tern, 12 Sandwich Tern, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar
Saturday 15th April
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Birdguides, skye-birds.com
Canada Goose - 2 at Lochlonghead, Dornie
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Cuckoo - 1 male at Isleornsay, Skye
Alpine Swift - 1 in Strathdearn
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Birdguides, skye-birds.com
Canada Goose - 2 at Lochlonghead, Dornie
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Cuckoo - 1 male at Isleornsay, Skye
Alpine Swift - 1 in Strathdearn
Friday 14th April
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, Audrey Turner, Blair Whyte
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 50 Long-tailed Duck
Greenshank - 1 at Munlochy Bay
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Long-tailed Duck - c410 at Portmahomack, plus c845 Common Scoter
Shoveler - single drakes at Coul links and Skibo
Grey Partridge - 1 singing at Portmahomack
Tree Pipit - 1 at Loch Pityoulish
Willow Warblers & Blackcaps now widespread through the region
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, Audrey Turner, Blair Whyte
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 50 Long-tailed Duck
Greenshank - 1 at Munlochy Bay
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Long-tailed Duck - c410 at Portmahomack, plus c845 Common Scoter
Shoveler - single drakes at Coul links and Skibo
Grey Partridge - 1 singing at Portmahomack
Tree Pipit - 1 at Loch Pityoulish
Willow Warblers & Blackcaps now widespread through the region
Thursday 13th April
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Velvet Scoter
Little Gull - single 2nd year bird at Brora
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Glendale, Skye
Waxwing - 1 heard over Aviemore
Fieldfare - c80 at Leys estate, Inverness
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, John Poyner, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Velvet Scoter
Little Gull - single 2nd year bird at Brora
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Glendale, Skye
Waxwing - 1 heard over Aviemore
Fieldfare - c80 at Leys estate, Inverness
Wednesday 12th April
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Peter Mackay, Dave Pierce, 'Aidan', 'Chloe', skye-birds.com
Common Tern - 4 at Coul links
Manx Shearwater - 3 at Embo, plus 6 Velvet Scoter
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie plus another at Coul links
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Golden Plover - 50 at Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Ringed Plover - 80 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 20 Dunlin
Woodcock - roding birds reported in Strathspey
Cuckoo - 1 at Portree, Skye
Sand Martin - 600+ at Loch Insh
House Martin - 3 at Conon Bridge
Swallow - 2 at Carnarc Point, Inverness plus 6 at Loch Insh
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Peter Mackay, Dave Pierce, 'Aidan', 'Chloe', skye-birds.com
Common Tern - 4 at Coul links
Manx Shearwater - 3 at Embo, plus 6 Velvet Scoter
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie plus another at Coul links
Ring-necked Duck - female still at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Golden Plover - 50 at Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Ringed Plover - 80 at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 20 Dunlin
Woodcock - roding birds reported in Strathspey
Cuckoo - 1 at Portree, Skye
Sand Martin - 600+ at Loch Insh
House Martin - 3 at Conon Bridge
Swallow - 2 at Carnarc Point, Inverness plus 6 at Loch Insh
Tuesday 11th April
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Mary Galloway, Peter Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Peter Stronach
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Embo, plus 9 Velvet Scoter
White-billed Diver - 1 off Brora
Sandwich Tern - 68 at Loch Fleet
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch Fleet
Wheatear - 1 at Lochindorb, 2 at Loch Fleet
Willow Warbler - 1 at Hill of Fortrose
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Mary Galloway, Peter Leigh, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Peter Stronach
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Embo, plus 9 Velvet Scoter
White-billed Diver - 1 off Brora
Sandwich Tern - 68 at Loch Fleet
Whooper Swan - 5 at Loch Fleet
Wheatear - 1 at Lochindorb, 2 at Loch Fleet
Willow Warbler - 1 at Hill of Fortrose
Monday 10th April
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Neil Wilson, Fiona, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, Peter MacKay, Phil Wilson, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 180+ from Mallaig-Rum ferry
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Insh also 2 Red Throated Diver, 250 Sand Martin and a single Swallow
Common Sandpiper - 1 at The Mound near Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Tarbat Ness
Sand Martin - 5 at Conon Bridge also 2 Swallow
Gadwall - 2 males on pool at Tain Links
Ring Ouzel - female at Cairngorm car park als 6 Snow Bunting
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 3 miles south of Bowside Lodge, Strathy Forest, North Sutherland
Swallow - 2 at Fortrose also Gannet
White Wagtail - 14 at Dornoch
Yellow Wagtail - Loch Shiel, Moss (opposite Acharacle) - seems to resemble race beema.
Thanks to Gordon Hamlett, Neil Wilson, Fiona, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Sandy McNeil, Dave Pierce, Peter MacKay, Phil Wilson, skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 180+ from Mallaig-Rum ferry
Greenshank - 2 at Loch Insh also 2 Red Throated Diver, 250 Sand Martin and a single Swallow
Common Sandpiper - 1 at The Mound near Dornoch
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Tarbat Ness
Sand Martin - 5 at Conon Bridge also 2 Swallow
Gadwall - 2 males on pool at Tain Links
Ring Ouzel - female at Cairngorm car park als 6 Snow Bunting
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 3 miles south of Bowside Lodge, Strathy Forest, North Sutherland
Swallow - 2 at Fortrose also Gannet
White Wagtail - 14 at Dornoch
Yellow Wagtail - Loch Shiel, Moss (opposite Acharacle) - seems to resemble race beema.
Sunday 9th April
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Gordon Hamlett, Tommy and skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose- 2000 at Nigg plus 12 Pin-tailed Duck and a Chiffchaff
Curlew - 220 at The Mound, Dornoch
Sandwich Tern - 70 at Skelbo
Purlpe Sandpiper - 70 at Brora
Ring-necked Duck - male at Loch Vaa
Blackcap - male on a garden feeder Highfield, Inverness also a bird at Balmacara Woodland Garden
Twite - 4 on feeders Lower Breakish, Isle of Skye
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Gordon Hamlett, Tommy and skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose- 2000 at Nigg plus 12 Pin-tailed Duck and a Chiffchaff
Curlew - 220 at The Mound, Dornoch
Sandwich Tern - 70 at Skelbo
Purlpe Sandpiper - 70 at Brora
Ring-necked Duck - male at Loch Vaa
Blackcap - male on a garden feeder Highfield, Inverness also a bird at Balmacara Woodland Garden
Twite - 4 on feeders Lower Breakish, Isle of Skye
Saturday 8th April
Thanks to Angus Croudace, Mary Galloway, Gordon Hamlett, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 9 at Brora
Gadwall - pair at Alturlie
Mandarin Duck - single drake on Loch Ruthven
Purple Sandpiper - 70 at Brora
Curlew - 220 at The Mound near Dornoch
Greenshank - 2 at Torridon village
Snow Bunting - c190 on the summit of Braerich
Willow Warbler - 1 at Kinlochewe
Blackcap - 1 singing male at Portnalong, Skye
Thanks to Angus Croudace, Mary Galloway, Gordon Hamlett, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 9 at Brora
Gadwall - pair at Alturlie
Mandarin Duck - single drake on Loch Ruthven
Purple Sandpiper - 70 at Brora
Curlew - 220 at The Mound near Dornoch
Greenshank - 2 at Torridon village
Snow Bunting - c190 on the summit of Braerich
Willow Warbler - 1 at Kinlochewe
Blackcap - 1 singing male at Portnalong, Skye
Friday 7th April
Thanks to David Fogg, Pete Gordon, Gary Hodgson, Duncan Macdonald, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Sandwich Tern - 24 at Tarbat Ness, plus other highlights were 10 Red-throated Diver, c 1,500 Razorbill
Red Kite - 1 near Glendale, Skye
Green Woodpecker - 1 calling near the canal in Dingwall
Snow Bunting - c40 at Coire an Lochan, Cairn Gorm
Willow Warbler - first arriving birds at Kincraig and Lurg by Nethy Bridge, plus 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Thanks to David Fogg, Pete Gordon, Gary Hodgson, Duncan Macdonald, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Sandwich Tern - 24 at Tarbat Ness, plus other highlights were 10 Red-throated Diver, c 1,500 Razorbill
Red Kite - 1 near Glendale, Skye
Green Woodpecker - 1 calling near the canal in Dingwall
Snow Bunting - c40 at Coire an Lochan, Cairn Gorm
Willow Warbler - first arriving birds at Kincraig and Lurg by Nethy Bridge, plus 2 at Drumfearn, Skye
Thursday 6th April
Thanks to Calum Urquhart, Neil Bennett, Skye-birds
Ring-necked duck - Loch Vaa
Osprey - at Udale bay
Alpine Swift - reported again at Cleadale, Eigg
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Storr, Isle of Skye
Wheatear at Peddieston, Black Isle
Swallow - Broadford, Isle of Skye
Willow Warbler - Lochaline, Morven and also seen at Broadford, Isle of Skye
Thanks to Calum Urquhart, Neil Bennett, Skye-birds
Ring-necked duck - Loch Vaa
Osprey - at Udale bay
Alpine Swift - reported again at Cleadale, Eigg
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Storr, Isle of Skye
Wheatear at Peddieston, Black Isle
Swallow - Broadford, Isle of Skye
Willow Warbler - Lochaline, Morven and also seen at Broadford, Isle of Skye
Wednesday 5th April
Thanks to Holly, SImon Eaves, Debbie Borthwick
Ring-necked duck - female at Loch Garten
Swallow - at Loch Garten also Sand Martin
Chiffchaff - behind Carrbridge Primary School
Osprey - fishing between Greig Street bridge and Friars bridge, Inverness city centre
Thanks to Holly, SImon Eaves, Debbie Borthwick
Ring-necked duck - female at Loch Garten
Swallow - at Loch Garten also Sand Martin
Chiffchaff - behind Carrbridge Primary School
Osprey - fishing between Greig Street bridge and Friars bridge, Inverness city centre
Tuesday 4th April
Thanks to John Poyner, Tim Sykes, Norah Barnes, Alan, Alistair Clunas
Alpine Swift - Cleadale, Eigg
Ring-necked duck - Loch Insh and another bird at Loch Vaa
Redshank - 1600+ at Redcastle also 42 Dunlin
Whooper Swan - 8 at Inverness side of Chanonry Point
Thanks to John Poyner, Tim Sykes, Norah Barnes, Alan, Alistair Clunas
Alpine Swift - Cleadale, Eigg
Ring-necked duck - Loch Insh and another bird at Loch Vaa
Redshank - 1600+ at Redcastle also 42 Dunlin
Whooper Swan - 8 at Inverness side of Chanonry Point
Monday 3rd April
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, Jock, skye-birds.com
Osprey - Craig Dunain, Inverness
Ringed Plover - Kildonan, Isle of Eigg
Sandmartin - 6-8 birds back at Armadale, Isle of Skye also bird at Kildonan, Isle of Eigg
Thanks to Sam Borthwick, Jock, skye-birds.com
Osprey - Craig Dunain, Inverness
Ringed Plover - Kildonan, Isle of Eigg
Sandmartin - 6-8 birds back at Armadale, Isle of Skye also bird at Kildonan, Isle of Eigg
Sunday 2nd April
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Emma Adam, Kevin Davis, Simon Levene, skye-birds.com
Mandarin Duck - below rail bridge, Beauly
Iceland Gull - 2 Juveniles at Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at the burn mouth, Rosemarkie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 8 at Bayfield Portree
Waxwing - 9 at Hilton Inverness also birds in Boat of Garten
Blackcap - female, Hilton of Cadboll
Swallow - single bird Kinloch, Rum
Chiffchaff - two at Portree Forestry and 7 Balmacara/Reraig, Isle of Skye
Ring Ouzel - male near the trig point at Sithean a' Bhealaich Cumhairig, Torvaig
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Emma Adam, Kevin Davis, Simon Levene, skye-birds.com
Mandarin Duck - below rail bridge, Beauly
Iceland Gull - 2 Juveniles at Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 14 at the burn mouth, Rosemarkie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 8 at Bayfield Portree
Waxwing - 9 at Hilton Inverness also birds in Boat of Garten
Blackcap - female, Hilton of Cadboll
Swallow - single bird Kinloch, Rum
Chiffchaff - two at Portree Forestry and 7 Balmacara/Reraig, Isle of Skye
Ring Ouzel - male near the trig point at Sithean a' Bhealaich Cumhairig, Torvaig
Saturday 1st April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point plus single Black-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 41 Kittiwake, single Common Scoter and 530 Razorbill
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Alturlie, and 4 off Broadford
Manx Shearwater - 20 seen from MV Sheerwater off Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Marsh Harrier - 1 near Ruthven barracks
Swallow - 1 north of Aviemore
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Dave Pierce, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point plus single Black-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 41 Kittiwake, single Common Scoter and 530 Razorbill
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Alturlie, and 4 off Broadford
Manx Shearwater - 20 seen from MV Sheerwater off Back of Keppoch, Arisaig
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Marsh Harrier - 1 near Ruthven barracks
Swallow - 1 north of Aviemore
Friday 31st March
Thanks to Nigel Fairney, Craig Forsyth, Mary Galloway, Joseph Puffin, skye-birds.com, eBird
Slavonian Grebe - 10 at Ashaig, Broadford plus 3 Black-throated Diver and 20 Common Scoter
Whooper Swan - 9 at Balnakiel and 5 at Loch na Larach, Oldshoremore
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Gannet - 2 at Chanonry Point
Little Gull - 1 at Brora
Swallow - 1 at Balnakiel, plus 2 Sandwich Tern
Waxwing - 10 in Drakies, Inverness
Tree Sparrow - 1 at Gafiah, Oldshoremore
Thanks to Nigel Fairney, Craig Forsyth, Mary Galloway, Joseph Puffin, skye-birds.com, eBird
Slavonian Grebe - 10 at Ashaig, Broadford plus 3 Black-throated Diver and 20 Common Scoter
Whooper Swan - 9 at Balnakiel and 5 at Loch na Larach, Oldshoremore
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Gannet - 2 at Chanonry Point
Little Gull - 1 at Brora
Swallow - 1 at Balnakiel, plus 2 Sandwich Tern
Waxwing - 10 in Drakies, Inverness
Tree Sparrow - 1 at Gafiah, Oldshoremore
Thursday 30th March
Thanks to Kim Dawson, 'Fiona', Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com, eBird
Red-throated Diver - 22 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Merlin
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus drake Shoveler on the pools
Manx Shearwater - 1 off Waternish Point, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kinlochbervie, plus single Swallow reported also
Barnacle Goose - 25 on Staffin island, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - c2,000 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge
Whooper Swan - 92 on Loch Gaick, with movements of up to 70 northwards along the Moray Firth/North Sea coastline, plus smaller groups in the west
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa, female at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Ring Ouzel - 1 male at the Quiraing, Skye
Redwing - 60 in Harrapool, Skye
Thanks to Kim Dawson, 'Fiona', Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Sue Sykes, Dave Tanner, Bob Wilson, skye-birds.com, eBird
Red-throated Diver - 22 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Merlin
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus drake Shoveler on the pools
Manx Shearwater - 1 off Waternish Point, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kinlochbervie, plus single Swallow reported also
Barnacle Goose - 25 on Staffin island, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - c2,000 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge
Whooper Swan - 92 on Loch Gaick, with movements of up to 70 northwards along the Moray Firth/North Sea coastline, plus smaller groups in the west
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa, female at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Ring Ouzel - 1 male at the Quiraing, Skye
Redwing - 60 in Harrapool, Skye
Wednesday 29th March
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - c235 on Isay
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - c235 on Isay
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Tuesday 28th March
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 8 at Tarskavaig Bay, Skye plus 3 Black-throated Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 33 off Jemimaville (mostly in sumplum) plus 553 Scaup and a single Gannet
Canada Goose - 2 at Dunvegan, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 8 at Tarskavaig Bay, Skye plus 3 Black-throated Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 33 off Jemimaville (mostly in sumplum) plus 553 Scaup and a single Gannet
Canada Goose - 2 at Dunvegan, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Monday 27th March
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Alan MacAskill, Carol Miller, Pete Moore, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 16 at Tarbat Ness, plus 2 Velvet Scoter
Great Skua - 1 off Kimory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - 1 with Greylags at Lochindorb, with 23 Goldeneye present also
Ring-necked Duck - female at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Mandarin Duck - pair on the River Enrick, Corrimony
Redwing - 30 at Loch Ruthven
Ring Ouzel - 1 reported on territory in Badenoch
Wheatear - 5 at Neist Point, Skye
Thanks to Mike Crutch, Alan MacAskill, Carol Miller, Pete Moore, John Poyner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 16 at Tarbat Ness, plus 2 Velvet Scoter
Great Skua - 1 off Kimory, Rum
Pink-footed Goose - 1 with Greylags at Lochindorb, with 23 Goldeneye present also
Ring-necked Duck - female at Milton lochan, Boat of Garten
Mandarin Duck - pair on the River Enrick, Corrimony
Redwing - 30 at Loch Ruthven
Ring Ouzel - 1 reported on territory in Badenoch
Wheatear - 5 at Neist Point, Skye
Sunday 26th March
Thanks to Holly Page, John Poyner, Birdguides, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - c2,000 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge and 32 north over Broadford
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch na Larach, Oldshoremore, 4 at River Shiel pools, Localsh and 20 over Storr lochs, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Alpine Swift - 1 at Duror
Waxwing - 1 still at Boat of Garten
Wheatear - 1 at Droman pier plus single White Wagtail
Thanks to Holly Page, John Poyner, Birdguides, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - c2,000 at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge and 32 north over Broadford
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch na Larach, Oldshoremore, 4 at River Shiel pools, Localsh and 20 over Storr lochs, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - drake still at Loch Vaa
Alpine Swift - 1 at Duror
Waxwing - 1 still at Boat of Garten
Wheatear - 1 at Droman pier plus single White Wagtail
Saturday 25th March
Thanks to John Poyner, Dean MacAskill, Stuart Edwards, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - single drakes Loch Vaa and Loch Eye
Little Gull - 20 Brora
Great Grey Shrike - 1 between Oykel Bridge Hotel and Lubcroy Farm
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - 2 Brora
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area/Tennis Court plus 13 at Drumossie Avenue, Inverness
Thanks to John Poyner, Dean MacAskill, Stuart Edwards, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - single drakes Loch Vaa and Loch Eye
Little Gull - 20 Brora
Great Grey Shrike - 1 between Oykel Bridge Hotel and Lubcroy Farm
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - 2 Brora
Greenshank - 2 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area/Tennis Court plus 13 at Drumossie Avenue, Inverness
Friday 24th March
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner Chloe, Jort Brough, Calum Urquhart
Great Crested Grebe - Off Alturlie Water Works + 13 Scaup
Green-winged Teal - Alturlie Pools
Purple Sandpiper - 84 Brora
Waxwing - 6 Hilton Community Centre, Inverness
Continued arrival of Chiffchaffs, Ospreys, Sand Martins, Wheatears, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Sandwich Terns across the region
.
Thanks to Blair Whyte, Dean MacAskill, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, John Poyner Chloe, Jort Brough, Calum Urquhart
Great Crested Grebe - Off Alturlie Water Works + 13 Scaup
Green-winged Teal - Alturlie Pools
Purple Sandpiper - 84 Brora
Waxwing - 6 Hilton Community Centre, Inverness
Continued arrival of Chiffchaffs, Ospreys, Sand Martins, Wheatears, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Sandwich Terns across the region
.
Thursday 23rd March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Fairney, Kevin Davis, Gary Aitken, Peter Stronach, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Caroline Snow, Patrica Phillips, Mark & Susan Wynn, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake again at Loch Vaa and a female on Loch Morlich
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Kinlochbervie harbour
Probable Alpine Swift - 1 Camascrosie, Sleat, Skye seen between 16:30-17:00
Tree Sparrow - 1 at a garden feeder in Oldshoremore
Great Grey Shrike - 1 south of Essich at NH629 360
Chiffchaffs, Ospreys, Sand Martins, Wheatears, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Sandwich Terns are beginning to return to numerous sites across Highland.
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Fairney, Kevin Davis, Gary Aitken, Peter Stronach, Simeon Ewing, Alan MacAskill, Caroline Snow, Patrica Phillips, Mark & Susan Wynn, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake again at Loch Vaa and a female on Loch Morlich
Glaucous Gull - 1 first winter Kinlochbervie harbour
Probable Alpine Swift - 1 Camascrosie, Sleat, Skye seen between 16:30-17:00
Tree Sparrow - 1 at a garden feeder in Oldshoremore
Great Grey Shrike - 1 south of Essich at NH629 360
Chiffchaffs, Ospreys, Sand Martins, Wheatears, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Sandwich Terns are beginning to return to numerous sites across Highland.
Wednesday 22nd March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, D W Stone, Ian Ford, Dave Pierce , Rare Bird Alert, Skye Birds
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake again at Loch Vaa
Kittiwake - 200+ Caol
Sandwich Tern - 4 Loch Fleet
Woodcock - 16 Plockton
Sand Martin - 22+ Loch Insh
Wheatear - 1 male Inverlochy + Greenshank
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, D W Stone, Ian Ford, Dave Pierce , Rare Bird Alert, Skye Birds
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake again at Loch Vaa
Kittiwake - 200+ Caol
Sandwich Tern - 4 Loch Fleet
Woodcock - 16 Plockton
Sand Martin - 22+ Loch Insh
Wheatear - 1 male Inverlochy + Greenshank
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Tuesday 21st March
Thanks to Calum Scot, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Amy Archer, Peter Mackay, Malcolm O'Reilly
Russian White-Fronted Goose - 2 Loch Fleet
Greenland White fronted Goose - 1 Loch Fleet
Barnacle Goose - 85 Mungasdale, also 1 at Loch Fleet
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Vaa
Osprey - 1 The Mound and another over the Cairngorm Plateau
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to Calum Scot, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Amy Archer, Peter Mackay, Malcolm O'Reilly
Russian White-Fronted Goose - 2 Loch Fleet
Greenland White fronted Goose - 1 Loch Fleet
Barnacle Goose - 85 Mungasdale, also 1 at Loch Fleet
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Vaa
Osprey - 1 The Mound and another over the Cairngorm Plateau
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Monday 20th March
Thanks to Calum Scott, Dave Pullan, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Syke Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Russian White-Fronted Goose - Loch Fleet
Greenland White fronted Goose - 2 off A9 at Skelbo
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood
Ring-necked Duck - 3 - 1 female Loch Morlich + 1 drake Loch Vaa also another drake on Loch Eye (north side between pier and boat shed)
Velvet Scoter - 4 drakes Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 2 Loch Fleet
Swift sp - 1 Plockton. Given the present Alpine Swift influx to the UK and Ireland this is an intriguing report.
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Twite - c40 Flew over Portmahomack
Thanks to Calum Scott, Dave Pullan, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Syke Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Russian White-Fronted Goose - Loch Fleet
Greenland White fronted Goose - 2 off A9 at Skelbo
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood
Ring-necked Duck - 3 - 1 female Loch Morlich + 1 drake Loch Vaa also another drake on Loch Eye (north side between pier and boat shed)
Velvet Scoter - 4 drakes Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 2 Loch Fleet
Swift sp - 1 Plockton. Given the present Alpine Swift influx to the UK and Ireland this is an intriguing report.
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Twite - c40 Flew over Portmahomack
Sunday 19th March
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Morlich
Woodcock - 11 Kinloch, Rum
Jack Snipe - 1 Nostie Bridge dam, Lochalsh
- 1 (1w) still Caol/Lochy Mouth
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Simon Eaves, Skye Birds, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake Loch Morlich
Woodcock - 11 Kinloch, Rum
Jack Snipe - 1 Nostie Bridge dam, Lochalsh
- 1 (1w) still Caol/Lochy Mouth
Sandwich Tern - 1 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Saturday 18th March
Thanks to John Poyner, Dave Pierce, Neil Fairney, Neil Bennett, Peter Davison, Blair Whyte, Craig Forsyth,
Black-throated Diver - 17 Loch Ewe
Marsh Harrier - 1 still Insh Marshes
Black-tailed Godwit - 57 at Bunchrew + a pair of Gadwall
Jack Snipe - Harrapool, Broadford
Iceland Gull - 1 (1w) Kylesku
Sand Martin - 2 Loch Insh
Chiffchaff - 1 Kingussie at Glebe Ponds
Nuthatch - Loch Insh
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to John Poyner, Dave Pierce, Neil Fairney, Neil Bennett, Peter Davison, Blair Whyte, Craig Forsyth,
Black-throated Diver - 17 Loch Ewe
Marsh Harrier - 1 still Insh Marshes
Black-tailed Godwit - 57 at Bunchrew + a pair of Gadwall
Jack Snipe - Harrapool, Broadford
Iceland Gull - 1 (1w) Kylesku
Sand Martin - 2 Loch Insh
Chiffchaff - 1 Kingussie at Glebe Ponds
Nuthatch - Loch Insh
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Friday 17th March
Thanks to Graham, Morag McCullagh, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood
Iceland Gull - 1 Ullapool Harbour + Adult Firemore Sands/Cove Harbour
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to Graham, Morag McCullagh, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood
Iceland Gull - 1 Ullapool Harbour + Adult Firemore Sands/Cove Harbour
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thursday 16th March
Thanks to Holly Page, Peter Mackay, Bob Swann, Al McNee, Rare Bird Alert
Whooper Swan - 17 Gollanfield
Barnacle Goose - 5 Beauly
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood + Whooper Swan
Ring-necked Duck - 1 Drake still Loch Eye
American Herring Gull - 1 (1w) still Lochyside at Blar Mhor Industtial Estate on roof of Mowi Scotland fish processing building
+ 3w Iceland Gull
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Thanks to Holly Page, Peter Mackay, Bob Swann, Al McNee, Rare Bird Alert
Whooper Swan - 17 Gollanfield
Barnacle Goose - 5 Beauly
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel flood + Whooper Swan
Ring-necked Duck - 1 Drake still Loch Eye
American Herring Gull - 1 (1w) still Lochyside at Blar Mhor Industtial Estate on roof of Mowi Scotland fish processing building
+ 3w Iceland Gull
Waxwing - 1 still Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking area
Wednesday 15th March
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Tony Laidler
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel
Velvet Scoter - 26 Outer Dornoch coasta zone + 44 Slavonian Grebe
Iceland Gull - 2 (1w+3w) Caol/Lochy Mouth
American Herring Gull - 1 (1w) still Caol/Lochy Mouth
Waxwing - 1 Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Tony Laidler
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Easter Dalziel
Velvet Scoter - 26 Outer Dornoch coasta zone + 44 Slavonian Grebe
Iceland Gull - 2 (1w+3w) Caol/Lochy Mouth
American Herring Gull - 1 (1w) still Caol/Lochy Mouth
Waxwing - 1 Boat of Garten behind Golf Club staff parking
Tuesday 14th March
Thanks to Phil Clark, Dean MacAskill, Syke Birds
Canada Goose - 2 on Sgeir Dhubh off Lusa
Whooper Swan -10 Traigh Morar
Hybrid American Wigeon - 1 still Dornoch
Waxwing - 9 Inverness at Milton Crescent
Snow Bunting - 1 Dornoch
Thanks to Phil Clark, Dean MacAskill, Syke Birds
Canada Goose - 2 on Sgeir Dhubh off Lusa
Whooper Swan -10 Traigh Morar
Hybrid American Wigeon - 1 still Dornoch
Waxwing - 9 Inverness at Milton Crescent
Snow Bunting - 1 Dornoch
Monday 13th March
Thanks to Jon Clarke, Dean MacAskill
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Easter Daziel flood
Little Gull - 14 Brora off river mouth
Thanks to Jon Clarke, Dean MacAskill
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake Easter Daziel flood
Little Gull - 14 Brora off river mouth
Sunday 12th March
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Skye Birds
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Razorbill - 1325+ Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Skye Birds
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Loch Scresort, Rum
Razorbill - 1325+ Tarbat Ness
Saturday 11th March
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Graham Larrington, Andy Williams, Skye-birds
Eurasian White-fronted Goose - 9 Loch Ussie
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 on the low tide off the links, Cromarty
American Herring Gull - still present in the Caol/Fort William area
Iceland Gull - Ardmair and another reported at Loch Scresort, Rum
Ringed Plover - 30 at Camasunary, Isle of Skye also 15 Golden Plover
Golden Plover - c150 opposite Wilkhaven Farmhouse, Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, Graham Larrington, Andy Williams, Skye-birds
Eurasian White-fronted Goose - 9 Loch Ussie
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 on the low tide off the links, Cromarty
American Herring Gull - still present in the Caol/Fort William area
Iceland Gull - Ardmair and another reported at Loch Scresort, Rum
Ringed Plover - 30 at Camasunary, Isle of Skye also 15 Golden Plover
Golden Plover - c150 opposite Wilkhaven Farmhouse, Tarbat Ness
Friday 10th March
Thanks to Dave Pullan, Kim Dawson, Sandy Sutherland
American Herring Gull - still present behind the Ice factory/Mowi buildings at Blar Mhor Fort William
Golden Plover - 70 at Dalchalm Fields, Brora
Magpie - at Chapelhill, Arabella
Thanks to Dave Pullan, Kim Dawson, Sandy Sutherland
American Herring Gull - still present behind the Ice factory/Mowi buildings at Blar Mhor Fort William
Golden Plover - 70 at Dalchalm Fields, Brora
Magpie - at Chapelhill, Arabella
Thursday 9th March
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Alan, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, Charlie Philips
Osprey - reported sighting near Tarradale House, Muir of Ord. Not quite beating the earliest record of 4th March 2007 near Ullapool.
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake on Loch Eye with Tufted Duck and a pair of Gadwall
Pintail - 167 at Nigg bay
Whooper Swan - 19 at Black Lochs, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Jack Snipe - at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Skylark - 30 at the sheepfeeders, Upper Milovaig, Isle of Skye
Thanks to Skye-Birds, Alan, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, Charlie Philips
Osprey - reported sighting near Tarradale House, Muir of Ord. Not quite beating the earliest record of 4th March 2007 near Ullapool.
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake on Loch Eye with Tufted Duck and a pair of Gadwall
Pintail - 167 at Nigg bay
Whooper Swan - 19 at Black Lochs, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Jack Snipe - at Merkinch Nature Reserve
Skylark - 30 at the sheepfeeders, Upper Milovaig, Isle of Skye
Wednesday 8th March
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Stu Crutchfield, Fiona Harvey
Glauccous Gull - at Bayfield, Portree
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; on the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa also 20+ Fieldfare nearby
Great Scaup - 50+ at Arturlie also 60+ Goldeneye, 4 Magpie and a male Shoveler
Twite - 7 on the Shore at Ashaig, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Jack Snipe - at South Sutor, Cromarty also one bird in garden Scallamus Moss, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Stu Crutchfield, Fiona Harvey
Glauccous Gull - at Bayfield, Portree
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; on the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa also 20+ Fieldfare nearby
Great Scaup - 50+ at Arturlie also 60+ Goldeneye, 4 Magpie and a male Shoveler
Twite - 7 on the Shore at Ashaig, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Jack Snipe - at South Sutor, Cromarty also one bird in garden Scallamus Moss, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Tuesday 7th March
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Dave Pullen, Thomas Plant, Shaz, John Poyner
Iceland Gull - 3rd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Goldeneye - 19 River Ness, city centre
Grey Plover - 6 at Dornoch beach also 65 Twite, 110 Skylark and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit
Golden Plover - 40 at Embo also 14 Slavonian Grebe
Purple Sandpiper - 42 at Balintore harbour also 1 at Hilton of Cadbol with 31 Turnstone
Skylark - 30+ at Glenmore, Isle of Skye below the feeders
Reed Bunting - 20+ Castle beach track, Helmsdale
Waxwing - 3 Golf Course Road, Grantown
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Skye-Birds, Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Dave Pullen, Thomas Plant, Shaz, John Poyner
Iceland Gull - 3rd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Goldeneye - 19 River Ness, city centre
Grey Plover - 6 at Dornoch beach also 65 Twite, 110 Skylark and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit
Golden Plover - 40 at Embo also 14 Slavonian Grebe
Purple Sandpiper - 42 at Balintore harbour also 1 at Hilton of Cadbol with 31 Turnstone
Skylark - 30+ at Glenmore, Isle of Skye below the feeders
Reed Bunting - 20+ Castle beach track, Helmsdale
Waxwing - 3 Golf Course Road, Grantown
Monday 6th March
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Skye-Birds
Iceland Gull - 3rd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 10 at Loch Mor, Waterstein, Isle of Skye
Lapwing - 18 Loch Snizort, Isle of Skye
Razorbill - c1500 at Tarbat Ness also c75 Eider
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Skye-Birds
Iceland Gull - 3rd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 10 at Loch Mor, Waterstein, Isle of Skye
Lapwing - 18 Loch Snizort, Isle of Skye
Razorbill - c1500 at Tarbat Ness also c75 Eider
Sunday 5th March
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Mark Galloway, Alister Clunas, Neil Bennett
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; the bird frequents the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Iceland Gull - Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 8 heading north Chanonry Point
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - Rosemarkie burn mouth
Thanks to Peter Gordon, Mark Galloway, Alister Clunas, Neil Bennett
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; the bird frequents the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Iceland Gull - Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 8 heading north Chanonry Point
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - Rosemarkie burn mouth
Saturday 4th March
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Al McNee, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - albino example still at Mallaig harbour
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; the bird frequents the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Black-tailed Godwit - 42 at the Phopachy, Bunchrew
Golden Plover - 75 at the head of Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan, Al McNee, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - albino example still at Mallaig harbour
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
American Herring Gull - still present in the Fort William/Caol/Inverlochy area; the bird frequents the Mowi fish processing building's roof on the Blar Mohr industrial estate, Lochyside
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Black-tailed Godwit - 42 at the Phopachy, Bunchrew
Golden Plover - 75 at the head of Loch Dunvegan, Skye
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Friday 3rd March
Thanks to Julian Bate, Alan MacAskill, Matt Slaymaker, Peter Stronach, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - c, 1,500 at Balmore of Leys, Inverness
Canada Goose - 2 on Castle Island, Eigg
American Herring Gull - a good candidate 1st winter bird at Fort William, seen in the area of the River Lochy rivermouth
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Rockfield, Tain
Thanks to Julian Bate, Alan MacAskill, Matt Slaymaker, Peter Stronach, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - c, 1,500 at Balmore of Leys, Inverness
Canada Goose - 2 on Castle Island, Eigg
American Herring Gull - a good candidate 1st winter bird at Fort William, seen in the area of the River Lochy rivermouth
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Rockfield, Tain
Thursday 2nd March
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Thomas Plant, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Carnac Point, South Kessock, Inverness
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake at Acharacle on Loch Shiel, amongst Tufted Duck raft
Purple Sandpiper - c20 at Mallaig (West Bay car park), with the albino Great Northern Diver also still in the harbour
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Thomas Plant, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Carnac Point, South Kessock, Inverness
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake at Acharacle on Loch Shiel, amongst Tufted Duck raft
Purple Sandpiper - c20 at Mallaig (West Bay car park), with the albino Great Northern Diver also still in the harbour
Wednesday 1st March
Thanks to Matt Slaymaker/Ebird, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 16 at Lower Milovaig, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Golden Plover - 5 at Swordale, Skye
Thanks to Matt Slaymaker/Ebird, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 16 at Lower Milovaig, Skye
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Golden Plover - 5 at Swordale, Skye
Tuesday 28th February
Thanks to Tony Hadley, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Ann Sime
Russian White-fronted Goose - 2 at Insh marshes, with single Barnacle Goose, amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock
Eider - 1 borealis ssp. amongst Eider raft at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - 3 on the Bealach na Ba near Applecross with 6 at Garbole, Strathdearn plus 82 Lapwing
Kingfisher - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Nuthatch - 1 at Auchmore, near Newtonmore
Thanks to Tony Hadley, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Ann Sime
Russian White-fronted Goose - 2 at Insh marshes, with single Barnacle Goose, amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock
Eider - 1 borealis ssp. amongst Eider raft at Loch Fleet
Golden Plover - 3 on the Bealach na Ba near Applecross with 6 at Garbole, Strathdearn plus 82 Lapwing
Kingfisher - 2 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Nuthatch - 1 at Auchmore, near Newtonmore
Monday 27th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, George Gay, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 52 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Great Northern Diver, 47 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Common Scoter
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Ashaig, Broadford plus 10 Great Northern Diver and 2 Black-throated Diver
Barnacle Goose - 1 plus single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Kirkton Farm, Balblair
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links
Jack Snipe - 2 at Kirkmichael, Udale Bay
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Mary Galloway, George Gay, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 52 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Great Northern Diver, 47 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Common Scoter
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Ashaig, Broadford plus 10 Great Northern Diver and 2 Black-throated Diver
Barnacle Goose - 1 plus single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Kirkton Farm, Balblair
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain links
Jack Snipe - 2 at Kirkmichael, Udale Bay
Sunday 26th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Robert Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - albino example still at Mallaig harbour. Also unconfirmed reports of an Ivory Gull in the area
Red-throated Diver - 72 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Great Northern Diver, 3 Velvet Scoter, 16 Long-tailed Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Cromarty (in 'The Targets' fields near the bowling green)
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe and 21 Scaup
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, Robert Wilson, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - albino example still at Mallaig harbour. Also unconfirmed reports of an Ivory Gull in the area
Red-throated Diver - 72 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Great Northern Diver, 3 Velvet Scoter, 16 Long-tailed Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Cromarty (in 'The Targets' fields near the bowling green)
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female still at Loch Vaa
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie, plus 2 Slavonian Grebe and 21 Scaup
Saturday 25th February
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, George Gay, Dan Pointon, Neil Bennett, William Stewart
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 Udale Bay also 1 Barnacle Goose
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Loch Vaa
Iceland Gull - 1 3cy still Bayfield, Portree
Little Auk - 1 Tarbat Ness plus a large movement of Razorbill 2500+, 49 Red-throated and 2 Great Northern Diver
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Kevin Davis, George Gay, Dan Pointon, Neil Bennett, William Stewart
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 Udale Bay also 1 Barnacle Goose
Ring-necked Duck - 1 female Loch Vaa
Iceland Gull - 1 3cy still Bayfield, Portree
Little Auk - 1 Tarbat Ness plus a large movement of Razorbill 2500+, 49 Red-throated and 2 Great Northern Diver
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Friday 24th February
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Blair Whyte, Rare Bird Alert
Pintail - 33 between Redcastle and Coulmore
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Scaup - c350 Jemimaville + 191 Shelduck Udale Bay
Thanks to Robert Wilson, Blair Whyte, Rare Bird Alert
Pintail - 33 between Redcastle and Coulmore
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Scaup - c350 Jemimaville + 191 Shelduck Udale Bay
Thursday 23rd February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sandy McNeil, Skye Birds
Greenshank - 2 Munlochy Bay + a pair of Pintail
Glaucous Gull - 1 2cy still Kilmory, Rum
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Sandy McNeil, Skye Birds
Greenshank - 2 Munlochy Bay + a pair of Pintail
Glaucous Gull - 1 2cy still Kilmory, Rum
Wednesday 22nd February
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Rare Bird Alert, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 60+ Staffin Island
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Snow Bunting - 45 Dornoch also 120 Ringed Plover and a hybrid American/Eurasian Wigeon
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Rare Bird Alert, Skye Birds
Barnacle Goose - 60+ Staffin Island
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Snow Bunting - 45 Dornoch also 120 Ringed Plover and a hybrid American/Eurasian Wigeon
Tuesday 21st February
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Great Northern Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Black Guillemot - 19 Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links
Great Northern Diver - 4 Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Black Guillemot - 19 Tarbat Ness
Monday 20th February
Thanks to Kate M
Shelduck - 2 Loch Insh
Thanks to Kate M
Shelduck - 2 Loch Insh
Sunday 19th February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Sandy McNeil, Skye Birds, Thomas Plant, Jon Clarke, Simon Levene
Whooper Swan - 124 Easter Lovet, Lentran + 2 Slavonian Grebe
Gadwall - 1 drake Loch Eye
Jack Snipe - 3 Loch Flemington
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Loch Scresort, Rum & 1 3rd winter Bayfield, Portree
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Sandy McNeil, Skye Birds, Thomas Plant, Jon Clarke, Simon Levene
Whooper Swan - 124 Easter Lovet, Lentran + 2 Slavonian Grebe
Gadwall - 1 drake Loch Eye
Jack Snipe - 3 Loch Flemington
Iceland Gull - 1 adult Loch Scresort, Rum & 1 3rd winter Bayfield, Portree
Saturday 18th February
Thanks to Dave Wheeler, Alan Jones, Kim Dawson
Purple Sandpiper - 30 Balintore Harbour and single bird at Hilton of Cadboll
Blackcap - male in private garden Crown, Inverness
Fieldfare - 100 at Upper Cabrich also Skylark, Lapwing and Red Kite
Thanks to Dave Wheeler, Alan Jones, Kim Dawson
Purple Sandpiper - 30 Balintore Harbour and single bird at Hilton of Cadboll
Blackcap - male in private garden Crown, Inverness
Fieldfare - 100 at Upper Cabrich also Skylark, Lapwing and Red Kite
Friday 17th February
No significant sightings
No significant sightings
Thursday 16th February
Thanks to Emma Adam, Skye Birds
Velvet Scoter - female still at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Blackcap - male at Hilton of Cadbol
Thanks to Emma Adam, Skye Birds
Velvet Scoter - female still at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Blackcap - male at Hilton of Cadbol
Wednesday 15th February
Thanks to Sandy McNeil, Emma Adam, Ann Sime, Skye Birds
Ring-necked Drake - Loch Sheil, Acharacle
Water Pipit - Hilton of Cadbol
Skylark - 4 at Dornoch Point
Whooper Swan - 9 at Loch Achaidh n' Inich Plockton also 8 Goldeneye
Thanks to Sandy McNeil, Emma Adam, Ann Sime, Skye Birds
Ring-necked Drake - Loch Sheil, Acharacle
Water Pipit - Hilton of Cadbol
Skylark - 4 at Dornoch Point
Whooper Swan - 9 at Loch Achaidh n' Inich Plockton also 8 Goldeneye
Tuesday 14th February
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Philip Wilson, Neil Bennet
Viking Gull - adult hybrid Glaucous/Herring gull still at Bayfield, Portree
Skylark - single bird at Heaste Road, Isle of Skye (1st spring report)
Red-throated Diver - 18 at Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Philip Wilson, Neil Bennet
Viking Gull - adult hybrid Glaucous/Herring gull still at Bayfield, Portree
Skylark - single bird at Heaste Road, Isle of Skye (1st spring report)
Red-throated Diver - 18 at Tarbat Ness
Monday 13th February
Thanks to Andy Williams, A McNee and Skye Birds
Short-eared Owl - single bird Kilmory, Rum
Iceland Gull - at Ardmair nr Ullapool also Mediterranean Gull, 2 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver and 7 Red-throated Diver
Thanks to Andy Williams, A McNee and Skye Birds
Short-eared Owl - single bird Kilmory, Rum
Iceland Gull - at Ardmair nr Ullapool also Mediterranean Gull, 2 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver and 7 Red-throated Diver
Sunday 12th February
Thanks to Andy Williams, Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Sandy McNeil, Thomas Plant
Ring-necked duck - presumed returning drake to Loch Sheil
Pale-bellied Brent goose - Embo
Iceland Gull - at Ardmair also Mediterranean Gull
Viking Gull - Bayfield, Portree
Greenfinch - 150 by main car park and church Rosemarkie
Thanks to Andy Williams, Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Sandy McNeil, Thomas Plant
Ring-necked duck - presumed returning drake to Loch Sheil
Pale-bellied Brent goose - Embo
Iceland Gull - at Ardmair also Mediterranean Gull
Viking Gull - Bayfield, Portree
Greenfinch - 150 by main car park and church Rosemarkie
Saturday 11th February
Thanks to Peter Mackay, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - 1 leucistic bird amongst flock at Kildun farm, Dingwall
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Suardal, Skye
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Ardmair, plus single adult Mediterranean Gull
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Embo
Thanks to Peter Mackay, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - 1 leucistic bird amongst flock at Kildun farm, Dingwall
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Suardal, Skye
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Ardmair, plus single adult Mediterranean Gull
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Embo
Friday 10th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 5 at at Chanonry Point, plus 2 Common Scoter
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 13 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Pink-footed Goose - 1 leucistic bird at Loch Fleet
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dean MacAskill
Red-throated Diver - 5 at at Chanonry Point, plus 2 Common Scoter
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 13 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Pink-footed Goose - 1 leucistic bird at Loch Fleet
Thursday 9th February
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Thanks to skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Wednesday 8th February
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Little Gull - 7 at Brora river mouth
Thanks to Dean MacAskill
Little Gull - 7 at Brora river mouth
Tuesday 7th February
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Andy Williams
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Tarbat Ness plus single Black-throated Diver and 18 Black Guillemot
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult) still at Ardmair, plus Pintail pair also
Hen Harrier - male at Eathie Mains, Black Isle
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Dave Tanner, Andy Williams
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Tarbat Ness plus single Black-throated Diver and 18 Black Guillemot
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult) still at Ardmair, plus Pintail pair also
Hen Harrier - male at Eathie Mains, Black Isle
Monday 6th February
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, John Poyner, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Pintail - 16 at Redcastle, Black Isle
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay, Skye
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult) at Ardmair
Purple Sandpiper - 24 at Balintore harbour plus a singleton at Broadford Bay, Skye
Tree Sparrow - 2 at Northfield, Invergordon
Snow Bunting - 50 at Dornoch beach
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, John Poyner, Andy Williams, skye-birds.com
Pintail - 16 at Redcastle, Black Isle
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay, Skye
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (adult) at Ardmair
Purple Sandpiper - 24 at Balintore harbour plus a singleton at Broadford Bay, Skye
Tree Sparrow - 2 at Northfield, Invergordon
Snow Bunting - 50 at Dornoch beach
Sunday 5th February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Craig Johnstone, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Tarbat Ness
Slavonian Grebe - 3 off Invergordon, plus c500 Scaup also
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 with Greylags, Ruthven barracks
Iceland Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Loch Portree
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Craig Johnstone, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Tarbat Ness
Slavonian Grebe - 3 off Invergordon, plus c500 Scaup also
Russian White-fronted Goose - 1 with Greylags, Ruthven barracks
Iceland Gull - 1 (2nd winter) at Loch Portree
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Woodcock - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Saturday 4th February
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob Mc Millan, Stephen MacDonald, Rare Bird Alert
Whooper Swan - 2 Loch Cillchriosd, Strath, Skye
Velvet Scoter - 1 still in Broadford Bay, Skye
Great Northern Diver - a leucistic bird in Mallaig Harbour (possibly the same bird found at Arisag a few yeas ago)
Waxwing - 2 still in a Fort William garden
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Bob Mc Millan, Stephen MacDonald, Rare Bird Alert
Whooper Swan - 2 Loch Cillchriosd, Strath, Skye
Velvet Scoter - 1 still in Broadford Bay, Skye
Great Northern Diver - a leucistic bird in Mallaig Harbour (possibly the same bird found at Arisag a few yeas ago)
Waxwing - 2 still in a Fort William garden
Friday 3rd February
Thanks to David Patterson, Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Sandra Atherton, SM - Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 10 Loch na Corr, Inverinate, Skye
Velvet Scoter - 19 Dornoch Coast
Slavonian Grebe - 61 Dornoch Coast
Marsh Harrier - 1 still Insh Marshes (also White-tailed Eagle and Goshawk seen)
Glaucous Gull - 1 immature Kilmory, Rum
Thanks to David Patterson, Neil Bennett, Dave Pierce, Sandra Atherton, SM - Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 10 Loch na Corr, Inverinate, Skye
Velvet Scoter - 19 Dornoch Coast
Slavonian Grebe - 61 Dornoch Coast
Marsh Harrier - 1 still Insh Marshes (also White-tailed Eagle and Goshawk seen)
Glaucous Gull - 1 immature Kilmory, Rum
Thursday 2nd February
Thanks to Bob McMillan
Magpie - 1 at Achnasheen
Thanks to Bob McMillan
Magpie - 1 at Achnasheen
Wednesday 1st February
Thanks to Caroline Snow, David and Judith Edge, Dave Pierce
White-tailed Eagle - Single birds over Merkinch LNR, Ord Muir and at Insh Marshes
Thanks to Caroline Snow, David and Judith Edge, Dave Pierce
White-tailed Eagle - Single birds over Merkinch LNR, Ord Muir and at Insh Marshes
Tuesday 31st January
Thanks to Neil Bennett
Velvet Scoter - 1 still Broadford Bay, Skye
Thanks to Neil Bennett
Velvet Scoter - 1 still Broadford Bay, Skye
Monday 30th January
Thanks to Jonathan Clarke, Dean McCaskil, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - Alturlie + Barnacle Goose
Eider - 250 (+ 2 Northern form) Coul Links
Surf Scoter - 2 still Embo + 11 Velvet Scoter
Waxwing - 11 in a Fort William garden
Thanks to Jonathan Clarke, Dean McCaskil, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - Alturlie + Barnacle Goose
Eider - 250 (+ 2 Northern form) Coul Links
Surf Scoter - 2 still Embo + 11 Velvet Scoter
Waxwing - 11 in a Fort William garden
Sunday 29th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Rare Bird Alert
Iceland gull - 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree
Waxwing - 2 in a Fort William garden
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Rare Bird Alert
Iceland gull - 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree
Waxwing - 2 in a Fort William garden
Saturday 28th January
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Fiona, Neil Bennett, Peter Gordon, Skye-Birds
Whooper Swan - 4 at Dornoch Bridge
Velvet Scoter - at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also Kingfisher
Snow Bunting - 40 at Dornoch Beach also 1 Jack Snipe
Magpie - Chapelhill nr Arabella
Crossbill - pair in a garden Achavandra nr Dornoch
Jack Snipe - single at Earlish, Isle of Skye and 3 Woodcock in Uig area
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marsh
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Fiona, Neil Bennett, Peter Gordon, Skye-Birds
Whooper Swan - 4 at Dornoch Bridge
Velvet Scoter - at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also Kingfisher
Snow Bunting - 40 at Dornoch Beach also 1 Jack Snipe
Magpie - Chapelhill nr Arabella
Crossbill - pair in a garden Achavandra nr Dornoch
Jack Snipe - single at Earlish, Isle of Skye and 3 Woodcock in Uig area
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marsh
Friday 27th January
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan, Dave Tanner
Iceland Gull - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 30+ in fields near Dalcross
Surf Scoter - 2 drake at Embo also 50 Red-Throated Diver, 14 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Velvet Scoter
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Alan, Dave Tanner
Iceland Gull - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Whooper Swan - 30+ in fields near Dalcross
Surf Scoter - 2 drake at Embo also 50 Red-Throated Diver, 14 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Velvet Scoter
Thursday 26th January
Thanks to Fiona Harvey, Neil Bennett, Steven Boyd, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill
Great-crested Grebe - Aulturlie also 36 Scaup
Surf Scoter - drake of Embo also 11 Velvet Scoter, 6 Slavonian Grebe and 50 Purple Sandpiper
Jack Snipe - Harrapool, Isle of Skye
Goshawk - visible at Insh Marsh also views of Marsh Harrier, White Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle
Thanks to Fiona Harvey, Neil Bennett, Steven Boyd, Alexander Keith, Dean MacAskill
Great-crested Grebe - Aulturlie also 36 Scaup
Surf Scoter - drake of Embo also 11 Velvet Scoter, 6 Slavonian Grebe and 50 Purple Sandpiper
Jack Snipe - Harrapool, Isle of Skye
Goshawk - visible at Insh Marsh also views of Marsh Harrier, White Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle
Wednesday 25th January
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Emma
Purple Sandpiper - Broadford bay, Isle of Skye
Chiffchaff - with Siberian characterisitics back in private garden at Hilton of Cadboll
Whooper Swan - small group at Insh Marsh/Ruthven Barracks, also views of Marsh Harrier, White Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle
Thanks to Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Emma
Purple Sandpiper - Broadford bay, Isle of Skye
Chiffchaff - with Siberian characterisitics back in private garden at Hilton of Cadboll
Whooper Swan - small group at Insh Marsh/Ruthven Barracks, also views of Marsh Harrier, White Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle
Tuesday 24th January
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Sam Borthwick
Iceland Gull - Breakachy Farm near Laggan Bridge
Ruddy Turnstone - at Tarbat Ness accompanied by 2 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Black Guillemot
White Tailed Eagle - near Craig Dunain, Inverness
Russian White-fronted goose - 3 with dozen Pink-footed goose at Insh Marsh also 2 White Tailed Eagle, 4 Golden Eagle and 1 Marsh Harrier
Thanks to Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Sam Borthwick
Iceland Gull - Breakachy Farm near Laggan Bridge
Ruddy Turnstone - at Tarbat Ness accompanied by 2 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Black Guillemot
White Tailed Eagle - near Craig Dunain, Inverness
Russian White-fronted goose - 3 with dozen Pink-footed goose at Insh Marsh also 2 White Tailed Eagle, 4 Golden Eagle and 1 Marsh Harrier
Monday 23rd January
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Stuart, Sam Borthwick
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay
American Wigeon - hybrid at Dornoch
Waxwing - 1 Lochalsh Road Inverness
Belated News
Ring-necked duck - 2 females present at Clunes Bay, Loch Lochy from Nov 2022 to 21 January 2023
Firecrest - in a private garden in Achiltibuie (Saturday 21 Jan 2023)
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Neil Bennett, Stuart, Sam Borthwick
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Broadford Bay
American Wigeon - hybrid at Dornoch
Waxwing - 1 Lochalsh Road Inverness
Belated News
Ring-necked duck - 2 females present at Clunes Bay, Loch Lochy from Nov 2022 to 21 January 2023
Firecrest - in a private garden in Achiltibuie (Saturday 21 Jan 2023)
Sunday 22nd January
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Neil Bennett, John Poyner, Steven Boyd, Thomas Plant
Whooper Swan - 163 Easter Lovat, Lentran
Iceland Gull - 1 at Boat of Garten and 1 at Bayfieild, Portree
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Hilton of Cadbol beach and 39 Balintore Harbour
Bar-tailed godwit - 21 at the head of Loch Portree
Tree Sparrow - 2 Northfield Invergordon
Rough-legged buzzard - near Whitebridge
White Tailed Eagle - Adult at south end of Dornoch Bridge
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Neil Bennett, John Poyner, Steven Boyd, Thomas Plant
Whooper Swan - 163 Easter Lovat, Lentran
Iceland Gull - 1 at Boat of Garten and 1 at Bayfieild, Portree
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Hilton of Cadbol beach and 39 Balintore Harbour
Bar-tailed godwit - 21 at the head of Loch Portree
Tree Sparrow - 2 Northfield Invergordon
Rough-legged buzzard - near Whitebridge
White Tailed Eagle - Adult at south end of Dornoch Bridge
Saturday 21st January
Thanks to Fiona Driver, Pete Gordon, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 65 at Mungasdale, Gruinard Bay
Little Gull - 3 at Brora
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie plus single Great Crested Grebe
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Lapwing - c100 near Charleston towards Beauly
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Blackcap - 1 (m) in a Fort William garden, single female in Cradlehall, Inverness
Thanks to Fiona Driver, Pete Gordon, Tony Laidler, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, Blair Whyte
Barnacle Goose - 65 at Mungasdale, Gruinard Bay
Little Gull - 3 at Brora
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie plus single Great Crested Grebe
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Lapwing - c100 near Charleston towards Beauly
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Blackcap - 1 (m) in a Fort William garden, single female in Cradlehall, Inverness
Friday 20th January
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Carol Miller, David Miller, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 10 in Pabay Sound, Skye
Red-throated Diver - 33 at Tarbat Ness plus single Great Northern Diver
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie/Milton of Culloden plus 19 Slavonian Grebe
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes with Greylags
Pink-footed Goose - c1,000 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness
Surf Scoter -2 drakes off Embo
Velvet Scoter - 5 at Embo, with a female at Alturlie
Common Scoter - c200 off Portmahomack
Green-winged Teal - 1 off Alturlie water treatment plant
Golden Plover - c100 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness plus c300 Skylark
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch beach
Stonechat - unusual (for the season) record of a bird at Drumochter
Tree Sparrow - 1 (at least) at Nethy Bridge
Thanks to Simon Eaves, Dean MacAskill, Carol Miller, David Miller, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 10 in Pabay Sound, Skye
Red-throated Diver - 33 at Tarbat Ness plus single Great Northern Diver
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie/Milton of Culloden plus 19 Slavonian Grebe
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes with Greylags
Pink-footed Goose - c1,000 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness
Surf Scoter -2 drakes off Embo
Velvet Scoter - 5 at Embo, with a female at Alturlie
Common Scoter - c200 off Portmahomack
Green-winged Teal - 1 off Alturlie water treatment plant
Golden Plover - c100 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness plus c300 Skylark
Kingfisher - 1 at Whin Park, Inverness
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch beach
Stonechat - unusual (for the season) record of a bird at Drumochter
Tree Sparrow - 1 (at least) at Nethy Bridge
Thursday 19th January
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Pete Gordon, Dave Pierce
Jack Snipe - 1 along the River Ness, Inverness (by the Ness Islands)
Blackcap - 1 (f) in a Fortrose garden
Tree Sparrow - 3 at Nethy Bridge
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Pete Gordon, Dave Pierce
Jack Snipe - 1 along the River Ness, Inverness (by the Ness Islands)
Blackcap - 1 (f) in a Fortrose garden
Tree Sparrow - 3 at Nethy Bridge
Wednesday 18th January
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Steve Reddick, Caroline Snow, Matt Sullivan
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Nuthatch - 1 near the Invergarry hotel
Tree Sparrow - 1 reported at Causer, Nethy Bridge plus 2 Brambling
Thanks to Pete Gordon, Steve Reddick, Caroline Snow, Matt Sullivan
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Nuthatch - 1 near the Invergarry hotel
Tree Sparrow - 1 reported at Causer, Nethy Bridge plus 2 Brambling
Tuesday 17th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith, Thomas Plant, 'Shaz'
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 20+ Long-tailed Duck, 40+ Eider, single Razorbill
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, plus single Kingfisher
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Woodcock - 1 in Northfield, Invergordon
Blackcap - m/f visiting Helmsdale garden
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Tim Meredith, Thomas Plant, 'Shaz'
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 20+ Long-tailed Duck, 40+ Eider, single Razorbill
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, plus single Kingfisher
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Woodcock - 1 in Northfield, Invergordon
Blackcap - m/f visiting Helmsdale garden
Monday 16th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Sam Borthwick, Morag McCullagh, Dean MacAskill, Malcolm O'Reilly, Andy Walker, skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 50 at Balmaqueen, Skye
Grey Plover - 3 at Ashaig, Broadford
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Red Kite - 33 going to roost near at Achavandra, Dornoch
Waxwing - 20 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch beach
Twite - 60 visiting feeders a Cove, Loch Ewe
Reed Bunting - small flock on the Tain air weapons range
Snow Bunting - 20 at Cairn Gorm base station
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Sam Borthwick, Morag McCullagh, Dean MacAskill, Malcolm O'Reilly, Andy Walker, skye-birds.com
Barnacle Goose - 50 at Balmaqueen, Skye
Grey Plover - 3 at Ashaig, Broadford
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Red Kite - 33 going to roost near at Achavandra, Dornoch
Waxwing - 20 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch beach
Twite - 60 visiting feeders a Cove, Loch Ewe
Reed Bunting - small flock on the Tain air weapons range
Snow Bunting - 20 at Cairn Gorm base station
Sunday 15th January
Thanks to Bea Ayling, Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Thomas Plant, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Loch Eye
Little Gull - 1 at Brora
Common Scoter - 260 at Embo, with 310 Eider and 120 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 4 at Kilmuir, with c40 Lapwing nearby
Barnacle Goose - 12 at Balmaqueen, Skye with 52 at Mungasdale, Gruinard Bay and 21 at Mellon Udrigle
Merlin - 1 at Newhall, Black Isle plus another near Dornoch
Peregrine - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll beach
Golden Plover - 4 at Insh marshes, plus ring-tailed Hen Harrier
Jack Snipe - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Fleet
Blackcap - 1 female in Muirtown Street, Inverness, with m/f birds in a Helmsdale garden
Thanks to Bea Ayling, Kim Dawson, Chris Donald, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Thomas Plant, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Loch Eye
Little Gull - 1 at Brora
Common Scoter - 260 at Embo, with 310 Eider and 120 Long-tailed Duck
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 4 at Kilmuir, with c40 Lapwing nearby
Barnacle Goose - 12 at Balmaqueen, Skye with 52 at Mungasdale, Gruinard Bay and 21 at Mellon Udrigle
Merlin - 1 at Newhall, Black Isle plus another near Dornoch
Peregrine - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll beach
Golden Plover - 4 at Insh marshes, plus ring-tailed Hen Harrier
Jack Snipe - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Fleet
Blackcap - 1 female in Muirtown Street, Inverness, with m/f birds in a Helmsdale garden
Saturday 14th January
Thanks to Peter Mackay, David Patterson, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, showing signs of moult to sumplum, with 5 in the Cromarty Firth
Slavonian Grebe - 22 in the Cromarty Firth, plus 840 Scaup (across four flocks) and 320 Eider
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Rosemarkie
Thanks to Peter Mackay, David Patterson, Dave Tanner
Red-throated Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, showing signs of moult to sumplum, with 5 in the Cromarty Firth
Slavonian Grebe - 22 in the Cromarty Firth, plus 840 Scaup (across four flocks) and 320 Eider
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Rosemarkie
Friday 13th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Eaves, Simeon Ewing, Pete Gordon, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - adult at Loch Insh gull roost
Velvet Scoter - female in Broadford Bay, Skye with 5 at Embo
Common Scoter - 2 at Ashaig, Skye
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 2 Russian White-fronted Goose and single Marsh Harrier still present also
Red Kite - 5 at Alturlie
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Eaves, Simeon Ewing, Pete Gordon, Dave Pierce, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Iceland Gull - adult at Loch Insh gull roost
Velvet Scoter - female in Broadford Bay, Skye with 5 at Embo
Common Scoter - 2 at Ashaig, Skye
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Jack Snipe - 1 at Insh marshes, plus 2 Russian White-fronted Goose and single Marsh Harrier still present also
Red Kite - 5 at Alturlie
Thursday 12th January
Thanks to Phil Clark, Chris Donald, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Peter Stronach, Dave Tanner
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Embo
Red-throated Diver - 9 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Iceland Gull - 2 (2CY and 3CY) at Granish landfill, Aviemore
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Golden Plover - c50 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 93 at Embo
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 18 still in Aviemore, near the NatureScot office
Brambling - 1 ringed in a Grantown-on-Spey garden
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Thanks to Phil Clark, Chris Donald, Dean MacAskill, Al McNee, Peter Stronach, Dave Tanner
Great Northern Diver - 2 at Embo
Red-throated Diver - 9 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-throated Diver
Iceland Gull - 2 (2CY and 3CY) at Granish landfill, Aviemore
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Golden Plover - c50 at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 93 at Embo
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 18 still in Aviemore, near the NatureScot office
Brambling - 1 ringed in a Grantown-on-Spey garden
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Wednesday 11th January
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Simon Pawsey, Dean MacAskill, Emma Adam, Alastair McNee, Alexander Keith, Phil Clark, Alister Clunas, Blair Whyte
White-fronted Goose - 1 Carr Road (Dulnain Bridge end), Strathspey
Green-winged Teal - 1 Drake at Tain Links
Great Northern Diver - 1 off Fortrose Golf Club House + 130 Dunlin
Little Gull -9 Brora river mouth
Blackcap - 2 Inverness (male Balnafettack Place and a female at Cradlehall)
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 in Hilton of Cadboll
Lesser Redpoll - 30+ Great Glen House Car Park, Leachkin Road, Inverness
Snow Bunting - Cairngorm Mountain Car Park
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Simon Pawsey, Dean MacAskill, Emma Adam, Alastair McNee, Alexander Keith, Phil Clark, Alister Clunas, Blair Whyte
White-fronted Goose - 1 Carr Road (Dulnain Bridge end), Strathspey
Green-winged Teal - 1 Drake at Tain Links
Great Northern Diver - 1 off Fortrose Golf Club House + 130 Dunlin
Little Gull -9 Brora river mouth
Blackcap - 2 Inverness (male Balnafettack Place and a female at Cradlehall)
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 in Hilton of Cadboll
Lesser Redpoll - 30+ Great Glen House Car Park, Leachkin Road, Inverness
Snow Bunting - Cairngorm Mountain Car Park
Tuesday 10th January
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Kim Dawson, Steve Broyd, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-Necked Duck- 1 female at Loch Morlich south end
Velvet Scoter - female still Broadford Bay, Skye
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marshes from Ruthven Barracks
Purple Sandpiper - 3 Hilton of Cadboll beach and 11 on Balintore Habour wall
Thanks to Neil Bennet, Kim Dawson, Steve Broyd, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-Necked Duck- 1 female at Loch Morlich south end
Velvet Scoter - female still Broadford Bay, Skye
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marshes from Ruthven Barracks
Purple Sandpiper - 3 Hilton of Cadboll beach and 11 on Balintore Habour wall
Monday 9th January
Thanks to John Poyner, Bob Swann, Neil Bennet, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 2. Drakes at Tain Links and Loch Eye.
Velvet Scoter - female still Broadford Bay, Skye
Waxwing - 15 still Dougall Drive, Aviemore
Thanks to John Poyner, Bob Swann, Neil Bennet, Rare Bird Alert
Green-winged Teal - 2. Drakes at Tain Links and Loch Eye.
Velvet Scoter - female still Broadford Bay, Skye
Waxwing - 15 still Dougall Drive, Aviemore
Sunday 8th January
Thanks to John Swinden, Pete Gordon, Neil Bennet, Alan Bowie, Sue Sykes, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, Dave Pierce, RMcM - Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 7 Storr Lochs, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - 1 Kirkton, Lochalsh , Skye
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marshes
Waxwing - 17 Aviemore, Dougall Drive area
Snow Bunting - 20 Cairngorm Mountain Car Park
Thanks to John Swinden, Pete Gordon, Neil Bennet, Alan Bowie, Sue Sykes, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, Dave Pierce, RMcM - Skye Birds
Whooper Swan - 7 Storr Lochs, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - 1 Kirkton, Lochalsh , Skye
Marsh Harrier - Insh Marshes
Waxwing - 17 Aviemore, Dougall Drive area
Snow Bunting - 20 Cairngorm Mountain Car Park
Saturday 7th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pullan, Blair Whyte, Simeon Ewing, Holly, Simon Eaves, David Patterson, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Tony Cluxton, Emma, Alan Bowie, Tommy Youd, Julie Vivers
Ring-Necked Duck- 1 at Loch Morlich
Green-Winged Teal - on Loch Eye
Red-Breasted Merganser - 75 on Dornoch Firth, also 605 Common Scoter, 255 Long-Tailed Duck, 31 Slavonian Grebe
Velvet Scoter - Female at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 3 sighted on Dornoch Firth
Greenshank - Merkinch Nature Reserve
Chiffchaff - in a garden in Hilton Inverness (good candidate for Siberian Chiffchaff but unconfirmed)
Black Cap - Female in garden Helmsdale, also one in garden Highfield, Inverness.
Crested Tit - viewed on the feeders at Daviot Woods cafe
Twite - 85 at Dornoch, also 210 Greenfinch, 11 Reedbunting
Snowbunting - 16 at Dornoch Beach and 20 at Dornoch Point
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch Beach
Marsh Harrier - viewed at Inshes Marsh from Ruthven Barracks
Magpie - 2 Alturlie
Waxwing - 10 Dougall Drive, Aviemore and 'handful' at Brinkham Terrace, Inverness
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pullan, Blair Whyte, Simeon Ewing, Holly, Simon Eaves, David Patterson, Bob Swann, Dean MacAskill, Tony Cluxton, Emma, Alan Bowie, Tommy Youd, Julie Vivers
Ring-Necked Duck- 1 at Loch Morlich
Green-Winged Teal - on Loch Eye
Red-Breasted Merganser - 75 on Dornoch Firth, also 605 Common Scoter, 255 Long-Tailed Duck, 31 Slavonian Grebe
Velvet Scoter - Female at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 3 sighted on Dornoch Firth
Greenshank - Merkinch Nature Reserve
Chiffchaff - in a garden in Hilton Inverness (good candidate for Siberian Chiffchaff but unconfirmed)
Black Cap - Female in garden Helmsdale, also one in garden Highfield, Inverness.
Crested Tit - viewed on the feeders at Daviot Woods cafe
Twite - 85 at Dornoch, also 210 Greenfinch, 11 Reedbunting
Snowbunting - 16 at Dornoch Beach and 20 at Dornoch Point
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch Beach
Marsh Harrier - viewed at Inshes Marsh from Ruthven Barracks
Magpie - 2 Alturlie
Waxwing - 10 Dougall Drive, Aviemore and 'handful' at Brinkham Terrace, Inverness
Friday 6th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pullan
Velvet Scoter - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Waxwing - 9 Aviemore near Dougall Drive
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Pullan
Velvet Scoter - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Waxwing - 9 Aviemore near Dougall Drive
Thursday 5th January
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Simon Evans, Steve Boyd
Velvet Scoter - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 4 Common Scoter of Lusa, Broadford
Waxwing - 5 Aviemore near Dougall Drive
Greater Scaup - 48 Cromarty Firth near Saltburn Pier, Invergordon also Slavonian Grebe nearer the Pier
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Dave Tanner, Simon Evans, Steve Boyd
Velvet Scoter - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 4 Common Scoter of Lusa, Broadford
Waxwing - 5 Aviemore near Dougall Drive
Greater Scaup - 48 Cromarty Firth near Saltburn Pier, Invergordon also Slavonian Grebe nearer the Pier
Wednesday 4th January
Thanks to John Poyner, Kathleen Line, Alan, Dean MacAskill, Emm (Skye Birds - JN, RMcM, NB, KW)
Redwing - 64 at Kililan, Lochalsh and 16 Fieldfare
Lesser Redpol - at a garden feeder in Hilton Inverness
Waxwing - 5 at the New housing estate in Aviemore, also 1 in garden Westhill, Inverness
Kingfisher - Merkinch nature reserve
Common Scoter - 9 off Ashaig, also 3 Black-Throated Diver and 16 Great-Northern Diver
Velvet Scoter - Female/juv type in Broadford bay I sle of Skye
Black Guillemot - 22 of Ashaig and 2 Slavonian Grebe
Red-Throated Diver - 162 of Embo, also 6 Black-Throated Diver, 2 Great-Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter
Thanks to John Poyner, Kathleen Line, Alan, Dean MacAskill, Emm (Skye Birds - JN, RMcM, NB, KW)
Redwing - 64 at Kililan, Lochalsh and 16 Fieldfare
Lesser Redpol - at a garden feeder in Hilton Inverness
Waxwing - 5 at the New housing estate in Aviemore, also 1 in garden Westhill, Inverness
Kingfisher - Merkinch nature reserve
Common Scoter - 9 off Ashaig, also 3 Black-Throated Diver and 16 Great-Northern Diver
Velvet Scoter - Female/juv type in Broadford bay I sle of Skye
Black Guillemot - 22 of Ashaig and 2 Slavonian Grebe
Red-Throated Diver - 162 of Embo, also 6 Black-Throated Diver, 2 Great-Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter
Tuesday 3rd January
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Alistair Clunas, Holly, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, RMCM (Skye Birds)
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Rosemarkie
Puffin - single bird onshore at Rosemarkie
Little Gull - 16 at Brora
Green Winged Teal - with Velvet Scoter at Alturlie Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Scalpay Narrows
Common Scoter - 3 at Broadford Bay, also 70 Dunlin (unusually high winter count)
Twite - still a small number amongst c150 Linnet Spey way, Nethybridge
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch also 6 Grey Plover, 7 Snow Bunting, c180 Twite
Kingfisher - Dalmore Distillery, Alness
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Kim Dawson, Alistair Clunas, Holly, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, RMCM (Skye Birds)
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 9 at Rosemarkie
Puffin - single bird onshore at Rosemarkie
Little Gull - 16 at Brora
Green Winged Teal - with Velvet Scoter at Alturlie Bay
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Scalpay Narrows
Common Scoter - 3 at Broadford Bay, also 70 Dunlin (unusually high winter count)
Twite - still a small number amongst c150 Linnet Spey way, Nethybridge
Water Pipit - 2 at Dornoch also 6 Grey Plover, 7 Snow Bunting, c180 Twite
Kingfisher - Dalmore Distillery, Alness
Monday 2nd January
Thanks to Peter Mackay, David Miller, Murdo MacDonald, Dean MacAskill, NB,CH, RMCM (Skye Birds)
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Fada, Isle of Skye and 2 at Loch Dhughaill, Sleat
Barnacle Goose - 5 at Belmaduthy Farm, Munlochy
Pink Footed Goose - Luecistic bird feeding with c350 others at Belmaduthy Farm, also two birds at Bayfield, Portree
Purple Sandpiper - two at Achnacloich, Sleat
Green Winged Teal - drake with Common Teal at Alturlie Bay
Chiff Chaff - wintering bird at garden table in Avoch
Thanks to Peter Mackay, David Miller, Murdo MacDonald, Dean MacAskill, NB,CH, RMCM (Skye Birds)
Whooper Swan - 2 at Loch Fada, Isle of Skye and 2 at Loch Dhughaill, Sleat
Barnacle Goose - 5 at Belmaduthy Farm, Munlochy
Pink Footed Goose - Luecistic bird feeding with c350 others at Belmaduthy Farm, also two birds at Bayfield, Portree
Purple Sandpiper - two at Achnacloich, Sleat
Green Winged Teal - drake with Common Teal at Alturlie Bay
Chiff Chaff - wintering bird at garden table in Avoch
Sunday 1st January
Thanks to Peter Davidson, Holly, Blair Whyte, Gary Aitken, Neil Bennett, Rare Bird Alert, SM (Skye Birds)
Ring-necked Duck- 1 female still Loch Morlich
Twite - appox a dozen on Speyside Way with a flock of Linnet
Great Crested Grebe - between Aulturlie and Milton of Culloden
Waxwing - Scotsburn Road, Tain also female Blackcap
Iceland Gull - Adult at Loch Portree
Slavonian Grebe - Aultbea also Great Northern Divers calling, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Redwing, Curlew, Great Black Backed Gull and Red Breasted Merganser
Goosander - 3 Loch Scresort, Rum
Jack Snipe - 2 at Kinloch, Rum with two Common Snipe and 14 Woodcock
Thanks to Peter Davidson, Holly, Blair Whyte, Gary Aitken, Neil Bennett, Rare Bird Alert, SM (Skye Birds)
Ring-necked Duck- 1 female still Loch Morlich
Twite - appox a dozen on Speyside Way with a flock of Linnet
Great Crested Grebe - between Aulturlie and Milton of Culloden
Waxwing - Scotsburn Road, Tain also female Blackcap
Iceland Gull - Adult at Loch Portree
Slavonian Grebe - Aultbea also Great Northern Divers calling, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Redwing, Curlew, Great Black Backed Gull and Red Breasted Merganser
Goosander - 3 Loch Scresort, Rum
Jack Snipe - 2 at Kinloch, Rum with two Common Snipe and 14 Woodcock
2022
Saturday 31st December
Thanks to Pete Gordon, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, RMcM, AS - Skye Birds, Shaz, Simeon Ewing, Rare Bird Alert
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Udale Bay reported early am
Ring-necked Duck- 1 female still Loch Morlich
Great Northern Diver - 11 off Lusa, Broadford
Slavonian Grebe - 1 off Lusa, Broadford
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Milton of Culloden/Alturlie
Purple Sandpiper - 5 Neist Point
Blackcap - 1 (male) Helmsdale and 1 (female) Westhill,Inverness
Brambling - 1 Nethy Bridge Pillar Box Lane
Whooper Swans - Loch Brora with a pair of Mute Swans
Belated news
Monday 12th December
Iceland Gull - 5 Lochinver (inc 2 Kumlien's)
- 3 Inverkirkaig (inc 1 Kumlien's)
Saturday 31st December
Thanks to Pete Gordon, John Poyner, Blair Whyte, RMcM, AS - Skye Birds, Shaz, Simeon Ewing, Rare Bird Alert
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Udale Bay reported early am
Ring-necked Duck- 1 female still Loch Morlich
Great Northern Diver - 11 off Lusa, Broadford
Slavonian Grebe - 1 off Lusa, Broadford
Great Crested Grebe - 1 Milton of Culloden/Alturlie
Purple Sandpiper - 5 Neist Point
Blackcap - 1 (male) Helmsdale and 1 (female) Westhill,Inverness
Brambling - 1 Nethy Bridge Pillar Box Lane
Whooper Swans - Loch Brora with a pair of Mute Swans
Belated news
Monday 12th December
Iceland Gull - 5 Lochinver (inc 2 Kumlien's)
- 3 Inverkirkaig (inc 1 Kumlien's)
Friday 30th December
Thanks to John Poyner, Peter Stronach, Dave Pullan, Dave Pierce, Tony Laidler, Peter Mackay, Chloe, RBA
Barnacle Goose - 5 Belmaduthy Farm nr Munlochy
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Udale Bay
Ring-necked Duck -1 female still Loch Morlich
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Little Gull - 2 Brora (ad & 1w)
Blackcap - 2 (male & female) Fort William
Snowy Owl - The recent report of a bird at Kishorn Dry Dock is considered to be a hoax. The photo of the bird used was taken in Cincinnati.
Thanks to John Poyner, Peter Stronach, Dave Pullan, Dave Pierce, Tony Laidler, Peter Mackay, Chloe, RBA
Barnacle Goose - 5 Belmaduthy Farm nr Munlochy
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Udale Bay
Ring-necked Duck -1 female still Loch Morlich
Marsh Harrier - 1 Insh Marshes
Little Gull - 2 Brora (ad & 1w)
Blackcap - 2 (male & female) Fort William
Snowy Owl - The recent report of a bird at Kishorn Dry Dock is considered to be a hoax. The photo of the bird used was taken in Cincinnati.
Thursday 29th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Shaz, Pete Gordon, Paul Leafe, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck -1 female type Loch Morlich
Water Rail - 1 Tain Links Pond
Purple Sandpiper - 64+ Brora
Little Gull - 1 Brora
Waxwing - 2 still Aviemore
Blackcap - 1 Helmsdale
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Shaz, Pete Gordon, Paul Leafe, Rare Bird Alert
Ring-necked Duck -1 female type Loch Morlich
Water Rail - 1 Tain Links Pond
Purple Sandpiper - 64+ Brora
Little Gull - 1 Brora
Waxwing - 2 still Aviemore
Blackcap - 1 Helmsdale
Wednesday 28th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Alan MacAskill, Linda & Alan Simpson, Craig Forsyth, Rare Bird Alert
Black-throated Diver - 1 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Chanory Point & 1 Tarbat Ness
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch NR
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch NR
Water Pipit - Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 6 at Kildary & 2 Aviemore by the BP garage on Grampian Road
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Alan MacAskill, Linda & Alan Simpson, Craig Forsyth, Rare Bird Alert
Black-throated Diver - 1 Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 3 at Chanory Point & 1 Tarbat Ness
Greenshank - 1 Merkinch NR
Kingfisher - 1 Merkinch NR
Water Pipit - Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 6 at Kildary & 2 Aviemore by the BP garage on Grampian Road
Tuesday 27th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Shaz, Birdguides, Rare Bird Alert
Golden Plover - 20 Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 3 Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - 1 (imm) reported Ullapool river mouth
Waxwing - 1 reported just south of Old Spey Bridge, Grantown on Spey
Snow Bunting - 12 Dornoch Beach
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Shaz, Birdguides, Rare Bird Alert
Golden Plover - 20 Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - 3 Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - 1 (imm) reported Ullapool river mouth
Waxwing - 1 reported just south of Old Spey Bridge, Grantown on Spey
Snow Bunting - 12 Dornoch Beach
Monday 26th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Tim, (Siobhan - Skye Birds)
Great Northern Diver - 1 Chanonry.Point
Golden Plover - 158 Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness
Black Guillemot - 3 Chanonry Point
Blackcap - female at Kyle, Lochalsh
Sunday 25th December
Thanks to David Patterson, (TB, JS - Skye Birds), Rare Bird Alert
Slavonian Grebe - 3 Embo
Little Auk - 1 between Rosemarkie and Scart Craig
Blackcap - 1 male Plockton
Snow Bunting - 11 Embo + 1 at Coral Beach Dunvegan,Skye
Thanks to David Patterson, (TB, JS - Skye Birds), Rare Bird Alert
Slavonian Grebe - 3 Embo
Little Auk - 1 between Rosemarkie and Scart Craig
Blackcap - 1 male Plockton
Snow Bunting - 11 Embo + 1 at Coral Beach Dunvegan,Skye
Saturday 24th December
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, John Swinden
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes plus single Marsh Harrier
Iceland Gull - 1st winter bird at Shandwick beach
Little Gull - 5 at Brora river mouth
Kingfisher - 1 at Nethy Bridge
Brambling - 1 in a Fortrose garden, with another at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Simon Levene, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, John Swinden
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes plus single Marsh Harrier
Iceland Gull - 1st winter bird at Shandwick beach
Little Gull - 5 at Brora river mouth
Kingfisher - 1 at Nethy Bridge
Brambling - 1 in a Fortrose garden, with another at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Friday 23rd December
Thanks to Dawn Balmer, Chris Donald, Craig Forsyth, Fiona Harvey, Peter Mackay, Lynda Simpson
Pintail - 5 at Milton of Culloden
Goldeneye - 45 at North Kessock
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus single Kingfisher also
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 reported by Birdguides along the B9007 north of Carrbridge
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes, 8 Whooper Swan present also
Waxwing - 3 at Kildary
Thanks to Dawn Balmer, Chris Donald, Craig Forsyth, Fiona Harvey, Peter Mackay, Lynda Simpson
Pintail - 5 at Milton of Culloden
Goldeneye - 45 at North Kessock
Greenshank - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness plus single Kingfisher also
Rough-legged Buzzard - 1 reported by Birdguides along the B9007 north of Carrbridge
Marsh Harrier - 1 still at Insh marshes, 8 Whooper Swan present also
Waxwing - 3 at Kildary
Thursday 22nd December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, 'Phil', 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still at Tain Links
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Ptarmigan - 5 on the Bealch na Ba towards Applecross
Waxwing - 20 at Culduthel Road, Inverness, and 3 at Achavandra near Dornoch
Water Pipit - 1 still at Dornoch beach, plus 2 Snow Bunting
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 at Loch Fleet
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, 'Phil', 'Tim', skye-birds.com
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still at Tain Links
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Ptarmigan - 5 on the Bealch na Ba towards Applecross
Waxwing - 20 at Culduthel Road, Inverness, and 3 at Achavandra near Dornoch
Water Pipit - 1 still at Dornoch beach, plus 2 Snow Bunting
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 at Loch Fleet
Wednesday 21st December
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Craig Forsyth, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 9 at Brora river mouth
Whooper Swan - birds present on Skye include 11 at Storr lochs and 12 near Inverinate
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Skye
Magpie - 1 at Docharty farm, Dingwall plus another at Inshes park, Inverness
Brambling - singletons at Inshes park, Inverness and a Nethy Bridge garden
Snow Bunting - 4 in Cairn Gorm car park
Thanks to Steve Broyd, Craig Forsyth, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, skye-birds.com
Little Gull - 9 at Brora river mouth
Whooper Swan - birds present on Skye include 11 at Storr lochs and 12 near Inverinate
Jack Snipe - 1 at Harrapool, Skye
Magpie - 1 at Docharty farm, Dingwall plus another at Inshes park, Inverness
Brambling - singletons at Inshes park, Inverness and a Nethy Bridge garden
Snow Bunting - 4 in Cairn Gorm car park
Tuesday 20th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Dornoch
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes
Barnacle Goose - 45 at Staffin
Whooper Swan - 15 at Loch Evelix, and 11 at Storr lochs, Skye
Scaup - 54 at Castle Stuart, Inverness, plus 90 Shelduck, c1,000 Wigeon and 5 Red Kite
Snow Bunting - 1 still at the Heaste road, Broadford
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Dornoch
Russian White-fronted Goose - 3 at Insh marshes
Barnacle Goose - 45 at Staffin
Whooper Swan - 15 at Loch Evelix, and 11 at Storr lochs, Skye
Scaup - 54 at Castle Stuart, Inverness, plus 90 Shelduck, c1,000 Wigeon and 5 Red Kite
Snow Bunting - 1 still at the Heaste road, Broadford
Monday 19th December
Thanks to Jort Brough, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Lynda Simpson, Dave Tanner
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Rosemarkie burn
Velvet Scoter - 1 juvenile bird off Shore Street, Cromarty
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Tarbat Ness, 5 Red-throated Diver plus single Fulmar
Little Egret - 1 at Resipole, Ardnamurchan reported via BirdTrack
Snow Bunting - 17 at Dornoch point
Waxwing - 1 at Kildary
White Wagtail - 1 late bird reported at Leys estate, Inverness
Thanks to Jort Brough, Alister Clunas, Kevin Davis, Lynda Simpson, Dave Tanner
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Rosemarkie burn
Velvet Scoter - 1 juvenile bird off Shore Street, Cromarty
Purple Sandpiper - 9 at Tarbat Ness, 5 Red-throated Diver plus single Fulmar
Little Egret - 1 at Resipole, Ardnamurchan reported via BirdTrack
Snow Bunting - 17 at Dornoch point
Waxwing - 1 at Kildary
White Wagtail - 1 late bird reported at Leys estate, Inverness
Sunday 18th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Eaves, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner
Whooper Swan - 2 at Tarbat Ness, with 6 Grey Partridge nearby
Gadwall - 1 drake at Inver
Iceland Gull - adult bird at Loch Portree, plus a 2nd winter example nearby at Bayfield
Golden Plover - 7 at Coul links, while offshore were 520 Eider with one borealis ssp. drake noted also
Merlin - 1 at Dornoch beach
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Water Pipit - 1 still at Dornoch beach, with 130 Snow Bunting and 130 Greenfinch
Twite - c3 at Nethy Bridge in finch flock, which included c800 Linnet, c500 Chaffinch and c50 Goldfinch plus numbers of Lesser Redpoll
Bob Swann reports that a Tawny Owl was taped calling on Canna on 16th December, having possibly been present since late summer; if accepted, this will be the second-ever record for the island, the last being in 1937
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Simon Eaves, Pete Gordon, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner
Whooper Swan - 2 at Tarbat Ness, with 6 Grey Partridge nearby
Gadwall - 1 drake at Inver
Iceland Gull - adult bird at Loch Portree, plus a 2nd winter example nearby at Bayfield
Golden Plover - 7 at Coul links, while offshore were 520 Eider with one borealis ssp. drake noted also
Merlin - 1 at Dornoch beach
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Water Pipit - 1 still at Dornoch beach, with 130 Snow Bunting and 130 Greenfinch
Twite - c3 at Nethy Bridge in finch flock, which included c800 Linnet, c500 Chaffinch and c50 Goldfinch plus numbers of Lesser Redpoll
Bob Swann reports that a Tawny Owl was taped calling on Canna on 16th December, having possibly been present since late summer; if accepted, this will be the second-ever record for the island, the last being in 1937
Saturday 17th December
Thanks to Peter Mackay, John Poyner, Thomas Plant, Blair Whyte (JB,SP,SM - Skye Birds)
Waxwing - 50 - 60 at Nethybridge
Fieldfare - at Merkinch LNR also Snipe and Kingfisher
Hen Harrier - Male at Munlochy bay also 5 Greenshank, 35 Skylark and 2 Stonechat
Grey Plover - at Dornoch Beach also 21 Snow Bunting, c300 Linnet, c50 Greenfinch and 19 Sanderling
Golden Plover - 30+ at Head of Loch Dunvegan also 45 at Ardmore Waternish, Isle of Skye
Water Rail - single at Primrose Burn, Kinloch Glen, Rum
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 13 at Rosemarkie
Thanks to Peter Mackay, John Poyner, Thomas Plant, Blair Whyte (JB,SP,SM - Skye Birds)
Waxwing - 50 - 60 at Nethybridge
Fieldfare - at Merkinch LNR also Snipe and Kingfisher
Hen Harrier - Male at Munlochy bay also 5 Greenshank, 35 Skylark and 2 Stonechat
Grey Plover - at Dornoch Beach also 21 Snow Bunting, c300 Linnet, c50 Greenfinch and 19 Sanderling
Golden Plover - 30+ at Head of Loch Dunvegan also 45 at Ardmore Waternish, Isle of Skye
Water Rail - single at Primrose Burn, Kinloch Glen, Rum
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 13 at Rosemarkie
Friday 16th December
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, Tessa Rhodes, Blair Whyte, Tim Meredith, Mike Coleman, Thomas Plant
Great-Crested Grebe - Aulturlie
Great Northern Diver - at Fortrose, also 2 on Fort George side of Chanonry.
Black Guillemot - Chanonry Point
Woodcock - over Avoch Village also viewed at Chapel Yard Cemetery Inverness
Waxwing - Causer Cross roads Nethybridge
Brambling - Inverbroom, Wester Ross
Twite - c200 at Dornoch Beach, also 27 Snow Bunting, c140 Greenfinch, 3 Grey Plover and 1 Water Pipit
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, Tessa Rhodes, Blair Whyte, Tim Meredith, Mike Coleman, Thomas Plant
Great-Crested Grebe - Aulturlie
Great Northern Diver - at Fortrose, also 2 on Fort George side of Chanonry.
Black Guillemot - Chanonry Point
Woodcock - over Avoch Village also viewed at Chapel Yard Cemetery Inverness
Waxwing - Causer Cross roads Nethybridge
Brambling - Inverbroom, Wester Ross
Twite - c200 at Dornoch Beach, also 27 Snow Bunting, c140 Greenfinch, 3 Grey Plover and 1 Water Pipit
Thursday 15th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, (DW, NB, PO-W Skye Birds)
Water Rail - Elgol, Isle of Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 2 in Broadford, Isle of Skye, also single Black-Throated Diver and a Slavonian Grebe
Pink-Footed Goose - c750 at Tarbat Ness
Thanks to Dave Tanner, (DW, NB, PO-W Skye Birds)
Water Rail - Elgol, Isle of Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 2 in Broadford, Isle of Skye, also single Black-Throated Diver and a Slavonian Grebe
Pink-Footed Goose - c750 at Tarbat Ness
Wednesday 14th December
Thanks to PeterLeigh, Peter Gordon, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Caroline Snow
Linnet - 500 at Spey way Nethybridge with 200 Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a small number of Twite
Snipe - pair at Merkinch Nature Reserve also 60 Teal and a Kingfisher
Greenfinch - 140 at Marram Dornoch Beach also c 350 Linnet
Waxwing - 1 with Redwing and Fieldfare at Back Road Golspie also 2 Woodcock
Thanks to PeterLeigh, Peter Gordon, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Caroline Snow
Linnet - 500 at Spey way Nethybridge with 200 Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a small number of Twite
Snipe - pair at Merkinch Nature Reserve also 60 Teal and a Kingfisher
Greenfinch - 140 at Marram Dornoch Beach also c 350 Linnet
Waxwing - 1 with Redwing and Fieldfare at Back Road Golspie also 2 Woodcock
Tuesday 13th December
Thanks to Bob Swan, Kevin Davis, Jon Clarke, Tony Cluxton, Shaz
Black Redstart - Nigg
Jack Snipe - Cromarty 2 Common Snipe in the same area
Waxwing - 18 in Chapel Yard Cemetery, Inverness with a flock of Fieldfare
Thanks to Bob Swan, Kevin Davis, Jon Clarke, Tony Cluxton, Shaz
Black Redstart - Nigg
Jack Snipe - Cromarty 2 Common Snipe in the same area
Waxwing - 18 in Chapel Yard Cemetery, Inverness with a flock of Fieldfare
Monday 12th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Peter MacKay, Kevin Davis, Bob Swan, JMacD
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 Munlochy Bay also 4 Greenshank
Water Rail - 1 bird at Waterloo, Broadford Isle of Skye. Another single bird viewed at Tain Links
Common Snipe - a pair viewed offshore at Tain, 2 birds also viewed near Alexandra Bridge, Tain
Jack Snipe - west of Cromarty
Water Pipit - single bird at Dornoch
Black Redstart - Nigg Ferry on the beach near the yard.
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner, Peter MacKay, Kevin Davis, Bob Swan, JMacD
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 8 Munlochy Bay also 4 Greenshank
Water Rail - 1 bird at Waterloo, Broadford Isle of Skye. Another single bird viewed at Tain Links
Common Snipe - a pair viewed offshore at Tain, 2 birds also viewed near Alexandra Bridge, Tain
Jack Snipe - west of Cromarty
Water Pipit - single bird at Dornoch
Black Redstart - Nigg Ferry on the beach near the yard.
Sunday 11th December
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Steve Boyd, Dave Tanner, Adam Batty, Blair Whyte, Bob McMillan
Pink-Footed Goose - c1500 Tarbat Ness, also 150 Wigeon and c180 Teal
Common Scoter - Single bird at Ashaig, Broadford also Single Slavonian Grebe
Purple Sandpiper - single bird at Lusa Mouth, Broadford also 18 Turnstone
Little Auk - off Cromarty Harbour also single Black Guillemot
Redpoll - c80 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also c40 Siskin and one Kingfisher
Stock Dove - 9 at Tornagrain
Twite - 10 at Nethy Bridge
Whooper Swan - Family group at Loch Evelix, Canmore
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Steve Boyd, Dave Tanner, Adam Batty, Blair Whyte, Bob McMillan
Pink-Footed Goose - c1500 Tarbat Ness, also 150 Wigeon and c180 Teal
Common Scoter - Single bird at Ashaig, Broadford also Single Slavonian Grebe
Purple Sandpiper - single bird at Lusa Mouth, Broadford also 18 Turnstone
Little Auk - off Cromarty Harbour also single Black Guillemot
Redpoll - c80 at Merkinch Nature Reserve also c40 Siskin and one Kingfisher
Stock Dove - 9 at Tornagrain
Twite - 10 at Nethy Bridge
Whooper Swan - Family group at Loch Evelix, Canmore
Saturday 10th December
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh
Russian White-fronted Goose - 2 just south of Golspie
Great Northern Diver - 4 Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 61 Brora
Little Gull - 6 Brora
Little Auk - 1 Brora
Waxwing - 1 Golspie, Station Road
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh
Russian White-fronted Goose - 2 just south of Golspie
Great Northern Diver - 4 Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 61 Brora
Little Gull - 6 Brora
Little Auk - 1 Brora
Waxwing - 1 Golspie, Station Road
Friday 9th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, RBA
Great Northern Diver - Tarbat Ness
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Embo
Gadwall - 2 Tain Links Pond
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links Pond
Common Scoter - 110 female/imm Embo
Purple Sandpiper - 42 Embo
Greenshank - 4 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 35+ Chapel Yard Cemetery, Inverness
Twite - c20 Spey Way Nethy Bridge
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, RBA
Great Northern Diver - Tarbat Ness
Slavonian Grebe - 6 Embo
Gadwall - 2 Tain Links Pond
Green-winged Teal - 1 drake still Tain Links Pond
Common Scoter - 110 female/imm Embo
Purple Sandpiper - 42 Embo
Greenshank - 4 Loch Fleet
Waxwing - 35+ Chapel Yard Cemetery, Inverness
Twite - c20 Spey Way Nethy Bridge
Thursday 8th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Bob McMillan, www.skye-birds.com,
Black-throated Diver - 1 adult winter past Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 1 off Fortrose Caravan Site & 3 at Brora
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail - Insh Marshes
Grey Plover - 11 Dornoch
Little Gull - 6 adults Brora
Nordic Jackdaw - 1 Brora & 1 Golspie
Snow Bunting - 9 Dornoch & 3 on Elgol Road, Strathaird, Skye
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Alister Clunas, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, Bob McMillan, www.skye-birds.com,
Black-throated Diver - 1 adult winter past Tarbat Ness
Great Northern Diver - 1 off Fortrose Caravan Site & 3 at Brora
Hen Harrier - 1 ringtail - Insh Marshes
Grey Plover - 11 Dornoch
Little Gull - 6 adults Brora
Nordic Jackdaw - 1 Brora & 1 Golspie
Snow Bunting - 9 Dornoch & 3 on Elgol Road, Strathaird, Skye
Wednesday 7th December
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dave Pullan, John Swinden, David Paterson, Karen Reid, Dean MacAskill, www.skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 11 still Storr Lochs, Skye
Ring-necked Duck (female type) - 1 Loch Morlich
Water Rail - 1 at Old Corry, Broadford, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 50 Brora & 42 Embo
Waxwing - 26 Dingwall, Fodderty Way
Probable Continental Coal Tit - 1 Tarbat Ness at the car park feeding station
Snow Bunting - 14 Cairngorm Mountain car park
Thanks to Dave Tanner, Dave Pullan, John Swinden, David Paterson, Karen Reid, Dean MacAskill, www.skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 11 still Storr Lochs, Skye
Ring-necked Duck (female type) - 1 Loch Morlich
Water Rail - 1 at Old Corry, Broadford, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 50 Brora & 42 Embo
Waxwing - 26 Dingwall, Fodderty Way
Probable Continental Coal Tit - 1 Tarbat Ness at the car park feeding station
Snow Bunting - 14 Cairngorm Mountain car park
Tuesday 6th December
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dave Tanner, Tim Meredith, Shaz, Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett, www.skye-birds.com, RBA
Green-winged Teal - 1 Tain Links
Little Auk - 1 on sea Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver - Chanonry Point
Slavonian Grebe - Chanonry Point,
Great Northern Diver - 2 Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - 1 (first winter ) - 1 still at Bayfield Portree
Iceland Gull (second winter) - 1 still at Bayfield Portree
Lesser Redpoll - 50+ Westhill Inverness + possibly the same but c70 Raigmore Hospital
Waxwing - 7 Helmsdale opposite Rapson's Garage
Snow Bunting - 3 Dornoch Point
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dave Tanner, Tim Meredith, Shaz, Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett, www.skye-birds.com, RBA
Green-winged Teal - 1 Tain Links
Little Auk - 1 on sea Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver - Chanonry Point
Slavonian Grebe - Chanonry Point,
Great Northern Diver - 2 Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - 1 (first winter ) - 1 still at Bayfield Portree
Iceland Gull (second winter) - 1 still at Bayfield Portree
Lesser Redpoll - 50+ Westhill Inverness + possibly the same but c70 Raigmore Hospital
Waxwing - 7 Helmsdale opposite Rapson's Garage
Snow Bunting - 3 Dornoch Point
Monday 5th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Andy Stables, Dean MacAskill, www.skye-birds.com
Grey Plover - 11 at Dornoch
Golden Plover - 59 at Loch Dunvegan
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Andy Stables, Dean MacAskill, www.skye-birds.com
Grey Plover - 11 at Dornoch
Golden Plover - 59 at Loch Dunvegan
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford
Sunday 4th December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alister Clunas, Mary Galloway, www.skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, with 11 Black-tailed Godwit feeding in fields nearby
Black-throated Diver - 6 at Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 11 at Storr lochs and 7 at Loch Suardal
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Rosemarkie
Golden Plover - 60 at Loch Dunvegan, 2 at Neist Point
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 2 at Broadford
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alister Clunas, Mary Galloway, www.skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, with 11 Black-tailed Godwit feeding in fields nearby
Black-throated Diver - 6 at Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 11 at Storr lochs and 7 at Loch Suardal
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 7 at Rosemarkie
Golden Plover - 60 at Loch Dunvegan, 2 at Neist Point
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 2 at Broadford
Saturday 3rd December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alister Clunas, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, www.skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 1,520 off Dornoch, plus 340 Long-tailed Duck
Kittiwake - 8 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Woodcock - 2 at Leys estate, Inverness
Waxwing - 9 at Helmsdale
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alister Clunas, Alan MacAskill, David Patterson, Dave Tanner, www.skye-birds.com
Common Scoter - 1,520 off Dornoch, plus 340 Long-tailed Duck
Kittiwake - 8 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Woodcock - 2 at Leys estate, Inverness
Waxwing - 9 at Helmsdale
Friday 2nd December
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, www.skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 on Loch Ruthven (unusual for this time of year) with 6 off Ardersier, plus c40 Goldeneye, c30 Long-tailed Duck and c200 Eider
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 38 at Rosemarkie
Whooper Swan - 2 off Scalpay, Skye and 9 at Storr lochs
Common Scoter -14 at Broadford Bay
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Little Auk - 1 at Loch Kishorn
Knot - 'small group' reported at Connage Bay, Ardersier plus c50 Bar-tailed Godwit and c90 Dunlin
Lapland Bunting - 1 at Harrapool
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch Glen, Rum
Brambling -1 in Broadford
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte, www.skye-birds.com
Slavonian Grebe - 2 on Loch Ruthven (unusual for this time of year) with 6 off Ardersier, plus c40 Goldeneye, c30 Long-tailed Duck and c200 Eider
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 38 at Rosemarkie
Whooper Swan - 2 off Scalpay, Skye and 9 at Storr lochs
Common Scoter -14 at Broadford Bay
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Little Auk - 1 at Loch Kishorn
Knot - 'small group' reported at Connage Bay, Ardersier plus c50 Bar-tailed Godwit and c90 Dunlin
Lapland Bunting - 1 at Harrapool
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch Glen, Rum
Brambling -1 in Broadford
Thursday 1st December
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ann Sime, Audrey Turner and skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 18 over Arisaig and 25 at Loch Ainort
Velvet Scoter - 1 off Scalpay jetty, Skye plus 25 Common Scoter nearby at Sconser with 2 Long-tailed Duck
Merlin - 1 at Drumguish
Waxwing - 12 at Brora
Blackcap - 2 males visiting private garden, Aviemore plus 1 at Feddon Hill, Fortrose
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ann Sime, Audrey Turner and skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 18 over Arisaig and 25 at Loch Ainort
Velvet Scoter - 1 off Scalpay jetty, Skye plus 25 Common Scoter nearby at Sconser with 2 Long-tailed Duck
Merlin - 1 at Drumguish
Waxwing - 12 at Brora
Blackcap - 2 males visiting private garden, Aviemore plus 1 at Feddon Hill, Fortrose
Wednesday 30th November
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner and skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 near Sleat
Sabine's Gull - report of 2 juveniles off Raasay
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-throated Diver and c100 Golden Plover at the nearby Wilkhaven Farm
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch NR, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch Glen Rum
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Dave Tanner and skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 near Sleat
Sabine's Gull - report of 2 juveniles off Raasay
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-throated Diver and c100 Golden Plover at the nearby Wilkhaven Farm
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch NR, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 1 at Kinloch Glen Rum
Tuesday 29th November
Thanks to Di Alexander, Jonathan Jones, and NR
Waxwing - 25 Muir of Ord, 10 Murray Terrace, Smithton
Common Rosefinch - juv trapped, ringed at Kilmuir, Skye (should be in India and rarely recorded in UK in winter).
Serin - still at Cleadale, Eigg
Snow Bunting - 32 Dornoch Point
Thanks to Di Alexander, Jonathan Jones, and NR
Waxwing - 25 Muir of Ord, 10 Murray Terrace, Smithton
Common Rosefinch - juv trapped, ringed at Kilmuir, Skye (should be in India and rarely recorded in UK in winter).
Serin - still at Cleadale, Eigg
Snow Bunting - 32 Dornoch Point
Monday 28th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, NR, Shaz, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner
Pochard - 2 Loch Eye
Grey Plover - 1 Dornoch
Puffin - 1 Tarbat Ness (scarce in winter)
Blackcap - 3 males, 1 female Helmsdale
Serin - male still at Cleadale, Eigg
Twite - 130 Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 36 Dornoch
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, NR, Shaz, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner
Pochard - 2 Loch Eye
Grey Plover - 1 Dornoch
Puffin - 1 Tarbat Ness (scarce in winter)
Blackcap - 3 males, 1 female Helmsdale
Serin - male still at Cleadale, Eigg
Twite - 130 Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 36 Dornoch
Sunday 27th November
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, Ronnie Dyer, Simeon Ewing, Bob McMillan, Graeme Prest, Oscar Puls, Shaz, Bob Swann,
Gadwall - 2 males, 1 female Tain Links Pond
Grey Phalarope - 2 in Bay, Kilmarie, Skye, 1 Oberan Bank, near Arisaig
Knot - 700 Bunchrew (arrival seems to be late this autumn)
Arctic Skua - 1 head of Loch Portree (very late)
Waxwing -10 Westford, Alness, 8 Westhill, 30 Tain
Blackcap - male Causer, Nethybridge, male, female Helmsdale
Serin - still one at Cleadale, Eigg
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Steve Broyd, Ronnie Dyer, Simeon Ewing, Bob McMillan, Graeme Prest, Oscar Puls, Shaz, Bob Swann,
Gadwall - 2 males, 1 female Tain Links Pond
Grey Phalarope - 2 in Bay, Kilmarie, Skye, 1 Oberan Bank, near Arisaig
Knot - 700 Bunchrew (arrival seems to be late this autumn)
Arctic Skua - 1 head of Loch Portree (very late)
Waxwing -10 Westford, Alness, 8 Westhill, 30 Tain
Blackcap - male Causer, Nethybridge, male, female Helmsdale
Serin - still one at Cleadale, Eigg
Saturday 26th November
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, Bob Swann and BirdGuides, Craig Forsyth
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links pond, also Gadwall
Grey Phalarope - 1 at Brora River mouth
Waxwing - 30 at Tain
Slavonian Grebe - 2 off Tain Links, also c500 Shellduck, 2 Widgeon, 1 Red-throated diver, 10 Pintail
Velvet Scoter - 7 Dornoch also 120 Twite
Purple Sandpiper - 38 Embo
Friday 25th November
Thanks to: Bob McMillan, Alister Clunas, Brian Etheridge, Dean MacAskill, Dave Tanner
Little Auk - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Chanonry point plus 3 Red-throated Divers.
Serin - Still at Cleadale, Eigg
Little gulls - 3 at Brora river mouth this morning also 45 Purple Sandpipers ,3 Great Northern Divers and 2 Little Auks
Waxwing - 4 at Hill of Fearn
Firecrest - one trapped at Avoch
Thursday 24th November
thanks to: Mark Galloway, Alister Clunas, Donald MacLean, David Haines
Serin - Male feeding with other Finches Cleadale, Eigg
Greenshank - single bird at Udale
Brambling - Poyntzfield by Dingwall
Little Gull - Adult Loch Inver
thanks to: Mark Galloway, Alister Clunas, Donald MacLean, David Haines
Serin - Male feeding with other Finches Cleadale, Eigg
Greenshank - single bird at Udale
Brambling - Poyntzfield by Dingwall
Little Gull - Adult Loch Inver
Wednesday 23rd November
thanks to: Jon Clarke, Peter MacKay, Dean MacAskill
Little Auk - 3+ at Ardersier including 1 over Fort George car park
Great Skua - 1 at Embo also 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Little Gull and 4 Little Auk
Waxwing - 5 Conon Bridge
thanks to: Jon Clarke, Peter MacKay, Dean MacAskill
Little Auk - 3+ at Ardersier including 1 over Fort George car park
Great Skua - 1 at Embo also 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Little Gull and 4 Little Auk
Waxwing - 5 Conon Bridge
Tuesday 22nd November
thanks to: Jon Clarke, Sue Sykes, Alan MacAskill, Alistair Clunas, Bob McMillan, Tim Meredith, David Whittaker, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis
Little Auk - at Ardersier, also 3 at Chanonry and 10 between Ardersier and Fort George
Waxwing - 4 south of Arabella T junction, Tain
Mediterranean Gull - Adult at Torridan
Common Scoter - 23 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye with 5 Great Northern Diver
Snow Bunting - Single at Kildonan Farmyard, Eigg
Blackcap - single bird at Plockton shinty pitch
Ring-necked Duck - Bun Arkaig bay, Loch Lochy
Scaup - 176 at Jemimaville also one male Pintail Duck 5 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Red-throated diver and one Black-tailed godwit
thanks to: Jon Clarke, Sue Sykes, Alan MacAskill, Alistair Clunas, Bob McMillan, Tim Meredith, David Whittaker, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis
Little Auk - at Ardersier, also 3 at Chanonry and 10 between Ardersier and Fort George
Waxwing - 4 south of Arabella T junction, Tain
Mediterranean Gull - Adult at Torridan
Common Scoter - 23 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye with 5 Great Northern Diver
Snow Bunting - Single at Kildonan Farmyard, Eigg
Blackcap - single bird at Plockton shinty pitch
Ring-necked Duck - Bun Arkaig bay, Loch Lochy
Scaup - 176 at Jemimaville also one male Pintail Duck 5 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Red-throated diver and one Black-tailed godwit
Monday 21st November
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, David Paterson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh
Waxwing - 38 Duthac Wynd, Tain also still single bird visiting garden Lochionhead, Lochalsh
Common Scoter - 610 Dornoch also 2 at The Aird, Gedintailor, Isle of Skye
Long-tailed duck - 230 at Dornoch
Shellduck - c500 at Tain links, also 250 Pintail duck, 3 Shoveler and c500 Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper - 34 at Embo also a single juv Arctic Tern
Red-necked grebe - North of Grannies Heilan Hame, Embo
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, David Paterson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Leigh
Waxwing - 38 Duthac Wynd, Tain also still single bird visiting garden Lochionhead, Lochalsh
Common Scoter - 610 Dornoch also 2 at The Aird, Gedintailor, Isle of Skye
Long-tailed duck - 230 at Dornoch
Shellduck - c500 at Tain links, also 250 Pintail duck, 3 Shoveler and c500 Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper - 34 at Embo also a single juv Arctic Tern
Red-necked grebe - North of Grannies Heilan Hame, Embo
Sunday 20th November
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Steve Boyd, Alastair McNeil, Blair Whyte
Waxwing - single bird at Lochlonghead, Lochalsh
Brambling- two Viewfield, Portree
Common Scoter - 180 at Embo also 60 Long-Tailed duck, 670 Eider, 1 Arctic Skua
Little Gull - 8 Brora and 71 at Tarbat Ness
Blackcap - Achavandra, Dornoch and Nethybridge
Great Egret - Strath of Kildonan
Little Auk - 3 Brora, 1 Embo and 16 at Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - Brora
Great Northern Diver - 16 at Tarbat Ness also 25 Red-throated Diver and 64 Long-tailed duck
White-billed diver - Tarbat Ness
Barn Swallow - Nairn Harbour
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Steve Boyd, Alastair McNeil, Blair Whyte
Waxwing - single bird at Lochlonghead, Lochalsh
Brambling- two Viewfield, Portree
Common Scoter - 180 at Embo also 60 Long-Tailed duck, 670 Eider, 1 Arctic Skua
Little Gull - 8 Brora and 71 at Tarbat Ness
Blackcap - Achavandra, Dornoch and Nethybridge
Great Egret - Strath of Kildonan
Little Auk - 3 Brora, 1 Embo and 16 at Tarbat Ness
Purple Sandpiper - Brora
Great Northern Diver - 16 at Tarbat Ness also 25 Red-throated Diver and 64 Long-tailed duck
White-billed diver - Tarbat Ness
Barn Swallow - Nairn Harbour
Saturday 19th November
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Dave Tanner
Slavonian Grebe - 8 at Castle Stuart, Inverness plus c1,500 Wigeon, 38 Red-breasted Merganser, 50+ Shelduck, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 40 Goldeneye and 20 Scaup
Little Gull - adults seen were 1 at Tarbat Ness and 2 at Dornoch point
Little Auk - 8 at Tarbat Ness with 3 at Embo, plus 1 Arctic Skua, while amongst a gull flock were at least 5 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. Herring Gull and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull
Grey Plover - 7 at Dornoch point
Purple Sandpiper - 10 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Red Kite - 1 at Borve, Skye
Waxwing - 1 at Lochlonghead, Localsh
Brambling - 1 (female) at Portree
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Dave Tanner
Slavonian Grebe - 8 at Castle Stuart, Inverness plus c1,500 Wigeon, 38 Red-breasted Merganser, 50+ Shelduck, 4 Long-tailed Duck, 40 Goldeneye and 20 Scaup
Little Gull - adults seen were 1 at Tarbat Ness and 2 at Dornoch point
Little Auk - 8 at Tarbat Ness with 3 at Embo, plus 1 Arctic Skua, while amongst a gull flock were at least 5 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. Herring Gull and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull
Grey Plover - 7 at Dornoch point
Purple Sandpiper - 10 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Velvet Scoter
Red Kite - 1 at Borve, Skye
Waxwing - 1 at Lochlonghead, Localsh
Brambling - 1 (female) at Portree
Friday 18th November
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Dave Pierce, 'Shaz', Andy Stables
Common Scoter - 4 at Loch Eishort, Skye
Pomarine Skua - 7 at Embo, plus 5 Puffin, 1 Little Gull (adult) 1 Velvet Scoter and 516 Kittiwake
Puffin - 2 at Neist Point
Great Egret - 1 at Duible, Strath of Kildonan
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 1 at Lochlonghead, Localsh
Lapland Bunting - 1 reported at a croft at Harrapool, Skye plus 1 'Nordic' Jackdaw
thanks to: Neil Bennett, Dean MacAskill, Joe Newman, Dave Pierce, 'Shaz', Andy Stables
Common Scoter - 4 at Loch Eishort, Skye
Pomarine Skua - 7 at Embo, plus 5 Puffin, 1 Little Gull (adult) 1 Velvet Scoter and 516 Kittiwake
Puffin - 2 at Neist Point
Great Egret - 1 at Duible, Strath of Kildonan
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes
Waxwing - 1 at Lochlonghead, Localsh
Lapland Bunting - 1 reported at a croft at Harrapool, Skye plus 1 'Nordic' Jackdaw
Thursday 17th November
thanks to: Adam Betty, Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Rob Hughes, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Camas na Sgianadin, Skye plus singletons at Loch Ainort and Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 4 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Newton of Leys, Inverness
Common Scoter - 32 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Goldeneye - 30+ at Alturlie with a similar-sized group off Merkinch around the same time
Herring Gull - 1 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. bird at Loch Fleet
Great Skua - 3 at Embo, plus 1 Arctic Skua , 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Puffin and a 1st winter Little Gull
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver and 5 Long-tailed Duck
Swallow - 1 juvenile at Tongue
Waxwing - 10 at Cradlehall, Inverness and 14 a Forsinard
thanks to: Adam Betty, Neil Bennett, Simeon Ewing, Rob Hughes, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Bob McMillan, Dave Tanner
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Camas na Sgianadin, Skye plus singletons at Loch Ainort and Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 4 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Newton of Leys, Inverness
Common Scoter - 32 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Goldeneye - 30+ at Alturlie with a similar-sized group off Merkinch around the same time
Herring Gull - 1 'Scandinavian'/argentatus ssp. bird at Loch Fleet
Great Skua - 3 at Embo, plus 1 Arctic Skua , 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Puffin and a 1st winter Little Gull
Purple Sandpiper - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver and 5 Long-tailed Duck
Swallow - 1 juvenile at Tongue
Waxwing - 10 at Cradlehall, Inverness and 14 a Forsinard
Wednesday 16th November
Whooper Swan - 1 on the river at Helmsdale
Pochard - 1 drake still at Loch Insh, plus 1 Common Scoter also
Red Kite - 1 at Loth
Water Rail - 1 in a private garden at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Blackcap fem/imm
Whooper Swan - 1 on the river at Helmsdale
Pochard - 1 drake still at Loch Insh, plus 1 Common Scoter also
Red Kite - 1 at Loth
Water Rail - 1 in a private garden at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Blackcap fem/imm
Tuesday 15th November
Little Auk - 2 at Embo, plus 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Little Gull (bth 1st winter), 1 Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua and 1 Great Skua plus movement of Kittiwakes and Gannets
Iceland Gull - 1st winter bird at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver plus 6 Gannet
Whooper Swan - 5 at Glendale, Skye with c100 at Petley pig farm, Portmahomack with c100 Pink-footed Goose and c300 Greylag Goose
Common Scoter - 2 at Broadford Bay with 8 Great Northern Diver
Pochard - 1 drake at Loch Insh plus 2 Common Scoter and 1 Shelduck
Red Kite - 5 at Duthil
Waxwing - 5 in the centre of Tain
Little Auk - 2 at Embo, plus 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Little Gull (bth 1st winter), 1 Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua and 1 Great Skua plus movement of Kittiwakes and Gannets
Iceland Gull - 1st winter bird at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver plus 6 Gannet
Whooper Swan - 5 at Glendale, Skye with c100 at Petley pig farm, Portmahomack with c100 Pink-footed Goose and c300 Greylag Goose
Common Scoter - 2 at Broadford Bay with 8 Great Northern Diver
Pochard - 1 drake at Loch Insh plus 2 Common Scoter and 1 Shelduck
Red Kite - 5 at Duthil
Waxwing - 5 in the centre of Tain
Monday 14th November
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Mellon Udrigle, 6 at Broadford Bay with 8 Red-throated Diver and 10 Common Scoter
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Mellon Udrigle plus 1 Puffin
Whooper Swan - 1 on Loch Mealt, Skye with 60 at Petley pig farm, Portmahomack
Pochard - 1 drake at Bunchrew
Swallow - 2 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Mellon Udrigle, 6 at Broadford Bay with 8 Red-throated Diver and 10 Common Scoter
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Mellon Udrigle plus 1 Puffin
Whooper Swan - 1 on Loch Mealt, Skye with 60 at Petley pig farm, Portmahomack
Pochard - 1 drake at Bunchrew
Swallow - 2 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Sunday 13th November
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, with 25 at Lub Score Duntuilm, Skye
Kittiwake - single 1st winter bird at Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 in the Laggan/Spey Dam area
Waxwing - 2 at Isleornsay, Sleat
Snow Bunting - 3 at Kilmuir, Skye
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, with 25 at Lub Score Duntuilm, Skye
Kittiwake - single 1st winter bird at Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 in the Laggan/Spey Dam area
Waxwing - 2 at Isleornsay, Sleat
Snow Bunting - 3 at Kilmuir, Skye
Saturday 12th November
Slavonian Grebe - 38 at Embo
Puffin - 1 from Mull to Rum Ferry
Glaucous Gull - Juvenile at Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 in the Laggan/Spey Dam area
Waxwing - 2 at Raigmore, Inverness
Slavonian Grebe - 38 at Embo
Puffin - 1 from Mull to Rum Ferry
Glaucous Gull - Juvenile at Tarbat Ness
Marsh Harrier - 1 in the Laggan/Spey Dam area
Waxwing - 2 at Raigmore, Inverness
Friday 11th November
Whimbrel - 1 very late bird past Tarbat Ness
Grey Phalarope - 1 at Embo also 14 Slavonian Grebes, 2 Great Northern Divers, 14 Purple Sandpipers
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes
Jay - 8 at Brahan estate today
Whimbrel - 1 very late bird past Tarbat Ness
Grey Phalarope - 1 at Embo also 14 Slavonian Grebes, 2 Great Northern Divers, 14 Purple Sandpipers
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes
Jay - 8 at Brahan estate today
Thursday 10th November
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links still.
White Billed Diver - adult past Brora also 5 Little Gulls
Pomarine Skua - Juvenile at Point of Stoer
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes
Lapland Bunting - Single Heast road, Skye
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links still.
White Billed Diver - adult past Brora also 5 Little Gulls
Pomarine Skua - Juvenile at Point of Stoer
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh Marshes
Lapland Bunting - Single Heast road, Skye
Wednesday 9th November
Scaup - 435 off Jemimaville also 5 Slavonian Grebes and 13 Long-tailed Ducks
Curlew - A colour ringed Curlew seen at Alturlie yesterday was originally ringed at Screeton, Inverness in August 2013!
Iceland Gull - Juvenile at Ardmair Point
Red-rumped Swallow - Probable at Balintore this afternoon
Redwing - 40+ at Sallachy, Lochalsh
Tuesday 8th November
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Poolewe
Little Gull - 1 Applecross Bay
Pallid Swift - 1 at Carse of Ardersier late afternoon
Swallow - 1 at Sheildaig
Water Pipit - 1 on the saltmarsh at Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 25 Cromdale hills also 180 Fieldfare there
Velvet Scoter - 1 at Poolewe
Little Gull - 1 Applecross Bay
Pallid Swift - 1 at Carse of Ardersier late afternoon
Swallow - 1 at Sheildaig
Water Pipit - 1 on the saltmarsh at Dornoch
Snow Bunting - 25 Cromdale hills also 180 Fieldfare there
Monday 7th November
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - Scalpay Narrows
Waxwing - One at Broadford also 13 still at Moss Road, Tain
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Velvet Scoter - Scalpay Narrows
Waxwing - One at Broadford also 13 still at Moss Road, Tain
Sunday 6th November
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links still.
Velvet Scoter - Scalpay Narrows
Black-throated Diver - 1 past Tarbat Ness, also 5 at between Irishman's Point and Scalpay
Great Skua - 1 east of Muck
Little Gull - 29 south past Brora and 10 at river mouth
Waxwing - 25 at Moss Road, Tain also 10 Davis Drive, Alness
Fieldfare - >1000 at Balnacoil, Strath Brora
Brambling - 1 Lower Milovaig
Green-winged Teal - Tain Links still.
Velvet Scoter - Scalpay Narrows
Black-throated Diver - 1 past Tarbat Ness, also 5 at between Irishman's Point and Scalpay
Great Skua - 1 east of Muck
Little Gull - 29 south past Brora and 10 at river mouth
Waxwing - 25 at Moss Road, Tain also 10 Davis Drive, Alness
Fieldfare - >1000 at Balnacoil, Strath Brora
Brambling - 1 Lower Milovaig
Saturday 5th November
Whooper Swan - 6 over Breakish, Isle of Skye
Water Rail - 1 by pond at UHI Campus, Inverness
Snow Bunting - at Dornoch
Whooper Swan - 6 over Breakish, Isle of Skye
Water Rail - 1 by pond at UHI Campus, Inverness
Snow Bunting - at Dornoch
Friday 4th November
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Winter at Broadford, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - 51 in a field and a further 14 over the sea at Portmahomack, 3 at Portree, 5 Loch Sligachan and 9 Arisaig
Waxwings - 25 - 30 still at Tain
Chiffchaff - single bird still at Lodge grounds Eigg
Magpie - single bird at Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Winter at Broadford, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - 51 in a field and a further 14 over the sea at Portmahomack, 3 at Portree, 5 Loch Sligachan and 9 Arisaig
Waxwings - 25 - 30 still at Tain
Chiffchaff - single bird still at Lodge grounds Eigg
Magpie - single bird at Tarbat Ness
Thursday 3rd November
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch, also 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Pale Bellied Brent Goose and 1 Jack Snipe
Purple Sandpiper - Single bird at the pier Eigg
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Winter at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 15 South Kilmoray, Rum, 4 Breakish Obbe and single birds at Ullinish and Kilmaluag
Waxwing - 21 Canmore Road/Moss Road, Tain
Pallid Swift - Brora Beech car park
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch, also 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Pale Bellied Brent Goose and 1 Jack Snipe
Purple Sandpiper - Single bird at the pier Eigg
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Winter at Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 15 South Kilmoray, Rum, 4 Breakish Obbe and single birds at Ullinish and Kilmaluag
Waxwing - 21 Canmore Road/Moss Road, Tain
Pallid Swift - Brora Beech car park
Wednesday 2nd November
Waxwing - 37 Moss Road Tain
Chiffchaff - single bird with flock of Long Tailed tits Heights of Docherty
Whooper Swan - 3 Lower Milovaig, 2 Arisaig and 17 South of Loch Linnhe
Great Northern Diver - 12 in Broadford bay. Isle of Skye and a single Black throated diver
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Camas na Sgianadin and a single bird at Broadford Bay
Waxwing - 37 Moss Road Tain
Chiffchaff - single bird with flock of Long Tailed tits Heights of Docherty
Whooper Swan - 3 Lower Milovaig, 2 Arisaig and 17 South of Loch Linnhe
Great Northern Diver - 12 in Broadford bay. Isle of Skye and a single Black throated diver
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Camas na Sgianadin and a single bird at Broadford Bay
Tuesday 1st November
Waxwing - 10 Moss Road Tain
Purple Sandpiper - 14 at Embo
Green-winged Teal - in the river channel of Tain Links
Whooper Swan - 18 at Redcastle also 77 moving south from Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye, 85 resting on Breakish Obbe later flew south 18 Kilmory, Rum, 24 Lochlonghead and 5 at Loch Sligachan
Waxwing - 10 Moss Road Tain
Purple Sandpiper - 14 at Embo
Green-winged Teal - in the river channel of Tain Links
Whooper Swan - 18 at Redcastle also 77 moving south from Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye, 85 resting on Breakish Obbe later flew south 18 Kilmory, Rum, 24 Lochlonghead and 5 at Loch Sligachan
Monday 31st October
Waxwing - 4 at Tain Health Centre
Green Winged Teal - Tain links
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Castle Stuart Golf course with 1 White Fronted Goose, a couple of thousand Pink Footed Goose
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch Beach
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy at the head of Loch Ainort
Waxwing - 4 at Tain Health Centre
Green Winged Teal - Tain links
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Castle Stuart Golf course with 1 White Fronted Goose, a couple of thousand Pink Footed Goose
Grey Plover - 5 at Dornoch Beach
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy at the head of Loch Ainort
Sunday 30th October
Mediterranean Gull - amongst Pink-footed goose near the head of Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - 14 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Waxwing - 5 at Tain Health Centre
Marsh Harrier - (juv) at Insh Marsh
Mediterranean Gull - amongst Pink-footed goose near the head of Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - 14 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Waxwing - 5 at Tain Health Centre
Marsh Harrier - (juv) at Insh Marsh
Saturday 29th October
Red-throated Diver - 23 at Embo, plus 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Arctic Skua
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig and 9 at Embo
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Broadford Bay
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Geese at The Mound near Dornoch, 124 Curlew present also
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Leathan, Storr, 2 at Loch Carron and 4 at Mill Dam, Applecross
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird in Applecross Bay
Redwing - 200 + on Heaste road, Broadford (plus single Fieldfare and Snow Bunting), 50+ at Aird, Sleat and 20+ at Ullinish
Brambling - 1 at Portree
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Chiffchaff and 24 Red Kite
Red-throated Diver - 23 at Embo, plus 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Purple Sandpiper and 2 Arctic Skua
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Nan Ceall, Arisaig and 9 at Embo
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 1 at Broadford Bay
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Geese at The Mound near Dornoch, 124 Curlew present also
Whooper Swan - 4 at Loch Leathan, Storr, 2 at Loch Carron and 4 at Mill Dam, Applecross
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird in Applecross Bay
Redwing - 200 + on Heaste road, Broadford (plus single Fieldfare and Snow Bunting), 50+ at Aird, Sleat and 20+ at Ullinish
Brambling - 1 at Portree
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra, Dornoch plus 1 Chiffchaff and 24 Red Kite
Friday 28th October
Barnacle Goose - 3 at Udale Bay amongst geese flock
Sooty Shearwater - 8 seen south of Eigg from the MV Sheerwater
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 39 at Udale bay plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, c1,000 Wigeon, c300 Teal
Snow Bunting - 1 still along the Heaste road, Broadford
Barnacle Goose - 3 at Udale Bay amongst geese flock
Sooty Shearwater - 8 seen south of Eigg from the MV Sheerwater
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 39 at Udale bay plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, c1,000 Wigeon, c300 Teal
Snow Bunting - 1 still along the Heaste road, Broadford
Thursday 27th October
Ruff - 1 at Connage bay, Ardersier
Kingfisher - 1 at Udale Bay
Swift sp. - 1 over Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Waxwing - 10 at Hill of Fearn, Tain
Brambling - 12 in Glen Truim
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford, 2 at the Stoer lighthouse
Chiffchaff - single bird plus 2 Blackcap and single Stock Dove in Achavandra, Dornoch
Ruff - 1 at Connage bay, Ardersier
Kingfisher - 1 at Udale Bay
Swift sp. - 1 over Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Waxwing - 10 at Hill of Fearn, Tain
Brambling - 12 in Glen Truim
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford, 2 at the Stoer lighthouse
Chiffchaff - single bird plus 2 Blackcap and single Stock Dove in Achavandra, Dornoch
Wednesday 26th October
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Kilmory, Rum
Sooty Shearwater - 1 off Rum
Little Gull - 2 at Brora, plus singles of Great Skua and Swallow
Grey Plover - 4 at Dornoch, with c40 Greenfinch also
Merlin - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Woodcock - 1 at Leys farm, Inverness
Swift - 1 reported over Craig Dunain, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Kilmory, Rum
Sooty Shearwater - 1 off Rum
Little Gull - 2 at Brora, plus singles of Great Skua and Swallow
Grey Plover - 4 at Dornoch, with c40 Greenfinch also
Merlin - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Woodcock - 1 at Leys farm, Inverness
Swift - 1 reported over Craig Dunain, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 1 on the Heaste road, Broadford
Tuesday 25th October
Black-throated Diver - 60+ at Gruinard Bay, with 30+ Great Northern Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Glendhu, 20 at Gruinard Bay
Whooper Swan - 13 at Breakish Obbe, 8 over Portree, 5 at Loch a'Chreagain Daraich, Kylesku
Barnacle Goose - 25 at Aultbea
Jack Snipe - 1 at Drumguish
Fieldfare - 250+ in Strathdearn
Wheatear - 1 on Fairburn Moor, Marybank
Chiffchaff - single bird plus 2 Blackcap in Achavandra, Dornoch
Black-throated Diver - 60+ at Gruinard Bay, with 30+ Great Northern Diver
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Glendhu, 20 at Gruinard Bay
Whooper Swan - 13 at Breakish Obbe, 8 over Portree, 5 at Loch a'Chreagain Daraich, Kylesku
Barnacle Goose - 25 at Aultbea
Jack Snipe - 1 at Drumguish
Fieldfare - 250+ in Strathdearn
Wheatear - 1 on Fairburn Moor, Marybank
Chiffchaff - single bird plus 2 Blackcap in Achavandra, Dornoch
Monday 24th October
Whooper Swan - 48 at Orrin reservoir
Snow Goose - two blue morph over Tain
Sooty Shearwater - 1 near Eigg
Jack Snipe - Single at Ardnish, Broadford
Iceland Gull - 1 on beach, Gairloch
Nordic Jackdaw - Possible at Broadford Bay
Whooper Swan - 48 at Orrin reservoir
Snow Goose - two blue morph over Tain
Sooty Shearwater - 1 near Eigg
Jack Snipe - Single at Ardnish, Broadford
Iceland Gull - 1 on beach, Gairloch
Nordic Jackdaw - Possible at Broadford Bay
Sunday 23rd October
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 Balnakeil Bay
Sooty Shearwater - 2 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also Storm Petrel
Jack Snipe - 2 at Waternish Point
Mediterranean Gull - 1st winter at Loch Portree also 44 Wigeon, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits and 6 Greenshank
Waxwing - 1 at craft village, Durness
Blyth's Reed Warbler - 1 in Borralie Plantation Durness
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Tain Links
Velvet Scoter - 1 Balnakeil Bay
Sooty Shearwater - 2 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also Storm Petrel
Jack Snipe - 2 at Waternish Point
Mediterranean Gull - 1st winter at Loch Portree also 44 Wigeon, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits and 6 Greenshank
Waxwing - 1 at craft village, Durness
Blyth's Reed Warbler - 1 in Borralie Plantation Durness
Saturday 22nd October
Redwing - 20+ in Westhill, Inverness
Kingfisher - 1 at Alness Point
Redwing - 20+ in Westhill, Inverness
Kingfisher - 1 at Alness Point
Friday 21st October
Slavonian Grebe - 3 at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Whooper Swan - 6 on Laig Bay, Eigg, 3 on Loch Suardal, Dunvegan with 5 on Loch Eye along with single drake Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck and 18 Scaup
Dunlin - 400+ at Inver, and 60+ Ringed Plover
Long-eared Owl - 1 in the plantation at Tarbat Ness along with 1 Woodcock, nearby was 1 Short-eared Owl, while at Wilkhaven Farm were 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 3 Fieldfare
Red Kite - 1 over Newtonmore
Wheatear - 1 at Dunvegan
Slavonian Grebe - 3 at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Whooper Swan - 6 on Laig Bay, Eigg, 3 on Loch Suardal, Dunvegan with 5 on Loch Eye along with single drake Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck and 18 Scaup
Dunlin - 400+ at Inver, and 60+ Ringed Plover
Long-eared Owl - 1 in the plantation at Tarbat Ness along with 1 Woodcock, nearby was 1 Short-eared Owl, while at Wilkhaven Farm were 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 3 Fieldfare
Red Kite - 1 over Newtonmore
Wheatear - 1 at Dunvegan
Thursday 20th October
Pomarine Skua - 4 at Embo also 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 1 Little Gull, 11 Manx Shearwaters and 1 Velvet Scoter
Fieldfare - 50 at Isleoronsay
Snow Bunting - 2 at Kilmory, Rum
Pomarine Skua - 4 at Embo also 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 1 Little Gull, 11 Manx Shearwaters and 1 Velvet Scoter
Fieldfare - 50 at Isleoronsay
Snow Bunting - 2 at Kilmory, Rum
Wednesday 19th October
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Loch Ainort also 1 Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-throated Divers
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Kilmory Rum also 50 Redwing
Snow Bunting - 1 at Heast Road, Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Loch Ainort also 1 Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-throated Divers
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 at Kilmory Rum also 50 Redwing
Snow Bunting - 1 at Heast Road, Skye
Tuesday 18th October
Whooper Swan - 24 Ardnish, Broadford and 23 Laig Bay, Eigg
Smew - 1 redhead at Bogach Loch
Wigeon - c2000 at Alturlie also 60 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Slavonian Grebes and Goldeneye
Sooty Shearwater - 95 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
Storm Petrel - 1 at Waternish Point from ferry also single Common Scoter there
Grey Plover - 3 at Dornoch
Pomarine Skua - 2 from Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Blackcap - Two at Achavandra also Chiffchaff there.
Whooper Swan - 24 Ardnish, Broadford and 23 Laig Bay, Eigg
Smew - 1 redhead at Bogach Loch
Wigeon - c2000 at Alturlie also 60 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Slavonian Grebes and Goldeneye
Sooty Shearwater - 95 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
Storm Petrel - 1 at Waternish Point from ferry also single Common Scoter there
Grey Plover - 3 at Dornoch
Pomarine Skua - 2 from Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Blackcap - Two at Achavandra also Chiffchaff there.
Monday 17th October
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 at Udale
Arctic Skua - 42 past Embo also 4 Pomarine Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 1 Great Skua and 35 Manx Shearwater
Mediterranean Gull - 4 1st Winter birds at Loch Portree also single Pintail still
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 at Udale
Arctic Skua - 42 past Embo also 4 Pomarine Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 1 Great Skua and 35 Manx Shearwater
Mediterranean Gull - 4 1st Winter birds at Loch Portree also single Pintail still
Sunday 16th October
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Loch Fleet also 3 Greenshank
Scaup - 1 at Embo, also 600 Dunlin and 1 Purple Sandpiper
Long-tailed Duck - 32 past Fort George, 26 at Brora
Merlin - 2 at Tarbat Ness also 5 Whooper Swans
Redshank - 250 at roost at Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 14 Brora
Swallow - 1 at Plockton
Redwing - 10 at Borrodale
Blackcap - Achavandra also Jay there.
Tree Sparrow - 35 at Tarbat Ness also Barn Owl nearby
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Loch Fleet also 3 Greenshank
Scaup - 1 at Embo, also 600 Dunlin and 1 Purple Sandpiper
Long-tailed Duck - 32 past Fort George, 26 at Brora
Merlin - 2 at Tarbat Ness also 5 Whooper Swans
Redshank - 250 at roost at Merkinch LNR
Little Gull - 14 Brora
Swallow - 1 at Plockton
Redwing - 10 at Borrodale
Blackcap - Achavandra also Jay there.
Tree Sparrow - 35 at Tarbat Ness also Barn Owl nearby
Saturday 15th October
Whooper Swan - 106 at Loch Eye, also c20 Scaup, 3 Pochard, 15 Shoveler and a Jack Snipe
Ruff - 3 at Durness also 17 Snipe, 7 Whooper Swand and 5 Gadwall
Great Shearwater - 1 reported from the Minch with 900 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Long-tailed Skua and Pomarine Skua
Common Tern - 4 at Durness
Swallow - 4 over Newtonmore
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - the point Tarbat Ness
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 at Durness also 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcaps and 20 Redwing
Whooper Swan - 106 at Loch Eye, also c20 Scaup, 3 Pochard, 15 Shoveler and a Jack Snipe
Ruff - 3 at Durness also 17 Snipe, 7 Whooper Swand and 5 Gadwall
Great Shearwater - 1 reported from the Minch with 900 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Long-tailed Skua and Pomarine Skua
Common Tern - 4 at Durness
Swallow - 4 over Newtonmore
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - the point Tarbat Ness
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 at Durness also 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcaps and 20 Redwing
Friday 14th October
Arctic skua - 1 dark phase at Chanonry Point also , 6 Red Throated Diver, 67 Long Tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Whooper Swan, 23 Kittiwake, 28 Gannet, 8 Goldeneye
Black Kite - at Glen Nevis
Brent Goose - 8 on Ardnish, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Mediterranean Gull - 2 birds at Bayfield, Portree, Isle of Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Ewe and 1 at Little Loch Broom, Gruinard Bay side
Black Throated Diver - 40+ Gruinard Bay also 1 Red Throated Diver plus Razorbill, Gannet and Kittiwake
Arctic skua - 1 dark phase at Chanonry Point also , 6 Red Throated Diver, 67 Long Tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Whooper Swan, 23 Kittiwake, 28 Gannet, 8 Goldeneye
Black Kite - at Glen Nevis
Brent Goose - 8 on Ardnish, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Mediterranean Gull - 2 birds at Bayfield, Portree, Isle of Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Loch Ewe and 1 at Little Loch Broom, Gruinard Bay side
Black Throated Diver - 40+ Gruinard Bay also 1 Red Throated Diver plus Razorbill, Gannet and Kittiwake
Thursday 13th October
Whooper Swan - 3 at Kilmoray, Rum and 10 at Loch Ashie
Mediterranean Gull - 2 2nd winter birds Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye and 4 1st winter at Loch Portree
Brent Goose - 2 at Fort George
Little Grebe - 7 at Muirton Basin also 7 Whooper Swan
Black-throated Diver - 38 at Gruinard Bay also 12+ Kittiwake, 50+ Razorbill plus a few Guillemot.
Whooper Swan - 3 at Kilmoray, Rum and 10 at Loch Ashie
Mediterranean Gull - 2 2nd winter birds Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye and 4 1st winter at Loch Portree
Brent Goose - 2 at Fort George
Little Grebe - 7 at Muirton Basin also 7 Whooper Swan
Black-throated Diver - 38 at Gruinard Bay also 12+ Kittiwake, 50+ Razorbill plus a few Guillemot.
Wednesday 12th October
Whooper Swan - 5 at Lochlonghead and 2 at Storr Lochs, Isle of Skye
Gadwall - drake at Ashaig Broadford, Isle of Skye also Wigeon
Little Gull - just of The Targets, Cromarty
Scaup - 450 at Jemimaville also 2 Slavonian Grebe
Black-Tailed Godwit - 30 at Udale
Yellow-brown Warbler - in a private garden, Strathglass
Whooper Swan - 5 at Lochlonghead and 2 at Storr Lochs, Isle of Skye
Gadwall - drake at Ashaig Broadford, Isle of Skye also Wigeon
Little Gull - just of The Targets, Cromarty
Scaup - 450 at Jemimaville also 2 Slavonian Grebe
Black-Tailed Godwit - 30 at Udale
Yellow-brown Warbler - in a private garden, Strathglass
Tuesday 11th October
Greenland White-fronted goose - at Udale also Ruddy Shelduck
Whooper Swan - 24 by the bridge at Wester Moy, 2 at Gruinard, 44 flying south over Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye and 20 at Balmacara
Little Tern 3 (juv) at Chanonry Ness also 1 Arctic Skua
Greenland White-fronted goose - at Udale also Ruddy Shelduck
Whooper Swan - 24 by the bridge at Wester Moy, 2 at Gruinard, 44 flying south over Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye and 20 at Balmacara
Little Tern 3 (juv) at Chanonry Ness also 1 Arctic Skua
Monday 10th October
Swallows - 2 Achantoul Aviemore and 6 on River Conon
Brent Goose - 45 west from Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye, 4 at Loch Portree and 4 at Loch Fleet
Mediterranean Gull - 1 Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye, 1 Loch Ainort, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - passage south continues with the biggest concentration 75-80 on the sea at Skeabost, Isle of Skye also 50 over Arisaig; 25 east through Breakish Obbe; 15 over Lochailort ; 12 at Loch Long ; groups of 5 & 7 at Loch Sligachan
Swallows - 2 Achantoul Aviemore and 6 on River Conon
Brent Goose - 45 west from Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye, 4 at Loch Portree and 4 at Loch Fleet
Mediterranean Gull - 1 Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye, 1 Loch Ainort, Isle of Skye
Whooper Swan - passage south continues with the biggest concentration 75-80 on the sea at Skeabost, Isle of Skye also 50 over Arisaig; 25 east through Breakish Obbe; 15 over Lochailort ; 12 at Loch Long ; groups of 5 & 7 at Loch Sligachan
Sunday 9th October
Guillemot - 1 at River Beauly with 50 Whooper Swans
White Fronted Goose - adult, amongst Pink Footed Geese at Udale
Greenshank - 13 at Redcastle Spit
Black tailed godwit - 2 at Munlochy Bay, also 3 Greenshank
Arctic Skua - at Chanonry with 1 Little Tern (juv), 1 Arctic Tern (juv) 2 Black Throated Diver, 14 Red Throated Diver, 41 Long Tailed Duck, 2 Golden Eye, 1 Guillemot and 200 Gannet
Whooper Swan - 24 at Caol Spit, Fort William
Shoveler - 8 at Loch Eye with 1 Pochard, 154 Whooper Swan and 26 Canada Goose
Little Gull - at Brora
Mediterranean Gull - 6 at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye also 3 Bent Goose
Chiffchaff - still singing at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Guillemot - 1 at River Beauly with 50 Whooper Swans
White Fronted Goose - adult, amongst Pink Footed Geese at Udale
Greenshank - 13 at Redcastle Spit
Black tailed godwit - 2 at Munlochy Bay, also 3 Greenshank
Arctic Skua - at Chanonry with 1 Little Tern (juv), 1 Arctic Tern (juv) 2 Black Throated Diver, 14 Red Throated Diver, 41 Long Tailed Duck, 2 Golden Eye, 1 Guillemot and 200 Gannet
Whooper Swan - 24 at Caol Spit, Fort William
Shoveler - 8 at Loch Eye with 1 Pochard, 154 Whooper Swan and 26 Canada Goose
Little Gull - at Brora
Mediterranean Gull - 6 at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye also 3 Bent Goose
Chiffchaff - still singing at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Saturday 8th October
Long-tailed Skua - 1 off the Summer Isles, while also viewed in the eastern Minch from the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry were 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 150+ Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater
Whooper Swan - general movement through Skye & Localsh/western Lochaber (up to 39 in one group), plus 5 at Udale Bay with 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Long-tailed Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Udale Bay, 26 at Waterloo, Broadford
Greenland White-front Goose - 1 (juv) at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Redcastle amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, plus 1 at Udale Bay
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 5 at Redcastle, along with c1,600 Dunlin, c800 Knot, 24 Black-tailed Godwit
Merlin - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Goshawk - 2 over Newtonmore
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Long-tailed Skua - 1 off the Summer Isles, while also viewed in the eastern Minch from the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry were 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 150+ Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater
Whooper Swan - general movement through Skye & Localsh/western Lochaber (up to 39 in one group), plus 5 at Udale Bay with 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Long-tailed Duck
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Udale Bay, 26 at Waterloo, Broadford
Greenland White-front Goose - 1 (juv) at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 2 at Redcastle amongst Pink-footed Goose flock, plus 1 at Udale Bay
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 at Udale Bay
Greenshank - 5 at Redcastle, along with c1,600 Dunlin, c800 Knot, 24 Black-tailed Godwit
Merlin - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Goshawk - 2 over Newtonmore
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Friday 7th October
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 24 Red-throated Diver, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Kittiwake and 6 Gannet, with some 60 juveniles seen later in the day
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Dornoch point, 19 at Bayfield, Portree, 20 at Tain Links with 26 at Udale Bay,
Greenland White-front Goose - 1 (juv) at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Udale Bay and 58 over Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 12 at Loch Sligachan, Skye, 2 at Udale Bay and 6 at Loch Flemington
Scaup - 1 at Loch Flemington
Mediterranean Gull - 3 1st winter and 1 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree
Black-tailed Godwit - 20 at Tain Links, plus 20 Pale-bellied Brent Goose
Grey Plover - 2 at Udale Bay with 173 Lapwing
Merlin - 1 juv/fem ta Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Chiffchaff - 1 at Loch Flemington plus another at Achavandra, Dornoch along with 1 Swallow and continued influx of Redwing
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 24 Red-throated Diver, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 2 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Kittiwake and 6 Gannet, with some 60 juveniles seen later in the day
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Dornoch point, 19 at Bayfield, Portree, 20 at Tain Links with 26 at Udale Bay,
Greenland White-front Goose - 1 (juv) at Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Udale Bay and 58 over Bayfield, Portree
Whooper Swan - 12 at Loch Sligachan, Skye, 2 at Udale Bay and 6 at Loch Flemington
Scaup - 1 at Loch Flemington
Mediterranean Gull - 3 1st winter and 1 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree
Black-tailed Godwit - 20 at Tain Links, plus 20 Pale-bellied Brent Goose
Grey Plover - 2 at Udale Bay with 173 Lapwing
Merlin - 1 juv/fem ta Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 still at Bayfield, Portree
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Chiffchaff - 1 at Loch Flemington plus another at Achavandra, Dornoch along with 1 Swallow and continued influx of Redwing
Thursday 6th October
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Chanonry Point, plus 36 Golden Plover and a single dark phase Arctic Skua
Whooper Swan - 22 in Broadford Bay plus other smaller movements of such in Skye & Localsh
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 at Udale Bay, 49 at Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 6 at Embo
Golden Plover - 18 at Drumguish with 1 at Tarbat Ness along with 4 Red-breasted Merganser
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Broadford Bay
Osprey - 1 at Loch Shin
Hobby - 1 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Red Kite - 6 at a single site in Strathspey
Wheatear - 1 at Rosemarkie golf course
Blackcap - 2 plus Chiffchaff at Achavandra, Dornoch
Red-throated Diver - 8 at Chanonry Point, plus 36 Golden Plover and a single dark phase Arctic Skua
Whooper Swan - 22 in Broadford Bay plus other smaller movements of such in Skye & Localsh
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 2 at Udale Bay, 49 at Broadford Bay
Barnacle Goose - 6 at Embo
Golden Plover - 18 at Drumguish with 1 at Tarbat Ness along with 4 Red-breasted Merganser
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Broadford Bay
Osprey - 1 at Loch Shin
Hobby - 1 at Craig Dunain, Inverness
Red Kite - 6 at a single site in Strathspey
Wheatear - 1 at Rosemarkie golf course
Blackcap - 2 plus Chiffchaff at Achavandra, Dornoch
Wednesday 5th October
Fieldfare - 7 at Leys Castle estate, Inverness plus c30 Redwing with small flock of such through Avielochanand c8 at Coulin estate, Torridon
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Fieldfare - 7 at Leys Castle estate, Inverness plus c30 Redwing with small flock of such through Avielochanand c8 at Coulin estate, Torridon
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 still at Broadford
Tuesday 4th October
Barnacle Goose - 7 at Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 14 Common Scoter and 1 Woodcock
Mediterranean Gull - 3 (2 x 1st winter and single 2nd winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Marsh Harrier - juvenile at Insh Marshes
Swallow - 70+ at Drumguish
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Tain Links
Willow Warbler - 2 at Gordons Mill, Black Isle plus 2 Jay
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Broadford
Barnacle Goose - 7 at Udale Bay
Long-tailed Duck - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 14 Common Scoter and 1 Woodcock
Mediterranean Gull - 3 (2 x 1st winter and single 2nd winter) at Bayfield, Portree
Marsh Harrier - juvenile at Insh Marshes
Swallow - 70+ at Drumguish
Chiffchaff - 1 singing at Tain Links
Willow Warbler - 2 at Gordons Mill, Black Isle plus 2 Jay
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Broadford
Monday 3rd October
Red-throated Diver - 18 at Chanonry Point, plus 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 2 Common Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Scaup, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 75 Kittiwake, 37 Long-tailed Duck, 450+ Razorbill, and 520+ Gannet
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 20 at Broadford Bay
Redwing - 8 at Leys Castle estate, Inverness plus 12 Tree Sparrow
Red-throated Diver - 18 at Chanonry Point, plus 2 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 2 Common Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Scaup, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 75 Kittiwake, 37 Long-tailed Duck, 450+ Razorbill, and 520+ Gannet
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 20 at Broadford Bay
Redwing - 8 at Leys Castle estate, Inverness plus 12 Tree Sparrow
Sunday 2nd October
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus a female/juvenile Merlin
Taiga Bean Goose - 1 at Udale Bay, with 3 Pale-bellied Brent Goose amongst c4,000 Pink-footed Goose. Also seen were 300+ Scaup, 150 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Sandwich Tern
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Alturlie
Pintail - 1 drake (in eclipse) at Loch Portree, plus 7 Greenshank
Shoveler - 1 drake at Insh Marshes
Storm Petrel - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 3 Little Gull (all immatures), 3 Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 22 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck (scarce here), 160+ Gannet, 57 Kittiwake, 26 Bar-tailed Godwit, and 800+ Razorbill
Mediterranean Gull - pair of 1st winter and one 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree plus 'Nordic Jackdaw' present also
Hobby - 1 at Culloden
Redwing - c60 at Drumguish, plus c40 Swallow
Ring Ouzel - 4 at Gaick, plus 30 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus a female/juvenile Merlin
Taiga Bean Goose - 1 at Udale Bay, with 3 Pale-bellied Brent Goose amongst c4,000 Pink-footed Goose. Also seen were 300+ Scaup, 150 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Sandwich Tern
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Alturlie
Pintail - 1 drake (in eclipse) at Loch Portree, plus 7 Greenshank
Shoveler - 1 drake at Insh Marshes
Storm Petrel - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 3 Little Gull (all immatures), 3 Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 22 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck (scarce here), 160+ Gannet, 57 Kittiwake, 26 Bar-tailed Godwit, and 800+ Razorbill
Mediterranean Gull - pair of 1st winter and one 2nd winter at Bayfield, Portree plus 'Nordic Jackdaw' present also
Hobby - 1 at Culloden
Redwing - c60 at Drumguish, plus c40 Swallow
Ring Ouzel - 4 at Gaick, plus 30 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare
Saturday 1st October
Gadwall - 1 at Ardersier
Grey Plover - 1 in Broadford Bay
Common Tern - 2 at Fort George
"Nordic" Jackdaw - 1 at Inverness Airport also 1 at Brora along with 2 Sandwich Terns and 1 Common Tern
Redwing - 100+ Strathglass also 8 Portree
Wheatear - 1 Portree
Blackcaps - 2 at Achavandra along with 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Swallows
Gadwall - 1 at Ardersier
Grey Plover - 1 in Broadford Bay
Common Tern - 2 at Fort George
"Nordic" Jackdaw - 1 at Inverness Airport also 1 at Brora along with 2 Sandwich Terns and 1 Common Tern
Redwing - 100+ Strathglass also 8 Portree
Wheatear - 1 Portree
Blackcaps - 2 at Achavandra along with 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Swallows
Friday 30th September
Pintail - Eclipse male still Loch Portree
Jack Snipe - single birds on Canna and Rum
Grey Plover - 2 at Harrapool
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 1 at Embo also 2 Velvet Scoter
Storm Petrel - 1 at Mellon Udrigle
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Embo also 31 Manx Shearwaters
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Embo also 5 Great Skua and 4 Arctic Skua
Redwing - 1 on Rum
Pintail - Eclipse male still Loch Portree
Jack Snipe - single birds on Canna and Rum
Grey Plover - 2 at Harrapool
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 1 at Embo also 2 Velvet Scoter
Storm Petrel - 1 at Mellon Udrigle
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Embo also 31 Manx Shearwaters
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Embo also 5 Great Skua and 4 Arctic Skua
Redwing - 1 on Rum
Thursday 29th September
Whooper Swan - 13 at Loch Eye also 2000+ Pink-footed Geese
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Ord, Sleat
Slavonian Grebe - 18 in Ardersier Bay
Kingfisher - 1 at Newtonmore
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra also 1 Chiffchaff and a Jay
Chiffchaff - 1 at Broadford
Yellow-browed Warbler - 3 at Tarbat Ness also 140 Golden Plover
Wednesday 28th September
Brent Goose - 1 at Udale Bay
Leach's Petrel - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry, also 621 Sooty Shearwaters
Hobby - 1 at Dornoch Point
Spotted Redshank - 1 at Tain links also 1 Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit and 1000 Wigeon
Razorbill - Large passage past Tarbat Ness, 3500+ in 2 Hrs also 2 Merlin there
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch
Redwing - 1 at Muir of Ord
Nuthatch - Mamore Lodge, Kinlochleven
Yellow-browed Warbler - 2 at Durness
Brent Goose - 1 at Udale Bay
Leach's Petrel - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry, also 621 Sooty Shearwaters
Hobby - 1 at Dornoch Point
Spotted Redshank - 1 at Tain links also 1 Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit and 1000 Wigeon
Razorbill - Large passage past Tarbat Ness, 3500+ in 2 Hrs also 2 Merlin there
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch
Redwing - 1 at Muir of Ord
Nuthatch - Mamore Lodge, Kinlochleven
Yellow-browed Warbler - 2 at Durness
Tuesday 27th September
Whooper Swan - 21 at Loch Garten, single at Lochlonghead and 1 at Loch Suardal
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Embo
Sooty Shearwater - 2 at Mellon Udrigle
Pomarine Skua - 5 Chanonry, 2 in Broadford Bay also 3 Manx Shearwater
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree also Pintail there
Whooper Swan - 21 at Loch Garten, single at Lochlonghead and 1 at Loch Suardal
Long-tailed Duck - 2 at Embo
Sooty Shearwater - 2 at Mellon Udrigle
Pomarine Skua - 5 Chanonry, 2 in Broadford Bay also 3 Manx Shearwater
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree also Pintail there
Monday 26th September
Whooper Swan - 5 over Inverness
Scaup - 4 at Invergordon
Brent Goose - 4 in Broadford Bay also 1 Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Erbusaig
Leach's Storm Petrel - 1 on Loch Ewe at Cove
Sooty Shearwater - 7 from Duntuilm also 12 Common Scoter
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Duntuilm and 12 in Broadford Bay also at least 10 Arctic Skuas
Long-tailed Skua - 3 Flew past Greenstone Point, Mellon Udrigle also Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 10 Black-throated Divers.
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Dornoch also 11 Common Tern and 1 Sandwich Tern there.
Whooper Swan - 5 over Inverness
Scaup - 4 at Invergordon
Brent Goose - 4 in Broadford Bay also 1 Manx Shearwater
Greenshank - 4 at Loch Fleet
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Erbusaig
Leach's Storm Petrel - 1 on Loch Ewe at Cove
Sooty Shearwater - 7 from Duntuilm also 12 Common Scoter
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Duntuilm and 12 in Broadford Bay also at least 10 Arctic Skuas
Long-tailed Skua - 3 Flew past Greenstone Point, Mellon Udrigle also Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 10 Black-throated Divers.
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 at Dornoch also 11 Common Tern and 1 Sandwich Tern there.
Sunday 25th September
Great Shearwater - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 500+ Sooty Shearwaters
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 at Tain Links
Sabine's Gull - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 1 Pomarine Skua
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree also Whooper Swan and "intermedius" Lesser Black-backed Gull
Sandwich Tern - 7 at Embo also 350 Dunlin
Kingfisher - Loch Torridon
Snow Bunting - 1 at Tain Links
Great Shearwater - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 500+ Sooty Shearwaters
Black-tailed Godwit - 39 at Tain Links
Sabine's Gull - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 1 Pomarine Skua
Mediterranean Gull - 1cy, 2cy and adult all at Loch Portree also Whooper Swan and "intermedius" Lesser Black-backed Gull
Sandwich Tern - 7 at Embo also 350 Dunlin
Kingfisher - Loch Torridon
Snow Bunting - 1 at Tain Links
Saturday 24th September
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Invergordon
Leach's Storm Petrel - Flying South past Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 70 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 6 Great Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua and 1 Pomarine Skua
Balearic Shearwater - 1 past Brora also 1 Great Northern Diver
Little Stint - 1 at Tain
Grey Plover - 2 still Broadford Bay
Glaucous Gull - 1 Loch Ainort, Skye
Little Gull - 7 at Brora including 1 adult
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Invergordon
Leach's Storm Petrel - Flying South past Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 70 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 6 Great Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua and 1 Pomarine Skua
Balearic Shearwater - 1 past Brora also 1 Great Northern Diver
Little Stint - 1 at Tain
Grey Plover - 2 still Broadford Bay
Glaucous Gull - 1 Loch Ainort, Skye
Little Gull - 7 at Brora including 1 adult
Friday 23rd September
Grey Plover - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 46 Brent Goose
Sooty Shearwater - off Tarbat Ness
Guillemot - at Loch Garten
Whooper Swan - 3 over Achavandra Muir, Dornoch
Jack Snipe - Kilmoray, Rum
Chiffchaff - singing at Great Glen House, Inverness and at Dornoch Lochans
Grey Plover - Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also 46 Brent Goose
Sooty Shearwater - off Tarbat Ness
Guillemot - at Loch Garten
Whooper Swan - 3 over Achavandra Muir, Dornoch
Jack Snipe - Kilmoray, Rum
Chiffchaff - singing at Great Glen House, Inverness and at Dornoch Lochans
Thursday 22nd September
Grey Plover - Udale Bay also 2 at Dornoch
Osprey, 1 at Loch Fleet and Udale Bay also at Loch Fleet 4 Greenshank and 195 Red-breasted merganser.
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra Muir Dornoch also 1 Chiffchaff and 1 singing at Aavielochan
Hobby - viewed briefly in flight at Strathdearn heading South over the hills
Grey Plover - Udale Bay also 2 at Dornoch
Osprey, 1 at Loch Fleet and Udale Bay also at Loch Fleet 4 Greenshank and 195 Red-breasted merganser.
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra Muir Dornoch also 1 Chiffchaff and 1 singing at Aavielochan
Hobby - viewed briefly in flight at Strathdearn heading South over the hills
Wednesday 21st September
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch Point, also Hen Harrier - 1 juvenile, 6 Common Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra Muir, Dornoch also 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 11 Song Thrush
Jay - at Loch Achaaidh na h'inich Car Park Portree, Isle of Skye
Redshank - 500 Merkinch LNR
Turtle Dove - Big Sand, Gairloch
Hoopoe - Polbain/Achiltibuie
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch Point, also Hen Harrier - 1 juvenile, 6 Common Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern
Blackcap - 2 at Achavandra Muir, Dornoch also 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 11 Song Thrush
Jay - at Loch Achaaidh na h'inich Car Park Portree, Isle of Skye
Redshank - 500 Merkinch LNR
Turtle Dove - Big Sand, Gairloch
Hoopoe - Polbain/Achiltibuie
Tuesday 20th September
Mediterranean Gull - at Bayfield, Portree
Pomarine Skua - observed during two hour sea watch at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater and 4 Sandwich Tern
Red necked Grebe - Chanonry Point
Mediterranean Gull - at Bayfield, Portree
Pomarine Skua - observed during two hour sea watch at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater and 4 Sandwich Tern
Red necked Grebe - Chanonry Point
Monday 19th September
Mediterranean Gull - two birds at Bayfield, Portree
Grey Plover - Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye
Wheater - late bird, Kildonan Eigg
Pink Footed Goose - 1300 at Old Bar, Nairn also 35 Oystercatcher and 60 Curlew
Nuthatch - at Loch an Eilean, Rothimurchus
Mediterranean Gull - two birds at Bayfield, Portree
Grey Plover - Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye
Wheater - late bird, Kildonan Eigg
Pink Footed Goose - 1300 at Old Bar, Nairn also 35 Oystercatcher and 60 Curlew
Nuthatch - at Loch an Eilean, Rothimurchus
Sunday 18th September
Redshank - 422 at Muirtown Pools, also 7 Little Grebe, 81 Widgeon, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher
Ruddy Shellduck - Ardersier
Sabines Gull - Adult bird flying North at Balintore
Redshank - 422 at Muirtown Pools, also 7 Little Grebe, 81 Widgeon, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher
Ruddy Shellduck - Ardersier
Sabines Gull - Adult bird flying North at Balintore
Saturday 17th September
Arctic Skua - 5 at Dornoch, plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile and 2CY birds still at Bayfield, Portree
Arctic Skua - 5 at Dornoch, plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile and 2CY birds still at Bayfield, Portree
Friday 16th September
Curlew Sandpiper - juvenile still at EMbo, plus two Great Skua and singles of Long-tailed Skua and Arctic Skua
Lapwing - 207 at Alturlie
Dean MacAskill reports that a colour-ringed Sandwich Tern he sighted at Dornoch on 12/9 was ringed as a nestling by Grampian RG on the 13th June 2013, at the Sands of Forvie reserve, and this is the first sighting of it as an adult
Curlew Sandpiper - juvenile still at EMbo, plus two Great Skua and singles of Long-tailed Skua and Arctic Skua
Lapwing - 207 at Alturlie
Dean MacAskill reports that a colour-ringed Sandwich Tern he sighted at Dornoch on 12/9 was ringed as a nestling by Grampian RG on the 13th June 2013, at the Sands of Forvie reserve, and this is the first sighting of it as an adult
Thursday 15th September
Long-tailed Skua - 3 juveniles past Chanonry Point, with a Black Tern also still present amongst gulls
Little Gull - juvenile at Chanonry Point, plus 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua (dark morph) and 1 Arctic Tern
Curlew Sandpiper - juvenile bird at Embo, plus c500 Dunlin, 70 Sanderling, 90 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstone plus 3 Juvenile Arctic Skua
Water Rail - one on Eigg
Osprey - 2 in Udale Bay
Honey Buzzard - over Fort William (assessed as an adult bird)
Marsh Harrier - juvenile near Laggan
Kingfisher - 1 at Back of Keppoch, Morar
Turtle Dove - 1 at Redpoint, south of Gairloch with a second bird present at Big Sand to the north of the village
Chiffchaff - one singing male in Broadford
Long-tailed Skua - 3 juveniles past Chanonry Point, with a Black Tern also still present amongst gulls
Little Gull - juvenile at Chanonry Point, plus 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua (dark morph) and 1 Arctic Tern
Curlew Sandpiper - juvenile bird at Embo, plus c500 Dunlin, 70 Sanderling, 90 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstone plus 3 Juvenile Arctic Skua
Water Rail - one on Eigg
Osprey - 2 in Udale Bay
Honey Buzzard - over Fort William (assessed as an adult bird)
Marsh Harrier - juvenile near Laggan
Kingfisher - 1 at Back of Keppoch, Morar
Turtle Dove - 1 at Redpoint, south of Gairloch with a second bird present at Big Sand to the north of the village
Chiffchaff - one singing male in Broadford
Wednesday 14th September
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Tain Links, with another 29 over Broadford
Whimbrel - 2 over Broadford
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay, 2 at Embo (amongst Dunlin)
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Bunchrew, 45 at Tain Links and 1 at Broadford Bay
Ruff - 2 in field between Dulnain Bridge and Carrbridge
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch, Inverness plus 184 Redshank
Redwing - singleton amongst Mistle Thrush flock in Nethy Bridge, with 2 more in the Strathnairn area
...plus continued passage of Pink-footed Geese through the region
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 6 at Tain Links, with another 29 over Broadford
Whimbrel - 2 over Broadford
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay, 2 at Embo (amongst Dunlin)
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Bunchrew, 45 at Tain Links and 1 at Broadford Bay
Ruff - 2 in field between Dulnain Bridge and Carrbridge
Kingfisher - 1 at Merkinch, Inverness plus 184 Redshank
Redwing - singleton amongst Mistle Thrush flock in Nethy Bridge, with 2 more in the Strathnairn area
...plus continued passage of Pink-footed Geese through the region
Tuesday 13th September
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 16 on Loch Slapin, Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 4 off Jemimaville, plus 30 Scaup
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Strathy Point, plus 2 Arctic Skua and 8 Great Skua
Balearic Shearwater - 1 at Strathy Point, with 60+ Sooty Shearwater, 55+ Manx Shearwater
Pink-footed Goose - 14 at Udale Bay, with general movement of skeins through the region
Little Gull - 1 at Chanonry Point
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Whiteness Bay
Hoopoe - 1 remains at Polbain
Turtle Dove - 1 at Big Sand, Gairloch associating with Collared Doves
Great Northern Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point
Black-throated Diver - 16 on Loch Slapin, Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 4 off Jemimaville, plus 30 Scaup
Pomarine Skua - 2 at Strathy Point, plus 2 Arctic Skua and 8 Great Skua
Balearic Shearwater - 1 at Strathy Point, with 60+ Sooty Shearwater, 55+ Manx Shearwater
Pink-footed Goose - 14 at Udale Bay, with general movement of skeins through the region
Little Gull - 1 at Chanonry Point
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Whiteness Bay
Hoopoe - 1 remains at Polbain
Turtle Dove - 1 at Big Sand, Gairloch associating with Collared Doves
Monday 12th September
Pink-footed Goose - Skeins of 200+ heading north at Kincraig and 100 at Conon Bridge
Black-headed Gull - 41 at Kentra Bay (high count for this location)
Pintail - Eclipse drake still at Loch Portree
Curlew Sandpiper - 4 on Dornoch beach along with 2 Little Stint
Bar-tailed Godwit - 26 at Kentra Bay, plus 12 Greenshank and 41 Red-breasted Merganser
Mediterranean Gull - 1st and 2nd year birds still at Bayfield, Portree
Black Tern - 1 juvenile at Chanonry this morning, also 1 Long-tailed Duck
Hoopoe - 1 still at Polbain
Pink-footed Goose - Skeins of 200+ heading north at Kincraig and 100 at Conon Bridge
Black-headed Gull - 41 at Kentra Bay (high count for this location)
Pintail - Eclipse drake still at Loch Portree
Curlew Sandpiper - 4 on Dornoch beach along with 2 Little Stint
Bar-tailed Godwit - 26 at Kentra Bay, plus 12 Greenshank and 41 Red-breasted Merganser
Mediterranean Gull - 1st and 2nd year birds still at Bayfield, Portree
Black Tern - 1 juvenile at Chanonry this morning, also 1 Long-tailed Duck
Hoopoe - 1 still at Polbain
Sunday 11th September
Pintail - 1 at Loch Portree and 13 at Dornoch
Sooty Shearwater - 7 from the Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Arctic Skua - 1 at Dornoch, with 3 at Neist Point, Skye plus 2 Great Skua
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Bayfield, Portree
Dunlin - 720 at Dornoch, plus 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, plus singles of Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Little Tern and Peregrine
Pintail - 1 at Loch Portree and 13 at Dornoch
Sooty Shearwater - 7 from the Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Arctic Skua - 1 at Dornoch, with 3 at Neist Point, Skye plus 2 Great Skua
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Bayfield, Portree
Dunlin - 720 at Dornoch, plus 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, plus singles of Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Little Tern and Peregrine
Saturday 10th September
Black Tern - 2 at Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile and 2CY birds at Bayfield, Portree
Sooty Shearwater - c100 from Ullapool to Stornoway ferry, plus 22 Storm Petrel of note wirh c120 on the return journey plus singles of Manx Shearwater and Long-tailed Skua
Pintail - 1 female on Inverness UHI campus pond
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay plus 2 Little Stint and juvenile Knot
Goshawk - juvenile at Broadford Bay
Redstart - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Chiffchaff - 1 at Lochindorb, plus 7 Goldeneye
Black Tern - 2 at Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile and 2CY birds at Bayfield, Portree
Sooty Shearwater - c100 from Ullapool to Stornoway ferry, plus 22 Storm Petrel of note wirh c120 on the return journey plus singles of Manx Shearwater and Long-tailed Skua
Pintail - 1 female on Inverness UHI campus pond
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay plus 2 Little Stint and juvenile Knot
Goshawk - juvenile at Broadford Bay
Redstart - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Chiffchaff - 1 at Lochindorb, plus 7 Goldeneye
Friday 9th September
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay,1 at Brora with 450 Ringed Plover, 120 Sanderling and 1 Ruff
Little Stint - 6 at Broadford Bay and 2 Black-tailed Godwit
Little Gull - 4 at Embo also 2 Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua
Red-backed Shrike - 1 still at Tarbat Ness
Lesser Whitethroat - 2 at Tarbat Ness also 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart and 1 Whinchat
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Broadford Bay,1 at Brora with 450 Ringed Plover, 120 Sanderling and 1 Ruff
Little Stint - 6 at Broadford Bay and 2 Black-tailed Godwit
Little Gull - 4 at Embo also 2 Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua
Red-backed Shrike - 1 still at Tarbat Ness
Lesser Whitethroat - 2 at Tarbat Ness also 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart and 1 Whinchat
Thursday 8th September
Pintail - 12 at Dornoch also c300 Dunlin and Sanderling and 1 Grey Plover
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Lothbeg
Great Shearwater - 2 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 1 Long-tailed Skua and 1 Grey Phalarope
Ruff - 3 at Dornoch, 2 in Broadford Bay
Little Stint - 1 on Dornoch beach
Curlew Sandpiper - 3 on Dornoch beach, 2 at Alturlie, 2 at Harapool, 1 at Kilmory, 1 at Traigh
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 2 at Embo also Long-eared Owl
Wheatear - 3 at Alturlie
Hoopoe - 1 still in Polbain area
Red-backed Shrike - 1 at Tarbat Ness also at least 2 Pied Flycatchers and 1 Redstart
Pintail - 12 at Dornoch also c300 Dunlin and Sanderling and 1 Grey Plover
Sooty Shearwater - 1 at Lothbeg
Great Shearwater - 2 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 1 Long-tailed Skua and 1 Grey Phalarope
Ruff - 3 at Dornoch, 2 in Broadford Bay
Little Stint - 1 on Dornoch beach
Curlew Sandpiper - 3 on Dornoch beach, 2 at Alturlie, 2 at Harapool, 1 at Kilmory, 1 at Traigh
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Little Gull - 2 at Embo also Long-eared Owl
Wheatear - 3 at Alturlie
Hoopoe - 1 still in Polbain area
Red-backed Shrike - 1 at Tarbat Ness also at least 2 Pied Flycatchers and 1 Redstart
Wednesday 7th September
Mandarin - 1 at Loch Garten
Great Shearwater - 6 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 100 Sooty Shearwaters (mainly in Western Isles Recording area)
Ruff - 5 at Dornoch
Little Stint - 1 on Dornoch beach
Curlew Sandpiper - 2 in Broadford Bay
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Little Gull - Juvenile at Embo
Redwing - 1 at Dornoch
Red-backed Shrike - 1 at Tarbat Ness also at least 5 Pied Flycatchers and 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Wood Warbler - 1 at Balnakiel Craft Village
Reed Warbler - 1 at Durness
Common Rosefinch - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Ring-necked Parakeet - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Mandarin - 1 at Loch Garten
Great Shearwater - 6 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 100 Sooty Shearwaters (mainly in Western Isles Recording area)
Ruff - 5 at Dornoch
Little Stint - 1 on Dornoch beach
Curlew Sandpiper - 2 in Broadford Bay
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Little Gull - Juvenile at Embo
Redwing - 1 at Dornoch
Red-backed Shrike - 1 at Tarbat Ness also at least 5 Pied Flycatchers and 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Wood Warbler - 1 at Balnakiel Craft Village
Reed Warbler - 1 at Durness
Common Rosefinch - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Ring-necked Parakeet - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Tuesday 6th September
Great Shearwater - 10 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 80 Sooty Shearwaters and 60 Storm Petrels
Balearic Shearwater - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Breakish Obbe
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Black Tern - 1 at Chanonry
Kingfisher - 1 at Nostie, Lochalsh
Great Shearwater - 10 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 80 Sooty Shearwaters and 60 Storm Petrels
Balearic Shearwater - 1 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
Curlew Sandpiper - 1 at Breakish Obbe
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree
Black Tern - 1 at Chanonry
Kingfisher - 1 at Nostie, Lochalsh
Monday 5th September
Brent Goose - 2 past Helmsdale
Cory's Shearwater - One off Fort George
Great Shearwater - 4 at Helmsdale, 7 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 2 Sooty Shearwaters and 3 Storm Petrels
Balearic Shearwater - 1 at Helmsdale
Curlew Sandpiper - 5 at North Kessock, 2 at Broadford Bay and 1 at Breakish Obbe
Little Stint - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 1 between Rum and Eigg
Long-tailed Skua - 1 at Helmsdale
Pomarine Skua - 3 at Chanonry along with 6 Arctic Skua, 11 Manx Shearwaters and 7 Red-throated Divers
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Pied Flycatchers, 9 Sooty Shearwaters and 20 Manx Shearwaters
Hoopoe - 1 still at Polbain, Achiltibuie
Brent Goose - 2 past Helmsdale
Cory's Shearwater - One off Fort George
Great Shearwater - 4 at Helmsdale, 7 from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 2 Sooty Shearwaters and 3 Storm Petrels
Balearic Shearwater - 1 at Helmsdale
Curlew Sandpiper - 5 at North Kessock, 2 at Broadford Bay and 1 at Breakish Obbe
Little Stint - 1 still at Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 1 between Rum and Eigg
Long-tailed Skua - 1 at Helmsdale
Pomarine Skua - 3 at Chanonry along with 6 Arctic Skua, 11 Manx Shearwaters and 7 Red-throated Divers
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Pied Flycatchers, 9 Sooty Shearwaters and 20 Manx Shearwaters
Hoopoe - 1 still at Polbain, Achiltibuie
Sunday 4th September
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 still at Ardersier
Brent Goose - Single in Broadford Bay, also 2 Little Gulls
Cory's Shearwater - 2 at Embo, 1 at Lothbeg Point, 1 at Helmsdale, 1 at Chanonry
Great Shearwater - 2 at Embo, 4 at Lothbeg Point, 4 at Helmsdale, 1 at Brora
Balearic Shearwater - 1 at Helmsdale, 2 at Lothbeg Point
Sooty Shearwater - 43 at Embo, 70 at Lothbeg Point 23 form Mallaig to Lochboisdale Ferry, also 23 Storm Petrels
Fea's type Petrel - 1 at Lothbeg then shortly after at Helmsdale
Little Stint - 1 at Broadford Bay
Curlew Sandpiper - 2 at Breakish Obbe
Pomarine Skua - 3 at Helmsdale, 2 at Embo, 1 at Chanonry Point along with 256 Manx Shearwaters, 8 Arctic Skua
Long-tailed Skua - 2 at Embo also 1 LIttle Gull
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Bayfield, Portree, Isle of Skye
Swift - single at Breakish
Pied Flycatcher - 3 at Tarbat Ness
Hoopoe - 1 at Polbain
Saturday 3rd September
Pomarine Skua - 5 juveniles at Chanonry Point also 7 Arctic skua (all dark phase), three Manx shearwater, 1 Puffin, 112 Fulmar, 1 Great Norther Diver, 280 Gannet
Arctic Skua - 5 at Embo also 200+ Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater.4 Pomarine Skua,
Ruddy Shelduck - at Ardersier bay/Connage
Great Shearwater - 8 at Tarbat Ness also, 3 Cory's Shearwater , 80 Sooty Shearwater and 113 Manx Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater - c30 off Mallaig
Little Stint - spotted yesterday at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Green Woodpecker - near Kinloch, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness also 6 Pied Flycatchers
Pomarine Skua - 5 juveniles at Chanonry Point also 7 Arctic skua (all dark phase), three Manx shearwater, 1 Puffin, 112 Fulmar, 1 Great Norther Diver, 280 Gannet
Arctic Skua - 5 at Embo also 200+ Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater.4 Pomarine Skua,
Ruddy Shelduck - at Ardersier bay/Connage
Great Shearwater - 8 at Tarbat Ness also, 3 Cory's Shearwater , 80 Sooty Shearwater and 113 Manx Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater - c30 off Mallaig
Little Stint - spotted yesterday at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Green Woodpecker - near Kinloch, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Icterine Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness also 6 Pied Flycatchers
Friday 2nd September
Balearic Shearwater - heading North out of the Firth at Embo, Cory's Shearwater also heading North
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Bayfield Portree, Isle of Skye
Marsh Harrier - (probable Juvenile) at Loch Insh with 3 female Hen Harrier and 1 Shoveler
Sandwich Tern - 18 at Tarbat Ness also c350 Gannet, 35 Swallow, 75 Linnet
Balearic Shearwater - heading North out of the Firth at Embo, Cory's Shearwater also heading North
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Bayfield Portree, Isle of Skye
Marsh Harrier - (probable Juvenile) at Loch Insh with 3 female Hen Harrier and 1 Shoveler
Sandwich Tern - 18 at Tarbat Ness also c350 Gannet, 35 Swallow, 75 Linnet
Thursday 1st September
Black-Tailed Godwit - 2 birds in the Brakish Channel at Tain Links
Sandwich Tern - 24 at Tarbat Ness also 350 Gannet, 100 House Martin, 150 Linnet and 35 Kittiwake
Black-Tailed Godwit - 2 birds in the Brakish Channel at Tain Links
Sandwich Tern - 24 at Tarbat Ness also 350 Gannet, 100 House Martin, 150 Linnet and 35 Kittiwake
Wednesday 31st August
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 10 at Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye
Corys Shearwater - Chanonry Point also 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark phase and 1 pale phase)
Rose Coloured Starling - Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan (observed 24th August 2022)
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 10 at Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye
Corys Shearwater - Chanonry Point also 3 Arctic Skua (2 dark phase and 1 pale phase)
Rose Coloured Starling - Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan (observed 24th August 2022)
Tuesday 30th August
Mandarin Duck - Loch Garten NR
Water Rail - on Nocmig at Kinloch, Rum
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 9 at Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye also single Black-tailed Godwit
Little Gull - 1 immature bird at Chanonry also 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Arctic Skua (3 dark phase and 1 pale phase) 1 Puffin, 4 Fulmar, 65 Sandwich Tern and 5 Red-throated diver
Corys Shearwater - Chanonry Point
Mandarin Duck - Loch Garten NR
Water Rail - on Nocmig at Kinloch, Rum
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye
Bar-tailed Godwit - 9 at Breakish Obbe, Isle of Skye also single Black-tailed Godwit
Little Gull - 1 immature bird at Chanonry also 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Arctic Skua (3 dark phase and 1 pale phase) 1 Puffin, 4 Fulmar, 65 Sandwich Tern and 5 Red-throated diver
Corys Shearwater - Chanonry Point
Monday 29th August
Arctic Skua - 3 over Portree, Isle of Skye
Greater Scaup - 4 birds at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Arctic Skua - 3 over Portree, Isle of Skye
Greater Scaup - 4 birds at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Sunday 28th August
Arctic Skua - 3 dark phase birds at Chanonry also 3 Turnstone, 9 Sanderling and 26 Dunlin
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Arctic Skua - 3 dark phase birds at Chanonry also 3 Turnstone, 9 Sanderling and 26 Dunlin
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird still at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Saturday 27th August
White-tailed Eagle - adult bird over Drynie Park, Muir of Ord
White-tailed Eagle - adult bird over Drynie Park, Muir of Ord
Friday 26th August
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Ferry Point, Dingwall plus 1 Greenshank, 1 Peregrine and 3 Osprey
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Traigh, Morar
Hobby - south of Inverness
Kingfisher - 1 on Loch Migdale
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Ferry Point, Dingwall plus 1 Greenshank, 1 Peregrine and 3 Osprey
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 at Traigh, Morar
Hobby - south of Inverness
Kingfisher - 1 on Loch Migdale
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Thursday 25th August
Long-tailed Skua - 2CY bird at Chanonry Point, 2 juveniles in the Dornoch Firth plus 4 Arctic Skua
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Mellon Udrigle
Shoveler - female at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 24 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 6 Bar-tailed Godwit
Marsh Harrier - juvenile at Redcastle, Black Isle
Kingfisher - 1 at Muirtown Pool, Inverness plus 1 Whimbrel and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull
Long-tailed Skua - 2CY bird at Chanonry Point, 2 juveniles in the Dornoch Firth plus 4 Arctic Skua
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Mellon Udrigle
Shoveler - female at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 24 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 6 Bar-tailed Godwit
Marsh Harrier - juvenile at Redcastle, Black Isle
Kingfisher - 1 at Muirtown Pool, Inverness plus 1 Whimbrel and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull
Wednesday 24th August
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye plus 10 Greenshank
Gadwall - 1 at Inverness UHI campus
Knot - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 6+ Sanderling
Kingfisher - 1 along the Dulnain in Carrbridge
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye plus 10 Greenshank
Gadwall - 1 at Inverness UHI campus
Knot - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 6+ Sanderling
Kingfisher - 1 along the Dulnain in Carrbridge
Tuesday 23rd August
Black Tern - at least 2 juveniles off Dornoch, plus 1 Little Tern, 5 Little Gull (3 juvenile, 1 sub-adult, 1 adult), 4 Arctic Skua (2 pal/2 dark morph), 23 Red-throated Diver
Storm Petrel - 15 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (20 on return journey), plus 3 Red-throated Diver, 11 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, c110 Manx Shearwater (800 on return), 1 Sooty Shearwater (46 on return)
Cuckoo - 1 juvenile at Dava
Black Tern - at least 2 juveniles off Dornoch, plus 1 Little Tern, 5 Little Gull (3 juvenile, 1 sub-adult, 1 adult), 4 Arctic Skua (2 pal/2 dark morph), 23 Red-throated Diver
Storm Petrel - 15 from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (20 on return journey), plus 3 Red-throated Diver, 11 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, c110 Manx Shearwater (800 on return), 1 Sooty Shearwater (46 on return)
Cuckoo - 1 juvenile at Dava
Monday 22nd August
Arctic Skua - 1 dark morph at Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 3 off Tarbat Ness with 35 Manx Shearwater plus a distant large species of shearwater
Manx Shearwater - c1,000 of Embo, plus 3 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Arctic Skua, and 1 adult and 1 juvenile Little Gull
Whimbrel - 1 at Udale Bay with another 3 at Rosemarkie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15, plus single Black-tailed Godwit, at Broadford Bay, Skye
Greenshank - 1 at Udale Bay
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Loch Gartin, Mandarin Duck also
Swift - singles over Fortrose and Nigg
Arctic Skua - 1 dark morph at Chanonry Point
Sooty Shearwater - 3 off Tarbat Ness with 35 Manx Shearwater plus a distant large species of shearwater
Manx Shearwater - c1,000 of Embo, plus 3 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Arctic Skua, and 1 adult and 1 juvenile Little Gull
Whimbrel - 1 at Udale Bay with another 3 at Rosemarkie
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15, plus single Black-tailed Godwit, at Broadford Bay, Skye
Greenshank - 1 at Udale Bay
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Loch Gartin, Mandarin Duck also
Swift - singles over Fortrose and Nigg
Sunday 21st August
Little Tern - 1 immature bird past Chanonry Point, plus 3 dark morph Arctic Skua
Manx Shearwater - 14 off Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit (locally rare)
Storm Petrel - 40 seen from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, along with 1 Pomarine Skua, 20 Sooty Shearwater, 10 Arctic Skua and 6 Great Skua, plus a number of Lesser Rorqual whales and single Fin Whale
Black-tailed Godwit - 4 in Dingwall Bay, plus 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Swift
Bar-tailed Godwit - 8, plus 3 Black-tailed Godwit, at Traigh, Morar
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes, 160 Barnacle Goose and 18 Canada Goose also
Little Tern - 1 immature bird past Chanonry Point, plus 3 dark morph Arctic Skua
Manx Shearwater - 14 off Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit (locally rare)
Storm Petrel - 40 seen from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry, along with 1 Pomarine Skua, 20 Sooty Shearwater, 10 Arctic Skua and 6 Great Skua, plus a number of Lesser Rorqual whales and single Fin Whale
Black-tailed Godwit - 4 in Dingwall Bay, plus 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Swift
Bar-tailed Godwit - 8, plus 3 Black-tailed Godwit, at Traigh, Morar
Marsh Harrier - 1 at Insh marshes, 160 Barnacle Goose and 18 Canada Goose also
Saturday 20th August
Black-throated Diver - 8 off Firemore, Loch Ewe plus 30+ Ringed Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone and a flock of around 150 Twite
Arctic Skua - 2 (1 pale/1dark morph) at Chanonry Point, plus 3 Whimbrel
Black-tailed Godwit - 41 Broadford Day with 2 Knot and 160 Dunlin
Mediterranean Gull - 1st summer still at Bayfield, Portree
Little Tern - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Black-throated Diver - 8 off Firemore, Loch Ewe plus 30+ Ringed Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone and a flock of around 150 Twite
Arctic Skua - 2 (1 pale/1dark morph) at Chanonry Point, plus 3 Whimbrel
Black-tailed Godwit - 41 Broadford Day with 2 Knot and 160 Dunlin
Mediterranean Gull - 1st summer still at Bayfield, Portree
Little Tern - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Friday 19th August
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Loch Garten
Ringed Plover - 100 in Broadford Bay also 80 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and single Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper
Mediterranean Gull - 1st summer still at Bayfield, Portree
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Loch Garten
Ringed Plover - 100 in Broadford Bay also 80 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and single Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper
Mediterranean Gull - 1st summer still at Bayfield, Portree
Thursday 18th August
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Fort George also 1 at Broadford bay and 3 Greenshank there
Whimbrel - Loch Scresort, Rum
Sanderling - 5 at Broadford Bay
Swift - 24 over Embo
Cuckoo - Juv at Drumfearn
Wednesday 17th August
Sooty Shearwater - 46 seen from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 14 Arctic Skua, 23 Manx Shearwaters and 4 Great Skua
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 on Eigg also 3 Ferry Point Dingwall
Arctic Skua - 1 at Brora along with large numbers of Fulmar and Manx Shearwaters
Little Gull - 1 Juvenile at Embo, also 1 adult there along with 150 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Skua, 2 Puffins and 6 Red-throated Divers
Wheatear - 2 leucorhoa types at Neist Point also 3 Arctic Skuas there.
Sooty Shearwater - 46 seen from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 14 Arctic Skua, 23 Manx Shearwaters and 4 Great Skua
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 on Eigg also 3 Ferry Point Dingwall
Arctic Skua - 1 at Brora along with large numbers of Fulmar and Manx Shearwaters
Little Gull - 1 Juvenile at Embo, also 1 adult there along with 150 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Skua, 2 Puffins and 6 Red-throated Divers
Wheatear - 2 leucorhoa types at Neist Point also 3 Arctic Skuas there.
Tuesday 16th August
Great Shearwater - 1 seen on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway also 700+ Sooty Shearwaters
Great Egret - 1 on marsh, Cromarty Bridge
Whimbrel - flock of 17 at The Aird, Gedintailor also 2 Arctic Skuas
Black-tailed Godwit - 13 at Alturlie also 1 at Fort George and 4 at Aird, Sleat
Sabine's Gull - 1 From Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 5 Storm Petrel
Puffin - Single between Fort George and Chanonry also 8 Whimbrel
Woodchat Shrike - 1 at Mellon Udrigle near campsite
Great Shearwater - 1 seen on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway also 700+ Sooty Shearwaters
Great Egret - 1 on marsh, Cromarty Bridge
Whimbrel - flock of 17 at The Aird, Gedintailor also 2 Arctic Skuas
Black-tailed Godwit - 13 at Alturlie also 1 at Fort George and 4 at Aird, Sleat
Sabine's Gull - 1 From Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry also 5 Storm Petrel
Puffin - Single between Fort George and Chanonry also 8 Whimbrel
Woodchat Shrike - 1 at Mellon Udrigle near campsite
Monday 15th August
Hobby - 1 near Tomatin
Little Stint - 1 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Pomarine Skua - 1 passed Tarbat Ness, also 1 Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua
Great Skua - 1 at Chanonry
Arctic Skua - 3 Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 1 Dornoch Beach
Hobby - 1 near Tomatin
Little Stint - 1 at Staffin Bay, Skye
Pomarine Skua - 1 passed Tarbat Ness, also 1 Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua
Great Skua - 1 at Chanonry
Arctic Skua - 3 Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 1 Dornoch Beach
Sunday 14th August
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Broadford
Whimbrel - 7 at Kilmaluag, also Arctic Skua there
Cuckoo - Juvenile at Kildonan, Eigg
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Broadford
Whimbrel - 7 at Kilmaluag, also Arctic Skua there
Cuckoo - Juvenile at Kildonan, Eigg
Saturday 13th August
Storm Petrel - observed between Mallaig and Rum
Magpie - at Breakish, Isle of Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 150 observed at Broadford bay, Isle of Skye
Storm Petrel - observed between Mallaig and Rum
Magpie - at Breakish, Isle of Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 150 observed at Broadford bay, Isle of Skye
Friday 12th August
Whimbrel - 10 at broadford bay, also observed were Mediterranean Gull - 1 Juvenile, Black-tailed godwit - 37, Oystercatcher - 200 and Redshank - 80
Manx shearwater - c 500 at Brora during 2 hour seawatch also observed Arctic Skua - 6, Pomarine Skua - single bird, Bonxie - single bird, Little gull - 2, Little tern - single bird.
Arctic Skuas - 6 observed at Tarbat Ness also Manx shearwater - 251, Little Tern - single bird, and one Bonxie. Good numbers of juvenile Kittiwakes
Whimbrel - 10 at broadford bay, also observed were Mediterranean Gull - 1 Juvenile, Black-tailed godwit - 37, Oystercatcher - 200 and Redshank - 80
Manx shearwater - c 500 at Brora during 2 hour seawatch also observed Arctic Skua - 6, Pomarine Skua - single bird, Bonxie - single bird, Little gull - 2, Little tern - single bird.
Arctic Skuas - 6 observed at Tarbat Ness also Manx shearwater - 251, Little Tern - single bird, and one Bonxie. Good numbers of juvenile Kittiwakes
Thursday 11th August
Canada Goose - c400 observed from the hide at Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 at Gruinard Bay
Whimbrel - 150 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also Black-tailed godwit, 30 and Mediterranean Gull - 1 juvenile
Canada Goose - c400 observed from the hide at Udale Bay
Arctic Skua - 2 at Gruinard Bay
Whimbrel - 150 at Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye also Black-tailed godwit, 30 and Mediterranean Gull - 1 juvenile
Wednesday 10th August
Common Tern - c110 also Arctic Skua, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Dunlin, 90 and Ringed plover 68 at Dornoch
Long Eared Owl - Eigg
Common Tern - c110 also Arctic Skua, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Dunlin, 90 and Ringed plover 68 at Dornoch
Long Eared Owl - Eigg
Tuesday 9th August
No significant sightings
No significant sightings
Monday 8th August
Storm Petrel - 2 observed between Muck and Eigg
Mediterranean Gull - 1 juvenile at Waterloo area of Broadford Bay, Skye also 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 2 Sanderling
House Martin - c150 near Lighthouse Beacon at Tarbat Ness
Storm Petrel - 2 observed between Muck and Eigg
Mediterranean Gull - 1 juvenile at Waterloo area of Broadford Bay, Skye also 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 2 Sanderling
House Martin - c150 near Lighthouse Beacon at Tarbat Ness
Sunday 7th August
Northern Gannet - c100 individuals recorded. Also 40 Sandwich Tern, 17 Black Guillemot 5 Manx Shearwater at Tarbat Ness
Northern Gannet - c100 individuals recorded. Also 40 Sandwich Tern, 17 Black Guillemot 5 Manx Shearwater at Tarbat Ness
Saturday 6th August
Mediterranean Gull - 2 juveniles at Waterloo area of Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 12 Whimbrel
Mediterranean Gull - 2 juveniles at Waterloo area of Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 12 Whimbrel
Friday 5th August
Red-throated Diver - 1 off Whiteness, plus 2 Sanderling
Little Tern - 6 adults and 2 juveniles at Fort George, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 32 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin and 43 Ringed Plover
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 at Loch Flemington
Whimbrel - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 4 Sanderling, 120 Dunlin and 90 Ringed Plover
Red-throated Diver - 1 off Whiteness, plus 2 Sanderling
Little Tern - 6 adults and 2 juveniles at Fort George, plus 2 Arctic Skua, 32 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin and 43 Ringed Plover
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 at Loch Flemington
Whimbrel - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 4 Sanderling, 120 Dunlin and 90 Ringed Plover
Thursday 4th August
Iceland Gull - adult at Tarbat Ness, 8 Manx Shearwater also
Whimbrel - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 6 Turnstone and single Sanderling
Iceland Gull - adult at Tarbat Ness, 8 Manx Shearwater also
Whimbrel - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 6 Turnstone and single Sanderling
Wednesday 3rd August
Manx Shearwater - single off Tarbat Ness
Whimbrel - 7 at Broadford Bay, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 9 Turnstone and 3 Sanderling
Swift - 32 feeding over Embo
Manx Shearwater - single off Tarbat Ness
Whimbrel - 7 at Broadford Bay, Skye
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 9 Turnstone and 3 Sanderling
Swift - 32 feeding over Embo
Tuesday 2nd August
Arctic Skua - 4 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 4 (3 of which were juveniles) Grey Partridge nearby also
Black-tailed Godwit - 41 at Ardnish, Broadford on Skye, with 15 also noted in Broadford Bay plus 3 Knot
Arctic Skua - 4 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, 4 (3 of which were juveniles) Grey Partridge nearby also
Black-tailed Godwit - 41 at Ardnish, Broadford on Skye, with 15 also noted in Broadford Bay plus 3 Knot
Monday 1st August
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile still at Broadford Bay, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 12 Sanderling amongst various waders present. C100 House Martin were also noted - a high number for this location
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Redshank - 72 at the Ardnish areas of Broadford, Skye
Mediterranean Gull - juvenile still at Broadford Bay, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 12 Sanderling amongst various waders present. C100 House Martin were also noted - a high number for this location
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Redshank - 72 at the Ardnish areas of Broadford, Skye
Sunday 31st July
Great Northern Diver - 1 (in sumplum) at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit
Franklin's Gull - amongst gulls in Broadford Bay, Skye with juvenile Mediterranean Gull present also
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness with Merlin present also
Great Northern Diver - 1 (in sumplum) at Broadford Bay, Skye plus 2 Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwit
Franklin's Gull - amongst gulls in Broadford Bay, Skye with juvenile Mediterranean Gull present also
Short-eared Owl - 1 at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness with Merlin present also
Saturday 30th July
Manx Shearwater - 1000+ from Armadale-Mallaig ferry
Storm Petrel - two off the Point of Sleat
Arctic Tern- 200+ at Tarbat Ness also imm/female Merlin
Common Tern - 50 adults + 17 juveniles in Broadford Bay
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Skye
Little Gull - 1st summer still at Skelbo
Nuthatch - Calling at Ferry Point, Dingwall, with one other reported at feeders in Invermoriston
Manx Shearwater - 1000+ from Armadale-Mallaig ferry
Storm Petrel - two off the Point of Sleat
Arctic Tern- 200+ at Tarbat Ness also imm/female Merlin
Common Tern - 50 adults + 17 juveniles in Broadford Bay
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Skye
Little Gull - 1st summer still at Skelbo
Nuthatch - Calling at Ferry Point, Dingwall, with one other reported at feeders in Invermoriston
Friday 29th July
Little Egret - 1 at Fort William
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Ruff - Juvenile at Udale Bay
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Skye
Little Gull - 1st summer, Skelbo
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Little Egret - 1 at Fort William
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Ruff - Juvenile at Udale Bay
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile still at Waterloo, Skye
Little Gull - 1st summer, Skelbo
Kingfisher - 1 at Kingussie
Thursday 28th July
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile at Waterloo, Skye
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile at Waterloo, Skye
Wednesday 27th July
Greenshank - 11 at Loch Portree also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 30 Goosander
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile off West Terrace, Ullapool.
Iceland Gull - 1 Tarbat Ness also good numbers of Manx Shearwaters and 1 Arctic Skua
Storm Petrel - 1 Tarbat Ness. Also 3 between Soay and Rum from MV Sheerwater
Sandwich Tern - 178 at Dornoch also 17 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and 30 Sanderling.
Greenshank - 11 at Loch Portree also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 30 Goosander
Mediterranean Gull - Juvenile off West Terrace, Ullapool.
Iceland Gull - 1 Tarbat Ness also good numbers of Manx Shearwaters and 1 Arctic Skua
Storm Petrel - 1 Tarbat Ness. Also 3 between Soay and Rum from MV Sheerwater
Sandwich Tern - 178 at Dornoch also 17 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Tern and 30 Sanderling.
Tuesday 26th July
No significant sightings
No significant sightings
Monday 25th July
Quail - 1 calling near Beauly
Sooty Shearwater - 1 past Durness
Arctic Skua - 3at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Quail - 1 calling near Beauly
Sooty Shearwater - 1 past Durness
Arctic Skua - 3at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford
Sunday 24th July
Glaucous Gull - Juvenile past Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Summer still at Bayfield, Portree
Knot - 5 Broadford Bay also 6 Greenshank, 50 Dunlin and 28 Sanderling
Sanderling - 36 at Traigh, Morar also 27 Dunlin. 7 at Staffin Bay
Saturday 23rd July
Black-throated Diver - 21 at Firemore Beach also 1 Red-throated Diver
Storm Petrel - single from the Mallaig-Rum ferry + 140 Guillemots many with healthy chicks
Manx Shearwater - 590 also good numbers of Puffin and Kittiwake, 2 Storm Petrel, 1 Arctic Skua and 1 Pomarine Skua during 2 hour sea watch at Brora
Whimbrel - 1 over Clachnaharry, Inverness
Friday 22nd July
Common Scoter- 10 off Rigg, Staffin Isle of Skye
Little Gull - 2nd year, Brora
Kittiwake - c500 Tarbat Ness
Common Scoter- 10 off Rigg, Staffin Isle of Skye
Little Gull - 2nd year, Brora
Kittiwake - c500 Tarbat Ness
Thursday 21st July
Great Skua- 6 on Staffin Island, Skye also single bird reported between Chanory Point and Fortrose
Great Skua- 6 on Staffin Island, Skye also single bird reported between Chanory Point and Fortrose
Wednesday 20th July
Great Skua- small numbers being reported - single north at Valtos ; two between Arisaig and Muck; a pair still present on Pabay, Skye
Great Skua- small numbers being reported - single north at Valtos ; two between Arisaig and Muck; a pair still present on Pabay, Skye
Tuesday 19th July
Sanderling - c142 on Dornoch Beach
Kittiwake - c300 also c 150 Gannets at Tarbat Ness
Sanderling - c142 on Dornoch Beach
Kittiwake - c300 also c 150 Gannets at Tarbat Ness
Monday 18th July
Glaucous Gull - 1 bird off the beach at The Glebe, Golspie
Common Tern - c180+ some feeding juveniles at Avoch, also 4 Turnstones
Purple Sandpiper - single bird at Neist Point, Isle of Skye also 2 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua
Glaucous Gull - 1 bird off the beach at The Glebe, Golspie
Common Tern - c180+ some feeding juveniles at Avoch, also 4 Turnstones
Purple Sandpiper - single bird at Neist Point, Isle of Skye also 2 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua
Sunday 17th July
Sandwich Tern - 118 birds also 3 Little Tern, 17 Manx Shearwater and 7 Black Throated Diver at Coul Links Dornoch,
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Summer bird at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Sandwich Tern - 118 birds also 3 Little Tern, 17 Manx Shearwater and 7 Black Throated Diver at Coul Links Dornoch,
Mediterranean Gull - 1st Summer bird at Loch Portree, Isle of Skye
Saturday 16th July
Black-tailed Godwit - single bird at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Ruff - one at Lower Breakish, Skye
Sandwich Tern - 19 (including at least 8 juveniles) at Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Storm Petrel - single seen on Rum-Mallaig ferry crossing, plus three Bonxies
Black-tailed Godwit - single bird at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Ruff - one at Lower Breakish, Skye
Sandwich Tern - 19 (including at least 8 juveniles) at Tarbat Ness
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Storm Petrel - single seen on Rum-Mallaig ferry crossing, plus three Bonxies
Friday 15th July
Red-throated Diver - 5 off Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 91 at Coul Links, plus 5 Little Tern and 6 Arctic Tern
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling male at Nonach Lodge, Lochalsh
Red-throated Diver - 5 off Tarbat Ness
Sandwich Tern - 91 at Coul Links, plus 5 Little Tern and 6 Arctic Tern
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling male at Nonach Lodge, Lochalsh
Thursday 14th July
Manx Shearwater - single off Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Great Northern Diver and 3 Red-throated `diver
Black-tailed Godwit - singleton in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 29 Redshank and 27 Curlew
Manx Shearwater - single off Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Great Northern Diver and 3 Red-throated `diver
Black-tailed Godwit - singleton in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 29 Redshank and 27 Curlew
Wednesday 13th July
Greylag Goose - c600 around Glas Eilean, Lochalsh
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Corn Bunting - single calling male near Co-Op distribution centre, Dalcross Airport
Greylag Goose - c600 around Glas Eilean, Lochalsh
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Loch Portree, Skye
Corn Bunting - single calling male near Co-Op distribution centre, Dalcross Airport
Tuesday 12th July
Glaucous Gull - 2 immature birds remain at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 2 immature birds remain at Brora
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 in Broadford Bay, Skye
Monday 11th July
Glaucous Gull - 2 immature birds plus 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Brora river mouth
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Bayfield, Portree on Skye
Lesser Black-backed Gull - single bird showing intermedius ssp. features at Lower Milovaig, Skye
Glaucous Gull - 2 immature birds plus 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Brora river mouth
Mediterranean Gull - 2CY bird at Bayfield, Portree on Skye
Lesser Black-backed Gull - single bird showing intermedius ssp. features at Lower Milovaig, Skye
Sunday 10th July
Manx Shearwater - 11 off Tarbat, plus single sumplum Great Northern Diver and 2 juvenile Sandwich Tern (with 2 adults)
Arctic Skua - in a 4-hour seawatch at Neist Point, Skye just a single bird was seen, with no Bonxies observed. 73 Manx Shearwater and 23 Puffin were seen, plus a Lesser Rorqual whale. Bob McMillan has written the following blog on the skua situation www.skye-birds.com/blogs/2021/bonxies-on-the-brink/
Manx Shearwater - 11 off Tarbat, plus single sumplum Great Northern Diver and 2 juvenile Sandwich Tern (with 2 adults)
Arctic Skua - in a 4-hour seawatch at Neist Point, Skye just a single bird was seen, with no Bonxies observed. 73 Manx Shearwater and 23 Puffin were seen, plus a Lesser Rorqual whale. Bob McMillan has written the following blog on the skua situation www.skye-birds.com/blogs/2021/bonxies-on-the-brink/
Saturday 9th July
Little Tern - 2 at Chanonry point.
White Wagtail - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Little Tern - 2 at Chanonry point.
White Wagtail - 1 at Tarbat Ness
Friday 8th July
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Ferry Point, Dingwall
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Ferry Point, Dingwall
Thursday 7th July
Kittiwake - 1500+ heading into Dornoch Firth past Tarbat Ness along with c150 Gannets
Kittiwake - 1500+ heading into Dornoch Firth past Tarbat Ness along with c150 Gannets
Wednesday 6th July
Storm Petrel - 2 from Rum-Mallaig ferry and 500 Manx Shearwater (but notably no Skuas)
Arctic Skua - 2 off Tarbat Ness, 1 at Brora
Little Egret -2 at Loch Ainort, Skye
Glaucous Gull - Immature still at Brora, also 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 10 Sandwich Terns including 3 juveniles.
Rosy Starling - 1 at Balmaquien, Skye
Storm Petrel - 2 from Rum-Mallaig ferry and 500 Manx Shearwater (but notably no Skuas)
Arctic Skua - 2 off Tarbat Ness, 1 at Brora
Little Egret -2 at Loch Ainort, Skye
Glaucous Gull - Immature still at Brora, also 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 10 Sandwich Terns including 3 juveniles.
Rosy Starling - 1 at Balmaquien, Skye
Tuesday 5th July
Common Sandpiper - 14 Ashaig, Broadford
Bonapartes Gull - 1 on Firemore beach.
Common Sandpiper - 14 Ashaig, Broadford
Bonapartes Gull - 1 on Firemore beach.
Monday 4th July
Common Scoter - 14 past Chanonry Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 Nigg Bay
Short-eared Owl - 1 between Rosemarkie and Cromarty
Rosy Starling - 1 yesterday, in private garden, Bettyhill
Common Scoter - 14 past Chanonry Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 Nigg Bay
Short-eared Owl - 1 between Rosemarkie and Cromarty
Rosy Starling - 1 yesterday, in private garden, Bettyhill
Sunday 3rd July
Common Scoter - 25+ in Broadford Bay
Guillemot - At least 343 dead Guillemot on Brora Beach. If you find three dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national GB telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 . It is advisable that you do not touch these birds.
Greenshank - 3 Udale Bay
Turtle Dove - 1 in private garden, Dalchalm, Brora
Common Scoter - 25+ in Broadford Bay
Guillemot - At least 343 dead Guillemot on Brora Beach. If you find three dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national GB telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 . It is advisable that you do not touch these birds.
Greenshank - 3 Udale Bay
Turtle Dove - 1 in private garden, Dalchalm, Brora
Saturday 2nd July
Ringed Plover - 12 at Dornoch along with 14 Dunlin, 55 Red breasted merganser, 2 Little Tern and 5 Sandwich Tern
Long-tailed Skua - 1 observed from Gordonhall Hide, Insh Marshes near Kingussie
Short-eared Owl - Inverness Airport
Ringed Plover - 12 at Dornoch along with 14 Dunlin, 55 Red breasted merganser, 2 Little Tern and 5 Sandwich Tern
Long-tailed Skua - 1 observed from Gordonhall Hide, Insh Marshes near Kingussie
Short-eared Owl - Inverness Airport
Friday 1st July
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora
Thursday 30th June
Great White Egret - flying South down Loch Linnhe this morning
Great White Egret - flying South down Loch Linnhe this morning
Wednesday 29th June
Black-Tailed Godwit - at Merkinch LNR also 24 Redshank
Black-Tailed Godwit - at Merkinch LNR also 24 Redshank
Tuesday 28th June
Rosy Starling - Altgrishnan, Gairloch, also bird reported in Kyle of Lochalsh between 18 and 20 June.
Sanderling - 10 birds reported, along with 65 Curlew, 2 Bar-Tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin at Dornoch Saltings
Rosy Starling - Altgrishnan, Gairloch, also bird reported in Kyle of Lochalsh between 18 and 20 June.
Sanderling - 10 birds reported, along with 65 Curlew, 2 Bar-Tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin at Dornoch Saltings
Monday 27th June
No significant sightings reported yet today
No significant sightings reported yet today
Sunday 26th June
Black-Tailed Godwit - at the head of Loch Portree also 20 Greenshank
Manx Shearwater - 23 birds heading south into Dornoch Firth, Embo, also 1 Little Tern and 3 Swift
Black-Tailed Godwit - at the head of Loch Portree also 20 Greenshank
Manx Shearwater - 23 birds heading south into Dornoch Firth, Embo, also 1 Little Tern and 3 Swift
Saturday 25th June
Rosy Starling - single birds at Lang Bay, Eigg and Balmaquien, Kilmuir on Skye
Rosy Starling - single birds at Lang Bay, Eigg and Balmaquien, Kilmuir on Skye
Friday 24th June
Arctic Skua - 11 past Neist Point, Skye during a 5-hour seawatch; remarkably, just a single Bonxie was observed in this period
Manx Shearwater - c200 in Moonen Bay, Skye
Dunlin - 8 at Laide, Wester Ross
Arctic Skua - 11 past Neist Point, Skye during a 5-hour seawatch; remarkably, just a single Bonxie was observed in this period
Manx Shearwater - c200 in Moonen Bay, Skye
Dunlin - 8 at Laide, Wester Ross
Thursday 23rd June
Arctic Skua - 3 past Neist Point, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - one at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Arctic Skua - 3 past Neist Point, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - one at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Wednesday 22nd June
Green-winged Teal - drake in front of birdhide at Dalchork, by Lairg
Green-winged Teal - drake in front of birdhide at Dalchork, by Lairg
Tuesday 21st June
Canada Goose - singleton at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Common Scoter - c1,000 in the Dornoch Firth off Portmahomack
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling male along the Cove road, Loch Ewe
Canada Goose - singleton at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Common Scoter - c1,000 in the Dornoch Firth off Portmahomack
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling male along the Cove road, Loch Ewe
Monday 20th June
Arctic Skua - single (dark morph) at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver plus 14 Manx Shearwater
Greylage Goose - c1,000 post breeding/moulting flock at Glas Eilean, Loch Alsh
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling birds at Upper Tote and Budmhor, Portree on Skye
Arctic Skua - single (dark morph) at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver plus 14 Manx Shearwater
Greylage Goose - c1,000 post breeding/moulting flock at Glas Eilean, Loch Alsh
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling birds at Upper Tote and Budmhor, Portree on Skye
Sunday 19th June
White-billed Diver - 1st summer bird off Embo; in one hour other 'highlight' species noted were single Great Northern Diver (sumplum), 67 Manx Shearwater, 5 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua
Manx Shearwater - 7 at Tarbat Ness, other species noted included 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Puffin, 500+ Kittiwake, 6 Arctic Tern
Greenshank - 17 at the head of Loch Portree, Skye plus single Whimbrel
Spotted Flycatcher - at least 2 pairs in Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe
White-billed Diver - 1st summer bird off Embo; in one hour other 'highlight' species noted were single Great Northern Diver (sumplum), 67 Manx Shearwater, 5 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua
Manx Shearwater - 7 at Tarbat Ness, other species noted included 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Puffin, 500+ Kittiwake, 6 Arctic Tern
Greenshank - 17 at the head of Loch Portree, Skye plus single Whimbrel
Spotted Flycatcher - at least 2 pairs in Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe
Saturday 18th June
Common Scoter - 60 flew east in outer Broadford Bay
Cory's Shearwater - 1 (probable) past Tarbat Ness
Wood Warbler - singing male at Dornie, Kintail
Garden Warbler - one at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Common Scoter - 60 flew east in outer Broadford Bay
Cory's Shearwater - 1 (probable) past Tarbat Ness
Wood Warbler - singing male at Dornie, Kintail
Garden Warbler - one at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Friday 17th June
Red-breasted Merganser - 87 at Udale
Rosy Starling - 1 still in Scourie
Red-breasted Merganser - 87 at Udale
Rosy Starling - 1 still in Scourie
Thursday 16th June
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora river mouth still
Greenshank - 4 at Udale Bay
Whimbrel - 1 at Feddon Hill, Fortrose
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora river mouth still
Greenshank - 4 at Udale Bay
Whimbrel - 1 at Feddon Hill, Fortrose
Wednesday 15th June
Canada Goose - 70 adults and 20 juveniles at head of Loch Ailort
Great Northern Diver - single in winter plumage off Ord, Sleat
Manx Shearwaters - 5 off Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora river mouth along with immature Iceland Gull and intermedius type Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Canada Goose - 70 adults and 20 juveniles at head of Loch Ailort
Great Northern Diver - single in winter plumage off Ord, Sleat
Manx Shearwaters - 5 off Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - Immature at Brora river mouth along with immature Iceland Gull and intermedius type Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Tuesday 14th June
Rosy Starling - 1 at Scourie, east of Greenhill Bed & Breakfast.
Rosy Starling - 1 at Scourie, east of Greenhill Bed & Breakfast.
Monday 13th June
No significant sightings reported yet today
No significant sightings reported yet today
Sunday 12th June
Greenshank - 10 at the head of Loch Portree
Greenshank - 10 at the head of Loch Portree
Saturday 11th June
Long-tailed Skua - 1 near Newtonmore
Long-tailed Skua - 1 near Newtonmore
Friday 10th June
Hobby- single bird flying south over Broadford, Isle of Skye
Hobby- single bird flying south over Broadford, Isle of Skye
Thursday 9th June
No significant sightings reported yet today
No significant sightings reported yet today
Wednesday 8th June
Long-Tailed Skua - also 18 Manx Shearwater flew North at Brora
Long-Tailed Skua - also 18 Manx Shearwater flew North at Brora
Tuesday 7th June
Black Redstart - male, first summer bird near Ptarmigan Restaurant on Cairngorm
Black Redstart - male, first summer bird near Ptarmigan Restaurant on Cairngorm
Monday 6th June
No significant sightings reported yet today
No significant sightings reported yet today
Sunday 5th June
Redstart - Migdale, Sutherland
Redstart - Migdale, Sutherland
Saturday 4th June
Short-toed Eagle - still in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Ruff - reported at Loch Insh
White Crowned Sparrow - near Mellon Udrigle
Friday 3rd June
Short-toed Eagle - still in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Knot - 3 at Tarbat Ness; offshore was a single Manx Shearwater amongst continued large numbers of feeding seabirds, with some 1,000+ Kittiwake, 2,000+ Guillemot, 500+ Razorbill included in the counts
Barnacle Goose - single bird seen off Cromarty
Common Scoter - 7 at Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - roadside at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Short-toed Eagle - still in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Knot - 3 at Tarbat Ness; offshore was a single Manx Shearwater amongst continued large numbers of feeding seabirds, with some 1,000+ Kittiwake, 2,000+ Guillemot, 500+ Razorbill included in the counts
Barnacle Goose - single bird seen off Cromarty
Common Scoter - 7 at Chanonry Point
Garden Warbler - roadside at Loch Pityoulish, near Coylumbridge
Thursday 2nd June
Short-toed Eagle - still in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Common Crane - c10 birds near Clunes, Lochaber
Red-necked Phalarope - one briefly on Insh marshes
Ring Ouzel - single bird at The Storr, Skye
Short-toed Eagle - still in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Common Crane - c10 birds near Clunes, Lochaber
Red-necked Phalarope - one briefly on Insh marshes
Ring Ouzel - single bird at The Storr, Skye
Wednesday 1st June
White-billed Diver - off Lothbeg Point, Sutherland
Puffin - 2 under the Skye Bridge (an unusual location for them)
Short-toed Eagle - again seen in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Quail - 2 still calling on the southwestern edge of Beauly, with one other north of Nethy Bridge
White-billed Diver - off Lothbeg Point, Sutherland
Puffin - 2 under the Skye Bridge (an unusual location for them)
Short-toed Eagle - again seen in the area of Loch Grudaidh and Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland
Quail - 2 still calling on the southwestern edge of Beauly, with one other north of Nethy Bridge
Tuesday 31st May
White-billed Diver - sumplum bird north past Tarbat Ness, plus single Long-tailed Duck (almost in sumplum)
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird in Helmsdale harbour
Short-toed Eagle - seen flying north of Loch Grudaidh, Sutherland, itself north of Dalreavoch Lodge - please park sensibly and do enter lodge grounds
Common Crane - 2 over Hilton of Cadboll
Quail - single bird calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Spotted Flycatcher - 2 in Broadford, Skye
White-billed Diver - sumplum bird north past Tarbat Ness, plus single Long-tailed Duck (almost in sumplum)
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird in Helmsdale harbour
Short-toed Eagle - seen flying north of Loch Grudaidh, Sutherland, itself north of Dalreavoch Lodge - please park sensibly and do enter lodge grounds
Common Crane - 2 over Hilton of Cadboll
Quail - single bird calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Spotted Flycatcher - 2 in Broadford, Skye
Monday 30th May
Red-throated Diver - 25+ off Embo as part of ongoing seabird major feeding activity, also seen were Arctic Skua (2), plus singles of Great Skua and Glaucous Gull (immature)
Quail - at least 2 calling on the southwestern edge of Beauly
Garden Warbler - possibly two territories near Kinloch, Sleat on Skye
Red-throated Diver - 25+ off Embo as part of ongoing seabird major feeding activity, also seen were Arctic Skua (2), plus singles of Great Skua and Glaucous Gull (immature)
Quail - at least 2 calling on the southwestern edge of Beauly
Garden Warbler - possibly two territories near Kinloch, Sleat on Skye
Sunday 29th May
Barnacle Goose - one in the Waterloo area of Broadford, Skye
Black Tern - 3 past Fort George
Storm Petrel - 5 off Waternish, Skye seen from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry
Quail - single bird calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Rosy Starling - unconfirmed report of a single bird in Kinlochbervie
Barnacle Goose - one in the Waterloo area of Broadford, Skye
Black Tern - 3 past Fort George
Storm Petrel - 5 off Waternish, Skye seen from Uig-Lochmaddy ferry
Quail - single bird calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Rosy Starling - unconfirmed report of a single bird in Kinlochbervie
Saturday 28th May
Short-toed Eagle - seen again, flying near Loch Grudaidh, Sutherland north of Dalreavoch Lodge - please park sensibly and do enter lodge grounds
Quail - two birds still calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Garden Warbler - single bird at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Short-toed Eagle - seen again, flying near Loch Grudaidh, Sutherland north of Dalreavoch Lodge - please park sensibly and do enter lodge grounds
Quail - two birds still calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station
Garden Warbler - single bird at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Friday 27th May
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain links
Little Gull - one past Chanonry Point, with 11 Sanderling (all in sumplum) recorded also
Quail - two birds calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station with another at Delliefure Farm, Cromdale
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain links
Little Gull - one past Chanonry Point, with 11 Sanderling (all in sumplum) recorded also
Quail - two birds calling near the old Nethy Bridge railway station with another at Delliefure Farm, Cromdale
Thursday 26th May
Arctic Skua - 3 off Camas Ban, Bornesketaig plus 8 Great Skua
Whimbrel - singleton at Tarbat Ness, along with a Knot also; amongst the birds off the point were 18 Black Guillemot
Arctic Skua - 3 off Camas Ban, Bornesketaig plus 8 Great Skua
Whimbrel - singleton at Tarbat Ness, along with a Knot also; amongst the birds off the point were 18 Black Guillemot
Wednesday 25th May
King Eider - drake off Skelbo
Black-tailed Godwit - single bird at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Knot - 11 at Tarbat Ness plus 5 Great Northern Diver, 25 Black Guillemot and single Puffin
King Eider - drake off Skelbo
Black-tailed Godwit - single bird at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Knot - 11 at Tarbat Ness plus 5 Great Northern Diver, 25 Black Guillemot and single Puffin
Tuesday 24th May
Brent Goose - 4 still at Tain links along with 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Great Skua - 5 off Plockton
Short-toed Eagle - Flying west over Meall Dola towards Lairg
Brent Goose - 4 still at Tain links along with 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Great Skua - 5 off Plockton
Short-toed Eagle - Flying west over Meall Dola towards Lairg
Monday 23rd May
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - Still at Portmahomack
Long-tailed Skua - 4 from Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Arctic Skua - 9 north during 4 hour seawatch at Neist Point also 1 Great Skua
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness
Glaucous Gull - Still at Portmahomack
Long-tailed Skua - 4 from Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry
Arctic Skua - 9 north during 4 hour seawatch at Neist Point also 1 Great Skua
Sunday 22nd May
Iceland Gull - Immature Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness, also immature Glaucous Gull there
Nuthatch - still present Arisaig, also Spotted Flycatcher there.
Pied Flycatcher - 3 singing at Craigellachie NNR
Iceland Gull - Immature Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness, also immature Glaucous Gull there
Nuthatch - still present Arisaig, also Spotted Flycatcher there.
Pied Flycatcher - 3 singing at Craigellachie NNR
Saturday 21st May
Whooper Swan - 1 still at Loch Dunvegan
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Iceland Gull - 1st summer at golf course, Portmahomack
Glaucous Gull - 1 Ullapool harbour.
Wood Warbler - singing bird at Viewfield House wood, Portree
Whooper Swan - 1 still at Loch Dunvegan
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Iceland Gull - 1st summer at golf course, Portmahomack
Glaucous Gull - 1 Ullapool harbour.
Wood Warbler - singing bird at Viewfield House wood, Portree
Friday 20th May
Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Yellow Wagtail - 2 "grey-headed" thunbergi ssp at Balnakeil
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Kinlochewe
Garden Warbler - singing bird at Avernish, Lochalsh
Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Yellow Wagtail - 2 "grey-headed" thunbergi ssp at Balnakeil
Great Grey Shrike - 1 Kinlochewe
Garden Warbler - singing bird at Avernish, Lochalsh
Thursday 19th May
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 again on mudflats, Mountgerald, Cromarty Firth
Great Skua - 3 at Glen Brittle
Whimbrel - 2 at Brora
Spotted Flycatcher - 1 at Fortrose
Wednesday 18th May
Sanderling - 3 at Kilmory Rum (also 14 Dunlin)
Greenland Wheatear -1 at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack
Sanderling - 3 at Kilmory Rum (also 14 Dunlin)
Greenland Wheatear -1 at Bindal Farm, Portmahomack
Tuesday 17th May
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Glaucous Gull - 1 immature at Embo (also Whinchat there)
Pallid Harrier - 1 ringtail, Balnakeil
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Glaucous Gull - 1 immature at Embo (also Whinchat there)
Pallid Harrier - 1 ringtail, Balnakeil
Monday 16th May
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Manx Shearwater - c80 past Brora (also Lesser Black-backed Gull)
Iceland Gull - 1 immature, Tarbat Ness
Little Egret - 1 Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan
Common (Meally) Redpoll - 1 with Lesser Redpoll flock, Culloden Battlefield
Green-winged Teal - 1 still present Alturlie Pools
Manx Shearwater - c80 past Brora (also Lesser Black-backed Gull)
Iceland Gull - 1 immature, Tarbat Ness
Little Egret - 1 Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan
Common (Meally) Redpoll - 1 with Lesser Redpoll flock, Culloden Battlefield
Sunday 15th May
Manx Shearwater - 190 in 1hr from Embo (also 1 Little Tern, 1 Arctic Skua)
Long-tailed Skua - 1 at Horse Island, Muck (also 1 Muck fish farm yesterday)
Arctic Skua - 4 at Neist Point
Baird's Sandpiper - Balnakeil beach
Lady Amherst's Pheasant - 1 Strathdearn near Dalmigavie Lodge on 14th
Swift - Reports of widespread arrival of birds throughout the area over the last two days.
Redstart - 1 singing between Rosemarkie and Cromarty
Corn Bunting - Still present Embo
Manx Shearwater - 190 in 1hr from Embo (also 1 Little Tern, 1 Arctic Skua)
Long-tailed Skua - 1 at Horse Island, Muck (also 1 Muck fish farm yesterday)
Arctic Skua - 4 at Neist Point
Baird's Sandpiper - Balnakeil beach
Lady Amherst's Pheasant - 1 Strathdearn near Dalmigavie Lodge on 14th
Swift - Reports of widespread arrival of birds throughout the area over the last two days.
Redstart - 1 singing between Rosemarkie and Cromarty
Corn Bunting - Still present Embo
Saturday 14th May
Manx Shearwater - 2 past Chanonry Point, plus 2 Whimbrel also
Little Tern - 4 at Embo, plus 3 Great Northern Diver and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp.
Purple Sandpiper - 26 at Tarbat Ness, with ring-tail Hen Harrier, 9 Turnstone, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin and 2 White Wagtail recorded also. Probable Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. amongst the gulls present, with continued large amount of seabird activity off the point
Ringed Plover - 50 on Staffin beach, Skye
Green-winged Teal - seen briefly at Alturlie
Grey Partridge - 2 at Corntown, Conon Bridge
Common Redpoll - a good candidate for this species was seen in the Ashaig area of Broadford, Skye
Manx Shearwater - 2 past Chanonry Point, plus 2 Whimbrel also
Little Tern - 4 at Embo, plus 3 Great Northern Diver and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp.
Purple Sandpiper - 26 at Tarbat Ness, with ring-tail Hen Harrier, 9 Turnstone, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin and 2 White Wagtail recorded also. Probable Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. amongst the gulls present, with continued large amount of seabird activity off the point
Ringed Plover - 50 on Staffin beach, Skye
Green-winged Teal - seen briefly at Alturlie
Grey Partridge - 2 at Corntown, Conon Bridge
Common Redpoll - a good candidate for this species was seen in the Ashaig area of Broadford, Skye
Friday 13th May
Black-throated Diver - 2 past Chanonry Point plus 2 Red-throated Diver, single Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Sanderling in sumplum
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale morph) off Tarbat Ness plus 4 Bonxie, 5 Great Northern Diver, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and continued seabird feeding frenzy, plus around the locale were 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Wheatear (one leucorhoa ssp.) and single White Wagtail
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Mediterranean Gull - 1 at Alturlie
Shelduck - 3 over Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall with 6 Swifts over also
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Greenshank - 12 at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan plus single Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Common Sandpiper and c40 Dunlin
Ringed Plover - 120 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 60 Dunlin also
Corn Bunting - singing male at Embo; found by Peter Stronach, it appears to be first record of the species here since 1972
Black-throated Diver - 2 past Chanonry Point plus 2 Red-throated Diver, single Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Sanderling in sumplum
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale morph) off Tarbat Ness plus 4 Bonxie, 5 Great Northern Diver, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and continued seabird feeding frenzy, plus around the locale were 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Wheatear (one leucorhoa ssp.) and single White Wagtail
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Tain Links
Mediterranean Gull - 1 at Alturlie
Shelduck - 3 over Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall with 6 Swifts over also
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness
Greenshank - 12 at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan plus single Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Common Sandpiper and c40 Dunlin
Ringed Plover - 120 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 60 Dunlin also
Corn Bunting - singing male at Embo; found by Peter Stronach, it appears to be first record of the species here since 1972
Thursday 12th May
Canada Goose - pair with young at Loch Insh, with some 500 Sand Martin feeding also
Whooper Swan - single bird with Mute Swan flock at Avoch
Arctic Skua - 1 off Tarbat Ness plus 6 Bonxie, 5 Great Northern Diver, single Sanderling (uncommon for here) plus 3 Wheatear and single White Wagtail
Glaucous Gull - immature bird at Embo
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 6 at Tain Links
Mandarin Duck - 2 drake/1 female on a burn west of Glen Ord distillery, Muir of Ord
Ringed Plover - 110 'tundra' ssp. birds at Dornoch, plus 6 Whimbrel and 5 White Wagtail
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Glen Banchor, Newtonmore
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall with Whinchat present also
Canada Goose - pair with young at Loch Insh, with some 500 Sand Martin feeding also
Whooper Swan - single bird with Mute Swan flock at Avoch
Arctic Skua - 1 off Tarbat Ness plus 6 Bonxie, 5 Great Northern Diver, single Sanderling (uncommon for here) plus 3 Wheatear and single White Wagtail
Glaucous Gull - immature bird at Embo
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 6 at Tain Links
Mandarin Duck - 2 drake/1 female on a burn west of Glen Ord distillery, Muir of Ord
Ringed Plover - 110 'tundra' ssp. birds at Dornoch, plus 6 Whimbrel and 5 White Wagtail
Pied Flycatcher - 1 at Glen Banchor, Newtonmore
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling bird at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall with Whinchat present also
Wednesday 11th May
White-billed Diver - at Brora river mouth (sumplum)
Gadwall - drake at Loch Kinellan
Garganey - drake at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 3 off Tarbat Ness plus 7 Great Skua amidst a seabird feeding frenzy which included c2,000 Kittiwake
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 3 Knot also
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Tarbat Ness plus singles of Whimbrel and Knot, with 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 11 Black Guillemot in the vicinity also
Hawfinch - in a private garden, Gartymore
Wood Warbler - birds on territory at Achilty oakwood, Contin
White-billed Diver - at Brora river mouth (sumplum)
Gadwall - drake at Loch Kinellan
Garganey - drake at Alturlie
Arctic Skua - 3 off Tarbat Ness plus 7 Great Skua amidst a seabird feeding frenzy which included c2,000 Kittiwake
Bar-tailed Godwit - 6 in Broadford Bay, Skye plus 3 Knot also
Purple Sandpiper - 12 at Tarbat Ness plus singles of Whimbrel and Knot, with 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 11 Black Guillemot in the vicinity also
Hawfinch - in a private garden, Gartymore
Wood Warbler - birds on territory at Achilty oakwood, Contin
Tuesday 10th May
Great Northern Diver - still in good numbers off Inverasdale, Loch Ewe, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Skua and 3 Arctic Skua
White-billed Diver - at Brora river mouth
Arctic Skua - singles of pale and dark morph birds off Chanonry Point, plus a Lesser Black-backed Gull
Whimbrel - 9 at Firemore, Loch Ewe
Golden Plover - 24 in Strathdearn
Wood Warbler - 1 on territory in Armadale, Skye with Garden Warbler noted also
Great Northern Diver - still in good numbers off Inverasdale, Loch Ewe, plus 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Skua and 3 Arctic Skua
White-billed Diver - at Brora river mouth
Arctic Skua - singles of pale and dark morph birds off Chanonry Point, plus a Lesser Black-backed Gull
Whimbrel - 9 at Firemore, Loch Ewe
Golden Plover - 24 in Strathdearn
Wood Warbler - 1 on territory in Armadale, Skye with Garden Warbler noted also
Monday 9th May
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale morph) off Tarbat Ness, with singles of Great Skua and Manx Shearwater also, plus 4 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, 18 Turnstone and single Dunlin
Pomarine Skua - 3 off Embo, plus 2 Arctic Skua and single Bonxie, with 2 Great Northern Diver, 5 Purple Sandpiper and 4 Whimbrel also present
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 in Broadford Bay, Skye with 5 Whimbrel, single Knot and 2 Sanderling
Whimbrel - 4 at Alturlie, Inverness plus single Arctic Tern
Swift - first birds of the season over Inverness/Beauly areas
Arctic Skua - 1 (pale morph) off Tarbat Ness, with singles of Great Skua and Manx Shearwater also, plus 4 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, 18 Turnstone and single Dunlin
Pomarine Skua - 3 off Embo, plus 2 Arctic Skua and single Bonxie, with 2 Great Northern Diver, 5 Purple Sandpiper and 4 Whimbrel also present
Bar-tailed Godwit - 5 in Broadford Bay, Skye with 5 Whimbrel, single Knot and 2 Sanderling
Whimbrel - 4 at Alturlie, Inverness plus single Arctic Tern
Swift - first birds of the season over Inverness/Beauly areas
Sunday 8th May
Ruddy Shelduck - still west of the A9 bridge over the Cromarty Firth
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Great Northern Diver, single Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR, with 2 singing Sedge Warbler also
Whinchat - 1 at Ardnamurchan lighthouse
Garden Warbler - 1 at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Grasshopper Warbler - near Cove Arch, Loch Ewe
Ruddy Shelduck - still west of the A9 bridge over the Cromarty Firth
Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Great Northern Diver, single Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Breakish Obbe, Skye
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR, with 2 singing Sedge Warbler also
Whinchat - 1 at Ardnamurchan lighthouse
Garden Warbler - 1 at Balvonie of Leys, Inverness
Grasshopper Warbler - near Cove Arch, Loch Ewe
Saturday 7th May
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Neist Point, Skye
Canada Goose - 2 at Conchra, Localsh
Green Woodpecker - Migdale Woods, Spinningdale (believed present since early April)
Whimbrel - 9 at Firemore, Loch Ewe plus a singleton at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Skua and Black-headed Gull (locally uncommon)
Snow Bunting - 1 plus single Ring Ouzel on Suilven, Sutherland
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 4 at Neist Point, Skye
Canada Goose - 2 at Conchra, Localsh
Green Woodpecker - Migdale Woods, Spinningdale (believed present since early April)
Whimbrel - 9 at Firemore, Loch Ewe plus a singleton at Tarbat Ness, plus singles of Great Skua and Black-headed Gull (locally uncommon)
Snow Bunting - 1 plus single Ring Ouzel on Suilven, Sutherland
Friday 6th May
Ruddy Shelduck - west of the A9 bridge over the Cromarty Firth
Sanderling - 4 at Kilmory, Rum
Whimbrel - 5 at Upper Breakish, Skye and 7 at Ardnish, Broadford, Skye and 22 at Traigh, Morar
Wheatear - 2 leucorhoa ssp. at Newton of Leys, Inverness
Whitethroat - birds back on territory in Broadford, Skye
Wood Warbler - 5 singing males in Strathconon
General return of Tree Pipits throughout the region
Ruddy Shelduck - west of the A9 bridge over the Cromarty Firth
Sanderling - 4 at Kilmory, Rum
Whimbrel - 5 at Upper Breakish, Skye and 7 at Ardnish, Broadford, Skye and 22 at Traigh, Morar
Wheatear - 2 leucorhoa ssp. at Newton of Leys, Inverness
Whitethroat - birds back on territory in Broadford, Skye
Wood Warbler - 5 singing males in Strathconon
General return of Tree Pipits throughout the region
Thursday 5th May
Great Northern Diver - c30 off Inverasdale, Loch Ewe along with 4 Black-throated Diver, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Sandpiper
Canada Goose - 8 at Ardelve, Localsh
Ruddy Shelduck - reported yesterday, North Shore Cromarty
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Whimbrel, 5 Great Northern Diver, 4 Arctic Tern and single Great Skua
Whimbrel - 3 birds Bayfield, Portree plus 4 at Alturlie with Bar-tailed Godwit also
Turtle Dove - private garden, Grantown on Spey
Whinchat - 1 back on territory in Badenoch
Nightingale - unconfirmed report of a bird both yesterday and today in Lochcarron (nothing found on 7th May search)
Serin - female reported yesterday in a private garden in Melness, Sutherland
Great Northern Diver - c30 off Inverasdale, Loch Ewe along with 4 Black-throated Diver, 3 Red-throated Diver and 3 Common Sandpiper
Canada Goose - 8 at Ardelve, Localsh
Ruddy Shelduck - reported yesterday, North Shore Cromarty
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, plus 3 Whimbrel, 5 Great Northern Diver, 4 Arctic Tern and single Great Skua
Whimbrel - 3 birds Bayfield, Portree plus 4 at Alturlie with Bar-tailed Godwit also
Turtle Dove - private garden, Grantown on Spey
Whinchat - 1 back on territory in Badenoch
Nightingale - unconfirmed report of a bird both yesterday and today in Lochcarron (nothing found on 7th May search)
Serin - female reported yesterday in a private garden in Melness, Sutherland
Wednesday 4th May
Whitethroat - Singing in trees at Train Station area, Inverness
Redstart - 2/3 birds singing at Blackfold, also Cuckoo and Tree Pipits present
Pied Flycatcher - Craigellachie NNR and Rothiemurchus estate
Garden Warbler - Torrin Road, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Whitethroat - Singing in trees at Train Station area, Inverness
Redstart - 2/3 birds singing at Blackfold, also Cuckoo and Tree Pipits present
Pied Flycatcher - Craigellachie NNR and Rothiemurchus estate
Garden Warbler - Torrin Road, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Tuesday 3rd May
Hoopoe- 1 reported yesterday and Sunday at Sanna Bay
Snow Bunting - South End of Lochindorb
Sedge Warbler - 3 at Alturlie shore, also 3 Whimbrel and 2 Wheatear
Hoopoe- 1 reported yesterday and Sunday at Sanna Bay
Snow Bunting - South End of Lochindorb
Sedge Warbler - 3 at Alturlie shore, also 3 Whimbrel and 2 Wheatear
Monday 2nd May
Whooper Swan - 1 juvenile near Kilbraur, Backies, Golspie also several Cuckoo in the area
Wood Warbler - singing at Craigellachie, also 2 Tree Pipit present
Whooper Swan - 1 juvenile near Kilbraur, Backies, Golspie also several Cuckoo in the area
Wood Warbler - singing at Craigellachie, also 2 Tree Pipit present
Sunday 1st May
Shoveler - 2 drake at Alturlie also 2 Wheatear along the shoreline
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Whimbrel - 5 at Coulmore, 4 at Alturlie, 9 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum and 5 Neist Point Isle of Skye
Arctic Skua - 2 single birds and North and South Neist Point, Isle of SKye
Arctic Tern - 3 at the Perches, Eigg
Cuckoo - 1 at Strathrory and Am Socach, Mullardoch also heard faintly calling in Boath/Ardross near Alness
Whitethroat - Portree Forestry and Cromarty
House Martin - at Cromarty also Whimbrel
Shoveler - 2 drake at Alturlie also 2 Wheatear along the shoreline
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Whimbrel - 5 at Coulmore, 4 at Alturlie, 9 at Shamhnan Insir, Rum and 5 Neist Point Isle of Skye
Arctic Skua - 2 single birds and North and South Neist Point, Isle of SKye
Arctic Tern - 3 at the Perches, Eigg
Cuckoo - 1 at Strathrory and Am Socach, Mullardoch also heard faintly calling in Boath/Ardross near Alness
Whitethroat - Portree Forestry and Cromarty
House Martin - at Cromarty also Whimbrel
Saturday 30th April
Common Scoter - 1500+ off Portmahomack, also 14 Long-tailed Duck.
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point along with 3 Red Throated Diver, 35 Long-tailed Duck, 55+ Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel and 1 House Martin
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Swift - 2 Dornoch
Meadow Pipit - c100 Kinloch, Rum
Common Scoter - 1500+ off Portmahomack, also 14 Long-tailed Duck.
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point along with 3 Red Throated Diver, 35 Long-tailed Duck, 55+ Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel and 1 House Martin
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Swift - 2 Dornoch
Meadow Pipit - c100 Kinloch, Rum
Friday 29th April
Lesser Black-backed Gull - possible graesllii ssp. at Tain Links
Black Guillemot - 26 at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Great Northern Diver, single immature Iceland Gull
Garganey - 3 at Loch an Aigeil, Assynt
Shoveler - 2 drakes at Muirtown Pools, Inverness with same at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 1 at Alturlie, 3 at Bayfield, Portree and 2 over Kilmory, Rum
Cuckoo - 4 at Loch na Dal, Sleat, Isle of Skye plus a singleton at Loch Pityoulish, Boat of Garten
Whinchat - 1 at Kilmory Glen, Rum
Lesser Black-backed Gull - possible graesllii ssp. at Tain Links
Black Guillemot - 26 at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Great Northern Diver, single immature Iceland Gull
Garganey - 3 at Loch an Aigeil, Assynt
Shoveler - 2 drakes at Muirtown Pools, Inverness with same at Alturlie
Whimbrel - 1 at Alturlie, 3 at Bayfield, Portree and 2 over Kilmory, Rum
Cuckoo - 4 at Loch na Dal, Sleat, Isle of Skye plus a singleton at Loch Pityoulish, Boat of Garten
Whinchat - 1 at Kilmory Glen, Rum
Thursday 28th April
Whimbrel - 12 near Arisaig, 4 by Castle Island, Eigg, 6 in Broadford Bay and 12 at Waternish Point
Common Tern - 75+ Chanonry Point (also 1 Whimbrel)
Grasshopper Warbler - Loch nan Eala, Arisaig and 1 at Inverness retail park
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness (also 1 Whimbrel), singles at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig, Glen Nevis and Broadford
Whimbrel - 12 near Arisaig, 4 by Castle Island, Eigg, 6 in Broadford Bay and 12 at Waternish Point
Common Tern - 75+ Chanonry Point (also 1 Whimbrel)
Grasshopper Warbler - Loch nan Eala, Arisaig and 1 at Inverness retail park
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Tarbat Ness (also 1 Whimbrel), singles at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig, Glen Nevis and Broadford
Wednesday 27th April
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Merkinch LNR
Cuckoo - Rearquhar, Dornoch
Grasshopper Warbler - Kinloch, Rum
Whitethroat - 2 on the road to Newhall Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 at Merkinch LNR
Cuckoo - Rearquhar, Dornoch
Grasshopper Warbler - Kinloch, Rum
Whitethroat - 2 on the road to Newhall Point
Tuesday 26th April
Common Scoter - c500 off Portmahomack and 6 Long-tailed Ducks.
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 reeling, Croy
Common Scoter - c500 off Portmahomack and 6 Long-tailed Ducks.
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 reeling, Croy
Monday 25th April
Glaucous Gull - 1 over A95, Granish Junction, Aviemore
Whimbrel - 2 at Tarbat Ness (also 1 Black-throated Diver) 3 at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig and 7 north at Neist Point.
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Glaucous Gull - 1 over A95, Granish Junction, Aviemore
Whimbrel - 2 at Tarbat Ness (also 1 Black-throated Diver) 3 at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig and 7 north at Neist Point.
Brambling - 1 at Drumguish
Sunday 24th April
Tundra Bean Goose - One at Cuthill, Dornoch
Lesser White-fronted Goose - Adult again in Udale bay area.
Great Northern Diver - 9 on sea off Tarbat Ness also 1 Velvet Scoter, I great Skua and 3 House Martins. Also 8 Great Northern Divers in Ramasaig Bay.
Whimbrel - 5 on Ardnish, Broadford and 19 Golden Plover
House Martin - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Black Redstart - Still present Insh Village - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
Grasshopper Warbler - One reeling at Ben Bhraggie, Golspie
Tundra Bean Goose - One at Cuthill, Dornoch
Lesser White-fronted Goose - Adult again in Udale bay area.
Great Northern Diver - 9 on sea off Tarbat Ness also 1 Velvet Scoter, I great Skua and 3 House Martins. Also 8 Great Northern Divers in Ramasaig Bay.
Whimbrel - 5 on Ardnish, Broadford and 19 Golden Plover
House Martin - 1 at Merkinch LNR
Black Redstart - Still present Insh Village - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
Grasshopper Warbler - One reeling at Ben Bhraggie, Golspie
Saturday 23rd April
Lesser White-fronted Goose - Adult at Udale bay found 22nd but present today. Appears to be the returning escape present with Pink-footed Geese at Staveley YWT, North Yorkshire on 26-28 September 2020, Ribble Marshes, Lancashire, from 31 January-26 April 2021, and Ribble Marshes, Lancashire, from 21 September 2021-4 February 2022 (accepted onto Category E by BBRC)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One at Udale bay in same flock as above bird.
King Eider - again at Little Ferry
Red-throated Diver - 114 at Embo also 10 Great Northern Divers and a Little Tern.
Iceland Gull - One Elgol
Jack Snipe - One at Dalnahaitnach
Black Redstart - Still present Insh Village - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
Lesser White-fronted Goose - Adult at Udale bay found 22nd but present today. Appears to be the returning escape present with Pink-footed Geese at Staveley YWT, North Yorkshire on 26-28 September 2020, Ribble Marshes, Lancashire, from 31 January-26 April 2021, and Ribble Marshes, Lancashire, from 21 September 2021-4 February 2022 (accepted onto Category E by BBRC)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One at Udale bay in same flock as above bird.
King Eider - again at Little Ferry
Red-throated Diver - 114 at Embo also 10 Great Northern Divers and a Little Tern.
Iceland Gull - One Elgol
Jack Snipe - One at Dalnahaitnach
Black Redstart - Still present Insh Village - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
Friday 22nd April
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Ullapool river mouth
King Eider - again at Littleferry, with three borealis ssp. Northern Eider also
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Loch Flemington
Waxwing - 1 at Tulloch Ghru, Rothiemurchus estate
Black Redstart - male still present at Insh village, feeding along the stone wall opposite RSPB office - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
White Wagtail - 15 at Dornoch beach, plus 7 Whimbrel and a 1st-2ndCY Iceland Gull
Late report of Subalpine Warbler on Raasay on 20/4 - see below
Iceland Gull - 2CY bird at Ullapool river mouth
King Eider - again at Littleferry, with three borealis ssp. Northern Eider also
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Loch Flemington
Waxwing - 1 at Tulloch Ghru, Rothiemurchus estate
Black Redstart - male still present at Insh village, feeding along the stone wall opposite RSPB office - do not park in the pull off opposite the village notice board
White Wagtail - 15 at Dornoch beach, plus 7 Whimbrel and a 1st-2ndCY Iceland Gull
Late report of Subalpine Warbler on Raasay on 20/4 - see below
Thursday 21st April
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Isle of Skye
Common Tern - 22 at Chanonry Point plus 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Pintail, 1 Fulmar and two White Wagtail on the nearby golf course
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, with 22 Long-tailed Duck present also
Golden Plover - c60 at Red Point Farm, Wester Ross
Cuckoo - 1 at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall
Sand Martin - c100 birds plus 2 Swallow and single House Martin at Kiltearn, Evanton
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Kilmuir, Isle of Skye
Wood Warbler - 1 at Eagle Brae holiday village, Strathglass
Black Redstart - 1 at Insh village in private garden, reported yesterday also
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Isle of Skye
Common Tern - 22 at Chanonry Point plus 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Pintail, 1 Fulmar and two White Wagtail on the nearby golf course
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Tarbat Ness, with 22 Long-tailed Duck present also
Golden Plover - c60 at Red Point Farm, Wester Ross
Cuckoo - 1 at Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall
Sand Martin - c100 birds plus 2 Swallow and single House Martin at Kiltearn, Evanton
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Kilmuir, Isle of Skye
Wood Warbler - 1 at Eagle Brae holiday village, Strathglass
Black Redstart - 1 at Insh village in private garden, reported yesterday also
Wednesday 20th April
Slavonian Grebe - 3 off Poolewe
King Eider - again at Littleferry
Knot - 20 at Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 25 at Embo, plus 12 Knot and 1 Sanderling
Hoopoe - 1 at Cleadale, Eigg
Swallow - 1 at Tain air weapons range
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling birds at Quarryfield, Black Isle with others at Broadford and Sleat, Isle of Skye
Whinchat - 1 back on territory at Harrapool, Isle of Skye
Whitethroat - 1 at Balintore
Subalpine Warbler - reported north of Raasay House, Isle of Raasay
Slavonian Grebe - 3 off Poolewe
King Eider - again at Littleferry
Knot - 20 at Brora
Purple Sandpiper - 25 at Embo, plus 12 Knot and 1 Sanderling
Hoopoe - 1 at Cleadale, Eigg
Swallow - 1 at Tain air weapons range
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 reeling birds at Quarryfield, Black Isle with others at Broadford and Sleat, Isle of Skye
Whinchat - 1 back on territory at Harrapool, Isle of Skye
Whitethroat - 1 at Balintore
Subalpine Warbler - reported north of Raasay House, Isle of Raasay
Tuesday 19th April
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 8 Red-throated Diver, 1 Greenshank, 6 Common Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern and 1 Common Scoter
Red-necked Grebe - 1 off Inverasdale, Wester Ross with 10 Great Northern Diver; 2 Red-throated Diver; 5 Slavonian Grebe, and two Greenshank also present
Black-tailed Godwit - c50 over Loch Flemington
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling birds at Glenborrodale, Ardnamurchan and Upper Tote, Isle of Skye
Ring Ouzel - 1 at The Storr, Isle of Skye
Redstart - 1 at Loch Vaa
Hawfinch - 1 at Upper Achintore, Fort William
Common Sandpipers, Blackcaps and Tree Pipits now returning throughout the region, with Pink-footed Geese continuing their northerly passage also
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, plus 8 Red-throated Diver, 1 Greenshank, 6 Common Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern and 1 Common Scoter
Red-necked Grebe - 1 off Inverasdale, Wester Ross with 10 Great Northern Diver; 2 Red-throated Diver; 5 Slavonian Grebe, and two Greenshank also present
Black-tailed Godwit - c50 over Loch Flemington
Grasshopper Warbler - reeling birds at Glenborrodale, Ardnamurchan and Upper Tote, Isle of Skye
Ring Ouzel - 1 at The Storr, Isle of Skye
Redstart - 1 at Loch Vaa
Hawfinch - 1 at Upper Achintore, Fort William
Common Sandpipers, Blackcaps and Tree Pipits now returning throughout the region, with Pink-footed Geese continuing their northerly passage also
Monday 18th April
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst c6,000 Pink-footed Goose at Nigg Bay
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
King Eider - off Coul Links
Scaup - c50 off Invergordon
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 near Cromarty brewery, with another present at Nigg along with three Wheatear plus 14 Pintail
Sandwich Tern - 94 off Skelbo
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Embo (along with 35 Turnstone, 26 Redshank, single Whimbrel plus small numbers of Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover), while 15 'PurpSands' were seen at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Sandwich Tern and 2 Great Northern Diver (both sumplum)
Greenshank - 9 at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan along with 26 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Knot, 3 Common Sandpiper, 28 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin and single Turnstone
Black-tailed Godwit - 4 at Ardnish, Broadford while in Broadford Bay were 110 Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin
Cuckoo - 2 at South Erradale, Wester Ross
Hawfinch - 2 at Brahan
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst c6,000 Pink-footed Goose at Nigg Bay
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 11 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
King Eider - off Coul Links
Scaup - c50 off Invergordon
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 near Cromarty brewery, with another present at Nigg along with three Wheatear plus 14 Pintail
Sandwich Tern - 94 off Skelbo
Purple Sandpiper - 32 at Embo (along with 35 Turnstone, 26 Redshank, single Whimbrel plus small numbers of Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover), while 15 'PurpSands' were seen at Tarbat Ness, plus 5 Sandwich Tern and 2 Great Northern Diver (both sumplum)
Greenshank - 9 at Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan along with 26 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Knot, 3 Common Sandpiper, 28 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin and single Turnstone
Black-tailed Godwit - 4 at Ardnish, Broadford while in Broadford Bay were 110 Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin
Cuckoo - 2 at South Erradale, Wester Ross
Hawfinch - 2 at Brahan
Sunday 17th April
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Tarbat Ness (including 1 in full sumplum), with 19 Black Guillemot and a single Wheatear
Red-necked Grebe - 1 off Naast, Wester Ross
Bewick's Swan - 1 amongst Whooper Swan flock at Loch na Claise, Stoer
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, with a single Wheatear nearby at Kirkmichael church
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
King Eider - still at Littleferry
Common Tern - 2 at Chanonry Point
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 at Loch Portree, 4 Greenshank and single Common Sandpiper also
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Loch Moy with a single Tree Pipit also present
Cuckoo - 1 at Glen Calvie, Ardgay
Hawfinch - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Wood Warbler - early report of one singing at Raasay Ash Wood, Kishorn
Swallow - 1 at Portmahomack
Report on social media of a Hoopoe on the Ardverikie Estate has been confirmed as the 2021 sighting
Great Northern Diver - 6 at Tarbat Ness (including 1 in full sumplum), with 19 Black Guillemot and a single Wheatear
Red-necked Grebe - 1 off Naast, Wester Ross
Bewick's Swan - 1 amongst Whooper Swan flock at Loch na Claise, Stoer
Barnacle Goose - 1 amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, with a single Wheatear nearby at Kirkmichael church
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 10 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
King Eider - still at Littleferry
Common Tern - 2 at Chanonry Point
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2 at Loch Portree, 4 Greenshank and single Common Sandpiper also
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Loch Moy with a single Tree Pipit also present
Cuckoo - 1 at Glen Calvie, Ardgay
Hawfinch - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Wood Warbler - early report of one singing at Raasay Ash Wood, Kishorn
Swallow - 1 at Portmahomack
Report on social media of a Hoopoe on the Ardverikie Estate has been confirmed as the 2021 sighting
Saturday 16th April
Long Tailed Duck - c400 off Golspie Golf Course yesterday
Whooper Swan - 9 at Insh Marshes
Great Skua - 3 birds at Staffin Island and birds at Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Common Sandpiper - singles at the Mound near Dornoch and Tarskavaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, plus 2 at Loch Sunart
Woodcock - roding bird over Hill of Fortrose
Sand Martin - a bird at Glenelg, Isle of Skye yesterday evening
Swallow - singles at Caledonian Stadium, Carrbridge, Cromarty and Ardnamurchan lighthouse
House Martin - 2 at Balnabruach, South end of Portmahomack, and 1 at Drumguish
Blackcap - singing at Craig Phadraig
Willow Warbler - Widespread reports throughout the area
White Wagtail - 10 at Dornoch Beach yesterday
Long Tailed Duck - c400 off Golspie Golf Course yesterday
Whooper Swan - 9 at Insh Marshes
Great Skua - 3 birds at Staffin Island and birds at Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Common Sandpiper - singles at the Mound near Dornoch and Tarskavaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, plus 2 at Loch Sunart
Woodcock - roding bird over Hill of Fortrose
Sand Martin - a bird at Glenelg, Isle of Skye yesterday evening
Swallow - singles at Caledonian Stadium, Carrbridge, Cromarty and Ardnamurchan lighthouse
House Martin - 2 at Balnabruach, South end of Portmahomack, and 1 at Drumguish
Blackcap - singing at Craig Phadraig
Willow Warbler - Widespread reports throughout the area
White Wagtail - 10 at Dornoch Beach yesterday
Friday 15th April
King Eider - at Littleferry
Scaup - c200 Milton of Culloden
Common Sandpiper - present at Loch Fleet
Green Woodpecker - calling near the cemetery by the River Spey, Grantown on Spey
House Martin - a couple of birds near Nethybridge, also Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer and 2 seen at Conon Bridge
Swallow - Golspie, 2 at Conon Bridge also single bird noted at Morar Arisaig also Loch Nan Eala, Kilmuir and Upper Tote, Isle of Skye
Brambling - 3 by entrance to Dell Woods NNR Abernethy
Blackcap - Craig Dunain, Inverness
Tree Pipit - singing between Dell Wood and RSPB sign on track to Abernethy, plus 1 at Ariundle forestry, Strontian
Willow Warbler - Milton Loch Boat of Garten, also at Alturlie and massive influx at Portree Forestry, Isle of Skye
Cuckoo - Portree Forestry also Achnachirk Portree and Kilbeag Sleat, Isle of Skye
Osprey - Ledmore Junction, Elphin
King Eider - at Littleferry
Scaup - c200 Milton of Culloden
Common Sandpiper - present at Loch Fleet
Green Woodpecker - calling near the cemetery by the River Spey, Grantown on Spey
House Martin - a couple of birds near Nethybridge, also Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer and 2 seen at Conon Bridge
Swallow - Golspie, 2 at Conon Bridge also single bird noted at Morar Arisaig also Loch Nan Eala, Kilmuir and Upper Tote, Isle of Skye
Brambling - 3 by entrance to Dell Woods NNR Abernethy
Blackcap - Craig Dunain, Inverness
Tree Pipit - singing between Dell Wood and RSPB sign on track to Abernethy, plus 1 at Ariundle forestry, Strontian
Willow Warbler - Milton Loch Boat of Garten, also at Alturlie and massive influx at Portree Forestry, Isle of Skye
Cuckoo - Portree Forestry also Achnachirk Portree and Kilbeag Sleat, Isle of Skye
Osprey - Ledmore Junction, Elphin
Thursday 14th April
White-billed Diver - between Polbain and Tanera Mor
Mandarin Duck - Culrossie near Tain
Iceland Gull - at Badentarbat Bay
Great Skua - near Plockton, Lochalsh
Black-tailed Godwit - 19 at Redcastle with 4 Pintail
Common Sandpiper - at Gruinards, Strathcarron (West of Ardgay)
Cuckoo - one reported yesterday at Ben Cleat, Elgol and one between Invershin and Lairg. One reported today at Plockton airstrip, Lochalsh
Brambling - 6 feeding on the Old A9 south of Slochd Beag
Blackcap - Armadale Castle Gardens, Isle of Skye
Osprey - 1 at Loch Midgale also 1 male Tufted Duck and 3 Sand Martin
White-billed Diver - between Polbain and Tanera Mor
Mandarin Duck - Culrossie near Tain
Iceland Gull - at Badentarbat Bay
Great Skua - near Plockton, Lochalsh
Black-tailed Godwit - 19 at Redcastle with 4 Pintail
Common Sandpiper - at Gruinards, Strathcarron (West of Ardgay)
Cuckoo - one reported yesterday at Ben Cleat, Elgol and one between Invershin and Lairg. One reported today at Plockton airstrip, Lochalsh
Brambling - 6 feeding on the Old A9 south of Slochd Beag
Blackcap - Armadale Castle Gardens, Isle of Skye
Osprey - 1 at Loch Midgale also 1 male Tufted Duck and 3 Sand Martin
Wednesday 13th April
King Eider - Drake at Littleferry
Whimbrel - Single Bird at Ardnish, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Swallow - single bird at Drumguish nearr Insh Marsh and 2 at Carrbridge
King Eider - Drake at Littleferry
Whimbrel - Single Bird at Ardnish, Broadford, Isle of Skye
Swallow - single bird at Drumguish nearr Insh Marsh and 2 at Carrbridge
Tuesday 12th April
White-billed Diver - Single bird at Embo
Glaucous Gull - juvenille Ardmore, Waternish, Isle of Skye
Little Gull - Adult, at Kilmoray Rum, also Iceland Gull and Willow Warbler
Green Shank - Loch Insh
Whimbrel - seen at Embo and also s at Udale Bay
Swallow - at Loch Eye and still Seven Shoveler present.
Blackcap - Singing at Glen Nevis also singing Willow Warbler
White-billed Diver - Single bird at Embo
Glaucous Gull - juvenille Ardmore, Waternish, Isle of Skye
Little Gull - Adult, at Kilmoray Rum, also Iceland Gull and Willow Warbler
Green Shank - Loch Insh
Whimbrel - seen at Embo and also s at Udale Bay
Swallow - at Loch Eye and still Seven Shoveler present.
Blackcap - Singing at Glen Nevis also singing Willow Warbler
Monday 11th April
Whooper Swan - Single bird at Lochindorb and c50 Pink-footed goose overhead
Glaucous Gull - single bird at Loch Ewe towards Rhuba Reidh
Greenshank - 2 at Achnahaird Bay and 3 Lesser Black-backed gulls
Great Skua - single bird at Badentarbet
Willow Warbler - at Insh Marshes
Blackcap - singing near Rosemarkie
Whooper Swan - Single bird at Lochindorb and c50 Pink-footed goose overhead
Glaucous Gull - single bird at Loch Ewe towards Rhuba Reidh
Greenshank - 2 at Achnahaird Bay and 3 Lesser Black-backed gulls
Great Skua - single bird at Badentarbet
Willow Warbler - at Insh Marshes
Blackcap - singing near Rosemarkie
Sunday 10th April
White-billed Diver - Off North end of Grannies Heilan Hame - Embo
Whooper Swan - 5 Edderton, Tain
Barnacle Goose - 55 Achiltibuie and single Magpie
Iceland Gull - single bird Bayfield Portree and single bird Helmsdale
King Eider - Drake, still at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Greenshank - Single bird at Badentarbet and 2 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 20 heading west, south of Brora and 3 Red-throated Diver close to shore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 55 at Loch Fleet and a Single Knot
Great Skua - over Longa Island, Gairloch, 12 Razorbills, single Great Northern Diver and single Red-throated Diver
Osprey - The Mound, Dornoch and 12 Whooper Swans
White-billed Diver - Off North end of Grannies Heilan Hame - Embo
Whooper Swan - 5 Edderton, Tain
Barnacle Goose - 55 Achiltibuie and single Magpie
Iceland Gull - single bird Bayfield Portree and single bird Helmsdale
King Eider - Drake, still at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 5 at Brora
Greenshank - Single bird at Badentarbet and 2 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 20 heading west, south of Brora and 3 Red-throated Diver close to shore
Bar-tailed Godwit - 55 at Loch Fleet and a Single Knot
Great Skua - over Longa Island, Gairloch, 12 Razorbills, single Great Northern Diver and single Red-throated Diver
Osprey - The Mound, Dornoch and 12 Whooper Swans
Saturday 9th April
Ruddy Shelduck - 2 in field by Evanton to Dingwall road
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - 2 Tarbat Ness also 1 Slavonian Grebe and 1 Great Skua
Greenshank - 15 at Lochlonghead
Iceland Gull - 1 at Fort William. 1 still at Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 at Dochgarroch, Inverness
Ruddy Shelduck - 2 in field by Evanton to Dingwall road
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - 2 Tarbat Ness also 1 Slavonian Grebe and 1 Great Skua
Greenshank - 15 at Lochlonghead
Iceland Gull - 1 at Fort William. 1 still at Loch Fleet
Swallow - 1 at Dochgarroch, Inverness
Friday 8th April
Brent Geese - 48 at Rosemarkie, also 4 Sandwich Terns
Lady Amherst's Pheasant - 1 Strathdearn
Ring Ouzel - 4 at Gaick, Badenoch
Willow Warbler - 1 at Avernish, Lochalsh
Brent Geese - 48 at Rosemarkie, also 4 Sandwich Terns
Lady Amherst's Pheasant - 1 Strathdearn
Ring Ouzel - 4 at Gaick, Badenoch
Willow Warbler - 1 at Avernish, Lochalsh
Thursday 7th April
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch
Hen Harrier - 1 near Cromarty
Greenshank - 5 at Avernish, Lochalsh
Little Gull - 6 adults and 2 1st winters, Brora
Stock Dove - 1 at Tore, Black Isle
Sand Martin - 11 Loch Migdale
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Osprey - 1 at Dornoch
Hen Harrier - 1 near Cromarty
Greenshank - 5 at Avernish, Lochalsh
Little Gull - 6 adults and 2 1st winters, Brora
Stock Dove - 1 at Tore, Black Isle
Sand Martin - 11 Loch Migdale
Wednesday 6th April
Barnacle Goose - 79 at Gruinard Bay also 4 Great Northern Divers. Also 2 at Alcaig, Black Isle.
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Osprey - One at Conon Estuary, Dingwall
Great Skua - 2 at Ashaig and 1 off Kilmory, Rum.
Mediterranean Gull - One at Bayfield, Portree
Barnacle Goose - 79 at Gruinard Bay also 4 Great Northern Divers. Also 2 at Alcaig, Black Isle.
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Osprey - One at Conon Estuary, Dingwall
Great Skua - 2 at Ashaig and 1 off Kilmory, Rum.
Mediterranean Gull - One at Bayfield, Portree
Tuesday 5th April
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - adult at Tarbat Ness between Wilkhaven and Brucefield Farms. Juvenile also still present at Loch Fleet.
Brambling - 12 Grantown-on-Spey, 13 Dulnain Bridge, 11 Nethybridge (with 60 Siskin), 3 Tain and 4 Strathpeffer.
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - adult at Tarbat Ness between Wilkhaven and Brucefield Farms. Juvenile also still present at Loch Fleet.
Brambling - 12 Grantown-on-Spey, 13 Dulnain Bridge, 11 Nethybridge (with 60 Siskin), 3 Tain and 4 Strathpeffer.
Monday 4th April
Pintail - One at Redcastle also large flock of Redwing and Fieldfare
Velvet Scoter - Two at Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - Loch Fleet, 1st year bird still present, also 26 Sandwich Terns and 3 Greenshank
Pintail - One at Redcastle also large flock of Redwing and Fieldfare
Velvet Scoter - Two at Tarbat Ness
Iceland Gull - Loch Fleet, 1st year bird still present, also 26 Sandwich Terns and 3 Greenshank
Sunday 3rd April
White-billed Diver - Embo also 3 Great Northern Divers, 20+ Red-throated Divers and 10 Slavonian Grebes
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - One at Tarbat Ness, also two Sandwich Terns there
Great Skua - 2 at Neist Point
Lesser Black-backed Gull - One Ashie moor, also 2 River Spey, Inverallen.
Hoopoe - One reported Tongue Woods from yesterday near Tongue House
Sand Martin - 13 Loch Ashie
Siberian Chiffchaff - By hide at Loch Fleet
White-billed Diver - Embo also 3 Great Northern Divers, 20+ Red-throated Divers and 10 Slavonian Grebes
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Velvet Scoter - One at Tarbat Ness, also two Sandwich Terns there
Great Skua - 2 at Neist Point
Lesser Black-backed Gull - One Ashie moor, also 2 River Spey, Inverallen.
Hoopoe - One reported Tongue Woods from yesterday near Tongue House
Sand Martin - 13 Loch Ashie
Siberian Chiffchaff - By hide at Loch Fleet
Saturday 2nd April
Slavonian Grebe - 14 in Ardersier Bay with 17 Long-tailed Duck also
Shoveler - 2 birds on the River Spey at Kingussie
Whooper Swan - 22 at the northern end of Loch Shin
Pink-footed Goose - 750 at Insh marshes, with 85 at Tarbat Ness, plus 11 Red-throated Diver, 19 Common Scoter, 21 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Sandwich Tern also
Glaucous Gull - 1 still present at Deshar flood, Boat of Garten
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 at Insh Marshes
Lapland Bunting - 1 at Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - littoralis ssp. at Portmahomack
Snow Bunting - 15 at Cairn Gorm ski centre
Slavonian Grebe - 14 in Ardersier Bay with 17 Long-tailed Duck also
Shoveler - 2 birds on the River Spey at Kingussie
Whooper Swan - 22 at the northern end of Loch Shin
Pink-footed Goose - 750 at Insh marshes, with 85 at Tarbat Ness, plus 11 Red-throated Diver, 19 Common Scoter, 21 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Sandwich Tern also
Glaucous Gull - 1 still present at Deshar flood, Boat of Garten
'Nordic' Jackdaw - 1 at Insh Marshes
Lapland Bunting - 1 at Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - littoralis ssp. at Portmahomack
Snow Bunting - 15 at Cairn Gorm ski centre
Friday 1st April
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 along with 2 Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay, Black Isle
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool, with Iceland and 'Viking' Gull still present also (see photo below)
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Firebeag, Loch Ewe
Golden Plover - c50 at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while offshore highlights were 2 Puffin, 29 Common Scoter, 28 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Kittiwake, 3,000+ Razorbill, 11 Red-throated Diver
Nuthatch - 1 at Aird of Sleat, Skye
See 16th March re late report of a King Eider in Lochaber
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 along with 2 Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay, Black Isle
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool, with Iceland and 'Viking' Gull still present also (see photo below)
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Scresort, Rum
Slavonian Grebe - 2 at Firebeag, Loch Ewe
Golden Plover - c50 at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while offshore highlights were 2 Puffin, 29 Common Scoter, 28 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Kittiwake, 3,000+ Razorbill, 11 Red-throated Diver
Nuthatch - 1 at Aird of Sleat, Skye
See 16th March re late report of a King Eider in Lochaber
Thursday 31st March
Sandwich Tern - 48 at Skelbo and 9 at Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 6 Sandwich Tern seen also
Golden Plover - 6 at Drynie Park, Muir of Ord with 68 at Loch Fleet
Osprey - 1 fishing at The Mound, 2 fishing in Aviemore
Parrot Crossbill - 2 birds reported adjacent to Loch Fleet bird hide
Brambling - 50+ in Anagach woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Wheatear - 1 at Embo
Sandwich Tern - 48 at Skelbo and 9 at Embo
Glaucous Gull - 1 at Ullapool
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 6 Sandwich Tern seen also
Golden Plover - 6 at Drynie Park, Muir of Ord with 68 at Loch Fleet
Osprey - 1 fishing at The Mound, 2 fishing in Aviemore
Parrot Crossbill - 2 birds reported adjacent to Loch Fleet bird hide
Brambling - 50+ in Anagach woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Wheatear - 1 at Embo
Wednesday 30th March
Pink-footed Goose - c150 over Heights of Docharty, Dingwall
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Chanonry Point, plus 10 Red-throated Diver, 134 Razorbill and 7 Kittiwake
Kittiwake - c3,000 off Tarbat Ness, other species included c500 Common Gull, 1,000+ Herring Gull, c1,500 Razorbill, 2 Great Northern Diver, 8 Red-throated Diver, 28 Common Scoter, 29 Long-tailed Duck, 13 Pink-footed Goose
Pintail - 8 at Redcastle, Black Isle
Pink-footed Goose - c150 over Heights of Docharty, Dingwall
Sandwich Tern - 4 at Chanonry Point, plus 10 Red-throated Diver, 134 Razorbill and 7 Kittiwake
Kittiwake - c3,000 off Tarbat Ness, other species included c500 Common Gull, 1,000+ Herring Gull, c1,500 Razorbill, 2 Great Northern Diver, 8 Red-throated Diver, 28 Common Scoter, 29 Long-tailed Duck, 13 Pink-footed Goose
Pintail - 8 at Redcastle, Black Isle
Tuesday 29th March
Sandwich Tern - 1 at Tarbat Ness, with 4 Red-throated Diver, c250 Kittiwake, c100 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 6 Long-tailed Duck, c1,000 Razorbill, c75 Guillemot and 2 Black Guillemot also
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 1 Osprey, 11 Sandwich Tern and 6 Greenshank at Skelbo
Golden Plover - 25 at Balmore of Leys, Inverness
Wheatear - singles at Torridon and Golspie
Sandwich Tern - 1 at Tarbat Ness, with 4 Red-throated Diver, c250 Kittiwake, c100 Gannet, 6 Common Scoter, 6 Long-tailed Duck, c1,000 Razorbill, c75 Guillemot and 2 Black Guillemot also
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 1 Osprey, 11 Sandwich Tern and 6 Greenshank at Skelbo
Golden Plover - 25 at Balmore of Leys, Inverness
Wheatear - singles at Torridon and Golspie
Monday 28th March
Great Northern Diver - 28 at Traigh, Morar with 8 off Portneora, Localsh with 24 Redwing present also
Red-throated Diver - 5 off Tarbat Ness, with 18 Common Scoter, 25 Long-tailed Duck, c1,000 Razorbill, c250 Guillemot and 8 Black Guillemot also
Whooper Swan - 21 over Heights of Docharty, Dingwall
Pink-footed Goose - c3,000 in fields near Carrbridge
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 2 'Northern' Eider and 6 Black-throated Diver also
Green-winged Teal - re-appeared at Tain Links
Ruddy Shelduck - just west of Cromarty Bridge
Willow Warbler - 1 at Ashaig, Broadford, Skye - an exceptionally early record
Tree Sparrow - at least one bird in a Golspie garden
Great Northern Diver - 28 at Traigh, Morar with 8 off Portneora, Localsh with 24 Redwing present also
Red-throated Diver - 5 off Tarbat Ness, with 18 Common Scoter, 25 Long-tailed Duck, c1,000 Razorbill, c250 Guillemot and 8 Black Guillemot also
Whooper Swan - 21 over Heights of Docharty, Dingwall
Pink-footed Goose - c3,000 in fields near Carrbridge
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet with 2 'Northern' Eider and 6 Black-throated Diver also
Green-winged Teal - re-appeared at Tain Links
Ruddy Shelduck - just west of Cromarty Bridge
Willow Warbler - 1 at Ashaig, Broadford, Skye - an exceptionally early record
Tree Sparrow - at least one bird in a Golspie garden
Sunday 27th March
Great Northern Diver - 18 in the Sound of Sleat, Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 21 on upper Loch Torridon, plus 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver and 2 Greenshank
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - two at Ullapool river mouth
Water Rail - 1 recorded nocturnally migrating over Kinloch, Rum
Ring Ouzel - male plus single Wheatear near Cairn Gorm ski centre
Great Northern Diver - 18 in the Sound of Sleat, Skye
Slavonian Grebe - 21 on upper Loch Torridon, plus 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver and 2 Greenshank
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - two at Ullapool river mouth
Water Rail - 1 recorded nocturnally migrating over Kinloch, Rum
Ring Ouzel - male plus single Wheatear near Cairn Gorm ski centre
Saturday 26th March
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Golspie Golf Club
Greenland White Fronted Goose - 1 bird south of Golspie with c 1000 Pink Footed Geese and 49 Golden Plover
Whooper Swan - 9 on the sea off Golspie with another 18 flying north
Slavonian Grebe - 2 birds in summer plumage reported back at Loch Ruthven
Great Skua - single bird back at Pabay, Inner Sound of Skye
Osprey - 1 Dornoch Firth
Black Throated Diver - 2 birds in summer plumage off-shore south of Golspie
Sand Martin - 2 birds back at the colony at Rhubana, Loch Morar
Nuthatch - 1 near Arisaig, with another near Glenmore visitor centre, Strathspey
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Golspie Golf Club
Greenland White Fronted Goose - 1 bird south of Golspie with c 1000 Pink Footed Geese and 49 Golden Plover
Whooper Swan - 9 on the sea off Golspie with another 18 flying north
Slavonian Grebe - 2 birds in summer plumage reported back at Loch Ruthven
Great Skua - single bird back at Pabay, Inner Sound of Skye
Osprey - 1 Dornoch Firth
Black Throated Diver - 2 birds in summer plumage off-shore south of Golspie
Sand Martin - 2 birds back at the colony at Rhubana, Loch Morar
Nuthatch - 1 near Arisaig, with another near Glenmore visitor centre, Strathspey
Friday 25th March
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet also 2 Sandwich Tern
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Golspie Golf Club with Pink Footed Geese
Long Tailed Duck - Alturlie Point also 2 Slavonian Grebes and 100+ Dunlin
Brent Goose - Single Bird at Dalziel by Inverness with c800 Pink-footed Geese
Osprey - Near Rothiemurchus
Brambling - 12 at Boat of Garten with singing Redwing
Sand Martin - handful at Broomhill nr Nethybridge
Wheatear - Single male at Newton nr Cromarty
Chiffchaff - 2 at Cromarty, 1 at Fortrose also heard singing at Inverpolly and Golspie
Willow Warbler - single bird at Plantation Estate, Fort William
Green Woodpecker - Strathspey as well as lots of singing Chiffchaff
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet also 2 Sandwich Tern
Tundra Bean Goose - opposite Golspie Golf Club with Pink Footed Geese
Long Tailed Duck - Alturlie Point also 2 Slavonian Grebes and 100+ Dunlin
Brent Goose - Single Bird at Dalziel by Inverness with c800 Pink-footed Geese
Osprey - Near Rothiemurchus
Brambling - 12 at Boat of Garten with singing Redwing
Sand Martin - handful at Broomhill nr Nethybridge
Wheatear - Single male at Newton nr Cromarty
Chiffchaff - 2 at Cromarty, 1 at Fortrose also heard singing at Inverpolly and Golspie
Willow Warbler - single bird at Plantation Estate, Fort William
Green Woodpecker - Strathspey as well as lots of singing Chiffchaff
Thursday 24th March
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet (Little Ferry)
Whooper Swans - 5 on a hill loch, Wester Ross
Green-Winged Teal - on River Kishorn, Applecross Pass
Sandwich Tern - at Dornoch Point
Wheatear - 2 at Skelbo Castle
Chiffchaff - at Knockfarrel
King Eider - drake, still at Loch Fleet (Little Ferry)
Whooper Swans - 5 on a hill loch, Wester Ross
Green-Winged Teal - on River Kishorn, Applecross Pass
Sandwich Tern - at Dornoch Point
Wheatear - 2 at Skelbo Castle
Chiffchaff - at Knockfarrel
Wednesday 23rd March
King Eider - drake, the mouth of Loch Fleet, also 2 Snow Bunting
Ring Ouzel - 1 Cairngorm Ski area
Chiffchaff - 1 singing near Dingwall Academy
King Eider - drake, the mouth of Loch Fleet, also 2 Snow Bunting
Ring Ouzel - 1 Cairngorm Ski area
Chiffchaff - 1 singing near Dingwall Academy
Tuesday 22nd March
Greenland White Fronted Goose - 1 at The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 near the water works, Alturlie, also 73 Scaup, 2 Chiffchaff and calling Water Rail
King Eider - drake, the mouth of Loch Fleet
Waxwings - 3 still at Nethybridge
Greenland White Fronted Goose - 1 at The Mound
Great Crested Grebe - 1 near the water works, Alturlie, also 73 Scaup, 2 Chiffchaff and calling Water Rail
King Eider - drake, the mouth of Loch Fleet
Waxwings - 3 still at Nethybridge
Monday 21st March
Bufflehead - Drake at UHI Inverness Campus (now believed to be an escapee)
Wheatear - Two male, one female Stoerhead Lighthouse, Assynt
Stock Dove - by Deshar pool, Boat of Garten
Bufflehead - Drake at UHI Inverness Campus (now believed to be an escapee)
Wheatear - Two male, one female Stoerhead Lighthouse, Assynt
Stock Dove - by Deshar pool, Boat of Garten
Sunday 20th March
Sand Martin- 2 this morning, Loch Insh
Iceland Gull - single first winter at Skelbo/Loch Fleet
Red-necked Grebe - 1 out of the Dornoch Firth SE past Tarbat Ness
Sand Martin- 2 this morning, Loch Insh
Iceland Gull - single first winter at Skelbo/Loch Fleet
Red-necked Grebe - 1 out of the Dornoch Firth SE past Tarbat Ness
Saturday 19th March
Whooper Swan - 23 at Loch Fleet, also 11 Twite there. 36 Whooper Swans also at Chanonry.
Barnacle Goose - 14 at Beauly
Osprey - 1 at The Mound
Grey Plover - 1 at Whiteness also 200+ Gannets, 250 + Guillemots and one Pale-bellied Brent Goose. 9 Grey Plover at Dornoch.
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Kirkaig, Assynt
Arctic Skua - 3 at Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 9 at Brora River mouth
Waxwing - 3 still at Nethybridge
Whooper Swan - 23 at Loch Fleet, also 11 Twite there. 36 Whooper Swans also at Chanonry.
Barnacle Goose - 14 at Beauly
Osprey - 1 at The Mound
Grey Plover - 1 at Whiteness also 200+ Gannets, 250 + Guillemots and one Pale-bellied Brent Goose. 9 Grey Plover at Dornoch.
Greenshank - 1 at Loch Kirkaig, Assynt
Arctic Skua - 3 at Chanonry Point
Iceland Gull - 1 at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 9 at Brora River mouth
Waxwing - 3 still at Nethybridge
Friday 18th March
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 in field near Cromarty Bridge
Northern Eider - 1 at Loch Fleet
Common Scoter - c100 at Embo also c300 Dunlin
Iceland Gull - 1 still at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 3 at Brora River mouth
Little Auk - 1 past Chanonry Point also 108 Razorbill, 9 Guillemot, one Great Northern Diver and 14 Red-throated Divers
Stock Dove - 3 at Strathdearn
Wheatear - reports from Skye, Rum and Morar
Waxwing - 4 still at Nethybridge
Nuthatch - 1 at Arisaig
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 in field near Cromarty Bridge
Northern Eider - 1 at Loch Fleet
Common Scoter - c100 at Embo also c300 Dunlin
Iceland Gull - 1 still at Loch Fleet
Little Gull - 3 at Brora River mouth
Little Auk - 1 past Chanonry Point also 108 Razorbill, 9 Guillemot, one Great Northern Diver and 14 Red-throated Divers
Stock Dove - 3 at Strathdearn
Wheatear - reports from Skye, Rum and Morar
Waxwing - 4 still at Nethybridge
Nuthatch - 1 at Arisaig
Thursday 17th March
Greenshank - Loch Scresort, Rum
Little Gull - 7 adults and a 2nd winter at Brora
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - "littoralis" race bird at Loch Fleet
Wheatear - Meanish Pier, Skye
Greenshank - Loch Scresort, Rum
Little Gull - 7 adults and a 2nd winter at Brora
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - "littoralis" race bird at Loch Fleet
Wheatear - Meanish Pier, Skye
Wednesday 16th March
Whooper Swan - 54 at The Mound
Long-tailed Duck - 142 off Golspie Caravan park
King Eider - 1 at Inverie, Knoydart (late submission on 1/4/2022)
Red-throated Diver - 112 between Coul links and Dornoch Beach, also 104 Slavonian Grebes
Glaucous Gull - Juv briefly at Alturlie
Lesser Black-backed Gull - one at Kilmory, Rum
Manx Shearwater - one at Tarbat Ness
Waxwing - four still at Nethy Bridge
Whooper Swan - 54 at The Mound
Long-tailed Duck - 142 off Golspie Caravan park
King Eider - 1 at Inverie, Knoydart (late submission on 1/4/2022)
Red-throated Diver - 112 between Coul links and Dornoch Beach, also 104 Slavonian Grebes
Glaucous Gull - Juv briefly at Alturlie
Lesser Black-backed Gull - one at Kilmory, Rum
Manx Shearwater - one at Tarbat Ness
Waxwing - four still at Nethy Bridge
Tuesday 15th March
Green-winged Teal - still at Tain
Lesser Black-backed Gull - three at The mouth of the river Conon, also 25 Whooper Swans there.
Iceland Gull - One still at Loch Fleet
Twite - 30 at Dornoch Point also 17 Whooper Swans there
Chiffchaff - Reports of arrivals from Inverness and Rum.
Green-winged Teal - still at Tain
Lesser Black-backed Gull - three at The mouth of the river Conon, also 25 Whooper Swans there.
Iceland Gull - One still at Loch Fleet
Twite - 30 at Dornoch Point also 17 Whooper Swans there
Chiffchaff - Reports of arrivals from Inverness and Rum.
Monday 14th March
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One in field south of Golspie.
Velvet Scoter - Two past Tabat Ness, also one Black-throated and one Great Northern Diver past.
Great Skua - One at Tarbat Ness
Waxwing - at least one still at Nethy Bridge
Wheatear - Upper Milovaig, Skye
Chiffchaff - One singing Tain Links
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One in field south of Golspie.
Velvet Scoter - Two past Tabat Ness, also one Black-throated and one Great Northern Diver past.
Great Skua - One at Tarbat Ness
Waxwing - at least one still at Nethy Bridge
Wheatear - Upper Milovaig, Skye
Chiffchaff - One singing Tain Links
Sunday 13th March
Greater Scaup - 100+ at Milton of Culloden.
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One at Udale Bay, one with ten Barnacle Geese, Beauly and one with a Barnacle Goose at Clashmore.
Manx Shearwater - 5 past Tarbat Ness.
Glaucous Gull - One at Deshar Pool then later moved to Glebe Farm, Boat of Garten.
Iceland Gull - Juvenile still at Bayfield.
Waxwing - 4 in Nethy Bridge still.
Wheatear - Lower Milovaig, Skye.
Chiffchaff - 1 singing Munlochy Bay also Hen Harrier here. Another singing at Brackley, Gollanfield.
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 in Portree.
Greater Scaup - 100+ at Milton of Culloden.
Greenland White-fronted Goose - One at Udale Bay, one with ten Barnacle Geese, Beauly and one with a Barnacle Goose at Clashmore.
Manx Shearwater - 5 past Tarbat Ness.
Glaucous Gull - One at Deshar Pool then later moved to Glebe Farm, Boat of Garten.
Iceland Gull - Juvenile still at Bayfield.
Waxwing - 4 in Nethy Bridge still.
Wheatear - Lower Milovaig, Skye.
Chiffchaff - 1 singing Munlochy Bay also Hen Harrier here. Another singing at Brackley, Gollanfield.
Siberian Chiffchaff - 1 in Portree.
Saturday 12th March
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 2 plus 8 Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near Beauly; Stock Dove seen also
Velvet Scoter - 4 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Woodcock, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Red-throated Diver, c1,000 Razorbill and 750+ Guillemot also
Hen Harrier - male at Inver, with female Merlin, 155 Shelduck, 225 Ringed Plover, 550 Bar-tailed Godwit, 110 Knot and 270 Dunlin also present
Blackcap - 1 male in Redcastle, Black Isle garden
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 2 plus 8 Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near Beauly; Stock Dove seen also
Velvet Scoter - 4 at Tarbat Ness, plus 1 Woodcock, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Red-throated Diver, c1,000 Razorbill and 750+ Guillemot also
Hen Harrier - male at Inver, with female Merlin, 155 Shelduck, 225 Ringed Plover, 550 Bar-tailed Godwit, 110 Knot and 270 Dunlin also present
Blackcap - 1 male in Redcastle, Black Isle garden
Friday 11th March
Red-throated Diver - 1 still on Loch Insh, Redshank back on breeding territory locally also
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Camas nan Sgianadin plus 2 others just to the east in Broadford Bay
Ring-necked Duck still present at Nether Kinellan near Strathpeffer (park at Loch Kinellan)
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Brora, with singles of Little Gull and Great Northern Diver also
Iceland Gull - 2 at Loch Fleet (both 2nd winter birds)
Kittiwake - 2 birds (first of the year) past Chanonry Point, plus 2nd-ever site record of Great Spotted Woodpecker
Waxwing - 4 in Nethy Bridge
Chiffchaff - 1 in Nethy Bridge
Red-throated Diver - 1 still on Loch Insh, Redshank back on breeding territory locally also
Slavonian Grebe - 5 at Camas nan Sgianadin plus 2 others just to the east in Broadford Bay
Ring-necked Duck still present at Nether Kinellan near Strathpeffer (park at Loch Kinellan)
Manx Shearwater - 1 at Brora, with singles of Little Gull and Great Northern Diver also
Iceland Gull - 2 at Loch Fleet (both 2nd winter birds)
Kittiwake - 2 birds (first of the year) past Chanonry Point, plus 2nd-ever site record of Great Spotted Woodpecker
Waxwing - 4 in Nethy Bridge
Chiffchaff - 1 in Nethy Bridge
Thursday 10th March
Scaup - c250 off Invergordon
Velvet Scoter - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Red-throated Diver (sumplum) and 6 Black Guillemot
Little Gull - 4 at Brora, with 'Scandi' littoralis ssp. Rock Pipit also present
Scaup - c250 off Invergordon
Velvet Scoter - 2 at Tarbat Ness, plus single Red-throated Diver (sumplum) and 6 Black Guillemot
Little Gull - 4 at Brora, with 'Scandi' littoralis ssp. Rock Pipit also present
Wednesday 9th March
Black-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point (single Red-throated Diver also)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie, amongst Pink-footed Goose flock with a single Barnacle Goose also present, plus 8 Golden Plover
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 35 at Rosemarkie
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay with 4 Slavonian Grebe also
Black-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point (single Red-throated Diver also)
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie, amongst Pink-footed Goose flock with a single Barnacle Goose also present, plus 8 Golden Plover
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 35 at Rosemarkie
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay with 4 Slavonian Grebe also
Tuesday 8th March
Manx Shearwater - 2 past Brora
Whooper Swan - 5 still present between Gollanfield and Ardersier
Little Gull - 2 at the Brora river mouth
Manx Shearwater - 2 past Brora
Whooper Swan - 5 still present between Gollanfield and Ardersier
Little Gull - 2 at the Brora river mouth
Monday 7th March
Red-throated Diver - 1 on Loch Insh
Whooper Swan - 5 between Gollanfield and Ardersier, plus 35 near Tarradale, Black Isle
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 with Pink-footed Goose flock near Tarradale, Black Isle
'Viking' Gull - 1 still present in Ullapool. Andy Williams offers the following - as well as the four images below - to all those attempting to record it as a Glaucous Gull: I have tracked its plumage development over the past 6-7 years. Admittedly it is a tricky bird to ID when seen distantly with no prior knowledge of its history. Although the bird may appear structurally similar to a Glaucous gull, the bird shows residual 'tea stains' on some of the upper wing primary coverts. Although structurally similar to a true Glaucous gull the bird is also on the small side and only circa 10% bulkier than a Herring Gull. The head shape and short primary projection should rule out confusion with an Iceland Gull. It is necessary to study the fine detail of the upper wing primary coverts when the bird is in flight to obtain an accurate identification.
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 in Applecross bay
Red-throated Diver - 1 on Loch Insh
Whooper Swan - 5 between Gollanfield and Ardersier, plus 35 near Tarradale, Black Isle
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 with Pink-footed Goose flock near Tarradale, Black Isle
'Viking' Gull - 1 still present in Ullapool. Andy Williams offers the following - as well as the four images below - to all those attempting to record it as a Glaucous Gull: I have tracked its plumage development over the past 6-7 years. Admittedly it is a tricky bird to ID when seen distantly with no prior knowledge of its history. Although the bird may appear structurally similar to a Glaucous gull, the bird shows residual 'tea stains' on some of the upper wing primary coverts. Although structurally similar to a true Glaucous gull the bird is also on the small side and only circa 10% bulkier than a Herring Gull. The head shape and short primary projection should rule out confusion with an Iceland Gull. It is necessary to study the fine detail of the upper wing primary coverts when the bird is in flight to obtain an accurate identification.
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 in Applecross bay
Sunday 6th March
Whooper Swan - 11 at Applecross
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 amongst other gulls alongside A95, Boat of Garten
Green Woodpecker - 1 in Beachen Woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Stock Dove - 1 at Kildonan. Eigg (first record since 2012)
Whooper Swan - 11 at Applecross
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter bird at Bayfield, Portree
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 amongst other gulls alongside A95, Boat of Garten
Green Woodpecker - 1 in Beachen Woods, Grantown-on-Spey
Stock Dove - 1 at Kildonan. Eigg (first record since 2012)
Saturday 5th March
Great Northern Diver - 25 Camusdarroch, Morar
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 1 south of Golspie, 1 Udale Bay
Barnacle Goose - 2 south of Golspie, 1 Traigh, Morar
Slavonian Grebe - 11 on Upper Loch Torridon
Waxwing - 5+ Nethy Bridge, seen courtship feeding. Please respect residents' privacy.
Hawfinch - 1 Nethy Bridge
Mealy (Common) Redpoll - 1 with Lessers in Grantown-on-Spey garden
Friday 4th March
Green-winged Teal - still at Tain
Ringed Plover - 4 Cluny Meadows
Iceland Gull - juvenile Ullapool Harbour
Waxwing - 3 or 4 Nethy Bridge in Causer area
Hawfinch - 1 Nethy Bridge Causer area
3/3/2022 Purple Sandpipers, Sutherland (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 3rd March
Barnacle Goose - with Pink-footed Geese Barbaraville, also with Pink-footed Geese at Embo.
Greenland White-fronted Goose - by Kirkmichael Church, Udale
Kumlien's Gull - adult at head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - adult W Chanonry Point, 2 first-winters head of Loch Portree, one first-winter at Bayfield, Portree,3rd winter Loch Scresort, Rum
Snow Bunting - one at Dornoch Beach, also 30 Twites and Great Northern Diver there.
Barnacle Goose - with Pink-footed Geese Barbaraville, also with Pink-footed Geese at Embo.
Greenland White-fronted Goose - by Kirkmichael Church, Udale
Kumlien's Gull - adult at head of Loch Portree
Iceland Gull - adult W Chanonry Point, 2 first-winters head of Loch Portree, one first-winter at Bayfield, Portree,3rd winter Loch Scresort, Rum
Snow Bunting - one at Dornoch Beach, also 30 Twites and Great Northern Diver there.
Wednesday 2nd March
White-fronted Goose - behind Graveyard at Udale bay
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - adult Ullapool Harbour, juvenile Bayfield, Portree
Scandinavian Rock Pipit- Dornoch Beach
White-fronted Goose - behind Graveyard at Udale bay
Black-tailed Godwit - 6 Loch Fleet
Iceland Gull - adult Ullapool Harbour, juvenile Bayfield, Portree
Scandinavian Rock Pipit- Dornoch Beach
Tuesday 1st March
Tundra Bean Goose - Culmally
Iceland Gull - juv Bayfield, Portree; 2 second winter Lochy Estuary.
Short-eared Owl - Ardnish, Broadford
Hawfinch - 1 Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Tundra Bean Goose - Culmally
Iceland Gull - juv Bayfield, Portree; 2 second winter Lochy Estuary.
Short-eared Owl - Ardnish, Broadford
Hawfinch - 1 Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge
Monday 28th February
Barnacle Goose - 1 with 1000 Pink-footed Geese Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Lapwing - 515 Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter Bayfield, then Chracaig rivermouth, Portree
Glaucous Gull - juvenile Deishar, Boat of Garten, juv Loch Pooltiel, Skye
Puffin - 2 Tarbat Ness
Barnacle Goose - 1 with 1000 Pink-footed Geese Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Lapwing - 515 Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd winter Bayfield, then Chracaig rivermouth, Portree
Glaucous Gull - juvenile Deishar, Boat of Garten, juv Loch Pooltiel, Skye
Puffin - 2 Tarbat Ness
Sunday 27th February
Greenland White-fronted Goose - with Pink-footed Geese and a Barnacle Goose, opposite Primary School, Dornoch
Oystercatcher - 200 Nethy Bridge
Lapwing - 275 Laggan
Mediterranean Gull - 2nd Winter Bayfield, Portree
Iceland Gull - 1st winter at Bayfield, Portree and 2nd winter R Chracaig, Portree, 2 at Ullapool Harbour
Glaucous Gull - Deshar, Boat of Garten
Kingfisher - Whin Park, Inverness
Nordic Jackdaw - Bayfield, Portree
Hawfinch - Nethy Bridge
Saturday 26th February
Whooper Swan - 2 Hamara River, Glendale, Skye
Greenland-white Fronted Goose - 1 near Kirkmichael Church, Udale Bay. Also 1 near Golspie.
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness.
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter, Skelbo, Dornoch and an immature at Loch Fleet. 3 at Ullapool harbour.
Kingfisher - 1 on River Morar. 1 Merkinch NNR
Whooper Swan - 2 Hamara River, Glendale, Skye
Greenland-white Fronted Goose - 1 near Kirkmichael Church, Udale Bay. Also 1 near Golspie.
Velvet Scoter - 1 past Tarbat Ness.
Iceland Gull - 2nd winter, Skelbo, Dornoch and an immature at Loch Fleet. 3 at Ullapool harbour.
Kingfisher - 1 on River Morar. 1 Merkinch NNR
Friday 25th February
Greenland-white Fronted Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Ardnish, Broadford
Glaucous Gull -1 Elgol, Skye. 1 Granish tip, Aviemore
Little Auk - 1 Broadford Bay, Skye
Grey Plover - 15 Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 4 Nethy Bridge
Hawfinch - 1 Nethy Bridge
Greenland-white Fronted Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie
Tundra Bean Goose - 1 in fields south of Golspie
Slavonian Grebe - 4 at Ardnish, Broadford
Glaucous Gull -1 Elgol, Skye. 1 Granish tip, Aviemore
Little Auk - 1 Broadford Bay, Skye
Grey Plover - 15 Dornoch Beach
Waxwing - 4 Nethy Bridge
Hawfinch - 1 Nethy Bridge
Thursday 24th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings still, Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: One 1st winter Glaucous Gull, two 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Chracaig River mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk on forest track at Greshornish (per HMacD) per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, in fields south of Golspie (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings still, Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: One 1st winter Glaucous Gull, two 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Chracaig River mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk on forest track at Greshornish (per HMacD) per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, in fields south of Golspie (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 23rd February
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, Wester Dalziel (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and one 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Greenland White-fronted Goose, Dornoch. 41 Purple Sandpipers, six Black-throated Divers, Embo. Four Little Gulls, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ardmair Fish Farm and two Iceland Gulls at Ullapool Harbour (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, Wester Dalziel (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and one 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Greenland White-fronted Goose, Dornoch. 41 Purple Sandpipers, six Black-throated Divers, Embo. Four Little Gulls, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ardmair Fish Farm and two Iceland Gulls at Ullapool Harbour (Andy Williams)
Tuesday 22nd February
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Hawfinch with 200 Bramblings still near Lynstock Cresent, Nethy Bridge also four Waxwings there(Pete Gordon). Glaucous Gull, Granish tip, Aviemore (per BirdGuides). Lesser Black-backed Gull, Loch Pityoulish, (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd Winter Mediterranean Gull and adult Kumlien's Gull, Bayfield Portree (Bob McMillan) also there, two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett) 12 Purple Sandpipers flew from Lusa towards Pabay (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose and two Barnacle Geese in fields south of Golspie (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Hawfinch with 200 Bramblings still near Lynstock Cresent, Nethy Bridge also four Waxwings there(Pete Gordon). Glaucous Gull, Granish tip, Aviemore (per BirdGuides). Lesser Black-backed Gull, Loch Pityoulish, (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd Winter Mediterranean Gull and adult Kumlien's Gull, Bayfield Portree (Bob McMillan) also there, two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett) 12 Purple Sandpipers flew from Lusa towards Pabay (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose and two Barnacle Geese in fields south of Golspie (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides)
Monday 21st February
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Hawfinch still Lynstock Cresent, Nethy Bridge (Steve Broyd) also four Waxwings there (per BirdGuides). Glaucous Gull, Granish tip, Aviemore (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and three Red-throated Divers, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: One 1st winter Iceland Gull, 13 Bar-tailed Godwits and three Greenshank, Bayfield (Neil Bennett) single immature Velvet Scoter, Balmeanach Bay, Gedintailor (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Craig Johnstone)
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Hawfinch still Lynstock Cresent, Nethy Bridge (Steve Broyd) also four Waxwings there (per BirdGuides). Glaucous Gull, Granish tip, Aviemore (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and three Red-throated Divers, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: One 1st winter Iceland Gull, 13 Bar-tailed Godwits and three Greenshank, Bayfield (Neil Bennett) single immature Velvet Scoter, Balmeanach Bay, Gedintailor (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: One Iceland Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Craig Johnstone)
Sunday 20th February
Badenoch and Strathspey: Four Waxwings (Simon Eaves) and one Hawfinch (Steve Broyd), Nethy Bridge
Easter Ross: Possible Todd's Canada Goose flew past with Pinkfeet, Tarbat Ness (Per BirdGuides)
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose, Lentran (Thomas Plant). Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte). 142 Scaup between Longman and Alturlie (Graeme Prest)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one 1st winter Glaucous Gull and one 3rd winter Viking Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 10 Canada Geese, Kirkton, Lochalsh (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Two Iceland Gulls, Ullapool Harbour (John Manson) also Viking Gull still there (per Bob McMIllan)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Four Waxwings (Simon Eaves) and one Hawfinch (Steve Broyd), Nethy Bridge
Easter Ross: Possible Todd's Canada Goose flew past with Pinkfeet, Tarbat Ness (Per BirdGuides)
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose, Lentran (Thomas Plant). Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte). 142 Scaup between Longman and Alturlie (Graeme Prest)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one 1st winter Glaucous Gull and one 3rd winter Viking Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 10 Canada Geese, Kirkton, Lochalsh (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Two Iceland Gulls, Ullapool Harbour (John Manson) also Viking Gull still there (per Bob McMIllan)
Saturday 19th February
Badenoch & Strathspey:1st winter Glaucous Gull at Granish pit, Aviemore ('Emily'). Jack Snipe at Ruthven (Dave Pierce). Four Waxwing still in Nethy Bridge (Matthew Broadbent). Two Hawfinch in Nethy Bridge, in trees (with other finches) on far side of the river from Lynstock Park, while seven Waxwing were at Lochan Mhor, Aviemore and c30 Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm carpark (Ian Harkiss)
Inverness: 128 Scaup off Milton of Culloden (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Snow Bunting at Sguman Coinntich, Killilan (Joe Newman). Nine Great Northern Diver in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with a further six in Kilmarie Bay on Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey:1st winter Glaucous Gull at Granish pit, Aviemore ('Emily'). Jack Snipe at Ruthven (Dave Pierce). Four Waxwing still in Nethy Bridge (Matthew Broadbent). Two Hawfinch in Nethy Bridge, in trees (with other finches) on far side of the river from Lynstock Park, while seven Waxwing were at Lochan Mhor, Aviemore and c30 Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm carpark (Ian Harkiss)
Inverness: 128 Scaup off Milton of Culloden (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Snow Bunting at Sguman Coinntich, Killilan (Joe Newman). Nine Great Northern Diver in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with a further six in Kilmarie Bay on Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 18th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwing still in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Elgol (Ernie Thornley) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: adult Little Gull and two Great Northern Diver at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwing still in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Elgol (Ernie Thornley) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: adult Little Gull and two Great Northern Diver at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 17th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwing in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon). Waders returning to breeding areas included two Curlew at Invertromie, and 16 Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: three 1st winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull (one adult/one 1st winter) still in Ullapool harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwing in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon). Waders returning to breeding areas included two Curlew at Invertromie, and 16 Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: three 1st winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull (one adult/one 1st winter) still in Ullapool harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Wednesday 16th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch amongst finch flock at the Causer crossroads, Nethy Bridge (Mike Coleman), with four Waxwing also present (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Peregrine at Gollanfield (Paul Sharman)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch amongst finch flock at the Causer crossroads, Nethy Bridge (Mike Coleman), with four Waxwing also present (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Peregrine at Gollanfield (Paul Sharman)
Tuesday 15th February
Easter Ross: seven Whooper Swan and 18 Lapwing at Tain range (Andy Walker). Drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, with two Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill). Two Velvet Scoter and two Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: adult Iceland Gull at the Fiunary fish farm, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Iceland Gull (adult, 1st winter and two 2nd winter) at Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull still in Ullapool harbour, while at Ledmore junction a Little Egret is in the area but very mobile (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: seven Whooper Swan and 18 Lapwing at Tain range (Andy Walker). Drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, with two Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill). Two Velvet Scoter and two Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: adult Iceland Gull at the Fiunary fish farm, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Iceland Gull (adult, 1st winter and two 2nd winter) at Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull still in Ullapool harbour, while at Ledmore junction a Little Egret is in the area but very mobile (Andy Williams)
Monday 14th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Hawfinch near The Old Smithy, Nethy Bridge (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). Four Waxwing in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: two Whooper Swan at Tain range (Andy Walker). Four Velvet Scoter, and singles of Great Northern Diver (in sumplum), Black-throated Diver and Fulmar at Tarbat Ness, with c200 Common Gull nearby at Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: immature Velvet Scoter, c60 Kittiwake, four Black-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver and eight Red-throated Diver at Gedintailor, while at Bayfield, Portree were two different adult (am/pm) and 2nd winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). 1st winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Hawfinch near The Old Smithy, Nethy Bridge (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). Four Waxwing in Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: two Whooper Swan at Tain range (Andy Walker). Four Velvet Scoter, and singles of Great Northern Diver (in sumplum), Black-throated Diver and Fulmar at Tarbat Ness, with c200 Common Gull nearby at Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: immature Velvet Scoter, c60 Kittiwake, four Black-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver and eight Red-throated Diver at Gedintailor, while at Bayfield, Portree were two different adult (am/pm) and 2nd winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). 1st winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 13th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1st winter Glaucous Gull on pool next to A95 near Deshar primary school, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: single Velvet Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Black-throated Diver by Clachnaharry sea lock (Julie Vivers)
Lochaber: Little Auk at Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull as Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). c100 Lesser Redpoll at Erbusaig (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Red-throated Diver at Helmsdale river mouth ('Shaz')
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull in Ullapool harbour. Twelve Great Northern Diver, single Slavonian Grebe, eight Red-throated Diver and single Common Scoter at Little Gruinard, while at Mungasdale were 31 Black-throated Diver, single Slavonian Grebe and 17 Barnacle Goose (Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 1st winter Glaucous Gull on pool next to A95 near Deshar primary school, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: single Velvet Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two Black-throated Diver by Clachnaharry sea lock (Julie Vivers)
Lochaber: Little Auk at Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull as Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). c100 Lesser Redpoll at Erbusaig (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Red-throated Diver at Helmsdale river mouth ('Shaz')
Wester Ross: two Iceland Gull in Ullapool harbour. Twelve Great Northern Diver, single Slavonian Grebe, eight Red-throated Diver and single Common Scoter at Little Gruinard, while at Mungasdale were 31 Black-throated Diver, single Slavonian Grebe and 17 Barnacle Goose (Andy Williams)
Saturday 12th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings briefly am Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge (Holly).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Pond (Stuart Edwards), Nuthatch at feeder Craigdarroch, Contin (Keith & Rosie Barnes).
Skye & Lochalsh : 4 Iceland Gulls (ad, 3CY, 2 x 2CY) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull pier, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings briefly am Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge (Holly).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Pond (Stuart Edwards), Nuthatch at feeder Craigdarroch, Contin (Keith & Rosie Barnes).
Skye & Lochalsh : 4 Iceland Gulls (ad, 3CY, 2 x 2CY) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull pier, Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Friday 11th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Causer, Nethy Bridge (per BirdGuides), 2CY Glaucous Gull Aviemore Tip and ad LBB Gull Aldi roof, Aviemore (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Stock Dove & Black-throated Diver Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Fiona Harvey).
Sutherland: 12 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 10th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2CY Glaucous Gull, LBB Gull, argentatus Herring Gull, hybrid Herring x LBB Gull all at Granish Tip, Aviemore (Peter Stronach), 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch LNR (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter and 2nd-winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 3rd winter Glaucous Gull Chracaig River mouth (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2CY Glaucous Gull, LBB Gull, argentatus Herring Gull, hybrid Herring x LBB Gull all at Granish Tip, Aviemore (Peter Stronach), 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch LNR (John Poyner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter and 2nd-winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett), 3rd winter Glaucous Gull Chracaig River mouth (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 9th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Causer, Nethy Bridge - present for a week - (Mike Coleman), Song Thrush Ruthven (Dave Pierce) - deserts the area in winter.
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Peter Norgate).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch LNR ("Fiona").
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Loch Portree (Nein Bennett, Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Causer, Nethy Bridge - present for a week - (Mike Coleman), Song Thrush Ruthven (Dave Pierce) - deserts the area in winter.
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Peter Norgate).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch LNR ("Fiona").
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Loch Portree (Nein Bennett, Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour
Tuesday 8th February
Inverness: 3 Whooper Swans Loch Flemington and 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese east past Fort George (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Kumlien's Gull Loch Portree, 2 1st winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls and 3 Great Northern Divers south Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: 3 Whooper Swans Loch Flemington and 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese east past Fort George (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Kumlien's Gull Loch Portree, 2 1st winter Iceland Gulls Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls and 3 Great Northern Divers south Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Monday 7th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Grantown-on-Spey (Kate M), estimated 300 Bramblings in mixed flock with 400 Linnets Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), also Kingfisher (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Grantown-on-Spey (Kate M), estimated 300 Bramblings in mixed flock with 400 Linnets Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), also Kingfisher (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Sunday 6th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Grantown-on-Spey at Dunstaffnage Brae, later at Woodside Avenue (Holly).
Skye & Lochalsh: three Iceland Gulls (1st W, 2nd W and adult) Bayfield Portree, also 40 Kittiwakes Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point, 5 Snow Buntings Coul Links, 257 Skylarks Dornoch Links, 49 Purple Sandpipers Embo (all Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 5th February
Badenoch and Strathspey: Three Waxwings, Woodside Avenue, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes)
Skye and Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls (one adult, one 1st Winter and one 2nd Winter) also "nordic" Jackdaw, Bayfield (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Two Little Gulls, three Great Northern Divers and a "nordic" Jackdaw, Brora, 132 Golden Plover and eight Ringed Plover, Golspie, three Greenshank and two Brambling, Loch Fleet, one Black-throated Diver and 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Embo (all Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Three Waxwings, Woodside Avenue, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes)
Skye and Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls (one adult, one 1st Winter and one 2nd Winter) also "nordic" Jackdaw, Bayfield (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Two Little Gulls, three Great Northern Divers and a "nordic" Jackdaw, Brora, 132 Golden Plover and eight Ringed Plover, Golspie, three Greenshank and two Brambling, Loch Fleet, one Black-throated Diver and 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Embo (all Dean MacAskill).
Friday 4th February
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Pintail, Loch Insh (Holly).
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two Iceland Gulls, Bayfield (Neil Bennett). c100 Golden Plover, Loch Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Pintail, Loch Insh (Holly).
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two Iceland Gulls, Bayfield (Neil Bennett). c100 Golden Plover, Loch Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 3rd February
Badenoch and Strathspey: One Waxwing by Kirkton near the A95 on the Glenbeg road (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: c150 Fieldfares, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 16 Barnacle Geese and one Black-tailed Godwit, Beauly (Matthew Broadbent)
Badenoch and Strathspey: One Waxwing by Kirkton near the A95 on the Glenbeg road (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: c150 Fieldfares, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 16 Barnacle Geese and one Black-tailed Godwit, Beauly (Matthew Broadbent)
Wednesday 2nd February
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Waxwings by Kirkton near the A95 on the Glenbeg road (Steve Broyd) also one at Woodside Avenue, Grantown on Spey (Ian Ford). Great Grey Shrike, Balieguish, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Red Kite, Cromdale (Bob Proctor).
Easter Ross: Female Gadwall, Alness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eight Barnacle Geese, Alturlie (Ann Sime)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two Iceland Gulls, Bayfield (NH,RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull, Durness (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Six Great Northern Divers and 73 Barnacle Geese, Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Waxwings by Kirkton near the A95 on the Glenbeg road (Steve Broyd) also one at Woodside Avenue, Grantown on Spey (Ian Ford). Great Grey Shrike, Balieguish, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Red Kite, Cromdale (Bob Proctor).
Easter Ross: Female Gadwall, Alness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eight Barnacle Geese, Alturlie (Ann Sime)
Skye and Lochalsh: Two Iceland Gulls, Bayfield (NH,RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull, Durness (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Six Great Northern Divers and 73 Barnacle Geese, Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 1st February
Badenoch and Strathspey: Three Waxwings near Kirkton by A95 before northbound turn-off to Grantown on Spey (Ed Hunter)
Easter Ross: Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glendale (Lynden Schofield) also another reported from Canna (per Bob Swann)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Three Waxwings near Kirkton by A95 before northbound turn-off to Grantown on Spey (Ed Hunter)
Easter Ross: Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glendale (Lynden Schofield) also another reported from Canna (per Bob Swann)
Monday 31st January
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain (Gavin Woodbridge)
Inverness: 100+ Scaup, 100+ Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Castle Stuart Bay (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Lower Breakish (LP) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain (Gavin Woodbridge)
Inverness: 100+ Scaup, 100+ Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Castle Stuart Bay (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Lower Breakish (LP) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 30th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Waxwing in Aviemore (Audrey Turner)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck still present at Nether Kinellan, access from Loch Kinellan car park (Graham Neville). Ten Black-tailed Godwit near Avoch water treatment plant (Bob WIlson). 40 Common Scoter, 18 Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot and three adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single male and two female Blackcap in the Cradlehall area (Blair Whyte). Single Slavonian Grebe and Black-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: three 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: great count of 46 Raven feeding upon a roadkill hind, by Loch Shin (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Waxwing in Aviemore (Audrey Turner)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck still present at Nether Kinellan, access from Loch Kinellan car park (Graham Neville). Ten Black-tailed Godwit near Avoch water treatment plant (Bob WIlson). 40 Common Scoter, 18 Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot and three adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single male and two female Blackcap in the Cradlehall area (Blair Whyte). Single Slavonian Grebe and Black-tailed Godwit at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: three 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: great count of 46 Raven feeding upon a roadkill hind, by Loch Shin (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 29th January
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links (Al McNee)
Inverness: immature White-tailed Eagle at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope past Embo (Al McNee/Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links (Al McNee)
Inverness: immature White-tailed Eagle at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope past Embo (Al McNee/Dean MacAskill)
Friday 28th January
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup still at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan - two Brambling at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent). Three Whooper Swan at Loch Flemington, single Barnacle Goose over Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye and Lochalsh: ten Whooper Swan near Shiel Bridge, Localsh (Bob McMillan) with another five noted on Loch Meodal, Sleat ('DR') - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup still at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan - two Brambling at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent). Three Whooper Swan at Loch Flemington, single Barnacle Goose over Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye and Lochalsh: ten Whooper Swan near Shiel Bridge, Localsh (Bob McMillan) with another five noted on Loch Meodal, Sleat ('DR') - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 27th January
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle over Udale Bay (Alister Clunas) 39 Pale Bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Susan Seright)
Inverness: male Hen Harrier in the Dalcross/Easter Dalziel area (Phil Clark). Seven Barnacle Geese and one Pintail near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent). Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow). 30+ Brambling, Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Skye and Lochalsh: Six Black-throated Divers, Loch Slapin with three in Kilmarie Bay (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret at The Mound by Loch Fleet (Dave Tanner), Greenshank on Loch Fleet at Skelbo (Jort Brough). Seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dave Tanner)
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle over Udale Bay (Alister Clunas) 39 Pale Bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Susan Seright)
Inverness: male Hen Harrier in the Dalcross/Easter Dalziel area (Phil Clark). Seven Barnacle Geese and one Pintail near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent). Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow). 30+ Brambling, Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Skye and Lochalsh: Six Black-throated Divers, Loch Slapin with three in Kilmarie Bay (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret at The Mound by Loch Fleet (Dave Tanner), Greenshank on Loch Fleet at Skelbo (Jort Brough). Seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dave Tanner)
Wednesday 26th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose still present amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church by Udale Bay, with 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, single Greenshank also (Caroline Pearson). Seven Grey Partridge at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin near Upper Raddery Farm (Bob Wilson). Ring-necked Duck still at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan (via eBird)
Lochaber: Little Auk seen from MV Sheerwater off Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose still present amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church by Udale Bay, with 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, single Greenshank also (Caroline Pearson). Seven Grey Partridge at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin near Upper Raddery Farm (Bob Wilson). Ring-necked Duck still at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan (via eBird)
Lochaber: Little Auk seen from MV Sheerwater off Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 25th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge, while at least one Lesser Black-backed Gull on the roof of the ALDI store, Aviemore (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan - and seven Mandarin Duck at Contin (Bob McMillan). 17 Barnacle Goose on Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, single Twite seen also (Steve Broyd)
Inverness: two Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed and Greylag flock at Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill) 15 Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-Fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Beauly, opposite the farm shop (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Little Egret at The Mound by Loch Fleet (Bob McMillan/Steve Broyd)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Balliefurth, Nethy Bridge, while at least one Lesser Black-backed Gull on the roof of the ALDI store, Aviemore (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan - and seven Mandarin Duck at Contin (Bob McMillan). 17 Barnacle Goose on Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, single Twite seen also (Steve Broyd)
Inverness: two Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed and Greylag flock at Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill) 15 Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-Fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Beauly, opposite the farm shop (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Little Egret at The Mound by Loch Fleet (Bob McMillan/Steve Broyd)
Monday 24th January
Easter Ross: 14 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Grey Wagtail at Rosemarkie burn mouth (Susan Seright). Two Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, with single Water Rail and 41 Black-tailed Godwit also (Bob Swann). Ring-necked Duck and Scaup at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan (Calum Urquhart)
Inverness: 98 Scaup, seven Bar-tailed Godwit, four Pintail, two Slavonian Grebe plus single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 26 Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Beauly (Matthew Broadbent)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier and 30 Twite at Dornoch saltings, while at Embo were 600 Dunlin, 41 Purple Sandpiper and 51 Ringed Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 14 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Grey Wagtail at Rosemarkie burn mouth (Susan Seright). Two Green-winged Teal still present at Tain links, with single Water Rail and 41 Black-tailed Godwit also (Bob Swann). Ring-necked Duck and Scaup at Nether Kinellan - please park at Loch Kinellan (Calum Urquhart)
Inverness: 98 Scaup, seven Bar-tailed Godwit, four Pintail, two Slavonian Grebe plus single Barnacle Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 26 Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Beauly (Matthew Broadbent)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier and 30 Twite at Dornoch saltings, while at Embo were 600 Dunlin, 41 Purple Sandpiper and 51 Ringed Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 23rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Milo Mole)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes). Local WeBS counts today included 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, single Shoveler and 254 Pintail at Nigg Bay (Bob Swann), while Portmahomack to Drumancroy saw c500 Bar-tailed Godwit, c300 Knot, c150 Dunlin and just a single Ringed Plover (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 13 Barnacle Goose and two Greenland White-fronted Goose near Beauly (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: Kumlien's Gull at the head of Loch Portree, plus two 1st winter Iceland Gull plus a Jackdaw with 'Nordic' ssp. characteristics at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields alongside the A9 at Evelix. Two Stock Dove at Skibo, amongst a Greylag flock. At Embo were 500 Dunlin, single 1st winter Little Gull plus a female Hen Harrier (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Milo Mole)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale Bay (Keith & Rosie Barnes). Local WeBS counts today included 24 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, single Shoveler and 254 Pintail at Nigg Bay (Bob Swann), while Portmahomack to Drumancroy saw c500 Bar-tailed Godwit, c300 Knot, c150 Dunlin and just a single Ringed Plover (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 13 Barnacle Goose and two Greenland White-fronted Goose near Beauly (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: Kumlien's Gull at the head of Loch Portree, plus two 1st winter Iceland Gull plus a Jackdaw with 'Nordic' ssp. characteristics at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Barnacle Goose and single Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields alongside the A9 at Evelix. Two Stock Dove at Skibo, amongst a Greylag flock. At Embo were 500 Dunlin, single 1st winter Little Gull plus a female Hen Harrier (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 22nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Matthew Broadbent et al).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Milo Mole, Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 8 Barnacle Geese, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Easter Dalziel (Oscar Puls, Graeme Prest), 20 Crossbills, 14 Snow Buntings over Kyllachy (Alan MacAskill et al).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Matthew Broadbent et al).
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Milo Mole, Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 8 Barnacle Geese, 5 Black-tailed Godwits Easter Dalziel (Oscar Puls, Graeme Prest), 20 Crossbills, 14 Snow Buntings over Kyllachy (Alan MacAskill et al).
Friday 21st January
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal and 32 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Pete Gordon), juvenile Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon), Little Egret Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan (please park at Loch Kinellan) (Andy Williams, Pete Gordon), 8 Mandarin Ducks Garve (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 2000 Pink-footed and 11 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), 5 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfooted Geese near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), White-fronted Goose and 3 Barnacle Geese N of Newton of Petty, A96 (Holly), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Fiona Harvey).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Bob McMillan), Hybrid Black Duck x Mallard, paired to Mallard Strontian (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Jays Reraig (DM) - probably record count for Skye & Lochalsh.
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal and 32 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Pete Gordon), juvenile Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Pete Gordon), Little Egret Loch Eye (Bob Swann), Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan (please park at Loch Kinellan) (Andy Williams, Pete Gordon), 8 Mandarin Ducks Garve (Andy Williams).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 2000 Pink-footed and 11 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte), 5 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfooted Geese near Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), White-fronted Goose and 3 Barnacle Geese N of Newton of Petty, A96 (Holly), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Fiona Harvey).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Bob McMillan), Hybrid Black Duck x Mallard, paired to Mallard Strontian (Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Jays Reraig (DM) - probably record count for Skye & Lochalsh.
Thursday 20th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch in woods surrounding Loch an Eilein (James Shooter), Great Grey Shrike by bothy, Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Graeme Prest).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain (Holly), Ring-necked Duck and Scaup Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, park at Loch Kinellan, please (per BirdGuides), Black-throated, 11 Red-throated and 5 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great Northern Diver east side of Fortrose Golf Course (Mary Galloway), 7 Barnacle and 1 Greenland White-fronted Geese Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), 90 Twites Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Holly).
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch in woods surrounding Loch an Eilein (James Shooter), Great Grey Shrike by bothy, Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Graeme Prest).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain (Holly), Ring-necked Duck and Scaup Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, park at Loch Kinellan, please (per BirdGuides), Black-throated, 11 Red-throated and 5 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Great Northern Diver east side of Fortrose Golf Course (Mary Galloway), 7 Barnacle and 1 Greenland White-fronted Geese Beauly (Matthew Broadbent), 90 Twites Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Holly).
Lochaber: American Black Duck Strontian (Stu Crutchfield).
Wednesday 19th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 50 Bramblings with 200 Chaffinches Garlyne, Nethy Bridge (Craig Johnstone).
Easter Ross: imm male Ring-necked Duck Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (per Birdguides), 125 Scaups, 1 Slavonian Grebe Cromarty Firth, S of Saltburn Pier plus possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid - maybe the same bird seen at Alturlie in February 2021 (Dave Tanner), Blackcap female Strathpeffer (Fiona),
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 50 Bramblings with 200 Chaffinches Garlyne, Nethy Bridge (Craig Johnstone).
Easter Ross: imm male Ring-necked Duck Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (per Birdguides), 125 Scaups, 1 Slavonian Grebe Cromarty Firth, S of Saltburn Pier plus possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid - maybe the same bird seen at Alturlie in February 2021 (Dave Tanner), Blackcap female Strathpeffer (Fiona),
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 18th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie, slightly south of sheepfold (Holly), Kingfisher R Spey 1/2 mile upstream of Inverallan Churchyard, Grantown (Pete Gordon), still 300+ Bramblings Balliemore and 100 near Nethybridge Hotel (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 5 male Velvet Scoters, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher and pair of Pintails, hunting female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 4 Mandarin Ducks Garve, (Dave Tanner), 40 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller), 1st year female Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan, park at main Loch Kinellan CP and walk back (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 150 Waxwings between Culloden and Croy, flew NE (Andy Howard), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still at Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie, slightly south of sheepfold (Holly), Kingfisher R Spey 1/2 mile upstream of Inverallan Churchyard, Grantown (Pete Gordon), still 300+ Bramblings Balliemore and 100 near Nethybridge Hotel (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 5 male Velvet Scoters, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher and pair of Pintails, hunting female Hen Harrier Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 4 Mandarin Ducks Garve, (Dave Tanner), 40 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller), 1st year female Ring-necked Duck & Scaup Nether Kinellan, park at main Loch Kinellan CP and walk back (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 150 Waxwings between Culloden and Croy, flew NE (Andy Howard), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
17/01/2021 Nordic Jackdaw, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Monday 17th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Aviemore, between Grampian View ad Strathspey Avenue (Audrey Turner, Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: 35 Twites opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), calling Siberian Chiffchaff Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 59 Scaups Alturlie (Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: Nordic Jackdaw Bayfield, Portree, also 2nd winter Iceland Gull there (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Waxwing Aviemore, between Grampian View ad Strathspey Avenue (Audrey Turner, Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: 35 Twites opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), calling Siberian Chiffchaff Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 59 Scaups Alturlie (Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: Nordic Jackdaw Bayfield, Portree, also 2nd winter Iceland Gull there (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 16th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilmore, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant), dead Little Auk found at Loch Pityoulish (Rory Whytock).
Easter Ross: 4 Magpies Chapelhill, near Nigg Bay (Emz Adam), Greenshank Tain (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: 109 Scaups (44, 50 and 15) Milton of Culloden-Alturlie (Graeme Prest, Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Little Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, female-type Common Scoter Camus Mor, Borneskitaig, 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir, 58 Barnacle Geese Balmacquien, Trotternish (all Bob McMillan). juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls, 2 Great Northern Divers Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilmore, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant), dead Little Auk found at Loch Pityoulish (Rory Whytock).
Easter Ross: 4 Magpies Chapelhill, near Nigg Bay (Emz Adam), Greenshank Tain (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: 109 Scaups (44, 50 and 15) Milton of Culloden-Alturlie (Graeme Prest, Fiona Harvey).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Little Gulls at Bayfield and Chracaig River, female-type Common Scoter Camus Mor, Borneskitaig, 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir, 58 Barnacle Geese Balmacquien, Trotternish (all Bob McMillan). juvenile Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per Birdguides).
Sutherland: 4 Little Gulls, 2 Great Northern Divers Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 15th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Peter Stronach) Barnacle Goose, Balliefurth Farm, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon) also four Whooper Swan there (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, eight Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve also one Green-winged Teal, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Shoveler, Tain also six Little Auk, Purple Sandpiper and Snow Bunting, Tarbat Ness (Matthew Broadbent). Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Probable Siberian Chiffchaff, still at Nigg oil terminal (Bob Swann) 12 Twite and Short-eared Owl near Tarbat Ness (Oscar Puls)
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Lochy Estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler) Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (JC) 12 Purple Sandpipers, West car park, Mallaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Puffins off Rum (RD) and from the Armadale-Mallaig ferry (RMcM) two Jack Snipe and eight Woodcock (SM) Kinloch, Rum all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Peter Stronach) Barnacle Goose, Balliefurth Farm, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon) also four Whooper Swan there (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, eight Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve also one Green-winged Teal, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Shoveler, Tain also six Little Auk, Purple Sandpiper and Snow Bunting, Tarbat Ness (Matthew Broadbent). Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Probable Siberian Chiffchaff, still at Nigg oil terminal (Bob Swann) 12 Twite and Short-eared Owl near Tarbat Ness (Oscar Puls)
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Lochy Estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler) Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (JC) 12 Purple Sandpipers, West car park, Mallaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Puffins off Rum (RD) and from the Armadale-Mallaig ferry (RMcM) two Jack Snipe and eight Woodcock (SM) Kinloch, Rum all per skye-birds.com
Friday 14th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, five Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve (Bob Wilson). Greenshank on Tain River (Gary Aitken)
Skye and Lochalsh: Chiffchaff in garden at Harrapool (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c600 Siskin in the alderwoods, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) Little Egret and five Common Crossbill, Loch Borralan (Andy Williams)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Ring-necked Duck, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer, five Mandarin Ducks on river at Garve (Bob Wilson). Greenshank on Tain River (Gary Aitken)
Skye and Lochalsh: Chiffchaff in garden at Harrapool (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c600 Siskin in the alderwoods, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) Little Egret and five Common Crossbill, Loch Borralan (Andy Williams)
Thursday 13th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Bob Wilson)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links and Water Rail, links pool (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Water Rail and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk dead on the shoreline at Loch Brittle (BB) per skye-birds.com, 2nd winter Iceland Gull at sea between Rùm and Soay (Peter Stronach)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Bob Wilson)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links and Water Rail, links pool (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Water Rail and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk dead on the shoreline at Loch Brittle (BB) per skye-birds.com, 2nd winter Iceland Gull at sea between Rùm and Soay (Peter Stronach)
Wednesday 12th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two "nordic" Jackdaws on the roof of Aldi, Aviemore (Pete Gordon). Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Holly)
Easter Ross: 18 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Bob Wilson) Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two "nordic" Jackdaws on the roof of Aldi, Aviemore (Pete Gordon). Great Grey Shrike still present, Coranstilbeg (Holly)
Easter Ross: 18 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Bob Wilson) Two Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher and Greenshank, Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Tuesday 11th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike, SW of Balieguish then flew back to Coranstilbeg (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 41 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers) 125 Shelduck, 130 Pintail and 12 Shoveler, Tain Links also six Greenshank and single Brambling, Loch Fleet (Blair Whyte and Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden, Kingfisher, Greenshank and three Redwings, Merkinch LNR(Pete Gordon)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree (AS), 45 Lesser Redpoll, Scorrybreac, Portree (AS), 70 Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch and Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike, SW of Balieguish then flew back to Coranstilbeg (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 41 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers) 125 Shelduck, 130 Pintail and 12 Shoveler, Tain Links also six Greenshank and single Brambling, Loch Fleet (Blair Whyte and Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden, Kingfisher, Greenshank and three Redwings, Merkinch LNR(Pete Gordon)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree (AS), 45 Lesser Redpoll, Scorrybreac, Portree (AS), 70 Fieldfare at Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Monday 10th January
Easter Ross: 35 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls still at Loch Portree (Neil Nennett) two Jack Snipe, Kinloch, Rum and nine Woodcock (SM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 35 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Skye and Lochalsh: 2nd-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls still at Loch Portree (Neil Nennett) two Jack Snipe, Kinloch, Rum and nine Woodcock (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 9th January
Easter Ross: Probable Siberian Chiffchaff by Nigg Oil Terminal (Bob Swann). Great Northern Diver past Chanonry (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte) Slavonian Grebe, Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult Kumlien's Gull (bird has been present since 28th November 2021 )and three Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (NB, RMcM) with two different birds at Chracaig River, Portree, an adult & 2nd winter (NB), Blackcap on feeders, Kensaleyre (K.Gifford) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver, Dornoch Firth (Jort Brough). 32 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Probable Siberian Chiffchaff by Nigg Oil Terminal (Bob Swann). Great Northern Diver past Chanonry (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte) Slavonian Grebe, Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult Kumlien's Gull (bird has been present since 28th November 2021 )and three Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (NB, RMcM) with two different birds at Chracaig River, Portree, an adult & 2nd winter (NB), Blackcap on feeders, Kensaleyre (K.Gifford) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver, Dornoch Firth (Jort Brough). 32 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dave Pierce)
Saturday 8th January
Easter Ross: c35 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with 31 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose near Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with an additional 2nd winter bird at the Chracaig River mouth (Neil Bennett). Five Whooper Swan at Loch Meodal, Sleat (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c35 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with 31 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose near Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two 1st winter and two 2nd winter Iceland Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with an additional 2nd winter bird at the Chracaig River mouth (Neil Bennett). Five Whooper Swan at Loch Meodal, Sleat (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 7th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Singles of Jack Snipe and Snipe near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c75 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse (Dave Tanner). Ten Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway). Two Green-winged Teal at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Alturlie (Carol Miller). Three Pintail, ten Scaup and five Slavonian Grebe at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte), with 63 Curlew also present (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Jack Snipe and eleven Woodcock at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon). Singles of Jack Snipe and Snipe near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c75 Twite near to Bindal Croft by Tarbat Ness, with c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse (Dave Tanner). Ten Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Rosemarkie (Mary Galloway). Two Green-winged Teal at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Alturlie (Carol Miller). Three Pintail, ten Scaup and five Slavonian Grebe at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte), with 63 Curlew also present (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: three Jack Snipe and eleven Woodcock at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 6th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hen Harrier and 2CY female Goshawk at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at Tarbat Ness, c35 Twite nearby at Bindal Croft, c75 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse, and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose between there and Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal and 21 Shoveler at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hen Harrier and 2CY female Goshawk at Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull at Tarbat Ness, c35 Twite nearby at Bindal Croft, c75 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven farmhouse, and c1,000 Pink-footed Goose between there and Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal and 21 Shoveler at Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 5th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: c400 Brambling in field north of the Nethybridge Hotel, while along the Spey near Boat of Garten were two flocks of Siskin, one of c300 and the other c250 (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: four Goldeneye on Loch Meig (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Clachnaharry sea lock, while noted at Merkinch LNR were singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Kingfisher (Al McNee). Five Barnacle Geese in the Wester Dalziel area, while at Alturlie were seven Whooper Swan, two Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver, 77 Scaup, four Slavonian Grebe, eleven Bar-tailed Godwit and flock of 18 Brambling (Blair Whyte) while four Red Kite were also seen (Simeon Ewing). Single drake Pintail at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). Four Slavonian Grebe at the head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c400 Brambling in field north of the Nethybridge Hotel, while along the Spey near Boat of Garten were two flocks of Siskin, one of c300 and the other c250 (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: four Goldeneye on Loch Meig (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver at Clachnaharry sea lock, while noted at Merkinch LNR were singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Kingfisher (Al McNee). Five Barnacle Geese in the Wester Dalziel area, while at Alturlie were seven Whooper Swan, two Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver, 77 Scaup, four Slavonian Grebe, eleven Bar-tailed Godwit and flock of 18 Brambling (Blair Whyte) while four Red Kite were also seen (Simeon Ewing). Single drake Pintail at Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables). Four Slavonian Grebe at the head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 4th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: c250 Brambling, c300 Siskin and c300 Linnet at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, four Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, while nearby were c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven Farm, c75 Twite in field opposite Bindal Croft, and c100 Yellowhammer at Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Clachnaharry sea lock (Steve Wheatley)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jack Snipe at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c250 Brambling, c300 Siskin and c300 Linnet at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, four Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, while nearby were c50 Golden Plover near Wilkhaven Farm, c75 Twite in field opposite Bindal Croft, and c100 Yellowhammer at Brucefield Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Clachnaharry sea lock (Steve Wheatley)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jack Snipe at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 3rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail and two Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Common Scoter (unusual for the location in wintertime), single Black Guillemot, two Sanderling and 23 Ringed Plover at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ring-necked Duck at Nether Kinellan (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Greenshank at Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson) with sub-adult White-tailed Eagle over also ('Chloe'). Kingfisher at Whin Park in the city (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: immature Glaucous Gull at Clashnessie Bay (David Haines). Four Little Gull, 18 Purple Sandpiper and c20 Sanderling at Brora ('Jort')
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail and two Golden Plover at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Common Scoter (unusual for the location in wintertime), single Black Guillemot, two Sanderling and 23 Ringed Plover at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ring-necked Duck at Nether Kinellan (via BirdTrack)
Inverness: Greenshank at Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson) with sub-adult White-tailed Eagle over also ('Chloe'). Kingfisher at Whin Park in the city (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: immature Glaucous Gull at Clashnessie Bay (David Haines). Four Little Gull, 18 Purple Sandpiper and c20 Sanderling at Brora ('Jort')
Sunday 2nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: nine Sanderling and single Dunlin at Chanonry Point, plus female Pintail in Udale Bay (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: 45 Scaup, three Slavonian Grebe and single Pintail at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Bar-tailed Godwit at Broadford Bay, with another 14 present at Bayfield, Portree while the 2nd winter Iceland Gull was nearby on the Chracaig River (Neil Bennett) via skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: single Great Northern Diver at Loch an Èisg Brachaidh (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike at Coranstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: nine Sanderling and single Dunlin at Chanonry Point, plus female Pintail in Udale Bay (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: 45 Scaup, three Slavonian Grebe and single Pintail at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Bar-tailed Godwit at Broadford Bay, with another 14 present at Bayfield, Portree while the 2nd winter Iceland Gull was nearby on the Chracaig River (Neil Bennett) via skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: single Great Northern Diver at Loch an Èisg Brachaidh (Stuart Edwards)
Saturday 1st January
Colin, Mike and Pete wish all their readers a Happy, Prosperous and bird-filled New Year.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Hen Harriers, imm Golden Eagle, adult White-tailed Eagle Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 200 Bramblings Station Road, Nethybridge (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal, 200 Pintails Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 75 Twites in rape stubble opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1st-winter Iceland Gull Balintore (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: 1st-winter Iceland Gull west end car park Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Chracaig mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 15 Little Gulls S Brora in 1 hour, also Nordic Jackdaw there (Dean MacAskill).
Colin, Mike and Pete wish all their readers a Happy, Prosperous and bird-filled New Year.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Hen Harriers, imm Golden Eagle, adult White-tailed Eagle Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 200 Bramblings Station Road, Nethybridge (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal, 200 Pintails Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 75 Twites in rape stubble opposite Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1st-winter Iceland Gull Balintore (Simon Levene).
Lochaber: 1st-winter Iceland Gull west end car park Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull Chracaig mouth, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 15 Little Gulls S Brora in 1 hour, also Nordic Jackdaw there (Dean MacAskill).
2021
Friday 31st December
Easter Ross: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 13 Pintails, 24 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte, Alan MacAskill), 22 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Blair Whyte, Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult & 2 2nd-winter Iceland Gulls, Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett, Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Greenshank, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 6 Great Northern Divers Little Loch Broom, 40 Black-throated Divers S part of Gruinard Bay (all Ian Ford).
Thursday 30th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 7 Black-tailed Godwits Avoch (Mary Galloway), 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull opposite Police Station Lochyside, Fort William (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), 13 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 Bramblings Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 7 Black-tailed Godwits Avoch (Mary Galloway), 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Lochaber: 2nd winter Iceland Gull opposite Police Station Lochyside, Fort William (per BirdGuides), juvenile Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), 13 Slavonian Grebes Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven MacDonald).
Wednesday 29th December
Easter Ross: 22 Grey Partridges & 25 Woodcocks Newfield, near Tain (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Jack Snipe Kinloch crofts, Rum (Sean Morris).
Easter Ross: 22 Grey Partridges & 25 Woodcocks Newfield, near Tain (Bob Swann).
Lochaber: Jack Snipe Kinloch crofts, Rum (Sean Morris).
Tuesday 28th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: several flocks of Crossbills, some singing Glenmore Forest (Steve Reddick).
Easter Ross: 8 pale-bellied Brent Geese at burn mouth, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers).
Badenoch & Strathspey: several flocks of Crossbills, some singing Glenmore Forest (Steve Reddick).
Easter Ross: 8 pale-bellied Brent Geese at burn mouth, Rosemarkie (John Carruthers).
Monday 27th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch Kinlochlaggan (Bill Glancy per eBird).
Easter Ross: 8 Mandarin Ducks Blackwater, Garve (Oscar Puls).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Loch Portree and another 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch Kinlochlaggan (Bill Glancy per eBird).
Easter Ross: 8 Mandarin Ducks Blackwater, Garve (Oscar Puls).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & 1st winter Iceland Gulls at Bayfield, Loch Portree and another 2nd winter at Chracaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sunday 26th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 male Green-winged Teals & Lesser BB Gull Tain Links (Bob Swann). 8 Mandarin Ducks at Blackwater at Garve, upstream of bridge (Oscar Puls).
Inverness: 16 Black Guillemots off Fort George (Colin Leslie). Kingfisher, Whin Park (Tim Stowe), 30 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Anne Sime).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & adult Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet), Little Auk Bradford Bay (NH per skye-birds.org), Jack Snipe Ardnish. Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 male Green-winged Teals & Lesser BB Gull Tain Links (Bob Swann). 8 Mandarin Ducks at Blackwater at Garve, upstream of bridge (Oscar Puls).
Inverness: 16 Black Guillemots off Fort George (Colin Leslie). Kingfisher, Whin Park (Tim Stowe), 30 Black-tailed Godwits Milton of Culloden (Anne Sime).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter & adult Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennet), Little Auk Bradford Bay (NH per skye-birds.org), Jack Snipe Ardnish. Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org).
Saturday 25th December
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Easter Ross: Two Blackcaps, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Kittiwake and two Red-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness. 25 Fieldfare and c150 Linnet and 15 Twite between Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, 26 Shoveler and five Black-tailed Godwit, Tain (Bob Swann) Eight Mandarin ducks, Blackwater at Garve and three Bramblings, Garve (Keith Barnes)
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Easter Ross: Two Blackcaps, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Kittiwake and two Red-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness. 25 Fieldfare and c150 Linnet and 15 Twite between Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, 26 Shoveler and five Black-tailed Godwit, Tain (Bob Swann) Eight Mandarin ducks, Blackwater at Garve and three Bramblings, Garve (Keith Barnes)
Friday 24th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40+ Crossbills, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 1st winter female Ring-necked Duck and immature Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Inverness: Greenshank and Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), female Scaup, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, four Great Northern Divers, Brora and three Greenshank, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40+ Crossbills, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 1st winter female Ring-necked Duck and immature Scaup, Nether Kinellan, Strathpeffer (Keith Barnes)
Inverness: Greenshank and Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Al McNee), female Scaup, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, four Great Northern Divers, Brora and three Greenshank, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 23rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20+ Bramblings Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two adult and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) also 2nd winter at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Little Egret, Ledmore Junction (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Adult Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 20+ Bramblings Nethybridge (Steve Reddick)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two adult and two 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) also 2nd winter at Lower Milovaig (Andy Stables via Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Little Egret, Ledmore Junction (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Adult Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Stuart Edwards)
Wednesday 22nd December
Easter Ross: Waxwing, Tain (Gary Aitken)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and eight Slavonian Grebe, 17 Pintail, 45 Scaup, plus single Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Waxwing, Tain (Gary Aitken)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and eight Slavonian Grebe, 17 Pintail, 45 Scaup, plus single Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). Kingfisher, Ness Islands (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 21st December
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan Lochan (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Little Egret still at the Mound, 12 Brambling, 42 Purple Sandpipers and 350 Dunlin, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) Ring-necked Duck and Scaup, Nether Kinellan Lochan (Keith Barnes)
Sutherland: Little Egret still at the Mound, 12 Brambling, 42 Purple Sandpipers and 350 Dunlin, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Monday 20th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Snowy Owl, Cairngorms (Gary Hodgson)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and Water Rail, Merkinch LNR, (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe, Broadford Bay (ET) and 10 Black-throated Divers, Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) also 29 Purple Sandpipers, Embo and Two Slavonian Grebes, Dornoch Point (Ann Sime)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Snowy Owl, Cairngorms (Gary Hodgson)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and Water Rail, Merkinch LNR, (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Slavonian Grebe, Broadford Bay (ET) and 10 Black-throated Divers, Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Little Egret, The Mound (Dean MacAskill) also 29 Purple Sandpipers, Embo and Two Slavonian Grebes, Dornoch Point (Ann Sime)
Sunday 19th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 400 Bramblings and 100 Linnets, Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Slavonian Grebe, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 34 Brent Geese, 246 Pintail and one Shoveler, Nigg Bay (Bob Swann)
Inverness: 24 Scaup, one Red-throated Diver, 50 Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) 237 Siskin, Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 400 Bramblings and 100 Linnets, Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Slavonian Grebe, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 34 Brent Geese, 246 Pintail and one Shoveler, Nigg Bay (Bob Swann)
Inverness: 24 Scaup, one Red-throated Diver, 50 Shelduck and five Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Iceland Gulls, Bayfield, Portree (Bob McMillan) 237 Siskin, Killilan, Lochalsh (JN) per skye-birds.com
Saturday 18th December
Lochaber: ten Slavonian Grebe on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven Macdonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Localsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Grey Wagtail and six Little Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Lochaber: ten Slavonian Grebe on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Steven Macdonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Localsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Grey Wagtail and six Little Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 17th December
Easter Ross: five Black Guillemot, five Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, with ten Meadow Pipit also present (unusual at this time of year). Nearby were c1,000 Pink-footed Goose, with c30 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: two Slavonian Grebe and single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: five Black Guillemot, five Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, with ten Meadow Pipit also present (unusual at this time of year). Nearby were c1,000 Pink-footed Goose, with c30 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Localsh: two Slavonian Grebe and single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 16th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: c140 Brambling at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch NR (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Kingfisher on the River Peffery, DIngwall by the footbridge (Taylor Hunter)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c140 Brambling at Balliemore, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch NR (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Kingfisher on the River Peffery, DIngwall by the footbridge (Taylor Hunter)
Wednesday 15th December
Inverness: single Brambling on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: 60 Redwing at Heaste (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 20 Brambling at Embo, while offshore were 14 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and nine Slavonian Grebe. At Dornoch were six Grey Plover, 24 Twite and single Jack Snipe (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: single Brambling on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Localsh: 60 Redwing at Heaste (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 20 Brambling at Embo, while offshore were 14 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and nine Slavonian Grebe. At Dornoch were six Grey Plover, 24 Twite and single Jack Snipe (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 14th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Strone, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. on the Chrachaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Pink-footed Goose at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness with c50 Whooper Swan at the Petley pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Strone, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius ssp. on the Chrachaig River, Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Pink-footed Goose at Wilkhaven farm, Tarbat Ness with c50 Whooper Swan at the Petley pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Monday 13th December
Easter Ross: Single Knot at Tarbat Ness, Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dave Tanner, his image also below)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Auk grounded in Lower Milovaig, returned to sea in good health (Andy Stables) - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Single Knot at Tarbat Ness, Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dave Tanner, his image also below)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Auk grounded in Lower Milovaig, returned to sea in good health (Andy Stables) - via skye-birds.com
Sunday 12th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 plus Brambling near the Old Kirk, Nethybridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill), with a second bird confirmed later in the day (Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Teal on Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan). Two Purple Sandpiper at Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 200 plus Brambling near the Old Kirk, Nethybridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill), with a second bird confirmed later in the day (Bob Swann)
Skye & Lochalsh: 80 Teal on Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan). Two Purple Sandpiper at Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 11th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon), Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 200+ Yellowhammers banks of Peffery below railway bridge, Dingwall (Simeon Ewing).
Inverness: 2 Snow Buntings on roof, Brookfield, Culloden (Robin Paton), 166 Golden Plovers & 900 Knots Whiteness Sands (Roy Dennis), 70 Twites Whiteness Head Roy Dennis).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Pete Gordon), Jack Snipe Drumguish (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 200+ Yellowhammers banks of Peffery below railway bridge, Dingwall (Simeon Ewing).
Inverness: 2 Snow Buntings on roof, Brookfield, Culloden (Robin Paton), 166 Golden Plovers & 900 Knots Whiteness Sands (Roy Dennis), 70 Twites Whiteness Head Roy Dennis).
10/12/2021 Great Grey Shrike, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Friday 10th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal, 8 Slavonian Grebes Tain (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch (Penny Insole).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Great Grey Shrike Corarnstilbeg, Glen Feshie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal, 8 Slavonian Grebes Tain (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Greenshank Merkinch (Penny Insole).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald).
Thursday 9th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Loch an Eilein Beag (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Dean MacAskill) - returning bird? Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 200 Fieldfares Udale Bay to Balblair (Caroline Pearson), 30 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller).
Inverness: 60 Scaups, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 5 Barnacle Geese, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Blair Whyte), female Merlin Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Carrion Crow Ardelve, Lochalsh (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Loch an Eilein Beag (per Birdtrack).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Dean MacAskill) - returning bird? Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 200 Fieldfares Udale Bay to Balblair (Caroline Pearson), 30 Bramblings Corrimony (Carol Miller).
Inverness: 60 Scaups, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 5 Barnacle Geese, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Blair Whyte), female Merlin Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Carrion Crow Ardelve, Lochalsh (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 8th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad male Hen Harrier Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe S Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff at industrial estate Broadford (per BirdGuides), 2nd winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides), Bonxie Ardnish Max (Neil Hinchliff).
Sutherland: adult Iceland Gull, 14 Little Gulls, 2 Puffins, 7 Little Auks Lothbeg Point (Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad male Hen Harrier Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe S Tarbat Ness (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff at industrial estate Broadford (per BirdGuides), 2nd winter Iceland Gull Bayfield, Portree (per BirdGuides), Bonxie Ardnish Max (Neil Hinchliff).
Sutherland: adult Iceland Gull, 14 Little Gulls, 2 Puffins, 7 Little Auks Lothbeg Point (Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett).
Tuesday 7th December
Easter Ross: One Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver between Fort George and Arderseir (Colin Leslie) another Great Northern Diver, Beauly Firth between Redcastle and Kessock (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Nine Little gulls, four Little Auks, one Great Skua and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: One Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Northern Diver between Fort George and Arderseir (Colin Leslie) another Great Northern Diver, Beauly Firth between Redcastle and Kessock (John Poyner)
Sutherland: Nine Little gulls, four Little Auks, one Great Skua and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
An adult White-tailed Eagle from a traditional site found dead at Trotternish on 14 November was found to have avian flu - probably caught from Greylag Geese.
Monday 6th December
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Blackcap Strathpeffer ("Fiona"), 3 Scaups Loch Kinellan (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 Green Woodpeckers reported Drakies (per Birdtrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls R Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett),
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean McAskill).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Blackcap Strathpeffer ("Fiona"), 3 Scaups Loch Kinellan (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: 2 Green Woodpeckers reported Drakies (per Birdtrack).
Skye & Lochalsh: second-winter and juvenile Iceland Gulls R Chracaig, Portree (Neil Bennett),
Sutherland: 42 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean McAskill).
Sunday 5th December
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Bonxie, Puffin Neist Point (Andy Stables per skye-birds.com), Barnacle Goose with Greylags Feorlig, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan - per skye-birds.com), Nordic Jackdaw Portree (Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs Ardmair, Campsite (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Black-throated Diver Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Bonxie, Puffin Neist Point (Andy Stables per skye-birds.com), Barnacle Goose with Greylags Feorlig, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan - per skye-birds.com), Nordic Jackdaw Portree (Neil Bennett)
Wester Ross: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs Ardmair, Campsite (Andy Williams).
Saturday 4th December
Easter Ross: 12 Slavonian Grebes Avoch ("Matthew").
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe past Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean McAskill).
Wester Ross: 5 Bramblings Ullapool (Andy Williams) - scarce there.
Easter Ross: 12 Slavonian Grebes Avoch ("Matthew").
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe past Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers Dornoch (Dean McAskill).
Wester Ross: 5 Bramblings Ullapool (Andy Williams) - scarce there.
Friday 3rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: 31 Snow Buntings, Cairngorm Base Station (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Six Pintail, one Great Crested Grebe and 58 Curlew, Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: 240 Fieldfare at Port an Eorna, Duirinish with some Redwing (DM) also 40 at Tokavaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Nuthatch Attadale, Strathcarron (per Bob McMillan) - possibly first record for Wester Ross, now predated by a record of one at Laide on 18/04/2019 (Kevin Hartwell). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs, Ardmair (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 31 Snow Buntings, Cairngorm Base Station (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Six Pintail, one Great Crested Grebe and 58 Curlew, Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Skye & Lochalsh: 240 Fieldfare at Port an Eorna, Duirinish with some Redwing (DM) also 40 at Tokavaig (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Nuthatch Attadale, Strathcarron (per Bob McMillan) - possibly first record for Wester Ross, now predated by a record of one at Laide on 18/04/2019 (Kevin Hartwell). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs, Ardmair (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 2nd December
Easter Ross: Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Magpie, Creag Darroch, Contin (Stuart Edwards)
Inverness: One Whooper Swan, nine Pintail, two Scaup, 225 Golden Plover, one Great crested Grebe and nine Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Goldeneye, Loch Achaid na h’Inich, Plockton (JS), 45 Wigeon, Balmacara Bay at Reraig (DM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Magpie, Creag Darroch, Contin (Stuart Edwards)
Inverness: One Whooper Swan, nine Pintail, two Scaup, 225 Golden Plover, one Great crested Grebe and nine Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Goldeneye, Loch Achaid na h’Inich, Plockton (JS), 45 Wigeon, Balmacara Bay at Reraig (DM) per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 1st December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Ballachroan, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Diver, five Black Guillemot, 48 Long-tailed Duck and 262 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls also Glaucous Gull, Brora (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff, Ardmair (Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Ballachroan, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Eight Red-throated Diver, five Black Guillemot, 48 Long-tailed Duck and 262 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls also Glaucous Gull, Brora (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Siberian Chiffchaff, Ardmair (Andy Williams)
Tuesday 30th November
Easter Ross: One Black Guillemot, Chanonry (Alister Clunas), Little Auk, Rosemarkie and 15 Twite still Bindal Farm (per BirdGuides) also five Grey Partridges there (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and two Black-throated Divers, Alturlie (Robert Wilson) Little Auk still at Fort George (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: One Black Guillemot, Chanonry (Alister Clunas), Little Auk, Rosemarkie and 15 Twite still Bindal Farm (per BirdGuides) also five Grey Partridges there (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe and two Black-throated Divers, Alturlie (Robert Wilson) Little Auk still at Fort George (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Brambling, Dunvegan (JB) per skye-birds.com
Monday 29th November
Easter Ross: 15 Twite, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (John Manson)
Inverness: Single Little Auk and 15 Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Fieldfares in Broadford today (NB)
Easter Ross: 15 Twite, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (John Manson)
Inverness: Single Little Auk and 15 Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Fieldfares in Broadford today (NB)
Sunday 28th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Jack Snipe and one Kingfisher, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Tarbat Ness and Snow Bunting, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Eight Kittiwake, two Gannets, one Little Auk and one Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Single Little Auk, east past Fort George and one Black Guillemot (Colin Leslie) Greenland White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet, Beauly (per BirdGuides)
Lochaber: Nine Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (SMacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull, Bayfield and 1st Winter Black Rocks, Portree (NB), Long-tailed Duck, Uig Bay and four Great Northern Diver (SG) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eight Little Auks, Embo, Iceland Gull, Bonar Bridge (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Jack Snipe and one Kingfisher, near Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Little Auk, Tarbat Ness and Snow Bunting, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). Eight Kittiwake, two Gannets, one Little Auk and one Black Guillemot, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Single Little Auk, east past Fort George and one Black Guillemot (Colin Leslie) Greenland White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet, Beauly (per BirdGuides)
Lochaber: Nine Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (SMacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull, Bayfield and 1st Winter Black Rocks, Portree (NB), Long-tailed Duck, Uig Bay and four Great Northern Diver (SG) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eight Little Auks, Embo, Iceland Gull, Bonar Bridge (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 27th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with Twite present in the area also (Ian Harkiss)
Easter Ross: c150 Red-throated Diver, 18 Great Northern Diver and single 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Tarbat Ness, with post-storm seabird tallies including 1,000+ of both Kittiwake and Common Gull, and an exceptional 750+ Great Black-backed Gull. Nearby by Wilkhaven Farm were c200 Golden Plover (Dave Tanner). Woodcock at Quarryfield, Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Jonathan Jones). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Auk, eight Little Gull, 1st winter Glaucous Gull, five Great Northern Diver and juvenile White-tailed Eagle at Brora river mouth, while at Embo were singles of Little Auk and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill). Another, later report from Embo gave eleven Little Auk, single Slavonian Grebe, 14 Little Gull, 22 Red-throated Diver, seven Great Northern Diver ('Matthew'). Lesser Black-backed Gull of the intermedius ssp. at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier at Broomhill, Nethy Bridge with Twite present in the area also (Ian Harkiss)
Easter Ross: c150 Red-throated Diver, 18 Great Northern Diver and single 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Tarbat Ness, with post-storm seabird tallies including 1,000+ of both Kittiwake and Common Gull, and an exceptional 750+ Great Black-backed Gull. Nearby by Wilkhaven Farm were c200 Golden Plover (Dave Tanner). Woodcock at Quarryfield, Munlochy (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Jonathan Jones). Two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Auk, eight Little Gull, 1st winter Glaucous Gull, five Great Northern Diver and juvenile White-tailed Eagle at Brora river mouth, while at Embo were singles of Little Auk and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill). Another, later report from Embo gave eleven Little Auk, single Slavonian Grebe, 14 Little Gull, 22 Red-throated Diver, seven Great Northern Diver ('Matthew'). Lesser Black-backed Gull of the intermedius ssp. at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 26th November
Easter Ross: six Red-throated Diver and 500 plus Common Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Brambling visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson)
Sutherland: two Little Auk, 123 Kittiwake, 34 Gannet plus singles of Little Gull and Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: six Red-throated Diver and 500 plus Common Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Brambling visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson)
Sutherland: two Little Auk, 123 Kittiwake, 34 Gannet plus singles of Little Gull and Velvet Scoter at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 25th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting feeders by Forest Cottage, Loch an Eilein (Pete Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: 15 Purple Sandpiper, single Puffin, 19 Red-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver, single 1st winter Glaucous Gull and 15 Twite at Tarbat Ness, with c75 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting feeders by Forest Cottage, Loch an Eilein (Pete Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: 15 Purple Sandpiper, single Puffin, 19 Red-throated Diver, five Great Northern Diver, single 1st winter Glaucous Gull and 15 Twite at Tarbat Ness, with c75 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 24th November
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpiper, 15 Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Brambling visiting a Strathpeffer garden ('Fiona'). Drake Pintail on the lochans within the Tain air weapons range (Andy Walker)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jay in Coille Mhor, Balmacara (David Mason) via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Whooper Swan near the Meikle ferry ('Jort')
Easter Ross: two Purple Sandpiper, 15 Red-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus 15 Whooper Swan at Petley pig farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Brambling visiting a Strathpeffer garden ('Fiona'). Drake Pintail on the lochans within the Tain air weapons range (Andy Walker)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Jay in Coille Mhor, Balmacara (David Mason) via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Whooper Swan near the Meikle ferry ('Jort')
Tuesday 23rd November
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting along the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 24 Little Gull, 215 Ringed Plover, 57 Purple Sandpiper at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Black-necked Grebe off Embo, with two Slavonian Grebe (Dave Slater)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting along the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 24 Little Gull, 215 Ringed Plover, 57 Purple Sandpiper at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Black-necked Grebe off Embo, with two Slavonian Grebe (Dave Slater)
Monday 22nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: ring-tail Hen Harrier at Insh marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver, single Puffin, two Great Northern Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church, Udale (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: probable Rough-legged Buzzard in Glen Kyllachy (Mike Dilger)
Lochaber: seven Purple Sandpiper at Mallaig harbour (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Twenty Barncle Goose on Staffin Island plus c70 on the Ascrib islands (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Swallow at Port Henderson (via John Poyner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: ring-tail Hen Harrier at Insh marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe and single Black-throated Diver, single Puffin, two Great Northern Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Greenland White-fronted Goose near Kirkmichael church, Udale (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: probable Rough-legged Buzzard in Glen Kyllachy (Mike Dilger)
Lochaber: seven Purple Sandpiper at Mallaig harbour (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and two Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett). Twenty Barncle Goose on Staffin Island plus c70 on the Ascrib islands (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Swallow at Port Henderson (via John Poyner)
Sunday 21st November
Easter Ross: Woodcock at Tarbat Ness, plus single Velvet Scoter offshore (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Mike Dilger)
Inverness: single female Scaup and single drake Pintail at Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: female Common Scoter on Loch Shiel at Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye and Lochalsh: White-billed Diver near Camas Ban out of Loch Portree, while at Bayfield was a single 1st winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk, 150 Kittiwake, 50+ Gannet and six Great Northern Diver in the Narrows of Raasay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Woodcock at Tarbat Ness, plus single Velvet Scoter offshore (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Mike Dilger)
Inverness: single female Scaup and single drake Pintail at Milton of Culloden (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: female Common Scoter on Loch Shiel at Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye and Lochalsh: White-billed Diver near Camas Ban out of Loch Portree, while at Bayfield was a single 1st winter Iceland Gull (Neil Bennett). Single Little Auk, 150 Kittiwake, 50+ Gannet and six Great Northern Diver in the Narrows of Raasay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 20th November
Inverness: 3 female Scaups, eclipse male Shoveler, 200 Wigeons Loch Flemington (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Whooper Swans Loch Suardal (Matthew per skye-birds.org).
Inverness: 3 female Scaups, eclipse male Shoveler, 200 Wigeons Loch Flemington (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Whooper Swans Loch Suardal (Matthew per skye-birds.org).
Friday 19th November
Easter Ross: Little Auk, 2 Black-throated Divers, 21 Red-throated Divers, 26 Long-tailed Ducks, 35 Ringed Plovers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: 7 Little Gulls River Brora mouth (Dave Tanner), 12 Slavonian Grebes, 32 Red-throated Divers Embo (Deam MacAskill), 8 Grey Plovers, 2 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 120 Sanderlings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: probable Brunnich's Guillemot, 13 Little Auks, 2 "Blue" Fulmars Stornoway-Ullapool crossing, unclear whether in Highland recording area (Dan Brown), Red-necked Grebe Naast, Loch Ewe (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Little Auk, 2 Black-throated Divers, 21 Red-throated Divers, 26 Long-tailed Ducks, 35 Ringed Plovers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: 7 Little Gulls River Brora mouth (Dave Tanner), 12 Slavonian Grebes, 32 Red-throated Divers Embo (Deam MacAskill), 8 Grey Plovers, 2 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 120 Sanderlings Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: probable Brunnich's Guillemot, 13 Little Auks, 2 "Blue" Fulmars Stornoway-Ullapool crossing, unclear whether in Highland recording area (Dan Brown), Red-necked Grebe Naast, Loch Ewe (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 18th November
Easter Ross: hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 9 Red-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Easter Ross: hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 9 Red-throated Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Wednesday 17th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: 9 White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher River Peffery Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), 13 Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 45 Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpiper Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Whooper Swans chased by a White-tailed Eagle at Loch Ailort! (SMacD per skye-birds.org, 10 Common Scoters, 7 Great Northern Divers Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 9 White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher River Peffery Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), 13 Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 45 Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpiper Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Whooper Swans chased by a White-tailed Eagle at Loch Ailort! (SMacD per skye-birds.org, 10 Common Scoters, 7 Great Northern Divers Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Tuesday 16th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: Nuthatch Inches Crescent, Drakies, Inverness (per BirdTrack)
Lochaber: Iceland Gull Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, Whooper Swan Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett).
15/11/2021 Snow Bunting, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
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Monday 15th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (Alison), Yellow-browed Warbler River Dulnain near Dulnain Bridge (Duncan MacDonald)
Inverness: 2 female Scaups Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill), Great Grey Shrike Drakies (Millburn), Inverness (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 40 Snow Buntings Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin (Steve Duffield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Little Auks from Uig-Stornoway ferry at Skye end (Dan Brown), Siberian Chiffchaff Drumfearn (Phil Knott), Swallow Lower Milovaig (AS per skye-birds.org), Puffin Neist Point (AS per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: ringed Yellow-browed Warbler Melvich (per BirdGuides), 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 40 Twites, Blackcap Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Monday 15th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (Alison), Yellow-browed Warbler River Dulnain near Dulnain Bridge (Duncan MacDonald)
Inverness: 2 female Scaups Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill), Great Grey Shrike Drakies (Millburn), Inverness (per BirdTrack).
Lochaber: 40 Snow Buntings Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin (Steve Duffield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Little Auks from Uig-Stornoway ferry at Skye end (Dan Brown), Siberian Chiffchaff Drumfearn (Phil Knott), Swallow Lower Milovaig (AS per skye-birds.org), Puffin Neist Point (AS per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: ringed Yellow-browed Warbler Melvich (per BirdGuides), 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 40 Twites, Blackcap Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Viking Gull (Glaucous x Herring) Ullapool (per BirdGuides).
Sunday 14th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: American Wigeon Udale Bay (per Birdguides), 7 Red-throated and 4 Great Northern Divers, Peregrine Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Chiffchaff Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: a good count of 37 Collared Doves Lower Breakish (NH).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still near Kingussie (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: American Wigeon Udale Bay (per Birdguides), 7 Red-throated and 4 Great Northern Divers, Peregrine Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Chiffchaff Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: a good count of 37 Collared Doves Lower Breakish (NH).
Saturday 13th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Blair Whyte). Three Swallows and Brambling, Sherramore, Spey Dam (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull, six Black Guillemot, 16 Red-throated and three Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness also 150 Whooper Swans, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Black-throated Diver, 39 Red-throated Diver, two Scaup, 38 Long-tailed Duck, 70+ Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover and 145 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult White-billed Diver past Staffin Island (Dan Brown) Swallow at Harrapool plus Purple Sandpiper and Whooper Swan in Broadford Bay (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: !2 Little Gulls and Puffin, Brora plus Pomarine Skua, two Slavonian Grebes, one Great Northern Diver, c20 Red-throated Divers, Puffins and three Purple Sandpipers, Embo (all Al McNee) Rosy Starling, Balnakiel craft Village and Siberian Chiffchaff, Borralie plantation also 670 Barnacle Geese, five Gadwall, one Shoveler, 11 Whooper Swans , one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock and five Great Northern Divers, Durness (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Eight Ptarmigan, Sgurr a'Chaorrachain, Applecross (Pete Gordon)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Blair Whyte). Three Swallows and Brambling, Sherramore, Spey Dam (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Glaucous Gull, six Black Guillemot, 16 Red-throated and three Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness also 150 Whooper Swans, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Black-throated Diver, 39 Red-throated Diver, two Scaup, 38 Long-tailed Duck, 70+ Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover and 145 Shag, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye and Lochalsh: Adult White-billed Diver past Staffin Island (Dan Brown) Swallow at Harrapool plus Purple Sandpiper and Whooper Swan in Broadford Bay (MB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: !2 Little Gulls and Puffin, Brora plus Pomarine Skua, two Slavonian Grebes, one Great Northern Diver, c20 Red-throated Divers, Puffins and three Purple Sandpipers, Embo (all Al McNee) Rosy Starling, Balnakiel craft Village and Siberian Chiffchaff, Borralie plantation also 670 Barnacle Geese, five Gadwall, one Shoveler, 11 Whooper Swans , one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock and five Great Northern Divers, Durness (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Eight Ptarmigan, Sgurr a'Chaorrachain, Applecross (Pete Gordon)
Friday 12th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). C200 birds in mixed finch flock at Nethy Bridge includes "significant" number of Brambling (Sue Sykes). 100+ Fieldfares, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant). Hawfinch, Grantown on Spey (David Miller)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Brambling, Gollanfield (Paul Sharman). Five Pintail and two Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). 20-30 Twite, Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Bramblings, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Little Auk, Scullomie, found in the garden of a croft, flew off after resting (Richard Rowe)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting, Rubha Reidh (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). C200 birds in mixed finch flock at Nethy Bridge includes "significant" number of Brambling (Sue Sykes). 100+ Fieldfares, Glen Feshie (Thomas Plant). Hawfinch, Grantown on Spey (David Miller)
Easter Ross: Two Swallows, Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Brambling, Gollanfield (Paul Sharman). Five Pintail and two Slavonian Grebes, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte). 20-30 Twite, Strathdearn (John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Bramblings, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Little Auk, Scullomie, found in the garden of a croft, flew off after resting (Richard Rowe)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting, Rubha Reidh (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 11th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). 10 Bramblings in Linnet flock, Nethy Bridge (Mike Dilger). 500 Siskins, Aviemore (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher, River Peffery (Bob Wilson). American Wigeon just east of Jemimaville with 454 Scaup and two Slavonian Grebes (Kevin Davis). Five Purple Sandpipers and 14 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Common Crossbill at Achmore (DM). Five Whooper Swans, River Shield pools (RMCM). Per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Melvich (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides). 10 Bramblings in Linnet flock, Nethy Bridge (Mike Dilger). 500 Siskins, Aviemore (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher, River Peffery (Bob Wilson). American Wigeon just east of Jemimaville with 454 Scaup and two Slavonian Grebes (Kevin Davis). Five Purple Sandpipers and 14 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Common Crossbill at Achmore (DM). Five Whooper Swans, River Shield pools (RMCM). Per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Melvich (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 10th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Still one Snow Bunting, 28 Purple Sandpipers, nine Red-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe, Eigg (JC per skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Still one Snow Bunting, 28 Purple Sandpipers, nine Red-throated Divers and 1 Great Northern Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe, Eigg (JC per skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 9th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 31 Red-throated Divers, one Black Guillemot and 39 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Great Northern Divers, 19 Red-throated Divers, two Snow Buntings and three Bramblings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 46 Whooper Swans, including c10 juveniles to east of Inverness airport from Gollanfield to Ardersier road (Graeme Prest). Single Pintail, Milton of Culloden and two Barnacle Geese, Dalcross (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Little Auk, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan). Six Whooper Swans, south at Arisaig early morning (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling at Kinloch, Rum (SM) and another at Upper Tote, Trotternish (CH), six Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Swallow, Dalchalm, Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 31 Red-throated Divers, one Black Guillemot and 39 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Great Northern Divers, 19 Red-throated Divers, two Snow Buntings and three Bramblings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: 46 Whooper Swans, including c10 juveniles to east of Inverness airport from Gollanfield to Ardersier road (Graeme Prest). Single Pintail, Milton of Culloden and two Barnacle Geese, Dalcross (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Little Auk, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan). Six Whooper Swans, south at Arisaig early morning (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Brambling at Kinloch, Rum (SM) and another at Upper Tote, Trotternish (CH), six Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Swallow, Dalchalm, Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Monday 8th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Pete Cosgrove et al). Three Hen Harriers from Insh Marshes lookout (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 16 Red-throated Divers, three Slavonian Grebes, two Goldeneye and 19 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Snow Bunting still, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Swallow still at River Peffrey Mouth, Dingwall along with two Goldeneye and one Great Skua (Fiona)
Lochaber: Sooty Shearwater, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glenelg (Stu Crutchfield)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore (Pete Cosgrove et al). Three Hen Harriers from Insh Marshes lookout (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 16 Red-throated Divers, three Slavonian Grebes, two Goldeneye and 19 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Snow Bunting still, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Swallow still at River Peffrey Mouth, Dingwall along with two Goldeneye and one Great Skua (Fiona)
Lochaber: Sooty Shearwater, Oberan Bank, Arisaig (R Dyer per Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Glenelg (Stu Crutchfield)
Sunday 7th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Bob McMillan et al).
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting at Tarbat Ness, 200 Golden Plover, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Swallow, River Peffery (Fiona)
Lochaber: Four Glaucous Gulls and three Little Auks, Point of Arnamurchan (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff, Uig (Seth Gibson), 30 Barnacle Geese, Staffin Island (CH) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Northern Divers, one Storm Petrel and two Purple Sandpipers, Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill) also one Sabine's Gull (Matthew) 25 Purple Sandpipers and seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Bob McMillan et al).
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting at Tarbat Ness, 200 Golden Plover, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Swallow, River Peffery (Fiona)
Lochaber: Four Glaucous Gulls and three Little Auks, Point of Arnamurchan (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Siberian Chiffchaff, Uig (Seth Gibson), 30 Barnacle Geese, Staffin Island (CH) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Northern Divers, one Storm Petrel and two Purple Sandpipers, Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill) also one Sabine's Gull (Matthew) 25 Purple Sandpipers and seven Little Gulls, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 6th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Blair Whyte et al). Ring-tail Hen Harrier and Merlin at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: three Turnstone, c75 Common Scoter, seven Purple Sandpiper, eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Goose at Resolis, plus American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay ('Matthew'); Oscar Puls reported same plus a possible Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid there also.
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull in the marina at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Kilmory and two Snow Bunting at Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eleven Grey Plover, two Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Hen Harrier at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret still present between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Blair Whyte et al). Ring-tail Hen Harrier and Merlin at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: three Turnstone, c75 Common Scoter, seven Purple Sandpiper, eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Goose at Resolis, plus American Wigeon still present at Udale Bay ('Matthew'); Oscar Puls reported same plus a possible Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid there also.
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull in the marina at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Kilmory and two Snow Bunting at Kinloch Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Eleven Grey Plover, two Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Hen Harrier at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 5th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Mike Coleman). Two Hawfinch at Uath lochans (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird).
Easter Ross: Snow Bunting and twelve Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness, with 14 Great Northern Diver into the Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, 42 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye (reporter comments that it's been one of the poorest autumns for the species, this being just the third sighting of the season so far), 128 Shag, single Black-tailed Godwit (unusual for this time of year) and single Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis). Single Swallow at Tain (Dean MacAskill). Two Slavonian Grebe and nine Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Pete Gordon), with a male Hen Harrier also seen ('Chloe'). Juvenile Common Tern and 18 Purple Sandpiper at Balintore (Simon Levene)
Inverness: five Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Rhigolter (Hugh Insley). Strath Brora saw an influx of Redwing (c600), Fieldfare, 'Scandi' Blackbird-types (young males with black beaks), Mistle Thrush and Brambling, along with c350 Lesser Redpoll (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cattle Egret between Kingussie and Newtonmore off the A86 (Mike Coleman). Two Hawfinch at Uath lochans (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird).
Easter Ross: Snow Bunting and twelve Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness, with 14 Great Northern Diver into the Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were: single Black-throated Diver, twelve Red-throated Diver, 42 Long-tailed Duck, single Goldeneye (reporter comments that it's been one of the poorest autumns for the species, this being just the third sighting of the season so far), 128 Shag, single Black-tailed Godwit (unusual for this time of year) and single Purple Sandpiper (Kevin Davis). Single Swallow at Tain (Dean MacAskill). Two Slavonian Grebe and nine Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Pete Gordon), with a male Hen Harrier also seen ('Chloe'). Juvenile Common Tern and 18 Purple Sandpiper at Balintore (Simon Levene)
Inverness: five Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Rhigolter (Hugh Insley). Strath Brora saw an influx of Redwing (c600), Fieldfare, 'Scandi' Blackbird-types (young males with black beaks), Mistle Thrush and Brambling, along with c350 Lesser Redpoll (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 4th November
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Ring Ouzel amongst thrushes in the Cairn Gorm ski area (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird). Little Egret at Insh Marshes (Luke Pearce)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull, three Black-throated Diver and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Eight Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), plus American Wigeon still present (Craig Johnstone). Single Swallow and Greenshank at DIngwall ferry point (Robert Wilson)
Sutherland: 27 Little Gull at Brora - an exceptional count (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Ring Ouzel amongst thrushes in the Cairn Gorm ski area (Kristofer Wilson via E-bird). Little Egret at Insh Marshes (Luke Pearce)
Easter Ross: juvenile Little Gull, three Black-throated Diver and singles of Purple Sandpiper and Slavonian Grebe at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Eight Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose and Black-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), plus American Wigeon still present (Craig Johnstone). Single Swallow and Greenshank at DIngwall ferry point (Robert Wilson)
Sutherland: 27 Little Gull at Brora - an exceptional count (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 3rd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Goshawk at Lochindorb (Graeme Wright et al)
Easter Ross: single Slavonian Grebe, juvenile Peregrine, 22 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and five Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus c100 Whooper Swan at a pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). 45 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Nigg Bay (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant at Wester Dalziel (Rob Hughes)
Sutherland: possible sighting of very late Osprey over A9 at Dornoch (Gordon Hamlett)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Goshawk at Lochindorb (Graeme Wright et al)
Easter Ross: single Slavonian Grebe, juvenile Peregrine, 22 Red-throated Diver, single Black-throated Diver and five Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness, plus c100 Whooper Swan at a pig farm by Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Drake American Wigeon at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). 45 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Nigg Bay (Gordon Hamlett)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant at Wester Dalziel (Rob Hughes)
Sutherland: possible sighting of very late Osprey over A9 at Dornoch (Gordon Hamlett)
Tuesday 2nd November
Badenoch & Strathspey: c30 Brambling at Lagganlia (Jack Ward). Four Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm car park (Gordon Hamlett). c1,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte) with four Shelduck also present (Dave Pierce).
***PLEASE NOTE*** any birders searching for the Eyebrowed Thrush are no longer permitted to use the Kincraig Community Hall car park, and should also be mindful of local residents and their privacy
Easter Ross: 29 Red-throated DIver, two Black-throated Diver and 14 Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Little Egret at Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Siberian Chiffchaff at Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Swallow at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). Brambling at Drumfearn Sleat (Phil Knott) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c30 Brambling at Lagganlia (Jack Ward). Four Snow Bunting in the Cairn Gorm car park (Gordon Hamlett). c1,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte) with four Shelduck also present (Dave Pierce).
***PLEASE NOTE*** any birders searching for the Eyebrowed Thrush are no longer permitted to use the Kincraig Community Hall car park, and should also be mindful of local residents and their privacy
Easter Ross: 29 Red-throated DIver, two Black-throated Diver and 14 Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Two Little Egret at Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Siberian Chiffchaff at Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Swallow at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). Brambling at Drumfearn Sleat (Phil Knott) - via skye-birds.com
Monday 1st November
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush near the community hall in Kincraig (Peter Stronach), sizeable flock of Redwings remain in the area and included at least two Fieldfare, plus two Brambling nearby (Mike Crutch) and single Swallow seen also ('Matthew'). Two Swallow on A95 near Boat of Garten (Mike Crutch). c2,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Alan MacAskill), while also recorded there was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst 20 Canada Goose and c310 Greylag Goose (Dave Pierce) plus a Little Egret below Insh village (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gordon Hamlett), with a Green-winged Teal also reported (Carl Mitchell). At Chanonry Point were singles of Great Skua and juvenile Arctic Tern, two Black-throated Diver, 19 Red-throated Diver, 95 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Gannet, three Kittiwake, three Purple Sandpiper, 22 Ringed Plover and 127 Shag (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: conservative count of 800 Fieldfare through Strathdearn in a 90 minute period (Gordon Hamlett)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting at Faraid Head (Jane Fawcett)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush near the community hall in Kincraig (Peter Stronach), sizeable flock of Redwings remain in the area and included at least two Fieldfare, plus two Brambling nearby (Mike Crutch) and single Swallow seen also ('Matthew'). Two Swallow on A95 near Boat of Garten (Mike Crutch). c2,000 Redwing at Insh Marshes (Alan MacAskill), while also recorded there was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst 20 Canada Goose and c310 Greylag Goose (Dave Pierce) plus a Little Egret below Insh village (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Little Egret at Udale Bay (Gordon Hamlett), with a Green-winged Teal also reported (Carl Mitchell). At Chanonry Point were singles of Great Skua and juvenile Arctic Tern, two Black-throated Diver, 19 Red-throated Diver, 95 Long-tailed Duck, 48 Gannet, three Kittiwake, three Purple Sandpiper, 22 Ringed Plover and 127 Shag (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: conservative count of 800 Fieldfare through Strathdearn in a 90 minute period (Gordon Hamlett)
Sutherland: Snow Bunting at Faraid Head (Jane Fawcett)
Sunday 31st October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch near Ross's Garage, Kincraig (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: seven Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver and two drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness, with juvenile Peregrine plus two Purple Sandpiper and single Turnstone present also (Dave Tanner). Single Black-throated Diver, 24 Red-throated Diver, 117 Long-tailed Duck, 62 Kittiwake, 42 Ringed Plover and two Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: three Great Skua, two Velvet Scoter and single Little Gull at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hawfinch near Ross's Garage, Kincraig (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: seven Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Diver, single Great Northern Diver and two drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness, with juvenile Peregrine plus two Purple Sandpiper and single Turnstone present also (Dave Tanner). Single Black-throated Diver, 24 Red-throated Diver, 117 Long-tailed Duck, 62 Kittiwake, 42 Ringed Plover and two Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: three Great Skua, two Velvet Scoter and single Little Gull at Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 30th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Dingwall ferry point ('Fiona'). Twelve Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot, 39 Long-tailed Duck and 196 Kittiwake at Chanonry Point, while a ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen in farmland east of Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Slavonian Grebe and four Great Northern Diver on Loch Ainort, while Broadford Bay contained one and four of each respectively (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: a seawatch at Brora yielded five Great Skua, three Arctic Skua, two Pomarine Skua and 17 Little Gull, while 20 Brambling were amongst a Linnet flock by the Clynelish distillery (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Ruddy Shelduck at Dingwall ferry point ('Fiona'). Twelve Red-throated Diver, single Black Guillemot, 39 Long-tailed Duck and 196 Kittiwake at Chanonry Point, while a ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen in farmland east of Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Slavonian Grebe and four Great Northern Diver on Loch Ainort, while Broadford Bay contained one and four of each respectively (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: a seawatch at Brora yielded five Great Skua, three Arctic Skua, two Pomarine Skua and 17 Little Gull, while 20 Brambling were amongst a Linnet flock by the Clynelish distillery (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 29th October
Easter Ross: two Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were singles of Black-throated Diver and Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver and 26 Long-tailed Ducks (Kevin Davis). Brambling in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: two Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were singles of Black-throated Diver and Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver and 26 Long-tailed Ducks (Kevin Davis). Brambling in Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 28th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush in private garden in Kincraig - not seen since (Keith Ringland)
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans, Goshawk Marybank (Alan MacAskill), 4 Black-throated Divers, 47 Red-throated Divers, 60 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Tree Sparrows Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Gadwall Ardersier rivermouth (Bob Wilson), 19 Whooper Swans, pale bellied Brent Goose, female Merlin, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Brent Geese Breakish Obe (JN per skye-birds.org), Slavonian Grebe Broadford Bay (P O-W per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 35 Bramblings, Blackcap Embo and 40 Twites, 24 Grey Plovers Dornoch (all Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Eyebrowed Thrush in private garden in Kincraig - not seen since (Keith Ringland)
Easter Ross: 30 Whooper Swans, Goshawk Marybank (Alan MacAskill), 4 Black-throated Divers, 47 Red-throated Divers, 60 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Tree Sparrows Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Gadwall Ardersier rivermouth (Bob Wilson), 19 Whooper Swans, pale bellied Brent Goose, female Merlin, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Brent Geese Breakish Obe (JN per skye-birds.org), Slavonian Grebe Broadford Bay (P O-W per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 35 Bramblings, Blackcap Embo and 40 Twites, 24 Grey Plovers Dornoch (all Dean MacAskill).
28/10/2021 - Eyebrowed Thrush in Kincraig (Keith Ringland)
Wednesday 27th October
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets, 47 Shovelers, 460 Whooper Swans, 5 Barnacle Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), 438 Scaups, Tufted Duck, Black-throated Diver Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 17 Red-throated Divers, 66 Long-tailed Ducks, 80 Kittiwakes Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets, 47 Shovelers, 460 Whooper Swans, 5 Barnacle Geese, Greenland White-fronted Goose Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher Udale Bay (Kevin Davis), 438 Scaups, Tufted Duck, Black-throated Diver Jemimaville (Kevin Davis), Great Northern Diver, 17 Red-throated Divers, 66 Long-tailed Ducks, 80 Kittiwakes Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard with Tufted Ducks Loch Mealt (Bob McMillan).
26/10/2021 Whooper Swans, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 26th October
Easter Ross: 117 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 8 Barnacle Geese Beauly (David Smith).
Sutherland: 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 117 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 8 Barnacle Geese Beauly (David Smith).
Sutherland: 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 25th October
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated and 3 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Dave Burnett), 4 Barnacle Geese Wester Dalziel, male Pochard & female Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 300 Redwings Sconser Golf Course, 7 Black-throated Divers, 4 Great Northern Divers (all Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls, 1 Little Auk Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1 Black-throated and 3 Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Dave Burnett), 4 Barnacle Geese Wester Dalziel, male Pochard & female Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 300 Redwings Sconser Golf Course, 7 Black-throated Divers, 4 Great Northern Divers (all Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 9 Little Gulls, 1 Little Auk Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill)
24/10/2021 Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sunday 24th October
Easter Ross: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Barnacle Geese, 5 Common Crossbills (Bob Wilson, John Poyner).
Inverness: Pochard Loch Flemington (Graham Neville, Graeme Prest), 4 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel- - Castle Stuart (Graeme Prest).
Lochaber: 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1CY Mediterranean Gull, 7 Whooper Swans, 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Easter Ross: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Barnacle Geese, 5 Common Crossbills (Bob Wilson, John Poyner).
Inverness: Pochard Loch Flemington (Graham Neville, Graeme Prest), 4 Barnacle Geese Easter Dalziel- - Castle Stuart (Graeme Prest).
Lochaber: 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese Kentra Moss (Andrew Dacre)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1CY Mediterranean Gull, 7 Whooper Swans, 6 Greenshanks Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Saturday 23rd October
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets at Rhynie end of Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 5 Barnacle and 1 White-fronted Geese Udale Bay (Sue Sykes).
Inverness: Merlin Castle Stuart (Thomas Plant), White-tailed Eagle over North Kessock towards Merkinch (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Grey Phalaropes Irishman's Point, Broadford (Davy Ogilvie per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 6 Little Gulls, pale-bellied Brent Goose, 211 Ringed Plovers Brora (Dean MacAskill), Arctic Tern Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Little Egrets at Rhynie end of Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 5 Barnacle and 1 White-fronted Geese Udale Bay (Sue Sykes).
Inverness: Merlin Castle Stuart (Thomas Plant), White-tailed Eagle over North Kessock towards Merkinch (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Grey Phalaropes Irishman's Point, Broadford (Davy Ogilvie per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 6 Little Gulls, pale-bellied Brent Goose, 211 Ringed Plovers Brora (Dean MacAskill), Arctic Tern Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 22nd October
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Slavonian Grebe Udale Bay ("Tay"), 7 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Lynda Graham).
Inverness: male Pochard and Scaup Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Meallt, Magpie Ellishadder and 26 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (all Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 10 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose and Slavonian Grebe Udale Bay ("Tay"), 7 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Lynda Graham).
Inverness: male Pochard and Scaup Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Meallt, Magpie Ellishadder and 26 Barnacle Geese Staffin Island (all Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: 10 Black-tailed Godwits Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 21st October
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose in fields between Fearn Station and Culrossie (Bob Swann, "Oscar"), 2 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness flew SW into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), juv long-tailed Skua lingering then headed S at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Bonxies, Manx Shearwater there ("Matthew"), 2 Barnacle Geese Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 2 Little Egrets, Jack Snipe, Goshawk, 32 Shovelers, 109 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: juv Little Gull Fort George (Colin Leslie), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Mealt (JDS per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Swallow Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill), Magpie Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), White-tailed Eagle attacking Greylag Geese then a seal at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose in fields between Fearn Station and Culrossie (Bob Swann, "Oscar"), 2 Black-throated Divers Tarbat Ness flew SW into Dornoch Firth (Dave Tanner), juv long-tailed Skua lingering then headed S at Tarbat Ness, also 2 Bonxies, Manx Shearwater there ("Matthew"), 2 Barnacle Geese Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 2 Little Egrets, Jack Snipe, Goshawk, 32 Shovelers, 109 Coots Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: juv Little Gull Fort George (Colin Leslie), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard Loch Mealt (JDS per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Swallow Embo Pier (Dean MacAskill), Magpie Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), White-tailed Eagle attacking Greylag Geese then a seal at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 20th October
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose Nigg Bay (Peter Stronach), later at Loch Eye when flushed by a dog (per BirdGuides), Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff Tarbat Ness (Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), Jack Snipe near Tarbat Ness (Simon Levene), Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tits Corrimony ("Matthew"), 26 Whooper Swans, 94 Coots Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett), Tundra Bean Goose with Pinkfooted Geese Nigg Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Allanfearn (Peter Stronach), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Lochaber: a late Manx Shearwater 2 miles east of Muck (Ronnie Dyer).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 12 Twites Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 14 Little Gulls and a late Arctic Tern Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Todd's Canada Goose Nigg Bay (Peter Stronach), later at Loch Eye when flushed by a dog (per BirdGuides), Yellow-browed Warbler and Chiffchaff Tarbat Ness (Dave Barnett, Alan MacAskill), Jack Snipe near Tarbat Ness (Simon Levene), Yellow-browed Warbler with Long-tailed Tits Corrimony ("Matthew"), 26 Whooper Swans, 94 Coots Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill, Dave Barnett), Tundra Bean Goose with Pinkfooted Geese Nigg Bay (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant Goose Allanfearn (Peter Stronach), 2 Kingfishers Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow).
Lochaber: a late Manx Shearwater 2 miles east of Muck (Ronnie Dyer).
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 12 Twites Dornoch (Dean MacAskill), 14 Little Gulls and a late Arctic Tern Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 19th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Large number of Redwings with some Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush, Spey Dam (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Loch Eye (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Six Slavonian Grebes, Three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Two Barnacle Geese, three Shoveler and a Long-tailed Duck, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt, Staffin (SG,JDJ) four Whooper Swans on Loch Suardal (PJ) and three on Storr Loch (JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Seven Brambling, Achavandra, Dornoch also large flock of Redwings (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Large number of Redwings with some Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush, Spey Dam (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Little Egret Loch Eye (per BirdTrack), Yellow-browed Warbler, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Six Slavonian Grebes, Three Greenshank and four Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Two Barnacle Geese, three Shoveler and a Long-tailed Duck, Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt, Staffin (SG,JDJ) four Whooper Swans on Loch Suardal (PJ) and three on Storr Loch (JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Seven Brambling, Achavandra, Dornoch also large flock of Redwings (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 18th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Fieldfare and 140+ Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 20 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 1000 + Wigeon, 230 Pintail and 500 Teal, Tain Links (Dave Tanner), Single Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Short-eared Owl, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Five Barnacle Geese, Udale Bay (Mary Galloway). Little Auk, Portmahomack (Matthew)
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler, Cow Hill Path, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt with 21 Tufted Duck (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Large arrival of Redwings in SE Sutherland (Dean MacAskill) Single Brent Goose, Dornoch Point (Alison Graham)
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Fieldfare and 140+ Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 20 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 1000 + Wigeon, 230 Pintail and 500 Teal, Tain Links (Dave Tanner), Single Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Short-eared Owl, Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann). Five Barnacle Geese, Udale Bay (Mary Galloway). Little Auk, Portmahomack (Matthew)
Lochaber: Yellow-browed Warbler, Cow Hill Path, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: Pochard still on Loch Mealt with 21 Tufted Duck (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Large arrival of Redwings in SE Sutherland (Dean MacAskill) Single Brent Goose, Dornoch Point (Alison Graham)
Sunday 17th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Bramblings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce) one Swallow, Grantown (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: Single Velvet Scoter, six Great Northern Diver, one Great skua, one Arctic Skua and 20 Long-tailed Ducks, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret, Udale Bay (John Picton)
Inverness: c90 Redwings Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill). Greenland white-fronted Goose, Loch Flemington (Sandy Morrison) Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Garbole, Strathdearn (Rachel Rendell)
Skye & Lochalsh: Drake Pochard, Loch Mealt near Staffin (ML), Little Egret, Loch Long at Killilan (per MB), Arctic Skua at Lub Scor, Duntuilm (RMcM), three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) Little Egret on Staffin Island (per JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Balearic Shearwater, five Great Skua, one Arctic Tern, eight Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, two Pomarine Skuas, one Arctic Skua, four Little Gulls, 16 Long-tailed Ducks and one Goldeneye past Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Bramblings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce) one Swallow, Grantown (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: Single Velvet Scoter, six Great Northern Diver, one Great skua, one Arctic Skua and 20 Long-tailed Ducks, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Little Egret, Udale Bay (John Picton)
Inverness: c90 Redwings Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill). Greenland white-fronted Goose, Loch Flemington (Sandy Morrison) Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Garbole, Strathdearn (Rachel Rendell)
Skye & Lochalsh: Drake Pochard, Loch Mealt near Staffin (ML), Little Egret, Loch Long at Killilan (per MB), Arctic Skua at Lub Scor, Duntuilm (RMcM), three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) Little Egret on Staffin Island (per JDJ) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Balearic Shearwater, five Great Skua, one Arctic Tern, eight Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, two Pomarine Skuas, one Arctic Skua, four Little Gulls, 16 Long-tailed Ducks and one Goldeneye past Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 16th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Fifty Redwings and two Ring Ouzels, Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting, Balintore (Simon Levene). Single Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 200+ Whooper Swans, Fearn Station (Mark Smiles)
Inverness: Single Brent Goose and one White-fronted Goose with Pink-footed Geese, Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill and Simeon Ewing) Two Swallows and 24 Whooper Swans, Loch Meiklie (Carol Miller) Eight Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Mandarin Duck and Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte). Two House Martins, Drumnadrochit (per John Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Whooper Swans south over Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), single Brambling calling over Kyleakin (PK), good arrival of Redwings at Kilmuir and 10 trapped, these birds were of the nominate iliacus race (JDJ), two Chiffchaffs, Kilmory, Rum (SM) all per skye-birds.com. Two Pomarine Skuas, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Evelix (Jort). Nine Grey Plovers, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Fifty Redwings and two Ring Ouzels, Pitmain Lodge, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: One Snow Bunting, Balintore (Simon Levene). Single Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 200+ Whooper Swans, Fearn Station (Mark Smiles)
Inverness: Single Brent Goose and one White-fronted Goose with Pink-footed Geese, Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill and Simeon Ewing) Two Swallows and 24 Whooper Swans, Loch Meiklie (Carol Miller) Eight Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Mandarin Duck and Pintail, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte). Two House Martins, Drumnadrochit (per John Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Whooper Swans south over Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), single Brambling calling over Kyleakin (PK), good arrival of Redwings at Kilmuir and 10 trapped, these birds were of the nominate iliacus race (JDJ), two Chiffchaffs, Kilmory, Rum (SM) all per skye-birds.com. Two Pomarine Skuas, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Evelix (Jort). Nine Grey Plovers, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 15th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Redwings, Grantown (Blair Johnston), c40 Redwings and 4 Ring Ouzels, Gaick (Dave Pierce). 17 Whooper Swans near Carrbridge (Angus MIller)
Easter Ross: 48 Whooper Swans, Strathpeffer (Fiona) Four Great Northern Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Purple Sandpiper and 16 Whooper Swan at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whooper Swans, 11 Scaup, 174 Golden Plover, 250 Knot, two Long-tailed Ducks and three Goldeneye, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Four Hawfinch over Fort William this morning (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson) another at the head of Loch Long, Lochalsh (per JN) seven Whooper Swans, Loch Snizort (JS), two over Kinloch Glen, Rum with 41 then 10 over Kilmory later (SM), 14 at Loch Greshornish and 34 over south (SC); 16 in separate groups over Ashaig (NH, RMcM); 12 over Drumfearn (PK); five over Elgol (GP); 13 over Broadford (NB); single at Loch Long (JN). Five Brent Geese, Broadford, three Great Northern Divers in Broadford Bay (DS) and four at Achnacloich, Sleat (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: c80 Barnacle Geese, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Redwings, Grantown (Blair Johnston), c40 Redwings and 4 Ring Ouzels, Gaick (Dave Pierce). 17 Whooper Swans near Carrbridge (Angus MIller)
Easter Ross: 48 Whooper Swans, Strathpeffer (Fiona) Four Great Northern Diver, three Red-throated Diver, two Purple Sandpiper and 16 Whooper Swan at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whooper Swans, 11 Scaup, 174 Golden Plover, 250 Knot, two Long-tailed Ducks and three Goldeneye, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Four Hawfinch over Fort William this morning (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: Little Egret, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson) another at the head of Loch Long, Lochalsh (per JN) seven Whooper Swans, Loch Snizort (JS), two over Kinloch Glen, Rum with 41 then 10 over Kilmory later (SM), 14 at Loch Greshornish and 34 over south (SC); 16 in separate groups over Ashaig (NH, RMcM); 12 over Drumfearn (PK); five over Elgol (GP); 13 over Broadford (NB); single at Loch Long (JN). Five Brent Geese, Broadford, three Great Northern Divers in Broadford Bay (DS) and four at Achnacloich, Sleat (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: c80 Barnacle Geese, Loch Ewe (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 14th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler calling Station Road, Carrbridge (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Immature Sabines Gull (West at 0856), one adult Little Gull (initially West at 0848 then East towards Rosemarkie Bay before returning West past point at 0918), 26 Red-throated Divers, 11 Whooper Swan, 10 Common Scoter, 84 Long-tailed Duck, one Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c200 Whooper Swans between Portmahomack and Inver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese, Broadford Bay (R McM) 150+ Redwings, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, single Great Northern Diver and a Snow Bunting, Dornoch also one Tundra Bean Goose, two Greenland White-fronted Geese with Greylags and Pinkfeet, Wester Lonvine (Matthew). 12 Whooper Swans, Embo (Alister Clunas)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Yellow-browed Warbler calling Station Road, Carrbridge (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: Immature Sabines Gull (West at 0856), one adult Little Gull (initially West at 0848 then East towards Rosemarkie Bay before returning West past point at 0918), 26 Red-throated Divers, 11 Whooper Swan, 10 Common Scoter, 84 Long-tailed Duck, one Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c200 Whooper Swans between Portmahomack and Inver (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese, Broadford Bay (R McM) 150+ Redwings, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, single Great Northern Diver and a Snow Bunting, Dornoch also one Tundra Bean Goose, two Greenland White-fronted Geese with Greylags and Pinkfeet, Wester Lonvine (Matthew). 12 Whooper Swans, Embo (Alister Clunas)
Wednesday 13th October
Easter Ross: 18 Red-throated Divers, two Scaup, four Common Scoter, 107 Long-tailed Ducks, one Greenshank and 25 Dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant with Pink-footed Goose flock, Easter Dalziel also one Greenland White-fronted Goose and one Barnacle Goose (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still visiting feeders in Uig garden (WH), single Yellow-browed Warbler, Tokavaig also Slavonian Grebe there (PK). Nine Greenshank at Loch Portree (GP). 14 House Sparrows at Kilmory, Rum today (SM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, two Wheatears, four Long-tailed Ducks and a Merlin, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 18 Red-throated Divers, two Scaup, four Common Scoter, 107 Long-tailed Ducks, one Greenshank and 25 Dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grey-Bellied Brant with Pink-footed Goose flock, Easter Dalziel also one Greenland White-fronted Goose and one Barnacle Goose (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still visiting feeders in Uig garden (WH), single Yellow-browed Warbler, Tokavaig also Slavonian Grebe there (PK). Nine Greenshank at Loch Portree (GP). 14 House Sparrows at Kilmory, Rum today (SM) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Little Gulls, two Wheatears, four Long-tailed Ducks and a Merlin, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 12th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Swifts, Aviemore (Craig Johnstone). 30 Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross : Six Red-throated Divers, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Common Scoter and 65 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis). 16 Black-tailed Godwits and female Shoveler, Redcastle (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig. Nine Barnacle Geese, Portree (JDJ), eight at Broadford (PO-W) and 106 south over Kilmory, Rum (SM). Six Brent Geese, Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W). 17 Whooper Swans on Loch Long, Lochalsh (LT) and six, Broadford Bay (PO-W). Five House Sparrows at Kilmuir, Rum are a local rarity (SM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still at Balnakiel also 22 Redwing, 33 Golden Plover, single "Greenland" Wheatear and 6 Gadwall (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Swifts, Aviemore (Craig Johnstone). 30 Redwings, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross : Six Red-throated Divers, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Common Scoter and 65 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis). 16 Black-tailed Godwits and female Shoveler, Redcastle (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig. Nine Barnacle Geese, Portree (JDJ), eight at Broadford (PO-W) and 106 south over Kilmory, Rum (SM). Six Brent Geese, Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W). 17 Whooper Swans on Loch Long, Lochalsh (LT) and six, Broadford Bay (PO-W). Five House Sparrows at Kilmuir, Rum are a local rarity (SM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still at Balnakiel also 22 Redwing, 33 Golden Plover, single "Greenland" Wheatear and 6 Gadwall (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 11th October
Easter Ross : One Great Northern Diver, two Black-throated and 22 Red-throated Divers along with seven Common Scoter, One Black Guillemot and 10 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) also one Arctic Skua there (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: c130 Scaup, four Long-tailed Duck and one Slavonian Grebe, Milton of Culloden also two Shoveler, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig (Bob McMillan) Eight Whooper Swans south over Lochailort (SMacD) and six at the head of Loch Long (JN). 1st reports of Barnacle Geese from Rum with eight then seven west at Kilmory (SM), 36 over Kilt Rock (MC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c300 Siskins and Lesser Redpoll along with several Redwing and three Jays, Strath Brora also 21 Barnacle Geese and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill) Puffin, Strathy Beach (Sylvia Price)
Easter Ross : One Great Northern Diver, two Black-throated and 22 Red-throated Divers along with seven Common Scoter, One Black Guillemot and 10 Long-tailed Duck, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) also one Arctic Skua there (Jonathan Willet)
Inverness: c130 Scaup, four Long-tailed Duck and one Slavonian Grebe, Milton of Culloden also two Shoveler, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Uig (Bob McMillan) Eight Whooper Swans south over Lochailort (SMacD) and six at the head of Loch Long (JN). 1st reports of Barnacle Geese from Rum with eight then seven west at Kilmory (SM), 36 over Kilt Rock (MC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c300 Siskins and Lesser Redpoll along with several Redwing and three Jays, Strath Brora also 21 Barnacle Geese and a single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill) Puffin, Strathy Beach (Sylvia Price)
Sunday 10th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Redwing and three Swallows at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 5 Pintail, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Skye & Lochalsh: 21 Whooper Swans south over Kilmory, Rum (SM) and a single on Ardnish, Broadford, also a Wheatear here (PO-W). 10 Greenshank, Loch Portree and eight Bar-tailed Godwit (NB). Four Brent Geese, Loch Ainort (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: SOC outing to Sutherland had the following highlights - Dornoch beach - Pomarine Skua, Common Tern and c400 Common Scoter, Embo- Sanderlings, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Red-throated Divers, Loch Fleet- two Pale-bellied Brent Geese,
Brora - eight Little Gulls and a colour ringed Shag (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull, Ullapool river mouth (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Redwing and three Swallows at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 5 Pintail, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas)
Skye & Lochalsh: 21 Whooper Swans south over Kilmory, Rum (SM) and a single on Ardnish, Broadford, also a Wheatear here (PO-W). 10 Greenshank, Loch Portree and eight Bar-tailed Godwit (NB). Four Brent Geese, Loch Ainort (RMcM) all per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: SOC outing to Sutherland had the following highlights - Dornoch beach - Pomarine Skua, Common Tern and c400 Common Scoter, Embo- Sanderlings, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and Red-throated Divers, Loch Fleet- two Pale-bellied Brent Geese,
Brora - eight Little Gulls and a colour ringed Shag (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Sabine's Gull, Ullapool river mouth (per BirdGuides)
Saturday 9th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: c 1,500 Greylag Goose near Carrbridge, some Pink-footed Goose amongst the flock also (Sue Sykes). Eleven Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Wheatear on Fortose golf course (Mary Galloway)
Sutherland: three Black-throated Diver and 30 Golden Plover at Coul links, while at Embo were singles of Pomarine Skua and an immature Common Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Seven Whooper Swans and one Great Northern Diver, Achnahaird (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c 1,500 Greylag Goose near Carrbridge, some Pink-footed Goose amongst the flock also (Sue Sykes). Eleven Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Wheatear on Fortose golf course (Mary Galloway)
Sutherland: three Black-throated Diver and 30 Golden Plover at Coul links, while at Embo were singles of Pomarine Skua and an immature Common Tern (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Seven Whooper Swans and one Great Northern Diver, Achnahaird (Stuart Edwards)
Friday 8th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Chiffchaff at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: two Brent Goose at Hilton of Cadboll ('Ems'). Two Redwing and single Chiffchaff at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Blackcap and three Chiffchaff at Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill). Red-throated Diver at South Kessock (Jane Shadforth)
Lochaber: juvenile Scaup on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in Uig ('WH'). 13 Whooper Swan at Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) plus six Brent Goose (Neil Bennett). Yellow-browed Warbler at Trumpan (BirdGuides) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Chiffchaff at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: two Brent Goose at Hilton of Cadboll ('Ems'). Two Redwing and single Chiffchaff at Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Blackcap and three Chiffchaff at Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill). Red-throated Diver at South Kessock (Jane Shadforth)
Lochaber: juvenile Scaup on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in Uig ('WH'). 13 Whooper Swan at Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) plus six Brent Goose (Neil Bennett). Yellow-browed Warbler at Trumpan (BirdGuides) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 7th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: leucistic Golden Plover amongst flock at Nigg (Blair Johnston). Two Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus 25 Golden Plover (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove in Uig (Seth Gibson via Bob McMillan). Wheatear leucorhoa ssp. at Skeabost (J D Jones) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: ten Swallow at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: leucistic Golden Plover amongst flock at Nigg (Blair Johnston). Two Barnacle Goose, single Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus 25 Golden Plover (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove in Uig (Seth Gibson via Bob McMillan). Wheatear leucorhoa ssp. at Skeabost (J D Jones) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 6th October
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Swallow at Laggan Bridge (Dave Pierce). Chiffchaff and Blackcap visiting garden in Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Inverness: Redwing and two Whooper Swan at Loch Duntelchaig, while Loch Ashie held two Slavonian Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Brambling in a private garden in Newton Kinkell (Robert Greenwood). Single Barnacle Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus c230 Scaup at Jemimaville (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plover and four Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point - leucistic Linnet also seen. At Embo were five Brambling and three Jay (Dean MacAskill). Turtle Dove at Scourie (Dave Shackleton)
Wester Ross: movements of Redwing and Whooper Swan in the Coigach area (Stuart Edwards)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Swallow at Laggan Bridge (Dave Pierce). Chiffchaff and Blackcap visiting garden in Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Inverness: Redwing and two Whooper Swan at Loch Duntelchaig, while Loch Ashie held two Slavonian Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: two Brambling in a private garden in Newton Kinkell (Robert Greenwood). Single Barnacle Goose and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Goose flock at Udale, plus c230 Scaup at Jemimaville (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plover and four Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point - leucistic Linnet also seen. At Embo were five Brambling and three Jay (Dean MacAskill). Turtle Dove at Scourie (Dave Shackleton)
Wester Ross: movements of Redwing and Whooper Swan in the Coigach area (Stuart Edwards)
Tuesday 5th October
Easter Ross: three Swallow at Chanonry Point (John Poyner)
Inverness: 90 Redshank and three Dunlin at Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Meditteranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree ('SG'). Large movement of Pink-footed Geese through the area - per per skye-birds.com. Four Redwing at Heasta (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 15 Grey Plover at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Swallow at Chanonry Point (John Poyner)
Inverness: 90 Redshank and three Dunlin at Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Meditteranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree ('SG'). Large movement of Pink-footed Geese through the area - per per skye-birds.com. Four Redwing at Heasta (Ian Ford)
Sutherland: 15 Grey Plover at Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 4th October
Inverness: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Scaup, two Slavonian Grebe and single Chiffchaff at Milton of Culloden, while at Loch Flemington was a female Pochard and a single Chiffchaff (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Storm Petrel seen from the MV Sheerwater off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer). Six Whooper Swan on Loch Harport (G Lake). 33 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('ML') plus eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver (Neil Bennett); Neil also recorded 27 Brents at the head of Loch Ainort - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eleven Swallow and single Chiffchaff at Dornoch lochans ('Jort')
Inverness: 30 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Scaup, two Slavonian Grebe and single Chiffchaff at Milton of Culloden, while at Loch Flemington was a female Pochard and a single Chiffchaff (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Storm Petrel seen from the MV Sheerwater off Eigg (Ronnie Dyer). Six Whooper Swan on Loch Harport (G Lake). 33 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('ML') plus eight Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver (Neil Bennett); Neil also recorded 27 Brents at the head of Loch Ainort - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eleven Swallow and single Chiffchaff at Dornoch lochans ('Jort')
Sunday 3rd October
Skye & Lochalsh: 46 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('P-OW'), with twelve Whooper Swan flying in later (Martin Benson). At Bayfield, Portree was a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, plus eight Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 46 Brent Geese at Broadford Bay ('P-OW'), with twelve Whooper Swan flying in later (Martin Benson). At Bayfield, Portree was a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, plus eight Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 2nd October
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Whooper Swans Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Peregrine Udale Bay (Robert Greenwood). 41 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swann), 12 Brent Geese, 30 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlins, 250 Ringed Plovers Inver (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: female-type Blue-winged Teal flushed and flew south Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 45 Brent Geese around Glas Eilean, Broadford, 32 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort and 6 head of Loch Portree, 4 Slavonian Grebes Loch Ainort (all Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Whooper Swans Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Peregrine Udale Bay (Robert Greenwood). 41 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swann), 12 Brent Geese, 30 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlins, 250 Ringed Plovers Inver (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: female-type Blue-winged Teal flushed and flew south Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: 45 Brent Geese around Glas Eilean, Broadford, 32 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort and 6 head of Loch Portree, 4 Slavonian Grebes Loch Ainort (all Neil Bennett).
Friday 1st October.
Easter Ross: 14 Brent Geese, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, Merlin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 35 Brent Geese Culloden/Milton of Culloden (James Gordon), 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Slavonian Grebes Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 54 Brent Geese Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling S of Balnakeil Marsh (per Birdguides), 9 Greenshanks Skelbo (Dean McAskill), 20 Twites, 1 Brent Goose Skelbo ("Jort-Dornoch")
Easter Ross: 14 Brent Geese, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, Merlin Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 35 Brent Geese Culloden/Milton of Culloden (James Gordon), 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Slavonian Grebes Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 54 Brent Geese Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling S of Balnakeil Marsh (per Birdguides), 9 Greenshanks Skelbo (Dean McAskill), 20 Twites, 1 Brent Goose Skelbo ("Jort-Dornoch")
Thursday 30th September
Inverness: 15 Brent Geese, 5 Scaups, 16 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 6 Brent Geese past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still at Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 42 Brent Geese Broadford Bay and 29 head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 12 Brent Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Inverness: 15 Brent Geese, 5 Scaups, 16 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 6 Brent Geese past Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still at Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 42 Brent Geese Broadford Bay and 29 head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 12 Brent Geese Loch Portree (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org).
Wednesday 29th September
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Sabine's Gull Duntulm (Bob McMillan), Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), 60 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 16 flew W later (NB, P O-W per skye-birds.org), 10 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 38 at head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 4 Brent Geese Sconser ( SA )
Wester Ross: Juv Sabines Gull, 2 Storm Petrels, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Sooty Shearwaters Ullapool-Stornoway, 4 Arctic Skuas on return (Alan MacAskill et al), 2 Magpies Bealach na Ba (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Sabine's Gull Duntulm (Bob McMillan), Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), 60 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 16 flew W later (NB, P O-W per skye-birds.org), 10 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 38 at head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan per skye-birds.org), 4 Brent Geese Sconser ( SA )
Wester Ross: Juv Sabines Gull, 2 Storm Petrels, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Sooty Shearwaters Ullapool-Stornoway, 4 Arctic Skuas on return (Alan MacAskill et al), 2 Magpies Bealach na Ba (Blair Whyte).
Tuesday 28th September
Easter Ross: 45 Brent Geese & 25 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swan), 11 Black-tailed Godwits and an Osprey Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 20 Brent Geese Portree, 14 Loch Ainort, 24 Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Grey Plover Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), juv Long-tailed Skua & 5 Storm Petrels Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 45 Brent Geese & 25 Black-tailed Godwits Tain (Bob Swan), 11 Black-tailed Godwits and an Osprey Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove still in private garden, Kilmuir (MMcA per skye-birds.org), 20 Brent Geese Portree, 14 Loch Ainort, 24 Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), Grey Plover Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.org), juv Long-tailed Skua & 5 Storm Petrels Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Monday 27th September
Easter Ross: adult Grey-bellied Brant flew SE in morning with Pink-footed Geese from Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), later 11 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher, Whooper Swan, pale bellied Brent Goose (Tim Stowe), Taiga Been Goose there (Kevin Davis), 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper Tain Links (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Wheatears Alturlie Bay (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Marcus Mc Adam), Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (22) possibly same birds at Breakish Obbe (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), also 20 at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) and group at Loch Ainort (LD).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: adult Grey-bellied Brant flew SE in morning with Pink-footed Geese from Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), later 11 Black-tailed Godwits, Kingfisher, Whooper Swan, pale bellied Brent Goose (Tim Stowe), Taiga Been Goose there (Kevin Davis), 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper Tain Links (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Wheatears Alturlie Bay (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Kilmuir (Marcus Mc Adam), Brent Geese at Broadford Bay (22) possibly same birds at Breakish Obbe (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett), also 20 at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) and group at Loch Ainort (LD).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 26th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher flew downstream at Broomhill Bridge (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Grey-bellied Brant and adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Munlochy Bay (per BirdGuides), adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Nigg Bay (per Birdguides), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers calling behind St Regulus Church, Cromarty (Martin Benson), Velvet Scoter Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Pectoral Sandpiper, Osprey, 2 Greenshanks, Barnacle Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 100 Scaups. 3 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 18 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 37 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan), juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls, 2 Bonxies Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher flew downstream at Broomhill Bridge (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Grey-bellied Brant and adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Munlochy Bay (per BirdGuides), adult Greenland White-fronted Goose Nigg Bay (per Birdguides), 2 Yellow-browed Warblers calling behind St Regulus Church, Cromarty (Martin Benson), Velvet Scoter Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Pectoral Sandpiper, Osprey, 2 Greenshanks, Barnacle Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (per BirdGuides), 100 Scaups. 3 Slavonian Grebes Jemimaville (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Brent Geese Loch Portree, 18 Brent Geese Broadford Bay, 37 Brent Geese head of Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan), juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Black-tailed Godwit Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls, 2 Bonxies Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 25th September
Easter Ross: Osprey still at Udale Bay (Ro Scott)
Sutherland: Six Bramblings, Achavandra Muir also 118 Ringed Plover, 36 Dunlin, three Knot and nine Turnstone, Embo Pier (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Easter Ross: Osprey still at Udale Bay (Ro Scott)
Sutherland: Six Bramblings, Achavandra Muir also 118 Ringed Plover, 36 Dunlin, three Knot and nine Turnstone, Embo Pier (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Friday 24th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and five Blackcaps in garden, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald). Mandarin, Loch Garten (Simon Eaves) Three Scaup, Lochindorb (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Female Shoveler, Tain Wildlife Pond (Graham Neville) Nine Whooper Swans, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 10 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Four Pintail and six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Alturlie (Blair Whyte) Later at Alturlie 22 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Divers, Merlin, two Wheatear and a Chiffchaff (Lynda Graham). Eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Merkinch (Chloe)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Sabine's Gull, Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 50 Storm Petrels Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides) Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Glas Eilean, Broadford and 26 at the head of Loch Ainort (NB), late brood of House Martins still in nest at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, The Mound (Tay) 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 34 Sandwich Terns, Dornoch Point, 11 Pale-bellied Brents at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill) Single Curlew Sandpiper, Embo Pier (Jort)
Wester Ross: 15 Whooper Swans, Gruinard Bay and 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool River mouth (Nick Truby)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and five Blackcaps in garden, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald). Mandarin, Loch Garten (Simon Eaves) Three Scaup, Lochindorb (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Female Shoveler, Tain Wildlife Pond (Graham Neville) Nine Whooper Swans, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) 10 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Four Pintail and six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Alturlie (Blair Whyte) Later at Alturlie 22 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Red-throated Diver, two Black-throated Divers, Merlin, two Wheatear and a Chiffchaff (Lynda Graham). Eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Merkinch (Chloe)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Sabine's Gull, Leach's Storm Petrel, Pomarine Skua and 50 Storm Petrels Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides) Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Glas Eilean, Broadford and 26 at the head of Loch Ainort (NB), late brood of House Martins still in nest at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Six Whooper Swans, The Mound (Tay) 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 34 Sandwich Terns, Dornoch Point, 11 Pale-bellied Brents at Skelbo (Dean MacAskill) Single Curlew Sandpiper, Embo Pier (Jort)
Wester Ross: 15 Whooper Swans, Gruinard Bay and 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool River mouth (Nick Truby)
Thursday 23rd September
Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese reported throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and Blackcap in garden and 24 Canada Geese overhead, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, one Arctic Skua (dark), four Scaup, one Common Scoter, 16 Red-Throated Diver and 59 Sandwich Terns at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c60 Scaup, two Slavonian Grebes and one Osprey, Udale bay and Jemimaville (Jort). Possible Lesser (parvipes) Canada Goose, Udale Bay
Inverness: 34 Whooper Swans, Alturlie (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit west over Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC) single Great Northern Diver at Sconser Bay (AMcL) three Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) four Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), 10 at Kilmory, Rum (SM), 85 Loch Ainort and 70 at Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Nine! Sabines Gulls (6adults, 3juvs), 96 Great Skuas, 14 Arctic Skuas, 12 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 45 Sooty Shearwaters, 29 Manx Shearwaters, five Great Northern Divers, 10 Red-throated Divers and 84 Comic Terns (mainly Common) from Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool (no sign of Sabines Gull) (per BirdGuides)
Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese reported throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff and Blackcap in garden and 24 Canada Geese overhead, Ardgeal (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: White-tailed Eagle, one Arctic Skua (dark), four Scaup, one Common Scoter, 16 Red-Throated Diver and 59 Sandwich Terns at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c60 Scaup, two Slavonian Grebes and one Osprey, Udale bay and Jemimaville (Jort). Possible Lesser (parvipes) Canada Goose, Udale Bay
Inverness: 34 Whooper Swans, Alturlie (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit west over Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC) single Great Northern Diver at Sconser Bay (AMcL) three Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) four Pale-bellied Brent Geese in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), 10 at Kilmory, Rum (SM), 85 Loch Ainort and 70 at Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Nine! Sabines Gulls (6adults, 3juvs), 96 Great Skuas, 14 Arctic Skuas, 12 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 45 Sooty Shearwaters, 29 Manx Shearwaters, five Great Northern Divers, 10 Red-throated Divers and 84 Comic Terns (mainly Common) from Strathy Point (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, Ullapool (no sign of Sabines Gull) (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 22nd September
Easter Ross: One Arctic Skua, 21 Red-throated Divers, one Goldeneye, Chanonry Point at Udale Bay seven Black-tailed Godwits, one Greenshank, one Kingfisher and an Osprey (Kevin Davis) later two Little Stints (initially at Udale Bay) with six Knot, two Black-tailed Godwits, One Golden Plover and 256 Scaup at Jemimaville (Blair Whyte). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Grey Plovers, Breakish Obbe (NH) three Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB), 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Loch Ainort and 45 in Broadford Bay (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Sabines Gull, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 120 Pale-bellied Brent geese, two Great Northern Divers, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Manx Shearwaters and 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Strathy Point also seven Greenshank and a Common Eider (with sails) at Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Adult winter Sabines Gull, Ullapool River mouth also six Sooty Shearwaters, Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (per BirdGuides) also from the ferry eight Storm Petrels, one adult Pomarine Skua, 11 Sooty Shearwaters and two Manx Shearwaters (Ian Ford)
Easter Ross: One Arctic Skua, 21 Red-throated Divers, one Goldeneye, Chanonry Point at Udale Bay seven Black-tailed Godwits, one Greenshank, one Kingfisher and an Osprey (Kevin Davis) later two Little Stints (initially at Udale Bay) with six Knot, two Black-tailed Godwits, One Golden Plover and 256 Scaup at Jemimaville (Blair Whyte). Ringtail Hen Harrier, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Grey Plovers, Breakish Obbe (NH) three Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB), 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Loch Ainort and 45 in Broadford Bay (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Sabines Gull, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 120 Pale-bellied Brent geese, two Great Northern Divers, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Manx Shearwaters and 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Strathy Point also seven Greenshank and a Common Eider (with sails) at Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Adult winter Sabines Gull, Ullapool River mouth also six Sooty Shearwaters, Ullapool-Stornoway Ferry (per BirdGuides) also from the ferry eight Storm Petrels, one adult Pomarine Skua, 11 Sooty Shearwaters and two Manx Shearwaters (Ian Ford)
Tuesday 21st September
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 20 Red-throated Divers, one Pintail, five Long-tailed Duck and one Merlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Shoveler and a Pintail, Alturlie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Still four Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Kildonan, Eigg (JC) and a single at the head of Loch Ainort (NB). Six Pintail at the head of Loch Ainort (NB) Whimbrel flying west through Broadford Bay and another at the head of Loch Portree (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls and three Great Northern Divers, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hen Harrier, Dornoch beach (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 20 Red-throated Divers, one Pintail, five Long-tailed Duck and one Merlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Shoveler and a Pintail, Alturlie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Still four Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Kildonan, Eigg (JC) and a single at the head of Loch Ainort (NB). Six Pintail at the head of Loch Ainort (NB) Whimbrel flying west through Broadford Bay and another at the head of Loch Portree (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls and three Great Northern Divers, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hen Harrier, Dornoch beach (Blair Whyte)
Monday 20th September
Easter Ross: Two Arctic skua (both dark), one Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Red-throated Diver, one Common Scoter, four Long-Tailed Duck and 34 Canada Geese, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also two Whooper Swans there (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Arctic Skuas (2 dark + a pale morph) Eight Great Skuas, 300+ Kittiwakes, 200+ Gannet and three Red-throated Divers, Luib Score, Duntulm also eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Bayfield, Portree (all Neil Bennett)
Easter Ross: Two Arctic skua (both dark), one Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Red-throated Diver, one Common Scoter, four Long-Tailed Duck and 34 Canada Geese, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also two Whooper Swans there (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Grey Plovers, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Arctic Skuas (2 dark + a pale morph) Eight Great Skuas, 300+ Kittiwakes, 200+ Gannet and three Red-throated Divers, Luib Score, Duntulm also eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Bayfield, Portree (all Neil Bennett)
Sunday 19th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, River Spey at Cromdale (Kev Cuthbert)
Easter Ross: 165 Pink-footed Geese, 56 Scaup and 29 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville and single Black-tailed Godwit, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) also at Udale, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Dunlin and an Osprey (Bob Wilson). c1000 Linnets, Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c350 Pink-footed Geese over (along with large numbers of Skylarks) and one Black-tailed Godwit, Whiteness (Colin Leslie). 42 Pink-footed Geese and 45 Black-tailed Godwits, Beauly Firth (Sue Pettitt)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, four Ruff and three Gadwall, Balnakeil Marsh, (Alan MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, River Spey at Cromdale (Kev Cuthbert)
Easter Ross: 165 Pink-footed Geese, 56 Scaup and 29 Slavonian Grebes, Jemimaville and single Black-tailed Godwit, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) also at Udale, single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Dunlin and an Osprey (Bob Wilson). c1000 Linnets, Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: c350 Pink-footed Geese over (along with large numbers of Skylarks) and one Black-tailed Godwit, Whiteness (Colin Leslie). 42 Pink-footed Geese and 45 Black-tailed Godwits, Beauly Firth (Sue Pettitt)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, four Ruff and three Gadwall, Balnakeil Marsh, (Alan MacAskill)
Saturday 18th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Insh Marshes (Tom). Probable Pectoral Sandpiper, Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, one Purple Sandpiper, 122 Sandwich Terns and 210 Gannets Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Ruff, two Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, one Slavonian Grebe and three Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: C350 Pink-footed Geese past Brora (also sighting of a Swordfish!!) (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Insh Marshes (Tom). Probable Pectoral Sandpiper, Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, one Purple Sandpiper, 122 Sandwich Terns and 210 Gannets Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Ruff, two Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, one Slavonian Grebe and three Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: C350 Pink-footed Geese past Brora (also sighting of a Swordfish!!) (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 17th September
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW, male Velvet Scoter SW, 5 Goosanders SE, 150 Knots Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Long-tailed Skua, three Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), one Common Scoter, 55 Wigeon, 14 Red-throated Divers, 55 Sandwich Tern, 60+ Knot and 10 dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 28 pale bellied Brent Geese Castle Stuart and 3 Wheatears Alturlie (Bob Wilson) also there later, single Pintail, two Red-throated Divers, Golden Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwits and two Great Skuas (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (SC via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Two Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW, male Velvet Scoter SW, 5 Goosanders SE, 150 Knots Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Long-tailed Skua, three Arctic Skua (2 dark, 1 pale), one Common Scoter, 55 Wigeon, 14 Red-throated Divers, 55 Sandwich Tern, 60+ Knot and 10 dunlin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 28 pale bellied Brent Geese Castle Stuart and 3 Wheatears Alturlie (Bob Wilson) also there later, single Pintail, two Red-throated Divers, Golden Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwits and two Great Skuas (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (SC via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Two Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper Balnakeil (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 16th September
Easter Ross: 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tarbat Ness flying towards Lossiemouth Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Peregrine & 15 Black-tailed Godwits Redcastle (Bob Wilson), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, 4 Wheatears Inver Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua, Bonxie, 11 Brent Geese, Black-throated Diver, 11 Red-throated Divers, 8 Common Scoters, 220 Sandwich Terns, Long-tailed Duck Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Black-throated Diver Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Arctic Skua Alturlie (Carol Miller), 6 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Scoter, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers Alturlie ("Tay")
Lochaber: juv Curlew Sandpiper Traigh, Portnaluchaig (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 10 Greenshanks, 8 Wigeons Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Buff-breasted Sandpiper with 100 Golden Plovers Balnakeil (per BirdGuides), adult winter Little Gull & 100 Sanderlings Brora rivermouth (Dave Tanner), Arctic Skua, 2 Wheatears, 12 Sanderlings Dornoch ("Matthew"), 7 Black-throated Divers Golspie ("Matthew")
Wester Ross: 5 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Storm Petrels Ullapool - Stornoway (Dave Barnett et al), 10 Storm Petrels, 60 Manx Shearwaters, 12 Bonxies, 9 Sooty Shearwaters Stornoway - Ullapool (Alan MacAskill et al), juv Sabine's Gull Stornoway-Ullapool (Dean MacAskill) - not all birds seen from ferry were in Highland
Easter Ross: 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese Tarbat Ness flying towards Lossiemouth Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Peregrine & 15 Black-tailed Godwits Redcastle (Bob Wilson), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, 4 Wheatears Inver Bay (Bob Wilson), Arctic Skua, Bonxie, 11 Brent Geese, Black-throated Diver, 11 Red-throated Divers, 8 Common Scoters, 220 Sandwich Terns, Long-tailed Duck Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Black-throated Diver Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Arctic Skua Alturlie (Carol Miller), 6 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Scoter, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers Alturlie ("Tay")
Lochaber: juv Curlew Sandpiper Traigh, Portnaluchaig (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 10 Greenshanks, 8 Wigeons Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Buff-breasted Sandpiper with 100 Golden Plovers Balnakeil (per BirdGuides), adult winter Little Gull & 100 Sanderlings Brora rivermouth (Dave Tanner), Arctic Skua, 2 Wheatears, 12 Sanderlings Dornoch ("Matthew"), 7 Black-throated Divers Golspie ("Matthew")
Wester Ross: 5 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Storm Petrels Ullapool - Stornoway (Dave Barnett et al), 10 Storm Petrels, 60 Manx Shearwaters, 12 Bonxies, 9 Sooty Shearwaters Stornoway - Ullapool (Alan MacAskill et al), juv Sabine's Gull Stornoway-Ullapool (Dean MacAskill) - not all birds seen from ferry were in Highland
Wednesday 15th September
Inverness: 5 pale bellied Brent Geese and a Wheatear Fort George (Blair Whyte), 70 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings Fort George (Graeme Prest), 2 Greenshanks Connage, Ardersier (Blair Whyte), Long-tailed Duck, 104 Red-breasted Mergansers Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest), 12 Brent Geese flew into Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest).
Wester Ross: 45 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Tysties Gruinard Bay (Matthew).
Inverness: 5 pale bellied Brent Geese and a Wheatear Fort George (Blair Whyte), 70 Dunlins, 30 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings Fort George (Graeme Prest), 2 Greenshanks Connage, Ardersier (Blair Whyte), Long-tailed Duck, 104 Red-breasted Mergansers Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest), 12 Brent Geese flew into Ardersier Bay (Graeme Prest).
Wester Ross: 45 Black-throated Divers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Tysties Gruinard Bay (Matthew).
Tuesday 14th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Shovelers Loch Insh (Dave Pierce),
Easter Ross: probable Northern (borealis) Common Eider Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Peregrine, Bonxie, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Bob Wilson), 20 pale bellied Brent Geese, Slavonian Grebe, 3 Shovelers, 15 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 3 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Scaups, 2 Goldeneyes, 2 Bonxies Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 22 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Shovelers Loch Insh (Dave Pierce),
Easter Ross: probable Northern (borealis) Common Eider Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Peregrine, Bonxie, Black-tailed Godwit Alturlie (Bob Wilson), 20 pale bellied Brent Geese, Slavonian Grebe, 3 Shovelers, 15 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 3 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Scaups, 2 Goldeneyes, 2 Bonxies Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: 22 Black-tailed Godwits Broadford Bay (Martin Benson).
Sutherland: Little Gull Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 13th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin Loch Garten (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Beauly (Bob Wilson), Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Hen Harrier, 2 Ospreys Gordon's Mill (Mark Finn), 5 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie Kessock Bridge (John Poyner), 19 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat Glen Nevis, 7 Bramblings Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin Loch Garten (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Beauly (Bob Wilson), Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), female Hen Harrier, 2 Ospreys Gordon's Mill (Mark Finn), 5 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie Kessock Bridge (John Poyner), 19 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat Glen Nevis, 7 Bramblings Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sunday 12th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Ring Ousels Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2 Sooty Shearwaters N and Great Northern Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 2 Slavonian Grebes, 11 Shovelers, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Loch Eye (Bob Swann), 2 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie, 2 Velvet Scoters, 3 Common Scoters, 110 Golden Plovers, 18 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),
Inverness: pair of Ruffs, 3 Black-tailed Godwits Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 2 Slavonian Grebes, 39 pale-bellied Brent Geese, drake Scaup, 4 Pintails Alturlie (Matthew), 8 Pintails Fort George (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (ML), 2 Arctic Skuas, Great Northern Diver The Aird, Gedintailor (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: Pied Flycatcher Oldshoremore and Lesser Whitethroat Balnakeil (Rob Hughes), 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Wheatears, 2 Arctic Skua, 29 Shelducks Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 11th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whinchat at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: at Chanonry Point were two Pomarine Skua (one a juvenile), singles of Arctic (dark phase) and Great Skua, seven Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, plus - unusual for the location - a single Little Grebe (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 34 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Black-tailed Godwit, c60 Knot, four Sandwich Tern and two Red-throated Diver in Castle Stuart bay (Alan MacAskill). A juvenile Great Skua was seen off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with another 35 at the head of Loch Portree (J D Jones). Amongst the waders at the latter were 90 Curlew, nine Greenshank, two Knot and seven Bar-tailed Godwit (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Whinchat at Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: at Chanonry Point were two Pomarine Skua (one a juvenile), singles of Arctic (dark phase) and Great Skua, seven Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, plus - unusual for the location - a single Little Grebe (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 34 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, ten Black-tailed Godwit, c60 Knot, four Sandwich Tern and two Red-throated Diver in Castle Stuart bay (Alan MacAskill). A juvenile Great Skua was seen off Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett), with another 35 at the head of Loch Portree (J D Jones). Amongst the waders at the latter were 90 Curlew, nine Greenshank, two Knot and seven Bar-tailed Godwit (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 10th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Insh reserve (Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Pectoral Sandpiper, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, four Pintail and 15 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Alturlie (Blair Whyte) NB birders are reminded that access to the pools is on foot ONLY
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Sanderling at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Pink-footed Goose, three Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single male and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Insh reserve (Dave Pierce)
Inverness: Pectoral Sandpiper, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, four Pintail and 15 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Alturlie (Blair Whyte) NB birders are reminded that access to the pools is on foot ONLY
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Sanderling at Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Pink-footed Goose, three Pale-bellied Brent Goose and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 9th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Mandarin duck at Loch Garten (Scott Armstrong via eBird)
Easter Ross: single Ruff at Balintore harbour, also seen were singles of Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater and Manx Shearwater plus four Arctic Skua, three Great Skua and three Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Simon Levene). Four Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Ruff at Alturlie water works (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: two juvenile Mediterranean Gull, six Greenshank plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Knot and Pale-bellied Brent Goose, at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett/Bob McMillan). 30 Pale-bellied Brent Goose through Broadford Bay (J. Babb) and 12 Knot (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Dornoch, while at Brora a juvenile Black Tern was recorded amongst six Little Gulls, plus 38 Sooty Shearwater, 14 Manx Shearwater, six Arctic Skua plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Mandarin duck at Loch Garten (Scott Armstrong via eBird)
Easter Ross: single Ruff at Balintore harbour, also seen were singles of Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater and Manx Shearwater plus four Arctic Skua, three Great Skua and three Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Simon Levene). Four Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Bob Swann)
Inverness: two Ruff at Alturlie water works (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: two juvenile Mediterranean Gull, six Greenshank plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Knot and Pale-bellied Brent Goose, at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett/Bob McMillan). 30 Pale-bellied Brent Goose through Broadford Bay (J. Babb) and 12 Knot (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Dornoch, while at Brora a juvenile Black Tern was recorded amongst six Little Gulls, plus 38 Sooty Shearwater, 14 Manx Shearwater, six Arctic Skua plus singles of Pomarine and Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 8th September
Easter Ross: intermedius ssp Lesser Black-backed Gull between Brucehaven and Wilkhaven farms at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: now two juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), while 60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have arrived in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Skelbo (Dean MacAskill). At Embo were 21 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 28 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone and four Red-throated Diver (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: intermedius ssp Lesser Black-backed Gull between Brucehaven and Wilkhaven farms at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: now two juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), while 60 Pale-bellied Brent Geese have arrived in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Skelbo (Dean MacAskill). At Embo were 21 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 28 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone and four Red-throated Diver (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 7th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Whooper Swan at Spey Dam (Kate Mennie). Spotted Flycatcher in the Lynachlaggan area of Insh Marshes reserve (Dave Killick)
Easter Ross: three Knot and single Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Near Redcastle were five Black-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank and nine Dunlin (Bob Wilson). 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Pintail, single Shoveler plus leucistic Canada Goose and Canada x Greylag Goose hybrid at Udale (Tay Davies). Single Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, two Puffin, ten Red-throated Diver, 65 Sandwich Tern, six Common Scoter off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: eclipse Gadwall at Connage (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: c30 Whimbrel overflew Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), while also at the location were two Knot (Bob McMillan). At Loch Portree alongside the lingering juvenile Mediterranean Gull were two Willow Warbler, single Knot, six Bar-tailed Godwit, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Greenshank (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Sabine's Gull (still in sumplum) seen from The Mound by Loch Fleet, amongst Black-headed/Common Gulls (Calum Urquhart/Bob Swann/Simon Levene/Dave Tanner) - map link courtesy of DT tinyurl.com/6xh6scfs
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Whooper Swan at Spey Dam (Kate Mennie). Spotted Flycatcher in the Lynachlaggan area of Insh Marshes reserve (Dave Killick)
Easter Ross: three Knot and single Wheatear at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Near Redcastle were five Black-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank and nine Dunlin (Bob Wilson). 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Pintail, single Shoveler plus leucistic Canada Goose and Canada x Greylag Goose hybrid at Udale (Tay Davies). Single Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, two Puffin, ten Red-throated Diver, 65 Sandwich Tern, six Common Scoter off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: eclipse Gadwall at Connage (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Curlew Sandpiper at Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: c30 Whimbrel overflew Broadford Bay (Martin Benson), while also at the location were two Knot (Bob McMillan). At Loch Portree alongside the lingering juvenile Mediterranean Gull were two Willow Warbler, single Knot, six Bar-tailed Godwit, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Greenshank (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Sabine's Gull (still in sumplum) seen from The Mound by Loch Fleet, amongst Black-headed/Common Gulls (Calum Urquhart/Bob Swann/Simon Levene/Dave Tanner) - map link courtesy of DT tinyurl.com/6xh6scfs
Monday 6th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting private garden in Nethybridge (via John Poyner). Single Knot plus juvenile Cuckoo at the Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing at Tain Links, 61 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 25 Wigeon, 127 Sandwich Tern, ten Red-throated Diver, 26 Golden Plover and a single Wheatear all at Chanonry Point, while at Udale were eight Pink-footed Goose, 210 Wigeon plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Shoveler (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: juvenile Great Skua, Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Ruff in Ardersier Bay (Blair Whyte). c40 Pink-footed Goose at Ardersier (Eva Webster)
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat in Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree, while at Viewfield House, Portree was a family of Spotted Flycatchers (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Curlew Sandpiper at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch visiting private garden in Nethybridge (via John Poyner). Single Knot plus juvenile Cuckoo at the Spey Dam (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff singing at Tain Links, 61 Knot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua (all dark phase), 25 Wigeon, 127 Sandwich Tern, ten Red-throated Diver, 26 Golden Plover and a single Wheatear all at Chanonry Point, while at Udale were eight Pink-footed Goose, 210 Wigeon plus singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Shoveler (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: juvenile Great Skua, Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill). Single Ruff in Ardersier Bay (Blair Whyte). c40 Pink-footed Goose at Ardersier (Eva Webster)
Lochaber: Lesser Whitethroat in Shielfoot (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Loch Portree, while at Viewfield House, Portree was a family of Spotted Flycatchers (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Curlew Sandpiper at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 5th September
Easter Ross: c60 Tree Sparrow at Tarbat Ness, plus single Greenshank, four Purple Sandpiper, 101 Sandwich Tern and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper still present at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: seen during the SOC pelagic trip aboard MV Sheerwater from Arisaig were c5 Storm Petrel, two dark phase Arctic Skua (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel and 170 Sanderling (mostly juveniles) at Dornoch, while at Brora were six Little Gulls and 163 Sanderling, including 39 juveniles (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: c60 Tree Sparrow at Tarbat Ness, plus single Greenshank, four Purple Sandpiper, 101 Sandwich Tern and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper still present at Alturlie (Fiona Harvey)
Lochaber: seen during the SOC pelagic trip aboard MV Sheerwater from Arisaig were c5 Storm Petrel, two dark phase Arctic Skua (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: two Whimbrel and 170 Sanderling (mostly juveniles) at Dornoch, while at Brora were six Little Gulls and 163 Sanderling, including 39 juveniles (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 4th September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four juvenile Whinchats Drumguish and 267 Barnacle Geese, Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Balintore beach (Simon Levene). Eight Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshank and one Whimbrel, Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: Green Sandpiper, Strontian (Jill White per eBird)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Black-tailed Godwits in Breakish Obbe (NH) and juvenile Whinchat, Harrapool (NB) Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (NB) per skye-birds.com. Nine Storm Petrels, one Great Skua and one Manx Shearwater, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four juvenile Whinchats Drumguish and 267 Barnacle Geese, Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Balintore beach (Simon Levene). Eight Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshank and one Whimbrel, Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: Green Sandpiper, Strontian (Jill White per eBird)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Black-tailed Godwits in Breakish Obbe (NH) and juvenile Whinchat, Harrapool (NB) Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Loch Portree (NB) per skye-birds.com. Nine Storm Petrels, one Great Skua and one Manx Shearwater, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill).
Friday 3rd September
Badenoch & Strathspey: Late Cuckoo, Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Five Black-tailed Godwits, Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 14 Common Scoter, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 9 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Arctic Skuas and one Pomarine Skua in two hour seawatch at Tarbat Ness also 13 Black-tailed Godwits and one Grey Plover, Inver (all Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Two Scaup, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and one Greenshank offshore at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Juvenile Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Storm Petrel, two Great Skuas and one Leach's Petrel, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill). Nuthatch on feeders, Dornie (Julie & Brian Neath) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Late Cuckoo, Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Five Black-tailed Godwits, Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 14 Common Scoter, 11 Sooty Shearwaters, 9 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Arctic Skuas and one Pomarine Skua in two hour seawatch at Tarbat Ness also 13 Black-tailed Godwits and one Grey Plover, Inver (all Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Two Scaup, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and one Greenshank offshore at Alturlie (Blair Whyte). Juvenile Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits, Ardersier Bay (Milo Mole)
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Storm Petrel, two Great Skuas and one Leach's Petrel, Uig to Lochmaddy Ferry (Alan MacAskill). Nuthatch on feeders, Dornie (Julie & Brian Neath) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 2nd September
Easter Ross: One Slavonian Grebe off Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whimbrel and one juvenile Great Skua, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Whimbrel off Sconser Quarry flying east (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com.
Easter Ross: One Slavonian Grebe off Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Whimbrel and one juvenile Great Skua, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Whimbrel off Sconser Quarry flying east (RMcM) per Skye-birds.com.
Wednesday 1st September
Easter Ross: 10 Sooty Shearwaters past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua, four Puffins, 14 Common Scoter, two Black-throated Divers and 155 Sandwich Terns, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Juvenile Pomarine Skua, Fort George (Alan MacAskill) also a Long-tailed Duck there (Kate M)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hobby, Achavandra, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 10 Sooty Shearwaters past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Five Arctic Skua, four Puffins, 14 Common Scoter, two Black-throated Divers and 155 Sandwich Terns, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Juvenile Pomarine Skua, Fort George (Alan MacAskill) also a Long-tailed Duck there (Kate M)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Kinloch, Rum (SM) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hobby, Achavandra, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 31st August
Easter Ross: Seven Arctic Skua, Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson) 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Pintail, Tain Links (Bob Swann). Possible Little Stint, two Knot and five Black-tailed Godwits, Inver also one Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua and 11 Manx Shearwaters, Tarbat Ness (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Alturlie shoreline (Simeon Ewing)
Sutherland: 17 Little Gulls. Two Sooty Shearwater, Two Arctic Skua and One Great Skua, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Seven Arctic Skua, Chanonry Point (Bob Wilson) 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Pintail, Tain Links (Bob Swann). Possible Little Stint, two Knot and five Black-tailed Godwits, Inver also one Sooty Shearwater, eight Arctic Skua and 11 Manx Shearwaters, Tarbat Ness (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Alturlie shoreline (Simeon Ewing)
Sutherland: 17 Little Gulls. Two Sooty Shearwater, Two Arctic Skua and One Great Skua, Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 30th August
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Tain Links (Dave Tanner). Single Black-tailed Godwit, Three Ospreys and 80 Goldeneye between Coulmore and Redcastle (Bob Wilson). One Pomarine Skua, seven Great Skua, eight Arctic Skua and a Merlin, Chanonry Point, (Kevin Davis) later three Pomarine Skuas (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Ruff, three Goldeneye, Ardersier (Blair Whyte) also Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Scaup (Colin Leslie). Two Long-tailed Ducks, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Single Ruff, Tain Links (Dave Tanner). Single Black-tailed Godwit, Three Ospreys and 80 Goldeneye between Coulmore and Redcastle (Bob Wilson). One Pomarine Skua, seven Great Skua, eight Arctic Skua and a Merlin, Chanonry Point, (Kevin Davis) later three Pomarine Skuas (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Two Ruff, three Goldeneye, Ardersier (Blair Whyte) also Lesser Black-backed Gull and single Scaup (Colin Leslie). Two Long-tailed Ducks, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Sunday 29th August
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Arctic Skua, two Great Skua and Puffin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 2 Ruffs, Shoveler, 2 Black-throated Divers Ardersier (Bob Wilson, Chloe),
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 9 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 7 Bonxies, 6 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver Camas Mor, Borresketaig (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Four Arctic Skua, two Great Skua and Puffin, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 2 Ruffs, Shoveler, 2 Black-throated Divers Ardersier (Bob Wilson, Chloe),
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull, 9 Greenshanks Head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 7 Bonxies, 6 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver Camas Mor, Borresketaig (Bob McMillan).
Saturday 28th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier Spey Dam (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 4 Manx Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Whimbrel, Greenshank, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Wigeons Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill).
Sutherland: 2 Magpies Strathy Point (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross: Greenish Warbler briefly in willows by campsite Ardmair (Max Webber), Leach's Petrel Oberan Bank, Arisaig (per Birdguides), juv Pomarine Skua, 8 Storm Petrels from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per Birdguides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier Spey Dam (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 4 Manx Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Whimbrel, Greenshank, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Wigeons Udale Bay (Dean MacAskill).
Sutherland: 2 Magpies Strathy Point (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross: Greenish Warbler briefly in willows by campsite Ardmair (Max Webber), Leach's Petrel Oberan Bank, Arisaig (per Birdguides), juv Pomarine Skua, 8 Storm Petrels from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per Birdguides).
Friday 27th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin, Water Rail Loch Garten (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: female Shoveler Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 200 Wigeons, 3 Pintails Tail Links (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable Barred Warbler Drumfearn (Phil Knott. Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Sooty Shearwater from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: eclipse male Mandarin, Water Rail Loch Garten (Simon Eaves).
Inverness: female Shoveler Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 200 Wigeons, 3 Pintails Tail Links (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: probable Barred Warbler Drumfearn (Phil Knott. Bob McMillan).
Wester Ross: Sooty Shearwater from Ullapool-Stornoway ferry (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 26th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes, 3 Shovelers and an Osprey Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 6 Arctic Skuas, Black-tailed Godwit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 6 Pink-footed Geese, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Shoveler, Pintail Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Sooty Shearwater W of Muck (Stu Crutchfield), Arctic Skua E of Eigg (Stu Crutchfield).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier Insh Marshes, 3 Shovelers and an Osprey Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 6 Arctic Skuas, Black-tailed Godwit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 6 Pink-footed Geese, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Shoveler, Pintail Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), Sooty Shearwater W of Muck (Stu Crutchfield), Arctic Skua E of Eigg (Stu Crutchfield).
Wednesday 25th August
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling near Waternish (per Bob McMillan), 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 juvenile Little Gulls Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling near Waternish (per Bob McMillan), 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls head of Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 2 juvenile Little Gulls Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 24th August
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Ruffs, 3 Greenshanks, 34 Dunlins Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 58 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 3 male Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: , 9 Sanderlings Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: Pomarine Skua from Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: 3 Arctic Skuas Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Ruffs, 3 Greenshanks, 34 Dunlins Redcastle (Bob Wilson), Black-tailed Godwit Tain Links (Dave Tanner), 58 Little Grebes Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Inverness: 3 male Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: , 9 Sanderlings Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: Pomarine Skua from Uig-Tarbert ferry (per BirdGuides).
Monday 23rd August
Easter Ross: Ruff, 75 Wigeons, 2 Pintails Tain Links (Bob Swann), Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Peregrine & 2 drake Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill).
Sutherland: Unconfirmed report of Eleonora's Falcon Glen Roth (per BirdTrack) - there were a couple of reports from down south today, 2 Ruffs, Grey Plover, 2 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point & Whimbrel Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Ruff, 75 Wigeons, 2 Pintails Tain Links (Bob Swann), Arctic Skua Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Peregrine & 2 drake Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill).
Sutherland: Unconfirmed report of Eleonora's Falcon Glen Roth (per BirdTrack) - there were a couple of reports from down south today, 2 Ruffs, Grey Plover, 2 Arctic Skuas Dornoch Point & Whimbrel Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 22nd August
Easter Ross: 2 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), juv Ruff, Merlin, Peregrine, Osprey, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Wheatear, 230 Ringed Plovers, 150 Dunlins Inver Bay (Craig Whyte).
Inverness: 2 dark Arctic Skuas, 7 Whimbrels, 8 Golden Plovers, 9 Swifts, Osprey Whiteness (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull Loch Portree (JJ per skye-birds.com), 12 Knots Ardnish, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.com) Whimbrel Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Easter Ross: 2 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), juv Ruff, Merlin, Peregrine, Osprey, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, Wheatear, 230 Ringed Plovers, 150 Dunlins Inver Bay (Craig Whyte).
Inverness: 2 dark Arctic Skuas, 7 Whimbrels, 8 Golden Plovers, 9 Swifts, Osprey Whiteness (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Mediterranean Gull Loch Portree (JJ per skye-birds.com), 12 Knots Ardnish, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.com) Whimbrel Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris per skye-birds.com).
Saturday 21st August
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua and c130 Sandwich Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with nine Greenshank and five Bar-tailed Godwit present also (Neil Bennett). At Ashaig, Broadford were 18 Sanderling while ten Bar-tailed Godwit were in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Whimbrel, 165 Bar-tailed Godwit and 186 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at Embo were two Whimbrel and a single Arctic Skua. Seven Greenshank still present at Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Arctic Skua and c130 Sandwich Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at the head of Loch Portree, with nine Greenshank and five Bar-tailed Godwit present also (Neil Bennett). At Ashaig, Broadford were 18 Sanderling while ten Bar-tailed Godwit were in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Whimbrel, 165 Bar-tailed Godwit and 186 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at Embo were two Whimbrel and a single Arctic Skua. Seven Greenshank still present at Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill)
Friday 20th August
Inverness: three Arctic Skua, single Long-tailed Duck off Fort George, while a Stock Dove was at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: c1,000 Manx Shearwater in rafts on Loch Slapin (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still present at Culkein with c30 Common Starlings (David Haines)
Inverness: three Arctic Skua, single Long-tailed Duck off Fort George, while a Stock Dove was at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: c1,000 Manx Shearwater in rafts on Loch Slapin (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling still present at Culkein with c30 Common Starlings (David Haines)
Thursday 19th August
Easter Ross: two Quail in uncut barley at Easter Arbroll farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two juvenile Ruff at Connage (Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: juvenile Little Gull on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Jonathan Dean via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Whinchat at Harrapool, Broadford while a single Whimbrel was at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: seen on the eastern side of The Minch from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry were singles of Long-tailed Skua and Sooty Shearwater, plus four Storm Petrel (Colin Davies)
Easter Ross: two Quail in uncut barley at Easter Arbroll farm near Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: two juvenile Ruff at Connage (Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: juvenile Little Gull on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Jonathan Dean via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Whinchat at Harrapool, Broadford while a single Whimbrel was at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: seen on the eastern side of The Minch from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry were singles of Long-tailed Skua and Sooty Shearwater, plus four Storm Petrel (Colin Davies)
Wednesday 18th August
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter and two Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus Short-eared Owl seen nearby between Brucefield and Wilkhaven farms (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Pomarine Skua off Fort George, plus single Bar-tailed Godwit amongst Curlew flock at Connage (Craig Johnstone/Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby over Portree, while a drake Common Scoter was in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: single Great Shearwater off Strathy Point (Peter Stronach). Rosy Starling still present on Stoer peninsula (via Twitter)
Easter Ross: drake Velvet Scoter and two Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness, plus Short-eared Owl seen nearby between Brucefield and Wilkhaven farms (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Pomarine Skua off Fort George, plus single Bar-tailed Godwit amongst Curlew flock at Connage (Craig Johnstone/Mike Crutch)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby over Portree, while a drake Common Scoter was in Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: single Great Shearwater off Strathy Point (Peter Stronach). Rosy Starling still present on Stoer peninsula (via Twitter)
Tuesday 17th August
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 53 Little Grebe on Loch Eye, with three Whooper Swan and single Scaup present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: single Whimbrel at Alturlie (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: leucorhoa ssp. Wheatears passing through Skye at both Neist Point (Andy Stables) and Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Pomarine Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Manx Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 53 Little Grebe on Loch Eye, with three Whooper Swan and single Scaup present also (Bob Swann)
Inverness: single Whimbrel at Alturlie (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: leucorhoa ssp. Wheatears passing through Skye at both Neist Point (Andy Stables) and Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Pomarine Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 16th August
Easter Ross: three dark phase Arctic Skua off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a juvenile Arctic Skua was noted later in the day (Alan MacAskill). Three Whooper Swans were present amongst 280-plus Mute Swans on Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit and two Whimbrel at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: single Whimbrel, 47 Sanderling, 264 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at the Skelbo portion of Loch Fleet were seven Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 22 Ringed Plover, ten Sanderling, two Great Northern Diver off Firemore beach, Loch Ewe with some 24 post-breeding/failed breeding Black-throated Divers nearby (Morag McCullagh via Facebook)
Easter Ross: three dark phase Arctic Skua off Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Two Sooty Shearwater at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a juvenile Arctic Skua was noted later in the day (Alan MacAskill). Three Whooper Swans were present amongst 280-plus Mute Swans on Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill)
Inverness: two Black-tailed Godwit and two Whimbrel at Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: single Whimbrel, 47 Sanderling, 264 Sandwich Tern at Dornoch point, while at the Skelbo portion of Loch Fleet were seven Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 22 Ringed Plover, ten Sanderling, two Great Northern Diver off Firemore beach, Loch Ewe with some 24 post-breeding/failed breeding Black-throated Divers nearby (Morag McCullagh via Facebook)
Sunday 15th August
Easter Ross: 14 Arctic Skua (nine dark phase, four pale phase, one intermediate), single Puffin, four Sanderling, 44 Sandwich Tern, ten Golden Plover at Chanonry Point early morning (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: seen from Fort George in the afternoon were 47 Sandwich Tern, three Common Tern, six Turnstone, single Arctic Skua, c30 Bar-tailed Godwit flying east, and a single Red-throated Diver (Graeme Prest). Drake Scaup on Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: single Grey Plover, 20 Sanderling, 148 Sandwich Terns at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 14 Arctic Skua (nine dark phase, four pale phase, one intermediate), single Puffin, four Sanderling, 44 Sandwich Tern, ten Golden Plover at Chanonry Point early morning (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: seen from Fort George in the afternoon were 47 Sandwich Tern, three Common Tern, six Turnstone, single Arctic Skua, c30 Bar-tailed Godwit flying east, and a single Red-throated Diver (Graeme Prest). Drake Scaup on Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: single Grey Plover, 20 Sanderling, 148 Sandwich Terns at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 14th August
Easter Ross: One Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, one Manx Shearwater, four Red-throated Divers and 104 Gannets, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Scaup, Loch Flemington also juvenile Ruff, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), two Arctic Skua, Fort George also hundreds of Auks between Fort George and Chanonry (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay also 200 Ringed Plover & 100 Dunlin (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, Stoer, Assynt (Per Assynt Activity Facebook Group)
Easter Ross: One Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skua, one Manx Shearwater, four Red-throated Divers and 104 Gannets, Chanonry (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Two Scaup, Loch Flemington also juvenile Ruff, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), two Arctic Skua, Fort George also hundreds of Auks between Fort George and Chanonry (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-tailed Godwits in Broadford Bay also 200 Ringed Plover & 100 Dunlin (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling, Stoer, Assynt (Per Assynt Activity Facebook Group)
Friday 13th August
Easter Ross: 60+ Swifts, Invergordon (Dean MacAskill), 138 Red-breasted Mergansers and six Scaup, Jemimaville also four Greenshank and three Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Single Scaup and Stock Dove, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte) 50 Swifts Kinmylies, Inverness (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Green Sandpiper, Knockan (Per eBird)
Easter Ross: 60+ Swifts, Invergordon (Dean MacAskill), 138 Red-breasted Mergansers and six Scaup, Jemimaville also four Greenshank and three Black-tailed Godwits, Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Single Scaup and Stock Dove, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte) 50 Swifts Kinmylies, Inverness (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Achnacloich, Sleat, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Green Sandpiper, Knockan (Per eBird)
Thursday 12th August
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Whooper Swans, Single Scaup and two Goldeneye, Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eclipse drake Gadwall, Whiteness (Bob Wilson). Spotted Redshank and Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Three Whooper Swans, Single Scaup and two Goldeneye, Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Eclipse drake Gadwall, Whiteness (Bob Wilson). Spotted Redshank and Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill)
Wednesday 11th August
Inverness: One Scaup, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Wigeon, Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Storm Petrels from the Mallaig-Rum ferry (SM) and 18 caught in ringing session at Duntulm (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Inverness: One Scaup, single Black-tailed Godwit and seven Wigeon, Alturlie Pools (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Storm Petrels from the Mallaig-Rum ferry (SM) and 18 caught in ringing session at Duntulm (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 10th August
Easter Ross: Escaped Black Swan still at Udale Bay (Susan Seright). Seven Greenshank, Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Two Scaup and single Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: Three Leach's Petrel, five Storm Petrels, three Sooty Shearwaters and Juvenile Pomarine Skua from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Escaped Black Swan still at Udale Bay (Susan Seright). Seven Greenshank, Redcastle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: Two Scaup and single Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Wester Ross: Three Leach's Petrel, five Storm Petrels, three Sooty Shearwaters and Juvenile Pomarine Skua from Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry (Alan MacAskill)
Monday 9th August
Easter Ross: Two Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Long-tailed Duck still at Fort George (Colin Leslie). Two male Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Storm Petrels, Sound of Raasay (A&EH) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Two Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Long-tailed Duck still at Fort George (Colin Leslie). Two male Scaup, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Storm Petrels, Sound of Raasay (A&EH) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 8th August
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel and Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Arctic Skua, Whiteness also two Scaup, two Black-tailed Godwits and Whimbrel, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas and 12 Twite, Neist (AS per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Two Grey Plover, three Golden Plover and two Greenshank, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Three Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel and Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Arctic Skua, Whiteness also two Scaup, two Black-tailed Godwits and Whimbrel, Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Arctic Skuas, two Great Skuas and 12 Twite, Neist (AS per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Two Grey Plover, three Golden Plover and two Greenshank, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 7th August
Easter Ross: Little Stint Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 3 Pink-footed Geese, Canada x Greylag Goose, Osprey, Greenshank Udale Bay (Pete Gordon). The escaped Black Swan came from Pitcalnie Farm and an attempt was made to recapture it, using its mate as a lure.
Inverness: eclipse male Long-tailed Duck Ardersier Bay (David Shaw).
Lochaber: 150 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sutherland: Adult Long-tailed Skua landed on sea then flew W Dornoch Point, also 75 Knots, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Ringed Plovers, 18 Dunlins, 20 Sanderlings, Arctic Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: Little Stint Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), 3 Pink-footed Geese, Canada x Greylag Goose, Osprey, Greenshank Udale Bay (Pete Gordon). The escaped Black Swan came from Pitcalnie Farm and an attempt was made to recapture it, using its mate as a lure.
Inverness: eclipse male Long-tailed Duck Ardersier Bay (David Shaw).
Lochaber: 150 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Sutherland: Adult Long-tailed Skua landed on sea then flew W Dornoch Point, also 75 Knots, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Ringed Plovers, 18 Dunlins, 20 Sanderlings, Arctic Skua (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 6th August
Easter Ross: juv Med Gull Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides), Bonxie 3, Arctic Skua N in 2 hours Chanonry Point (Dave Grant), Black Swan & Whimbrel Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), thousands of Kittiwakes flying SE into Moray Firth Tarbat Ness, also 1 Bonxie (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 5 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Culduie, Applecross (John Poyner), 3 juv Cuckoos Heaste Road (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 148 Manx Shearwater, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 16 Bonxies, 43 Puffins, 1 Scaup 2CY Little Gull, 4 Red-throated Divers all N plus 4 Arctic Skuas south, 2 Whimbrels, 110 Sanderlings, Peregrine Brora (Dean MacAskill et al).
Easter Ross: juv Med Gull Chanonry Point (per BirdGuides), Bonxie 3, Arctic Skua N in 2 hours Chanonry Point (Dave Grant), Black Swan & Whimbrel Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), thousands of Kittiwakes flying SE into Moray Firth Tarbat Ness, also 1 Bonxie (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 5 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Culduie, Applecross (John Poyner), 3 juv Cuckoos Heaste Road (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 148 Manx Shearwater, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 16 Bonxies, 43 Puffins, 1 Scaup 2CY Little Gull, 4 Red-throated Divers all N plus 4 Arctic Skuas south, 2 Whimbrels, 110 Sanderlings, Peregrine Brora (Dean MacAskill et al).
Thursday 5th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: 90 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly - from Highland Wildlife Park breeding colony (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: 8 Black-tailed Godwits, male Scaup, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: adult Mediterranean Gull flew over Corran Ferry terminal (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling on feeders Culduie, Applecross ( Annie MacDonald), juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (Bob McMillan).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 90 Barnacle Geese Dell of Killiehuntly - from Highland Wildlife Park breeding colony (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: 8 Black-tailed Godwits, male Scaup, Water Rail Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: adult Mediterranean Gull flew over Corran Ferry terminal (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling on feeders Culduie, Applecross ( Annie MacDonald), juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (Bob McMillan).
Wednesday 4th August
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier Insh Marshes, 2 Scaups Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Black Swan Udale Bay (John Carruthers, Al McNee), 5 Greenshanks, 310 Redshanks, 340 Oystercatchers, 50 Knots, 115 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Dunlins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 12 Sanderlings, 5 Common Sandpipers, 225 Curlews, 40 Lapwings, Sparrowhawk Udale Bay (Dave Grant), 200 Swifts Allangrange (Bob Wilson), Pink-footed Goose Alness Point & R Averon (Blair Whyte).,
Inverness: Water Rail 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), 112 Goosanders Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (D Blakely), 2 Sooty Shearwaters from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Hen Harrier Insh Marshes, 2 Scaups Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Black Swan Udale Bay (John Carruthers, Al McNee), 5 Greenshanks, 310 Redshanks, 340 Oystercatchers, 50 Knots, 115 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Dunlins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 12 Sanderlings, 5 Common Sandpipers, 225 Curlews, 40 Lapwings, Sparrowhawk Udale Bay (Dave Grant), 200 Swifts Allangrange (Bob Wilson), Pink-footed Goose Alness Point & R Averon (Blair Whyte).,
Inverness: Water Rail 4 Scaups Alturlie Pools (Alan MacAskill), 112 Goosanders Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Marsh Harrier Flodigarry Island (D Blakely), 2 Sooty Shearwaters from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (per BirdGuides).
Tuesday 3rd August
Easter Ross: 2 Ospreys, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Knots, 1000 Oystercatchers Lentran Point, Beauly (Alan MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Ospreys, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Knots, 1000 Oystercatchers Lentran Point, Beauly (Alan MacAskill).
Monday 2nd August
Easter Ross: Little Stint and 4 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Green Sandpiper Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Peregrine and 3 Greenshanks Munlochy (Alan MacAskill & Dave), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (John Carruthers), 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Scaups Newhall, Cromarty Bay (Alan MacAskill).
Inverness: juvenile Redwing (locally bred?) Croy (Colin Leslie), Water Rail and 4 Scaups Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Storm Petrels caught overnight at Duntulm (JJ per skye-birds.com), 20 Twites Neist (AS per skye-birds.com) and 50 Twites Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 3 Black-throated Divers, 2 Arctic Skuas Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: (a Long-tailed Skua seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry was nearer the Lochmaddy side (per BirdGuides)).
Easter Ross: Little Stint and 4 Greenshanks Udale Bay (Blair Whyte), Green Sandpiper Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Peregrine and 3 Greenshanks Munlochy (Alan MacAskill & Dave), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (John Carruthers), 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Scaups Newhall, Cromarty Bay (Alan MacAskill).
Inverness: juvenile Redwing (locally bred?) Croy (Colin Leslie), Water Rail and 4 Scaups Alturlie (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 40 Storm Petrels caught overnight at Duntulm (JJ per skye-birds.com), 20 Twites Neist (AS per skye-birds.com) and 50 Twites Glas Eilean, Broadford (NB per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 3 Black-throated Divers, 2 Arctic Skuas Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: (a Long-tailed Skua seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry was nearer the Lochmaddy side (per BirdGuides)).
Sunday 1st August
Easter Ross: first juv Kittiwake of the year flew SW at Tarbat Ness, also adult Little Gull flew NW and Purple Sandpiper there (Dave Tanner), Little Stint, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Common Sandpipers, 40 Knots, 30 Bar-tailed Godwits Udale Bay (Al & Jenny McNee), Greenshank, Pink-footed Goose Munlochy Bay (Al & Jenny McNee).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet again in Crown area of Inverness (per Dave Barnett). Greenshank Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte).
Saturday 31st July
Easter Ross: three Turnstones, 17 Sandwich Terns, single Arctic Tern, five Puffins and two Great Skuas at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were two Purple Sandpipers, ten Turnstones and a single Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis), 2 Sanderlings, a Common Sandpiper and 2 juv Little Stints Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet in garden in Crown area of Inverness (per Angela Jack), off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, singles of Storm Petrel and Arctic Skua, plus a Merlin (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby (possible juvenile) seen over Loch Alsh between Kyleakin and Kyle (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult, one 2CY), plus a Great Skua that killed and began eating a juvenile Herring Gull (see photos) all at Brora. At Coul Links were 154 Sandwich Terns and two Whimbrels, while Loch Fleet held three newly-arrived Wigeon (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Turnstones, 17 Sandwich Terns, single Arctic Tern, five Puffins and two Great Skuas at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were two Purple Sandpipers, ten Turnstones and a single Black Guillemot (Kevin Davis), 2 Sanderlings, a Common Sandpiper and 2 juv Little Stints Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet in garden in Crown area of Inverness (per Angela Jack), off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, singles of Storm Petrel and Arctic Skua, plus a Merlin (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hobby (possible juvenile) seen over Loch Alsh between Kyleakin and Kyle (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Little Gulls (two adult, one 2CY), plus a Great Skua that killed and began eating a juvenile Herring Gull (see photos) all at Brora. At Coul Links were 154 Sandwich Terns and two Whimbrels, while Loch Fleet held three newly-arrived Wigeon (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 30th July
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel and Manx Shearwater at Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Four Greenshank, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit. 40 Knot plus - amongst the c300 Canada Geese - a Greylag x Barnacle Goose hybrid (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: off Fort George were two Long-tailed Ducks, three Scaup and a single Manx Shearwater (David Bedford)
Skye & Lochalsh: reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Harrapool (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 29th July
Easter Ross: singles of Storm Petrel and Little Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Grasshopper Warblers (both 'reeling' - possible post-breeding territorial activity) at Loch Long, Localsh (Joe Newman) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Dornoch (via Pete Stronach/Twitter)
Wester Ross: eight Twite, three Common Scoters, six Black-throated Divers and two Arctic Terns at Achiltibuie (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: singles of Storm Petrel and Little Tern off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Grasshopper Warblers (both 'reeling' - possible post-breeding territorial activity) at Loch Long, Localsh (Joe Newman) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Rosy Starling in Dornoch (via Pete Stronach/Twitter)
Wester Ross: eight Twite, three Common Scoters, six Black-throated Divers and two Arctic Terns at Achiltibuie (Alan MacAskill)
Wednesday 28th July
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), a Wood Sandpiper flew past Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Greenshank and five Common Sandpipers at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Single Knot in Broadford Bay, while the growing Eider raft on Loch Ainort numbers some 420 (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Arctic and six Great Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and a single Manx Shearwater off Embo, while at Brora were twelve Great Skuas, six Arctic Skuas, 24 Manx Shearwaters, single Sooty Shearwater, single 2CY Little Gull and 16 Turnstones (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Sooty Shearwater off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), a Wood Sandpiper flew past Udale Bay (John Carruthers).
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Greenshank and five Common Sandpipers at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Single Knot in Broadford Bay, while the growing Eider raft on Loch Ainort numbers some 420 (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Arctic and six Great Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and a single Manx Shearwater off Embo, while at Brora were twelve Great Skuas, six Arctic Skuas, 24 Manx Shearwaters, single Sooty Shearwater, single 2CY Little Gull and 16 Turnstones (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 27th July
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear and Razorbill at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: six Dunlin at Alturlie pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 160 Storm Petrels caught for ringing in the early hours at Duntulm, Trotternish by J Owen/J Jones. Reports of "tens of thousands" of Manx Shearwaters feeding off both Soay and Rum amongst other seabirds and cetaceans, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: juvenile Wheatear and Razorbill at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: six Dunlin at Alturlie pools (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 160 Storm Petrels caught for ringing in the early hours at Duntulm, Trotternish by J Owen/J Jones. Reports of "tens of thousands" of Manx Shearwaters feeding off both Soay and Rum amongst other seabirds and cetaceans, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 26th July
Inverness: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Milton of Gollanfield (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Osprey near Loch Duich, Kintail ('LS'). Chough reported by Jane Young on the Trotternish ridge south of the Old Man of Storr (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: late report of a Short-toed Eagle in Sutherland on 20 June, believed to be in the southeast of the county area and observed by environmental surveyors for a wind farm project. Any further details should be sent - in confidence - to the Highland recorder, e-mail above. YouTube video link by Adam Hutt here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-flA8Jclc4&t=117s
Inverness: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Milton of Gollanfield (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Osprey near Loch Duich, Kintail ('LS'). Chough reported by Jane Young on the Trotternish ridge south of the Old Man of Storr (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: late report of a Short-toed Eagle in Sutherland on 20 June, believed to be in the southeast of the county area and observed by environmental surveyors for a wind farm project. Any further details should be sent - in confidence - to the Highland recorder, e-mail above. YouTube video link by Adam Hutt here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-flA8Jclc4&t=117s
Sunday 25th July
Inverness: Scaup pair, two Whimbrel, two Dunlin and Common Sandpiper at Alturlie (Bob Wilson). Single Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR, while at Whiteness were six Whimbrel, 200+ Knot, 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Sanderling, 30 Dunlin (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sanderlings, five Greenshank and 55 Ringed Plover at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: singles of Arctic and Great Skua, single Greenshank, six Knot (all in sumplum), two Sanderling and single Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Scaup pair, two Whimbrel, two Dunlin and Common Sandpiper at Alturlie (Bob Wilson). Single Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR, while at Whiteness were six Whimbrel, 200+ Knot, 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Sanderling, 30 Dunlin (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Sanderlings, five Greenshank and 55 Ringed Plover at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: singles of Arctic and Great Skua, single Greenshank, six Knot (all in sumplum), two Sanderling and single Turnstone at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 24th July
Easter Ross: Adult White Wagtail (and possible juvenile), Tarbat Ness, (Dave Tanner). 55 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Knot, two Greenshank, two Dunlin and five Common Sandpipers at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Two Whimbrel, single Greenshank and Little Tern at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Adult White Wagtail (and possible juvenile), Tarbat Ness, (Dave Tanner). 55 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Knot, two Greenshank, two Dunlin and five Common Sandpipers at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson)
Sutherland: Two Whimbrel, single Greenshank and Little Tern at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 23rd July
Easter Ross: Greenshank, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Sandwich Terns and six Greenshank off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Greenshank, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: five Sandwich Terns and six Greenshank off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 22nd July
Inverness: Probable Mediterranean Gull on River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Hawfinch today 4 miles south of Durness coming to garden feeder (Per North Sutherland Wildlife Facebook Group)
Inverness: Probable Mediterranean Gull on River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Hawfinch today 4 miles south of Durness coming to garden feeder (Per North Sutherland Wildlife Facebook Group)
Wednesday 21st July
Inverness: Eclipse plumage drake Mandarin, Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie)
Inverness: Eclipse plumage drake Mandarin, Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie)
Tuesday 20th July
Easter Ross: Three Greenshank, Munlochy Bay with another two at Udale Bay along with five Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwits and one Dunlin (all Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: 100 Swifts , Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: 43 Storm Petrels, ringed North Skye (JJ) also single adult Sanderling with 30 Ringed Plover & several Dunlin at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM), three Great Northern Divers off Achnacloich, Sleat (RS) (all per skye-birds.com)
Easter Ross: Three Greenshank, Munlochy Bay with another two at Udale Bay along with five Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwits and one Dunlin (all Bob Wilson)
Lochaber: 100 Swifts , Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield)
Skye & Lochalsh: 43 Storm Petrels, ringed North Skye (JJ) also single adult Sanderling with 30 Ringed Plover & several Dunlin at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM), three Great Northern Divers off Achnacloich, Sleat (RS) (all per skye-birds.com)
Monday 19th July
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Glenelg (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey, Glenelg (Alan MacAskill)
Sunday 18th July
Inverness: 22 Sanderling and 12 Dunlin, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: 120 Manx Shearwaters off Embo plus single Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: 22 Sanderling and 12 Dunlin, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Sutherland: 120 Manx Shearwaters off Embo plus single Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 17th July
Skye & Lochalsh: 12 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org), 100 Dunlins, 2 Sanderlings Broadford Bay NB per skye-birds.org).
Skye & Lochalsh: 12 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH per skye-birds.org), 100 Dunlins, 2 Sanderlings Broadford Bay NB per skye-birds.org).
Friday 16th July
Monday 19th July7 Purple Sandpipers and a Redshank Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey fishing Glenelg Bay (PJ per skye-birds.org), Bar-tailed Godwit & 16 Redshanks Broadford Bay (MB per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull and intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull Brora, 21 Common Sandpipers The Mound, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 19th July7 Purple Sandpipers and a Redshank Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Osprey fishing Glenelg Bay (PJ per skye-birds.org), Bar-tailed Godwit & 16 Redshanks Broadford Bay (MB per skye-birds.org).
Sutherland: 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull and intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull Brora, 21 Common Sandpipers The Mound, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 15th July
Easter Ross: Pectoral Sandpiper Udale Bay ("Holly"), 3 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and an Osprey there (Al McNee), Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit Munlochy Bay (Al McNee), Bonxie, 4 Turnstones Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH), Whimbrel south Scullamus Moss (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: Pectoral Sandpiper Udale Bay ("Holly"), 3 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and an Osprey there (Al McNee), Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit Munlochy Bay (Al McNee), Bonxie, 4 Turnstones Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Greenshanks Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH), Whimbrel south Scullamus Moss (Bob McMillan).
Wednesday 14th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mediterranean Gull Loch Morlich (Matt Doyle).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mediterranean Gull Loch Morlich (Matt Doyle).
Tuesday 13th July
Inverness: 2 Arctic Skuas Fort George (Bob Wilson), 15 Whimbrels Fort George (Graeme Prest).
Skye & Lochalsh: juv Cuckoo Point of Sleat (RS per skye-birds.org), Rosy Starling Aird (As per skye-birds.org)
Monday 12th July
Easter Ross: 2 Purple Sandpipers, juv Dunlin & a Golden Plover at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Aird Kennels, Sleat (Karen MacAskill), Leach's Petrel off shore Crowlin Islands (SMacL per skye-birds.org)
Easter Ross: 2 Purple Sandpipers, juv Dunlin & a Golden Plover at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling Aird Kennels, Sleat (Karen MacAskill), Leach's Petrel off shore Crowlin Islands (SMacL per skye-birds.org)
Sunday 11th July
Badenoch & Strathspey: 150 Oystercatchers Cromdale (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 200 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Wigeons, 193 Curlews, 19 Redshanks, 22 Lapwings Udale Bay (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel N Neist Point (AC per skye-birds.com), 4 Arctic Skuas from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (NB per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 150 Oystercatchers Cromdale (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 200 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Wigeons, 193 Curlews, 19 Redshanks, 22 Lapwings Udale Bay (Mary Galloway).
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel N Neist Point (AC per skye-birds.com), 4 Arctic Skuas from Uig-Lochmaddy Ferry (NB per skye-birds.com).
Saturday 10th July
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Whimbrels in Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie). Six Greenshanks, c120 Curlew, c60 Redshank and single Common Sandpiper at Alturlie, while in Ardersier Bay were a total of 95 Red-breasted Mergansers (Ian Smith)
Sutherland: 17 Manx Shearwater, two Whimbrel and an Arctic Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill). Four Manx Shearwater off Brora (Dudley Cox)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: three Whimbrels in Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie). Six Greenshanks, c120 Curlew, c60 Redshank and single Common Sandpiper at Alturlie, while in Ardersier Bay were a total of 95 Red-breasted Mergansers (Ian Smith)
Sutherland: 17 Manx Shearwater, two Whimbrel and an Arctic Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill). Four Manx Shearwater off Brora (Dudley Cox)
Friday 9th July
Easter Ross: Purple Sandpiper at Tarbat Ness - an early "autumn" record - with a Lesser Rorqual whale seen also. Three Black-tailed Godwit at Tain links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Arctic Skua off Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 100+ Redshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Skua, three Storm Petrels, 40 Puffins and 120 Manx Shearwaters seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Neil Bennett). Two dark morph Arctic Skua seen near Trotternish (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Purple Sandpiper at Tarbat Ness - an early "autumn" record - with a Lesser Rorqual whale seen also. Three Black-tailed Godwit at Tain links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Arctic Skua off Alturlie (Blair Whyte). 100+ Redshank and two Common Sandpipers at Merkinch LNR (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Skua, three Storm Petrels, 40 Puffins and 120 Manx Shearwaters seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry (Neil Bennett). Two dark morph Arctic Skua seen near Trotternish (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Thursday 8th July
Inverness: juvenile Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, 17 Eiders and 49+ Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Lochaber: an estimated 6,000 Manx Shearwaters off Ardnamurchan Point (Sandy McNeil)
Sutherland: 20 Manx Shearwater, three Little Terns off Brora amongst continued large seabird and cetacean feeding event, while 17 Common Sandpipers were at The Mound, Canmore (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: juvenile Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, 17 Eiders and 49+ Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Lochaber: an estimated 6,000 Manx Shearwaters off Ardnamurchan Point (Sandy McNeil)
Sutherland: 20 Manx Shearwater, three Little Terns off Brora amongst continued large seabird and cetacean feeding event, while 17 Common Sandpipers were at The Mound, Canmore (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 7th July
Sutherland: 14 Manx Shearwater off Brora amongst a large seabird feeding event, with two Lesser Rorqual whales seen breaching also (Dean MacAskill). Four Arctic Skuas, c40 Manx Shearwaters and over 300 Puffins off Strathy point (Alan and Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett). Single Arctic Skua over the A9 at Navidale (Kevin McCormick)
Sutherland: 14 Manx Shearwater off Brora amongst a large seabird feeding event, with two Lesser Rorqual whales seen breaching also (Dean MacAskill). Four Arctic Skuas, c40 Manx Shearwaters and over 300 Puffins off Strathy point (Alan and Dean MacAskill, Dave Barnett). Single Arctic Skua over the A9 at Navidale (Kevin McCormick)
Tuesday 6th July
Easter Ross: single Knot plus two juvenile Sandwich Terns with four adults off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of seabirds noted. (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 44 Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: single Knot plus two juvenile Sandwich Terns with four adults off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of seabirds noted. (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 44 Red-breasted Mergansers off Ardersier (Ian Smith)
Monday 5th July
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness, offshore were seven Puffins, two Sandwich Terns and two Red-throated Divers (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: two Puffins, two Black Guillemot at Helmsdale (Kevin McCormick)
Easter Ross: single Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness, offshore were seven Puffins, two Sandwich Terns and two Red-throated Divers (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: two Puffins, two Black Guillemot at Helmsdale (Kevin McCormick)
Sunday 4th July
Easter Ross: c500 Canada Geese at the north end of Alness Bay (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Garafad, Staffin (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 51 Dunlin, 30 Twite and single Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Helmsdale were four Arctic Skua, six Great Skua and a single Manx Shearwater (Kevin McCormick)
Easter Ross: c500 Canada Geese at the north end of Alness Bay (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Garafad, Staffin (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 51 Dunlin, 30 Twite and single Whimbrel at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Helmsdale were four Arctic Skua, six Great Skua and a single Manx Shearwater (Kevin McCormick)
Saturday 3rd July
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua and 14 Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Dave also sent a late report for a Rosy Starling in a Portmahomack garden on this day
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Staffin Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Thirteen Common Sandpipers, The Mound, five Great Skua and 37 Manx Shearwaters, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua and 14 Puffins, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Dave also sent a late report for a Rosy Starling in a Portmahomack garden on this day
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still at Staffin Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Thirteen Common Sandpipers, The Mound, five Great Skua and 37 Manx Shearwaters, Embo (all Dean MacAskill)
Friday 2nd July
Easter Ross: 29 Manx Shearwaters and single Arctic Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 280 Eider in moulting flock at Loch Ainort (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 29 Manx Shearwaters and single Arctic Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Juvenile Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Strathdearn (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 280 Eider in moulting flock at Loch Ainort (NB) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Arctic Skua, single Whimbrel, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 1st July
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit over Ardnish, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 200 Curlews at The Mound, 170 Red-breasted Merganser, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Black-tailed Godwit over Ardnish, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 200 Curlews at The Mound, 170 Red-breasted Merganser, Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 30th June
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Garafad, Staffin, this morning (Kate Farn) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Garafad, Staffin, this morning (Kate Farn) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 29th June
Sutherland: Two Little Terns, two Arctic Skua, four Great Northern Divers and single Whimbrel, Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Sutherland: Two Little Terns, two Arctic Skua, four Great Northern Divers and single Whimbrel, Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 28th June
Easter Ross: One Great Skua and single Manx Shearwater, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Easter Ross: One Great Skua and single Manx Shearwater, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sunday 27th June
Inverness: Six Bar-tailed Godwit, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Tufted Ducks (probable early migrants) in Breakish Obbe (NH). Arctic Skua, Neist Point (AS) per skye-birds.com
Inverness: Six Bar-tailed Godwit, Fort George (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Tufted Ducks (probable early migrants) in Breakish Obbe (NH). Arctic Skua, Neist Point (AS) per skye-birds.com
Saturday 26th June
Easter Ross: 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 4 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Martin Benson per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: 800 Common Scoters Embo (Jont per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Friday 25th June
Easter Ross: 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: immature White-billed Diver, 350 Common Scoters, 120 Manx Shearwaters Embo (Dean McAskill), Storm Petrel feeding off Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Easter Ross: 2 Bonxies (1 injured) Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Common Scoters Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: immature White-billed Diver, 350 Common Scoters, 120 Manx Shearwaters Embo (Dean McAskill), Storm Petrel feeding off Brora rivermouth (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 24th June
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers and an injured Bonxie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Rory Stewart).
Easter Ross: 3 Black-throated Divers and an injured Bonxie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 3 Pink-footed Geese Udale Bay (Rory Stewart).
Wednesday 23rd June
Easter Ross: 1500 Common Scoters distantly at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). pair of Whooper Swans Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing, brown Common Rosefinch Kilmarie, Strathaird (NH per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: Great Northern Diver Dornoch (Hugh Addlesee).
Tuesday 22nd June
Easter Ross: Magpie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch heard at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Skye (Seth Gibson) per skye-birds.com, Glaucous Gull Glenelg (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Magpie at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch heard at Kilmarie, Strathaird, Skye (Seth Gibson) per skye-birds.com, Glaucous Gull Glenelg (per BirdGuides).
Monday 21st June
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, uphill of Snow Leopards (Duncan Macdonald), singing Lesser Whitethroat Dalnahaitnach (Mike Crutch, Craig Johnstone), White Wagtail Cairngorm Ski Centre (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Simeon Ewing).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Quail Kilmuir, Trotternish (SP).
Sutherland: the Rosy Starling taken into care from Ardgay on 12 June was released after recuperation at Brora (per Peter Stronach), first-summer Glaucous Gull Sangobeg (per BirdGuides).
Of Interest: recent confirmed breeding of Whooper Swan in NW of region. Please report all summering birds.
Badenoch & Strathspey: singing Lesser Whitethroat Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, uphill of Snow Leopards (Duncan Macdonald), singing Lesser Whitethroat Dalnahaitnach (Mike Crutch, Craig Johnstone), White Wagtail Cairngorm Ski Centre (John Poyner).
Inverness: 2 Corn Buntings Milton of Gollanfield (Simeon Ewing).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Quail Kilmuir, Trotternish (SP).
Sutherland: the Rosy Starling taken into care from Ardgay on 12 June was released after recuperation at Brora (per Peter Stronach), first-summer Glaucous Gull Sangobeg (per BirdGuides).
Of Interest: recent confirmed breeding of Whooper Swan in NW of region. Please report all summering birds.
Sunday 20th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: 76 Curlews Dorback (Pete Gordon) - such a large inland flock probably contains first-summer (non-breeding) birds as well as failed breeders.
Inverness: Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Sanderlings & 3 Knots Whiteness (Colin Leslie) - the Godwit and one of the Knots had leg injuries but mid-summering Arctic waders are usually non-breeding first-summer birds.
Lochaber: Rosy Starling in private garden Fort William (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: singing Wood Warbler Ord, Sleat (EP per skye-birds.com)
Saturday 19th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: seven Puffin and 485 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Colin Leslie)
Easter Ross: seven Puffin and 485 Common Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Friday 18th June
Easter Ross: 57 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet still present in the Crown area of the city (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 57 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Ring-necked Parakeet still present in the Crown area of the city (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Thursday 17th June
Easter Ross: c1,000 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: c1,000 Common Scoter off Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: single Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 16th June
Easter Ross: 36 Manx Shearwater, six Puffin off Tarbat Ness, with two Turnstones in sumplum also present (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in Plockton, near the railway station (Ewan Pritchard via Bob McMillan). Seven Storm Petrels off Arisaig, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 36 Manx Shearwater, six Puffin off Tarbat Ness, with two Turnstones in sumplum also present (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling still in Plockton, near the railway station (Ewan Pritchard via Bob McMillan). Seven Storm Petrels off Arisaig, seen from the MV Sheerwater (Ronnie Dyer) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 15th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: two dark morph Arctic Skuas at Fortrose (Mary Galloway)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch singing in Drumfearn (Phil Knott via Bob McMillan). Quail calling near the glass recycling point in Ose (per BirdGuides). Rosy Starling visiting a garden in Plockton (M Bliss) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: two dark morph Arctic Skuas at Fortrose (Mary Galloway)
Skye & Lochalsh: Common Rosefinch singing in Drumfearn (Phil Knott via Bob McMillan). Quail calling near the glass recycling point in Ose (per BirdGuides). Rosy Starling visiting a garden in Plockton (M Bliss) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 14th June
Inverness: report of a Ring-necked Parakeet visiting a garden in city since 3rd June (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Canada Geese on Loch Long ('JN') - per skye-birds.com
Inverness: report of a Ring-necked Parakeet visiting a garden in city since 3rd June (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Canada Geese on Loch Long ('JN') - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 13th June
Easter Ross: two Manx Shearwaters, singles of Puffin and Turnstone, twelve Common Scoters from Chanonry Point, while near the brewery/motorcycle building at Davidson by Cromarty were two Grey Partridge and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (Kevin Davis)
Easter Ross: two Manx Shearwaters, singles of Puffin and Turnstone, twelve Common Scoters from Chanonry Point, while near the brewery/motorcycle building at Davidson by Cromarty were two Grey Partridge and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (Kevin Davis)
Saturday 12th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: Six Manx Shearwaters from Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also six Manx Shearwaters and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Rosy Starlings on Canna (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Hobby, near Melvich (Dean MacAskill) Rosy Starling, Ardgay (per BirdGuides), note - this bird has been taken into care.
Wester Ross: Long-tailed Skua, flew north off Melvaig (Iain Robson via eBird)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat near Dalnahaitnach (Ian Smith)
Easter Ross: Six Manx Shearwaters from Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis) also six Manx Shearwaters and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Rosy Starlings on Canna (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Hobby, near Melvich (Dean MacAskill) Rosy Starling, Ardgay (per BirdGuides), note - this bird has been taken into care.
Wester Ross: Long-tailed Skua, flew north off Melvaig (Iain Robson via eBird)
Friday 11th June
Easter Ross: 20-30 Manx Shearwater from Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, still at RSPB Corrimony, approx NH 360 272 (Carol Miller)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Roag, Dunvegan (AK) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 20-30 Manx Shearwater from Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, still at RSPB Corrimony, approx NH 360 272 (Carol Miller)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Roag, Dunvegan (AK) per skye-birds.com
Thursday 10th June
Easter Ross: Two Manx Shearwaters, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (Ben Cormack per Bob McMillan). Eight Storm Petrels behind trawlers on the Oberon Bank off Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, still in Elgol (E. Mackay per Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Two Manx Shearwaters, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Rosy Starling, Eigg (Ben Cormack per Bob McMillan). Eight Storm Petrels behind trawlers on the Oberon Bank off Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, still in Elgol (E. Mackay per Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 9th June
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, Corrimony (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Five Grey Plover, 56 Sanderling, 34 ringed plover and 12 Dunlin at Dornoch Point also leucistic Herring Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hobby, Kirkton, Loch Fleet (Peter Stronach)
Wester Ross: European Bee-eater, Big Sand, Gairloch (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Woodchat Shrike, Corrimony (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Five Grey Plover, 56 Sanderling, 34 ringed plover and 12 Dunlin at Dornoch Point also leucistic Herring Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill). Hobby, Kirkton, Loch Fleet (Peter Stronach)
Wester Ross: European Bee-eater, Big Sand, Gairloch (per BirdGuides)
Tuesday 8th June
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Elgol (Emma MacKay per Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling "present all weekend" Rheanbreck, Lairg (per John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Rosy Starling, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Elgol (Emma MacKay per Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Rosy Starling "present all weekend" Rheanbreck, Lairg (per John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Rosy Starling, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards)
Monday 7th June
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack also Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Black-headed Bunting, undisclosed location on the peninsula, Ardnamurchan (Per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Canna (Bob Swann)
Wester Ross: Pink-footed Goose with 33 Greylags, Opinan area (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack also Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Black-headed Bunting, undisclosed location on the peninsula, Ardnamurchan (Per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Rosy Starling, Canna (Bob Swann)
Wester Ross: Pink-footed Goose with 33 Greylags, Opinan area (Mike Crutch)
Sunday 6th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Invertromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoter and 35 Sanderling, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Plover (summer plumaged) and 75 Sanderling, Dornoch Point also Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Two Iceland Gulls, Durness (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Marsh Harrier, Invertromie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoter and 35 Sanderling, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Grey Plover (summer plumaged) and 75 Sanderling, Dornoch Point also Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Two Iceland Gulls, Durness (per BirdGuides)
aturday 5th June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red-backed Shrike, Craigellachie NNR (per BirdGuides) also possibly same bird at Drumguish (Ron Cooke per Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: female Red-backed Shrike Portmahomack Community Woodland (Dave Tanner), 29 Pink-footed Geese SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sutherland: Five Whimbrel , two Whooper Swans, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Iceland Gulls and a Great Northern Diver, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Hobby, Laide (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Red-backed Shrike, Craigellachie NNR (per BirdGuides) also possibly same bird at Drumguish (Ron Cooke per Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: female Red-backed Shrike Portmahomack Community Woodland (Dave Tanner), 29 Pink-footed Geese SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Sutherland: Five Whimbrel , two Whooper Swans, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Iceland Gulls and a Great Northern Diver, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Hobby, Laide (per BirdGuides)
Friday 4th June
Easter Ross: drake Garganey Nigg Bay (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Crane over south end of Loch Broom (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: drake Garganey Nigg Bay (per BirdTrack)
Wester Ross: Crane over south end of Loch Broom (per BirdTrack).
Thursday 3rd June
Easter Ross: 118 Canada Geese Alness Point Lagoon (Dave Tanner) and 58 at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Little Egret between Bunchrew and Clachnaharry (Phil Clark).
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher Arienas SWT Reserve, Morvern (per Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: 118 Canada Geese Alness Point Lagoon (Dave Tanner) and 58 at Udale Bay (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Little Egret between Bunchrew and Clachnaharry (Phil Clark).
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher Arienas SWT Reserve, Morvern (per Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 2nd June
Badenoch & Strathspey: Canada Goose 13N Gaick (Dave Pierce) - start of moult migration?
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Guinard Bay for second day (per Recorder)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Canada Goose 13N Gaick (Dave Pierce) - start of moult migration?
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Guinard Bay for second day (per Recorder)
Tuesday 1st June
Easter Ross: adult Long-tailed Skua SE past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret Beauly Firth (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: adult Long-tailed Skua SE past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Little Egret Beauly Firth (per BirdTrack).
Monday 31st May
Lochaber: Pied Flycatcher in Arienas Wood was first there in ten years (Steve Hardy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Turtle Dove Galtrigill (Susanna Robson).
Sunday 30th May
Easter Ross: Quail calling Cartomie near Edderton (per BirdTrack).
Skye & Lochash: Great White Egret on shore S of Duntuilm Castle (Ann Crowther), pair of Water Rails Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), male Yellowhammer Ashaig, Broadford (NH).
Sutherland: Bee-eater heard in dunes Faraid Head (Peter Stronach), later feeding over Smoo Cave (Jacob Davies), Waxwing Durness (per North Sutherland Facebook Group), juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2+ Minke Whales Strathy Point (per BirdGuides), Reed Warbler Strathy Village (Ian Robson, Janet Fairclough).
Saturday 29th May
Easter Ross: Three Gadwall, six Puffin and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Hobby, Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Reed Warbler, Balnakeil Craft Village (in garden of 17A) also "islandica" type Redpoll at Smoo Cave (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: Three Gadwall, six Puffin and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Hobby, Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Reed Warbler, Balnakeil Craft Village (in garden of 17A) also "islandica" type Redpoll at Smoo Cave (Peter Stronach)
Friday 28th May
Easter Ross: Five Great Skua, two Puffin, singles of Manx Shearwater and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Black Kite, Clachnaharry (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH). Single Whooper Swan, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: No sign of Turtle Dove at Culkein today.
Easter Ross: Five Great Skua, two Puffin, singles of Manx Shearwater and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Black Kite, Clachnaharry (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, Breakish Obbe, Broadford (NH). Single Whooper Swan, Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: No sign of Turtle Dove at Culkein today.
Thursday 27th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Storm Petrel, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene) 142 Goosander off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove, Culkein (NN033332 do not enter house garden)
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Storm Petrel, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene) 142 Goosander off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove, Culkein (NN033332 do not enter house garden)
Wednesday 26th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Mary Galloway). Single Whimbrel, four Sanderling, Great and Arctic Skua and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Unconfirmed report of a Black Kite at Torness
Skye & Lochalsh: Garden Warbler at Armadale, Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Single Little Stint, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Note: Further widespread reports of Swifts throughout the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and Sutherland areas.
Easter Ross: Great Egret, still at Munlochy Bay (Mary Galloway). Single Whimbrel, four Sanderling, Great and Arctic Skua and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Unconfirmed report of a Black Kite at Torness
Skye & Lochalsh: Garden Warbler at Armadale, Sleat (per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: Single Little Stint, Grey Plover, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Note: Further widespread reports of Swifts throughout the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and Sutherland areas.
Tuesday 25th May
Easter Ross: Great Egret, Munlochy Bay (Holly). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 10 Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Common Scoter, Sound of Raasay (NB) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Great Egret, Munlochy Bay (Holly). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 10 Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 20 Common Scoter, Sound of Raasay (NB) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 24th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch in a private garden, Aviemore (PN)
Easter Ross: single Great Skua, nine Common Scoter and 15 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper in flooded field, Easter Dalziel (Jon Clarke)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Kilmory, Rum (SM) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail and Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB,RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Female Hawfinch in a private garden, Aviemore (PN)
Easter Ross: single Great Skua, nine Common Scoter and 15 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Wood Sandpiper in flooded field, Easter Dalziel (Jon Clarke)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Kilmory, Rum (SM) - per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail and Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (NB,RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 23rd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat, Lynachlaggan Trail, Insh Marshes (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and single Great and Arctic Skuas, Tarbat Ness (Al McNee)
Lochaber: Garden Warbler, Strontian (Jack Bucknall)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Note- A few reports of Swifts from throughout the area today.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Lesser Whitethroat, Lynachlaggan Trail, Insh Marshes (Simon Eaves)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter and single Great and Arctic Skuas, Tarbat Ness (Al McNee)
Lochaber: Garden Warbler, Strontian (Jack Bucknall)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Note- A few reports of Swifts from throughout the area today.
Saturday 22nd May
Easter Ross: single Dunlin at Tarbat Ness, Lesser Redpoll also present - uncommon for the location (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Garden Warbler at Whiteness (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: single Dunlin at Tarbat Ness, Lesser Redpoll also present - uncommon for the location (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Garden Warbler at Whiteness (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH') - per skye-birds.com
Friday 21st May
Easter Ross: seven Manx Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of other seabirds species including over 225 Fulmars (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: calling Long-eared Owls in the Easter Dalziel area (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH'). Single Whimbrel at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) plus six others at Uiginish, Dunvegan ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Great Skua, single Arctic Skua, three Manx Shearwaters off Embo, two Twite present also (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: seven Manx Shearwaters off Tarbat Ness, with large numbers of other seabirds species including over 225 Fulmars (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: calling Long-eared Owls in the Easter Dalziel area (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pintail in Broadford Bay ('A&EH'). Single Whimbrel at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) plus six others at Uiginish, Dunvegan ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Great Skua, single Arctic Skua, three Manx Shearwaters off Embo, two Twite present also (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 20th May
Easter Ross: drake King Eider past Chanonry Point (second-ever site record) with five Common Eider, eastbound at 0530hrs (Kevin Davis). c50 Knot and four Sanderling at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Six Swifts over Loch Meig, Strathconon (Jack Harrison)
Inverness: Long-eared Owl and Water Rail at Moy (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: drake King Eider past Chanonry Point (second-ever site record) with five Common Eider, eastbound at 0530hrs (Kevin Davis). c50 Knot and four Sanderling at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Six Swifts over Loch Meig, Strathconon (Jack Harrison)
Inverness: Long-eared Owl and Water Rail at Moy (Blair Whyte)
Wednesday 19th May
Easter Ross: c500 Kittiwakes, 1,000-plus Guillemots, c150 Razorbills, 55 Gannets, four Great Northern Divers (all sumplum), single Puffin and three Great Skuas off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 20 Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy, seen at Tain links were two Swifts and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while at Dingwall's ferry point were five Tree Sparrows, three Stock Doves, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Swifts (Dean MacAskill). Two Swifts and a Short-eared Owl (at height, being mobbed by Jackdaws) over Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: two Grasshopper Warblers at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove still at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Easter Ross: c500 Kittiwakes, 1,000-plus Guillemots, c150 Razorbills, 55 Gannets, four Great Northern Divers (all sumplum), single Puffin and three Great Skuas off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 20 Pink-footed Geese at Munlochy, seen at Tain links were two Swifts and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while at Dingwall's ferry point were five Tree Sparrows, three Stock Doves, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Swifts (Dean MacAskill). Two Swifts and a Short-eared Owl (at height, being mobbed by Jackdaws) over Heights of Docharty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: two Grasshopper Warblers at Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove still at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Tuesday 18th May
Easter Ross: 35 Knot in full breeding plumage at Tarbat Ness, with eleven Black Guillemot, single Puffin and two Great Northern Divers also of note (Dave Tanner). Spotted Flycatcher and three Swifts at Munlochy (Bob Wilson). Single Sanderling plus Arctic Skua (dark phase) past Chanonry Point, while two Spotted Flycatchers were present in Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Water Rails and single Whitethroat at Merkinch, with six Swifts in the city centre (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Knock Bay, Sleat (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: female King Eider at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley)
Easter Ross: 35 Knot in full breeding plumage at Tarbat Ness, with eleven Black Guillemot, single Puffin and two Great Northern Divers also of note (Dave Tanner). Spotted Flycatcher and three Swifts at Munlochy (Bob Wilson). Single Sanderling plus Arctic Skua (dark phase) past Chanonry Point, while two Spotted Flycatchers were present in Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Water Rails and single Whitethroat at Merkinch, with six Swifts in the city centre (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Knock Bay, Sleat (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: female King Eider at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley)
Monday 17th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Scaup at Lochindorb (Chris Rose)
Easter Ross: three Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - one intermedius ssp. (Dave Tanner). Tree Pipit near Tollie Red Kite centre (Chris Godley). Six Blackcap at Redcastle (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). 68 Pink-footed Geese and three Sedge Warblers at Nigg, while at Arabella two Grey Partridge were noted (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: two Spotted Flycatchers in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Great Northern Divers off Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Bob also has passed on an unconfirmed report of a Black Kite from the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry operators
Sutherland: Serin at Talmine (Tim Drew via RBA - a first for Highland when confirmed, with photo submitted). At Brora river mouth were two 2CY Little Gulls and eight Little Terns, at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet were two Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider and female King Eider, while Embo had a single Great Northern Diver and 23 Little Terns (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Scaup at Lochindorb (Chris Rose)
Easter Ross: three Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness - one intermedius ssp. (Dave Tanner). Tree Pipit near Tollie Red Kite centre (Chris Godley). Six Blackcap at Redcastle (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett). 68 Pink-footed Geese and three Sedge Warblers at Nigg, while at Arabella two Grey Partridge were noted (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: two Spotted Flycatchers in Glen Strathfarrar (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: seven Great Northern Divers off Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Bob also has passed on an unconfirmed report of a Black Kite from the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry operators
Sutherland: Serin at Talmine (Tim Drew via RBA - a first for Highland when confirmed, with photo submitted). At Brora river mouth were two 2CY Little Gulls and eight Little Terns, at Ferry Links, Loch Fleet were two Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider and female King Eider, while Embo had a single Great Northern Diver and 23 Little Terns (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 16th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Common Tern and two Spotted Flycatchers near the old Spey bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes). Little Ringed Plover at Loch Insh (John Lyall via Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: eleven Great Northern Divers, ten Pink-footed Geese, single Puffin and two Black Guillemot past/over/off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). Sedge Warbler at Nigg Bay (David Tattersley)
Sutherland: unconfirmed 'Blue-headed' Yellow Wagtail (m.f. flava ssp.) reported in the Durness area (via RBA). Turtle Dove at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Common Tern and two Spotted Flycatchers near the old Spey bridge, Grantown-on-Spey (Sue Sykes). Little Ringed Plover at Loch Insh (John Lyall via Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: eleven Great Northern Divers, ten Pink-footed Geese, single Puffin and two Black Guillemot past/over/off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull at Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). Sedge Warbler at Nigg Bay (David Tattersley)
Sutherland: unconfirmed 'Blue-headed' Yellow Wagtail (m.f. flava ssp.) reported in the Durness area (via RBA). Turtle Dove at Scourie (via John Poyner)
Saturday 15th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Shovelers Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Water Rail at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Manx Shearwater & 2 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), drake Mandarin Duck on Blackwater, Contin flew downstream (Keith Barnes), Bonxie Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Grasshopper Warbler Nigg Bay RSPB Car Park (Dave Barnett).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Sandpiper Skye (no location given) (BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Scourie (Kirsten Ogden), 10 Whimbrels Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley), 2 Water Rails, 23 Whimbrels, 3 Shovelers, 10 Gadwalls Balnakeil (Bob Wilson)
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair of Shovelers Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Water Rail at Insh Marshes (Blair Whyte)
Easter Ross: Manx Shearwater & 2 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), drake Mandarin Duck on Blackwater, Contin flew downstream (Keith Barnes), Bonxie Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Grasshopper Warbler Nigg Bay RSPB Car Park (Dave Barnett).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wood Sandpiper Skye (no location given) (BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Turtle Dove in private garden Scourie (Kirsten Ogden), 10 Whimbrels Ferry Links, Loch Fleet (David Tattersley), 2 Water Rails, 23 Whimbrels, 3 Shovelers, 10 Gadwalls Balnakeil (Bob Wilson)
Friday 14th May
Sutherland: female King Eider Ferry Links on N side of Loch Fleet entrance (Dean MacAskill), 650 Ringed Plovers, 350 Dunlins, 120 Sanderlings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), male Garganey, 3 male Shovelers, 9 male Gadwalls, 4 Whooper Swans, 21 Whimbrels Balnakeil (Bob Wilson).
Sutherland: female King Eider Ferry Links on N side of Loch Fleet entrance (Dean MacAskill), 650 Ringed Plovers, 350 Dunlins, 120 Sanderlings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), male Garganey, 3 male Shovelers, 9 male Gadwalls, 4 Whooper Swans, 21 Whimbrels Balnakeil (Bob Wilson).
Thursday 13th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kincardine Cottage (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Spoonbill east over Tarbat Ness (Tay), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit Cononbridge/Maryburgh (Bob Wilson), Bonxie & 17 Red-throated Divers Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), pale-bellied Brent Goose with 310 Pink-footed Geese Nigg Bay (Blair Whyte), Whooper Swan Munlochy (David Tattersley).
Lochaber: Brambling Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), Garden Warbler Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Sutherland: pale-bellied Brent Goose & 350 Ringed Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 12th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, Skye of Curr (Steve Broyd).
Easter Ross: 6 Barnacle Geese with 150 Pink-footed Geese, Grey Plover with 250 Ringed Plovers and a few Dunlins, Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: late female Brambling Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris), 2 Spotted Flycatchers Glen Shian road, Lochailort (per BirdGuides), Arctic Skua Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer), 17 Great Northern Divers mouth of Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Hawfinch Ord, Sleat (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 2CY Little Gull, 2 Bonxies, 2 Arctic Skuas Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 11th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, near Skye of Curr (Pete Gordon), Spotted Flycatcher N end of Aviemore (Kate Mennie), 2 Pied Flycatchers and up to 4 singing Wood Warblers Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes, Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Garden Warbler Moy Island, Maryburgh (Keith Barnes), 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats Munlochy-Quarryford (Bob Wilson), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Swift Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 32 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Spotted Flycatcher Achnaha Community Woodland, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Whitethroats Duirinish Church, Dunvegan (SG).
Sutherland: 1200 Dunlins Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Garden Warbler Auchendean, near Skye of Curr (Pete Gordon), Spotted Flycatcher N end of Aviemore (Kate Mennie), 2 Pied Flycatchers and up to 4 singing Wood Warblers Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore (Alan MacAskill, Sue Sykes, Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Garden Warbler Moy Island, Maryburgh (Keith Barnes), 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats Munlochy-Quarryford (Bob Wilson), 3 Bonxies Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Swift Leys Estate (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 32 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Spotted Flycatcher Achnaha Community Woodland, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Whitethroats Duirinish Church, Dunvegan (SG).
Sutherland: 1200 Dunlins Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Monday 10th May
Badenoch and Strathspey: Hoopoe Nethybridge, videod but not seen after initial sighting (per BirdGuides), 2 Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher Craigellachie NNR (Pete Gordon, Kate Mennie), several House Martins Nethybridge (Blair Johnstone), 3 Whinchats Tulloch Moor (Simon Eaves), Green Woodpecker Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Swifts Fortrose (Alister Clunas), Swifts Cannich (Fiona Driver), Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Redstarts Learnie Red Rocks Car Park (Kevin Davis) 2nd CY Iceland Gull Glenurquhart Farm (Kevin Davis), 3 Whitethroats, 3 Grasshopper Warblers Rosemarkie Beach walk to cave (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Cuckoo Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick).
Lochaber: 6 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Spotted Flycatcher Avernish (D Mason), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB) and 2 Canada Geese Invershiel (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 250 Ringed Plovers, 120 Dunlins, 2 Whimbrels, 3 White Wagtails, pale-bellied Brent Goose Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch and Strathspey: Hoopoe Nethybridge, videod but not seen after initial sighting (per BirdGuides), 2 Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher Craigellachie NNR (Pete Gordon, Kate Mennie), several House Martins Nethybridge (Blair Johnstone), 3 Whinchats Tulloch Moor (Simon Eaves), Green Woodpecker Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: 2 Swifts Fortrose (Alister Clunas), Swifts Cannich (Fiona Driver), Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Redstarts Learnie Red Rocks Car Park (Kevin Davis) 2nd CY Iceland Gull Glenurquhart Farm (Kevin Davis), 3 Whitethroats, 3 Grasshopper Warblers Rosemarkie Beach walk to cave (John Carruthers).
Inverness: Cuckoo Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick).
Lochaber: 6 Swifts Upper Achintore, Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Spotted Flycatcher Avernish (D Mason), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB) and 2 Canada Geese Invershiel (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 250 Ringed Plovers, 120 Dunlins, 2 Whimbrels, 3 White Wagtails, pale-bellied Brent Goose Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 9th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Swifts Newtonmore (LizMcGill), Cuckoo Achnahannet (Angus Miller).
Easter Ross: Wood Warbler Achilty Oakwood (Al McNee), 2000 Common Scoters, 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Bonxie Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 5100 Kittiwakes Tarbat Ness (per BirdTrack), 13 Velvet Scoters Balintore Harbour/Shandwick Bay (per BirdTrack), 3 Wood Warblers Loch Achonachie, Contin (Blair Whyte).
Inverness: Water Rail, 4 Sedge Warblers Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Canada Geese across Minch Lower Milovaig (AS), Canada Goose Loch Portree (NB).
Saturday 8th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch, Inshriach (John Picton). Whinchats at Ruthven Barracks and Drumguish also Swift, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Arctic Terns on the breakwater on Muck (RD) single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (NB) two Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) & a single at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Nuthatch, Inshriach (John Picton). Whinchats at Ruthven Barracks and Drumguish also Swift, Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Three Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Arctic Terns on the breakwater on Muck (RD) single Common Scoter in Broadford Bay (NB) two Whimbrel, Broadford Bay (NB) & a single at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Friday 7th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whinchat, River Spey near Laggan (Jon Clarke). Drake Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in recently sown field at Glenurquhart farm between Cromarty & Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two Arctic Terns, Lochailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides). Five Whimbrel, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Whinchat, River Spey near Laggan (Jon Clarke). Drake Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in recently sown field at Glenurquhart farm between Cromarty & Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two Arctic Terns, Lochailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides). Five Whimbrel, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 6th May
Easter Ross: 2nd cy Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). One Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, two Whimbrel and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Water Rail, Elgol (DW) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2nd cy Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis). One Arctic Skua, one Great Skua, two Whimbrel and four Great Northern Divers Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Water Rail, Elgol (DW) per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 5th May
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Fieldfares and a Redwing, Lettoch (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua singles of Black and Red-throated Divers, three Great Northern Divers and a single Arctic Tern, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Fieldfares and a Redwing, Lettoch (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Two Great Skua singles of Black and Red-throated Divers, three Great Northern Divers and a single Arctic Tern, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Tuesday 4th May
Easter Ross: 10 Purple Sandpiper, two Velvet Scoter, one Great Skua, three Arctic Skua and five Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Hawfinch, Kyleakin (A&EH) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Wood sandpiper at Coul links also two Great Northern Divers and six Black-throated Divers. Four Little Tern, eight Arctic Tern, 14 Purple Sandpiper and five Great Skua, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 10 Purple Sandpiper, two Velvet Scoter, one Great Skua, three Arctic Skua and five Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: Hawfinch, Kyleakin (A&EH) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Wood sandpiper at Coul links also two Great Northern Divers and six Black-throated Divers. Four Little Tern, eight Arctic Tern, 14 Purple Sandpiper and five Great Skua, Brora (all Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Monday 3rd May
Badenoch & Strathspey: Seven Common Sandpipers, Lochindorb (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Golden Plover, three Whimbrel, Purple Sandpiper, one Iceland Gull, four Great Skua and six Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness area also c1500 Long-tailed Duck, two Greater Scaup and c2000 Common Scoter at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Stock Doves Kirkmichael Kirk, Wood Warblers singing Strathconon and one Greenland White-front and one Barnacle Goose, Udale Bay (all Mark Finn). Stock Dove, Arabella (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Black Redstart seen briefly in garden near dental surgery in Portree (J Jones). Hawfinch and Nuthatch, Kyleakin (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Seven Common Sandpipers, Lochindorb (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: Golden Plover, three Whimbrel, Purple Sandpiper, one Iceland Gull, four Great Skua and six Great Northern Divers, Tarbat Ness area also c1500 Long-tailed Duck, two Greater Scaup and c2000 Common Scoter at Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Two Stock Doves Kirkmichael Kirk, Wood Warblers singing Strathconon and one Greenland White-front and one Barnacle Goose, Udale Bay (all Mark Finn). Stock Dove, Arabella (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Black-tailed Godwit, Alturlie Pools (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Black Redstart seen briefly in garden near dental surgery in Portree (J Jones). Hawfinch and Nuthatch, Kyleakin (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool harbour (per BirdGuides)
Sunday 2nd May
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, one Purple Sandpiper and six White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Eight Great Northern Divers in summer plumage, 23 Black Guillemot, 107 Long-tailed Duck, 56 Common Scoter and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Kinellan (Keith Barnes). Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull, Beauly (Doug Mainland)
Inverness: Singing Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Whimbrel at Loch Portree (NB), five at Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W) at Neist Point (AS) five Arctic Skuas north at Neist Point and four Arctic Terns (AS) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Whooper Swans, two Water Rails, 184 Pinkfooted Geese, 28 Wheatear, one Sedge Warbler, five Redwing and nine Whimbrel, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Whimbrel, one Purple Sandpiper and six White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). Eight Great Northern Divers in summer plumage, 23 Black Guillemot, 107 Long-tailed Duck, 56 Common Scoter and one Great Skua, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Iceland Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Kinellan (Keith Barnes). Iceland Gull, Udale Bay (Alister Clunas). 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull, Beauly (Doug Mainland)
Inverness: Singing Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Whimbrel at Loch Portree (NB), five at Ardnish, Broadford (PO-W) at Neist Point (AS) five Arctic Skuas north at Neist Point and four Arctic Terns (AS) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Whooper Swans, two Water Rails, 184 Pinkfooted Geese, 28 Wheatear, one Sedge Warbler, five Redwing and nine Whimbrel, Durness (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 1st May
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were two Arctic Skuas (one intemediate/one dark morph) plus two Great Skuas (Dave Tanner). Four Common Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, eight Scaup at Chanonry Point (Tim Stowe). Whitethroat, two Wheatears and at least six Blackcaps around Balloan farm, Avoch (Mary Galloway). C100 Fieldfare at Geanies by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Sedge Warbler and 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Loch Kinellan (Susan and Hugh Seright)
Skye & Lochalsh: c180 Pink-footed Geese over Drumfearn (Phil Knott) with 100 over Scullamus, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Purple Sandpiper at Loch Dunvegan (J D Jones). Common Crane at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider, immature Little Gull and three Little Terns (amongst other tern species) off Coul Links with Whimbrels in evidence also. Over The Mound were c450 Pink-footed Geese and c150 Golden Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were two Arctic Skuas (one intemediate/one dark morph) plus two Great Skuas (Dave Tanner). Four Common Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, eight Scaup at Chanonry Point (Tim Stowe). Whitethroat, two Wheatears and at least six Blackcaps around Balloan farm, Avoch (Mary Galloway). C100 Fieldfare at Geanies by Portmahomack (Bob Swann). Sedge Warbler and 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Loch Kinellan (Susan and Hugh Seright)
Skye & Lochalsh: c180 Pink-footed Geese over Drumfearn (Phil Knott) with 100 over Scullamus, Broadford (Bob McMillan). Purple Sandpiper at Loch Dunvegan (J D Jones). Common Crane at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Black-throated Divers, ssp. borealis Eider, immature Little Gull and three Little Terns (amongst other tern species) off Coul Links with Whimbrels in evidence also. Over The Mound were c450 Pink-footed Geese and c150 Golden Plover (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 30th April
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were three Great Skuas and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner). Three Arctic Terns, three Whimbrels, single Common Sandpiper and four Common Scoter at Chanonry Point (0540-0740hrs), while nearby along Rosemarkie beach were two Grasshopper Warblers (Kevin Davis). Five singing Blackcaps and two Jays at Stoneyfield lochs, with similar species in evidence at Kildary lochs plus a singing Redstart and 40 House Martins, 20 Whooper Swans at Arabella, two Grey Patridges and two Stock Doves at Talich wood, and Great Skua plus three White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith). Off/around Portmahomack this afternoon were c1,500 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Common Scoter, two drake Scaup, six Whimbrels, 25 Sand Martins, ten Swallows, eight House Martins, two White Wagtails and four Wheatears (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, 2m/1f Blackcap and four Wheatears at Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Four Arctic Skua (and similar number of Bonxies) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Single Whooper Swans at Loch Mor, Waterstein (Andy Stables) and Loch Sgamhain, Achnashelloch (Bob McMillan). Five Little Gulls on Glas Eilean by Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 16 Whimbrel , three Wheatear ssp. leuchorhoa, eight White Wagtail and 140 'tundra' Ringed Plover at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Cuckoo at Helmsdale ('Jock'). Ring Ouzels back on territory in Glen Mor, Alladale to Glen Glass areas (Jonathan Willet)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull again at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were three Great Skuas and a single Puffin (Dave Tanner). Three Arctic Terns, three Whimbrels, single Common Sandpiper and four Common Scoter at Chanonry Point (0540-0740hrs), while nearby along Rosemarkie beach were two Grasshopper Warblers (Kevin Davis). Five singing Blackcaps and two Jays at Stoneyfield lochs, with similar species in evidence at Kildary lochs plus a singing Redstart and 40 House Martins, 20 Whooper Swans at Arabella, two Grey Patridges and two Stock Doves at Talich wood, and Great Skua plus three White Wagtails (Dean MacAskill). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Udale Bay (Tim Meredith). Off/around Portmahomack this afternoon were c1,500 Long-tailed Duck, c2,000 Common Scoter, two drake Scaup, six Whimbrels, 25 Sand Martins, ten Swallows, eight House Martins, two White Wagtails and four Wheatears (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, 2m/1f Blackcap and four Wheatears at Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Four Arctic Skua (and similar number of Bonxies) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Single Whooper Swans at Loch Mor, Waterstein (Andy Stables) and Loch Sgamhain, Achnashelloch (Bob McMillan). Five Little Gulls on Glas Eilean by Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 16 Whimbrel , three Wheatear ssp. leuchorhoa, eight White Wagtail and 140 'tundra' Ringed Plover at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Cuckoo at Helmsdale ('Jock'). Ring Ouzels back on territory in Glen Mor, Alladale to Glen Glass areas (Jonathan Willet)
Thursday 29th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swift over Grantown-on-Spey (Andrea Goddard)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were 89 Common Scoter, 32 Long-tailed Duck, singles of Whimbrel and Great Northern Diver plus seven Black Guillemot (Dave Tanner). Single drake Pintail past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Tain river mouth, one ssp. intermedius (Dave Tanner). Richardson's Cackling Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Nigg hide, with Grasshopper Warbler in car park also (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Sedge Warbler and three Wheatears (two of which were ssp. leuchorhoa) at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and c10 Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Swift over Grantown-on-Spey (Andrea Goddard)
Easter Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness while off the point were 89 Common Scoter, 32 Long-tailed Duck, singles of Whimbrel and Great Northern Diver plus seven Black Guillemot (Dave Tanner). Single drake Pintail past Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas). Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Tain river mouth, one ssp. intermedius (Dave Tanner). Richardson's Cackling Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese at Nigg hide, with Grasshopper Warbler in car park also (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: Sedge Warbler and three Wheatears (two of which were ssp. leuchorhoa) at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe still at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and c10 Whimbrel in Broadford Bay (Bob McMillan) - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 28th April
Easter Ross: 2CY Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness, with 2CY Iceland Gull at the nearby Wilkaven farm (Dave Tanner) while later in the day saw Sedge Warbler and two Grey Partridge (Dean MacAskill). Grasshopper Warbler at Rosemarkie beach (Mary Galloway). Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), with similar at Cadboll Point along with Sedge Warbler, plus eight Whimbrel at Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). Three Barnacle Geese at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Three Whimbrel, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls (including one ssp. intermedius) and single Great Skua at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan at Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Seven White Wagtails and five Wheatears at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Putative Kumlien's Gull on Eigg at Laing Bay (John Chester). Following yesterday's sighting at Broadford river mouth by Neil Bennett, one of the geese is confirmed as a Black Brant, now on Glas Eilean in the bay (Bob McMillan). 17 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford ('A&EH') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Little Gulls (twelve in sumplum, the rest 2CY birds) off Brora beach, with three Pintail pairs of Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 2CY Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness, with 2CY Iceland Gull at the nearby Wilkaven farm (Dave Tanner) while later in the day saw Sedge Warbler and two Grey Partridge (Dean MacAskill). Grasshopper Warbler at Rosemarkie beach (Mary Galloway). Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson), with similar at Cadboll Point along with Sedge Warbler, plus eight Whimbrel at Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). Three Barnacle Geese at Udale Bay (Bob Wilson). Three Whimbrel, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls (including one ssp. intermedius) and single Great Skua at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan at Loch Eye (Dean MacAskill). Seven White Wagtails and five Wheatears at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Hoopoe at Fiscavaig - birders are advised to park responsibly on the public road and avoid entering lambing areas (Freya King). Putative Kumlien's Gull on Eigg at Laing Bay (John Chester). Following yesterday's sighting at Broadford river mouth by Neil Bennett, one of the geese is confirmed as a Black Brant, now on Glas Eilean in the bay (Bob McMillan). 17 Golden Plover at Ardnish, Broadford ('A&EH') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 19 Little Gulls (twelve in sumplum, the rest 2CY birds) off Brora beach, with three Pintail pairs of Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 27th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Woodcock at Tulloch, Abernethy (Neil Stonehouse)
Easter Ross: Great Skua and three Arctic Terns past Tarbat Ness, along with c100 Long-tailed Duck, 22 Fulmar, c150 Gannet and c1,000 Kittiwakes plus 15 Fieldfare in the nearby plantation (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were six Pintail, twelve Fulmar, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 144 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, single Red-throated Diver and three White Wagtails...while at Udale Bay were nine Black-tailed Godwit, two Pintail and a Greenland White-fronted Goose (Kevin Davis). Black-throated Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, five Whimbrels and two Wheatears at Alturlie (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett) - on inspection of photographs one is showing good indications of being a Black Brant. Whinchat at Borve, Portree ('SG'). Four White Wagtails on the pier on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: seen during a three-hour morning seawatch at Brora were seven Great Skua, 270 Lomg-tailed Duck, three Little Gulls (two in sumplum), 52 Scaup, plus a steady movement of other seabirds including Kittiwakes estimated at a rate of 1,200/hour; a female Garganey was also noted, along with 60 Sand Martins and three Whimbrel (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Woodcock at Tulloch, Abernethy (Neil Stonehouse)
Easter Ross: Great Skua and three Arctic Terns past Tarbat Ness, along with c100 Long-tailed Duck, 22 Fulmar, c150 Gannet and c1,000 Kittiwakes plus 15 Fieldfare in the nearby plantation (Dave Tanner). At Chanonry Point were six Pintail, twelve Fulmar, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 144 Kittiwake, 44 Gannet, single Red-throated Diver and three White Wagtails...while at Udale Bay were nine Black-tailed Godwit, two Pintail and a Greenland White-fronted Goose (Kevin Davis). Black-throated Diver off Rosemarkie (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, five Whimbrels and two Wheatears at Alturlie (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Broadford river mouth (Neil Bennett) - on inspection of photographs one is showing good indications of being a Black Brant. Whinchat at Borve, Portree ('SG'). Four White Wagtails on the pier on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: seen during a three-hour morning seawatch at Brora were seven Great Skua, 270 Lomg-tailed Duck, three Little Gulls (two in sumplum), 52 Scaup, plus a steady movement of other seabirds including Kittiwakes estimated at a rate of 1,200/hour; a female Garganey was also noted, along with 60 Sand Martins and three Whimbrel (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 26th April
Easter Ross: Whimbrel still present at Tarbat Ness, plus 27 Long-tailed Duck in summer plumage, c500 Common Scoter, 14 Black Guillemot and - unusually - a single 1st winter Gannet (Dave Tanner). Ring Ouzel in old pines north of the river at Heights of Docharty, plus single Swallow and four Wheatear including one female showing signs of ssp. leuchorhoa (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, Common Sandpiper and Cuckoo near the power station area at Loch Ashie (Simeon Ewing). Great Crested Grebe and six Whimbrel at Alturlie, with nine Wheatears at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 37 Black-tailed Godwits at Kildonan Bay on Eigg, with single Swift and House Martin seen also (John Chester). Brambling visiting feeders in Camastianavaig (J Hey). Seven Sandwich Terns at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c20 Tree Sparrows visiting a bird-table in Durness (Donald Mitchell). Two Lapland Buntings at Achnacarnin on the Stoer peninsula (David Haines via John Poyner). Eight Black-throated Divers, plus single Great Northern Diver and ssp. borealis Eider off Coul Links, while at Brora were 29 Purple Sandpipers, two Arctic Terns, plus one adult and two juvenile Little Gulls (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel still present at Tarbat Ness, plus 27 Long-tailed Duck in summer plumage, c500 Common Scoter, 14 Black Guillemot and - unusually - a single 1st winter Gannet (Dave Tanner). Ring Ouzel in old pines north of the river at Heights of Docharty, plus single Swallow and four Wheatear including one female showing signs of ssp. leuchorhoa (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Grasshopper Warbler, Common Sandpiper and Cuckoo near the power station area at Loch Ashie (Simeon Ewing). Great Crested Grebe and six Whimbrel at Alturlie, with nine Wheatears at Quarryfield (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: 37 Black-tailed Godwits at Kildonan Bay on Eigg, with single Swift and House Martin seen also (John Chester). Brambling visiting feeders in Camastianavaig (J Hey). Seven Sandwich Terns at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c20 Tree Sparrows visiting a bird-table in Durness (Donald Mitchell). Two Lapland Buntings at Achnacarnin on the Stoer peninsula (David Haines via John Poyner). Eight Black-throated Divers, plus single Great Northern Diver and ssp. borealis Eider off Coul Links, while at Brora were 29 Purple Sandpipers, two Arctic Terns, plus one adult and two juvenile Little Gulls (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 25th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 57 Pink-footed Geese over Lochindorb, two Tree Pipits at Cottartown, Grantown-on-Spey (Mike Crutch). Two male/one female Ring Ouzels around Cairn Gorm funicular middle station (Graham Neville)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Garganey still at Tain (Sue Sykes/Bob Wilson), was seen flying northeast late morning (Al McNee). Between Portmahomack and Inver were c300 Long-tailed Ducks, up to eight Whimbrel, eight Sandwich Terns and a single Greenshank (Sue Sykes). Six Willow Warblers and two Red-throated Divers at Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith). Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Two Whimbrel between Redcastle and North Kessock (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: six Whimbrel, three White Wagtails, two Pink-footed Geese and a single Wheatear at Alturlie (Simeon Ewing). Two Shelduck were in a sown field between Nairn and Clephanton (Robin Paton). Male Redstart in the Strathglass area (Calum Urquhart). Four Cuckoos and at least five male Redstarts at Blackfold (Al McNee).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler and Common Whitethroat at Salachan, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: first reports of the year of Arctic Skuas (dark morphs) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Portree (J D Jones). Whinchat at Kyleakin forestry (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: White-billed Diver at Balnakeil Bay, also nine pairs of Gadwall, three pairs and four drake Shovelers, five 'Greenland' Wheatears, seven White Wagtails, 13 Whimbrel, three Whooper Swans, three Great Skua, five Great Northern Divers and a single Cuckoo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two male Ring Ouzels on the Bealach na Ba on the Kishorn side (Bob McMillan)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 57 Pink-footed Geese over Lochindorb, two Tree Pipits at Cottartown, Grantown-on-Spey (Mike Crutch). Two male/one female Ring Ouzels around Cairn Gorm funicular middle station (Graham Neville)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Garganey still at Tain (Sue Sykes/Bob Wilson), was seen flying northeast late morning (Al McNee). Between Portmahomack and Inver were c300 Long-tailed Ducks, up to eight Whimbrel, eight Sandwich Terns and a single Greenshank (Sue Sykes). Six Willow Warblers and two Red-throated Divers at Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith). Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Two Whimbrel between Redcastle and North Kessock (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: six Whimbrel, three White Wagtails, two Pink-footed Geese and a single Wheatear at Alturlie (Simeon Ewing). Two Shelduck were in a sown field between Nairn and Clephanton (Robin Paton). Male Redstart in the Strathglass area (Calum Urquhart). Four Cuckoos and at least five male Redstarts at Blackfold (Al McNee).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler and Common Whitethroat at Salachan, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: first reports of the year of Arctic Skuas (dark morphs) off Neist Point (Andy Stables). Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Portree (J D Jones). Whinchat at Kyleakin forestry (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: White-billed Diver at Balnakeil Bay, also nine pairs of Gadwall, three pairs and four drake Shovelers, five 'Greenland' Wheatears, seven White Wagtails, 13 Whimbrel, three Whooper Swans, three Great Skua, five Great Northern Divers and a single Cuckoo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: two male Ring Ouzels on the Bealach na Ba on the Kishorn side (Bob McMillan)
Saturday 24th April
Easter Ross: male Garganey and Whimbrel Tain (Bob Swann), 3 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Hoopoe east and female Marsh Harrier Whiteness (Stuart Webster), Whimbrel, Grey Plover & Blackcap Whiteness (Colin Leslie), 2 male Gadwalls Clachnaharry (Al McNee).
Lochaber: 4 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull & 9 Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), 5 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 17 Tree Sparrows at bird-table Durness (Donald Mitchell).
Easter Ross: male Garganey and Whimbrel Tain (Bob Swann), 3 Whimbrels Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 1000 Long-tailed Ducks Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Hoopoe east and female Marsh Harrier Whiteness (Stuart Webster), Whimbrel, Grey Plover & Blackcap Whiteness (Colin Leslie), 2 male Gadwalls Clachnaharry (Al McNee).
Lochaber: 4 Whimbrels Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy).
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull & 9 Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), 5 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 17 Tree Sparrows at bird-table Durness (Donald Mitchell).
Friday 23rd April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo near Spey Dam (Tom Cole).
Easter Ross: male Garganey Tain Links (Steve Broyd), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Lynda Graham), 2 Pintails, 45 Common Terns Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: 2 Iceland Gulls Linnhe & Lochy mouths (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Marsh Harrier Strathcarron (Joe Newman), 4 Whimbrels Ullinish (DMcG).
Sutherland: Jack Snipe, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo Lairg (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo near Spey Dam (Tom Cole).
Easter Ross: male Garganey Tain Links (Steve Broyd), Grasshopper Warbler Rosemarkie (Lynda Graham), 2 Pintails, 45 Common Terns Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: 2 Iceland Gulls Linnhe & Lochy mouths (Tony Laidler).
Skye & Lochalsh: Female Marsh Harrier Strathcarron (Joe Newman), 4 Whimbrels Ullinish (DMcG).
Sutherland: Jack Snipe, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo Lairg (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 22nd April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard Dava (per BirdGuides).
Inverness: Grey Plover 1, Sandwich Tern 215 Whiteness Bay (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Bob Wilson), Whimbrel Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Grasshopper Warbler Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen), 5 Whimbrels Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: Grasshopper Warbler Lochaline, Morvern (AK), Cuckoo Strathcarron (JN).
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Whimbrels Breakish Obbe (NH), 7N 2S Whimbrels Neist Point (AS), House Martin Elgol (GH), Grasshopper Warbler Duisdale, Sleat (NH), Grasshopper Warbler Leitir Fura, Kinloch (ST), widespread Cuckoos.
Sutherland: 10 Grey Plovers, 8 White Wagtails Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill), adult Little Gull Brora (Alan MacAskill).
Wester Ross Cuckoo Laide Woods (Morag McCulloch).
Wednesday 21st April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Redstarts at Carrbridge (Duncan MacDonald) and near Nethybridge (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose with Barnacle Goose & Greenland White-fronted Goose Balblair (Blair Whyte), 8 Black-tailed Godwits Alness Point Business Park Lagoon (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: pair of Nuthatches Arisaig (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Sassaig, Sleat (per U MacL).
Sutherland: Bonxie flew inland Eldrable Hill, Helmsdale and immature Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Common Redstarts at Carrbridge (Duncan MacDonald) and near Nethybridge (John Poyner).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose with Barnacle Goose & Greenland White-fronted Goose Balblair (Blair Whyte), 8 Black-tailed Godwits Alness Point Business Park Lagoon (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: pair of Nuthatches Arisaig (Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: Magpie Sassaig, Sleat (per U MacL).
Sutherland: Bonxie flew inland Eldrable Hill, Helmsdale and immature Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 20th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Ballieward, Grantown-on-Spey (Chris Rose).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), 3 Stock Doves Lower Pitcalzean, Nigg (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: drake Mandarin Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie), 100 Scaups Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: calling Nuthatch Ariundle, Sunart (Stuart Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Scandinavian Rock Pipit Ullinish and 11 Black-tailed Godwits Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), female Black Redstart Tarscavaig (Kirsty Miller)
Sutherland: first-summer male Black Redstart Rogart (David Patterson), Russian White-fronted Goose Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Ballieward, Grantown-on-Spey (Chris Rose).
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), 3 Stock Doves Lower Pitcalzean, Nigg (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: drake Mandarin Loch Flemington (Colin Leslie), 100 Scaups Milton of Culloden (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: calling Nuthatch Ariundle, Sunart (Stuart Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: Scandinavian Rock Pipit Ullinish and 11 Black-tailed Godwits Dunvegan (Bob McMillan), female Black Redstart Tarscavaig (Kirsty Miller)
Sutherland: first-summer male Black Redstart Rogart (David Patterson), Russian White-fronted Goose Dornoch (per BirdGuides).
Monday 19th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig (Krystyna Keir)
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose and Iceland Gull Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Common Tern Chanonry Point (Tay), Whimbrel Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Magpie Chanonry Point (per Kevin Davis), Tree Pipit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 30 Bramblings Rosemount, by Tain (Bob Swann), Green-winged Teal & 6 Black-tailed Godwits Tain Links (Bob Swann), pale-bellied Brent Goose Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Mandarin and Blackcap Castle Heather Pond, Inverness (Simeon Ewing, Blair Johnston), Common Sandpiper Uig Bay (SG),
Lochaber: 2 Common Sandpipers Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Yellowhammer Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: pair Magpies at bird table Upper Carbost (A Henning).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (Blair Whyte).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Cuckoo Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig (Krystyna Keir)
Easter Ross: Richardson's Cackling Goose and Iceland Gull Udale Bay (Lynda Graham), Common Tern Chanonry Point (Tay), Whimbrel Chanonry Point (John Carruthers), Magpie Chanonry Point (per Kevin Davis), Tree Pipit Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis),Black-throated Diver SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), 30 Bramblings Rosemount, by Tain (Bob Swann), Green-winged Teal & 6 Black-tailed Godwits Tain Links (Bob Swann), pale-bellied Brent Goose Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Mandarin and Blackcap Castle Heather Pond, Inverness (Simeon Ewing, Blair Johnston), Common Sandpiper Uig Bay (SG),
Lochaber: 2 Common Sandpipers Achabeag, Morvern (Alan Kennedy), Yellowhammer Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: pair Magpies at bird table Upper Carbost (A Henning).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (Blair Whyte).
Sunday 18th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Common Cranes flew N over Highland Wildlife Park - possibly heard over Nethybridge on 17th (Andy Tonge), 1200 Sand Martins Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), later 1250 there (Fraser Todd), pair Mandarins Grantown Woods (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: House Martin Tarbat Ness Lighthouse + 3 Magpies (Dave Tanner), Great Crested Grebe Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), 3 Stock Doves Brahan (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: male Gadwall Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte), male Mandarin Castle Heather Pond (Nev Wright), Cuckoo West Balbeg (Carol Miller)
Skye & Lochalsh: pale-bellied Brent Goose Broadford Bay and 2 Whimbrels Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Cuckoo Harrapool (A McL).
Sutherland: N race Eider (borealis) Coul Links and 5 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean Macaskill)
Wester Ross: 2CY Iceland Gull Ullapool (Milo Mole).
Saturday 17th April
Easter Ross: Gadwall and two Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness also Iceland Gull, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). One Whimbrel and two White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Blackcap, Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler, Arienas Wood (Steve Hardy via Bob McMillan). Glaucous Gull at the mouth of the Lochy (Alan Kennedy)
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo, Harrapool (FO-W) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Calum Urquhart)
Easter Ross: Gadwall and two Whimbrel, Tarbat Ness also Iceland Gull, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner). One Whimbrel and two White Wagtails, Chanonry Point (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Blackcap, Craig Dunain (Sam Borthwick)
Lochaber: Wood Warbler, Arienas Wood (Steve Hardy via Bob McMillan). Glaucous Gull at the mouth of the Lochy (Alan Kennedy)
Skye & Lochalsh: Cuckoo, Harrapool (FO-W) per Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, Ullapool Harbour (Calum Urquhart)
Friday 16th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ouzel, Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge), large group of House Martins, Craggan, Grantown on Spey (Sue Sykes), Common Sandpiper, Loch Vaa (Audrey Turner), several Willow Warblers, Milton Loch (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Chanonry Point and another at Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Willow Warblers and three Blackcaps, Contin Island (Keith Barnes). Probable Richardson's Cackling Goose, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) Common Sandpiper and Ring Ouzel, Strathconon (Clair Bale)
Inverness: Drake Mandarin, Castle Heather Park pond (Simeon Ewing)
Skye & Lochalsh: House Martin, Uig (ML), two Common Sandpipers, Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), Grasshopper Warbler, Ord (HM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Influx of Willow Warblers in Dornoch area also 32 White Wagtails at the Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Nuthatch, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ouzel, Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge), large group of House Martins, Craggan, Grantown on Spey (Sue Sykes), Common Sandpiper, Loch Vaa (Audrey Turner), several Willow Warblers, Milton Loch (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: Whimbrel, Chanonry Point and another at Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Three Willow Warblers and three Blackcaps, Contin Island (Keith Barnes). Probable Richardson's Cackling Goose, Udale Bay (Kevin Davis) Common Sandpiper and Ring Ouzel, Strathconon (Clair Bale)
Inverness: Drake Mandarin, Castle Heather Park pond (Simeon Ewing)
Skye & Lochalsh: House Martin, Uig (ML), two Common Sandpipers, Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC), Grasshopper Warbler, Ord (HM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Influx of Willow Warblers in Dornoch area also 32 White Wagtails at the Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Nuthatch, Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 15th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hoopoe, Ardverikie Estate (approx NN 522 867). Park in lay-by on A86 near the Gate Lodge and walk/cycle in. Ring Ouzel, Cairngorm mountain car park (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Single Whimbrel, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tain Links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Swifts (screaming) over Inverness (Phil Clark). Cuckoo, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller). Willow Warblers reported from Glen Cannich (Colin Leslie), Merkinch (Caroline Snow), Inverness (Sam Borthwick) and Coignafearn also a Ring Ouzel there (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Widespread arrival of Willow Warblers with reports from Uig (SG), Kilmuir (JJ), Braebost (SP), Camas na Sgianadin (ST), Portree (TH), Lochailort (SC), Harrapool (MB), several at Drumfearn (PK) and at Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull, Oldshore Beg (Rob Hughes) Probable Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at house named "Cullaird" north of Lochinver on B869 (NC0835 2510), Please respect privacy and social distancing (no sign of the bird today). Great White Egret, Oldany Farm, Lochinver (David Haines) Single Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (Rob Hughes)
Wester Ross: Willow Warblers around Kinlochewe and Beinn Eighe NNR (Jonathan Willet). 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Hoopoe, Ardverikie Estate (approx NN 522 867). Park in lay-by on A86 near the Gate Lodge and walk/cycle in. Ring Ouzel, Cairngorm mountain car park (Alan MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Single Whimbrel, Chanonry (Kevin Davis) Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tain Links (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Swifts (screaming) over Inverness (Phil Clark). Cuckoo, Glen Urquhart (Carol Miller). Willow Warblers reported from Glen Cannich (Colin Leslie), Merkinch (Caroline Snow), Inverness (Sam Borthwick) and Coignafearn also a Ring Ouzel there (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Widespread arrival of Willow Warblers with reports from Uig (SG), Kilmuir (JJ), Braebost (SP), Camas na Sgianadin (ST), Portree (TH), Lochailort (SC), Harrapool (MB), several at Drumfearn (PK) and at Kinloch, Rum (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Glaucous Gull, Oldshore Beg (Rob Hughes) Probable Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at house named "Cullaird" north of Lochinver on B869 (NC0835 2510), Please respect privacy and social distancing (no sign of the bird today). Great White Egret, Oldany Farm, Lochinver (David Haines) Single Lapland Bunting, Sheigra (Rob Hughes)
Wester Ross: Willow Warblers around Kinlochewe and Beinn Eighe NNR (Jonathan Willet). 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 14th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Common Sandpipers, River Spey at Kinrara (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Still at least one Lapland Bunting and five Snow Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) later eight Lapland Buntings reported on BirdGuides NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Single House Martin, Gollanfield (Jon Clarke) Common Sandpiper and Swallow, River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wryneck, Isle of Eigg (Pascal Carr via JC), Iceland Gull and several Willow Warblers, Eigg (JC) also Willow Warbler, Uig (ML), Swallows at Harrapool (NB) and Plockton Airstrip (JS) possibler "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Ullinish (David McGough) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls, 14 Sand Martins Brora (Dave Tanner). Lapland Bunting, Sandwood Bay (Rob Hughes)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Common Sandpipers, River Spey at Kinrara (Craig Johnstone)
Easter Ross: Still at least one Lapland Bunting and five Snow Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) later eight Lapland Buntings reported on BirdGuides NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Single House Martin, Gollanfield (Jon Clarke) Common Sandpiper and Swallow, River Beauly (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wryneck, Isle of Eigg (Pascal Carr via JC), Iceland Gull and several Willow Warblers, Eigg (JC) also Willow Warbler, Uig (ML), Swallows at Harrapool (NB) and Plockton Airstrip (JS) possibler "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Ullinish (David McGough) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Three Little Gulls, 14 Sand Martins Brora (Dave Tanner). Lapland Bunting, Sandwood Bay (Rob Hughes)
Tuesday 13th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Tree Pipits, Inshriach (Colin Leslie). c470 Pink-footed Geese over Dava Moor (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: 4 Velvet Scoters past Tarbat Ness, also Wheatear there (Dave Tanner). Blackcap singing, Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers). Still at least five Lapland Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Keith Barnes) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Mandarin duck on Caledonian Canal, Clachnaharry (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Blackcap at Edinbane (JJ), Willow Warbler, Lower Milovaig (AS), Swallow, Laig, Isle of Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Ring Ouzel, Sheigra Beach also Lapland Bunting (Rob Hughes). 28 Greenshank, The Mound (Dean MacAskill). Nine Little Gulls and four Snow Buntings, Brora (Simon Levene)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Tree Pipits, Inshriach (Colin Leslie). c470 Pink-footed Geese over Dava Moor (Mike Crutch)
Easter Ross: 4 Velvet Scoters past Tarbat Ness, also Wheatear there (Dave Tanner). Blackcap singing, Rosemarkie beach (John Carruthers). Still at least five Lapland Buntings, Tarbat Ness (Keith Barnes) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park
Inverness: Mandarin duck on Caledonian Canal, Clachnaharry (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Blackcap at Edinbane (JJ), Willow Warbler, Lower Milovaig (AS), Swallow, Laig, Isle of Eigg (JC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Ring Ouzel, Sheigra Beach also Lapland Bunting (Rob Hughes). 28 Greenshank, The Mound (Dean MacAskill). Nine Little Gulls and four Snow Buntings, Brora (Simon Levene)
Monday 12th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper, River Spey at Grantown (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: 10 Snow Buntings and 14 Lapland Buntings between Wilkhaven Farm and Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven (Dean MacAskill) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park Two Blackcaps, Rosehaugh Estate (Bob Wilson). c300 Long-tailed Ducks, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 12 Swallows over River Conon (David Bain)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Inverailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Singing Willow Warbler, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), Blackcap, Glasnakille (MH), Ring Ouzel, Boreraig (DR) per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper, River Spey at Grantown (Blair Johnston)
Easter Ross: 10 Snow Buntings and 14 Lapland Buntings between Wilkhaven Farm and Brucefield Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven (Dean MacAskill) NB - Do not enter fields and only park in main Tarbat Ness car park Two Blackcaps, Rosehaugh Estate (Bob Wilson). c300 Long-tailed Ducks, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). 12 Swallows over River Conon (David Bain)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Inverailort, Morar (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Singing Willow Warbler, Drumfearn, Sleat (PK), Blackcap, Glasnakille (MH), Ring Ouzel, Boreraig (DR) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 11th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Confluence of River Dulnain and River Spey (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Eight Lapland Buntings and around 20 Snow Buntings still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also 20+ Purple Sandpipers there and 70+ Sand Martins, Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill). Swallow at Loch Eye (Bob Swan). Two Stock Doves and "good numbers" of Bramblings, Kirkmichael, Gordons Mill (Mark Finn). Single Whimbrel on the beach (in the snow!), Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan). Two Swallows Arisaig (RD) and a single Magpie, Mallaig (S, MacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Slavonian Grebes and 31 Great Northern Divers off Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and six Black-throated Divers in Bracadale Bay off Ullinish (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Durness, 730 Barnacle Geese, 63 Whooper swan, 110 Golden plover, two pairs of Gadwall, one Pintail, 14 Sandwich Terns, two Wheatear, 300 Icelandic Redwings and an adult Little Gull, by the cemetery, also an Osprey at Loch Merkland (Dean MacAskill). Lapland Bunting, Balchladich, Assynt (Shannon Clifford)
Wester Ross: 26 Greenshank, Loch Carron (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Swallow at Clachan, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher, Confluence of River Dulnain and River Spey (Pete Moore)
Easter Ross: Eight Lapland Buntings and around 20 Snow Buntings still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) also 20+ Purple Sandpipers there and 70+ Sand Martins, Loch Eye (Alan MacAskill). Swallow at Loch Eye (Bob Swan). Two Stock Doves and "good numbers" of Bramblings, Kirkmichael, Gordons Mill (Mark Finn). Single Whimbrel on the beach (in the snow!), Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Singing Willow Warbler, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan). Two Swallows Arisaig (RD) and a single Magpie, Mallaig (S, MacD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Slavonian Grebes and 31 Great Northern Divers off Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and six Black-throated Divers in Bracadale Bay off Ullinish (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Durness, 730 Barnacle Geese, 63 Whooper swan, 110 Golden plover, two pairs of Gadwall, one Pintail, 14 Sandwich Terns, two Wheatear, 300 Icelandic Redwings and an adult Little Gull, by the cemetery, also an Osprey at Loch Merkland (Dean MacAskill). Lapland Bunting, Balchladich, Assynt (Shannon Clifford)
Wester Ross: 26 Greenshank, Loch Carron (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Swallow at Clachan, Lochbroom (Tessa Rhodes)
Saturday 10th April
Easter Ross: three (2m/1f) Lapland Buntings at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), two males still present into the afternoon (Steve Broyd), rising to fourby 1530hrs and eight by 1700hrs (Bob Swann), with 21 Snow Buntings also present (Tay Davies) - final count across the day was 7m/2f. Seven Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at the Isle of Muck fish farm (Ronnie Dyer). Swallow at Roag, Dunvegan ('PK'), plus small numbers of Whooper Swan across region as well as skeins of Pink-footed Geese numbering between 80 and 300 - via skye-birds,com
Easter Ross: three (2m/1f) Lapland Buntings at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), two males still present into the afternoon (Steve Broyd), rising to fourby 1530hrs and eight by 1700hrs (Bob Swann), with 21 Snow Buntings also present (Tay Davies) - final count across the day was 7m/2f. Seven Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull at the Isle of Muck fish farm (Ronnie Dyer). Swallow at Roag, Dunvegan ('PK'), plus small numbers of Whooper Swan across region as well as skeins of Pink-footed Geese numbering between 80 and 300 - via skye-birds,com
Friday 9th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard seen over the Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge via Facebook)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still present at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness along with c500 Pink-footed Geese, plus male Merlin nearby (Dave Tanner). Eleven Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 155 Whooper Swans at Rhynie, near Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Black Redstart amongst the caravans by the pier at Embo, with two Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst Pink-feet at Skelbo, and 24 Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Embo in the afternoon was a single sumplum Slavonian Grebe, plus 22 Common Scoter and 17 Long-tailed Duck, plus nine Sandwich Terns (Blair Whyte). Five Little Gulls on the Dalchalm Burn mouth at North Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Wester Ross: 18 Greenshank at the head of Loch Carron ('JN' via skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard seen over the Highland Wildlife Park (Andy Tonge via Facebook)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still present at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness along with c500 Pink-footed Geese, plus male Merlin nearby (Dave Tanner). Eleven Greenshank at Redcastle (Bob Wilson). 155 Whooper Swans at Rhynie, near Loch Eye (Bob Swann)
Sutherland: Black Redstart amongst the caravans by the pier at Embo, with two Greenland White-fronted Geese amongst Pink-feet at Skelbo, and 24 Snow Bunting at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Off Embo in the afternoon was a single sumplum Slavonian Grebe, plus 22 Common Scoter and 17 Long-tailed Duck, plus nine Sandwich Terns (Blair Whyte). Five Little Gulls on the Dalchalm Burn mouth at North Brora (Sandy Sutherland)
Wester Ross: 18 Greenshank at the head of Loch Carron ('JN' via skye-birds.com)
Thursday 8th April
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) with eight Snow Bunting present later in the day (Blair Whyte). 135 Whooper Swans at Loch Eye (Bob Swann) with three White-fronted Geese (adult Greenland and 2CY Russian plus one other) to the southwest of the loch, the Pink-footed Geese also present containing a single leucistic example (Pete Gordon)
Sutherland: four 1st winter and seven adult Little Gulls at Brora, while at Golspie was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose (amongst Pink-feet), and 36 Sandwich Tern off Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull still at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) with eight Snow Bunting present later in the day (Blair Whyte). 135 Whooper Swans at Loch Eye (Bob Swann) with three White-fronted Geese (adult Greenland and 2CY Russian plus one other) to the southwest of the loch, the Pink-footed Geese also present containing a single leucistic example (Pete Gordon)
Sutherland: four 1st winter and seven adult Little Gulls at Brora, while at Golspie was a single Greenland White-fronted Goose (amongst Pink-feet), and 36 Sandwich Tern off Skelbo (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 7th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Shoveler (7m/7f) at Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Pochard and 19 Sand Martins at Loch Lundie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: a first for Skye - single Stock Dove at Kilmaluag (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: twelve Grey Plovers, 15 Snow Buntings, eleven Sandwich Terns, two Wheatears and three White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Migdale were some c460 Sand Martins (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 14 Shoveler (7m/7f) at Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: immature Iceland Gull at Wilkhaven Farm, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Drake Pochard and 19 Sand Martins at Loch Lundie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: a first for Skye - single Stock Dove at Kilmaluag (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: twelve Grey Plovers, 15 Snow Buntings, eleven Sandwich Terns, two Wheatears and three White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Migdale were some c460 Sand Martins (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 6th April
Easter Ross: c2,500 Kittiwakes and over 750 Gannets amongst the large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Wheatear at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Three Ring Ouzels visiting a garden in the Upper Knockbain Road area of Dingwall (Roger Fothergill). Stock Dove at Kirkmichael (Kevin Davis) - a pair have been seen in recent days also in the area (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear at Merkinch LNR (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Ashaig, with a White-tailed Eagle showing a keen interest (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Snow Buntings at the Ullapool campsite (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: c2,500 Kittiwakes and over 750 Gannets amongst the large seabird movement off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Wheatear at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Three Ring Ouzels visiting a garden in the Upper Knockbain Road area of Dingwall (Roger Fothergill). Stock Dove at Kirkmichael (Kevin Davis) - a pair have been seen in recent days also in the area (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear at Merkinch LNR (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Ashaig, with a White-tailed Eagle showing a keen interest (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: two Snow Buntings at the Ullapool campsite (Andy Williams)
Monday 5th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: c1,100 Sand Martins at Loch Insh in heavy snowfall (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenshank at Kirkmichael, plus four Wheatears (3m/1f) at Udale (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Ten Sand Martins at Loch Flemington (Calum Urquhart). 14 Meadow Pipits and four Sand Martin along the River Ness in the city centre (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Plockton ('JS') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Pair of Surf Scoters at Embo, while 14 Little Gulls are now at the Brora river mouth, plus eight Sandwich Terns and four Black-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: c1,100 Sand Martins at Loch Insh in heavy snowfall (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Greenshank at Kirkmichael, plus four Wheatears (3m/1f) at Udale (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Wheatear on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Ten Sand Martins at Loch Flemington (Calum Urquhart). 14 Meadow Pipits and four Sand Martin along the River Ness in the city centre (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Canada Geese at Plockton ('JS') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Pair of Surf Scoters at Embo, while 14 Little Gulls are now at the Brora river mouth, plus eight Sandwich Terns and four Black-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 4th April
Badenoch & Strathspey: drake Mandarin and c310 Sand Martins at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in newly-sown field at Newton farm near Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Osprey at Udale Bay, and two Swallows at Kirkmichael (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant still amongst the geese at Wester Dalziel (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: c15 House Martins at Kilchoan (Liz Hallam)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Redwings at Kensaleyre (Mark Simpson). Iceland Gull still on Loch Scresort, Rum while nocmig recording revealed overnight passage of Moorhen - a first for the island (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Snow Bunting, two Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Brora's river mouth ten Little Gulls plus six Sandwich Terns were present (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: drake Mandarin and c310 Sand Martins at Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: 2nd year Iceland Gull in newly-sown field at Newton farm near Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Osprey at Udale Bay, and two Swallows at Kirkmichael (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant still amongst the geese at Wester Dalziel (Pete Gordon)
Lochaber: c15 House Martins at Kilchoan (Liz Hallam)
Skye & Lochalsh: c100 Redwings at Kensaleyre (Mark Simpson). Iceland Gull still on Loch Scresort, Rum while nocmig recording revealed overnight passage of Moorhen - a first for the island (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: eight Snow Bunting, two Wheatear and two White Wagtails at Dornoch Point, while at Brora's river mouth ten Little Gulls plus six Sandwich Terns were present (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 3rd April
Easter Ross: Greenshank Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 3000 Pinkfeet S of Wester Dalziel (Al and Jenny McNee), White-fronted Goose with 2000 Pinkfeet Milton of Gollanfield (Al and Jenny McNee).
Lochaber: Common Sandpiper Miodar Bay, Loch Aline, Moidart (AK), White Wagtails at Rhu, Arisaig (SC) and Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald). Cuckoo in Morar (Niki Robertson via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: arrival of Wheatears, early Greenland Wheatears 12 at Glendale (12) and Ardnish, Broadford (2) (A & AS, NH), female Velvet Scoter apparently paired to male Red-breasted Merganser Loch Portee (Neil Bennett). 1stCY Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 2nd winter Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Colin Leslie).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: Greenshank Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant with 3000 Pinkfeet S of Wester Dalziel (Al and Jenny McNee), White-fronted Goose with 2000 Pinkfeet Milton of Gollanfield (Al and Jenny McNee).
Lochaber: Common Sandpiper Miodar Bay, Loch Aline, Moidart (AK), White Wagtails at Rhu, Arisaig (SC) and Traigh, Morar (Steven MacDonald). Cuckoo in Morar (Niki Robertson via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: arrival of Wheatears, early Greenland Wheatears 12 at Glendale (12) and Ardnish, Broadford (2) (A & AS, NH), female Velvet Scoter apparently paired to male Red-breasted Merganser Loch Portee (Neil Bennett). 1stCY Iceland Gull on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 2nd winter Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Colin Leslie).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Friday 2nd April
Widespread scatter of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and a few Swallows.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ousel Coire Cas, Cairn Gorm (Holly).
Easter Ross: Male Green-winged Teal Tain (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: pair Nuthatches Arisaig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Pair Surf Scoters with 3500 Common and 10 Velvet Scoters, also Great Northern Diver, Embo (Pete Gordon, Bob Wilson), White Wagtail Embo (Dean MacAskill), 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Bob Wilson).
Widespread scatter of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and a few Swallows.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ring Ousel Coire Cas, Cairn Gorm (Holly).
Easter Ross: Male Green-winged Teal Tain (Pete Gordon).
Lochaber: pair Nuthatches Arisaig (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: Pair Surf Scoters with 3500 Common and 10 Velvet Scoters, also Great Northern Diver, Embo (Pete Gordon, Bob Wilson), White Wagtail Embo (Dean MacAskill), 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Bob Wilson).
Thursday 1st April
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair Gadwalls below Clunie Castle (Pete Gordon), pair Shovelers Insh Marshes (Steve Reddick), Ring Ousel Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: Wheatear Fort George (Jonathan Clarke) - slow arrival in east.
Skye & Lochalsh: marked arrival of Wheatears with 10+ reported on Skye, a few on Eigg and 10 at Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan), reeling Grasshopper Warbler Sligachan (Lis & Robbie Phillips). juv Glaucous Gull at fish farm on Rum (Sean Morris).
Badenoch & Strathspey: pair Gadwalls below Clunie Castle (Pete Gordon), pair Shovelers Insh Marshes (Steve Reddick), Ring Ousel Gaick (Dave Pierce).
Inverness: Wheatear Fort George (Jonathan Clarke) - slow arrival in east.
Skye & Lochalsh: marked arrival of Wheatears with 10+ reported on Skye, a few on Eigg and 10 at Kilmory, Rum (Bob McMillan), reeling Grasshopper Warbler Sligachan (Lis & Robbie Phillips). juv Glaucous Gull at fish farm on Rum (Sean Morris).
Wednesday 31st March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Barnacle Geese & 21 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Blargie, W of Laggan (Fraser Todd), 53 Sand Martins & 2 Swallows Spey Dam (Fraser Todd), pair of Gadwalls below Clunie Castle, near Newtonmore (Fraser Todd)..
Inverness: 7 Swallows River Ness at Harbour (Phil).
Ross-shire: Common Sandpiper hills above Dundreggan (Gus Routledge).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear Loch Slapin near Torrin (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 200 Bramblings entrance to Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 30 Sandwich Terns Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 13 Barnacle Geese & 21 Greenland White-fronted Geese Insh Marshes (Dave Pierce), 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese Blargie, W of Laggan (Fraser Todd), 53 Sand Martins & 2 Swallows Spey Dam (Fraser Todd), pair of Gadwalls below Clunie Castle, near Newtonmore (Fraser Todd)..
Inverness: 7 Swallows River Ness at Harbour (Phil).
Ross-shire: Common Sandpiper hills above Dundreggan (Gus Routledge).
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear Loch Slapin near Torrin (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 200 Bramblings entrance to Coul Farm (Dean MacAskill), 30 Sandwich Terns Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 30th March
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal Tain Links Pond (Dave Tanner), Merlin Munlochy (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: 14 Red-throated Diver Fort George (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 11 Manx Shearwaters from ferry Mallaig - Rum, 1st winter Iceland Gull & 3 LBB Gulls Loch Scresort, Rum (all Sean Morris).
Sutherland: 2CY Iceland Gull Navidale (Lorna Jappy).
Monday 29th March
Badenoch and Strathspey: 2 Magpies Garvamore and 61 Whooper Swans Sherramore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 10 Shovelers and singing Chiffchaff Bogbain (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Magpies Loch Bay, Waternish (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch and Strathspey: 2 Magpies Garvamore and 61 Whooper Swans Sherramore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: 10 Shovelers and singing Chiffchaff Bogbain (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: 2 Magpies Loch Bay, Waternish (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 28th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie Aviemore (Audrey Turner), 3 Sand Martins Loch Insh (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Sand Martin Loch Eye (Bob Swann).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter Embo, 3 (ad, 2 imms) Little Gulls Brora, Scandinavian Rock Pipit and 15 Snow Buntings Dornoch, 3 Sandwich Terns Loch Fleet (all Dean MacAskill).
Saturday 27th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40 Whooper Swans over Aviemore (Robert Turner), Ring Ouzel, Cromdale Hills (Dave Pullan), Magpie Nethybridge (Julia Douglas).
Easter Ross: Single Sandwich Tern, two Pintail (one male), 38 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Chiffchaff, Avoch (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow), four Chiffchaffs, Whiteness (Colin Leslie), Osprey, Moy (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: 22 Whooper Swans on shore at Achabeag, Morvern (AK) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Manx Shearwater from the ferry between Rum & Point of Sleat (SM), single Great Skua Pabay, Skye (RMcM) and single from ferry between Rum and Point of Sleat (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo Pier, six Little Gulls and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora (all Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 40 Whooper Swans over Aviemore (Robert Turner), Ring Ouzel, Cromdale Hills (Dave Pullan), Magpie Nethybridge (Julia Douglas).
Easter Ross: Single Sandwich Tern, two Pintail (one male), 38 Red-throated Divers, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis), Chiffchaff, Avoch (Tim Meredith)
Inverness: Chiffchaff Merkinch LNR (Caroline Snow), four Chiffchaffs, Whiteness (Colin Leslie), Osprey, Moy (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: 22 Whooper Swans on shore at Achabeag, Morvern (AK) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Manx Shearwater from the ferry between Rum & Point of Sleat (SM), single Great Skua Pabay, Skye (RMcM) and single from ferry between Rum and Point of Sleat (SM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo Pier, six Little Gulls and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora (all Dean MacAskill).
Friday 26th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Sand Martins, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Iceland Gull, Eigg (JC) 200+ Redwings at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig (RD), 42 on Lochcarron Golf Course and 27+22 Fieldfare at Strathcarron (JN) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of Cuckoo calling at Rogart (Per Facebook)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Two Sand Martins, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), juvenile Iceland Gull, Eigg (JC) 200+ Redwings at Loch nan Eala, Arisaig (RD), 42 on Lochcarron Golf Course and 27+22 Fieldfare at Strathcarron (JN) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 14 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill). Unconfirmed report of Cuckoo calling at Rogart (Per Facebook)
Thursday 25th March
Easter Ross: c360 Common Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 23 Whooper Swans and 20 Fieldfares, Heights of Docharty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Two Sandwich Terns, Whiteness (Al McNee). 70+ Scaup, Alturlie (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Sand Martin, Harrapool, Skye (Martin Benson) 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Caroy (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill). 24 Whooper Swans, Melvich and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora per BirdGuides
Easter Ross: c360 Common Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 23 Whooper Swans and 20 Fieldfares, Heights of Docharty, Dingwall (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Two Sandwich Terns, Whiteness (Al McNee). 70+ Scaup, Alturlie (Thomas Plant)
Skye & Lochalsh: Sand Martin, Harrapool, Skye (Martin Benson) 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Loch Caroy (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill). 24 Whooper Swans, Melvich and "Scandinavian" Rock Pipit, Brora per BirdGuides
Wednesday 24th March
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cotterton (Bob Wilson). Six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 41 Whooper Swans over Dunvegan this morning (G.Dunbar), 12 over Loch Poolteil (AlS) and 25 at Ashaig, Broadford late afternoon (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Two Slavonian Grebes, Harrapool, Skye per BirdGuides
Easter Ross: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cotterton (Bob Wilson). Six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis).
Skye & Lochalsh: 41 Whooper Swans over Dunvegan this morning (G.Dunbar), 12 over Loch Poolteil (AlS) and 25 at Ashaig, Broadford late afternoon (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Two Slavonian Grebes, Harrapool, Skye per BirdGuides
Tuesday 23rd March
Easter Ross: Male Shoveler and six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c100 Whooper Swans, Balmuchy and 1200 Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Adult Mediterranean Gull still off Lady Street car park, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). 20 Common Scoter, Rosemarkie Bay (Mary Galloway). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (per G Aitkin/Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Male Shoveler and six Common Scoter, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). c100 Whooper Swans, Balmuchy and 1200 Common Scoter at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Adult Mediterranean Gull still off Lady Street car park, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene). 20 Common Scoter, Rosemarkie Bay (Mary Galloway). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (per G Aitkin/Birdtrack)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (JJ) per skye-birds.com
Monday 22nd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Cairn Rynetin, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 51 Whooper Swans and 151 Knot, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Adult Mediterranean Gull, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: Three Water Rails, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear, Torrin, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 10 Snow Buntings at Dornoch Point today and four Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Cairn Rynetin, Abernethy Forest (Desmond Dugan)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 51 Whooper Swans and 151 Knot, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner) Adult Mediterranean Gull, Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene)
Inverness: Three Water Rails, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie)
Skye & Lochalsh: Wheatear, Torrin, Skye (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 10 Snow Buntings at Dornoch Point today and four Little Gulls at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 21st March
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 50+ Whooper Swans flying north over Inverness (Thomas Plant). Single Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rails, Mekinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 10 Slavonian Grebes, Inversanda Bay (per BirdGuides) 23 Whooper Swans nw over Ardtornish (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Great Skua, Pabay, Broadford Bay, 13 Whooper Swans north over Waterloo (NH) and 17 north at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter still off Embo (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Firemore Beach, Loch Ewe (Morag McCulloch)
Easter Ross: Single Black-throated Diver, Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 50+ Whooper Swans flying north over Inverness (Thomas Plant). Single Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Alturlie Pools (Blair Whyte). Two Water Rails, Mekinch LNR (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: 10 Slavonian Grebes, Inversanda Bay (per BirdGuides) 23 Whooper Swans nw over Ardtornish (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Great Skua, Pabay, Broadford Bay, 13 Whooper Swans north over Waterloo (NH) and 17 north at Neist Point (AS) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter still off Embo (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: Adult Mediterranean Gull, Firemore Beach, Loch Ewe (Morag McCulloch)
Saturday 20th March
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff at Mount Eagle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: singles of European White-fronted and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese between Ardersier and Gollandfield, plus two Stock Dove at Milton of Gollandfield (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan on Loch Laide (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Magpie in Inverlochy (Alister Anderson via Roy Dennis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Eleven Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford plus four Red-throated and two Black-throated Divers (Neil Hinchcliffe/Bob McMillan). Three Canada Geese at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Chiffchaff at Mount Eagle (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: singles of European White-fronted and Greenland White-fronted Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese between Ardersier and Gollandfield, plus two Stock Dove at Milton of Gollandfield (Dean MacAskill). Whooper Swan on Loch Laide (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Magpie in Inverlochy (Alister Anderson via Roy Dennis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 2nd winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree (Neil Bennett). Eleven Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford plus four Red-throated and two Black-throated Divers (Neil Hinchcliffe/Bob McMillan). Three Canada Geese at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - per skye-birds.com
Friday 19th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Pintail on the Balliefurth flood by Broomhill (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness, while nearby at Brucefield Farm a 1st winter Iceland Gull was present with c500 Pink-footed Geese (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whooper Swan at Camascroise, Sleat ('RC') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Pintail on the Balliefurth flood by Broomhill (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness, while nearby at Brucefield Farm a 1st winter Iceland Gull was present with c500 Pink-footed Geese (Dave Tanner). At Cromarty, 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: 24 Whooper Swan at Camascroise, Sleat ('RC') - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 18th March
Easter Ross: Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Lesser Black-backed Gull past Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 133 Pintail and five Whooper Swans at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Sandwich Terns off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Lesser Black-backed Gull past Chanonry Point (Kevin Davis). 133 Pintail and five Whooper Swans at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Slavonian Grebes at Ashaig, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two Sandwich Terns off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 17th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: contact-calling Chiffchaff at Dava (Mike Crutch/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c100 Scaup off Alturlie with usual small numbers of Slavonian Grebe and Goldeneye, while at Easter Dalziel 87 Golden Plovers were present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: first of the year Great Skua off Plockton (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan) plus a further two off Broadford with an exceptional 19 Slavonian Grebes nearby off Ashaig along with 21 Great Northern Divers and 18 Black-throated Divers (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: contact-calling Chiffchaff at Dava (Mike Crutch/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Nigg (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c100 Scaup off Alturlie with usual small numbers of Slavonian Grebe and Goldeneye, while at Easter Dalziel 87 Golden Plovers were present (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: first of the year Great Skua off Plockton (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan) plus a further two off Broadford with an exceptional 19 Slavonian Grebes nearby off Ashaig along with 21 Great Northern Divers and 18 Black-throated Divers (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 16th March
Easter Ross: at least two Hawfinch still present at Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: seven Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Johnston)
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 120 Barnacle Geese, three Great Northern Divers plus single Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe in Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill). Three juvenile Iceland Gulls following a creel boat in Loch Kishorn, plus pair of sumplum Black-throated Divers present also (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan). Leucistic Redshank at Lochcarron (Joe Newman via skye-birds.com - see that website for a photo)
Easter Ross: at least two Hawfinch still present at Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: seven Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Johnston)
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls at the Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: 120 Barnacle Geese, three Great Northern Divers plus single Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe in Gruinard Bay (Alan MacAskill). Three juvenile Iceland Gulls following a creel boat in Loch Kishorn, plus pair of sumplum Black-throated Divers present also (Martin Bliss via Bob McMillan). Leucistic Redshank at Lochcarron (Joe Newman via skye-birds.com - see that website for a photo)
Monday 15th March
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose by St Michael's Church, Udale (Calum Urquhart). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the mouth of Rosemarkie burn (John Carruthers)
Inverness: Water Rail at Merkinch reserve (Caroline Snow). Three Grey Plovers at Whiteness, with c300 Gannets and c50 Kittiwakes offshore (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: two flocks of 20 Twite in the Broadford area (Neil Bennett), and four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa Mouth in the village also (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Greenland White-fronted Goose by St Michael's Church, Udale (Calum Urquhart). Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Bob Wilson). Twelve Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the mouth of Rosemarkie burn (John Carruthers)
Inverness: Water Rail at Merkinch reserve (Caroline Snow). Three Grey Plovers at Whiteness, with c300 Gannets and c50 Kittiwakes offshore (Al & Jenny McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: two flocks of 20 Twite in the Broadford area (Neil Bennett), and four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa Mouth in the village also (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 14th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: c80 Kittiwakes on Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), with c35 moving to Loch Alvie in the afternoon (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point between 0620-0800hrs was a single Little Auk, four Black-throated Diver, 38 Red-throated Diver and five Slavonian Grebe (Kevin Davis). Five Hawfinches at Allangrange, plus Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: three Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte), joined by twelve more when Colin Leslie was there. Grey-bellied Brant amongst geese near Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Two singing Chiffchaffs at Merkinch reserve (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: c80 Barnacle Geese on Staffin Island (Bob McMillan), female Velvet Scoter still on Loch Portree plus two Lapland Buntings seen over nearby forestry (Neil Bennett), singing Chiffchaff at the Uig hotel (Seth Gibson) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c80 Kittiwakes on Loch Insh (Pete Gordon), with c35 moving to Loch Alvie in the afternoon (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: past Chanonry Point between 0620-0800hrs was a single Little Auk, four Black-throated Diver, 38 Red-throated Diver and five Slavonian Grebe (Kevin Davis). Five Hawfinches at Allangrange, plus Greenshank at Munlochy Bay (Graeme Prest)
Inverness: three Corn Bunting at Milton of Gollanfield (Blair Whyte), joined by twelve more when Colin Leslie was there. Grey-bellied Brant amongst geese near Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Two singing Chiffchaffs at Merkinch reserve (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: c80 Barnacle Geese on Staffin Island (Bob McMillan), female Velvet Scoter still on Loch Portree plus two Lapland Buntings seen over nearby forestry (Neil Bennett), singing Chiffchaff at the Uig hotel (Seth Gibson) - via skye-birds.com
Saturday 13th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon), pair of Pintails Loch Garten (Simon Eaves). .
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Brindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Hawfinch Allangrange (per BirdTrack), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross; 2 Iceland Gulls between river and harbour Ullapool (BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon), pair of Pintails Loch Garten (Simon Eaves). .
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Brindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), Hawfinch Allangrange (per BirdTrack), Greenland White-fronted Goose Udale Bay (per BirdTrack).
Inverness: 10 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Blair Whyte).
Wester Ross; 2 Iceland Gulls between river and harbour Ullapool (BirdGuides).
Friday 12th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 (2 pairs) Pintails Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), Waxwing Craighill (Gary Aitken).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Lusa River, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls Brora and 27 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 (2 pairs) Pintails Udale Bay (Mary Galloway), Waxwing Craighill (Gary Aitken).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe Alturlie (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Lusa River, Broadford (Bob McMillan)
Sutherland: 13 Little Gulls Brora and 27 Grey Plovers Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: 2 Iceland Gulls Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Thursday 11th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Tundra Bean Goose Carr Road, near Dulnain Bridge (Simon Pawsey), Green Woodpecker Loch Alvie (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethy Bridge and pair Pintails Balliefurth, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Pooltiel (Andy Stables).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Tundra Bean Goose Carr Road, near Dulnain Bridge (Simon Pawsey), Green Woodpecker Loch Alvie (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethy Bridge and pair Pintails Balliefurth, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Iceland Gull Pooltiel (Andy Stables).
Sutherland: 3 Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 10th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey (George Dunbar), pair of Pintails on flood near Broomhill Bridge, Nethybridge (Caroline Pearson).
Easter Ross: 14 Shovelers Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (NB).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Chiffchaff Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey (George Dunbar), pair of Pintails on flood near Broomhill Bridge, Nethybridge (Caroline Pearson).
Easter Ross: 14 Shovelers Loch Eye (Dave Tanner).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Canada Geese Loch Portree (NB).
Tuesday 9th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kinrara (per BirdTrack), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 Hawfinches and a Stock Dove Allangrange (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), Moorhen Loch Cillchroisd (D Inglis), 2 Canada Geese Raasay (SB), male Blackcap at feeders Edinbane (CR) - all per skye-birds.com.
Monday 8th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Auchgourish, near Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: White-fronted Goose Glenurquhart Farm, between Cromarty and Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis), Greenland White-fronted Goose near Tain (Hugh Addlesee), Blackcap in Dingwall garden (Judi MacDonald)
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: male Black Scoter with 4 Surf Scoters Embo (per BirdGuides), Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Shaz), Scandinavian Rock Pipit Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Kinrara (per BirdTrack), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 4 Hawfinches and a Stock Dove Allangrange (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), Moorhen Loch Cillchroisd (D Inglis), 2 Canada Geese Raasay (SB), male Blackcap at feeders Edinbane (CR) - all per skye-birds.com.
Monday 8th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Green Woodpecker Auchgourish, near Boat of Garten (per BirdTrack).
Easter Ross: White-fronted Goose Glenurquhart Farm, between Cromarty and Rosemarkie (Kevin Davis), Greenland White-fronted Goose near Tain (Hugh Addlesee), Blackcap in Dingwall garden (Judi MacDonald)
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Sutherland: male Black Scoter with 4 Surf Scoters Embo (per BirdGuides), Iceland Gull Helmsdale Harbour (Shaz), Scandinavian Rock Pipit Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Sunday 7th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barnacle Goose with Pinkfeet Carr Road, halfway to Carrbridge (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 3 Common Scoters Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (SC per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML per Skye-birds.com), 6/7 Greenland White-fronted Geese Trotternish (JDJ per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: leucistic Barnacle Goose below Post Office, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards), juv Iceland gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barnacle Goose with Pinkfeet Carr Road, halfway to Carrbridge (Sue Sykes).
Easter Ross: 24 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: male Shoveler Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 3 Common Scoters Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (SC per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st-winter Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (per BirdGuides), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML per Skye-birds.com), 6/7 Greenland White-fronted Geese Trotternish (JDJ per skye-birds.com).
Wester Ross: leucistic Barnacle Goose below Post Office, Achiltibuie (Stuart Edwards), juv Iceland gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Saturday 6th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: 181 Curlews flying upstream along the Spey this afternoon (Peter Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 18 Hawfinch still in trees at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: one in Inverness garden (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir, Trotternish (JDJ) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull still at Helmsdale Harbour (per BirdGuides), 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese Dornoch Beach north (R Wood)
Badenoch & Strathspey: 181 Curlews flying upstream along the Spey this afternoon (Peter Cosgrove)
Easter Ross: One Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 18 Hawfinch still in trees at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Bob Wilson)
Inverness: one in Inverness garden (Penny Insole).
Skye & Lochalsh: Seven Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir, Trotternish (JDJ) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Juvenile Iceland Gull still at Helmsdale Harbour (per BirdGuides), 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese Dornoch Beach north (R Wood)
Friday 5th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie at Laggan (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Five Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Hawfinch at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo (Alastair McNee).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Magpie at Laggan (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: Five Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Hawfinch at pond opposite Black Isle Brewery, Allangrange (Blair Whyte)
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo (Alastair McNee).
Thursday 4th March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Lynstock Crescent, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Several reports of a large flock of Hawfinches at Allangrange today with a maximum count of 24 (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch at The Lodge, Eigg (John Chester). Three Canada Geese, Isleornsay (RC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo, 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Helmsdale harbour (per BirdGuides).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Lynstock Crescent, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Several reports of a large flock of Hawfinches at Allangrange today with a maximum count of 24 (Alastair McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch at The Lodge, Eigg (John Chester). Three Canada Geese, Isleornsay (RC) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult drake Black Scoter and four Surf Scoters, Embo, 2nd Winter Iceland Gull, Helmsdale harbour (per BirdGuides).
Wednesday 3rd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Six Velvet Scoter and 36 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 27 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay, single Hawfinch in trees beside the pond opposite the Black Isle Brewery (Bob Wilson). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two female type Common Scoter on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Whooper Swans on Black Lochs, Broadford (RMcM) and two at Ardmore, Waternish (SP) per skye-birds.com. Two juvenile Iceland Gulls, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Three Surf Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Four Waxwings, Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Six Velvet Scoter and 36 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 27 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay, single Hawfinch in trees beside the pond opposite the Black Isle Brewery (Bob Wilson). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Lochaber: Two female type Common Scoter on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 15 Whooper Swans on Black Lochs, Broadford (RMcM) and two at Ardmore, Waternish (SP) per skye-birds.com. Two juvenile Iceland Gulls, Loch Kishorn (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: Three Surf Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 2nd March
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick) also four Waxwings still there, Rough Legged Buzzard, north of Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2 Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 19 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: six Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Female Velvet Scoter in Glenelg Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: one Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields below Dornoch School, 2 male and 2 female Surf Scoters, 2 Brent Geese and 34 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: single Brambling, Nethybridge (Steve Reddick) also four Waxwings still there, Rough Legged Buzzard, north of Grantown on Spey (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 2 Velvet Scoter, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Single Greenshank and 19 Whooper Swans, Munlochy Bay (Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: six Slavonian Grebes, Loch Ainort (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Female Velvet Scoter in Glenelg Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: one Greenland White-fronted Goose in fields below Dornoch School, 2 male and 2 female Surf Scoters, 2 Brent Geese and 34 Purple Sandpipers, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 1st March
Easter Ross: 11 Velvet Scoter, 32 Red-throated Divers, 10 Black Guillemot and single Barnacle Goose, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Black-throated Divers, 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and 45 Red-breasted Mergansers, Ashaig, Broadford (NB, RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: 11 Velvet Scoter, 32 Red-throated Divers, 10 Black Guillemot and single Barnacle Goose, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Black-throated Divers, 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and 45 Red-breasted Mergansers, Ashaig, Broadford (NB, RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 28th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Single male Shoveler, 82 Scaup, 52 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Red-throated Divers, off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Later the male Shoveler was reported from Udale (Mary Galloway). Two Grey Partridges and 44 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still in Glenelg bay, 68 Wigeon in Balmacara Bay and 81 at Ardelve, Lochalsh (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, 34 Velvet Scoters and 600 Common Scoters off Embo, while 20 Grey Plover, single Snow Bunting and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit at Dornoch Point (all Dean MacAskill). Single Greenland White-fronted Goose by A9 between The Mound and Golspie (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: two Slavonian Grebes, ten Great Northern Divers, Laide, two Slavonian Gebes, three Common Scoter and seven Great Northern Divers, Little Gruinard, 80 Barnacle Geese, Mungasdale, 15 Curlew, eight Redshank and one Greenshank, Dundonnel (all Andy Williams)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: Single male Shoveler, 82 Scaup, 52 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Red-throated Divers, off Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Later the male Shoveler was reported from Udale (Mary Galloway). Two Grey Partridges and 44 Red-throated Divers, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still in Glenelg bay, 68 Wigeon in Balmacara Bay and 81 at Ardelve, Lochalsh (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter, 34 Velvet Scoters and 600 Common Scoters off Embo, while 20 Grey Plover, single Snow Bunting and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit at Dornoch Point (all Dean MacAskill). Single Greenland White-fronted Goose by A9 between The Mound and Golspie (per BirdGuides)
Wester Ross: two Slavonian Grebes, ten Great Northern Divers, Laide, two Slavonian Gebes, three Common Scoter and seven Great Northern Divers, Little Gruinard, 80 Barnacle Geese, Mungasdale, 15 Curlew, eight Redshank and one Greenshank, Dundonnel (all Andy Williams)
Saturday 27th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Blair Johnston). Calling Long-eared Owl, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c2,000 Common Scoter past Tarbat Ness, heading southeast (Dave Tanner). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: White-tailed Eagle over the Milton of Leys area of the city (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Neist Point, with first Fulmars back on breeding ledges (Andy Stables). Two Canada Geese in Broadford Bay ('PO-W') - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Blair Johnston). Calling Long-eared Owl, Drumguish (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: c2,000 Common Scoter past Tarbat Ness, heading southeast (Dave Tanner). 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: White-tailed Eagle over the Milton of Leys area of the city (David Bain)
Skye & Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Neist Point, with first Fulmars back on breeding ledges (Andy Stables). Two Canada Geese in Broadford Bay ('PO-W') - per skye-birds.com
Friday 26th February
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch still visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson). Five Pintail off Redcastle (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Red-throated Divers off Scalpay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: male Hen Harrier at Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Easter Ross: three drake Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch still visiting a garden in Kildary (Lynda Simpson). Five Pintail off Redcastle (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Red-throated Divers off Scalpay (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wester Ross: male Hen Harrier at Cove (Morag McCullagh)
Thursday 25th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon/Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: immature White-tailed Eagle seen between Jemimaville and Nigg (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck plus three Slavonian Grebes, single Black-throated Diver, eight Great Northern Divers and 46 Skylarks at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon/Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: immature White-tailed Eagle seen between Jemimaville and Nigg (John Carruthers)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck plus three Slavonian Grebes, single Black-throated Diver, eight Great Northern Divers and 46 Skylarks at Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Wednesday 24th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge, while on the Bailliefurth flood north of the village was a superb count of 980 Lapwings - believed to be a record number for the area (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Purple Sandpipers at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter with c1,200 Common Scoters off Embo, while 37 Grey Plover were at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge, while on the Bailliefurth flood north of the village was a superb count of 980 Lapwings - believed to be a record number for the area (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: eight Purple Sandpipers at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter with c1,200 Common Scoters off Embo, while 37 Grey Plover were at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 23rd February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 170+ Scaup at Alturlie, Kingfisher along River Ness at Whin Park in the city (Alan MacAskill). Possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid at Alturlie (Morag McCullagh)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Waxwings still present in Nethybridge (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Black-throated Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 170+ Scaup at Alturlie, Kingfisher along River Ness at Whin Park in the city (Alan MacAskill). Possible Greater Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid at Alturlie (Morag McCullagh)
Monday 22nd February
Easter Ross: four Velvet Scoter and single Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, plus seven Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 104 Lapwing in Strathdearn (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: flock of 60 returning Skylarks at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). 13 Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: four Velvet Scoter and single Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, plus seven Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 104 Lapwing in Strathdearn (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: flock of 60 returning Skylarks at Kildonan, Eigg (John Chester). 13 Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sunday 21st February
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Hen Harrier at Auchmore, Newtonmore (Tony Hadley via Facebook). Two Ringed Plover back on breeding territory near Dalwhinnie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: drake and female Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: four Grey Plover at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford (Martin Benson). Eight Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: female Hen Harrier at Auchmore, Newtonmore (Tony Hadley via Facebook). Two Ringed Plover back on breeding territory near Dalwhinnie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: drake and female Velvet Scoter off Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: four Grey Plover at Whiteness (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: drake Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford (Martin Benson). Eight Whooper Swans on Loch na Corr, Inverinate ('DM') - per skye-birds.com
Saturday 20th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Pintails, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 182 Lapwings Insh (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: female Blackcap visiting a garden in the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce there) Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Pintails, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 182 Lapwings Insh (Dave Pierce), 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Inverness: female Blackcap visiting a garden in the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Sutherland: 5 Little Gulls Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce there) Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Friday 19th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 6 Grey Plovers, c250 Twite and Goldfinch Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull Lower Milovaig (AS), adult Iceland Gull and female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (MC) - all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 4 Waxwings Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 6 Grey Plovers, c250 Twite and Goldfinch Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: adult Iceland Gull Lower Milovaig (AS), adult Iceland Gull and female Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB), female Blackcap at feeders Uig (MC) - all per skye-birds.com
Thursday 18th February
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool (Stuart Edwards).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Duisdale Burn, Sleat (RC per skye-birds.com).
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool (Stuart Edwards).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls Duisdale Burn, Sleat (RC per skye-birds.com).
Wednesday 17th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Nethybridge (John Clube)
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Jack Snipe Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill), Black-throated Diver Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Dunvegan (Andy Stables), Lesser Black-backed Gull Broadford (Neil Bennett), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Neil Bennett).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Nethybridge (John Clube)
Easter Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Jack Snipe Easter Dalziel (Alan MacAskill), Black-throated Diver Alturlie (Alan MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Dunvegan (Andy Stables), Lesser Black-backed Gull Broadford (Neil Bennett), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Neil Bennett).
Tuesday 16th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull Loch Insh and a Black-headed Gull at Newtonmore (Fraser Todd) - these three species desert Badenoch & Strathspey almost completely in winter.
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 3 Snow Buntings near Dunvegan (AS), Brent Goose Sleat (Bob McMillan) - all per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull Loch Insh and a Black-headed Gull at Newtonmore (Fraser Todd) - these three species desert Badenoch & Strathspey almost completely in winter.
Skye & Lochalsh: male Long-tailed Duck Ashaig (Bob McMillan), 3 Snow Buntings near Dunvegan (AS), Brent Goose Sleat (Bob McMillan) - all per skye-birds.com
Monday 15th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: 5 Twites and 3 Skylarks Laggan (Fraser Todd), 4 Oystercatchers R Spey near Aviemore (Pete Gordon) - signs of spring.
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 2 Jack Snipes Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1200 Common Scoters Embo and 120 Bramblings Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 5 Twites and 3 Skylarks Laggan (Fraser Todd), 4 Oystercatchers R Spey near Aviemore (Pete Gordon) - signs of spring.
Easter Ross: Hawfinch Kildary (Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 2 Jack Snipes Easter Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter with 1200 Common Scoters Embo and 120 Bramblings Skelbo (Dean MacAskill).
This Little Bunting was near Boat of Garten 31 January - 1 February. News of its presence was not broadcast as the site is vey public and locals would have been concerned about crowds gathering. There must be more out there!
Sunday 14th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Kingussie (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher Lentran (Thomas Plant), Kingfisher Cononbridge (Edwin Hafiz), juvenile Iceland Gull Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 3 Stock Doves near Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML), Snow Bunting Kylerhea Road (NK), 3 Snow Buntings Upper Milovaig (AS), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com.
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher Kingussie (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher Lentran (Thomas Plant), Kingfisher Cononbridge (Edwin Hafiz), juvenile Iceland Gull Portmahomack (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: 3 Stock Doves near Fort William (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: female Blackcap at feeders Uig (ML), Snow Bunting Kylerhea Road (NK), 3 Snow Buntings Upper Milovaig (AS), Long-tailed Duck Ashaig, Broadford (Bob McMillan), Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com.
Saturday 13th February
Easter Ross: Two Jack Snipe, east of Shoremill between Cromarty and Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Three Jack Snipe, 45 Brambling and 50+ Tree Sparrows, Gordon's Mill, Balblair (Mark Finn).
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig (AS) with also separate groups of three and 10 on the Heaste Road (NB), Jack Snipe with a Common Snipe at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com.
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at river mouth, Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Easter Ross: Two Jack Snipe, east of Shoremill between Cromarty and Jemimaville (Kevin Davis). Three Jack Snipe, 45 Brambling and 50+ Tree Sparrows, Gordon's Mill, Balblair (Mark Finn).
Skye & Lochalsh: Three Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig (AS) with also separate groups of three and 10 on the Heaste Road (NB), Jack Snipe with a Common Snipe at Harrapool, Broadford (NB) per skye-birds.com.
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at river mouth, Ullapool (Andy Williams)
Friday 12th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Water Rail, Mains of Garten (Dave Pullan)
Easter Ross: Male Hen Harrier and also 30 Snow Buntings, one Brambling with mixed flock, Eathie Mains . 10 Snow Buntings, one Brambling and 130 Skylarks, Navity (all Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Slavonian Grebes off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hen Harrier, Assynt (Andy Summers via David Haines)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Water Rail, Mains of Garten (Dave Pullan)
Easter Ross: Male Hen Harrier and also 30 Snow Buntings, one Brambling with mixed flock, Eathie Mains . 10 Snow Buntings, one Brambling and 130 Skylarks, Navity (all Kevin Davis)
Skye & Lochalsh: Five Slavonian Grebes off Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Hen Harrier, Assynt (Andy Summers via David Haines)
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull at harbour, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Thursday 11th February
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at South Sutor (Kevin Davis). 100+ Snow Buntings in mixed flock with Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Brambling, Chaffinch and Skylark, Eathie Mains, Black Isle (Tim Stenton)
Inverness: Three Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Goose flock, Alturlie (Blair Johnston). Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting on Kylerhea road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Possible Firecrest, Lochcarron (Euan McMillan via Bob McMillan)
Easter Ross: Jack Snipe at South Sutor (Kevin Davis). 100+ Snow Buntings in mixed flock with Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Brambling, Chaffinch and Skylark, Eathie Mains, Black Isle (Tim Stenton)
Inverness: Three Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Goose flock, Alturlie (Blair Johnston). Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Al McNee)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting on Kylerhea road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com. Iceland Gull, Loch Kishorn (Joe Newman via Bob McMillan). Possible Firecrest, Lochcarron (Euan McMillan via Bob McMillan)
Wednesday 10th February
Easter Ross: Water Rail, Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 110 Scaup and 10 Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Snow Buntings, Kilmory Glen Rum (SM), Jack Snipe and five Woodcock on shore at Duisdale, Sleat (RC) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Water Rail, Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: 110 Scaup and 10 Slavonian Grebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Two Snow Buntings, Kilmory Glen Rum (SM), Jack Snipe and five Woodcock on shore at Duisdale, Sleat (RC) per skye-birds.com
Tuesday 9th February
Easter Ross: Hawfinch, Kildary (Lynda Simpson). 14 Grey Partridges, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Greenland White-fronted Geese, Ardersier (Paul Sharman)
Lochaber: 16 Snow Buntings, Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) Six Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig, Glendale (AS), 16 Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) and 15 still at Heaste Road, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull at the pier and Water Rail by the caravan park, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: Hawfinch, Kildary (Lynda Simpson). 14 Grey Partridges, Wilkhaven Farm (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Two Greenland White-fronted Geese, Ardersier (Paul Sharman)
Lochaber: 16 Snow Buntings, Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) per skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 9 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Kilmuir (RMcM) Six Snow Buntings at Upper Milovaig, Glendale (AS), 16 Glen Shian, Lochailort (SC) and 15 still at Heaste Road, Broadford (NB) all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull at the pier and Water Rail by the caravan park, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Monday 8th February
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: One juv Iceland Gull, Lochy estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting in Kinloch Glen, Rum (SM) and two on the Kylerhea Road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: One juv Iceland Gull, Lochy estuary, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Snow Bunting in Kinloch Glen, Rum (SM) and two on the Kylerhea Road in Glen Arroch (RMcM) per skye-birds.com
Sunday 7th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Possible Nordic Jackdaw, Aviemore (via Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch in private garden, Kildary (via John Poyner)
Inverness: 52 Twite and 9 Grey Plover, Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at the mouth of the River Morar (SMacD), four Snow Buntings at Uileann plantation, Morvern (AK)- all per skye-birds.com. Eight Snow Buntings, Glen Moidart (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Snow Bunting, Kylerhea road (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One drake Surf Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Possible Nordic Jackdaw, Aviemore (via Paul Phillips)
Easter Ross: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Hawfinch in private garden, Kildary (via John Poyner)
Inverness: 52 Twite and 9 Grey Plover, Whiteness Bay (Colin Leslie).
Lochaber: Kingfisher at the mouth of the River Morar (SMacD), four Snow Buntings at Uileann plantation, Morvern (AK)- all per skye-birds.com. Eight Snow Buntings, Glen Moidart (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Snow Bunting, Kylerhea road (RMcM) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: One drake Surf Scoter off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 6th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Jays at Farleitire, Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 21 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie, plus a Kingfisher on the Avoch burn (John Carruthers). Reports of three Hawfinches feeding in Tore in recent days (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Golden Plover at Neist Point with a further two at Glendale (Andy Stables). 20 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford and two at Ashaig airstrip (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: Great Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: four Jays at Farleitire, Insh (Duncan Macdonald)
Easter Ross: 21 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie, plus a Kingfisher on the Avoch burn (John Carruthers). Reports of three Hawfinches feeding in Tore in recent days (via John Poyner)
Skye & Lochalsh: nine Golden Plover at Neist Point with a further two at Glendale (Andy Stables). 20 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford and two at Ashaig airstrip (Martin Benson) - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: Great Skua off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 5th February
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: now 30 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) and three nearby at Ashaig along with 15 Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). 45 Golden Plover at Waternish ('SP') - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: six (5 adult plus a 1st winter) Little Gulls and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Steve Broyd)
Skye & Lochalsh: now 30 Snow Buntings on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) and three nearby at Ashaig along with 15 Golden Plover (Bob McMillan). 45 Golden Plover at Waternish ('SP') - per skye-birds,com
Sutherland: six (5 adult plus a 1st winter) Little Gulls and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Brora (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 4th February
Easter Ross: 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: ring-tail Hen Harrier on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: c20 Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and 600 Common Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Late report of a Wheatear sp. at Golspie beach on 29th January - possible 'only' a Northern ssp., but timing of the record is exceptional (Cathy Spearing via Dean MacAskill/John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Easter Ross: 16 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: ring-tail Hen Harrier on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: c20 Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and 600 Common Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Late report of a Wheatear sp. at Golspie beach on 29th January - possible 'only' a Northern ssp., but timing of the record is exceptional (Cathy Spearing via Dean MacAskill/John Poyner)
Wester Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull, Ullapool (per BirdGuides)
Wednesday 3rd February
Easter Ross: 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Kingfisher at Kiltearn, Evanton (Clair Bale). Single Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: male Blackcap visiting garden the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford with 18 Red-breasted Mergansers (Bob McMillan). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn (Neil Hinchcliffe). Four Woodcock near the school hostel in Plockton ('MBI'). Snow Buntings reported as follows - single on the Kylerhea road (Bob McMillan), twelve at Kilmory on Rum (Sean Morris), two at Duirinish ('MBI'), and 20 on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls and 24 Golden Plover at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas). Kingfisher at Kiltearn, Evanton (Clair Bale). Single Purple Sandpiper and Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: male Blackcap visiting garden the Crown area of the city (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: Long-tailed Duck at Ashaig, Broadford with 18 Red-breasted Mergansers (Bob McMillan). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn (Neil Hinchcliffe). Four Woodcock near the school hostel in Plockton ('MBI'). Snow Buntings reported as follows - single on the Kylerhea road (Bob McMillan), twelve at Kilmory on Rum (Sean Morris), two at Duirinish ('MBI'), and 20 on the Heaste road, Broadford (Neil Bennett) - all per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls and 24 Golden Plover at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 2nd February
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Red Kite in Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Andy Stables) plus five on the Kylerhea road (Neil Hinchcliffe). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) with two others (1st and 2nd winter birds) seen by Bob McMillan on Loch Kishorn. Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher and Red Kite in Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Skye & Lochalsh: two Snow Buntings along the Heaste road, Broadford (Andy Stables) plus five on the Kylerhea road (Neil Hinchcliffe). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kildonan Bay, Eigg (John Chester) with two others (1st and 2nd winter birds) seen by Bob McMillan on Loch Kishorn. Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 1st February
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and single Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal off Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well offshore at Lusa mouth, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and seven Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings still around Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and single Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal off Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well offshore at Lusa mouth, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Broadford Bay (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter and seven Velvet Scoters off Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 31st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings around Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Woodcock near Tarbat Ness lighthouse (Dave Tanner). Water Rail along burn opposite the old brewery in Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Greenland White-fronted Geese plus possible Tundra Bean Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese flock north of Beauly (Calum Urquhart)
Lochaber: four Snow Bunting at Uillean, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen briefly in Pabay Sound (Martin Benson). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Poolteil (Andy Stables), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter amongst c4,500 Common Scoter off Coul Links, 17 Slavonian Grebes and single Puffin also. Off Dornoch beach were 20 Slavonian Grebes, 91 Velvet Scoters and 45 Red-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings around Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves/Pete Gordon)
Easter Ross: single Woodcock near Tarbat Ness lighthouse (Dave Tanner). Water Rail along burn opposite the old brewery in Shore Street, Cromarty (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: two Greenland White-fronted Geese plus possible Tundra Bean Goose amongst Pink-footed Geese flock north of Beauly (Calum Urquhart)
Lochaber: four Snow Bunting at Uillean, Morvern (Alan Kennedy via Bob McMillan)
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen briefly in Pabay Sound (Martin Benson). Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Poolteil (Andy Stables), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via Bob McMillan/skye-birds.com
Sutherland: drake Surf Scoter amongst c4,500 Common Scoter off Coul Links, 17 Slavonian Grebes and single Puffin also. Off Dornoch beach were 20 Slavonian Grebes, 91 Velvet Scoters and 45 Red-throated Divers (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 30th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin and Hen Harrier seen from Ruthven Barracks (Simon Eaves). Drake Scaup and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Loch Insh (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Eathie Mains (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: first-winter Glaucous Gull flew up Loch Linnhe to Lochy mouth (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen distantly Pabay Sound (MB per skye-birds.com), 13 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (ML per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 15 Golden Plover at Loch Fleet (Sheila McKenzie)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting at far end of dam, Loch Glascarnoch (Simeon Ewing).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Merlin and Hen Harrier seen from Ruthven Barracks (Simon Eaves). Drake Scaup and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Loch Insh (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: male Hen Harrier Eathie Mains (Kevin Davis).
Lochaber: first-winter Glaucous Gull flew up Loch Linnhe to Lochy mouth (Stu Crutchfield).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver seen distantly Pabay Sound (MB per skye-birds.com), 13 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (ML per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: 15 Golden Plover at Loch Fleet (Sheila McKenzie)
Wester Ross: Snow Bunting at far end of dam, Loch Glascarnoch (Simeon Ewing).
Friday 29th January
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), Hawfinch in private garden KiIdary (Alan & Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 141 Scaups, 2 Pintails Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 12 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose Embo, male Hen Harrier Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Ruddy Shelduck Udale Bay (Alister Clunas), Hawfinch in private garden KiIdary (Alan & Lynda Simpson).
Inverness: 141 Scaups, 2 Pintails Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Snow Bunting, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: 7 Snow Buntings Heaste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett).
Sutherland: 12 Snow Buntings, 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose Embo, male Hen Harrier Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Thursday 28th January
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Hawfinch in private garden Avoch (per Facebook), juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Snow Buntings Heaste (Neil Bennett) and 7 near viewpoint on Heaste Road (Bob McMillan) - probably different
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull with 2 Goosanders Ullapool rivermouth (Stuart Edwards).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden Kildary (Lynda Simpson), Hawfinch in private garden Avoch (per Facebook), juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: 5 Snow Buntings Heaste (Neil Bennett) and 7 near viewpoint on Heaste Road (Bob McMillan) - probably different
Wester Ross: juv Iceland Gull with 2 Goosanders Ullapool rivermouth (Stuart Edwards).
Wednesday 27th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Shelducks with Whooper Swans between Balavil and Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden between Tain and Invergordon (Per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 10 Goosanders and male Hen Harrier Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Snow Buntings over Heiste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett), 50 Barnacle Geese Eilean Mor, off Lyndale Point (per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Shelducks with Whooper Swans between Balavil and Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Hawfinch in private garden between Tain and Invergordon (Per Highland and Moray Bird News).
Inverness: Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill).
Lochaber: 10 Goosanders and male Hen Harrier Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (Ronnie Dyer).
Skye & Lochalsh: 16 Snow Buntings over Heiste Road, Broadford (Neil Bennett), 50 Barnacle Geese Eilean Mor, off Lyndale Point (per skye-birds.com).
Tuesday 26th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Auchmore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 196 Scaup, 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie and pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfeet Alturlie Pools, Peregrine & Red Kite over (all Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver briefly in Pabay Sound, Broadford Bay. Glaucous Gull 1st winter following creel boat Broadford Bay, Water Rail Scullamus, Broadford (all Neil Bennett), Slavonian Grebe off Am Ploc, Kyle of Lochalsh (JN per skye-birds.com).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Short-eared Owl Auchmore (Fraser Todd).
Easter Ross: Short-eared Owl Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen).
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 196 Scaup, 8 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie and pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese with Pinkfeet Alturlie Pools, Peregrine & Red Kite over (all Blair Whyte).
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver briefly in Pabay Sound, Broadford Bay. Glaucous Gull 1st winter following creel boat Broadford Bay, Water Rail Scullamus, Broadford (all Neil Bennett), Slavonian Grebe off Am Ploc, Kyle of Lochalsh (JN per skye-birds.com).
Monday 25th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 3 Waxwings Boat of Garten Golf Course entrance, later by Holiday Park Reception (Peter Norgate).
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Lochaber: Hen Harrier ringtail Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 8 Great Northern and 1 Black-throated Divers off Lusa, Broadford but no sign of White-billed (Bob McMillan, NH).
Sunday 24th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings at Sliemore Steading, near Nethybridge, then Balnagowan Braes and opposite Dirdhu Court entrance, both Nethybridge (all same birds?) (Steve Broyd & Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver flew SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Pool and Peregrine South Kessock ("Tommy")
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well off Lusa Mouth, Broadford, also 8 Purple Sandpipers (Bob McMillan), Velver Scoter off Portree (NB per Skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter, 12 Grey Plovers Dornoch and 14 Slavonian Grebes Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: adult Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Waxwings at Sliemore Steading, near Nethybridge, then Balnagowan Braes and opposite Dirdhu Court entrance, both Nethybridge (all same birds?) (Steve Broyd & Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver flew SE Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher Muirton Pool and Peregrine South Kessock ("Tommy")
Skye & Lochalsh: White-billed Diver well off Lusa Mouth, Broadford, also 8 Purple Sandpipers (Bob McMillan), Velver Scoter off Portree (NB per Skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Surf Scoter, 12 Grey Plovers Dornoch and 14 Slavonian Grebes Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Wester Ross: adult Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Saturday 23rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings still by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan) also two Waxwings between Causer crossroads and Lynstock, Nethybridge (Mike Coleman).
Easter Ross: 14 Snow Buntings on pat to Cioch Mhor, Strath Sgitheach (Simon Cohen).
Lochaber: Four Common Scoter and four Slavonian Grebes, Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (RD) - via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Great Northern Divers and a single Black-throated Diver in Loch Ainort (NB) - via skye-birds.com
Friday 22nd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves) also three Bramblings in the Golf Club car park (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and 71 Red-throated Divers, two Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannets and several hundred Guillemots and Razorbills passed Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 181 Scaup and three Slavonian Gebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Slavonian Grebe at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Immature drake Surf Scoter and two Velvet Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by Golf Club, Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves) also three Bramblings in the Golf Club car park (Pete Moore).
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and 71 Red-throated Divers, two Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannets and several hundred Guillemots and Razorbills passed Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: 181 Scaup and three Slavonian Gebes, Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Slavonian Grebe at Ashaig, Broadford (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Immature drake Surf Scoter and two Velvet Scoters, Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Thursday 21st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by golf club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Jack Snipe, Ruthven, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Six adult and one first winter Little Gulls, eight Fulmar, six Gannet, one Black Guillemot, one Puffin, 12 Red-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers in a two hour seawatch from Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings by golf club, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan). Jack Snipe, Ruthven, Kingussie (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: Six adult and one first winter Little Gulls, eight Fulmar, six Gannet, one Black Guillemot, one Puffin, 12 Red-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers in a two hour seawatch from Brora (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 20th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one on An Caol island and the other on the W side of Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler). Eight Greenshank, Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Common Scoter, Lusa Mouth, Broadford and three Slavonian Grebes (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell). Drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bindal Farm, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal, Tain Links (Bob Swann)
Lochaber: Two 1st winter Iceland Gulls, one on An Caol island and the other on the W side of Caol Spit, Fort William (Tony Laidler). Eight Greenshank, Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Common Scoter, Lusa Mouth, Broadford and three Slavonian Grebes (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell). Drake Surf Scoter still off Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 19th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings behind tennis club, Boat of Garten (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at mouth of River Lochy, Caol. Slavonian Grebe, Loch Linnhe (all per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Black-throated Diver in the Sound of Sleat off Armadale and four Great Northern Divers (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, one Black-tailed Godwit and 26 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings behind tennis club, Boat of Garten (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at mouth of River Lochy, Caol. Slavonian Grebe, Loch Linnhe (all per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Single Black-throated Diver in the Sound of Sleat off Armadale and four Great Northern Divers (RMcM) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Two Grey Plovers, one Black-tailed Godwit and 26 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 18th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barn Owl, Nethy Golf Course (Peter Norgate)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, 35 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 31 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Barn Owl, Craig Dunain (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Adult Little Gull, Loch Linnhe (Stu Crutchfield)
Sutherland: 41 Purple Sandpipers, 240 Common Scoter, a single Velvet Scoter and 4 Slavonian Grebes, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Barn Owl, Nethy Golf Course (Peter Norgate)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, 35 Fieldfare and 3 Redwing at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). 31 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas)
Inverness: Barn Owl, Craig Dunain (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Adult Little Gull, Loch Linnhe (Stu Crutchfield)
Sutherland: 41 Purple Sandpipers, 240 Common Scoter, a single Velvet Scoter and 4 Slavonian Grebes, Embo (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 17th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch and Stonechat, Clachnaharry (Graeme Prest)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull, Sound of Mull, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st Winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree and Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch and Stonechat, Clachnaharry (Graeme Prest)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull, Sound of Mull, Achabeag (Alan Kennedy). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Mallaig (per BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st Winter Glaucous Gull, Bayfield, Portree and Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: Iceland Gull, Helmsdale Harbour (Sharon Fennell)
Saturday 16th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings near Boat of Garten golf clubhouse (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, along with singles of Fulmar and Gannet (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings near Boat of Garten golf clubhouse (Steve Broyd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, along with singles of Fulmar and Gannet (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Merkinch (Al McNee)
Friday 15th January
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, c200 Eider at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Tundra Bean Goose amongst goose flock north of A96 at Gollanfield (Al McNee). Great Crested Grebe plus 78 Scaup, 13 Slavonian Grebe, three Pintail and 152 Golden Plover at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Common Scoter (female or immature) still off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe). 60 Barnacle Geese around Garafad, Staffin ('SP') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Surf Scoter (adult drake, immature drake and female) off Dornoch, with 28 Snow Bunting and male Hen Harrier at the point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, c200 Eider at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Tundra Bean Goose amongst goose flock north of A96 at Gollanfield (Al McNee). Great Crested Grebe plus 78 Scaup, 13 Slavonian Grebe, three Pintail and 152 Golden Plover at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Common Scoter (female or immature) still off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Neil Hinchcliffe). 60 Barnacle Geese around Garafad, Staffin ('SP') - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: three Surf Scoter (adult drake, immature drake and female) off Dornoch, with 28 Snow Bunting and male Hen Harrier at the point (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 14th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the Spey near Boat of Bailliefurth (John Clube)
Inverness: Brambling visiting a Croy garden (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: injured Long-eared Owl recovered at Ullinish ('PS'), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: Kingfisher on the Spey near Boat of Bailliefurth (John Clube)
Inverness: Brambling visiting a Croy garden (Colin Leslie).
Skye & Lochalsh: injured Long-eared Owl recovered at Ullinish ('PS'), Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 13th January
Easter Ross: single Great Northern Diver, 42 Red-throated Divers, 129 Eider, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant at Castle Stuart amongst goose flock (per Birdguides)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter (female or immature) off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Iceland Gull on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c120 Brambling in mixed finch flock at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: single Great Northern Diver, 42 Red-throated Divers, 129 Eider, two Black Guillemot at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Black Guillemot at Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway)
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant at Castle Stuart amongst goose flock (per Birdguides)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck still on Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter (female or immature) off Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford (Bob McMillan). 1st winter Iceland Gull on Eigg (John Chester) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: c120 Brambling in mixed finch flock at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill)
Tuesday 12th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Tulloch, Abernethy (Pete Gordon). Merlin on the A938 near Dulnain Bridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Woodcock flushed from the Tarbat Ness car park, seven Skylarks and c1,000 Pink-footed Geese in nearby fields, while off the point were 36 Red-throated Diver and a single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal by footbridge on the saltings, Tain (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher on River Ness near Whin Park (Tim Stowe). Two Long-tailed Duck off South Kessock, and c114 Scaup off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese at Isay, Waternish ('RA'). Four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa, Broadford and similar number at Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - other sightings and more at skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two drake Surf Scoter and 20 plus Velvet Scoter off Dornoch Point, plus nearby three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Grey Plover, 27 Snow Bunting and c500 in the Twite/Goldfinch flock (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Tulloch, Abernethy (Pete Gordon). Merlin on the A938 near Dulnain Bridge (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: Woodcock flushed from the Tarbat Ness car park, seven Skylarks and c1,000 Pink-footed Geese in nearby fields, while off the point were 36 Red-throated Diver and a single Great Northern Diver (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal by footbridge on the saltings, Tain (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Kingfisher on River Ness near Whin Park (Tim Stowe). Two Long-tailed Duck off South Kessock, and c114 Scaup off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill)
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Barnacle Geese at Isay, Waternish ('RA'). Four Slavonian Grebes off Lusa, Broadford and similar number at Loch Ainort (Bob McMillan) - other sightings and more at skye-birds.com
Sutherland: two drake Surf Scoter and 20 plus Velvet Scoter off Dornoch Point, plus nearby three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Grey Plover, 27 Snow Bunting and c500 in the Twite/Goldfinch flock (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 11th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings in Boat of Garten, between Spey and railway bridges (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: three Waxwings in Boat of Garten, between Spey and railway bridges (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Hinchcliffe) - via skye-birds.com
Sunday 10th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: twelve Waxwings mobile around Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan, plus Simon Eaves/Sue Sykes),
Easter Ross: juv/1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, while off Saltburn Pier at Invergordon were c150 Scaup and eight Slavonian Grebe (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: nine Grey Plovers at Whiteness Head (Al & Jenny McNee). Six Scaup, eleven Pintail, 98 Golden Plover and 46 Bar-tailed Godwit at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte) Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill), plus another at Abban Water, Lochend (Blair Whyte). Male Blackcap visting a Scorguie garden (William Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope distant off Dornoch beach, drake Surf Scoter and Hen Harrier also (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: twelve Waxwings mobile around Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan, plus Simon Eaves/Sue Sykes),
Easter Ross: juv/1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness, while off Saltburn Pier at Invergordon were c150 Scaup and eight Slavonian Grebe (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: nine Grey Plovers at Whiteness Head (Al & Jenny McNee). Six Scaup, eleven Pintail, 98 Golden Plover and 46 Bar-tailed Godwit at Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte) Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill), plus another at Abban Water, Lochend (Blair Whyte). Male Blackcap visting a Scorguie garden (William Ross)
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter on Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Grey Phalarope distant off Dornoch beach, drake Surf Scoter and Hen Harrier also (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 9th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin on the A835 near Moy Rock/Brahan estate entrance (Edwin Hafiz)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, at end of track down from Hotel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Jack Snipes at Kyleakin (VB) and Glas Eilean, Broadford (MB) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 6 (5 ad, 1 1st W) Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Jack Snipe Ruthven (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Merlin on the A835 near Moy Rock/Brahan estate entrance (Edwin Hafiz)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, at end of track down from Hotel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: single Jack Snipes at Kyleakin (VB) and Glas Eilean, Broadford (MB) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 6 (5 ad, 1 1st W) Little Gulls Brora River mouth (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 8th January
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Hen Harrier Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene), 4+ Woodcocks Quarryford and single Barn Owl at Bogallan (Bob Wilson), ca 25 Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Merlin Inverness Airport (Phil), 63 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Al & Jenny McNee), Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Tim Stowe et al), 13 Pintails, 5 Scaups, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: still 7 Slavonian Grebes on fresh water at SW corner of Loch Morar (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Twites Isleornsay saltings (RC per skye-birds.com), Jay Strathcarron - unusual location (JN per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 22 Snow Buntings, 6 Grey Plovers (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), male Hen Harrier Hilton of Cadboll (Simon Levene), 4+ Woodcocks Quarryford and single Barn Owl at Bogallan (Bob Wilson), ca 25 Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Merlin Inverness Airport (Phil), 63 Black-tailed Godwits Bunchrew (Al & Jenny McNee), Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Tim Stowe et al), 13 Pintails, 5 Scaups, Milton of Culloden (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: still 7 Slavonian Grebes on fresh water at SW corner of Loch Morar (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: 3 Twites Isleornsay saltings (RC per skye-birds.com), Jay Strathcarron - unusual location (JN per skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 22 Snow Buntings, 6 Grey Plovers (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 7th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher by old bridge, Contin (Keith and Rosy Barnes), female-type Smew flew towards Rockfield (Dave Tanner), 3 Snow Buntings, 160+ Skylarks, Brambling Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers, Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al and Jenny McNee, Alan MacAskill), 70 Scaups, Red-throated Diver, Peregrine (Blair Whyte),
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil), northern-type Chiffchaff Loch Lochy (David Whittaker).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB per skye-birds.com), 2-3 Short-eared Owls at roost near Struan (PS per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: adult Little Gull Loch Fleet, 40 Bramblings, 300 Twites, 100 Goldfinches, 22 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: male Scaup with Tufted Ducks Loch Insh (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: Kingfisher by old bridge, Contin (Keith and Rosy Barnes), female-type Smew flew towards Rockfield (Dave Tanner), 3 Snow Buntings, 160+ Skylarks, Brambling Peddieston (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers, Water Rail Merkinch LNR (Al and Jenny McNee, Alan MacAskill), 70 Scaups, Red-throated Diver, Peregrine (Blair Whyte),
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck with Tufted Ducks Loch Shiel, Acharacle (Sandy McNeil), northern-type Chiffchaff Loch Lochy (David Whittaker).
Skye & Lochalsh: Velvet Scoter Loch Portree (NB per skye-birds.com), 2-3 Short-eared Owls at roost near Struan (PS per skye-birds.com).
Sutherland: adult Little Gull Loch Fleet, 40 Bramblings, 300 Twites, 100 Goldfinches, 22 Snow Buntings Dornoch (Dean MacAskill).
Wednesday 6th January
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Snow Buntings Dirdhu, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Water Rails, Kingfisher and Little Auk Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Velvet Scoters at Loch Portree (NH) and off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 3 Jack Snipes Duisdalebeg, Sleat (RC) and one at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan) - all records per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 15 Snow Buntings, 105 Golden Plovers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), 16 Slavonian Grebes, 13 Red-throated Divers, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Badenoch & Strathspey: 2 Snow Buntings Dirdhu, near Nethybridge (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie (Alister Clunas).
Inverness: 3 Water Rails, Kingfisher and Little Auk Merkinch LNR (Alan MacAskill, Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: single Velvet Scoters at Loch Portree (NH) and off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), 3 Jack Snipes Duisdalebeg, Sleat (RC) and one at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan) - all records per skye-birds.com.
Sutherland: male Hen Harrier, 15 Snow Buntings, 105 Golden Plovers Coul Links (Dean MacAskill), 16 Slavonian Grebes, 13 Red-throated Divers, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers Embo (Dean MacAskill).
Tuesday 5th January
Easter Ross: second-winter Iceland Gull Shore St, Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Braes area and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey-bellied Brant Goose, 4 Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Goose Wester Dalziel/Lonnie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 7 Slavonian Grebes in SW corner of Loch Morar - unusual on fresh water here in winter (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds), juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig (NR per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Harrapool (per BirdGuides), 20 Snow Buntings Trotternish Ridge near The Stoer (TH per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Surf Scoter with 21 Velvet Scoters and 4500 Common Scoters Embo, also 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 37 Snow Buntings and 250 Twites there (all Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: second-winter Iceland Gull Shore St, Cromarty (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: 2 Kingfishers Braes area and 1 at Merkinch LNR, Inverness (Alan MacAskill), Grey-bellied Brant Goose, 4 Barnacle Geese and pale-bellied Brent Goose Wester Dalziel/Lonnie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: 7 Slavonian Grebes in SW corner of Loch Morar - unusual on fresh water here in winter (Steven MacDonald per skye-birds), juv Glaucous Gull Mallaig (NR per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Harrapool (per BirdGuides), 20 Snow Buntings Trotternish Ridge near The Stoer (TH per skye-birds)
Sutherland: Surf Scoter with 21 Velvet Scoters and 4500 Common Scoters Embo, also 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 37 Snow Buntings and 250 Twites there (all Dean MacAskill)
Monday 4th January
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver 1E, 2SW and Great Northern Diver 1SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher Avoch (Bob Wilson), Green-winged Teal by footbridge, Tain (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 3 Barnacle Geese by Lonnie turning, Castle Stuart, Greenland White-fronted Goose and pale-bellied Brent Goose Balmachree, Newton of Petty (Peter Stronach), 52 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris), male Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, Loch Shiel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe and Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchliffe), Velvet Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), female Blackcap at feeders Isleornsay (R Cottis), pair of Ptarmigan Beinn na Seamraig, Kinloch - scarce on Skye (MB).
Easter Ross: Black-throated Diver 1E, 2SW and Great Northern Diver 1SW Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Kingfisher Avoch (Bob Wilson), Green-winged Teal by footbridge, Tain (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Grey-bellied Brant, 3 Barnacle Geese by Lonnie turning, Castle Stuart, Greenland White-fronted Goose and pale-bellied Brent Goose Balmachree, Newton of Petty (Peter Stronach), 52 pale-bellied Brent Geese Whiteness (Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Kilmory, Rum (Sean Morris), male Ring-necked Duck Acharacle, Loch Shiel (per BirdGuides).
Skye & Lochalsh: Jack Snipe and Lapland Bunting Ardnish, Broadford (Neil Hinchliffe), Velvet Scoter off Lusa, Broadford (Bob McMillan), female Blackcap at feeders Isleornsay (R Cottis), pair of Ptarmigan Beinn na Seamraig, Kinloch - scarce on Skye (MB).
Sunday 3rd January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mealy Redpoll with Lessers Deshar School, Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Al McNee), juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Puffin Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith), Kingfisher Avoch Burn (Mary Galloway), 29 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie and 6 Grey Partridges at nearby Navity (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR and Chiffchaff at nearby Carsegate Marina (Tim Stowe), White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet just after railway bridge from A96 at Castle Stuart (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 ad Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), Water Raill Breakish Obbe (NH per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Ardgour Fish Farm (Alister Benn), Iceland Gull Fort William (Jim MackIntosh).
Badenoch & Strathspey: Mealy Redpoll with Lessers Deshar School, Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: male Green-winged Teal Tain (Al McNee), juv Iceland Gull Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), Puffin Chanonry Point (Tim Meredith), Kingfisher Avoch Burn (Mary Galloway), 29 pale-bellied Brent Geese Rosemarkie and 6 Grey Partridges at nearby Navity (Kevin Davis).
Inverness: Kingfisher and Water Rail Merkinch LNR and Chiffchaff at nearby Carsegate Marina (Tim Stowe), White-fronted Goose with Pinkfeet just after railway bridge from A96 at Castle Stuart (Steve Broyd).
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 ad Greenland White-fronted Geese Kilmuir (Bob McMillan), Water Raill Breakish Obbe (NH per skye-birds.com)
Lochaber: juv Iceland Gull Ardgour Fish Farm (Alister Benn), Iceland Gull Fort William (Jim MackIntosh).
Saturday 2nd January
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) also Great Crested Grebe near Tain water treatment outfall (Dave Tanner). 37 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Single Black-tailed Godwit off Urquhart old cemetery between Cromatry bridge & Alcaig (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie). Single Brambling, Errogie (Alex Keith)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Slavonian Grebe, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and two Loch Carron, also single female/immature Common Scoter Loch Carron (R McM), 11 Great Northern Divers and five Red-throated Divers in Broadford Bay (NB) all via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill) also Great Crested Grebe near Tain water treatment outfall (Dave Tanner). 37 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Rosemarkie beach (Bob Wilson). Single Black-tailed Godwit off Urquhart old cemetery between Cromatry bridge & Alcaig (Kevin Davis)
Inverness: Kingfisher, Merkinch LNR (Colin Leslie). Single Brambling, Errogie (Alex Keith)
Skye & Lochalsh: Eight Slavonian Grebe, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) and two Loch Carron, also single female/immature Common Scoter Loch Carron (R McM), 11 Great Northern Divers and five Red-throated Divers in Broadford Bay (NB) all via skye-birds.com
Friday 1st January
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ten+ Brambling near Speyside Way in Nethy Bridge (Peter Stronach) later 40 Brambling and four Crossbill near Nethy Kirk (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver and one Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Single Brambling, Munlochy (Bob Wilson). 56 Purple Sandpipers and two Twite, Balintore Harbour (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Four Whooper Swans, 108 Scaup, 54 Shelduck, 183 Greylag Geese and four Magpies at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: First winter Iceland Gull, Morrisons car park, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree, Water Rail calling at Loch Suardal and four Whooper Swans (JDJ via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 21 Snow Buntings and six Grey Plover, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool on Loch Broom at river mouth, also another reported from Ardmair fish farm (via BirdGuides)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Ten+ Brambling near Speyside Way in Nethy Bridge (Peter Stronach) later 40 Brambling and four Crossbill near Nethy Kirk (Sue Sykes)
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver and one Velvet Scoter past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Single Brambling, Munlochy (Bob Wilson). 56 Purple Sandpipers and two Twite, Balintore Harbour (Simon Levene).
Inverness: Four Whooper Swans, 108 Scaup, 54 Shelduck, 183 Greylag Geese and four Magpies at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: First winter Iceland Gull, Morrisons car park, Fort William (Tony Laidler)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree, Water Rail calling at Loch Suardal and four Whooper Swans (JDJ via skye-birds.com)
Sutherland: 21 Snow Buntings and six Grey Plover, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: Iceland Gull, Ullapool on Loch Broom at river mouth, also another reported from Ardmair fish farm (via BirdGuides)
Happy New Year/Bliadhna Mhath Ùr - The Highland Bird News Team wish you a happy and bird filled 2021 - All the best from Pete, Mike and Colin
2020
Thursday 31st December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 45 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and five Gannets SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Barn Owl, Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Male and Female Gadwall and single Whooper Swan, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Single Snow Bunting behind Ardnish Fishfarm, Lochailort (SC via skye-birds.com )
Skye & Lochalsh: 70 Fieldfares at Kilbride, Torrin (NH via skye-birds.com )
Sutherland: Seven adult Little Gulls and 23 adult Gannets, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Three Snow Buntings, Embo beach (Thomas Plant)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail, Newtonmore (Dave Pierce).
Easter Ross: One Black-throated Diver, 45 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and five Gannets SW past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Barn Owl, Heights of Dochcarty (Simon Cohen)
Inverness: Male and Female Gadwall and single Whooper Swan, Loch Flemington (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Single Snow Bunting behind Ardnish Fishfarm, Lochailort (SC via skye-birds.com )
Skye & Lochalsh: 70 Fieldfares at Kilbride, Torrin (NH via skye-birds.com )
Sutherland: Seven adult Little Gulls and 23 adult Gannets, Brora (Dean MacAskill). Three Snow Buntings, Embo beach (Thomas Plant)
Wednesday 30th December
Easter Ross: 12 fieldfares feeding on the holly berries in the garden at Drynie Park (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and six Common Snipe, Mekinch LNR (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-throated Divers in Loch Slapin off Kilmarie also two Red-throated Divers and eight Great Northern Divers (RMcM via skye-birds.com )
Easter Ross: 12 fieldfares feeding on the holly berries in the garden at Drynie Park (Martin Hind)
Inverness: Two Kingfishers and six Common Snipe, Mekinch LNR (Phil Clark)
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Black-throated Divers in Loch Slapin off Kilmarie also two Red-throated Divers and eight Great Northern Divers (RMcM via skye-birds.com )
Tuesday 29th December
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoters, two Black-throated Divers and three Great Northern Divers past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Single Brambling in Croy (Marcus Conway). 16 Scaup, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Morar, Arisaig (S MacD) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson)
Easter Ross: Three Velvet Scoters, two Black-throated Divers and three Great Northern Divers past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Single Brambling in Croy (Marcus Conway). 16 Scaup, Fort George (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Three Slavonian Grebes, Loch Morar, Arisaig (S MacD) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Four Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson)
Monday 28th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings flew over Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Four Snow Buntings with 80+ Skylarks, Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Ruddy Shelduck in bay north of Ferry Point, Dingwall also Kingfisher on the River Peffrey (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 50+ Fieldfares, Bunchrew (Thomas Plant). One Chiffchaff at Caledonian Canal marina (Tim Stowe). Still one Greenland White-fronted Goose and six Barnacle Geese, Balloch, also one Great-crested Grebe, Alturlie (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter still present, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Galmisdale Bay, Eigg (JC) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Evelix, two drake Surf Scoters, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill). 18 Snow Buntings still at Dornoch Point (as per BirdGuides). Single Waxwing, Bonar Bridge (Gill Merriman)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings flew over Boat of Garten (Simon Eaves).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Dean MacAskill). Four Snow Buntings with 80+ Skylarks, Newton Farm, Cromarty (Kevin Davis). Ruddy Shelduck in bay north of Ferry Point, Dingwall also Kingfisher on the River Peffrey (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: 50+ Fieldfares, Bunchrew (Thomas Plant). One Chiffchaff at Caledonian Canal marina (Tim Stowe). Still one Greenland White-fronted Goose and six Barnacle Geese, Balloch, also one Great-crested Grebe, Alturlie (Pete Gordon)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Bayfield, Portree also female Velvet Scoter still present, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Galmisdale Bay, Eigg (JC) - via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Tundra Bean Goose, Evelix, two drake Surf Scoters, Dornoch (Dean MacAskill). 18 Snow Buntings still at Dornoch Point (as per BirdGuides). Single Waxwing, Bonar Bridge (Gill Merriman)
Sunday 27th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings in Craigie Avenue/village hall area, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Geese, Balloch (Colin Leslie) then later in the same flock two White-fronts, one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and five Barnacle Geese, also a neck collared Pink Footed Goose, "UBB" a female ringed in Aberdeenshire in 2016. 95 Scaup Alturlie and 107 Goldeneye, Kessock Bridge (all Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson). 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Knock Bay, Sleat (Steve Heap). Female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Grey Plover and 13 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Three Waxwings in Craigie Avenue/village hall area, Boat of Garten (Dave Pullan).
Inverness: One Greenland White-fronted Goose and three Barnacle Geese, Balloch (Colin Leslie) then later in the same flock two White-fronts, one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and five Barnacle Geese, also a neck collared Pink Footed Goose, "UBB" a female ringed in Aberdeenshire in 2016. 95 Scaup Alturlie and 107 Goldeneye, Kessock Bridge (all Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st and 2nd winter Iceland Gulls, Uig Bay (Seth Gibson). 1st winter Glaucous Gull, Knock Bay, Sleat (Steve Heap). Female Velvet Scoter, Loch Portree (Neil Bennett)
Sutherland: 16 Grey Plover and 13 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 26th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Waxwings still in Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston). Two Hen Harriers at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Waxwings still in Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston). Two Hen Harriers at Insh marshes (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Bob Swann). Two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - via skye-birds.com
Friday 25th December
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Bramblings and two Waxwings in Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston)
Easter Ross: two Black Gillemot, two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: six Pale-belled Brent Geese at Embo (Susan Seright)
Happy Christmas/Nollaig Chridheil to all our sightings reporters and readers - Colin, Mike & Pete
Badenoch & Strathspey: two Bramblings and two Waxwings in Boat of Garten (Colin Ormiston)
Easter Ross: two Black Gillemot, two Red-throated Diver and single Great Northern Diver at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Sutherland: six Pale-belled Brent Geese at Embo (Susan Seright)
Thursday 24th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Al McNee). Juv/1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while the afternoon period saw five (2m/3f) Velvet Scoter, three Gannets and four Kittiwakes with five Tree Sparrows near the car park (Tim Stowe). Single Slavonian Grebe, two Golden Plover, two Red Kite, two Barn Owl and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c20 Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Kingfisher at Dochgarroch with another at Muirtown pools, with Water Rail present at the latter also (Tommy You'd)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting at Harris, Rum (Sean Morris). Iceland Gull in Uig bay ('ML') - via skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Al McNee). Juv/1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while the afternoon period saw five (2m/3f) Velvet Scoter, three Gannets and four Kittiwakes with five Tree Sparrows near the car park (Tim Stowe). Single Slavonian Grebe, two Golden Plover, two Red Kite, two Barn Owl and 19 Bar-tailed Godwit at Inver (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: c20 Tree Sparrows on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill). Kingfisher at Dochgarroch with another at Muirtown pools, with Water Rail present at the latter also (Tommy You'd)
Skye & Lochalsh: Snow Bunting at Harris, Rum (Sean Morris). Iceland Gull in Uig bay ('ML') - via skye-birds.com
Wednesday 23rd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: c6 Snow Bunting around Cairngorm Mountain resort car park (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Tim Stowe). 149 Eider, 14 Red-throated Diver and single adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant plus three Barnacle Geese amongst the goose flock at Wester Dalziel (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile drake Velvet Scoter at Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), two Snow Bunting at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: c6 Snow Bunting around Cairngorm Mountain resort car park (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Tim Stowe). 149 Eider, 14 Red-throated Diver and single adult Gannet at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: adult Grey-bellied Brant plus three Barnacle Geese amongst the goose flock at Wester Dalziel (Peter Stronach)
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile drake Velvet Scoter at Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), two Snow Bunting at Kilmory Glen, Rum (Sean Morris) - via skye-birds.com
Tuesday 22nd December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Sue Sykes)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour ('NR' via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree (Andy Stables), 18 Great Northern Divers between Ardnish and Lusa (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal still at Tain links (Sue Sykes)
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour ('NR' via skye-birds.com)
Skye & Lochalsh: female Velvet Scoter still at Loch Portree (Andy Stables), 18 Great Northern Divers between Ardnish and Lusa (Bob McMillan) - per skye-birds.com
Monday 21st December
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe, c100 Scaup and 44 Bar-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Kingfisher, eight Little Grebe and a Red Kite at Merkinch (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull plus female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: six adult and single 1st winter Little Gulls plus a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: two Slavonian Grebe, c100 Scaup and 44 Bar-tailed Godwit at Udale Bay (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: single Kingfisher, eight Little Grebe and a Red Kite at Merkinch (Blair Whyte)
Skye & Lochalsh: 1st winter Glaucous Gull plus female Velvet Scoter at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett) - per skye-birds.com
Sutherland: six adult and single 1st winter Little Gulls plus a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Brora river mouth (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 20th December
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown locks (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and three Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Chiffchaff at Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 23 Snow Bunting, 19 Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Inverness: Kingfisher at Muirtown locks (Alan Jones)
Skye & Lochalsh: 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and three Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett). Chiffchaff at Harrapool, Broadford (Martin Benson) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 23 Snow Bunting, 19 Grey Plover and single Black-tailed Godwit at Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 19th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 4 Barnacle Geese with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Wester Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), Long-eared Owl calling last night Lochlonghead (PS)
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 30 Golden Plover, several Ptarmigan and lone Red Kite near summit of Carn Chuinneag (Thomas Plant). Eight Snow Bunting and 134 Sanderling at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Fleet were around 300 Linnet, 100 Brambling and five Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain (per BirdGuides)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, 6 Slavonian Grebes Alturlie (Blair Whyte), 4 Barnacle Geese with 2000 Pink-footed Geese Wester Dalziel (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (Steven MacDonald), Long-eared Owl calling last night Lochlonghead (PS)
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchroisd (Bob McMillan).
Sutherland: 30 Golden Plover, several Ptarmigan and lone Red Kite near summit of Carn Chuinneag (Thomas Plant). Eight Snow Bunting and 134 Sanderling at Dornoch Point, while at Loch Fleet were around 300 Linnet, 100 Brambling and five Greenshank (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 18th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, 150m east of footbridge, Greenshank Coulmore (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson, Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull south over Eigg Pier (John Chester per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds), single Snow Buntings on either side of Bealach na Ba (Bob McMillan).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal still at Tain Links, 150m east of footbridge, Greenshank Coulmore (Bob Wilson).
Inverness: Kingfisher Merkinch LNR (Bob Wilson, Ann Sime).
Lochaber: juvenile Iceland Gull south over Eigg Pier (John Chester per skye-birds).
Skye & Lochalsh: 10 Common Scoters, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds), single Snow Buntings on either side of Bealach na Ba (Bob McMillan).
Thursday 17th December
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain Links (Keith Barnes)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank Drynock (Bob McMillan per skye-birds).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal on pond at Tain Links (Keith Barnes)
Skye & Lochalsh: Greenshank Drynock (Bob McMillan per skye-birds).
Wednesday 16th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad or near-ad Lesser Black-backed Gull Aviemore, 10 Bramblings with 700 Chaffinches Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Simon Levene).
Badenoch & Strathspey: ad or near-ad Lesser Black-backed Gull Aviemore, 10 Bramblings with 700 Chaffinches Boat of Garten (Pete Gordon).
Easter Ross: Green-winged Teal Tain Links (Simon Levene).
Tuesday 15th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal offshore Tain Links (Kev Cuthbert).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (NR per skye-birds)
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 Common Scoters Loch Ainort (NB per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 3 drake Surf Scoters, with 39+ Velvet Scoters, 2000 Common Scoters, 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal offshore Tain Links (Kev Cuthbert).
Lochaber: juvenile Glaucous Gull Mallaig Harbour (NR per skye-birds)
Skye & Lochalsh: 8 Common Scoters Loch Ainort (NB per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 3 drake Surf Scoters, with 39+ Velvet Scoters, 2000 Common Scoters, 9 Snow Buntings Dornoch Beach (Dean MacAskill)
Monday 14th December
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal wee pond at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Common Scoters, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plovers, 8 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Easter Ross: drake Green-winged Teal wee pond at Tain Links (Dean MacAskill).
Skye & Lochalsh: 6 Common Scoters, 4 Great Northern Divers Loch Ainort (Neil Bennett per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 19 Grey Plovers, 8 Snow Buntings Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill).
Wester Ross: juvenile Iceland Gull Ullapool Harbour (per BirdGuides).
Sunday 13th December
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), 28 light-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Bay (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Kingfisher Moniack Burn, Lentran (Thomas Plant), 2 Magpies Westhill (Kathleen Line).
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchrois, Strath (Bob McMillan) - first on Skye since 2016.
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls (8 ads, 2 1st winter, 1 2nd winter), first winter Iceland Gull, adult Pomarine Skua Brora River Mouth, 5 Greenshanks Loch Fleet, 110+ Bramblings Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill). 7 Jays Rosehall area (Neil Wilson).
Wester Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Easter Ross: drake American Wigeon Drumancroy, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner), 28 light-bellied Brent Geese Nigg Bay (Bob Swann).
Inverness: Kingfisher Moniack Burn, Lentran (Thomas Plant), 2 Magpies Westhill (Kathleen Line).
Skye & Lochalsh: Moorhen still at Loch Cillchrois, Strath (Bob McMillan) - first on Skye since 2016.
Sutherland: 11 Little Gulls (8 ads, 2 1st winter, 1 2nd winter), first winter Iceland Gull, adult Pomarine Skua Brora River Mouth, 5 Greenshanks Loch Fleet, 110+ Bramblings Skelbo (all Dean MacAskill). 7 Jays Rosehall area (Neil Wilson).
Wester Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull Ullapool (Andy Williams).
Saturday 12th December
Easter Ross: Single Fulmar and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Single Barnacle Goose and leucistic Greylag Goose, Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Immature Golden Eagle and three Black Grouse, Ashie Moor and two Slavonian Grebes Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Mallaig harbour (SM) via Skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two juvenile Iceland Gulls still in Uig Bay (SG),Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), six Great Northern Divers and four Red-throated Divers in Loch Snizort (SC), Moorhen Loch Cillchriosd, Skye all via skye-birds.com.
Easter Ross: Single Fulmar and Great Northern Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner).
Inverness: Single Barnacle Goose and leucistic Greylag Goose, Ardersier (Colin Leslie). Immature Golden Eagle and three Black Grouse, Ashie Moor and two Slavonian Grebes Loch Ashie (Blair Whyte).
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull still at Mallaig harbour (SM) via Skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two juvenile Iceland Gulls still in Uig Bay (SG),Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (Bob McMillan), six Great Northern Divers and four Red-throated Divers in Loch Snizort (SC), Moorhen Loch Cillchriosd, Skye all via skye-birds.com.
Friday 11th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Jack Snipe and 800 Linnets along the River Spey between Boat of Garten and Nethybridge (Peter Gordon)
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers near Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Dean MacAskill) then later two Great Crested Grebes and five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill) increasing to eight Slavonian Gebes at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (NR) also 15 Great Northern Divers on Loch Ailort between Alisary and Roshven (SC) all via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Turnstone at the head of Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan). Moorhen (rare on Skye) Loch Cillchroisd (C. Baillie) all via skye-birds.com
Badenoch & Strathspey: One Jack Snipe and 800 Linnets along the River Spey between Boat of Garten and Nethybridge (Peter Gordon)
Easter Ross: 11 Purple Sandpipers near Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Dean MacAskill) then later two Great Crested Grebes and five Slavonian Grebes off Alturlie (Alan MacAskill) increasing to eight Slavonian Gebes at Alturlie (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (NR) also 15 Great Northern Divers on Loch Ailort between Alisary and Roshven (SC) all via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: 50 Turnstone at the head of Loch Slapin (Bob McMillan). Moorhen (rare on Skye) Loch Cillchroisd (C. Baillie) all via skye-birds.com
Thursday 10th December
Easter Ross: Hen Harrier and eight Grey Partridges, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Mary Galloway). Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (via BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (MC) via Skye-birds.com
Easter Ross: Hen Harrier and eight Grey Partridges, Bindal Croft, Tarbat Ness (Mary Galloway). Black-throated Diver past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (via BirdGuides)
Skye & Lochalsh: Six Whooper Swans, Loch Suardal, Dunvegan (MC) via Skye-birds.com
Wednesday 9th December
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull and 10 Purple Sandpipers, Mallaig also drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (Bob McMillan). Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull, Brora (Alan MacAskill)
Lochaber: Juvenile Glaucous Gull and 10 Purple Sandpipers, Mallaig also drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Sheil, Acharacle (Bob McMillan). Black Duck drake in Strontian Bay (per BirdGuides)
Sutherland: Adult Little Gull, Brora (Alan MacAskill)
Tuesday 8th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Scaup, Loch Insh (Dave Pierce)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Portmahomack (Dave Tanner)
Inverness: Female Blackcap in a garden at Bellfield, Inverness (Ross Barnett)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg appearing daily on the feeders at The Lodge (NB) via Skye-birds.com
Monday 7th December
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Barnacle Goose, 154 Scaup and six Slavonian Grebes, Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter, Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and six Purple Sandpipers, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) all via Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Slavonian Grebes off Coul Links and 18 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull, Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). One Barnacle Goose, 154 Scaup and six Slavonian Grebes, Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Skye & Lochalsh: Juvenile Velvet Scoter, Glenelg Bay (Bob McMillan), 15 Great Northern Divers, five Slavonian Grebes and six Purple Sandpipers, Ardnish, Broadford (NH) all via Skye-birds.com
Sutherland: 17 Slavonian Grebes off Coul Links and 18 Snow Buntings, Dornoch Point (Dean MacAskill)
Sunday 6th December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Waxwing, Grantown on Spey (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Portmahomack Pier also intermediate morph Snow Goose, Nigg village (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Kate Mennie). Male and female Gadwall, Loch Flemington and Great Northern Diver east of Fort George (Colin Leslie). Six Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig pier (SM) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two second-winter Iceland Gulls Uig Bay (SG), eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate (DM) all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Single Waxwing, Grantown on Spey (Peter Stronach)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Glaucous Gull past Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Juvenile Iceland Gull, Portmahomack Pier also intermediate morph Snow Goose, Nigg village (Bob McMillan)
Inverness: Great Crested Grebe, Milton of Culloden (Kate Mennie). Male and female Gadwall, Loch Flemington and Great Northern Diver east of Fort George (Colin Leslie). Six Black-tailed Godwits, Alturlie pools (Blair Whyte)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig pier (SM) via skye-birds.com
Skye & Lochalsh: Two second-winter Iceland Gulls Uig Bay (SG), eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate (DM) all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: Kingfisher, Loch Evelix (Dean MacAskill)
Saturday 5th December
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness, juvenile Red-necked Grebe off Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg - third sighting since April (Norah Barnes)
Sutherland: six Snow Bunting and Great Skua at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: Little Auk past Tarbat Ness, juvenile Red-necked Grebe off Portmahomack harbour (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: Nuthatch on Eigg - third sighting since April (Norah Barnes)
Sutherland: six Snow Bunting and Great Skua at Dornoch point (Dean MacAskill)
Friday 4th December
Easter Ross: three Woodcock plus a Barn Owl between Redcastle and Charlestown, while at Udale Bay were 86 Shelduck, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, single Goldeneye and Little Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: four Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: eleven Little Auk plus one predated by a Great Black-backed Gull past Brora river mouth, plus eight Little Gulls (five adult, one 2CY and two 1st winter), 16 Black Guillemot, three Fulmar and single Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: three Woodcock plus a Barn Owl between Redcastle and Charlestown, while at Udale Bay were 86 Shelduck, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, single Goldeneye and Little Grebe (Blair Whyte)
Inverness: four Woodcock on the Leys estate (Alan MacAskill)
Sutherland: eleven Little Auk plus one predated by a Great Black-backed Gull past Brora river mouth, plus eight Little Gulls (five adult, one 2CY and two 1st winter), 16 Black Guillemot, three Fulmar and single Great Skua (Dean MacAskill)
Thursday 3rd December
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Intermediate morph Snow Goose with Pink-footed Geese flock near Nigg (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Slavonian Grebe at Clachnaharry's sea lock (Al McNee - bird was first seen there on 30/11 by Willy Ross)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe, seven Red-throated DIvers and five Common Scoter at Loch Ainort, with another three of the latter at Sconser quarry (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Grey Plover, ten Snow Bunting and 80 Twite on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner). Intermediate morph Snow Goose with Pink-footed Geese flock near Nigg (Bob Swann)
Inverness: Slavonian Grebe at Clachnaharry's sea lock (Al McNee - bird was first seen there on 30/11 by Willy Ross)
Lochaber: drake Ring-necked Duck on Loch Shiel near Acharacle (Sandy McNeil)
Skye & Lochalsh: four Slavonian Grebe, seven Red-throated DIvers and five Common Scoter at Loch Ainort, with another three of the latter at Sconser quarry (Neil Bennett), Chiffchaff at Kinloch, Rum (Sean Morris) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: four Grey Plover, ten Snow Bunting and 80 Twite on Dornoch beach (Dean MacAskill)
Wednesday 2nd December
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Dell of Killiehuntly farm, Insh (Dave Pierce). C130 Snow Buntings in Coire Cas (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Great Northern Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate ('DE' via skye-birds.com)
Badenoch & Strathspey: Grey Wagtail at Dell of Killiehuntly farm, Insh (Dave Pierce). C130 Snow Buntings in Coire Cas (Fraser Todd)
Easter Ross: 1st winter Iceland Gull and two Great Northern Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner)
Skye & Lochalsh: eleven Whooper Swan at Loch nan Corr, Inverinate ('DE' via skye-birds.com)
Tuesday 1st December
Easter Ross: juvenile Puffin, single Great Northern Diver and ten Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a single Barnacle Goose was seen amongst c50 Pink-footed Geese (David Tattersley). Great Northern Diver off Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Eight Whooper Swans at Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Inverness: Kingfisher in the Whin Park area of the city along the River Ness (Alan MacAskill). Single Swallow and two Slavonian Grebes at Merkinch (Penny Insole). Ten Grey Plover at Whiteness (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (John Chester)
Sutherland: 120 Fulmar on cliffs, 60 Ringed Plover on the beach, 550 Barnacle Geese and 10 Whooper Swans, Faraid Head and Balnakeil ( Gordon Birnie)
Easter Ross: juvenile Puffin, single Great Northern Diver and ten Red-throated Divers at Tarbat Ness (Dave Tanner), while a single Barnacle Goose was seen amongst c50 Pink-footed Geese (David Tattersley). Great Northern Diver off Chanonry Point (Mary Galloway). Eight Whooper Swans at Udale Bay (Tim Stowe)
Inverness: Kingfisher in the Whin Park area of the city along the River Ness (Alan MacAskill). Single Swallow and two Slavonian Grebes at Merkinch (Penny Insole). Ten Grey Plover at Whiteness (Craig Johnstone)
Lochaber: Glaucous Gull at Mallaig harbour (John Chester)
Sutherland: 120 Fulmar on cliffs, 60 Ringed Plover on the beach, 550 Barnacle Geese and 10 Whooper Swans, Faraid Head and Balnakeil ( Gordon Birnie)
Monday 30th November
Inverness: drake Gadwall on Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: seven Little Gulls (five adult, one 1st winter and one 2nd winter) at Brora (David Tattersley)
Inverness: drake Gadwall on Loch Flemington (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Sutherland: seven Little Gulls (five adult, one 1st winter and one 2nd winter) at Brora (David Tattersley)
Sunday 29th November
Easter Ross: five drake Goldeneye in Strathconon (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: 14 Slavonian Grebes on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (John Chester)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Great Northern Divers on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris), 16 Bar-tailed Godwit plus two Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 18 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: 18 Golden Plover on Carn Gorm (Clair Bale)
Easter Ross: five drake Goldeneye in Strathconon (Alan MacAskill/Dave Barnett)
Lochaber: 14 Slavonian Grebes on Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (John Chester)
Skye & Lochalsh: 13 Great Northern Divers on Loch Scresort, Rum (Sean Morris), 16 Bar-tailed Godwit plus two Greenshank at Loch Portree (Neil Bennett), 18 Purple Sandpipers at Mallaig (Stephen Macdonald) - all via skye-birds.com
Sutherland: five Little Gulls at Brora river mouth (Bob McMillan)
Wester Ross: 18 Golden Plover on Carn Gorm (Clair Bale)
Saturday 28th November
Inverness: Swallow Merkinch LNR (Tony Cluxton).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), juvenile Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 12 Bramblings in large finch flock in weedy field by railway hut at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Inverness: Swallow Merkinch LNR (Tony Cluxton).
Skye & Lochalsh: juvenile Glaucous Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull Uig Bay (SG per skye-birds), juvenile Iceland Gull Loch Pooltiel (AS per skye-birds).
Sutherland: 12 Bramblings in large finch flock in weedy field by railway hut at Loch Fleet (Dean MacAskill).
Friday 27th November
Easter Ross: 150 Scaups Invergordon (Dave Tanner)
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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).
,
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).
|
31st January
Inverness: 157 Scaup off Seafield (Dave Pierce) Skye & Lochalsh: Viking Gull (Glaucous/Herring hybrid sp.) at Bayfield, Portree (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)
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).
