8th May

Strong south-easterly winds and rain for much of the day deposited a good number of migrants on the island and produced one of the best days of the year so far. A male Bluethroat near Kirbest was the highlight, and the first 2 Garden Warblers and 3 Spotted Flycatchers of the year also arrived.

Most small migrants were concentrated around the north and west of the island, and included at least 18 Lesser Whitethroats, a Redstart and 2 Whinchats along with 9 Chiffchaffs, 9 Willow Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 4 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats. A White Wagtail, 2 House Martins, a Dunnock, 2 Robins, 58 Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare and a Song Thrush were also counted.

A couple of Dotterels were found on Tor Ness in the afternoon, while other waders included 4 Common Sandpipers, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits and 10 Whimbrels. A Long-eared Owl remained at Holland House, and 6 Collared Doves and a Woodpigeon were also present.

Most of the Lesser Whitethroats were to be found among the rocks and boulders on the west coast.