Local Rarity 27th October 2023

[Hawkeye]

Western Isles / Outer Hebrides bird sightings for today, 27th October 2023. Updated throughout the day

Butt of Lewis
An immature ***King Eider*** was seen offshore this evening. A Snow Bunting was around the lighthouse

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
8 Waxwings were feeding on Cotoneaster in Lewis Street, Stornoway this afternoon and 30 were seen on James Street

Tarbert, Isle of Harris
60+ Waxwings and 3 Bramblings were near the Harris Hotel today. A male Ring Ouzel was nearby at Huisinish jetty and 2 Bramblings were at the car park

Meavaig, Isle of Harris
A Snow Bunting was there today

Vallay, North Uist
The *Snow Goose* was again amongst Barnacle Geese

Howmore, South Uist
7 Snow Buntings were on the beach again this morning with 10 Brambling by the bridge over the river A Blackcap and 2 Fieldfare were around the township

Smerclate, South Uist
The ***Squacco Heron*** was again on Loch Smerclate today


Squacco Heron & Snow Goose (C) Craig Nisbet

 

[Bruce]

Barra
Creachan. A very late Redstart, 3 Siskins, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Waxwings briefly before flying south, 2 separate flocks of 7 and 3 Long-tailed Tits and 3 Treecreepers together on the same tree!
Northbay. 5 Waxwings, 3 Blackcaps and a Treecreeper.
Ardveenish. 5+ Long-tailed Tits, 1 Blackcap and a Treecreeper.
Cuithir. 1 Yellow-browed Warbler.
Brevig. 1 Waxwing.

 

[Craig.Nisbet]

Last bird recorded of the season on St Kilda was a Mistle Thrush outside the Manse- a third record this season of a usually rare visitor. Also 2 Grey Wags, 1 Woodcock (probably more), Long-tailed Duck, Wood Pigeon and the usual abundance of thrushes.

Was ace having a hire car and a couple of nice birds to go see on Uists this afternoon, but I will miss Hirta and those mighty hills! It never feels easy birding out there, but this last couple of weeks has just been brilliant!

Been great hearing news from around the Western Isles again this year- sure to be a season to remember, particularly for Bruce on Barra!

Looking forward to 2024 already. I hope you all enjoy the late autumn and there's a few wee treats in store for you somewhere.

All the best,

Craig

 

[YvonneB]

Last bird recorded of the season on St Kilda was a Mistle Thrush outside the Manse- a third record this season of a usually rare visitor. Also 2 Grey Wags, 1 Woodcock (probably more), Long-tailed Duck, Wood Pigeon and the usual abundance of thrushes.

Was ace having a hire car and a couple of nice birds to go see on Uists this afternoon, but I will miss Hirta and those mighty hills! It never feels easy birding out there, but this last couple of weeks has just been brilliant!

Been great hearing news from around the Western Isles again this year- sure to be a season to remember, particularly for Bruce on Barra!

Looking forward to 2024 already. I hope you all enjoy the late autumn and there's a few wee treats in store for you somewhere.

All the best,

Craig

Hi Craig, thanks for all the info from St. Kilda this year, it really is much appreciated. It’s certainly been an interesting season for you over there. Glad you were able to catch up with some of the birds currently on Uist. Wishing you safe travels and have a great winter.