Redstart
The Autumn has brought a few interesting birds to Westray. A Redstart, two or three Stonechats, 30 or more Chaffinches with a Brambling and two Yellow-browed Warblers. Snow Buntings, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers have also appeared. The first Redwings have arrived.
Whooper Swans are beginning to reappear, we have Greylag Geese flocks in abundance now. Golden Plover flocks are drawn to suitable fields for feeding . One flock contained several hundred individuals. Small numbers of Ruff have also been seen.
Purple Sandpipers are now returning to spend the winter here and the island’s sandy beaches are ideal places to see flocks of Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwits.
Raptors seen recently include Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel.
Snow Bunting
Chiffchaff
Merlin
By Sandra and Don Otter
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