Last weekend..

Mostly at Ferryhills. On Sat the viewing was hampered by mist but Sunday was a cracking day, calm with clear blue skies and a good variety of species were on the move. It was perfect weather for goose movement and a site record 955 Pinkfeet went over. A single Bonxie and 2 Arctic Skuas flew inland together-these took me by surprise on such a calm bright day, but it may well be that Skuas are moving overland in really fine weather on a regular basis-just not easy to detect as they move over at great height. Even on days with a relatively strong headwind skuas are often very high up as they pass over Ferryhills. Passerine highlights included the first Brambling of the autumn and the sites first Stonechat, while there was good variety of other species e.g. Skylark, Meadow Pips, finches, small number of Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. 

On Sat I also ventured up to Kilminning in the afternoon; quiet on the land but a short seawatch produced a lovely flock of 12 Little Gull.

Several high flying Dunnock were noted on Sunday. Presumably continental migrants. 

A passage Mistle Thrush stopped for a rest on the hill.