Winter visitors

**Kenn** · 28-Sep-07, 22:32

Have noted the geese being spotted, Pink Footed I believe, when do any other species and the swans start arriving?
Would also like to hear any reports of Fieldfares, Redwings coming across in any numbers as they are a very good indicator of what the weather might do.
Any information would be much appreciated.

**kas** · 10-Oct-07, 17:42

Heard a flock of whoopers over the House last night around 10pm. My first of the year, although a few have been seen around this last week. No idea on number but there would have been quite a few considering the racket they were making 5-10 maybe.

I know some good migrating birds have been seen. Julian Smith had 2 Lesser scaup (males); 1 Ring-necked duck (male); Greater scaup 70+; Barnacle goose 121 in 5 flights; Gadwall 28 plus Black tern (juv) all on St. John's loch on Sunday.

The Robins are singing nearly everywhere you go in the county as well, although they have been here for a while.

**nemosia** · 10-Oct-07, 19:19

Got my first Greenland white-fronts (32) of the autumn on Loch of Mey this morning. Four Horned (Slavonian) Grebe on St. John's Loch.

A few stragglers from the summer around too with a Wheatear at Calder mid-day.

**Kenn** · 12-Oct-07, 00:59

Slovonian Grebes..GRRRR.....many thanks to both of you for the reports and please keep them coming. I'm a bit of a weather freak and the times that the birds choose to arrive can often be a good indicator of how the weather will pan out through the winter.

**orkneylass** · 13-Oct-07, 10:29

so what are your predictions for this winter????

**Kenn** · 13-Oct-07, 22:40

Might be able to form a better conclusion with a little more information, down here there seem to be more berries than usual and the resident birds are eating ravenously so early indications are that either we are going to get a cold snap in the next few weeks or even a longer spell.
The swifts and the swallows were away about two to three weeks ahead of their normal schedule.
If I get to sight a fieldfare or a redwing then I know we're in trouble.

**anneoctober** · 31-Oct-07, 00:11

Originally Posted by LIZZ

Have noted the geese being spotted, Pink Footed I believe, when do any other species and the swans start arriving?
Would also like to hear any reports of Fieldfares, Redwings coming across in any numbers as they are a very good indicator of what the weather might do.
Any information would be much appreciated.

Hi Lizz
For the first time since we moved to Shebster 29 yrs ago I saw a flock of fieldfares , from my kitchen window yesterday ( Sun 29 th Oct). I've checked with the RSPB site and confirmed that they are Fieldfares. Approx 30 birds landed in the field behind the house, some even sat in the trees in the garden so I did get a good look at them. Fab birdies - I did think from a distance that they were thrushes as I said previously I've never seen one before let alone out here at Shebster and in such numbers.

**Kenn** · 31-Oct-07, 01:27

Thanks for the report anneoctober..some fieldfares live in the north, we saw a small flock over to Srathalladale when up in September and they must be indigenous.. but when they flock in from eastern europe in winter they sue are a sight to see.
Yes they are members of the thrush family.