Wknd 26-27 September

Photoless again, new camera away for repair! Working back, a red-ringed Med in Seton roost on shore west Sunday evening, probably PJU6 but flushed before confirming. An unringed adult was on the shore earlier, plus still 43 Sandwich Tern.

In the afternoon (b/day party duties) enjoyed great views of a dark-phase Arctic Skua doing circuits off Portobello beach/Leith, repeatedly flushing a small gull flock out near Inchkeith; also 1+ Manx shearing NE past there.

In the morning did the Big Vis count at Ferny Ness, fairly typical seabirds movements and virtually all passerines well offshore, full counts. Always a pleasure to see hirundines battling throo in strong winds, but not a patch on those over the water with 300+ past the Fife sites, e.g. Cullaloe. A diver sp with big feet probably BTD.

Saturday was spent on the swan darvic circuit around Holyrood park, with the highlight perhaps seeing the juv grebes (Great Crested, and several Little) still on Duddingston.