The sky is alive at the Mull of Galloway with a constant stream of birds migrating overhead. Taking advantage of the nice weather and gentle winds, many birds can be seen flying past the Mull of Galloway enroute to their wintering grounds.
This week has seen some amazing records! On Wednesday we recorded 3,571 Meadow Pipits, 979 Skylark, 1,202 Linnet, 99 Chaffinches and 95 Swallows. Wagtails, Goldfinches, Siskins and House Martins were also recorded in good numbers.
3, 571 Meadow Pipits were recorded on Wednesday at RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Good passage of Linnets this week (photo Laura Shearer)
On Thursday the figures were much smaller however there was more variety of species recorded (for more info see http://www.trektellen.org/count/view/851/20151001). The highlight was from passing raptors with 21 Sparrowhawks passing overhead, travelling east- the 3rd highest UK record! 21 Common Buzzards were also recorded flying east as well as a brief glimpse of a Hen Harrier flying in front of the visitor centre and travelling out into Luce Bay. Not wanting to be outshone, our Kestrels, Peregrines and Merlins have been performing some amazing acrobatic displays around the lighthouse- it is simply wonderful to see! Other highlights from yesterday include a Crossbill, 7 Twite and a Lapland Bunting.
21 Common Buzzards were recorded on Thursday at RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Don’t forget to join us at the RSPB Mull of Galloway tomorrow for our Visible Migration Festival!