Thousands of birds travel through Scotland’s southernmost point as they move to their winter grounds. Huge numbers of Linnets, Goldfinch and Meadow Pipits are seen every day at the Mull of Galloway on migration. Early morning, it is possible to witness visible migration – daylight observation of migrating birds. The Mull of Galloway is best known for large numbers of skylarks with 1,441 recorded in less than 2 hours here last autumn! Over 500 skylarks were counted last Saturday and Sunday whizzing overhead (see full count here: http://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/851/20161001).
With large numbers of birds travelling through it was inevitable to find something unusual. Behind the RSPB visitor centre is a collection of willows- a good spot for birds to rest after travelling through miles of open farmland. This is a hotspot for robins, goldcrests, finches and warblers.
Scanning through, a small passerine was noted perched low to the ground and basking in the sun- it was a RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER- an Eastern European breeding bird! This is the third record for the Mull of Galloway (previous sightings 1922 and 1969) and only the 4th record for Dumfries and Galloway! You never know what you will find at Scotland’s most Southerly point!
Red-Breasted Flycatcher in the willows at RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Feeling windswept at the Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Welcome! (photo Laura Shearer)
RBF perching on the dry stone walls of RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Red-breasted flycatcher at RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)