British Birding Association UK400 Club

Jules

 

Many thanks for informing us of the invasion situation in Norway. Do you know (or anyone else for that matter) if the invasion is affecting Sweden and Finland? I would like to receive a summary if possible

 

Thus far, 10 have made it to Britain (all typically in the Northern Isles so far)

 

The first involved an adult male feeding on the roadside verge at Dale Farm (HY 319 277), Evie (Orkney), on 20th July. This was followed a week later by a female on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 27th July, a female and juvenile then feeding at the base of Malcolm's Head cliffs with Common Crossbills from 28th until at least 30th July.

 

A very confiding female was then discovered on Shetland Mainland - at Sandgarth, Voe, from 28th-29th July - with further females at Mull Head (Orkney) briefly on 28th, Queenamidda, Rendall (Orkney), on 29th-30th and at Stenness (Orkney) on 29th. The latter flew into a window and stunned itself but recovered sufficiently overnight to be released next morning, where it remained for a short while. Incidentally both Orkney birds on 29th were discovered in birder's gardens ! A further female was at Crafty (HY 372 156), Finstown (Orkney), on 29th.

 

On 30th, two new birds were discovered on Shetland Mainland - with single juveniles in gardens at East Voe, Scalloway, and at Esha Ness Lighthouse.

 

Information sources: Shetland Wildlife Website and Orkney Birds. For stunning images of the Sandgarth bird (taken by Hugh Harrop, Rob Fray and Steve Minton) browse the Latest News section of the Shetland Wildlife website.