Army Ornithological SocietyFair Isle - Day 1
Sat 29 Sep 12
Not a promising start to the day with the FIBO warden, Dave, deciding whether or not to start the early morning trap run because of the wind and rain. In the end it was go and, whilst those new to the island learnt about the Heligoland traps and their use, the sum total of the trap run was two birds, a Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush.
After breakfast the team headed out for an abortive attempt to find Barred Warbler and was just considering moving on when a ‘red flag’ event was called. All birders on the island moved to Furse where a Buff-bellied Pipit had been located and was showing well. After a Snipe search the team returned to the observatory for lunch.
Whilst everyone was enjoying a post lunch cuppa in the lounge a warbler popped in through the open door. Having stunned itself against the glass and dropped down behind a sofa it was recovered by one of the rangers who confirmed it as a Blyth’s Reed Warbler. It was bagged, allowed to recover in the ringing room, and then tagged before being brought out for a ‘press call’ and being realised. Armchair birding for rarities at its best!
After all the lunchtime excitement the team resumed the hunt over the southern half of the island turning up: Arctic Warbler, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting. Quite a collection for an afternoon and a fair few lifer’s for some.
After dinner Saturday night went with a swing and following an informative talk on the history of Fair Isle the CAOS team managed a creditable third place in the ’mystery birds’ quiz although, it has to be said, this achievement was marred slightly by the fact that there were only three teams!
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