Yellow Wagtail the best on offer...

A complete contrast in weather conditions today saw the island bathed in beautiful sunshine. Most birders were able to work on their suntans and unsurprisingly, the wait for a new American landbird goes on. Best find today was a first-winter Yellow Wagtail in fields above the power station, although a Spotted Sandpiper was also a new find on the large rock pool at the west end of the airfield and the Collared Doves have increased to three!

Yellow Wagtail by Josh Jones

At least twelve new birders joined us today, with this increase compensated by the departure of at least five to twitch the Willet on Sao Miguel! We will be welcoming them - and several others - back to the island on Friday.


Birds:

Spoonbill 1 still showing well at the campsite!
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Little Stint 1st-winter still at the old harbour
White-rumped Sandpiper 2 (Vila Nova & reservoir)
Collared Dove 3 around the high fields
Yellow Wagtail 1st-winter above the power station
Buff-bellied Pipit 1 still at the reservoir
Wheatear 3 around the reservoir