Lapland Bunting on Brownsman (Mark Breaks)

Friday 3rd September comments: It’s been a strange day on the Farnes. Our Eagle has been attracting headlines from the media (as well as a few radio interviews) but as if planned, the bird dually disappeared. An early morning check revealed the bird had gone and visitors and wardens were disappointed (although the Fulmars were pleased!). So life on the Farnes continued without our large Eagle friend, having been present since last Saturday.

Throughout the day, the islands were checked and nothing, although three Lapland Buntings moved through as autumn migration picked up. However as the team were settling down for the evening, attention was drawn back to Staple Island, and there in full powerful glory, our Eagle was back.

Where the bird had been is anyone’s guess – it’s not easy to loose a three foot Eagle on an island without any trees. One theory is that the bird moved north eight miles to nearby Lindisfarne (it was reported as being on there), but its back as it obviously likes the Farnes and those tasty Fulmars…

Today’s Highlights: Red-necked Grebe, Teal 42N, White-tailed Eagle immature (back!), Peregrine, Kestrel, Greenshank 2, Whimbrel 2, Golden Plover 700, Arctic Skua 3N, Willow Warbler 6 and Lapland Bunting 3 (2 west and one lingering on Brownsman).