Our usual Skerries Sunday

 It was a bit breezy so we were worried it would be a rough crossing, but it was fine and gloriously sunny. We had a fabulous day.

First stop by the little pond gave up 2 chiffchaffs and 9 willow warblers.

Then almost straight away Rob found a juvenile Red backed Shrike.

We watched it for a bit then it moved to another garden. It posed well and was joined by a 2nd bird that a friend, Roger, picked up. Jill found a rosefinch in the same garden. There was also a garden warbler there.

Everywhere were Meadow pipits

Jill left Rob watching the Shrike and walked up to the cemetery and crop field. Straight away she found a 2nd rosefinch on the fence around the crop. It was with several more willow warblers and pied flycatcher

Difficult glary light today!

Jill went for a walk to a new spot right up towards the old North entrance to the harbour. It was a bit of a scrabble but well worth it.

At the end, another birdwatcher mentioned there as a yellow wagtail showing well. So, we drove back and we searched. We had heard it but didn't see it. Looking at the tiny beach where it had been seen, Jill spotted a distant wader. Unfortunately  it is a terrible photo but it flew after 2 seconds and was distant. We are not sure between the more likely little stint or semiplmated sandpiper.

It was tiny.

Nice to have a quick catch up with our friend Bob too.