Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 29/09/202629 Sep. Musselburgh. The 2 Pale-bellied Brents and Whooper Swan still present plus 6 Pintail. Also 2 Mediterranean Gull dropped into the scrapes #BirdingLothian 0170
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 28/09/202628 Sep. Musselburgh. A different colour-ringed Pale-bellied Brent Goose with the long-staying bird; also 6W Little Gulls and 3W Arctic Skuas; 7 Ruff; adult Whooper Swan still. #BirdingLothian 0221
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 26/09/202626 Sep. Musselburgh. Great White Egret seen earlier off Gullane by Josh Daunt briefly landed on Inchkeith before continuing W (seen and ID'able from 6 miles away!) - average speed c15 mph. Also 8 Little Gulls west. #BirdingLothian 0250
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 25/09/202625 Sep. Musselburgh. New family of 5 Pale-bellied Brents (with long-stayer), Green Sandpiper, 2 Manx Shearwaters, Whimbrel, 2 Common Terns, Whooper Swan, 5 Shoveler, adult Mediterranean Gull #BirdingLothian 1180
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 24/09/202624 Sep. Musselburgh. Large counts of Greylags (2100) and Lapwings (524) today; 1cy Mediterranean Gull, 1cy Little Gull flew W, Pale-bellied Brent Goose still. #BirdingLothian 0182
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 23/09/202623 Sep. Musselburgh. Highlight was a Green Sandpiper on the new lagoons; also 7 Shoveler there. Flock of 11 Red-throated Divers flew W. Also tantalising view of a probable juv Long-tailed Skua that decided to return east before it reached me #BirdingLothian 0221
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026The highlight of the past week has been an American ‘Buff-bellied’ Pipit around the Houll, along with the first Turtle Dove of the year. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 S Arlow 0385
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 22/09/202622 Sep. Musselburgh. Finally caught up with a Great White Egret on the site thanks to @kingleby1.bsky.social but it wasn't settled & flew off after less than 5 mins. Also 3 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Slavonian Grebes, 1 Pale-b Brent Goose and 2 very distant Marsh Harriers flew up the Forth #BirdingLothian 0341
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 20/09/202620 Sep. Musselburgh. 5 Shoveler today, 25 Pinkfeet amongst the Greylags, Black-tailed Godwit in the moat of the new lagoons, flock of 17 Red-throated Divers flew W. #BirdingLothian 0231
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 19/09/202619 Sep. Musselburgh. 1+7 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 5 juv Little Gulls west, 1 juv Arctic Skua chasing, 6+ Ruff still #BirdingLothian 3290
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 09/09/20269 Sep. Musselburgh. Influx of Common Terns (110W) and Kittiwakes brought in juv Sabine's Gull and 9W Little Gulls. Both White-winged and Surf Scoters still (only 12 Velvets now). Osprey south, Red-necked Grebe still, 1 Bonxie. #BirdingLothian 0210
Reposted by Ian Andrewsinchgarthbirding.bsky.social @inchgarthbirding.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Glowing review from @jrmjones.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social Available from the FIBO @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social website, and if you’re keen to visit the hallowed isle yourself, bookings for 2027 are now open also via the website #birds 071
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026"It is a fitting tribute to this most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many of those birders who have visited at some point over the years – and probably a lot of those who haven't been, too. Go out and get yourself a copy – you won't regret it!"birdguides.comThe Birds of Fair Isle - BirdGuidesThis is a fitting tribute to a most hallowed of ornithological isles and will surely work its way on to the bookshelves of many of those birders who have visited at some point over the years – and pro... 1115
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 03/09/20263 Sep. Musselburgh. Male Surf Scoter, juv Little Stint, 3 Light-bellied Brent Geese arrived at the Esk mouth, an adult Osprey flew over (blue ring 8A or BA maybe). Juv Peregrine caused chaos again. #BirdingLothian 3281
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 01/09/20261 Sep. Musselburgh. Adult White-winged Scoter and Surf Scoter this morning. Juv Peregrine caused chaos chasing everything inc a Ruff that dived into the trees to escape! #BirdingLothian 0371
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026IMPORTANT NEWS - You can now book your 2027 visit to Fair Isle Bird Observatory. There are many compelling reasons to book (see image). For more information visit www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/accommodation The amazing offer for late October this year is still open! 0184
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 29/08/202629 Aug. Musselburgh. A Pintail was new in today as was a juvenile Little Stint. One male Surf Scoter, 290 Velvet Scoter and a single Green Sandpiper were still present. #BirdingLothian 0280
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 20/08/202620 Aug. Musselburgh. Still 3 Green Sandpipers (on scrape and then 1 on moat of new lagoons), Ruff and Snipe plus 7 juv Black-tailed Godwits. 12 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon. #BirdingLothian 0220
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 19/08/202619 Aug. Musselburgh. 2 White-winged and 3 Surf Scoters this morning. A Great Skua (a rarity in the last few years), 2+ Green Sandpipers still, 24 Snipe #BirdingLothian 2260
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 17/08/202617 Aug. Musselburgh. Still 3 Green Sandpipers, also Ruff and Black-tailed Godwits. Bar-tailed Godwit 'yellow EEH' has returned - it was ringed as a 1cy bird in Norway in Aug 2023, so now a 4cy. Has been seen in East Lothian every year, returning to Musselburgh last year on 13th Aug #BirdingLothian 0200
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 15/08/202615 Aug. Musselburgh. 3 Green Sandpipers (flew off 09:30 - not heard if they returned), 2 Surf Scoters, 11 Ruff, 18 Snipe, Med Gull 3447 again, Yellow Wagtail #BirdingLothian 1171
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Autumn has kicked off with our first Barred Warbler of the year on 4th, joined by a Melodious Warbler on 8th and Fair Isle’s 35th Woodchat Shrike around Kenaby yesterday. Read more of our latest sightings at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn 0504
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 14/08/202614 Aug. Musselburgh. Still 3 Green Sandpipers, 12 Ruff; juv Marsh Harrier flew E. The 3 Surf Scoters were also at moderate range (the Velvets were way off) - 2 lacked nape patch and were full winged, the other had a nape patch. A Heron devoured a Dunlin (not sure if/how it killed it) #BirdingLothian 0211
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 12/08/202612 Aug. Musselburgh. Increase to 9 Ruff. 1 Little Stint, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow Wagtail over, 336 Velvet Scoter including 2+ Surfs and 2+ White-winged. Good number of Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwits too - photos show wing moult of latter (only 1 juv in flock so far). #BirdingLothian 0200
Reposted by Ian Andrewsprjepson.bsky.social @prjepson.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Hi all, i’m writing a site profile of Musselburgh for Birdwatch mag and struggling to find a photo of the lagoons pre restoration, (preferably with birds). Does anyone have a good quality one i could submit with my article?. Full credit given of course. @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian 031
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 11/08/202611 Aug. Musselburgh. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 1 Greenshank, 4 Ruff, my 1st juv Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Shoveler #BirdingLothian 0140
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 10/08/202610 Aug. Port Seton prom. Adult and juvenile Roseate Terns at hightide. #BirdingLothian 2370
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 10/08/202610 Aug. Aberlady. A return visit for the Red-footed Falcon. No show until 10:05 then, for no obvious reason, it flew high in the direction of the Marl Loch at 11:30. Also Lesser Whitethroat, Merlin and Ruff. #BirdingLothian 0221
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 08/08/20268 Aug. Musselburgh. A juvenile Little Stint, Green Sandpiper and 3 Ruff (2 juvs) this morning #BirdingLothian 0300
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 06/08/20266 Aug. Musselburgh. A new juvenile female Ruff this morning and a juv Mediterranean Gull both on the scrapes. Juv Common Sandpiper too. #BirdingLothian 0150
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 05/08/20265 Aug. Musselburgh. An obliging Green Sandpiper on the scrapes, juv Mediterranean Gull and a Herring Gull trying to dispatch a crab #BirdingLothian 0160
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 04/08/20263-4 Aug. Musselburgh. A few sightings from the last couple of days. 3 Green Sandpipers on 3rd, also adult Little Gull and 2 Med Gulls. Two different Med Gulls today and 22 Arctic Terns. #BirdingLothian 0240
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 03/08/20263 Aug. Aberlady Bay. A few of the many photos I took of @kgbirder.bsky.social's superb 1st-summer male Red-footed Falcon this evening #BirdingLothian 3632
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 02/08/20262 Aug. Musselburgh. Two White-winged Scoters again this morning with 3 Surf Scoters; 3 juv Mediterranean Gulls; young Guillemots have now arrived #BirdingLothian 0260
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026The July Ranger Blog is now available to read at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ranger_blog.... to catch up on what Ranger Carla has been up to these past few weeks! 0192
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Recent seabird work has centred around Bonxies and Storm Petrels, with two Leach’s Petrels also trapped in recent sessions. Breeding success has been variable, with the Arctic Terns fledging just one chick. Read more at www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sight... 📸 A Penn 0194
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 31/07/202631 July. Musselburgh. Some of the scoters were a "bit" closer this morning, so here are a few more mediocre White-winged Scoter photos (the 2cy bird). Also, a Little Egret in the town. At the Esk mouth - 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Golden Plover and 25 Black-tailed Godwit #BirdingLothian 1300
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 30/07/202630 July. Musselburgh. A couple of highlights from this morning - juvenile Little Ringed Plover and a smart juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Not a single Arctic Tern today! #BirdingLothian 2180
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 29/07/202629 Jul. Musselburgh. Influx of Arctic Terns probably c300 but maybe some duplication (144W in the morning, 95 at mouth later, 60W later again). No juvs, 5+ 2cy. By far the largest number for here. Now c. 302 Velvet Scoters with Surf & WWS as before. First juv Willow Warbler (migrant) #BirdingLothian 0270
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 26/07/202620-26 July. Musselburgh. Three White-winged Scoter (adult, 3cy, 2cy - all seen today), 3mm Surf Scoters, 265 Velvet Scoter, up to 5 L Egrets, a few Black-t Godwits, Greenshanks & Snipe, 2 male Ruff, Osprey west on 24th, tight flock of 8 Little Terns west on 22nd #BirdingLothian 0200
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026Due to room availability at the end of the season, we are running a special price of £99 per person per night for stays of 7 nights or more between 15th-30th October, available on both single and twin rooms. 1165
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 18/07/2026I'm surprised this orange-brown foam on the Esk in Musselburgh has only now made the headlines, it's been around for about 2 months - the Eider chicks were swimming around in to in late May. 020
Reposted by Ian AndrewsFair Isle Bird Observatory @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social · 18/07/2026A new study has ranked Fair Isle as the third best location for birding in Europe, due to our location resulting in plenty of common migrants and a scattering of scarce and rare birds passing through. More can be found about how the top spots were decided here: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2629027...heraldscotland.comScotland is home to two of Europe's best birdwatching spots, new study revealsScotland is home to two of Europe's best birdwatching spots, a new study has revealed. 0211
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 15/07/202615 July. Musselburgh. Two White-winged Scoters and 3 Surf Scoters this morning. 2 male Ruff, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, juv Little Egret. #BirdingLothian 1300
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 12/07/202612 July. Musselburgh. 2 imm male White-winged Scoter (assumed 2cy and 3cy birds); 2+ male Surf Scoters, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 adult Ruff, 1 adult Greenshank, 2cy Mediterranean Gull, Increase in Sandwich Terns, Redshanks and Dunlin over recent days. #Birdinglothian 0200
Reposted by Ian AndrewsBirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Rarity finders: Trumpeter Finch on Fair Isle Luke Marriner recounts the unforgettable discovery of Shetland's first-ever Trumpeter Finch, found during an afternoon family walk at the height of the island's seabird season: bit.lyRarity finders: Trumpeter Finch on Fair IsleLuke Marriner recounts the unforgettable discovery of Shetland's first-ever Trumpeter Finch, found during an afternoon family walk at the height of the island's seabird season. 0123
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 07/07/20267 July. Musselburgh. 3cy male White-winged Scoter returned this morning (it arrived as a 2cy on 8 July last year). 3 male Surf Scoters still. Also 5 Little Ringed Plovers (2 juvs), 1 male Ruff, 55 Black-tailed Godwits. #BirdingLothian 1370
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 06/07/20266 July. Musselburgh. Photos of an argument between a Cormorant and Great Black-backed Gull over a flatfish (which the gull eventually stole). My first juvenile Sandwich Terns and Little Ringed Plovers today. Male Ruff and 3 Surf Scoters still (now 76 Velvets) #BirdingLothian 1170
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 05/07/20265 July. Musselburgh. The 3 Surf Scoters still present with an increasing number of Velvets (now 61). Male Scaup (with 3 Goldeneye); 18 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 male Ruff. #BirdingLothian 0190
Ian Andrews @ijandrews.bsky.social · 04/07/20264 July. Musselburgh. 3 male Surf Scoters still, 1 Whimbrel in with 140+ Curlew, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 summer Bar-taileds, juv Greenshank (on new lagoons), family of Goldcrests #BirdingLothian 0170
