Graham Sparshott
@fifevismig.bsky.social
Life long birder. These days mainly content with pottering around my West Fife patches. Love Visible Migration. In the autumn mainly to be found on a hill at North Queensferry. Fife Bird Recorder.
20/10/2025
Some Annual Leave meant I could make my first visit of the year to the the E Neuk. The promising migrant weather had a lot to do with; E winds and heavy overnight rain followed by a calm morning. Not a big fall but I enjoyed close views of Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and YBW.
Some Annual Leave meant I could make my first visit of the year to the the E Neuk. The promising migrant weather had a lot to do with; E winds and heavy overnight rain followed by a calm morning. Not a big fall but I enjoyed close views of Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and YBW.
October 21, 2025 at 7:04 AM
20/10/2025
Some Annual Leave meant I could make my first visit of the year to the the E Neuk. The promising migrant weather had a lot to do with; E winds and heavy overnight rain followed by a calm morning. Not a big fall but I enjoyed close views of Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and YBW.
Some Annual Leave meant I could make my first visit of the year to the the E Neuk. The promising migrant weather had a lot to do with; E winds and heavy overnight rain followed by a calm morning. Not a big fall but I enjoyed close views of Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and YBW.
An influx of Pom Skuas into the Forth has been very enjoybale, starting from around the 13th October and culminating for me with an awesome flock of 21 at Ferry Hills on 18th.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
October 20, 2025 at 7:21 PM
An influx of Pom Skuas into the Forth has been very enjoybale, starting from around the 13th October and culminating for me with an awesome flock of 21 at Ferry Hills on 18th.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
11/10/2025
Good variety on the move at Ferry Hills including a vocal Pectoral Sandpiper.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
Good variety on the move at Ferry Hills including a vocal Pectoral Sandpiper.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
Ferry Hills - vismig (Fife, Scotland)
2025/10/11, 07:00-09:00 - Totals: 2112 individuals, 28 species, 2:00 hours, 10:45-12:15 - Totals: 1098 individuals, 16 species, 1:30 hours
www.trektellen.org
October 20, 2025 at 4:32 PM
11/10/2025
Good variety on the move at Ferry Hills including a vocal Pectoral Sandpiper.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
Good variety on the move at Ferry Hills including a vocal Pectoral Sandpiper.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
5/10/25
A fairly small, dark, square headed and small billed Canada Goose with a normal Canada in a flock of 350 Greylag at the E end of Loch Gelly. In terms of carrier species, probably better if it had been with the 1000+ Pinks at the other end of the loch, but still an interesting looking bird.
A fairly small, dark, square headed and small billed Canada Goose with a normal Canada in a flock of 350 Greylag at the E end of Loch Gelly. In terms of carrier species, probably better if it had been with the 1000+ Pinks at the other end of the loch, but still an interesting looking bird.
October 7, 2025 at 5:52 AM
5/10/25
A fairly small, dark, square headed and small billed Canada Goose with a normal Canada in a flock of 350 Greylag at the E end of Loch Gelly. In terms of carrier species, probably better if it had been with the 1000+ Pinks at the other end of the loch, but still an interesting looking bird.
A fairly small, dark, square headed and small billed Canada Goose with a normal Canada in a flock of 350 Greylag at the E end of Loch Gelly. In terms of carrier species, probably better if it had been with the 1000+ Pinks at the other end of the loch, but still an interesting looking bird.
4/10/15
Kinghorn/Pettycur
Morning after the passing of storm Amy. Generally not much happening during the seawatch but two birds made it more than worthwhile; Leach's Petrel and a migrating Taiga Bean Goose battling into the wind.
Kinghorn/Pettycur
Morning after the passing of storm Amy. Generally not much happening during the seawatch but two birds made it more than worthwhile; Leach's Petrel and a migrating Taiga Bean Goose battling into the wind.
October 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
4/10/15
Kinghorn/Pettycur
Morning after the passing of storm Amy. Generally not much happening during the seawatch but two birds made it more than worthwhile; Leach's Petrel and a migrating Taiga Bean Goose battling into the wind.
Kinghorn/Pettycur
Morning after the passing of storm Amy. Generally not much happening during the seawatch but two birds made it more than worthwhile; Leach's Petrel and a migrating Taiga Bean Goose battling into the wind.
IOW Trip 22/9-25/9
The best was saved to last, literally, in my last few hours spent at St Catherines Point, one of my favourite Island spots. I almost stepped on a cracking Wryneck which proceeded to give great views. Two Juv Hobby hawking insects added to a nice finish to the week.
The best was saved to last, literally, in my last few hours spent at St Catherines Point, one of my favourite Island spots. I almost stepped on a cracking Wryneck which proceeded to give great views. Two Juv Hobby hawking insects added to a nice finish to the week.
September 27, 2025 at 7:48 PM
IOW Trip 22/9-25/9
The best was saved to last, literally, in my last few hours spent at St Catherines Point, one of my favourite Island spots. I almost stepped on a cracking Wryneck which proceeded to give great views. Two Juv Hobby hawking insects added to a nice finish to the week.
The best was saved to last, literally, in my last few hours spent at St Catherines Point, one of my favourite Island spots. I almost stepped on a cracking Wryneck which proceeded to give great views. Two Juv Hobby hawking insects added to a nice finish to the week.
22/9-25/9
A long overdue return trip to my native Isle of Wight to do some birding with the bro @jonsparshott.bsky.social
Good company, stunning scenery and plenty of migration. What's not to like?
We didn't find the big one but plenty to see.
A long overdue return trip to my native Isle of Wight to do some birding with the bro @jonsparshott.bsky.social
Good company, stunning scenery and plenty of migration. What's not to like?
We didn't find the big one but plenty to see.
September 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM
22/9-25/9
A long overdue return trip to my native Isle of Wight to do some birding with the bro @jonsparshott.bsky.social
Good company, stunning scenery and plenty of migration. What's not to like?
We didn't find the big one but plenty to see.
A long overdue return trip to my native Isle of Wight to do some birding with the bro @jonsparshott.bsky.social
Good company, stunning scenery and plenty of migration. What's not to like?
We didn't find the big one but plenty to see.
14/9/25 was the best day of the autumn (so far). A certain amount of anticipation because of the classic conditons; a calm window between weather systems. It didn't disappoint.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
Ferry Hills - vismig (Fife, Scotland)
2025/9/14, 06:20-11:45 - Totals: 2954 individuals, 31 species, 5:25 hours
www.trektellen.org
September 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
14/9/25 was the best day of the autumn (so far). A certain amount of anticipation because of the classic conditons; a calm window between weather systems. It didn't disappoint.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
1st half of Sept sees some changes in the make up of migrating passerines at Ferry Hills. Tree Pipits on the way out (high of 20 on 2nd) and Meadows heading for their peak (high of 1260 on 13th). Small numbers of Spotted Flycatcher passing through although peak was in late August with 5.
September 13, 2025 at 4:35 PM
1st half of Sept sees some changes in the make up of migrating passerines at Ferry Hills. Tree Pipits on the way out (high of 20 on 2nd) and Meadows heading for their peak (high of 1260 on 13th). Small numbers of Spotted Flycatcher passing through although peak was in late August with 5.
Early Sept has seen some quality seabirds at Ferry Hills topped by the sites first ever Sabines Gull, a stunning adult inland with a flock of 17 Kittiwake on 6th. You get a few in the Forth after E winds most years, but to see one on overland migration was next level.
September 13, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Early Sept has seen some quality seabirds at Ferry Hills topped by the sites first ever Sabines Gull, a stunning adult inland with a flock of 17 Kittiwake on 6th. You get a few in the Forth after E winds most years, but to see one on overland migration was next level.
Ferry Hills continues to be steady, Tree Pipits starting to drop off as we head towards Sept and Mipits increasing. Siskins have started to increase in numbers (236 on 30/8). A very close 1st CY Osprey being mobbed by a Raven was a fine sight on 23/8.
September 2, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Ferry Hills continues to be steady, Tree Pipits starting to drop off as we head towards Sept and Mipits increasing. Siskins have started to increase in numbers (236 on 30/8). A very close 1st CY Osprey being mobbed by a Raven was a fine sight on 23/8.
A week's holiday 23rd-31st August where I ended up spending a lot of time hoping the E Neuk Bridled Tern might make it up the Forth to Kinghorn/Pettycur. This area is very good for staging terns in the autumn and there were plenty to look through with 200+ Common Tern present at times.
September 2, 2025 at 7:44 PM
A week's holiday 23rd-31st August where I ended up spending a lot of time hoping the E Neuk Bridled Tern might make it up the Forth to Kinghorn/Pettycur. This area is very good for staging terns in the autumn and there were plenty to look through with 200+ Common Tern present at times.
17/08/25
A change from vis mig with a visit to Stenhouse Marsh. A 1st W White Wagtail looking very pale and clean compared to the numerous Pied Wags. 16 snipe and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. The White Wag and godwits certainly on route from Iceland and the snipe likely to be to.
A change from vis mig with a visit to Stenhouse Marsh. A 1st W White Wagtail looking very pale and clean compared to the numerous Pied Wags. 16 snipe and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. The White Wag and godwits certainly on route from Iceland and the snipe likely to be to.
August 17, 2025 at 7:31 PM
17/08/25
A change from vis mig with a visit to Stenhouse Marsh. A 1st W White Wagtail looking very pale and clean compared to the numerous Pied Wags. 16 snipe and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. The White Wag and godwits certainly on route from Iceland and the snipe likely to be to.
A change from vis mig with a visit to Stenhouse Marsh. A 1st W White Wagtail looking very pale and clean compared to the numerous Pied Wags. 16 snipe and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. The White Wag and godwits certainly on route from Iceland and the snipe likely to be to.
Not as busy as last weekend but steady passage at Ferry Hills. Two locally uncommon species: Juvenile Marsh Harrier through on 11th and Yellow Wag on 14th.
August 17, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Not as busy as last weekend but steady passage at Ferry Hills. Two locally uncommon species: Juvenile Marsh Harrier through on 11th and Yellow Wag on 14th.
10/08/2025
The first really big day of the autumn at Ferry Hills. I did the morning shift with 480 tree pipit the major highlight. Second highest UK count, the Hills has the record, set last August with 926. Further highights were 77 xbill and and a summer BT Diver.
The first really big day of the autumn at Ferry Hills. I did the morning shift with 480 tree pipit the major highlight. Second highest UK count, the Hills has the record, set last August with 926. Further highights were 77 xbill and and a summer BT Diver.
August 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
10/08/2025
The first really big day of the autumn at Ferry Hills. I did the morning shift with 480 tree pipit the major highlight. Second highest UK count, the Hills has the record, set last August with 926. Further highights were 77 xbill and and a summer BT Diver.
The first really big day of the autumn at Ferry Hills. I did the morning shift with 480 tree pipit the major highlight. Second highest UK count, the Hills has the record, set last August with 926. Further highights were 77 xbill and and a summer BT Diver.
Vis mig at Ferry Hills during July has been ticking over without any really big days. The good year for Xbills continues with peak monthly count of 62. Tree Pipits starting to pick up, peak of 22. First 3 Arctic Skuas of the autumn W inland.
August 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Vis mig at Ferry Hills during July has been ticking over without any really big days. The good year for Xbills continues with peak monthly count of 62. Tree Pipits starting to pick up, peak of 22. First 3 Arctic Skuas of the autumn W inland.
1/8/25
Cory's Shearwater lingering off Kinghorn this PM. Scope views better than these ropey shots suggest, the under primaries looked extensively dark so nothing to suggest anything rarer. Very pleased to see it though.
Cory's Shearwater lingering off Kinghorn this PM. Scope views better than these ropey shots suggest, the under primaries looked extensively dark so nothing to suggest anything rarer. Very pleased to see it though.
August 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
1/8/25
Cory's Shearwater lingering off Kinghorn this PM. Scope views better than these ropey shots suggest, the under primaries looked extensively dark so nothing to suggest anything rarer. Very pleased to see it though.
Cory's Shearwater lingering off Kinghorn this PM. Scope views better than these ropey shots suggest, the under primaries looked extensively dark so nothing to suggest anything rarer. Very pleased to see it though.
The water levels at Stenhouse Marsh look great for waders. Hopefully good timing as the wader passage ramps up. 2 Green Sand and a Common Sand today (plus first Common Snipe last weekend).
July 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The water levels at Stenhouse Marsh look great for waders. Hopefully good timing as the wader passage ramps up. 2 Green Sand and a Common Sand today (plus first Common Snipe last weekend).
Due to domestic reasons I don't often get to do Nocturnal birding these days. But I had an opportunity to look for Nightjar and had my first sight and sound of these amazing birds in Scotland. Plus Woodcock are always good value, up to three birds were flying around together.
July 13, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Due to domestic reasons I don't often get to do Nocturnal birding these days. But I had an opportunity to look for Nightjar and had my first sight and sound of these amazing birds in Scotland. Plus Woodcock are always good value, up to three birds were flying around together.
The first Tree Pipit of the autumn went over Ferry Hills on 20th June, while four on 30th included two obliging birds that landed on the access track. Ringing at the Hills has shown most early season birds are Juvs. Numbers will peak in August.
July 6, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The first Tree Pipit of the autumn went over Ferry Hills on 20th June, while four on 30th included two obliging birds that landed on the access track. Ringing at the Hills has shown most early season birds are Juvs. Numbers will peak in August.
Second half of June continues to be decent for vis mig. The big year for crossbill and siskin continues. Site record of 129 xbill at Ferry Hills on 20th with 2nd highest of 123 on 29th. 153 Siskin 20th.
June 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Second half of June continues to be decent for vis mig. The big year for crossbill and siskin continues. Site record of 129 xbill at Ferry Hills on 20th with 2nd highest of 123 on 29th. 153 Siskin 20th.
The first half of June has been more interesting than May for vis mig at Ferry Hills. An eclectic mix of late north bound migrants, failed breeders, and early completion breeders. The crossbill influx continues with regular counts of 30-40, now increasingly joined by siskins.
June 17, 2025 at 7:27 PM
The first half of June has been more interesting than May for vis mig at Ferry Hills. An eclectic mix of late north bound migrants, failed breeders, and early completion breeders. The crossbill influx continues with regular counts of 30-40, now increasingly joined by siskins.
1/6/25
A visit to Vane Farm, Loch Leven. Signs of moult gatherings starting for the male diving ducks. Can be a good time to pick out something rarer like Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck, but the closest i got was this hybrid Tufty x Pochard at Carden Flood.
A visit to Vane Farm, Loch Leven. Signs of moult gatherings starting for the male diving ducks. Can be a good time to pick out something rarer like Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck, but the closest i got was this hybrid Tufty x Pochard at Carden Flood.
June 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
1/6/25
A visit to Vane Farm, Loch Leven. Signs of moult gatherings starting for the male diving ducks. Can be a good time to pick out something rarer like Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck, but the closest i got was this hybrid Tufty x Pochard at Carden Flood.
A visit to Vane Farm, Loch Leven. Signs of moult gatherings starting for the male diving ducks. Can be a good time to pick out something rarer like Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck, but the closest i got was this hybrid Tufty x Pochard at Carden Flood.
Vis mig has been hard work this spring, conventional spring migration is just about over. But, there are always a few species on the move. The main theme at Ferry Hills lately has been moult migration of Greylags and the beginnings of Crossbill movement.
June 1, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Vis mig has been hard work this spring, conventional spring migration is just about over. But, there are always a few species on the move. The main theme at Ferry Hills lately has been moult migration of Greylags and the beginnings of Crossbill movement.
A few days staying out in the E Neuk of Fife didn't coincide with the best of weather conditions. Fortunately one day was bright and sunny to allow the main aim of getting my wife some beach combing time at Kingsbarns. Some casual scanning turned up some decent birds including RT and GN Divers.
June 1, 2025 at 2:17 PM
A few days staying out in the E Neuk of Fife didn't coincide with the best of weather conditions. Fortunately one day was bright and sunny to allow the main aim of getting my wife some beach combing time at Kingsbarns. Some casual scanning turned up some decent birds including RT and GN Divers.