September 2026

Bird Sightings

September was a little cooler than August. In comparison to last September, while the temperatures were similar, this September was wetter and windier with only two days without rain. The weather was less conducive for birdwatching but migration was in full flow with many birds on the move. As in August, coastal areas including Kilbrannan Sound were alive with seabirds, hundreds of birds including gulls, auks, Shags and Gannets all feeding. One observer described being “mesmerised“ by the number of birds in these feeding frenzies.

In September, summer visitors were leaving but some were still around including: a Willow Warbler in Shannochie on 4^th, a Spotted Flycatcher in Glenashdale on 13^th, five Common Sandpiper in Clauchlands on 16^th, ten Lesser Black-backed Gull in Lochranza on 18^th, a Juvenile Whinchat in Strathwillan on 22^nd and a singing Chiffchaff by the Dyemill on 24^th. The last record of Sand Martin was twenty at Torbeg on 5^th. The largest report of House Martin was fifty at Kingscross on 5^th with the last report two at Knockenkelly on 27^th. The largest report of Swallow was fifty at Kilpatrick on 22^nd. Swallow were being reported up to the end of the month. October should see the last of the Swallows and other summer visitors departing south.

This September there were a few reports of returning winter visitors. These included five Whooper Swan flying over Newton on 14^th and eleven Teal in Torbeg on 27^th. October should see increasing numbers of these species and others, including Fieldfare, Goldeneye, Pink-footed Geese, Redwing and Wigeon. Look out for them.

Other species on migration were visible round our coasts including: a Knot at Drumadoon Point on 7^th, four Wheatear at Torrylinnwater Foot on 9^th, twenty-two Manx Shearwater in Brodick Bay on 21^st, six Sandwich Tern also in Brodick Bay on 24^th, five Greenshank in Torbeg on 27^th and a Dunlin in Catacol Bay on 28^th. In addition there were reports of Bar-tailed Godwit and of Black-tailed Godwit. For more information on Godwit on Arran click here.

At this time of year birds begin to flock together, often in preparation for migration. Reports included; five hundred Common Gull in Machrie Bay on 5^th, one hundred and thirty-two Greylag Geese in Clachaig on 8^th, fifty Linnet in Kilpatrick on 10^th, two hundred Starling in Feorline on 11^th, thirty-eight Golden Plover at Dougarie on 13^th, eighty-four Ringed Plover in Blackwaterfoot on 14^th, two hundred Shag on Hamilton Rock on 23^rd, fifty Turnstone in Lamlash on 26^th, seventy Meadow Pipit at Corriegills on 26^th, three hundred Guillemot in Brodick Bay on 28^th, one hundred Gannet in Kilbrannan Sound on 29^th, fifty Chaffinch in Lagg also on 29^th, twenty-three Mistle Thrush in Glen Sannox on 30^th and five hundred Kittiwake in Catacol Bay also on 30^th. This gives an insight into the numbers of birds that are on the move at this time of year.

Other interesting sightings this month included: two Red-throated Diver off Pirnmill on 1^st, two Goosander in Sannox Bay on 11^th, a Moorhen in Port na Lochan on 20^th, six Long-tailed Tit in Strathwillan also on 20^th, nine Black-throated Diver in Machrie Bay on 22^nd, nine Grey Heron in Cordon on 23^rd, a pair of Golden Eagle with one young flying together over the northern mountains on 24^th, four Little Grebe in Loch Ranza on 26^th and a Snipe in Torbeg on 27^th. In September there were six reports of Kingfisher from various locations including two by the youth hostel in Lochranza. In addition there were eighteen reports of Little Egret including five flying over Brodick Ferry Terminal on 28^th .

Finally, my thanks to all the “volunteers” who took part in the Eider survey in September. The largest group reported was ten in Lamlash Bay on 22^nd . There will be a brief report on this in the October Notes.