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.
03/12/25
Water Pipit still around St Margarets Marsh. Hard to see as often on pools hidden by reeds. At one point I got lucky when it flew up into a tree.
Water Pipit still around St Margarets Marsh. Hard to see as often on pools hidden by reeds. At one point I got lucky when it flew up into a tree.
December 7, 2025 at 4:22 PM
03/12/25
Water Pipit still around St Margarets Marsh. Hard to see as often on pools hidden by reeds. At one point I got lucky when it flew up into a tree.
Water Pipit still around St Margarets Marsh. Hard to see as often on pools hidden by reeds. At one point I got lucky when it flew up into a tree.
29/11/25
Pettycur/Kinghorn
A suitable wind out of the North, but rather late in the season. So it was a big suprise to get a Juvenile Long-tailed Skua, my latest ever. A look on Trektellen indicates records aren't that unusual in the 2nd half of Nov in European waters, but hardly any in Dec.
Pettycur/Kinghorn
A suitable wind out of the North, but rather late in the season. So it was a big suprise to get a Juvenile Long-tailed Skua, my latest ever. A look on Trektellen indicates records aren't that unusual in the 2nd half of Nov in European waters, but hardly any in Dec.
December 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
29/11/25
Pettycur/Kinghorn
A suitable wind out of the North, but rather late in the season. So it was a big suprise to get a Juvenile Long-tailed Skua, my latest ever. A look on Trektellen indicates records aren't that unusual in the 2nd half of Nov in European waters, but hardly any in Dec.
Pettycur/Kinghorn
A suitable wind out of the North, but rather late in the season. So it was a big suprise to get a Juvenile Long-tailed Skua, my latest ever. A look on Trektellen indicates records aren't that unusual in the 2nd half of Nov in European waters, but hardly any in Dec.
25/11/25
St Margarets Marsh delivers again with nice views of a Water Pipit on the seawall. I've now had this species here each winter since 2023-2024, perhaps even the same individual as they are known for site fidelity.
St Margarets Marsh delivers again with nice views of a Water Pipit on the seawall. I've now had this species here each winter since 2023-2024, perhaps even the same individual as they are known for site fidelity.
November 28, 2025 at 1:45 PM
25/11/25
St Margarets Marsh delivers again with nice views of a Water Pipit on the seawall. I've now had this species here each winter since 2023-2024, perhaps even the same individual as they are known for site fidelity.
St Margarets Marsh delivers again with nice views of a Water Pipit on the seawall. I've now had this species here each winter since 2023-2024, perhaps even the same individual as they are known for site fidelity.
Time to start looking at my winter patch at St Margarets Marsh. A good start with the 3rd Cettis Warbler for Fife. The first Fife record in 2021 was quickly followed by the 2nd, also at St Mags, in 2022.
November 23, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Time to start looking at my winter patch at St Margarets Marsh. A good start with the 3rd Cettis Warbler for Fife. The first Fife record in 2021 was quickly followed by the 2nd, also at St Mags, in 2022.
Autumn migration pretty much done now at Ferry Hills. If the 14th November turns out to be my last visit of the year it was a decent finish, with divers and kittiwakes heading overland for the W coast. A few Little Gulls hiding in the Kitt flocks too.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
November 23, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Autumn migration pretty much done now at Ferry Hills. If the 14th November turns out to be my last visit of the year it was a decent finish, with divers and kittiwakes heading overland for the W coast. A few Little Gulls hiding in the Kitt flocks too.
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
www.trektellen.org/count/view/1...
Early November has started in the same quiet vain as late Oct although a drizzly day on the 8th was brightened up by 7 big, pale Bullfinches at Ferry Hills showing features of Northern birds. Coincided with a few down the E coast/N Isles.
November 15, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Early November has started in the same quiet vain as late Oct although a drizzly day on the 8th was brightened up by 7 big, pale Bullfinches at Ferry Hills showing features of Northern birds. Coincided with a few down the E coast/N Isles.
Second half of October was hard work on the vis mig front at Ferry Hills. Often a really good time but a bit pedestrian this year. 10 Taiga Bean Geese on 25th was nice to see. I expect them annually on route to Slamannan Plateau but still a rare bird in Fife.
November 15, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Second half of October was hard work on the vis mig front at Ferry Hills. Often a really good time but a bit pedestrian this year. 10 Taiga Bean Geese on 25th was nice to see. I expect them annually on route to Slamannan Plateau but still a rare bird in Fife.
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).