The mean temperature in September was very similar to last year and about two degrees cooler than August. Rainfall was less than August but the main weather feature was the storm on September 19. The first named storm of the winter, Storm Ali, came with a marked drop in air pressure. Some trees were blown over on the island and some hedges, heavy with autumn fruits, were scorched.
A female scaup, first recorded this year.
Photo: Dennis Morrison
September is the start of the peak migration season, when many birds are on the move. There was a wide range of species recorded in September, almost 100. It was certainly the time to expect the unexpected and among the unusual records was a puffin off Pladda on 3rd, an Arctic skua pursuing seabirds off Imachar on 20th and a female scaup by Sliddery Shore also on 20th. The Arctic skua and scaup records were the first this year.