Neil Robertson, a crofter and gardener on the Isle of Eigg, saw an unusual bird amongst his regular garden visitors recently. At first, he thought it might be a siskin, but the bright yellow head markings didn’t fit. A serin came to mind, though this would be very unusual as this is not its usual range.

Former, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger, John Chester was duly called, and he confirmed, with great delight, that it was indeed a serin! It has never been recorded on the Isle of Eigg before and probably the first for the Highlands (there is one other unverified record).

A serin (Serinus serinus) is a type of finch, with a short stubby beak and bright yellow markings. Small numbers are recorded annually in southern England but breed in southern and central Europe and North Africa.

Photo credit: Donald Maclean