SHETLAND BIRD NEWS, PHOTOS, BIRDING, LIFE AND MORE! MY 16th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2026!


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Thursday, 23 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & NEWS!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
No news.
 
ISLANDS
American Golden Plover on Isle of Mousa. 

My thumb was so painful this evening I had to take paracetamol and ibuprofen. When I googled it said that it can be very painful for a couple of days after this injection and then settles down. Fell asleep and didn't notice until it was too late that there were Risso's Dolphins in Scalloway Harbour this evening. The good weather run has ended, raining today and over the next few days. Took a while to type this.

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND
Quail singing at South Voxter.
 
ISLANDS

Insanely busy at work and feel burnt out. Its taken over three months to be seen and treated for my painful right thumb which occurred after my long driving trip to Norfolk. Today I had a specialist appointment with a very senior Physiotherapist (Band 8a), a very nice lady and was assessed and given a steriod anesthetic injection between joints at the base of my thumb – I didn't look, as didn't want to see the needle. The extreme pain made me gasp and brought instant tears, but glad its been done. The physio told me to rest it for two days and she would ring me in four weeks to see how it was going. It maybe that I have to have a second injection for the tendon, but initially she thought it was mainly a joint pain issue rather than the tendon after she did a full assessment.

After a few grey and colder days, the sun was out again today. Lots of House Sparrows, Starlings and Collared Doves in my garden – they are currently stripping through all the fat balls and feeders in a day. All my plants and flowers are now looking their best and just realised that I have not taken any pictures of the garden yet this year.

On a visit to a patient's house with an OT this week I met the most gorgeous house cat – I so much want another cat, well actually two so they keep each other company when I'm not in – two short-haired tabby cats would be my dream. My last cats were colour point persians and even though they were totally adorable, I don't want to go back to grooming long haired cats – its hard work, has to be done very regularly and the majority of cats do not like being groomed. Has anyone got two tabby kittens needing homes in Shetland? 😊 😻

Monday, 20 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
King Eider 1w. fem between Shetland Catch and Bressay oil factory, Lerwick.
 
ISLANDS

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Spain Beat Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time to Win World Cup!

I'm so glad Spain won after all the aggressive and unprofessional conduct from Argentina throughout their matches, which happened again today and after the final whistle! It was good to see a fair referee in today's match. Spain were the better players – it was close to going to penalties, so glad it didn't!
Hopefully it will bring a little smile to the England players
 
"CONGRATULATIONS SPAIN"
Ferran Torres celebrates his winning goal 

 
 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck ecl. drk still at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.
Hawfinch in garden at Hillwell.
 
ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck juv. still on small lochan, west of Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar. 

Third-placed Finish is England Men's Best World Cup Result Since 1966 Triumph!

When it was 4-0 to England at half time, I was thinking why oh why, wasn't the same team selected for the semi-final! Anyway, can't turn the clocks back. After their semi-final heartbreak, the England team showed huge strength to give it their all today and played brilliantly. They fought to the last minute, ending in a 6th goal by Jude Bellingham. An incredibly exciting match and played professionally by France and England – no beating each other up and total respect to each team at the end of the match, take note Argentina! It was nice to see the team step up to receive their bronze medals, not what they hoped for, but the furthest England have reached since 1966, so massive congratulations to everyone, you have been a joy to watch. Hoping very much that Spain will win tomorrow!
 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 18th July
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Quail singing below bakery at Bigton.
Quail at Hillwell.
 
ISLANDS
Quail singing at Isle of Mousa.
Long-tailed Skua still at airstrip, Isle of Foula. 

Friday, 17 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck eclipse drk at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.
Black-throated Diver on east side of bay at Urafirth.
 
ISLANDS
Quail singing at Out Skerries.
Long-tailed Skua still at airstrip, Isle of Foula. 
 
 
Unusually there was no sun at all today – grey skies but no rain. I can't remember the last time we had rain here, which is unusual. I got up very, very late, much needed sleep.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 10-16th July!

By Jon Dunn

Thursday, 16 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
King Eider 1w. fem still south of harbour entrance, Ring-necked Duck eclipse drk at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.
Quail singing at Urafirth.
Quail singing in barley field at Loch of Clumlie, Boddam. 
 
ISLANDS
Quail singing at Voehead, Isle of Bressay.
Long-tailed Skua at airstrip, Isle of Foula. 
 

No further news of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater – it flew north from Papa Westray yesterday! Fabulous pictures and video footage of this on Facebook group Orkney – Scarce and Rare
 
It was so busy at work this week that I felt like I was back in my previous job at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Norfolk, where it was like this daily. Its rarely that busy in this hospital, so quite unusual and probably the busiest week I've had since I started work here over three years ago in May – glad its the weekend! I felt so exhausted today, but this was partly due to the fact that I took double antihistamine tablets last night after a bee stung me, which I accidentally disturbed when watering plants before the semi-final. Had two X-rays today – one for my thumb (still agony after my Norfolk trip) and my right knee. My new VonHaus cordless lawnmower arrived today, looking forward to unpacking this and seeing how well its works. I will sell the Flymo push mower – got fed up with pushing this up my sloped drive!
 
I had a quick look around Tingwall Loch straight after work, just in case the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater had stopped here on route. The last one on mainland Shetland was at Tingwall Loch in 1997. Found a lovely Common Sandpiper and a pair of Tufted Ducks with 13 fluffy youngsters dozing in a row on a rock – so sweet to see! Back in my garden there is a male Siskin along with a ton of House Sparrows including lots of juvs. who are now capable of feeding themselves, Starlings, juv. Collared Doves and adults, Rock Doves and female Blackbird. Its been lovely weather here this week and can't quite believe I am saying this, but its been too hot at work!

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
No news.
 
ISLANDS
Quail at Newpark, Isle of Whalsay. 
 

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is still on Papa Westray, Orkney again today, but not seen this evening?!!!
 
Not how it was supposed to end, totally heartbreaking watching England lose, when they were so close at 1-0 and up until their first goal, played brilliantly I thought. However a poor decision by the manager to have more defenders and less strikers, which more than probably lost them the game. Rubbish referee with poor decisions (mostly) who should have been sent off himself! Congratulations to Argentina, but you didn't deserve to win after your poor behaviour, especially in the first half. I'm now going to hope Spain win the World Cup on Sunday.

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
King Eider 1w. fem just south of Victoria Pier, Lerwick.
 
ISLANDS
No news. 
 
 
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is still on Papa Westray, Orkney today!!!
 
I looked into getting to Orkney on Friday (my next day off), by Northlink ferry (very cheap) and by plane (insanely expensive) and both available, but no flights from Kirkwall to Papa Westray or the ferry across, hmmmm...... I wonder why?!!!! It would be a miracle if it stayed that long anyway, so will have to wait for another to turn up here, hopefully before I depart this earth! 😉

Monday, 13 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
King Eider 1w. fem off north harbour, Lerwick.
Quail still at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.
 
ISLANDS
Quail singing on Out Skerries.
Quail singing this evening at Voehead, Isle of Bressay. 
 
 
Warm enough at work today for me to get the fan out for the first time! Very busy at work and at home doing jobs in the garden. Male and female Siskins on the feeders along with a ton of House Sparrows and juvs., Starlings, Collared Doves and interestingly a Hooded Crow sitting on my wall feeding a youngster pieces from the fat balls! First time I have seen a young Hooded Crow – wasn't there long enough for me to get the camera out though. Lots of stressful phone calls from Lucy this evening – so difficult to try and help Lucy at times, you try and you fail, heartbreaking and frustrating.
 
OMG – just noticed on RBA there is a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on Papa Westray, Orkney today!!! First for Orkney! Picture HERE Video HERE. WOW!!! It would be fabulous if you headed north to mainland Shetland – preferably after 4.30pm on Tuesday! Thank you very much 😍

Sunday, 12 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
King Eider 1w. fem still south of North Harbour entrance, Lerwick.
Little Stint at Pool of Virkie.
Honey Buzzard at Hillwell, then flew over Bakkasetter.
Quail singing at South Voxter.
 
ISLANDS
Common Rosefinch at Isle of Foula.
Ring-billed Gull again at Voe of the Mells, Isle of Noss.

Saturday, 11 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Quail between Sumburgh Hotel and Sumburgh Farm.
Quail at Middle Road, Virkie.
Quail at Hillwell.
Quail at Burn of Setter, Sandwick.
Quail at Quendale.
Quail at Aith Meadows, Cunningsburgh.
Quail singing at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.  
King Eider 1w. fem just south of harbour, Lerwick.
 
ISLANDS
No news.
 
 
ENGLAND and NORWAY
World Cup Quarter Final!
What a nail biting match that was!

Friday, 10 July 2026

Thursday, 9 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
No news.
 
ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck still on small lochan west of Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.
 
 
I'm glad its the end of my working week without going into details. Tesco shop after work, had tea and now waiting for the France/Morocco quarter final to kick off.

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Quail singing at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.
Marsh Warbler singing in garden at Virkie.
 
ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck still on small lochan west of Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.
Quail at Tripwell, Isle of Whalsay.
Ring-billed Gull at Voe of the Mels, Isle of Noss.

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
No news.
 
ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck still on Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar. 
 
 
Just got home in time to see the first goal being scored by Egypt. I can't believe Argentina turned that match around after 79 minutes when the score was 2 goals to Egypt and Argentina had none! It was a really shocking but exhilarating game. I actually wanted Egypt to win, they deserved to win. Never seen Messi that emotional before at end of the match, he knew they were close to going out, but somehow the Argentinians battled to get through and scored 3 goals!

Monday, 6 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.
Quails x 2 singing 3.03am at Voxter.
Quail NE of cemetery, NE of Graven, Sullom Voe.
 
ISLANDS
Quail singing east of Voeside, Isle of Bressay. 
 
 
I managed an extremely busy day at work by myself quite well for an old bird, considering I watched the England/Mexico match live this morning! I still can't take in how brilliant that match was! Also search Fleur East on Instagram (English singer, songwriter, rapper and presenter for those of you that don't know her) for her insanely brilliant raps she has been creating after each England match! Here's the link to this morning's on Tiktok and England v Congo a few days go here. Spain and Portugal were so slow tonight compared to England and Mexico. Good night! 😴

England 3, Mexico 2!!!!!!!!

The most exhilarating match I've ever watched!!!
England's game was phenomenal!

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS TO ENGLAND! 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

 Through to the quarter finals against Norway!

🏆 

 

Sunday, 5 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.

ISLANDS

Saturday, 4 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.
Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.
* Atlantic White-sided Dolphins x 20 off Freester, Vassa Voe, SE of Catfirth.

ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck juv. on small lochan, below Houll by Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

The match last night between Argentina and Cape Verde was the most exciting match of the tournament. I really wanted Cape Verde to win – they played like their life depended on it. Raining here all day until the evening, when the sun came out. I have two wash loads of clothes dripping on the washing line, hopefully my uniforms will dry by Monday morning!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 3rd July
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Alpine Swift again at Noss of Noup, Isle of Noss.
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.
Quail singing at Catfirth. 

ISLANDS
Ruddy Shelduck juv. at Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Thursday, 2 July 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Bonaparte's Gull 1s still at airfield, Scatsta.
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

ISLANDS
No news.
 
 
50mph winds all afternoon. Went birding straight after work. At Clumlie Loch there were 3 Swallows and a Bonxie and also a few Wheatears. Beautiful light and lots of wild flowers and orchids to be seen. Drove up to Mossy Hill – the aim was to find the Trumpeter Finch that left Fair Isle – as always, beautiful views of St Ninian's Isle. Lots of Wheatears, Oystercatchers, 2 Linnets and Common Terns seen.
 
Went to the Pool of Virkie where Roger R. had found a male Red-necked Phalarope – very distant but gorgeous views of this and also a Curlew Sandpiper seen and a Mediterranean Gull that Hugh H. found whilst I was there. So many birds to here including Redshanks, Ringed Plovers, Dunlins, Turnstones, Black-tailed Godwits, Eiders, Shelduck with young, Black-headed Gulls etc.
 
Back at home I managed to stay up to watch the Portugal vs Croatia match which kicked off at 12am! So pleased Portugal won, what a game! They go on to play Spain on Monday, that will be a fight to the end! England play Mexico at 1am on Monday.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 2nd July
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Great Shearwaters x 2 from boat at mouth of Dales Voe, north of Lerwick.
Eastern Subalpine Warbler (of form albistriata) from 9th-12th June at Sumburgh head [identified from mtDNA]

ISLANDS
Quail at Burrafirth, Unst.
 
 
After a poor start from England, Kane saved the day! It will be a miracle if they make it past the next stage, but miracles do happen! 🤞 England now play Mexico at 1am on Monday – how are you supposed to watch this when you are working Monday morning! Its probably best not to watch it anyway.
 
I made the huge mistake of getting hooked on a film called "Blink Twice", a psychological thriller – I never watch films like this as they screw me up, I will now probably have nightmares after that!

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Bonaparte's Gull 1s in mowed field by runway at Scatsta.
Quail singing at Bakkasetter. 

ISLANDS
Alpine Swift over clifftops at Noup of Noss, Isle of Noss.
 
 
TRUMPETER FINCH still at Kirn o'Scroo, Fair Isle.
 
50+ House Sparrows feeding in my front garden, Collared Doves, Rock Doves and lots of Starlings. I think France will win the World Cup. Serena Williams lost today, but my goodness, what an athlete!

Monday, 29 June 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
No news. 

ISLANDS
No news.
 
 
TRUMPETER FINCH still at Kirn o'Scroo, Fair Isle.
 
Strimmed and mowed the grass after work. The novelty of the hand lawnmower I purchased has worn off, think I need to buy an electric lawnmower. I don't generally watch football, but really enjoying the World Cup matches. 50+ House Sparrows feeding in my front garden along with 3 Siskins, Collared Doves and lots of Starlings. Fair Isle is doing so well for birds this Spring, maybe that's where I should be living!

Sunday, 28 June 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Icterine Warbler still at north end of Clickimin Loch, Marsh Warbler by lower wooden bridge of Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
Quail at Loch of Clumlie, north of Boddam. 

ISLANDS
Quail at Northdale Mires, Fetlar.
 
 
TRUMPETER FINCH found at Kirn o'Scroo, Fair Isle by
Luke Marriner – see pictures HERE. 
 
Congratulations to Luke, what a find! Here's my write up on Birdforum of the Trumpeter Finch that I saw on Blakeney Point on 3rd June 2008, before I started my blog in 2010. I didn't have a camera then, just digiscoping kit, but managed to get a record shot. I missed the one in June 2010, Cley, Norfolk as I was on Fair Isle! It would be fabulous to see another one, maybe it will end up here!
 
Trumpeter Finch, Blakeney Point, Norfolk – 3rd June 2008
Digiscoped with my Nikon ED50 Scope

Saturday, 27 June 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Quail at Burn of Setter, NNE of Sandwick.

ISLANDS

Friday, 26 June 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Icterine Warbler still, singing at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick. 
Quail found dead along fence at Kettleness, West Burra.
Common Rosefinch male in fields by croft house at Boddam.

ISLANDS
Honey Buzzard flew SSW, NW of Burravoe, Yell.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 19th to 25th June!

By Jon Dunn