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. 

 

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

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!