SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Ring-necked Duck, Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.

Marsh Warbler singing in garden at Hillwell.

Red-backed Shrike male + fem. at Bellister, Laxfirth.

Red-backed Shrike male at Setter, Loch of Spiggie.

Red-backed Shrike male at Fleck.

Red-backed Shrike male at West Hall, Ness of Sound, Lerwick

Icterine Warbler, Wood Warbler, Marsh Warbler at Greenfield Place, Lerwick.

Red-backed Shrike males x 2 at Sumburgh Head.

Red-backed Shrike male Uradale, SE of Scalloway.

Icterine Warbler at Hestingott.

Red-backed Shrike fem. at Sandwick.

Hen Harrier ringtail at Loch of Girlsta.

Marsh Warbler, Red-backed Shrike male at Quendale.

 

Golden Oriole still in garden at Mid Yell, Red-backed Shrike fem. at Arisdale Burn, Red-backed Shrike male at Breckon, Red-backed Shrike at Gutcher, Marsh Warbler at Basta, Icterine Warbler at Camb, Yell.

Icterine Warbler, Marsh Warbler at Halligarth, Red-backed Shrike male at Norwick, Unst.

Red-backed Shrike fem. at Feal, Red-backed Shrike male at Aithbank, Fetlar.

Red-backed Shrikes x 2 male + fem., Marsh Warblers x 2 on Out Skerries.

Icterine Warbler, Red-backed Shrikes x 6 on Whalsay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

 

My SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Reader arrived yesterday, which was extremely quick. Spent the entire day trying to find some good birds and failed, but still a lovely day out south. At the Geosetter Burn, I found one Chiffchaff and that was it! No sign of the Red-backed Shrike yesterday or of the one at Rerwick by the roadside. Headed to Brow Marsh to have a scan of all the dykes for the Little Bittern found last night, no luck there. Also had a look at Setter Marsh. Headed to Quendale Mill, where I saw a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Swallow, tons of House Sparrows, Raven and a few Wheatears as I walked as far as the dam. Bumped into Michelle H. here too! Saw a Bonxie flying over as I left.

Tried to find this morning's Icterine Warbler at Hestingott and failed with that too. Went to the Grutness Pool, where it was lovely to see several Arctic Terns flying around, 2 Oystercatchers, Lapwing, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Blackbird bathing in a puddle and a Pied Wagtail joined him. Looked in the Grutness Garden, nothing there but Starlings and House Sparrows and not even any cats! Drove up to Sumburgh Head and walked across to look at the new tree plantation within a dried stone wall area – all looks very good, all the trees have been protected by pallet fencing and hopefully they will survive and mature over the next few years and be a magnet for migrants – there have already been Red-backed Shrikes in here.

 

Drove along the Scatness Road, super slowly – didn't see anything of note. Thought about walking down to the pool, but felt too tired at this point. Headed to the Virkie Pool where there was a good number of waders, including Turnstones, Ringed Plovers, Sanderlings, Ruff, Dunlins, Curlew and also Starlings foraging amongst the seaweed. The bluebells lining the road here, made a very pretty scene.

Parked up at Exnaboe to look for a Icterine Warbler and as soon as I got out of the car a very large pale golden husky type dog growled and barked from a garden next to the three parking spaces, so I left and found somewhere else to park. No sign of any Icterine Warbler. Ended up at every birder's favourite destination, Boddam! Lots of Eiders at Boddam Voe, Turnstones, Redshanks, Starlings, Mallards and a Great Northern Diver. Drove straight home from here and arrived back at 9pm, still light!

More Hot Birding in Lerwick + Crazy Cat, Autumn Birders Arrive & Birding South!

CITRINE WAGTAIL 1w.

Seafield Park, Lerwick

On the spur of the moment I decided to go to Tingwall, to view another house, no keys or appointment, just went for a look. It would have taken a builder over a year to sort it out, plus I didn't like where it was, didn't feel right, so crossed that off the list! After getting lost trying to find this property, I found some fabulous gardens and trees at Laxfirth. So many places to explore in Shetland, I feel reborn!

I returned to Lerwick and headed to Seafield Park again! It was pointed out to me today, that I had put one of my Pied Wagtail shots up on Twitter/X and on my blog as the Citrine Wagtail!!! 😂 Oh dear, that's what happens when you are editing pictures late and on new medication!!!

Bluethroat

Manure Heap in horse paddock by West Hall, off Sea Road, Lerwick

 

I had no intention of staying in Lerwick birding for most of the day, but that's what happened! Had good views of the Citrine Wagtail again. Lots of visiting birders here today and had lots of fascinating catch-ups and conversations with old and new birders. Paul H. had the Yellow Wagtail at the horse paddock I was in yesterday and Ray and Lyn went off to see it. Shortly afterwards, I also went to the Yellow Wagtail paddock, via the fabulous tree lined track, that heads to the sea, then turned right and then headed up the track to West Hall and the horse paddock. On route Ray phoned me to say that the Yellow Wagtail had flown off, but Lyn had just found a Bluethroat!!! Brilliant! Minutes later I was watching it! It was in the horse manure heaps and dock plants in the middle of the horse paddock. Initially it was very elusive and would only pop up on the manure heap now and again and mostly stayed hidden in the vegetation. But later, it spent more time on the manure heap on the right hand side, sometimes on the far left side and would sometimes disappear behind all of the manure heaps. Excellent start to the day's birding! I spent far too long here trying to get distant photos and looking into the sun, not a good recipe for crisp photos, but I was pleased I got something.

So, she wants to play?

 

You have made a big mistake lady!

 

Tabby Cat stalking his prey – me!!!

 

I had an intriguing and suprising incident with a cat whilst here. A gorgeously marked brown tabby cat, with hints of ginger in the stripes was sitting by the corner near West Hall and I coaxed it towards me with my usual 'come on then' etc etc! It came running down the track and greeted me with loud purring and enjoying the fuss of me tickling him under the chin etc etc. He really was a stunningly beautiful cat. 15 minutes later, I did the same again and the cat came running towards me, enjoyed the fuss again and then suddenly, with no warning, he spun his head around like lightening and nashed his teeth as if he was going to bite me – I moved far too quickly for that happen! I never expected that! I was in shock for a moment! I have never met a cat that fooled you into thinking it was the sweetest thing ever and then turn on you! A short while later whilst telling Andy J about this he said "Ahh... I should have warned you about that cat, it happened to me and it bit me"!!! Later on I got chatting to a local couple (one on a small pony) and they were also fully aware of this cat's antics! So, be warned, don't be lured in to "I'm the sweetest cat ever" game!!! 😻😼

Ambled back along Sea Road and then turned left back along the tree lined track. I spent ages here, along with other birders, as Ray had found a Barred Warbler here earlier. We thought we had it fly across from a sycamore to another one, but couldn't really count it on that view! There was also a Yellow-browed Warbler calling in here and late on I managed to pin it down and watched it briefly feeding in the top of a sycamore and pointed this out to a group being led by someone. I walked up and down this track again, but it only produced Blackbirds and a Collared Dove. The West Hall garden looks so good for birds, I imagined a Siberian Rubythroat feeding along the far narrow little stony flower border alongside the perimeter fence. That surely must have had some good birds over the years, if it hasn't, it can surely only be a matter of time!

Red-backed Shrike

Near the Spiggie Hotel in late evening light

 

Ambled back to my car and on route, I had more close views of the Citrine Wagtail in its favourite puddle next to the stone wall of Seafield Park. I had coffee and lunch at 4.45pm! At this point I should have sensibly gone home, but instead I headed south to the Spiggie Hotel and after kind help from a couple of people as to exact location of the Red-backed Shrike, I suddenly realised it was sat on the fence only 50 yards away from me! I was parked in the car park of the hotel. Wonderful! I got some pictures, but none sharp as light gone and camera wouldn't focus properly. Headed to Noss Farm for the Pectoral Sandpiper, but almost dark and I wasn't sure of exact location. In a stubble field there were 50+ Greylag Geese and a real surprise of three Knot just on the near edge of the field, which I hadn't expected!

Cruised home and watched the last two dances on Strictly Come Dancing. Its 80% rain tomorrow until 1pm, so might edit today's pictures in the morning. Far too tired to do them now, good night! Or I might go to one of the Shetland Wool Week craft fairs, there is one in the The Anderson High School and one in The Mareel tomorrow. I don't think there is a single room spare anywhere in Shetland with wool week and bird visitors here on mass! 

MORE PICTURES TO COME!

Citrine Wagtail in The Rain & Exploring!

CITRINE WAGTAIL 1w

 Seafield Park, Lerwick

 

A rainy day, but a wonderful day! I had to sort some important things in the morning to do with the house I looked at the other day and this had to come first. So I didn't get out birding until lunchtime. I went straight to Seafield Road and Park area to look for the Citrine Warbler 1w. that was found yesterday afternoon. Andy J. had last seen it in a horse paddock, along with a Yellow Wagtail by West Hall, so I decided to start there first. I parked my car up on a verge along Seafield Road and bumped into a couple  of birders looking over a stone wall, we were not sure if this was the right place or not. Julie R. very kindly stopped along the road in her car to tell me exactly where the horse paddock was and she said that there was a Yellow Wagtail, but no sign of the Citrine Wagtail.

I walked up the road to West Hall and the horse paddock. No sign of any wagtails now! But, what a fantastic spot, especially the West Hall garden, which you can see most of from the road, full of shrubs, rosas, sycamores etc and a large grass lawn. Collared Dove seen here and a Blackbird. Starlings and Blackbirds in the horse paddock. Lots of bird movement here with at least 100+ Meadow Pipits, which were flying in, landing briefly and flying off again. Hugh H. joined me briefly as he hadn't seen the wagtail yet either, he then left and went to Seafield Park. Later on I felt pretty sure ish, that I had the Citrine Wagtail with Pieds at the top of the paddock, when I was standing at the bottom along the road – they all landed for a very short while, under a minute probably and I couldn't really see clear enough to be sure. Something spooked them and they all flew off over the fence, house and towards the beach. I walked up as far as you can and scanned for a while but no sign. A short while later, Hugh rang me to see had the Citrine Wagtail at Seafield Park area.

Citrine Wagtail in garden near Seafield Park, Lerwick

 

Pied Wagtail

Labelled incorrectly last night!

 

Speed walked/ran back to my car, where Jim N. was also and we both headed up to Seafield Park to join several birders watching the Citrine Wagtail on someone's lawn, opposite the the stone wall that is the right hand side, when you drive into the car park. Its the garden with two large stone pillars at the driveway. Fabulous views were had here! The light was the wrong way though and I have far too many not particularly pleasing shots. Pied Wagtails here also. Jill W. then turned up too and later on she got picture of the day! She was standing by the wall photographing the Citrine Wagtail amongst a tallish grassy area with a puddle in the playing field – when she showed me on the camera, one shot in particular, looking cracking!

Returned to my car to have late lunch. Then Chris turned up (can't remember his surname) who we met on Foula. Jill returned to her car to join Rob and I stood for ages chatting with them about the house I had looked at and general catch up! Then Ray O'Reilly and Lyn Griffiths arrived – so lovely to see them here, they had just returned from going to the Outer Skerries this morning! I looked for the Citrine Wagtail again, but it had vanished. I continued walking along the path of sycamores next to the park and found an amazing house at the end and also some beautiful flowers lining a drive to another house – they looked like massive purple crocuses – I have no idea what they were?! I then headed along a fabulously exciting sycamore lined track which leads back to Seafield Road and the sea. No birds seen here, but huge potential for tired migrants!

Autumn Crocuses by a house near Sea Road, Lerwick

 

Along the road, I suddenly spotted a Wheatear that landed on the rocks below the road and sat in a hunched position and for a split second, I thought I had a Desert Wheatear – it just looked different and the way it was sitting, really got me questioning what I was looking at. It looked more orangy and quite striking, plus it looked more rounded in the belly than a Wheatear. I took some pictures (it was distant) and then Ray and Lyn drove past me in their car and after showing Ray the picture, he confirmed that it was just a Wheatear – oh well!

Wheatear along Sea Road, Lerwick

Returned the same route back to my car. Drenched now. Went to Tescos with bedraggled dripping hair to do what was supposed to be a top up shop, but it came to £55! Showing my age now, I can remember the days when I first left home, when three heavy bags of shopping was around £15!!! Massive relief when I returned to my street to find that there was one parking space left!

Sun, Rainbows, Rain, A Shark, Dolphins & More!

Chatted with Malcolm on the phone this morning (see previous post) to see how he was coping and we had a long chat and reminisced about the 'old days', which probably did us both some good. Then phoned Pete Snook to wish him happy birthday – 21 again, like myself!

It was a stunning day of dramatic skies, which I so love about Shetland. Blue skies, dark clouds, white clouds, surreal rainbows and sprinkles of rain.

I could not refind the Wood Warbler at Boddam, but timed it perfectly when Hugh H. put out a message about a Basking Shark at Boddam, seen from the Croft Museum. I had fabulous scope views of not only the Basking Shark in perfect light – well, two fins being honest, but some White-beaked Dolphins leaping out of the water and also some Risso's Dolphins, WOW, spectacular to see all these and in under half an hour! Lucky me! I spotted a Lesser Whitethroat on a fence close by too and two Swallows flew over.

I left here and went for a scan over Boddam Voe, where the light was simply stunning. A Grey Heron was fishing and there were good numbers of waders here, including lots of Redshank, Ruff, Curlews, Turnstones etc.

Went to Quendale Mill and got very lucky with my first Yellow-browed Warbler of the Autumn (that someone else had found earlier) in the scyamores, but moving around far too quickly for any photos. Five Swallows around too, which was lovely to see. A tabby cat was sitting watching the ducks having a paddle in a large puddle – an amusing scene! Ravens calling, sun setting. Another wonderful day here in Shetland!

 

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🥳

PETE SNOOK!

SHETLAND TRIP – DAY 19: Another BIG Day & A Hume's Warbler!

HUME'S WARBLER

Boddam

 

I decided to start south and arrived at Grutness Pier early morning. After the huge fall yesterday and fog last night, there was still a huge amount of migrants to see today. Grutness was alive with birds, mostly Redwings, Blackbirds and House Sparrows, but also found a Song Thrush on the grass amongst the boulders on the other side of the wall. Mallards were in the pool by the wall and also saw a couple of Wrens. News came up on the WhatsApp group of a Hume's Warbler at Boddam!

In the garden at the Lighthouse at Sumburgh Head, it was riddled with migrants! I spent a long time here and managed to see several Goldcrests, a male Blackcap, Robins, Wrens, a Brambling, Redwings and Blackbirds. Fulmars were sailing around the clifftop. Sadly, no sign of yesterday's Pallas's Warbler. I saw something fly into the roses (from a distance) and took some pictures – I was quite taken back when I was going through my pictures this evening! It had to be a Redwing, but it was doing a brilliant impression of a small owl!!! Returned to Grutness Pier again for a short while and watched a male and female Blackcap having a wash and brush up in a puddle!

Sumburgh Lighthouse

 

Cliffs at Sumburgh Head

 

Redwing in the garden at Sumburgh Lighthouse

 

Blackbird in the garden at Sumburgh Lighthouse

 

Redwing doing an owl impression!

In the middle of the lighthouse garden

Goldcrest in the garden at Sumburgh Lighthouse

 

Blackcap in the garden at Sumburgh Lighthouse

 

Brambling on the wall at Sumburgh Lighthouse

I then headed to Boddam to see the Hume's Warbler, which was in a local birder's garden – Paul H. had kindly allowed people in his garden to see this cracking little bird. As I stood there with Paul B., Paul H., Jim, Hugh H, Andrew H and a few others, I realised how there would be have been 50+ birders, had this been in Norfolk. Such a joy to watch something good with so few people. The Hume's Warbler flitted around like it was on fire, never resting or stopping for more than a fraction of a second and incredibly difficult to photograph – we were viewing from a lawn and looking over a stone wall into another garden full of trees, The Hume's Warbler teased and tantilised for hours and would occasionally appear just above the wall, but by the time you had lifted your camera, it had gone again! I stubbornly stayed and waited a long time to obtain a smudgy picture – my pictures improved slightly, just before I left. Also watched a Chiffchaff constantly chasing the Hume's around. A Redpoll landed in a tree briefly, behind where we were standing.

HUME'S WARBLER

Boddam

 

Redpoll in garden at Boddam

 

Chiffchaff in garden at Boddam

 

It was just after 2pm when I had finally had my lunch in the car. It had started raining and this continued for the rest of the day. I went to Hestingott to look for migrants and returned to the garden where the RFB had spent most of its time – found Starlings, Redwings, Blackbirds and House Sparrows. Had a look in the Virkie Willows for the Little Bunting found earlier, but no joy with that. News came up of a Radde's Warbler found by the Orca Country Inn at Hoswick, but I decided it was a bit late in the day and would be too dark in those trees by the time I got there and also it might not have been showing very much.

Parked up by the Sumburgh Hotel and walked north over the field to the stone wall by the sea, where I flushed a Woodcock! Lots of Redwings, Blackbirds and also a few Meadow Pipits, Robins and Bramblings seen. I returned to Sumburgh Lighthouse and checked the garden again in dense fog! Only found 1 Robin here and a Brambling feeding by the car park. The slopes around the lighthouse were covered in Blackbirds and Redwings as I drove back down the road.  I stopped by the quarry and found 6 Blackbirds and 1 Robin besides the usual Fulmars. I had a last look at Grutness Pier at just before 6pm and was fascinated to see at least 15+ Blackbirds perched on the large boulders at the far end of the pier! Returned home in the fog.

A WHITE'S THRUSH had been found by Stephen Dunston on Out Skerries today! Throughout the day, others had found some good birds on Shetland including: Long-eared Owls, Ring Ouzels, Hawfinches, Blyth's Reed Warblers x 2, Little Buntings, Black Redstarts, Great Grey Shrike, Radde's Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaffs, to name but a few. Its going to be heavy rain and strong winds for the next couple of days, so I may stay in tomorrow morning and add all the photos to my posts! One week from today I will back at work! Can't believe I have to leave this Sunday!

Ken Hill Marsh at Snettisham & Thornham!

Yellowhammer at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

 

The day didn't start brilliantly. Arrived at Beach Road, Snettisham and parked up to walk along the inner sea wall to Ken Hill Marsh. Clipped my scope into tripod and was just about to set off when the scope fell into a muddy puddle! Much to my annoyance, I realised that I obviously hadn't clipped the scope in properly. It took around 20 minutes to clean all the mud and water off my scope. Luckily it didn't get into either lenses. Then I realised I had come out in my trousers with the massive rip (hole) at the bottom of one leg, which I ripped on my last trip to East Hills (a long time ago) and only use for gardening – oh well, I could live with that for one day.

Things improved quickly when I saw my first Turtle Dove purring away and then a second bird on the telegraph wires by the sea wall! Lovely, but rubbish, distant photo taken! It was a beautiful day, in fact it was too hot! I have not walked along this sea wall since way before lockdown last year and in fact have not been here since the marshes were flooded, so was looking forward to seeing how everything looked now. A cracking Hobby whizzed past me on the seaward side of the bank, but I wasn't quick enough to photograph it. The pools on the marsh were alive with so many birds! Black-headed Gulls, Avocets, Shovelers, Mallards, Shelducks, Lapwings, Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Little Egrets etc and Swallows skimming over the water. Most impressive was a massive flock of Oystercatchers, who all seemed to be having a snooze – there must have been 200+ at least. Cuckoos were calling, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Cetti's Warblers, Blackbirds and Marsh Harriers were seen.

West of Beach Road, Snettisham

 

North of the seawall at Snettisham Coastal Park

Ken Hill Wood, Snettisham

New scrapes at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

 

Oystercatchers at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

 

Yellowhammer at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

 

I didn't see the reported Garganey, as they were at the furthest pool along the sea wall, which I ended up missing out on, when I walked south along the new footpath across the marsh, which heads towards Ken Hill Wood (strictly all dogs on leads here). This was the area where the Grey-headed Wagtails were yesterday, but of course not here today! It was really pretty here and the light was beautiful. I was tempted to carry on south, so after walking through a kissing gate, I then turned right (west) along a tree lined track, when (unknowingly) I should have continued south and straight to the wood. The track right, looked more inviting. Walking along this track produced a cracking male Yellowhammer. Lots of gorse in flower here and very scenic. I sat for a while under the shade of a pine tree and had a marmalade sandwich, whilst looking north to the coastal park.

Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

 

I continued walking along the track and found some fascinating plants in a field, that backed onto someone's house alongside Beach Road – asking my Twitter friends this evening, it seems to be called "Drooping Star-of-Bethlehem". Saw a Green Woodpecker bounding across to the wood. I passed a big lilac bush on the edge of someone's garden and lots of gorse bushes and then I realised I had made a mistake! I was confronted with a very sturdy square holed wire fence with two strands of barbed wire along the top. I  really didn't want to retrace my steps the same way and had planned walking back to my car via Beach Road. Luckily I discovered a small exit point (long story) and stepped out onto Beach Road! Photographed some cute baby ducklings in a dyke by the caravan park entrance on route back to my car.

Cute Ducklings!

 

Views from my lunch stop at Thornham

 

I then travelled to one of my favourite view points at the top of the long single track road that descends to the A149 and the Thornham Farm Shop complex. From here you can see Holme reserves and the coast – a fabulous view! Got my picnic table and deckchair set up, had lunch in the sunshine and then a siesta!

Later I parked at the bottom of the road and then walked across the A149 and took the footpath through Jamison's Wood, that leads to the coastal footpath at Thornham. There is a plantation at the far end that I have always thought would be good for Golden Orioles. Cuckoo calling, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Common Buzzard and that was about it. Now raining, I retraced my steps to my car.

Headed to The Green at Thornham and walked along the inner narrow footpath (one way system for social distancing) which comes out along Staithe Lane and the boat house at Thornham. This lane is currently closed to vehicles, whist work is done to stop motorhomes filling up the small car park at the end and to stop traffic parking along the lane. I'm told there will be a height barrier to the car park when the work is completed. Two men with a dog obviously couldn't read the very clear no entry signs (x 2) at the other end of the track and had to squeeze past me – I pointed this out and they said 'sorry'. I didn't need an apology, I just needed them to read the signs! Saw a Reed Bunting along here and heard Sedge Warblers singing in the reeds.

Update! Titchwell RSPB Warden Lizzie, kindly sent me a link to what is actually happening at Staithe Lane, Thornham: see HERE.

Bar-tailed Godwit at Thornham Harbour

 

The Coal Barn at Thornham Harbour

 

Crossing Staithe Lane, I climbed up onto the sea wall and scanned around the cattle in the field for wagtails, but none found. Walked along the path as far as the first seat and sat there for a while. At 4.45pm a distant Great White Egret flew over east towards Titchwell RSPB! In the harbour there were Avocets, Black-headed Gulls, Redshanks, a Bar-tailed Godwit and Swallows were skimming over the reedbeds. A Cuckoo flew over east as I walked back along Staithe Lane. There are now fence posts all the way along and either side of the road to stop people parking, but I couldn't see any work being done on the car park yet – maybe they are deliberately taking their time! Walked back along Staithe Lane, then left along Ship Lane, past The Lifeboat Inn and to my car parked at The Green. Headed home via Ringstead and Sedgeford in the rain!

Cattle west of the sea wall at Thornham Harbour