SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brakefield Road, Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Setter, Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Hawfinch at Wadbister, SSE of Girlsta.

Rose-coloured Starling on Saturday at Haldane Burgess Crescent, Lerwick.

Hawfinch at Helendale, Hawfinch at Lower Sound, Siberian Chiffchaff at Dales Voe, Yellow-browed Warbler behind Sound Hall, Lerwick.

Hoopoe, Great White Egret, Snow Buntings x 6 at Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Farm.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Hotel Carpark.

Yellow-browed Warbler at south end of Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Valayre, Voxter.

Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Siberian Chiffchaff, Great White Egret at Maywick.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick.

Barred Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Grutness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Siberian Chiffchaff at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter Burn.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at cemetery plantation, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Hawfinches x 2 at Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gott, Tingwall.

Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Farm.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.

Paddyfield Warbler at Leawart, Greenish Warbler, Little Bunting  at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Funzie, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff in plantation at Feal, Fetlar.

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

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

Atrocious weather and rain pouring off the side of the guttering and like a torrent into one plant pot, which means it will probably die now, I should have remembered not to leave any pots in that particular spot, after the same thing happened in early Spring. The burn was raging down Gallow Hill and under my house. Lots of flooding on roads in Shetland today.

 

I spent a while searching Scalloway for migrants, nothing found, but my neighbour Jimmey said he had had a couple of Grey Wagtails feeding on the road between our houses this morning! I did have a Robin in the garden along with the usual crew. Gulberwick only produced a couple of Blackbirds. News came through of a Hoopoe at everyone's favourite place to go birding, Boddam! I arrived very late and the light was fading fast. After bumping into Roger R. and then Paul H., the Hoopoe had flown off, presumably to roost somehere. Luckily I relocated it as I walked along a track between houses – it flew across me and landed on someone's guttering! Lucky me! I was shocked I managed to get a picture at 6.04pm, but it won't win any prizes! 😆

Hoopoe at Boddam – at dusk

 

Lucy Update

After several hours on buses, Vivien arrived at her hotel in King's Lynn and had to get another bus to visit Lucy in her new flat. Vivien said the flat looked really nice, but there is alot of stuff to sort and Lucy can't unpack until she buys some furniture to put everything away properly. Lucy understandably was exhausted. There is only one major thing wrong at the moment and I can't see that being rectified – Lucy said she didn't get much sleep last night, as all she could hear was what sounded like a very loud extractor fan throughout the night. Lucy was very stressed and unhappy about this tonight and wanted to know exactly what it was and where it was coming from. So, I rang the staff this evening and two people confirmed that it must be the Air Source Heat Pump, which is situated close to Lucy's flat. Apparently the tenant next to Lucy has 'learnt to live with it', well sadly Lucy won't at all. Lucy had a similar issue with a person's bathroom extractor fan in her last place and we heard about it nearly every single day. Her description was correct "sounded like a very loud extractor fan" Oh dear! This is such a shame and means Lucy won't be able to stay there if nothing can be done – she was very angry about this. After Googling, there are quieter models than some and they can have casing built around, to reduce the noise output.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 8th to 14th October!

By Chris Batty

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2024_42.aspx?s_id=77113464

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Sooty Shearwaters x 10 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Yellow-browed Warbler at cemetery plantation, Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hamnavoe, Lunna.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden at Sandgarth, north of Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Hawfinch at Wadbister, north of north of Laxfirth.

Olive-backed Pipit in garden, then flew off at Loch of Hillwell.

Long-eared Owl at Cunningsburgh.

 

Bluethroat at Skaw, Whalsay.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Common Rosefinch at Otterswick, Yell.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (probable) at Aith, Fetlar.

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

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

Atrocious weather, not cold really, just very strong winds and rain. Not many leaves to sweep up now! Checked the sunken garden in Scalloway and the Burn of Njugalswater, SW of Bridge of Fitch again in gales and rain – a few Redwings, nothing else found. Bought a funky patchwork design chair to sit next to the radiator in my kitchen, far more comfortable than a pine chair! Super comfortable upright, older person's chair (that's me!). Picked up my turquoise wool binded carpet from Shetland Wool Brokers, which was an off cut from my new carpet and I asked them to bind the edges with turquoise wool, so my office chair can sit on this and not ruin the main carpet – they had a job to make the 5-ply wool stitch the carpet edges and wanted to give it to me free, being as it was finished as perfect as they wanted it, but I insisted on paying for it – looks brilliant! Nipped to Tesco. Drove home. News came through of a American Robin found on North Rondaldsay late afternoon!

I've obviously been supporting Lucy today. She has moved into her new flat and she is exhausted. I can't believe the manager at her new abode, took her food shopping and got her to buy a microwave after moving in aswell, no wonder Lucy is tired! Lucy was very appreciative of Maureen's (Senior Manager) help, which sounded like it was for most of the day. The most important thing is that her mobile phone signal is working, phew! I had several phone calls this afternoon and evening, all calm and oddly chilled queries and advice sort from Lucy – I think she is too worn out to get cross, poor girl! She forgot to bring her TV aerial, so someone will pick that up for her. I have posted chocolates and a tin of nice biscuits to arrive tomorrow from Amazon and a bouquet of flowers and a vase from Vivien and I will arrive on Friday. This evening I spent ages typing up a regular Shopping List for Lucy and emailed it to the staff to print out for her. From the old care home, she has been given her bed, a bedside cabinet, wardrobe (already there), an armchair, a chest of draws and a kettle. She doesn't have a toaster or a pedal bin in the kitchen yet and I am sure there are many other things she will need to buy. We will see how the next few days goes. I actually feel a huge sense of relief that she has moved in and is safe. Vivien is very sweetly going over to stay in a hotel for a couple of nights, for the second week running and visiting Lucy, which will be a huge support for Lucy.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

White-winged Scoter ad. drk. still at Girlsta, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth

Lesser Scaup (probable), Scaup at Loch of Vatster, 2 miles NNE of Tingwall.

Little Bunting in crop field, south of Toab.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at south end of Muckle Roe.

Snow Buntings x 5 at Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ronas Voe.

Long-eared Owl in lower quarry, Sooty Shearwater flew past Sumburgh Head.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Wester Quarff. 

 

Greenish Warbler, Bluethroat at Valyie, Little Bunting at Kirkaton, Norwick, Unst. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Skaw, Whalsay.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Siberian Chiffchaff at Feal Plantation, Fetlar.

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

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

Checked out Burn of Njugalswater, SW of Bridge of Fitch (where the Arctic Warbler was) – a few Redwings and heard a Blackbird, that was it. Dropped something off in Lerwick and then headed south to Channerwick. There has been no news either way on the recent Bluethroat on the beach, so decided to have a look for it. It was good to be out and this is the first time I have walked to the actual beach at Channerwick – a really lovely spot and I can see why birds are found here with the scrub, old buildings and the burn trickling down to the beach. I was glad I put my wellies on, as it was quite soggy in places. Lovely to bump into Norfolk birder Mike Edgecombe, who had just popped over to Shetland this morning and had found a LEO at Sumburgh. Mike said he had also searched for the Bluethroat this morning, with no luck either.

Headed further south to see the fabulous Long-eared Owl in the first quarry at Sumburgh – it didn't move an inch all the time I was there and not once did I see his eyes move, he must have been very tired – it was as though he was frozen in time, I hope he survives. Checked out the second quarry and found a Robin, Song Thrush and a Wren. Parked up at Grutness Pier and went to look into the Grutness Garden – nothing found. Cruised home. Lucy moves to her new flat tomorrow – it will be a stressful day for her.

Long-eared Owl

Resting in the first quarry, leading up to Sumburgh Head

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Turtle Dove still in garden by Carnegie Hall, Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at south end of Muckle Roe.

White-winged Scoter ad. drk. still at Girlsta, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister.

Lesser Scaup (possible) at Loch of Vatster, 2 miles NNE of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ronas Voe.

 

Bluethroat between Leawart and Valyie, Greenish Warbler still, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Valyie, Norwick, Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Hamnavoe, Yell.

Common Rosefinch at Skaw, Whalsay.

Common Rosefinch, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff on Fetlar.

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

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

New birds in the garden this morning! A Robin (last seen in the Spring) and my first Wren in the garden. The Leucistic House Sparrow remains, with what seems like an ever increasing flock of House Sparrows and Starlings, along with Collared Doves and Rock Doves. The feeders need re-filling every other day!

Another extremely stressful day with Lucy, no energy to go into details. Raining more on than off all day. Did some chores. Popped into Lerwick, then had fish 'n' chips ("fish supper" here) for tea overlooking the harbour. Spent ages going through the Duette blind sample catalogue (I picked up today) to make final decision on colour for kitchen blinds inbetween angry phone calls from Lucy. Going birding tomorrow.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Yellow-browed Warbler at south end of Muckle Roe. 

Roe.

White-winged Scoter ad. drk. still (for 14th day) at Girlsta, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth. 

Siberian Chiffchaff, Barred Warbler at south end of Hoswick.

Snow Bunting at Sumburgh Farm.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Dale of Walls.

Grey Phalarope (probable) at The Sletts, Lerwick.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation, Sullom.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Aith.

Bat sp. (possibly Parti-coloured Bat) on south side of Community Wood at Brae.

Bluethroat still at Channerwick.  

Hen Harrier ringtail at Loch of Spiggie.

 

Turkestan Lesser Whitethroat (probable) (form halimodendri) trapped and ringed at Hunters Wood, east of leisure centre, Yellow-browed Warbler, Mealy Redpolls x 7 at Baltsound, Paddyfield Warbler still in oats, Greenish Warbler in garden, Siberian Chiffchaff at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Snow Buntings x 8 at Skaw Taing, Whalsay.

Barred Warbler at Out Skerries.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Ring Ouzel, Siberian Chiffchaff on Fetlar.

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

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

Re-tuned the TV and its working better, but still stops and starts and goes into slowwwww motiion! Beautiful day here, but spent a long time doing cleaning and housework, as has some lovely guests coming to vist – Jacquie & Dave Bridges and their friend Graham. After tea and cakes, I showed them round my new abode – it was nice to have some visitors. In the evening I decided to do a WhatsApp call with Eddie M. – it was good to have a catch up. Thank you to those who have messaged and emailed with advice re Lucy, much appreciated.

Siberian Rubythroat on North Ronaldsay this evening, will we get one here? Fingers crossed!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

White-winged Scoter ad. drk. still (for 14th day) at Wadbister, north of Laxfirth. 

Cattle Egret still in field from road The Wart, Turtle Dove near Carnegie Hall, Sandwick.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Wester Quarff.

Bluethroat in field along burn at Channerwick.

Snow Buntings x 6 in Twarri Field, Mossy Hill, Scousburgh.

Barred Warbler at South Pund, NE end in plantation, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at south end of Muckle Roe.

Pied Flycatcher in garden at Easter Quarff.

Pied Flycatcher at Veensgarth.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Snow Buntings x 2 at Grutness.

Scaup at Sae Water, Voe.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.

 

Little Auk at Ham Voe, Isle of Foula.

Turkestan Lesser Whitethroat (probable) (form halimodendri) at Hunters Wood, east of leisure centre, Baltsound, Paddyfield Warbler still in oats, Greenish Warbler in garden, Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Glaucous Gull at Haroldswick, Unst.

Snow Buntings x 10, Siberian Chiffchaff at Papa Stour.

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

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

I have been seriously affected by Lucy's forthcoming move, as has Vivien. Today was the first time I have got seriously upset since I have been here. Lucy leaves the place she has lived in for 27 years, next Wednesday. After speaking to Lucy's new Home Manager (who sounds extremely nice), she didn't realise how much this move is affecting Lucy's mental health. Vivien is back with Ray and shattered after helping Lucy pack and having to do two long bus journeys back to where their narrow boat is moored. Lucy is now surrounded by boxes and very stressed. After having meals provided for her over the last 27 years, I don't know how she will manage to plan, shop and cook for herself, I really don't. The only items in the flat are a fridge/freezer, built in oven and a wardrobe, she will have to purchase everything else. The other residents have already left, there is only Lucy and one other person to leave. I never expected this to happen.

On Friday, whilst in Lerwick, I noticed a sign in the window of The Tourist Information Centre saying all display items were for sale, ahead of their closure in November, which should never be happening, very very sad indeed, a service which is essential for visitors and locals and obviously the lovely staff are losing their jobs. I popped inside and was shocked to hear how cheap things were being sold off – I bought a very large wicker basket and a smaller one, which were top quality and would have cost a fortune to buy new! Also three wicker shopping baskets, one for me and one each for my sisters when I next visit and also a fabulous large dried plant display in a vase, which I have stood in a corner of my new office/studio and some clear perspex square display boxes, which can be used for storage – I'm glad I saw the notice in the window.

Today, whilst changing a light bulb in an antique glass ceiling lampshade in the living room, I hadn't realised how heavy the glass shade was and it crashed to the floor in a million pieces. I took me over an hour to pick up all the glass and then hoover all the shards and splinters of glass up! Will have to find and buy a new ceiling light now and pay an electrician to put it up, oh dear!

Finally finished the final layer of wood filler between skirting board and wall in the long corridor. Put together two flat packed white storage boxes to go in bathroom and then tried to mend the TV, which says "No Signal" – I failed, so no Strictly Come Dancing tonight. Maybe I will have to upgrade the rusty satellite dish? The front door is very leaky with drafts and needs sorting out, but not heard from my builder yet, so decided to buy a door curtain, in fact I have purchased two and also two extendable, telescopic curtain rods, which should make a difference to the chilly hall by the back door. Need to get a door curtain sorted out for the front stable door too. Adam from A1 Flooring came out yesterday and measured up my three kitchen windows for new blinds.

 

The Leucistic House Sparrow still around my garden with a large flock of House Sparrows, Starlings, Collared Doves and Rock Doves. Raining for most of the day here and tons of leaves have covered my garden again, so more sweeping tomorrow!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Cattle Egret at Kirk, Sandwick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Anderlea, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth.

White-winged Scoter ad. drk. at Wadbister, north of Laxfirth. 

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Loch of Clickimin, Siberian Chiffchaff at Sound of Burn, Lerwick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in plantation behind bakery, Pied Flycatcher between Lower Road and Hillside junction at Voe.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Sandgarth, north of Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff in gardens behind beach at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Muckle Roe.

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat (form blythi) at visitor centre carpark (for 2nd day), Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 by road above Bay View House, Barred Warbler at Cliff Cottage at Hoswick.

Sooty Shearwater at Esha Ness.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Buntings x 2 at Isbister.

Barred Warbler in garden at Sand Voe, north of North Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ocraquoy.

Pied Flycatcher at Easter Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Cruisdale, Sandness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brake junction, Quendale.

Olive-backed Pipit still on south side of plantation at Sullom.

Bluethroat still on beach at Channerwick.

Barred Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Snow Buntings x 2 at Brake, West Burra.

 

Paddyfield Warbler still in oats though elusive, Greenish Warbler in garden at Valyie, Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillsgarth, Turkestan Lesser Whitethroat (probable) (form halimodendri) at Hunters Wood, east of leisure centre, Eastern Yellow Wagtail 1w. (possible) east of Clingera, SE of Baltasound, Little Bunting at Scraefield, Baliasta, Unst.

Red-backed Shrike 1w., Barred Warbler at Cullivoe Marina, Barred Warblers x 2, Siberian Lesser Whitethroat (form blythi), Yellow-browed Warber at Burravoe, Yell.

Black-throated Diver from ferry, Fetlar.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Out Skerries.

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

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 10th October

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Siberian Chiffchaff in garden, Snow Bunting at Orca Inn, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher at Easter Quarff.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Anderlea, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, Ring Ouzel at Swining.

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat (form blythi) in garden, Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Bluethroat, Siberian Chiffchaff on beach at Channerwick.

Cattle Egret, Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn, Barred Warbler at Sand Lodge, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandwick.  

Yellow-browed Warbler in cemetery plantation at Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warbler in Ladysmith Road, Snow Bunting briefly on Gallow Hill, Scalloway. 

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at near Blett, Cunningsburgh.

Barred Warbler in garden at Muckle Roe.

Barred Warbler at Brough, South Nesting.

Barred Warbler at Otterswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ocraquoy.

Snow Buntings x 3 flew over West Voe, Snow Bunting on track to Compass Head, Sumburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.

Barred Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher at Sandgarth, north of Voe.

Snow Bunting at Loch of Bellister, Laxfirth.

Lapland Bunting at Mossy Hill, Scousburgh.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillswick.

 

Red-backed Shrike 1w., Barred Warbler at Cullivoe Marina, Yellow-browed Warbler at Papil Water, Cullivoe, Yell.

Greenish Warbler in garden at Valyie, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, Norwick, Olive-backed Pipits x 2 at at Haroldswick, Common Rosefinch, Pied Flycatcher at Baltasound, Little Bunting at Baliasta, Glaucous Gull, Snow Bunting at Skaw, Siberian Chiffchaff at Uyeasound, Unst.

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

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

 

Very chilly day, lit the fire this evening to top up the heating. Not going to turn my new radiators above 18 degrees until I get the next electric bill at the end of the month.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS MORE!

Wednesday 9th October

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Pallas's Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel in garden at Swining, Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warbler in sunken garden, Scalloway.

Red-breasted Flycatchers x 2 at Anderlea, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth.

Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie.

Snow Bunting at Orca Inn, Barred Warbler at Hoswick.

Ring Ouzel at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Arctic Warbler at Njugalswater, Bridge of Fitch.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 4 at Cunningsburgh.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Community Wood, Brae.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Dales Voe. 

Ring Ouzel at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Barred Warbler at Burn of Valyie, Voxter.

Snow Buntings x 2 at Mossy Hill, Scousburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Trolla Water, Baliasta.

Red-backed Shrike 1w at Muckle Row.

 

Greenish Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Barred Warbler at Valyie, Bluethroat at Gait, Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Setters Hill Estate pines, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth, Unst.

Nightjar at Burravoe, Red-backed Shrike 1w. at Cullivoe, Wood Warbler at Queyon, Otterswick, Yell.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Yell.

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

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

 

Beautiful sunny day here with exceptional light in the afternoon, but still very, very windy. Heard a Brambling calling and then seen, on the seaward side of the Burn of Sound in Lerwick. Walked all around the Seafield Park area and found nothing of note, only a couple of Blackbirds and a gorgeous tabby cat I made best friends with 😊 Back in Scalloway, in an area I have only just discovered this evening, I found a beautiful Song Thrush feeding on a long track leading to a property, behind the GP Surgery and several Redwings feeding in a large fenced field. Combination of jobs and birding today and supporting Lucy over the telephone alot.

Arctic Warbler at Bridge of Fitch!

 ARCTIC WARBLER

Burn of Njugalswater, SW of Bridge of Fitch, Shetland

 

 

 

The last few days have been insanely stressful for Vivien and I – we are very worried about where Lucy is being moved to, somewhere a few miles away from King's Lynn and somewhere that only has a garage shop for Lucy to visit. Lucy likes to independently walk to M&S, WH Smiths, Morrisons and other shops, whenever she wants to. In her new place its highly unlikely that she will get the bus to King's Lynn or want to be taken shopping by a member of staff. Lucy is in a serious state mentally and this has affected us all hugely. The residents were given just over two weeks notice that they were leaving and now Lucy's leave date has been bought forward to Tuesday 15th October. Lucy will have to be much more independent and she will be in "Supported Living" – this means Lucy will have to cook for herself, pay for bills etc, which I don't think she is capable of and neither does Vivien.

 

There are only two positives to this, Lucy will have far more space, as she had one room and en-suite shower room, she will now have an entire flat with seperate bedroom, kitchen and living room/diner. She will have to purchase everything she needs, including furniture, cooking stuff and the list goes on. Lucy does not know this side of things yet! Lucy will have to accept help from staff, as there is no Vivien or Penny to assist with this sadly. The other good point is that the Senior Manager where she is moving to, used to be the manager where she is currently and that's good, as Maureen was a very caring manager and we were upset when she left – she was there to support Lucy when both our parent's passed away one year apart, so Vivien and I are very pleased that she will be overseeing Lucy's wellbeing.

This is the main reason why I have not been birding. I was phoning the current manager and the new manager where Lucy is moving to, discussing things with both sisters etc. I was thinking about returning to Norfolk this week, but realise that time spent with Lucy would be better when she has moved into her new place. Its also not a good time of year to be travelling back to Norfolk with dodgy weather and cancelled planes etc and at short notice as it costs more. Vivien is visiting her tomorrow, which is good. Lucy was STILL waiting for staff to give her boxes, which she was given today (after I called them), but they were in flat packed format, Lucy said she didn't know how to put them together and because she is so angry, she has quote "nearly packed everything already" as she has simply put all her possessions into carrier bags – I could cry! What she needs is some strong, small boxes from the QEH if any of my old colleagues are reading this.

On a far more jolly note, I went to see the fabulous Arctic Warbler this afternoon. When news came up of this on Monday evening, I had never heard of "Burn of Njugalswater" and had no idea that this was just outside Scalloway where I live!!! This burn is just off the main road out of Scalloway and looks like a little piece of paradise – why have I not noticed this little spot before?! Somewhere to check out in future. It was howling wind and rain whilst I was there and has been all day. There was one couple and a single birder here and then later Paul B. turned up, after having done an Unst day, to see the Paddyfield Warbler etc. Fabulous to watch this magical Arctic Warbler, constantly on the move and feeding in the very tall pine and birch trees – a very pretty spot indeed. Lots of Redwings flying over too. Left here and just made it in time to buy some more oak coloured wood filler in Lerwick before the shop closed at 5pm and also nipped into the Co-op before returning home.

Masses of House Sparrows, along with the smart Leucistic House Sparrow, Starlings, Collared Doves and Rock Doves today, but no mega in my garden yet! Howling winds all tomorrow too. Thursday it all dies down and the sun comes out and so will the birds – more exciting rares to be found and enjoyed!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Arctic Warbler, Ring Ouzel at Njugalswater, Bridge of Fitch.

Red-breasted Flycatchers x 2 at Anderlea, Wadbister, north of Laxfirth.

Olive-backed Pipit in trees east of B9075 at Kergord.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Meadowfield Crescent, Scalloway.

Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Geosetter Burn.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden south of Bayview, Snow Bunting at Orca Country Inn, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaff at Easter Quarff.

Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Littelstir,                                                                                                   Red-breasted Flycatcher at Lower Voe, Voe.

Common Rosefinch along road to beach at Melby.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Reawick, Skeld.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Fladdabister.

Ring Ouzel at Pool of Virkie.

Red-backed Shrike 1w., Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom.

Greenland White-fronted Goose at Loch of Spiggie.   

Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Maywick.                                                                                                

Paddyfield Warbler , Common Rosefinch,  Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Siberian Chiffchaff at Halligarth, Ring Ouzel at Ungirsta, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Littlestir                                             

Common Rosefinch on Isle of Foula.

Barred Warbler, Wood Warbler at Otterswick, Yell.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gorie, Snow Bunting at Isle of Bressay.

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

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

Happy Birthday Jacquie!

On the spur of the moment a short while ago, I was inspired to add a birthday message to my photo to Jacquie, who saw this fabulous Arctic Warbler first thing this morning on her birthday birds list.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 1st to 7th October!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyRoundup2024_41.aspx?s_id=632058886

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Eastern Crowned Warbler in the headline birds section of their weekly round-up.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, Barred Warbler Loch of Clickimin, Yellow-browed Warbler at Pitt Lane, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Helendale, Yellow-browed Warbler at Back Charlotte Lane, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in garden, Ring Ouzel at Weisdale.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swinister Burn, Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Ring Ouzel, Snow Bunting, Barred Warblers x 2, Wood Warbler at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation at Burravoe, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Buster House Hotel, Brae.

Ring Ouzel in trees by cemetery, Vidlin.

Ring Ouzel at Toft.

Ring Ouzels x 3, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Barred Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Geosetter Burn.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Skelberry, Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Rerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Common Rosefinch at Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Wadbister Voe, north of Laxfirth.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Siberian Chiffchaff at Maywick.

Red-backed Shrike 1w at Sullom.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, Ring Ouzel at Reawick, Skeld.

Yellow-browed Warbler at South Voxter.

Ring Ouzels x 2, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Easter Quarff.

Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler between Bigton & Ireland.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 in garden at Bigton.

Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER in burn below cemetery, at Garth, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at South Nesting.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Frakkafield.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ocraquoy.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Quendale Mill.

Ring Ouzels x 2 at Girlsta.

Ring Ouzels x 2 at Scousburgh.

Barred Warbler at Asta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Garderhouse Voe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Sand Voe, north of North Voe.

Arctic Warbler at Njugalswater, Bridge of Fitch.

Common Rosefinch at Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Westing.  

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Boddam.

 

LANCEOLATED WARBLER, Paddyfield Warbler, Common Rosefinch, at Valyie, Eastern Yellow Wagtail (possible) SE of Baltasound, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Norwick, Olive-backed Pipits x 2 behind Easter Loch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Uyeasound, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on Unst.

Hoopoe, Barred Warbler at Cullivoe, Glaucous Gull at Bluemull Sound, Red-backed Shrike 1w at Cullivoe, Yellow-browed Warbler s 3 at Hamnavoe, Ring Ouzel at Burravoe, Yell.

Yellow-browed Warbler at West Yell.

Olive-backed Pipit at Hametoun, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 , Siberian Chiffchaff on Isle of Foula.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Gorie, Isle of Bressay.

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

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Snow Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler at Orca Country Inn, Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Busta House Hotel, Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation at Burravoe, Brae.

American Golden Plover (probable) at Wethersta, Brae.

Barred Warbler at Asta.

Barred Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Little Bunting at Sound of Burn, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Helendale Drive, Lerwick.

Common Rosefinch at Melby.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Scalloway.

Red-backed Shrike 1w at Sullom.

Black Redstart at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister, Laxfirth.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Aith.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Wester Quarff.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 5, Pied Flycatcher at Easter Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Ocraquoy.

Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Burn of Hoswick.

Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter Burn.

Little Bunting near Scraefield, Baliasta.

Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 6 at Easter Skeld, Skeld.     

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Exnaboe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 9 at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ronas Voe. 

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler in 2nd quarry at Sumburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler west of Weisdale Voe.

 

LANCEOLATED WARBLER, Paddyfield Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, Ring Ouzel at Valyie, Ring Ouzel, Norwick, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Setters Hill Estate, Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth, Baltasound, Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gutcher, Barred Warblers x 2, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hamnavoe, Yell.

Olive-backed Pipit at Hametoun, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on Isle of Foula.

Sooty Shearwater, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Out Skerries.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Gorie, Isle of Bressay.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on Fetlar.

 

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

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

 Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Yellow-browed Warbler at Seafield Park, Yellow-browed Warbler at Kveldsro gardens, Lerwick.

Hawfinch in garden, Yellow-browed Warblers x 6 at Quendale.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Ronas Voe

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister, Laxfirth.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, Wood Warbler, Snow Bunting at Orca Country Inn, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Burn of Hoswick, Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Gulberwick.

Barred Warbler at Asta.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, Black Redstart, Hen Harrier at Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 7 at Uradale, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Collifirth.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Loch of Voe. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Community Wood, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Busta House Hotel, Brae.

Red-backed Shrike 1w at Sullom.

Common Rosefinch at Melby.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Mid Walls.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Fladdibister.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 5 at Ocraquoy.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Anadale and one at Firth, Mossbank.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Swinister Burn, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Brakefield Road, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Sand Lodge, Sandwick.

Golden Oriole near playground, Yellow-browed Warbler at Aith.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, Siberian Chiffchaff at West Burrafirth.

Orcas x 2 north past Esha Ness.

Little Bunting at Sumburgh.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Arisdale.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Scousburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hogaland Plantation, Tronda.      

 

LANCEOLATED WARBLER, Paddyfield Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Valyie, Norwick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Westing, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Uyeasound, Orca x 7 south past Hermaness, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Haroldswick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Gutcher, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Cullivoe, Yellow-browed Warbler lat Burravoe, Yell.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Tresta.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 on Isle of Bressay.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on Isle of Foula.

 

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

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

 

A busy day finishing off and arranging the bathroom. Went to Lerwick to buy various items, including finding two very sweet little yellow ceramic potted artificial cacti, to match my new yellow blind. Tesco run, washing, but no birding! The disadvantage of living where I do are the millions of fallen sycamore leaves covering my grass, all my plants and the gutters – looking at the forthcoming storm (with easterlies) on Wednesday, all the leaves will be naturally cleared! A run of easterlies commences tomorrow afternoon!

My photo was requested by "Shetland News" – here's the article:

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2024/10/05/eastern-crowned-warbler-seen-first/

Fair Isle Bird Observatory expected to open in late Spring 2025!

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2024/10/04/light-end-tunnel-fair-isle/

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, Barred Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Rosy Starling ad., Barred Warbler at Aith.

Black-throated Diver at Grutness Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler opposite Valleyfield, Brae.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Bunting at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Wester Quarff.

Barred Warblers x 2, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Quendale.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Scousburgh.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Ronas Voe, Voe.

Common Rosefinch at Swining.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Leanne, Mid Walls.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick Hall.

Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter Burn.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Fladdabister.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burrafirth.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 8, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.

Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Community Wood, Brae.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Barred Warbler at Skelberry, NE of Boddam.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Hillswick.

Red-backed Shrike 1w at Sullom.

LANCEOLATED WARBLER SE of Valyie plantation, Pallas's Grasshoper Warbler again, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hermaness, Unst.

Richard's Pipit at Cullivoe, Yell.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Yell.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Out Skerries.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isle of Foula.

 

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

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

 

I was quite surprised that the Eastern Crowned Warbler was not still around this morning, I had a hunch that it would be. So glad I went after work last night, even though I was cream-crackered. As they say "if you 😴 you lose". Its such a big area, I wouldn't mind betting its still there. I have no idea how many people were looking this morning, my guess is that quite a few would have done.

 

I had to stay in all day for tradesmen coming in. My plumber arrived and with great difficulty removed my old huge hot water tank, which the cupboard had been built around afterwards! This entailed chipping off the foam around the outside to squeeze it out of the cupboard. A new compact, modern 15kg stainless steel tank has been installed and the timer has been reset. There is now enough room above this, to kit the tall cupboard out with shelves etc over time. The plumber was very good and hoovered up, but I still had to do a final hoover and clean up, its taken ages. My bathroom blind was fitted by the team from A1 Flooring and very nice it looks too – my bathroom is now finished apart from changing the shower cubicle at a later date, but not something that is necessary financially right now.

I met a couple of birders I was chatting to, who had found a Yellow-browed Warbler in MY tree in the garden and another in the large sycamore garden dead opposite, but I haven't any yet – too busy trying get the house back in order. The Leucistic House Sparrow was in the garden this morning, along with the usual flock of House Sparrows, Starlings, Collared Doves and Rock Doves.