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.

MEGA! EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER! First for Shetland and Scotland!

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER

Turriefield, Sandness, Shetland

 FIRST FOR SHETLAND AND SCOTLAND

 

Found by Paul Harvey,

along with Dan Pointon, Roger Riddington & Rory Tallack

 

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER at Turriefield, Sandness, Shetland. After work twitch! First for Shetland, First for Scotland and my second one after seeing the first for Britain in the quarry at South Shields in 2009. This is the 5th record for Britain and 14th for the Western Palearctic. Very difficult to photograph, got lucky late in the day!

I had some time in lieu owed and this morning asked my seniors if I could take this, so I could get on with my decorating, which needed to be finished by the end of today. Plus I am now on annual leave for the next two weeks. But, when news broke at 14.35 of an Eastern Crowned Warbler, just before I left off work at 3pm, plans quickly changed!

With under a quarter tank of petrol (note to self, always keep a minimum of half a tank in September and October) I headed towards Sandness. Parked up and walked across to join a fairly large crowd – more people than my pictures show – someone else thought that there was maybe around 300 birders here. This is my second Eastern Crowned Warbler and it was extremely exciting to know I was going to see another and in Shetland too! It was insanely difficult to photograph, but good views were had every now and again. It was constantly on the move and feeding in the willows and more than often was obscurred by branches, as my two pictures below portray. Sometimes it would sit still for a while, but was rarely on view when it did this. Huge thanks to the owners who kindly allowed us all to be there, much appreciated.

Lovely to bump into so many lovely birders, including Norfolk birders Graham E. and Marcus N., plus all the visting and local birders here and nice to see Paul B. back. Later on, after most of the crowd had left, the ECW was relocated in the garden in a different spot, so I walked back to the road and along the drive to join others watching this bird at a much closer viewing distance. A Yellow-browed Warbler was also showing and fooling people into thinking it was the ECW when people were trying to relocate it. Anyway, when the light was starting to fade, it appeared in a tree and I quickly realised that if I moved two yards left of where I was standing, I would get a clear view for that one photograph I was looking for. I have a few, none are pin sharp and this was the only one worth posting, as the others are almost identical poses.

When I left, local birder Jim N. asked if he could have a lift back to his car. Took Jim back to his car, did a 3-point turn in the road and drove to Lerwick to top up with fuel before returning home. As I started to fill my car up, Jim turned up and said "did you not see me flashing you?" Long and short of it, Jim had left his camera gear on my back seat!!! 😆 So funny! I nearly gained a spare set of gear!😂 Went to buy a fish supper, no time for cooking, went home. Fell asleep. Wrote the blog and then had to decorate until some insane hour into Friday morning. Excellent start to my next annual leave for birding!

Largest twitch I've seen on Shetland!

 

My first views – very difficult to photograph

 

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

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Yellow-browed Warbler at Tingwall.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Culswick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Helendale, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Scousburgh.

Golden Oriole near charity shop, Rose-coloured Starling ad. at Aith.

Yellow-browed Warbler in walled garden at Voxter.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Gulberwick.

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, probable (form Blythi) at Grutness.

Barred Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Papa Lodge, Ocraquoy.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Dale of Walls.

Hawfinch on north side of Loch of Benston, South Nesting.

Red-backed Shrike 1w. at Sullom.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Lunna House, Lunna.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swining.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Tresta.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Easter Quarff.

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in west side of large garden in willows at Turriefield, Yellow-browed Warblers x 9 at Sandness

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

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Kergord.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe Head, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Uradale SE of Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Papil, West Burra.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Clevigarth, Exnaboe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Mid Walls.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brettabister, North Nesting.

Red-backed Shrike, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on marsh south of Culswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Strand.   

Yellow-browed Warbler at Frakkafield.

      

Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Flugga Shore Station, Burrafirth, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4, PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, Siberian Chiffchaff at Norwick, Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound, Unst.

Barred Warbler at Cullivoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at SE of Ulsta, Yell. 

Glaucous Gull on Isle of Noss.

Yellow-browed Warbler at The Manse, Fetlar.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 on Isle of Bressay.

 

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

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