SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Monday 2nd February

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 at Exnaboe.

American Wigeon drk at Setter, Loch of Spiggie.

 

ISLANDS 

Kumlien's Gull or Thayer's Gull 3w still at Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Hamar, Unst.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Sunday 1st February

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Waxwing at Mulla, north of Voe. 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

Rubbish weather here again. The Robin remains in my garden.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 31st January

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Waxwing at Mulla, north of Voe.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 still at Virkie.

American Wigeon drk at North Shore, Loch of Brow.

 

ISLANDS 

Kumlien's Gull or Thayer's Gull 3w still at Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Unst.

 

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

 

Brambling and Robin along with the usual birds in the garden today. Same weather as yesterday!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 30th January

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MAINLAND

No news..

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

 

Another dire day of weather, which included sleet, snow, hail, rain and strong winds! Went to my physio appointment at the GBH (hospital) and was given new and different exercises to do. Left in pain after being assessed. Next appointment with new physio is next Friday. Went home and lit the fire at 11am, the earliest I have ever done this. Didn't go looking for any owls, far too cold and wet. Robin in the garden along with three Blackbirds, Starlings, House Sparrows and a few Collared Doves.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

TENGMALM'S OWL – on Tuesday in Weisdale and Whiteness area at undisclosed location.

American Wigeon drk between Culsetter and Ringasta, NW of Hillwell.

Waxwing still in garden at Voe.

 

ISLANDS 

Kumlien's Gull or Thayer's Gull 3w still at Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Unst.

 

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

 

Interesting that RBA seem to now know the area that the Tengmalm's Owl was and still around on Tuesday – this has not been mentioned on our WhatsApp groups. Oh well, if it has actually moved on and its not a cover up, then Scalloway could be a good bet. I will have a thorough check tomorrow in pouring rain after my physio appointment if I feel up to it.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

TENGMALM'S OWL – no sign of yesterday in undisclosed location on West mainland.

American Wigeon drk on muddy pool between Culsetter and Ringasta, NW of Hillwell.

King Eider 1w. fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Black Redstart still at Sandsayre, Leebitten, north of Sandwick.

Tundra Bean Geese at Loch of Spiggie.

Waxwing still in garden at Voe. 

 

ISLANDS 

No news. 

 

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

 

Woke up in too much pain to continue sleeping, so got up and took more pain relief, had a hot chocolate and marmalade on toast and then went back to bed and woke up insanely late. Robin in the garden again. Crappy weather. Received a lovely birthday card from Pete Snook, thank you! Tengmalm's Owl has gone or relocated, maybe its headed over to Lea Gardens? This is where the last one was in 2019?! Wouldn't it be fabulous if it was the same bird?!

 

Previous records of Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland from the fabulous previous records resource from RBA:

 

I had a record 26 Collared Doves descend into the garden in one go after throwing down a load of bird seed, meal worms and sultanas.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Tundra Bean Geese at Loch of Clumlie, north of Boddam.

 

ISLANDS 

No news. 

 

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

 

Had a second physio appointment with my surgery physiotherapist yesterday and my first one with a Physio at the hospital this coming Friday. Still off sick with painful shoulder and neck, although its not as excruciating as it was and my physio was pleased with my progress so far, after doing all the exercises she prescribed daily. Pretty miserable being alone all this time, but there we go – not good at being on my own for long periods of time. Sooner I get back to work the better. Put my monthly electric readings in for the month (which is always on the 27th) and the bill for the last four weeks was a shocking £575.29 – I won't ever be able to afford to retire on the state pension. The extra money I earn working for NHS Scotland is taken by the electric. 😒 Lovely birthday surprise that was!

 

I have not bothered with a seperate birthday post this year as there is nothing exciting to report. Had lovely cards from both my sisters (plus presents) and one from Malcolm and one from John, thank you all. I guess others will arrive later due to cancelled ferries and planes. Huge thank you to all those lovely people who sent me very kind messages via Facebook, messenger and by text, much appreciated. 🤗 

 

Poor weather here again. Had a Brambling in the garden and a Robin. Sadly no further updates on the mega Tengmalm's Owl. Couldn't face going to Up Helly Aa as the cold would have made my shoulder and neck even more painful, Oramorph would have helped, but you can't drive with that! 

Live from Lerwick, Shetland: Up Helly Aa 2026 torchlit procession and Vi...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8p2rjeyveo

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

TENGMALM'S OWL
in undisclosed location on the west side of mainland. 

Waxwing in garden at Voe.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 still at Virkie.

 

ISLANDS 

Kumlien's Gull or Thayer's Gull 3w still at Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Unst.

White-billed Diver, Iceland Gull at south end of Hascosay Sound. 

 

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

 

TENGMALM'S OWL 

in undisclosed location on the west side of mainland.

 This is a screenshot from a post earlier today on Facebook

 

 

What I would give to see this, just WOW! I remember all the excitement about the one at Lea Gardens at Tresta in 2019 when I was living in Norfolk and here I am living in Shetland, another turns up and nobody can go and see it, utterly heartbreaking. Hopefully the owner will change their minds about birders coming to see it. Its not as if the place will be flooded with twitchers from 'south' with the current weather conditions, more ferries and flights being cancelled over the next few days, plus any cheque book twitchers (as I call them 😉) would have nipped over in 2019 so won't need to come here again.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w.fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 still at Virkie.

Tundra Bean Goose at Trondra Hall Junction, Trondra. 

 

ISLANDS 

Kumlien's Gull or Thayer's Gull 3w briefly at Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Unst.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 24th January

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still at Bay of Quendale.

Green-winged Teal drk at Culswick Marsh. 

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

RBA Weekly Round-Up 16th to 22nd January!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_03.aspx?s_id=427751376

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w.fem a Bay of Quendale.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 still at Virkie.

American Wigeon ad.drk still at Loch of Spiggie. 

 

ISLANDS 

Black-throated Diver at Otterswick, Yell.

 

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

 

This is the third day of the Northlink Ferry being cancelled, which is unusual, well it certainly is since I have been living here. The gales have continued and are still raging outside as I type, but there seems to be a bit less wind from 2pm tomorrow, which will give us all a bit of a break and hopefully the ferry will depart for those needing to travel.

 

Nothing exciting in my garden apart from the usual House Sparrows, Starlings, Collared and Rock Doves. Vivien visited Lucy and we did a video call, which was lovely and finally managed to get Lucy to decide what she would like for her birthday.

 

I have not watched any of the other Traitor series, but I have been completely hooked by this last one and last night was a terrible cliffhanger, couldn't believe how the semi-final ended! I'm so glad Rachael and Steven were faithful to each other to the very end in tonight's final, even though they were both Traitors and brilliantly played by both of them.

 

A birthday card arrived today and on the envelope it was titled "Lady Pennykins Clarke", who on earth wrote that I pondered? Then the penny dropped, I knew exactly who this was from 😂 😂 😂 – I haven't opened it and won't until the 27th, but thank you John! 🤗 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 22nd January

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Taiga Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Goose at Exnaboe.

Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie. 

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Northern Bullfinches x 2 in the Jubilee Flower Garden, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

 

Another long night's sleep because of Oramorph! I have a physio appointment at the hospital on Friday 30th January. One of my prescribed exercises is fairly easy, two are tolerable and two are not! Very sleepy with medication. First birthday card arrived today from Vivien. Robin in the garden again. Gales here and heavy rain. The ferry I should have been on tonight was cancelled and the next couple of days are under review, so I wouldn't have been going to Norfolk anyway! I doubt the Black-winged Kite will hang on for my rescheduled trip.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

White-billed Diver 2.5 miles NE of Vidlin, north of Lunning, from Whalsay Ferry.

Glaucous Gull juv. at South Collafirth.

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

 

Had a full night's sleep last night, thank goodness for Oramorph! Had a physio appointment at 9.30am and given exercises to do four times a day and am being referred 'urgently' to out patient physio team at the hospital (I think the physios in the practices here only see people as an emergency and then refer you on to the main physio team at the hospital. It was too painful to do a couple of the exercises and the physio could see the pain was too much and said that when the pain has improved I should be able to do these a bit better. Had another GP telephone appt. today to discuss pain relief as I had to stop taken the Naproxen last night due to side effects. Now back to taking the Codeine Phosphate, along with Ibuprofen and Paracetemol. Very sleepy on/off throughout the day.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Ring-necked Duck drk at Loch of Housetter.

Iceland Gull at Loch of Spiggie.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 at Exnaboe.

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

 

Terrible night's sleep due to pain and couldn't get comfortable. Phoned the surgery dead on 8.30am, engaged as expected and pressed the call back repeat button continuously for 25 mintues – got through to a receptionist at 8.55am and the emergency physio appointment had been taken!!! VERY frustrating. Was given a physio appointment for next week. Booked another GP appointment, which I got for 11.15am today. Was prescribed Oramorph to take at night time, so I can hopefully get some sleep. The GP agreed to stop taking the Codeine Phosphate as not making any difference and to just continue with Naproxen and Paracetemol. The GP also got me a sooner physio appointment for tomorrow morning! Updated work as is expected etc.

 

My electric bills are going to much higher, being as I'm at home, but nothing I can do about that. Robin in the garden again, sunny here today, but poor weather on the way again this week.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider drk at North Shore, Loch of Brow.

American Wigeon ad.drk at Setter, Loch of Spiggie.

Taiga Bean Geese x 3 still at Virkie.

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

 

Having to type this with left hand, so won't be typing too much. Had to cancel my Norfolk trip next week as sadly there is no way I can drive all that way back, even with me staying half way. Re-booked the trip, which cost me several hundred pounds more! It even hurts to lift a cup of tea up. Can't get comfortable at night because of the pain, so poor night's sleep each night. Phoning surgery to get the last (as they suggested) emergency physio appointment tomorrow and will also be requesting Oramorph as the prescribed medication of Naproxen, Codeine Phosphate and Paracetemol is doing nothing for me at all. The only thing that help a bit is hot water bottles around neck and shoulder. 

 

Its two years to the date since I bought my house here! Good night.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

King Eider drk at North Shore, Loch of Brow.

Northern Bullfinches x 5 at Helendale, Lerwick.

Northern Long-tailed Tit in plantation near Strand Loch, Tingwall.

Iceland Gull at Loch of Spiggie. 

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider 1w.fem at Bay of Quendale.

White-billed Diver on sea between Sound Gruney and Linga, Bluemull Sound.

 

ISLANDS 

No news.

 

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

Gorgeous sunny day here. Indoors and dosed up on high pain relief all day.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MALCOLM!

😊 🦋 🦔 🐸 🐞 🐛 🐝