Friday, 25 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
RBA Weekly Round-Up 18th to 24th April!
Thursday, 24 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Sunday, 20 April 2025
EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER at Skaw, Whalsay!
Within seconds of getting out of the car, we immediately saw the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler in the plantation, which was flighty and seemingly feeding well. There was a couple and a single man along with Hugh and I, to see this very rare bird. Fantastic birding views, but the light wasn't brilliant for photography at this time of the day. Fabulous bird and a new tick for me! There was a Willow Warbler (singing) and a Chiffchaff in the plantation too and also a Red Grouse distantly in the heather!
Hugh was out of sight and round the end of the plantation, when I turned to see the other two birders walking as fast as they could over the boggy/mossy ground, to check on the lady who was laying on the ground! She had apparently fainted, so I administered first aid (feet up) until the colour came back to her cheeks. She was ok and was able to get up a while later and return to her car with her husband. Hugh arrived on scene, shocked at seeing us all there together in a huddle and thought we were all looking at plant or something! Whilst this had been going on, Hugh had got a fabulous shot – best picture I have seen so far by miles and I doubt if anyone will get a better one! (see Twitter/X here). Caught the 12.45pm ferry back to Laxo, which was another smooth crossing. Huge thanks to Hugh for giving me a lift over there.
I decided to visit Da Gairdins at Sand, which was about half an hour away. I went for the first time last year and have been wanting to return. These gardens are spectacular and have several nature ponds, many varieties of trees, shrubs and plants and a stunning beach close by. I thought I might find some exciting birds there, but alas only found 1 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow and 2 Collared Doves. Got a nice photo of a Blackbird singing on top of a New Zealand Flax. Chatted to Ruby who runs and works these spectacular gardens and I remarked how surprised I was to see Sea-buckthorn here (which reminded me of Holme). Went to the beach where I photographed a Wren singing its heart out on a boulder. Black-headed Gull here, a Rock Pipit and a Wheatear.
Headed south – stopped at the shop at Bixter and bought a small bag of Kitkat Easter eggs! Not far from Scalloway I stopped and checked out the Burn of Njugalswater, which is SW of the Bridge of Fitch (where the Arctic Warbler was last Autumn) – nothing here at all. Went to Gulberwick to walk along the burn towards Wick House and no birds seen here either. Returned home and lit the fire. I was disappointed to find that I hadn't got one pleasing shot of the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, oh well, can't get good shots every time! Back to work on Tuesday.
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Saturday, 19 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
The last Eastern Bonelli's Warbler was in a fir tree in my neighbour Jimmy's garden, from 10th-13th of October 2014! I don't think I can face a rocky ferry ride to Whalsay tomorrow?!
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
At last! My first Hawfinch (female) of the year on my feeders this morning and joined by a second one late afternoon! Also a Robin, Blackbirds, Starlings, House Sparrows, Rock Doves and Collared Doves.
Lea Gardens OPEN on Sunday 27th April
10.00am to 4.30pm & PLANT SALE
Thursday, 17 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Monday, 14 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Very busy day at work and then drove straight to West Burra and Toogs and spent from 5pm to 8.30pm trying to find the Black-crowned Night Heron. Yes I have seen it, but it was a dot in the distance in my scope on a murky, rainy day. It would be good to even view it at half the distance I did, but luck is not on my side with this bird, after several visits. Several Grey Herons fishing, pair of Red-breasted Mergansers off the pier at the outdoor centre. At Toogs I bumped into Jane again who found a very distant Moorhen with just her bins! Back at the bridge I watched a couple of otters for a few moments before disappearing. A beautiful, but chilly evening and a stunning sunset as I drove home. Not having much luck with trying to get good views of the BCNH – think I might give up now!
Sunday, 13 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Two male Siskins and one Robin in my garden today, along with the usual Starlings, House Sparrows and Collared Doves. Headed south birding. Walked along Swinister Burn and although it was extremely pretty, I didn't see a single bird! Climbed up to the top of the Geosetter Burn at Bigton and apart from 4 Ravens overhead and a couple of Meadow Pipits, no birds seen along the burn at all.
At Clumlie Loch there was no sign of the Purple Heron. Matt W. turned up and we walked along the burn to try and find the Purple Heron. Matt continued on to the cliff edge, but I turned back before this. Had a look at Boddam Voe: Eiders, Redshanks, Turnstones, Mallard and Shelducks here.
The Grutness Garden produced what I presume was the same male Blackcap I saw on Friday and also one Chiffchaff and the pool held a pair of Mallards and a couple of Common Gulls. Drove up to Sumburgh Head where I saw about 4 Wheatears on route. Stood for ages looking for Puffins coming into the cliffs, but only saw them flying distantly over the sea – nobody else had seen them either. Walked to the end of the 'Roses' and the view of the cliffs from here was stunning in the evening light. Fulmars were cruising round the cliffs and Razorbills, Guillemots and Shags also seen.
On West Voe beach I counted 138 Long-tailed Duck on the turquoise sea – it was a magical sight! Parked up to have a quick look at the Pool of Virkie and there was good numbers of waders including lots of Sanderlings, Dunlin, Redshanks, Shelducks, Turnstones and Curlew. Cruised home as the sun was setting.
Saturday, 12 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Three smart male Siskins in my garden this afternoon.
One year since I bought my Skoda Monte Carlo Estate.
Lucy's severe mental state and angry mood upset my entire day.
Friday, 11 April 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Light rain, grey skies and foggy here. Robin in my garden this morning. Mossy Hill, produced nothing but thick fog – I could only just about see the sheep! I was hoping to find an Alpine Accentor up there – I last saw one on 30th October 2022 at Blakeney Point. Male Blackcap in the Grutness Garden, no sign of the RFB. Chiffchaff in the garden at Sumburgh Hotel along with four Blackbirds. Went to look for the Purple Heron at Troswick burn, no sign. Had a cruise around Levenwick, no birds of note seen. The day ended well, with finally getting to see the Black-crowned Night Heron from Toogs Pier at West Burra, which is a new bird for me. Met a lovely local birder called Jane who found the BCNH for me, thank you. Sadly though, it was a dot in my scope, so no gripping pictures from me. Fascinating to watch it skulking along the waters edge, searching for food. I really hope to see this again at a closer distance and in better light – such a flamboyant bird! Two Otters were also by the pier, but only seen briefly. South east winds and sunny tomorrow 😊