SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still by grey house with red garage door, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in gardens by beach car park, Levenwick.         

Arctic Warbler 1w. in garden of pink house at top of hill, east of road at Fladdabister.   

Quail in wet field at Aith, Cunningsburgh.

Barred Warbler in garden south of Kirkabister self-catering cottage, Vidlin.

Sooty Shearwater off boat at Sumburgh Head.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Olive-backed Pipit, Barred Warbler at north end of Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale.

Red-backed Shrike at Andervilla, Catfirth.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Weisdale Voe, Weisdale.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Brae.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister, North Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Asta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Njugalswater, Bridge of Fitch.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Culswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher in bushes near cemetery car park at Loch of Benston.          

Red-backed Shrike in nettles at Burn of Scousburgh, Common Rosefinch in cover crop, Yellow-browed Warbler at The Spiggie Hotel, Scousburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Strand, Gott, north of Veensgarth.

Yellow-browed Warbler by cemetery at Garth, NE of Sandness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe, Northmavine.

American Wigeon ad. drk from RSPB hide at Loch of Spiggie.

Bluethroat at Vatnagarth, Fleck.

Barred Warbler in plantation just north of Loch of Houlland, South Nesting.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Cunningsburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Forsa, Collafirth.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna Ness, Hamnavoe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Shorewood, Ellister.

Western Bonelli's Warbler in garden just east of Skelberry, NE of Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Gairdins, Sand.   

ISLANDS

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Windhouse Lodge, Red-breasted Flycatcher at Mid Yell, King Eider fem. at Gutcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound, West Yell, Yellow-browed Warbler at North Aywick, YELL.

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER at road verges between bus shelter and Valyie, Barred Warbler, Hawfinch, Black Redstart at Valyie, Norwick, Sooty Shearwaters x 21 flew past Hermaness, Siberian Chiffchaff at Haroldswick, Pallid Harrier juv. over Baltasound School, UNST. 

Olive-backed Pipit in plantation at Feal, Houbie, ISLE OF FETLAR.  

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at PAPA STOUR. 

Richard's Pipit near cemetery, Black Restart, Siberian Chiffchaff on OUT SKERRIES.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Yellow-browed Warbler, Olive-backed Pipit (probable) flew west over Da Gairdins, Sand.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Grutness.

Greenish Warbler in plantation NE of Gott, north of Veensgarth.  

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still in wet field at Fleck.   

Siberian Chiffchaff on garden feeder in Ladysmith Road, Yellow-browed Warbler in sunken garden, Lovers Lane, Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Siberian Chiffchaff just north of Ocraquoy.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swining.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Kergord.

Quails x 2 at Aith, Cunningsburgh.

Barred Warbler in garden, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.

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

Yellow-browed Warbler at Toab.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Turriefield, Sandness.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Exnaboe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at The Spiggie Hotel.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Greenbrae, Collafirth.

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still by grey house with red garage door, Levenwick.         

Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna Ness, Hamnavoe.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Maywick.

Arctic Warbler 1w. in garden of pink house at top of hill, east of road at Fladdabister.  

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Siberian Chiffchaff at Boddam.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Burrastow.

Common Rosefinch in burn at Loch of Spiggie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff.

Red-breasted Flycatcher 1w, Yellow-browed Warbler on north face of garden at public hall at Ollaberry.         

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler on eastern edge of wooded ravine at Netherdale.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Dale, NW of Walls.

Barred Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Long-eared Owl in garden, Easter Quarff.

King Eider ad. fem still off Twagoes Road, Lerwick. 

 

ISLANDS

Yellow-browed Warbler at Windhouse Lodge, Mid Yell, YELL.

Pallid Harrier juv. at Hermaness Car Park, UNST.

Richard's Pipit near cemetery, Quails x 3, Tree Pipit on OUT SKERRIES. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation at East Ham, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden by phone box, Ham, ISLE OF BRESSAY. 

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Tresta, Turtle Dove, Barred Warbler in plantation at Feal, Houbie, ISLE OF FETLAR. 

Hawfinch at Valyie, Norwick, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Baltasound, Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, UNST.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper juv. at South Ness, ISLE OF FOULA. 

 

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

 

Can't keep up with my bird feeders at the moment, the House Sparrows and Starlings are stripping everything daily. The leucistic House Sparrow is still around with an ever increasing number of approximately 100+ House Sparrows at my feeders. I had a very unusual sighting this evening – as I pulled up in my drive I could see a very tall bird at the top of Gallow Hill that looked like a heron, I rushed to get the bins out of the car and discovered it was a Grey Heron and then a second one around 20 yards away along with the usual Hooded Crows close by them! Never seen them on the hill, how strange, they looked completely out of context up there!

 

Today was much calmer and sunny, so more birds were seen and found by local and the many visiting birders here. I'm at work this week and the light is almost gone by the time I finish work. The good news is I have two weeks off from this Friday!!! 🎉

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Greenbrae, Collafirth.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Busta House Hotel, SE of Brae.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper juv. at lighthouse, Lapland Bunting SW of lighthouse at Eshaness.

Sooty Shearwater flew past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 3 still in wet field at Fleck.  

King Eider ad. fem still off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.

Great Grey Shrike still at junction to Sand, south of Semblister, south of Bixter.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Effirth.  

Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Gairdins, Sand.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord, Yellow-browed Warbler at Upper Kergord.

Arctic Warbler in plantation NE of Gott, north of Veensgarth.

Snow Bunting on beach at Norby.

Yellow-browed Warbler in sunken garden, Lovers Lane, Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Tresta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Cott, Weisdale Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler flew over burn bridge, Yellow-browed Warbler at Orca Inn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Cliff Cottage, Hoswick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher 1w, on north face of garden at public hall at Ollaberry.       

Siberian Chiffchaff at Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Plantation. 

 

ISLANDS

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, YELL.

Sabine's Gull on beach at Westing, UNST. 

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Tresta, Turtle Dove, ISLE OF FETLAR.  

Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler at ISLE OF WHALSAY.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider ad. fem still off Twagoes Road, Siberian Chiffchaff at Isleburgh, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Busta House Hotel, SE of Brae.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Islesburgh.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at La Gairdins, Sand. 

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 still in wet field at Fleck.

Yellow-browed Warbler in willows, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still in rough field before Heimli at Netherton Road, Barred Warbler in garden of Otterskod, Yellow-browed Warbler near beach car park at Levenwick.

Short-eared Owl at Scatness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Voxter.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher in NE corner of Sullom Plantation.

Firecrest still in garden with white boat at Wester Quarff.    

Red-breasted Flycatcher 1w, Yellow-browed Warbler on north face of garden at public hall at Ollaberry.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Hoswick Burn.

Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Spiggie.

Great Grey Shrike still on fence line at Bixter.

Barred Warbler at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warbler in last garden at east end of Lovers Lane, Scalloway.

Lapland Bunting south of lighthouse at Eshaness.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Greenbrae, Collafirth.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Laxo.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe of Scatsta, Scatsta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Swining.  

 

ISLANDS

Barred Warbler along beach at Grimister, Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Yell, YELL.

Richard's Pipit near cemetery, Quails x 3 in garden at Sunnybrae, OUT SKERRIES. 

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Tresta, ISLE OF FETLAR. 

American Golden Plover at Lund, Red-backed Shrike 1w. at Northdale, UNST. 

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider ad. fem still off Twagoes Road, Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at north road, Boddam.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Swining.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Busta House Hotel, SE of Brae.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Njugalswater Burn, Bridge of Fitch.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brae Community Wood.

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, possible (form blythi) at Sumburgh Farm.  

Yellow-browed Warbler at graveyard, Vidlin.

Firecrest still in garden, Yellow-browed Warbler by Greencroft at Wester Quarff.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still in wet field at Fleck.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Upper Kergord.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 5 at main plantation, Kergord. 

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still in rough field before Heimli at Netherton Road, Levenwick. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Plantation.

Olive-backed Pipit at house with large sycamore garden, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Maywick. 

Quail flushed at Aithsetter, Cunningsburgh.

Scaup at Loch of Hellister, SE of Tresta.

Red-breasted Flycatcher 1w on north face of garden at public hall at Ollaberry. 

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3, Barred Warbler, Ring Ouzel at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Aith Community Woodland.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Virkie Willows, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Great Grey Shrike flew from fence line towards village, Bixter.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Stromfirth.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Hoswick.

Barred Warbler at Laxfirth.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 5 at Breiwick, east of Laxfirth. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Melby.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 in garden at Haggersta, Whiteness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ellister.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandsayre, Leebitton, Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Islesburgh.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at La Gairdins, Sand.

Yellow-browed Warbler at St Michaels Wood, Aith.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Skeld.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Strand Loch, Gott, north of Veensgarth.

Yellow-browed Warbler SSE of Girlsta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandness.   

 

ISLANDS

Little Bunting, Siberian Chiffchaff on west side of North Wart Cottage, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Ham Pines, Yellow-browed Warbler at Gorie, Yellow-browed Warblers x 6, ISLE OF BRESSAY.

Red-backed Shrike juv. at Hamnavoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, YELL. 

Richard's Pipit still at Housay, Siberian Chiffchaff at Bruray Pool, OUT SKERRIES.

Little Bunting in plantation at Skaw, Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister, ISLE OF WHALSAY. 

Red-backed Shrike 1w in pines at Northdale, UNST.

 

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

A few months ago I discovered a garden so large that it has to be one of the largest gardens here, if not the largest and its at the end of a road by the sea. I never hear any bird news from here, so guess that nobody checks this regularly. I parked my car up on a grassy area next to a small beach and walked to the end of the road to view the garden. Its so large and dense that you can only just see the house. I walked around the entire circumference (almost) of the garden for the first time which included very boggy ground. There are blue bridges over streams in the garden, it looked so fascinating and so beautiful with so many trees and shrubs and areas of grass. I would LOVE to own this property, a birder's dream! The shocking thing was that all I could find was a Blackbird that flew up from a stream and another bird that flew up from a branch and didn't see again, which really wasn't worth all my efforts! There should at least have been a Siberian Rubythroat here. The only highlight was a Red Admiral butterfly which took me by surprise. Whoever owns this massive garden is not going to allow birders to roam around their paradise, so will only ever be able to view this from the surrounding cliffs and fields. I'm not going to say where it is, my secret!

Went to Wester Quarff and was rewarded with one very brief view of the Firecrest and a second view for a bit longer in the tops of the willows, but raining and very sadly no photos. There were a handful of birders here too. Went to Levenwick and finally had lovely but distant view of the Siberian Stonechat on a fence post, then it disappeared, still raining and again no photos – bumped into Jim N. here who was also seeing this for the first time. Checked out the Geosetter Burn but only managed to find 3 Robins in the fading light. After hearing news of a Minke Whale fairly close in and heading north from Ocraquoy I headed that way and parked my car up on a high hill at Fladdibister which overlooks Ocraquoy headland – didn't see anything and continued my journey home.

Atrocious weather here tomorrow with 44mph+ south west winds and rain all day long. 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider ad. fem still off Twagoes Road, Barred Warbler in trees west of Tesco car park, Spotted Redshank flew over Viking Bus Station, Lerwick.

Common Rosefinch in willows, Redstart on road by first house, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Grutness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Quendale Burn, Little Bunting on road briefly at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler in large garden at Brake, near Hillwell.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 near picnic tables at Hoswick Burn.

Barred Warbler in gardens, Common Rosefinch at Orca Inn, Hoswick. 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still in wet field at Fleck.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden by beach at Levenwick.

Firecrest still in garden, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Wester Quarff.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Swining.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Wadbister Voe, Girlsta.

Quail at Aithsetter, Cunningsburgh.

Barred Warblers x 2, Yellow-browed Warbler at graveyard, Vidlin.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Toab.

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w in rough field before Heimli at Netherton Road, Levenwick.

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

Pallas's Warbler at Vanlop (but not seen again), Bluethroat in bird crop at Scousburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Sumburgh Hotel.

Yellow-browed Warbler on wall by RSPB car park at Sumburgh Lighthouse. 

Yellow-browed Warbler still at Leean Plantatin, Mid Walls.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher at Sullom Plantation.

Pallid Harrier (possible) near Kergord.

Olive-backed Pipit at end house then moved south to large sycamore garden, Yellow-browed Warblers x 6 at Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Dalsetter, Yellow-browed Warblers x 5, Siberian Chiffchaff at south end of Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 6 at Ellister.

 

ISLANDS

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 still at Lund, UNST.

Richard's Pipit at Housay, Little Bunting at OUT SKERRIES.

Turtle Dove at Houbie, Common Rosefinches x 2 along Burn of Northdale, Tresta, FETLAR.

Little Bunting in plantation at Skaw, ISLE OF WHALSAY. 

 

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

Arrived and parked up at Quendale Mill just after sunrise. Walked to Brake to search for the Siberian Blue Robin. I would also then be close by for when and if it was seen in Hugh's garden again. Sadly Hugh didn't see it in the garden again. I spent the entire morning until midday, slowly and meticulously checking all the gardens and habitat at Brake several times. Birds seen: the Yellow-browed Warbler I found last night, several Robins, 6 Continental Blackbirds, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtails x 3, 4 Grey Herons flew over, Wheatear, 2 Bramblings, male Chaffinch. Someone else had seen a Pied Flycatcher, but frustratingly I didn't see this. There were a few birders looking here, but not many, which was a real surprise as I heard that there were several standing in Hugh's garden yesterday that didn't see the Sibe Robin as they had been standing in the wrong spot when it showed and then obviously couldn't move because of the size of the crowd.

Nice to chat with Brett Richards again whom I last saw at the Egyptian Nightjar! He had arrived this morning with others. Its incredibly sad that the Siberian Blue Robin didn't show again yesterday afternoon and also that it didn't stay until today for other birders arriving. I would love to know where it disappeared to yesterday. I noticed there were quite a few cats around at Brake which doesn't bare thinking about. Several birders pointed out that it was clear overnight so more than probably has gone now. 😞

Walked back to Quendale Mill checking gardens on route. Had lunch and a brief snooze in the car, I felt very tired now. There were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers chasing each other round in the sycamore copse and also a Robin and a Blackbird in here. Left and drove back very slowly to Brake for a last check before I left and spotted a familiar figure walking along the road – it was Steve Gantlett!!! I see him more here than I did in Norfolk! 😂 He had flown over for the Siberian Blue Robin this morning which we glumly chatted about. If you are reading this Steve, you and Sue might as well move here, it will be cheaper for you and you'll have a greater chance of increasing your list if you live here!

Drove to Sumburgh Head and sat on the grassy slope watching the 'roses' where all I could manage was a Blackbird, Robin and 1 Pied Wagtail. There was a Rock Pipit that looked bigger then it should it have done creeping around on the grassy slope behind me. A Yellow-browed Warbler was flitting around on the wall next to the RSPB carpark by the lighthouse.

At the second quarry (largest) at Sumburgh I managed to see a Chiffchaff in a nettle patch, 3 Twite, 2 Wheatears and a Robin were on the cliff. There was a Yellow-browed Warbler in the garden at Grutness which I highlighted to a tour group driving past, who then stopped to enjoy watch this feeding in the fading light – they were very pleased as they hadn't seen it when they had looked earlier. On the way back home I stopped at Levenwick and saw 3 Sand Martins overhead down by the beach – it was too late in the day to see the Siberian Stonechat.

PICTURES TO BE ADDED 

RBA Weekly Round-Up 25th September to 1st October!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 

 

I don't what's happened to picture quality on the weekly round up but its not the same quality as it normally is, hopefully this is just a blip. 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS – SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN & TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Yellow-browed Warbler at Orca Inn, Barred Warblers x 2 by road at west side of Hoswick Burn, Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler north of road at Hoswick Burn. 

Firecrest in 2nd garden on north side of south road, Yellow-browed Warbler at Netherburn, Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brig O' Fitch.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Stromfirth.

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale Drive, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.

Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler at Califf, Veensgarth.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Hotel.

CITRINE WAGTAIL flew over West Voe towards Sumburgh Hotel. 

Barred Warbler, Lapland Bunting at The Spiggie Hotel, Yellow-browed Warbler at Scousburgh.

Bluethroat, Common Rosefinches x 2 at in wild bird crop at Scousburgh. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister, SSE of Girlsta.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT in garden (Wiltrow) at Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Longwell, Aith, Yellow-browed Warbler at Kenswood, Cunningsburgh.

Little Bunting, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Hawfinch at Voe of Scatsta.

Sooty Shearwater flew past The Lookout, Lapland Bunting, Sumburgh Head.

Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler at Swining.

Barred Warbler at Orbister.

Little Bunting in driveway of old school house, Dale of Walls, WNW of Walls.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at croft above Loch of Sung between Dale of Walls and Mid Walls.

Little Bunting in paddock of Silly Sheep Company, Yellow-browed Warbler at Lower Dale, Walls. 

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Leean Plantation, Mid Walls.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still in wet field at Fleck.

Red-breasted Flycatcher still at Lower Voe.

Ring Ouzel in quarry between Watsness and Dale.

Yellow-browed Warbler in small plantation at South Nesting.

Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at plantation by road at Hamnavoe, NNE of Lunna.

SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN

in garden at Hillwell

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillwell.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brake.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper juv. still at pool SE of lighthouse at Eshaness.

Barred Warblers x 2, Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 in garden by play area at Hestingott.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness.

Black Redstart at Swinister, Ollaberry. 

EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Siberian) by garden at Netherton Road, Levenwick. 

TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER at Quendale Mill.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Bridge End, Burra.

Little Bunting by picnic bench at Swinister Burn, Yellow-browed Warbler in gardens behind beach at Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voxter. 

 

ISLANDS

Barred Warbler in garden by crossroads at Gutcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at plantation by marina at Cullivoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Yell, YELL.

ARCTIC WARBLER north of Springpark Road, Common Rosefinch at Baltasound, Pallid Harrier juv. flew over Valyie, Norwick, Common Rosefinch in roadside cottage garden north of Mailland, Lapland Bunting at Baliasta, UNST. 

Firecrest at Soberlie, ISLE OF FOULA.

Barred Warbler, Little Buntings x 2 at ISLE OF WHALSAY.

Long-eared Owl this evening on OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

As predicted there was something BIG, something HUMONGOUS!! "Mega" was not big enough! When I saw the message at work I felt sick, SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN in Hugh Harrop's garden at Hillwell!!! I could not believe what I was reading. I wanted to go now. I don't normally get stressed about a rare bird turning up when I'm at work as I always hope I will see it after work and mostly I do. But this bird was on another level, I couldn't not see it. I finish early on a Thursday at 3.23pm, I asked if I could take an hour's TOIL that I have left and I was granted this. Left work at 2.23pm. The Siberian Blue Robin had not been seen since before I even left work and Hugh had closed his garden, but I just hoped and presumed that it would be found again, how wrong I was.

I parked up on a verge between Hugh's house and Quendale Mill. Most birders were now at MEGA Number 2 of the day a TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER at Quendale Mill! You couldn't make up today, you really couldn't. I went straight to stand and peer over Hugh's garden and there were only about five other people here and Ashley Banwell from Norfolk turned up moments after me who was on route to Fair Isle. At this moment I couldn't even think about any other bird other than the Siberian Blue Robin. There was a Yellow-browed Warbler in the garden, a Robin, a Chiffchaff and a Blackbird.

Eventually I tore myself away to walk to Quendale Mill where I had brief views of the Two-barred Greenish Warbler – I would normally have stayed to try and get a photograph, but gave that up when I heard that Hugh was going to do a circuit of his garden and kindly allow birders to stand in his garden again. I rushed back up the road to make sure I was there for this. Long story short, nothing, nothing at all. Hugh did this again half an hour later and then closed his garden for the day. Massive congratulations to Hugh, how excited he must have been this morning – he was telling Roger R and me that initially he thought it was a 'bluetail' and I think it took him a little while to pin it down by the sounds of it. I wouldn't be surprised at all if it reappears tomorrow. I had heard that a Robin was chasing it around a lot, so it could have relocated to another garden close by?!

It was either still in Hugh's garden or had relocated to another garden to escape the Robin. So I decided at this point it would be a good idea to check the nearby gardens at Brake. Andy J and Anne E. ended up joining me. There was one particular very large garden with a paddock in front of it that seemed to be full of bird action with 2 Pied Wagtails, a Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff and I found a Yellow-browed Warbler to the side of the garden in a sycamore along a little track. I genuinely thought this track was a track you could walk along, how wrong I was, big mistake. A man drove up on his quad bike and was very angry. I remained calm and polite and apologised when he said this track was his drive and said we will leave now and we did, but he was going on about people being here all day..... looking in people's windows.... yes that what's everyone was doing..... looking through windows to see if a Siberian Blue Robin was perched on people's kitchen tables – silly man, does he really believe that all these birders are here to peer in windows!!! I won't ever walk on that track again now I now it belongs to him, but I will be checking out the same garden again in the morning, it wasn't his garden I was looking in by the way, he lived much further down the track. I'm allowed to walk on a public road and that's where I will be tomorrow. Even if I wasn't a birder and was just walking, I love looking in people's gardens to see what's growing and what flowers are still out etc, I find it fascinating, the hope of seeing birds in gardens as well is an added bonus!

 

I left Brake and returned to Quendale Mill for a last look at dusk for the Two-barred Greenish Warbler and was surprised to find quite a few birders still here – I saw the bird again, but not long enough to photograph plus the light was appalling now. A bat appeared around us and for a short while landed on a wall where several of us photographed it and then flew off again. Bats are not very common here. I returned to my car and went home to Scalloway. Had a sandwich and a scone which I had purchased from work at lunchtime in preparation for this evening. Its been a long day.

Bat: Nathusius Pipistrelle at Quendale Mill

ID'd for me by Pete Gulliver from Easter Quarff, thank you.

 

 

What a day to be out birding in Shetland for those not at work. So many birds were seen and the crazy thing is that because everyone went to see the Siberian Blue Robin, hardly anyone was looking anywhere else! Just think about how many megas that were blown in yesterday haven't been found yet!! I feel that tomorrow will continue to produce more big birds. At least I now have three days off! Phew!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Barred Warbler at large quarry, Sooty Shearwaters x 3 from The Lookout at Sumburgh Head. 

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler still in garden at Sumburgh Hotel.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 in garden at Toab.

Pied Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler in Sunken Garden by Lovers Lane, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden along Ladysmith Road at Scalloway.

Firecrest in large garden on north side of south road, Yellow-browed Warbler in 2nd garden on south road at Wester Quarff.

Red-breasted Flycatcher still at Da Lodge, Lower Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Dale, NW of Walls.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Orca Inn, Hoswick.  

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Wadbister, SSE of Girlsta.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Lunning, NE of Vidlin.

Glossy Ibis again, Lapland Bunting on rocky ground, south of lighthouse at Eshaness.  

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandness.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Barred Warbler at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Orbister.

 

ISLANDS

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 in field north of road at Clivocast, Common Rosefinch at Skaw, Bluethroat, Common Rosefinch at Baltasound, UNST.

Yellow-browed Warbler at plantation by marina at Cullivoe, YELL.

Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Funzie, FETLAR.

Barred Warblers x 2, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on ISLE OF WHALSAY.

Little Buntings x 2, one at Bruray + one at Housay bird crop on OUT SKERRIES.

 

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

Atrocious weather here today – the sea was rolling and crashing onto the rocks from the hospital windows. When I opened the door to leave the hospital this evening, I was nearly blown over, not joking! I had to get to the post office before 5pm so after returning a parcel, I looked around Scalloway for birds in pouring rain. I left the camera in the car, not worth getting it wet. In the Sunken Garden by Lovers Lane I found a Chiffchaff skulking in the lower parts of a sycamore and a Merlin perched up and being mobbed by a Hooded Crow, no sign of the birds found in there earlier (see list above), but this garden is massive and impossible to see even a small part of it, so there could have been tons of stuff in there and you would never see it on a still day, never mind in these conditions. Drove around to some of the gardens with good habitat and did lots of short walks to try and find something in awful conditions. I got soaked but wasn't too bothered. There is a large detached house with an equally large square walled garden which you can see into via the front gate that used to be the doctor's surgery I was told – its between Sycamore Avenue and Harley Street and always looks exciting for finding migrants. Didn't find anything else in fading light aside from a few Starlings, but when I returned home I instantly heard a Yellow-browed Warbler calling a few times in Jimmy's much larger garden, next door to me – I couldn't see it though, after much peering over the wall from the Gallow Hill side – I think it was in a large fuchsia bush. The Shetland ponies on the hill didn't look overly impressed with the conditions. There was so many deep piles of sycamore leaves blown into my driveway, will have to sweep them up on a still and non birdy day, so will probably get done in late October!

I don't think my long work coat will be dry by the morning. Tomorrow's the big day then!!! I love seeing all the birders being added to the WhatsApp groups as they arrive on Shetland – there are several big names here now, including a good number from Norfolk. With all these elite birders here I will be shocked if nothing mega isn't found tomorrow in much calmer conditions and sunshine, good luck to you all – see you after work! If there isn't anything major when I finish work I have decided to search Scalloway for a Black-and-white Warbler, how cool would that be! First one here in Shetland was in October 1936 found dead at Vatster, Tingwall and after that was in May 2020 at Aithsetter, Cunningsburgh for one day only.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still on pool east of lighthouse, Glossy Ibis still on flood at Eshaness.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in small geo below RSPB staff car park at Sumburgh Head.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Sumburgh Hotel. 

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Common Rosefinch with Redpolls at Upper Burn of Sound, Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale House, Yellow-browed Warbler at Seafield, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Geosetter.  

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Lodge, Lower Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Vidlin. 

Barred Warbler in scyamores at north end, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Levenwick.

Little Bunting at top of burn at Quendale.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Middleton, Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation near Strand Loch, Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Orca Inn, Hoswick.   

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Easter Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.

Little Bunting briefly by parking area at far end, Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Leean Plantation, Mid Walls.

LANCEOLATED WARBLER at Aswick (elusive), South Nesting.

Western Bonelli's Warbler in garden at Eswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hamnavoe, NNE of Lunna.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still at wet field, Fleck.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Garth, NEE of Sandness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Voe of Scatsta, Scatsta. 

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. male flew east over Lund, Yellow-browed Warbler at Setters Hill Estate, Common Rosefinch near school, Baltasound, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Valyie, Norwick, UNST.

Arctic Warbler, Pallid Harrier, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Little Bunting, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Quails x 2 on OUT SKERRIES.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Gunnista Road, Yellow-browed Warbler at in bushes along the edge of Uphouse Road, ISLE OF BRESSAY.

Barred Warbler still in plantation at Skaw, ISLE OF WHALSAY

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at cemetery, WEST YELL.

 

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

EYEBROWED THRUSH – FAIR ISLE 

As expected there was a huge amount of bird news being posted whilst I was at work today. As I left this evening I couldn't decide which way to go – best birds were a Western Bonelli's Warbler and a Lanceolated Warbler (which I have never seen). There had been no news on the Lancie since the initial sighting at 2.27pm, so I asked on the WhatsApp group if anyone had seen it and they had, but long story short it sounded extremely elusive and there are questions (apparently) about the ID - maybe any further pictures will confirm things. Very strong south easterly 50mph winds all day.

I checked Helendale Terrace quickly before I headed to South Nesting and found nothing. Started to head to South Nesting for the Lancie and sighed when I ended up in a long queue at the traffic lights out of Lerwick – as I slowly progressed along the road I realised I wasn't going to get to South Nesting and find the exact location before the light went. Someone had kindly added a pin to their post, but I had no signal to open the pin – the phone signal is shockingly bad in Lerwick (I'm Vodafone). Postcodes work best for birds as you can put this quickly into your Sat Nav and you are away promptly. Having to get paper OS maps out of the car and try and work out where something is, when you are the only person in the car, slows you down considerably and with fading light too its not a good situation. I realised that the best thing to do was to change plans and trying find my own birds close by, so I didn't waste any of the daylight that I had left. I wasn't too bothered, its going to take a very big bird to overshadow my Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on North Ronaldsay – maybe something like a male Siberian Blue Robin or my dream – a Black-and-white Warbler?!!! There are a few weeks to go here yet!

Checked out Njugalswater Burn at Bridge of Fitch which was not sheltered in the slightest so probably no birds here and this was the case. Returned to the Siberian Thrush trees at Tingwall and searched the garden areas and tracks and got excited when a bird flew up from a driveway, which I quickly found perched on a fence wire – a Meadow Pipit which should have been an OBP. From this point it was car birding and I drove around some of the spectacular gardens situated high up the hill with lots of pines/trees and habitat at East Voe – too late in the day, nothing apart from a Blackbird and one LBJ that flew from one bush to a large dense hedge. So headed home, it was dark and that's was the end of my spectacular birding evening! 😂 So many pictures to process and post.... 😏

The hardcore amongst you will be out tomorrow in dire conditions of 56mph + winds and rain from 10am all day. More birds will be discovered on Thursday when there is minimal rain, a moderate breeze and sunny nearly all day – whatever mega bird you find on Thursday, please keep with it until I arrive after my early finish at 3.23pm precisely PLEASE?! Good luck and enjoy tomorrow for those of you visiting and local birders who are able to get out and find the big one! 👍 🔥

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Citrine Wagtail still at Burn of Quendale at south end of farm buildings at Quendale Mill.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still on pool east of lighthouse, Lapland Buntings x 2 south of lighthouse, Glossy Ibis again at Eshaness.

Quail singing at Isbister, Yellow-browed Warbler in irises at Sand Voe, north of North Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler in gardens south of shop at Walls.

Common Rosefinch at Lunna Kirk, Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna Ness, Hamnavoe, Lunna.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper in grass field with pools at Fleck.

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Geosetter. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Levenwick.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper in field at Effirth.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. male still at Houlland & at Baliasta, Yellow-browed Warbler at Baltasound, Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 (all juvs.) at Lund, Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth, Baltasound, Unst.

Little Bunting in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Gorie, Isle of Bressay.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, Isle of Yell.

 

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

After work I went to have a quick search of Helendale Terrace in Lerwick for any migrants – as I parked up at Clickimin Loch, visiting birders Robert & Sue had re-found the Kingfisher sitting distantly on a rock which was lovely to see and thank you, but a bit too far away for photography. Had a lovely chat with some visiting birders and then headed to Scalloway. Diverted to Tingwall to check out the Siberian Thrush garden and surrounding trees, nothing found apart from a couple of Collared Doves and 1 Blackbird.

Returned home to find most of my bird feeders were empty – busy birds whilst I have been at work! Cooked tea and felt unusually exhausted and too tired to do any more door waxing which I need to finish. South east winds from 3am tomorrow along with sunny intervals and no rain all day! The heavy rain forecast on Wednesday has been updated to light rain showers along with 55mph east winds. It could be very exciting for everyone over the next few days.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Citrine Wagtail still on stream behind farm buildings at Quendale Mill. 

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.  

Barred Warbler on wall by access road, Sooty Shearwaters x 117 from The Lookout at Sumburgh Head. 

Quail singing at Isbister, North Roe.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still east of lighthouse, Lapland Bunting by small pool at lighthouse, Eshaness.

Sooty Shearwaters x 6 off Ocraquoy.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Gairdins, Sand.

Olive-backed Pipit feeding in 'Rubythroat drive' at 2.18pm (elusive & not seen again after 2.51pm) at Levenwick.

 

ISLANDS

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 4 (all juvs.) at Lund, Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, Unst.

Barred Warbler at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay. 

Yellow-browed Warbler, Quails x 2 on Out Skerries.

 

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

With raging 50mph winds and rain all afternoon, there was bound to be birds dropping in – visiting birder Will Walmsley found bird of the day, an Olive-backed Pipit in Levenwick, which was elusive and not seen again. I had a huge count of at least a 100+ House Sparrows in my garden along with Starlings and Collared Doves, but didn't see the Leucistic House Sparrow today. Topped up the bird feeders and changed the drinking baths.

I didn't fancy joining the crowds so went to find my own birds. Checked out lots of areas in Scalloway, went to the boathouse at Tingwall to see if the American Black Tern was still around, but no sign of it. 4 Ruff feeding on the newly mowed grass along the road just south of the boathouse. Checked some garden areas close by – gardens I'm going to be keeping an eye on over the next few weeks. Parked up and checked the willows and garden where the Siberian Thrush was last year – under the canopy of the huge sycamore there were several birds feeding amongst the leaf litter, which really should have been far more exciting, but only found House Sparrows and two Blackbirds.

Drove around Uradale Farm on the outskirts of Scalloway, which always looks insanely exciting for birds, but never found anything major yet – some Greylag Geese and a couple of Curlew seen here. Headed to the large, long copse at Trondra and best I could find here were a couple of Wood Pigeons in the tall pines. I was hoping for a Nutcracker at the very least, oh well. Lots of Hooded Crows here and one Raven seen. Continued to East Burra where I didn't find anything else at all.

Returned home and continued waxing my pine doors with wire wool and Briwax "Rustic Pine" – a messy, smelly job, but its been on my jobs to do list since I bought the house. The fumes are horrible and I really should have done this earlier in the year when the weather was nice. Back to work tomorrow. Booked the wrong week off really, but I have got loads of jobs done that needed doing. I could have gone to see some of the birds that have been found, but seen them all before and yes always good to see again, but having to be careful with my petrol usage now its gone up so much. I'm going to change what I do next year completely – I'm not going to book any weeks in September and will ask for a special request of the first three weeks in October.

Birders who have just arrived, have hit it just right as on Tuesday its south east all day long and then at 11pm it continues with 44mph winds and heavy rain all the way through Wednesday and up to 55mph winds. Thursday is sunny and almost no wind, so that's when big birds will be found, lets hope I can get to them after work before the sun sets at around 6.45pm. Thursday is my favourite work day for birding as I finish at 3.23pm!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

King Eider ad. fem, Surf Scoter drk off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.   

Citrine Wagtail still, just SSE of farmyard along burn at Quendale Mill. 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still near pool of end of power lines by car park, Lapland Bunting by small pool at lighthouse, Eshaness.  

Buff-breasted Sandpiper south of Fleck. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at south end of East Burra.

Leatherback Turtle moved south, close in past Sumburgh Head Car Park.

Yellow-browed Warbler at South-heog, Queyfirth, Collafirth.

Pied Flycatcher at Geosetter.

 

ISLANDS

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 3 at Lund, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in garden at Uyeasound, Yellow-browed Warbler at Rockfield, Haroldswick, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warbler on Out Skerries.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Citrine Wagtail still, just SSE of farmyard at Quendale Mill. 

Sooty Shearwaters x 2 from the The Lookout at Sumburgh Head.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Fleck.

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.     

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still near pool of end of power lines by car park at Eshaness. 

Pied Flycatcher at Michaelswood, Aith.

Pied Flycatcher at Geosetter.

 

ISLANDS

Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 at Lund, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Uyeasound, Pallid Harrier juv. briefly, Pied Flycatcher at Houlland, Yellow-browed Warbler at Haroldswick, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warbler on Out Skerries.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Nightingale trapped & ringed at Gorie, Isle of Bressay.

 

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

RBA Weekly Round-Up 18th to 24th September!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Baird's Sandpiper still at Dalsetter, Boddam.

American Black Tern still at Tingwall Loch.

King Eider ad. fem off Twagoes Road, Lerwick.    

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still near lighthouse at Eshaness.

Glossy Ibis flew high north over Braewick Cafe, NE of Eshaness.

Lapland Bunting flew over Exnaboe.

Citrine Wagtail in farmyard at Quendale Mill.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. at Houlland, Buff-breasted Sandpipers x 2 near Easting at Sandwick, Unst.

 

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

Late yesterday I went to try and see the Western Bonelli's Warbler at Glover Lodges and failed, which was nobody's fault but my own, which I regret very much indeed – sadly not seen there this morning either. Started today checking for birds in Scalloway. Walked to the end of my road and chatted with Marcus L. who has just moved back here permanently (long story) along with his wife – they live a couple of houses away from me and moved here from Norfolk originally. One of my lovely neighbours Gwen was doing some gardening. In the burn along the road I could only find House Sparrows and a couple of Blackbirds. Checked out the Sunken Garden next to Lover's Lane and found nothing.

AMERICAN BLACK TERN
Tingwall Loch

 

Went to Tingwall Loch for another look at the American Black Tern by the boathouse. So lovely to bump in to Dave and Jacquie Bridges and their friend Graham from Norfolk who arrived here last night for their yearly visit for a few weeks. Also Dave Fairhurst here, Anne and a few other birders. It was glorious sunshine this morning and the ABT was showing fabulously and put on a very close display in front of us for a while! Managed to get slightly better shots than my last visit, but for some reason I'm not mastering flight photography since I had this camera. I was fine with my Canon 7D Mark II and 300mm prime lens. I really need to get the bottom of this – I can't seem to get on with the animal tracker mode either. Anyway, after this I had to return home as I received a call from Robertsons (electrical goods shop) in Lerwick to come and look at my 'frost free' freezer I purchased from them last September which doesn't seem to be frost free! This took an hour out of my plans. My receipt says frost free but the electrician didn't think it was and said he would discuss with the manager etc and they would get back to me. I reported this issue to them yesterday when I was in the shop to look at a new oven and cooker hood. I have only used my airfryer and the hob since I have lived here as the oven didn't look in a good state and when I fully investigated the cooker hood I was horrified with the poor state it was in behind the metal cover – I won't go into the gory details but it needs to go the dump.

Left the house again and went to Gulberwick. Parked up by the kirk and walked along the track to Wick House and the Burn of Wick – found nothing at all. Left here and headed south when news of a Citrine Wagtail came up on the pager that Roger R. had found at Quendale which "came up from the burn just below the road". When I arrived there were no other birders there at all. Spent a while searching and then walked along the burn towards the dam and back again. Chatted to a couple of birders who turned up and we couldn't find it. More birders turned up and a young man called James refound it along the road past the barns and viewed very distantly by farm machinery. I only saw it once and the 50mph winds were now in full force and I didn't even get a rubbish shot, but glad I saw it. A huge Heatherlea tour group turned up and I think several of them got to see it through a scope, but it wasn't good viewing conditions at all.

Returned to my car and went to Grutness so I could use the loo – two notices on the door saying the toilet was out of action – great! The vast area of concrete here looks so depressing. Its not fully clear where you are supposed to leave your car if you were heading across to Fair Isle, but I suppose the ferry crew would let you know. Checked out the Grutness garden in the now gloom, fading light and light rain – only found House Sparrows. Returned home. Robertsons are coming out at 9am to look at my old cooker hood to give me a quote for a new one, but I have my sandwiches etc done for the day, so I can go straight out after that. The weather looks much nicer tomorrow and no strong winds forecast.