SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Ring-necked Duck eclipse drk at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.

Black-throated Diver on east side of bay at Urafirth.

 

ISLANDS

Quail singing at Out Skerries.

Long-tailed Skua still at airstrip, Isle of Foula. 

 

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

 

Unusually there was no sun at all today – grey skies but no rain. I can't remember the last time we had rain here, which is unusual. I got up very, very late, much needed sleep.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 10-16th July!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_28.aspx?s_id=260801566 

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still south of harbour entrance, Ring-necked Duck eclipse drk at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.

Quail singing at Urafirth.

Quail singing in barley field at Loch of Clumlie, Boddam. 

 

ISLANDS

Quail singing at Voehead, Isle of Bressay.

Long-tailed Skua at airstrip, Isle of Foula. 

 

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

No further news of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater – it flew north from Papa Westray yesterday! Fabulous pictures and video footage of this on Facebook group Orkney – Scarce and Rare

 

It was so busy at work this week that I felt like I was back in my previous job at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Norfolk, where it was like this daily. Its rarely that busy in this hospital, so quite unusual and probably the busiest week I've had since I started work here over three years ago in May – glad its the weekend! I felt so exhausted today, but this was partly due to the fact that I took double antihistamine tablets last night after a bee stung me, which I accidentally disturbed when watering plants before the semi-final. Had two X-rays today – one for my thumb (still agony after my Norfolk trip) and my right knee. My new VonHaus cordless lawnmower arrived today, looking forward to unpacking this and seeing how well its works. I will sell the Flymo push mower – got fed up with pushing this up my sloped drive!

 

I had a quick look around Tingwall Loch straight after work, just in case the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater had stopped here on route. The last one on mainland Shetland was at Tingwall Loch in 1997. Found a lovely Common Sandpiper and a pair of Tufted Ducks with 13 fluffy youngsters dozing in a row on a rock – so sweet to see! Back in my garden there is a male Siskin along with a ton of House Sparrows including lots of juvs. who are now capable of feeding themselves, Starlings, juv. Collared Doves and adults, Rock Doves and female Blackbird. Its been lovely weather here this week and can't quite believe I am saying this, but its been too hot at work!

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MAINLAND

No news.

 

ISLANDS

Quail at Newpark, Isle of Whalsay. 

 

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

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is still on Papa Westray, Orkney again today, but not seen this evening?!!!

 

Not how it was supposed to end, totally heartbreaking watching England lose, when they were so close at 1-0 and up until their first goal, played brilliantly I thought. However a poor decision by the manager to have more defenders and less strikers, which more than probably lost them the game. Rubbish referee with poor decisions (mostly) who should have been sent off himself! Congratulations to Argentina, but you didn't deserve to win after your poor behaviour, especially in the first half. I'm now going to hope Spain win the World Cup on Sunday.

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem just south of Victoria Pier, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS

No news. 

 

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

 

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is still on Papa Westray, Orkney today!!!

 

I looked into getting to Orkney on Friday (my next day off), by Northlink ferry (very cheap) and by plane (insanely expensive) and both available, but no flights from Kirkwall to Papa Westray or the ferry across, hmmmm...... I wonder why?!!!! It would be a miracle if it stayed that long anyway, so will have to wait for another to turn up here, hopefully before I depart this earth! 😉

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem off north harbour, Lerwick.

Quail still at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.

 

ISLANDS

Quail singing on Out Skerries.

Quail singing this evening at Voehead, Isle of Bressay. 

 

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

 

Warm enough at work today for me to get the fan out for the first time! Very busy at work and at home doing jobs in the garden. Male and female Siskins on the feeders along with a ton of House Sparrows and juvs., Starlings, Collared Doves and interestingly a Hooded Crow sitting on my wall feeding a youngster pieces from the fat balls! First time I have seen a young Hooded Crow – wasn't there long enough for me to get the camera out though. Lots of stressful phone calls from Lucy this evening – so difficult to try and help Lucy at times, you try and you fail, heartbreaking and frustrating.

 

OMG – just noticed on RBA there is a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on Papa Westray, Orkney today!!! First for Orkney! Picture HERE Video HERE. WOW!!! It would be fabulous if you headed north to mainland Shetland – preferably after 4.30pm on Tuesday! Thank you very much 😍

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still south of North Harbour entrance, Lerwick.

Little Stint at Pool of Virkie.

Honey Buzzard at Hillwell, then flew over Bakkasetter.

Quail singing at South Voxter.

 

ISLANDS

Common Rosefinch at Isle of Foula.

Ring-billed Gull again at Voe of the Mells, Isle of Noss.

Quail singing on Out Skerries. 

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

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MAINLAND

Quail between Sumburgh Hotel and Sumburgh Farm.

Quail at Middle Road, Virkie.

Quail at Hillwell.

Quail at Burn of Setter, Sandwick.

Quail at Quendale.

Quail at Aith Meadows, Cunningsburgh.

Quail singing at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.  

King Eider 1w. fem just south of harbour, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

ENGLAND and NORWAY

World Cup Quarter Final!

What a nail biting match that was!

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem just south of North Harbour entrance, Lerwick.

Quail singing at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.

Quail at Sandwick. 

 

ISLANDS

Quail singing at Ordale, Unst.

 

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

RBA Weekly Round-Up 3rd to 9th July!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_27.aspx?s_id=51665559 

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MAINLAND

No news.

 

ISLANDS

Ruddy Shelduck still on small lochan west of Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

 

I'm glad its the end of my working week without going into details. Tesco shop after work, had tea and now waiting for the France/Morocco quarter final to kick off.

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MAINLAND

Quail singing at Watsness, south of Dale of Walls.

Marsh Warbler singing in garden at Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Ruddy Shelduck still on small lochan west of Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Quail at Tripwell, Isle of Whalsay.

Ring-billed Gull at Voe of the Mels, Isle of Noss.

 

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

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MAINLAND

No news.

 

ISLANDS

Ruddy Shelduck still on Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar. 

 

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

 

Just got home in time to see the first goal being scored by Egypt. I can't believe Argentina turned that match around after 79 minutes when the score was 2 goals to Egypt and Argentina had none! It was a really shocking but exhilarating game. I actually wanted Egypt to win, they deserved to win. Never seen Messi that emotional before at end of the match, he knew they were close to going out, but somehow the Argentinians battled to get through and scored 3 goals!

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MAINLAND

Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.

Quails x 2 singing 3.03am at Voxter.

Quail NE of cemetery, NE of Graven, Sullom Voe.

 

ISLANDS

Quail singing east of Voeside, Isle of Bressay. 

 

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

 

I managed an extremely busy day at work by myself quite well for an old bird, considering I watched the England/Mexico match live this morning! I still can't take in how brilliant that match was! Also search Fleur East on Instagram (English singer, songwriter, rapper and presenter for those of you that don't know her) for her insanely brilliant raps she has been creating after each England match! Here's the link to this morning's on Tiktok and England v Congo a few days go here. Spain and Portugal were so slow tonight compared to England and Mexico. Good night! 😴

England 3, Mexico 2!!!!!!!!

The most exhilarating match I've ever watched!!!
England's game was phenomenal!

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS TO ENGLAND! 

          

 Through to the quarter finals against Norway!

🏆 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cr5j14eyzm8t 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.

ISLANDS

Quail on Isle of Foula.

 

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

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MAINLAND

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Bonaparte's Gull 1s still on airfield at Scatsta.

* Atlantic White-sided Dolphins x 20 off Freester, Vassa Voe, SE of Catfirth.

ISLANDS

Ruddy Shelduck juv. on small lochan, below Houll by Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

The match last night between Argentina and Cape Verde was the most exciting match of the tournament. I really wanted Cape Verde to win – they played like their life depended on it. Raining here all day until the evening, when the sun came out. I have two wash loads of clothes dripping on the washing line, hopefully my uniforms will dry by Monday morning!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 3rd July

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MAINLAND

Alpine Swift again at Noss of Noup, Isle of Noss.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Quail singing at Catfirth. 

ISLANDS

Ruddy Shelduck juv. at Loch of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

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MAINLAND

Bonaparte's Gull 1s still at airfield, Scatsta.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

50mph winds all afternoon. Went birding straight after work. At Clumlie Loch there were 3 Swallows and a Bonxie and also a few Wheatears. Beautiful light and lots of wild flowers and orchids to be seen. Drove up to Mossy Hill – the aim was to find the Trumpeter Finch that left Fair Isle – as always, beautiful views of St Ninian's Isle. Lots of Wheatears, Oystercatchers, 2 Linnets and Common Terns seen.

 

Went to the Pool of Virkie where Roger R. had found a male Red-necked Phalarope – very distant but gorgeous views of this and also a Curlew Sandpiper seen and a Mediterranean Gull that Hugh H. found whilst I was there. So many birds to here including Redshanks, Ringed Plovers, Dunlins, Turnstones, Black-tailed Godwits, Eiders, Shelduck with young, Black-headed Gulls etc.

 

Back at home I managed to stay up to watch the Portugal vs Croatia match which kicked off at 12am! So pleased Portugal won, what a game! They go on to play Spain on Monday, that will be a fight to the end! England play Mexico at 1am on Monday.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 2nd July

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MAINLAND

Great Shearwaters x 2 from boat at mouth of Dales Voe, north of Lerwick.

Eastern Subalpine Warbler (of form albistriata) from 9th-12th June at Sumburgh head [identified from mtDNA]

ISLANDS

Quail at Burrafirth, Unst.

 

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

 

After a poor start from England, Kane saved the day! It will be a miracle if they make it past the next stage, but miracles do happen! 🤞 England now play Mexico at 1am on Monday – how are you supposed to watch this when you are working Monday morning! Its probably best not to watch it anyway.

 

I made the huge mistake of getting hooked on a film called "Blink Twice", a psychological thriller – I never watch films like this as they screw me up, I will now probably have nightmares after that!