SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Long-eared Owl in 1st quarry at Sumburgh Head.

Little Bunting in large neap crop at Sumburgh Farm. 

Red-flanked Bluetail still at Swining.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Glover Lodges, Fladdabister.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff in the Sunken Garden, Scalloway. 

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff in Grutness Garden.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Exnaboe.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Pool of Virkie, Lapland Bunting at Ward Hill, Virkie.

Firecrest, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 in gardens at end of Troswick Road, Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Geosetter.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden at Skellister.     

Mealy Redpolls x 11, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Scousburgh.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Bakkasetter.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Culsetter, NW of Hillwell.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 in garden at Hillwell.

ISLANDS

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still at Buness Farm, Coue's Arctic Redpoll at Hunter's Wood, Baltasound, Great Grey Shrike at Valyie, Norwick, UNST.

Pectoral Sandpiper at Weatherhead, FETLAR.

Red-backed Shrike at Brough, Firecrest still at Vevoe, ISLE OF WHALSAY.

Little Bunting, Ring Ouzel, Mealy Redpolls x 12, Long-eared Owl, Siberian Chiffchaff on OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

 

FIRECREST

Troswick, Boddam – found by Paul Harvey

A stunning bird which I had all to myself when I took this photo

 

 

Other birds of note in Shetland today:
Kingfisher at Burra Bridge. Great White Egret and Barn Owl on Unst. Lesser Whitethroat at Troswick.

 

Gorgeous sunny day with no rain at all!

Forecast for weekend: Saturday strong winds and heavy rain. Sunday strong winds and light rain and clocks go back one hour at 2am. Monday back to work and dark when I finish work and no more birding until Friday! I had a fabulous day out trying to find my own birds, but bird of the day was Paul Harvey's gorgeous Firecrest he found!

 

 

Redwings and Blackbirds on Gallow Hill behind my house. Checked out the large garden next to Harley Street and found a few Blackbirds and House Sparrows. The Sunken Garden by Lovers Lane had nothing of note when I looked but Marcus L. had a YBW etc (see list above) a bit later on. Next to this garden I counted 24 Blackbirds and 7 Redwings on the large playing field. Near the school were a few more Redwings and Blackbirds feeding.

 

At Glover Lodges, Fladdabister, I watched a Siberian Chiffchaff flicking around in the willows, a male Blackcap and a couple of Blackbirds seen. Searched around the Lime Kilns and gardens close by, but didn't find anything exciting there.

Swinister Burn

 

Hoswick

 

 

Walked along Swinister Burn to Hoswick and back again and found 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, Blackbirds, Redwings and 1 Robin. Very boggy along there, good job I had my wellies on. I was then going to the Geosetter Burn, but changed my mind when I saw news of a Firecrest at Troswick.

FIRECREST

 

 

At the end of Troswick Road it took a long time before I saw the fabulous Firecrest that Paul Harvey had found a little earlier. Other birds seen here were a Lesser Whitethroat, Siberian Chiffchaff, Robin, male Blackcap, Wren, Blackbirds, Starlings and 8 Mallard on the loch. Eventually I had some good views of this very striking Firecrest and to be honest with you I enjoyed this far more than the Chestnut Bunting! You can't beat a Firecrest, plus its an exciting challenge to photograph! I was the only one here which I was surprised by, but Hugh H. did turn up a little later and it was after he left that I got my best pictures. One more birder turned up just as I was leaving.

Grutness Garden

 

Gordon at Grutness Garden

 

West Voe Beach 

 

 

Drove to the first quarry at Sumburgh Head just in case the Long-eared Owl was still in there, but I couldn't find it. The Grutness Garden only held a few House Sparrows, Starlings and Gordon the cat posing beautifully on the wall which a Wren was most unhappy about. Took a few pictures of West Voe Beach and then cruised home to Scalloway. Fabulous day!

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

By Jon Dunn

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

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Chestnut Bunting photo in their round-up, but I was surprised they did when compared to Rebecca Nason's photo mine is merely a record shot. Rebecca's photo is an insanely brilliant capture, the light, the pose and the clarity. To date nobody's photo has even come close.

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MAINLAND

Long-eared Owl at Sumburgh Hotel Garden then flew towards Sumburgh Farm.

Long-eared Owl, Hawfinch at Sumburgh Farm. 

Sooty Shearwater flew past The Look Out at Sumburgh Head.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.

Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 in beach gardens at Levenwick. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.

ISLANDS

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still, Great Grey Shrike in walled garden at Buness Farm, Baltasound, Great Grey Shrike at Valyie, Norwick, UNST.

Little Bunting at Housay, OUT SKERRIES. 

Firecrest still at Vevoe, ISLE OF WHALSAY.

 

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

 

Very heavy rain all day with flooding in some low lying areas, parts of Lerwick affecting businesses and shops and a landslide on the road between Garderhouse and Reawick in the west of mainland.

 

Lots of Redwings and Blackbirds on Gallow Hill behind my house. I thought about going out several times but the rain was extremely heavy so changed my mind. Tomorrow looks a million times better and in fact is the only day to be out as Saturday and Sunday look atrocious too.

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MAINLAND

Yellow-browed Warbler at Scousburgh.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden at Hillwell.

Curlew Sandpiper still at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Maywick.

Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Scatsta Farm.

Pied Flycatcher at Swining.

ISLANDS

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still in walled garden at Buness Farm,
Red-flanked Bluetail at Halligarth, Baltasound, UNST.

Bluethroat at Brough, Firecrest at Vevoe, Mealy Redpoll at ISLE OF WHALSAY.

 

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

 

The highlight today was watching a pod of 6 Orcas spy hopping only 3 miles from my home, just north of Burra Bridge. Lots of people stopped on the side of the road to enjoy the spectacle, truly wonderful to watch. Raining most of the day and strong east winds again. A few Redwings at the large copse at Trondra, a few Blackbirds in the Public Garden close to the Scalloway shop and 100+ House Sparrows and several Starlings feeding at my bird feeders.

 

O R C A

Pod of six – spy hopping! 

North of Burra Bridge, two miles from my home!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Ring Ouzel on road between quarries, Mealy Redpoll in second quarry at Sumburgh Head.

Red-breasted Flycatcher still at Quendale Mill.

Curlew Sandpiper still at Pool of Virkie.

Red-flanked Bluetail trapped and ringed at Swining.

ISLANDS

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still at Buness Farm, Baltasound, UNST.

Mealy Redpoll at OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

 

I didn't wake up until very late, good job I didn't miss anything! Went out birding to try and find some something exciting. The large garden by Harley Street in Scalloway had a few Blackbirds and House Sparrows, nothing more. Wick House at Gulberwick only had one Blackbird. At the willows along the track at Easter Quarff (where the GCT) was I only managed to find a Chiffchaff and a couple of Blackbirds, but the large garden by the road had a Song Thrush and one Fieldfare which was nice. The highlight of the day was the gorgeous fluffy ginger cat that ran up to me for attention, I knelt down on one knee on the wet grass to make a fuss of it and it jumped up and started to get into a cosy sleeping position on my lap, which was so lovely, but I couldn't stay in that position for long! The man by the house (where I had my first view of the Grey-cheeked Thrush) that I thought was the owner told me he wasn't, it belonged to someone else but visited him to be fed sometimes! I love that cat! I might have to make this spot one of my regular birding stops just to see the cat. 😻

Hoswick from the cliff top garden

 

 

A lady visited Hoswick this morning and thought she had seen a Yellow Palm Warbler, long story short I went to check it out, why not! The lady said she had seen it between the play park and the Orca Inn. From her description and the fact it was on the ground, meant it was far more likely to be a Grey Wagtail, but you never know! Found a female Blackcap in the bushes just beyond the play park and then at the Orca Inn there was 1 Redwing and a few Blackbirds. Then visited the cliff top house and found a few Collared Doves, a couple of Blackbirds and a brief glimpse of a Goldcrest. Returned home.

 

Hanwag – Kalixfors Mid SF Extra GTX

 

 

Turbulent seas and weather today with very strong winds. My new Hanwag boots arrived from Sweden and at last I have found a luxurious pair of walking boots that are not strangling your feet, as in nearly every boot you try on nowadays is too narrow – I bought the men's version which has more room at the heal, so glad I did. It was awesome to be able to pull the boot on quickly and not struggle to get your foot in, no shoe horn required, top quality!

MEGA! CHESTNUT BUNTING At Buness Farm, Baltasound, Unst!

CHESTNUT BUNTING
Buness Farm, Baltasound, Unst

Found by Brydon Thomason 
2nd for Britain – 2nd for Scotland – 1st for Shetland!

ANOTHER TOP DRAW DAY! 

 

5am alarm. Drove to Toft and caught the 6.40am ferry to Ulsta on Yell. Drove to Gutcher and missed the 7.15am by 2 minutes. Just got onto the 7.45am in the unbooked queue and arrived on Belmont, Unst at just before 8am. Sunrise! Headed to Buness Farm where I found a few local birders on site including finder Brydon, four birders who were staying on Unst, really lovely people and John C. who had arrived on the same ferry as me. Initially there was the dreaded 'no sign' message, but eventually Paul Harvey put out a 'still here' message when I was standing in the wrong place. Paul and Phil H. had come over last night to be here at first light.

The Chestnut Bunting was incredibly mobile, skulking in grass, sneaking around, disappearing from view for ages and generally not showing, but eventually I got a flight view and then very luckily it was on the path just yards away from me, just enough to take my headline shot and a few others before it flew. Not mint shots but I was very pleased that I got anything at all – elusive was an understatement. As the day went on it showed for longer periods, much to the delight of all the observers arriving throughout the day. The Red-flanked Bluetail that had been in Halligarth yesterday was also now in the same area and at times was only yards apart from the Chestnut Bunting!

Took the above picture in a fir tree in the garden opposite the farm
which was a silhouette, which I attempted to lighten (below)! 😁

 CHESTNUT BUNTING

 

So fabulous to see Deryk and Holly here and was surprised to hear that they have left Fair Isle and now living on mainland Shetland, which is good news as we will see them more! Jacquie, Dave & Graham arrived mid morning too and they turned up just as it was showing fairly well on a concrete area where I couldn't photograph it, as I had walked around the corner and now couldn't walk to join others as I would have disturbed the bird, so stayed still by a gate until the bird flew off again. Massive thanks to those who helped us all to see the Chestnut Bunting today including Brydon Thomason, Paul Harvey and Phil Harris and to the land owners who kindly allowing to us to walk around their farm area and walled gardens. A fabulous day from beginning to the very end!

Red-flanked Bluetail – best I could get

 It would have been nice to get some nice shots of the RFB, but too much noise and people in the garden when I was there. A young man I met in there before more people arrived said he had had it perched on a post right in front of him and quietly said to me it would be happier with less people and noise – he is correct! Fieldcraft and less people is much more favourable. I ended up in the garden on my own later and stood there behind a small tree for ages hoping the RFB would return, but then Brydon informed that it was in a large garden opposite the farm across the road, so I gave up with that.

My last viewing of the Chestnut Bunting was feeding under the canopy of a sycamore tree in the walled garden where the Bluetail was, but it was very difficult to photograph under there and surprisingly difficult to see between the grasses, sticks, pipes, stones and so on! I didn't even lift my camera when it was under there. The Chestnut Bunting seemed to vanish from under the tree and we didn't see where it went. I needed to go to the loo hours ago, so decided this was a good time to depart, in fact I didn't have any choice in the matter! Walked back to my car which I had left on a grass verge alongside the beach. Later on after I left, the Chestnut Bunting showed on a wall and Rebecca Nason got an insanely brilliant photo!

Valyie, Norwick, Unst

 

Most if not all birders were going straight back to the mainland. I had no reason to go back early and wanted to visit some of my favourite places here. Headed to Valyie, Norwick and walked up to the garden which kindly allows birders to look around their garden, a really fabulous place. Along the steep road up to the house I had 3 Bramblings and 3 Chaffinches in the sycamores along the burn. At the top of the hill by the garden 2 Song Thrushes landed briefly in the field, one of them on a post and a Merlin flew over. 1 Robin seen along with a few Blackbirds too. Its much easier walking back down that hill to the car! The views from up here are stupendous. A beautiful evening – its been sunny all day.

Skaw Beach, Unst

 

Drove to Skaw Beach which I absolutely love, a unique place with a burn running onto the beach and black rocks on white sands. A Guillemot was on the sea, 4 Seals and a large number of Shags were chilling on the cliff distantly. The four birders I had met earlier (staying on Unst) also turned up and we had a really fun and exciting time with a Sand Martin that skimmed backwards and forwards along the burn, over the beach and around the corner of the cliffs – between all our photos and videos we confirmed it was a Sand Martin as we were thinking that maybe it was something much rarer to begin with! I also found a Grey Wagtail which flew up from the burn and around the cliffs and disappeared. The last time I visited Skaw Beach a Grey Wagtail did exactly the same thing and I still haven't got a picture of one here! In the nettles and scrub around the beach there was a Blackbird, Chaffinch, the usual Starlings and a Raven flew over. One of the four birders called Markas Gilmartin managed to take an insane video of the Sand Martin with the lastest Apple iPhone 18. My old iphone 11 may need to be traded in!

Sand Martin at Skaw Beach
Diabolical photo – late record for Sand Martin!

 

Left Skaw Beach and headed to Belmont Ferry Terminal. Two cars in front of me had to break heavily for a sheep crossing the road and all was good. Made it in time to catch the 5.55pm ferry to Gutcher on Yell. Then a 25 minute drive to Ulster and just managed to get on the 6.30pm ferry to Toft on the mainland.

I had to drive to Lerwick for several reasons rather than going home to Scalloway. Arrived in Lerwick at about 7.30pm. Went to the Co-op to buy some food items, then filled up with petrol at Bolts, then onto Tesco for other food items. Then I had to go somewhere to arrange a surprise for someone, more on that another day and arrived home at 9.15pm. By the time I had unpacked the car and sorted all my gear out it was 10pm when I ate the last two cheese rolls with coffee for my very late tea! A very long but fabulous day with another new bird added to my tally!

Strong South Easterly winds on Tuesday and Wednesday with rain tomorrow and much heavier on Wednesday. My new wellies arrived today, just in time! There could well be some more big birds and chartered planes this week, fingers crossed! Get your bag packed Steve – see you soon! 😉 😆

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

King Eider ad fem. between Northlink Ferry Terminal & Mareel, Lerwick.

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail in garden at Buness Farm, Baltasound, Pied Flycatcher in walled garden at Hermaness, Greenland Redpoll at Skaw, UNST.

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still at Buness Farm, Baltasound, UNST. 

 

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

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MAINLAND

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale Mill.

Crake sp. in Sumburgh Hotel Garden.

Barred Warbler along path at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail still at Halligarth, Baltasound, Barred Warbler in walled garden at Hermaness, UNST.

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w this evening at Buness Farm, UNST. 

Bluethroat at Funzie Willows, FETLAR. 

 

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

 

Chestnut Bunting – 2nd for Britain!

First record was on Papa Westray, first-winter male, 19th to 29th October.

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MAINLAND

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w. still at Burn of Sound, King Eider fem. still off Twagoes Road, Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale, Lerwick. 

Pectoral Sandpiper just north of Spiggie Marsh, American Wigeon ad. drk still at south end of Loch of Spiggie.

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail still at Halligarth, Baltasound, Bluethroat in field opposite Rocklea, Uyeasound, UNST.

 

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

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MAINLAND

Red-backed Shrike 1w. still on fence by road by Vanlop junction, Burn of Scousburgh.

Pectoral Sandpiper in cattle field at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w. in tree briefly at Loch of Clickimin, Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale, Lerwick.

Velvet Scoter fem. at Sandwick Beach. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale.

Long-eared Owl at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff. 

Siberian Chiffchaff at Geosetter.

Barred Warbler at Scatsta Farm. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Fladdibister. 

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail at Halligarth, Baltasound, Bluethroat in field opposite Rocklea, Uyeasound, UNST.

American Golden Plover juv. at Funzie, FETLAR.

Olive-backed Pipit, Siberian Chiffchaff at Gorie plantation, ISLE OF BRESSAY.

Richard's Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Buntings x 22 on OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

 

I fancied some brighter views of the Golden Oriole so arrived at the "Old Garden" at Tresta early morning to see if it was still there. After a thorough two hour search I couldn't find it. Plenty of Blackbirds, a Robin and a couple of Wrens and that was it. Sat in my car having breakfast by the Methodist Chapel – a lovely little spot with a good view of all the trees from this high point. Beautiful sunny day.

 

Headed to Voe and parked by the pier. Checked out the large garden, nothing at all. Then around the corner where there is a large burn below the road there is a large purple cabbage crop opposite a garage. No birds at all until I made a pishing noise and at huge flock of 30+ Bramblings erupted from the cabbages and then perched in the surrounding trees – a wonderful spectacle!

 

I decided I would go and search the Brae Community Wood which has a burn running through it. Parked up at the Co op and bought some of my favourite chocolate which is the Co op Chunky Salted Caramel & Pretzel chocolate bar and a few other items. Walked across to the wood and meandered along the path to the end and back. There really should be an OBP in here, its perfect for one. Found 3 Bramblings, 1 male Chaffinch and several Blackbirds but nothing else of note. It was very disappointing and sad to see lots of rubbish in here, mostly next to all the seats, which included cans, sandwich wrappers, crisp packets and the list goes on. Funny that people/children can carry their food items, but can't take the rubbish home with them – its not hard, everyone returns home to their wheelie bins!

 

I returned to Tresta to check the garden again just one more time, just in case I had missed the Golden Oriole this morning. No sign at all and the garden felt very sad without its presence. Headed to Tingwall Loch as someone had found a Pectoral Sandpiper there earlier.

 

The Pectoral Sandpiper was still in the cattle field distantly along with Redshanks, a Ruff, Curlews, Redwings and a few Fieldfares from the car parking area. There was a Slavonian Grebe in Tingwall Loch which was fairly close in and then ended up amongst the Tufted Ducks.

 

The bird of the day was right outside my house so I could have saved myself some petrol and time! I was just reversing into my drive when I spotted a Grey Wagtail feeding amongst the leaf litter on the road right in front of my house! Parked up and grabbed the camera and crept round the corner of my wall and of course it was gone. I couldn't believe it had disappeared that quickly, so walked up the road to try and relocate it and failed. Somebody had reversed into my driveway today, missed the concrete area and churned up the grass to the side, which now looks a right mess. Very cold this evening and had to light the fire and fell asleep on the sofa.

 

I may have possibly picked the right two weeks after all. High pressure and east winds heading our way next week! Nutcrackers, Siberian Rubythroat and more!!! Lets go!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 9th to 15th October!

By Jon Dunn

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

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Grey-cheeked Thrush, Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll and Golden Oriole in their weekly round-up. 

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MAINLAND

Golden Oriole 1w still at 'Old Garden' Tresta.

Barred Warbler at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

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

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w at east end of Burn of Sound, Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w reported by track west of Anderson High School, Barred Warbler at north end of Loch of Clickimin, King Eider fem. still of Twagoes Road, Lerwick.

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in garden but elusive at Frakkafield.   

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Dale of Walls.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, YELL.

 

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

 

GOLDEN ORIOLE 1w.

 "Old Garden", Tresta 

This evening as the light was fading

 

So fabulous to watch and see my first Golden Oriole in Shetland this evening with Jim Nicholson and Larry Dalziel in the "Old Garden" at Tresta. What a fabulous garden this is, looks so good for a Red-flanked Bluetail! The Golden Oriole was very mobile and didn't sit still for long – perfect setting for it to be in – beautiful bird and garden.

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MAINLAND

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w at east end of Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH again in willows by burn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff. 

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in garden but elusive at Frakkafield.  

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

Golden Oriole 1w still at 'Old Garden' Tresta.

 

ISLANDS

Isabelline Wheatear at Skaw Beach, Snow Bunting on cliffs north of Skaw, Siberian Chiffchaff at Uyeasound, UNST.

 

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

 

This morning I was making sure my house was in a pristine state before my annual visit from Jacquie, Dave and Graham for tea and cakes this afternoon. It was nice for everyone to be able to sit more comfortably in the living room this time. Last year we were in the dining room as I was still awaiting my new living room sofa/armchair and also none of my paintings were hung on the walls this time last year, so it looks a lot better now. It was nice to have visitors and have a catch up, only had two people pop in this year until today.

 

It was very sad to hear that Tony Gray who was a volunteer at Titchwell RSPB and also Phil Vines who used to sea watch at The Leas in Sheringham have both passed away, quite a while ago now – I didn't know. I was just reading some of my emails from Tony when he corresponded with me about Big Jake (also passed) and also sending me a fabulous jpg of a painting he owned by Richard Millington.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH again in willows by burn along road/track opposite bus stop at Easter Quarff.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w still at Upper Burn of Sound, Turtle Dove at power station, Lerwick.

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

GREAT SNIPE (probable) flew from Quendale Burn then over hill, Great Grey Shrike still, Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.  

Long-eared Owl in garden of Crofthouse then flew off at Boddam.

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in lower strip of trees at Skelberry, NW of Boddam. 

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in garden but elusive at Frakkafield. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Golden Oriole 1w at 'Old Garden' Tresta.

Red-backed Shrike 1w still at Burn of Scousburgh.

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail still at Muckle Flugga Shore Station, Burrafirth, Isabelline Wheatear at Skaw Beach, UNST.

White-billed Diver off Ferry Terminal, ISLE OF BRESSAY.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

MONDAY 12th OCTOBER

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH again in willows by burn along road/track opposite bus stop at Easter Quarff.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w still at Upper Burn of Sound, Hawfinch at Helendale, Lerwick.

Red-backed Shrike 1w still at Burn of Scousburgh.

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

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat (form blythi) probable at Lighthouse, Sumburgh Head.

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in garden but elusive at Frakkafield. 

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Western Bonelli's Warbler still in lower strip of trees at Skelberry, NW of Boddam.

Great Grey Shrike, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail at Muckle Flugga Shore Station, Burrafirth, UNST. 

Barred Warbler in NW corner of Gardie House, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Cruetown, ISLE OF BRESSAY. 

 

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

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH AT EASTER QUARFF!

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH

8.43am

 

Mid Afternoon photos

 

Early evening photos

 

Last photos of the day!