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Sunday, 11 October 2026

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH AT EASTER QUARFF!

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH
8.43am
 
Mid Afternoon photos
 
Early evening photos
 
Last photos of the day!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH again along track by houses and in flooded willows along road/track opposite bus stop at Easter Quarff.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Easter Quarff.  
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w still, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler at Brae Wigwams, Yellow-browed Warbler in Community Woodland, Brae.
Dusky Warbler in gardens along East Shore, Olive-backed Pipit flew NE from willows at Pool of Virkie.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Fladdibister. 
Turtle Dove in garden near Carnegie Hall at Sandwick.
American Wigeon ad. drk still north of Setter Marsh at Loch of Spiggie.  
Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness.
Western Bonelli's Warbler in garden at dusk, Frakkafield 
Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Wester Quarff.

ISLANDS
Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, Yellow-browed Warbler at Mid Yell, YELL.
Dusky Warbler at Northdale Pines, Barred Warbler at Haroldswick, Great Grey Shrike at Norwick, UNST. 
 
 
Arrived at Easter Quarff very early morning. It was only 4°C and very chilly. Handful of birders had arrived before me. The gorgeous fluffy ginger cat came out to greet us and looked extremely pleased to have so many admirers this early in the morning and being made a fuss of! The Grey-cheeked Thrush flew around from a large garden and landed on the kerb of the driveway of the house adjacent to the fence post it landed on last night. So fabulous to see this for far longer than last night's view. A Robin was not impressed by its presence. It was very difficult to photograph though for some reason. I put the news out at 8.43am and birders who had possibly been waiting on news arrived on scene. It moved through to the road between the houses and was feeding next to a yellow rock rose shrub, again difficult to photograph with too many people and often had a shadow of an arm etc in the photo. Eventually it ended up in the willows much further up and it was here where I managed to step off the track into a very deep watery ditch concealed by grass 😅 I managed to climb out with one foot, but the other was stuck and sinking further – a very kind gentleman helped me out, thank you! You know that feeling when you fall as an adult, everyone has seen that and you just want to disappear with embarrassment! I played it cool, like it was all fine but I had return home to remove my water filled boots and drenched trousers and socks and changed! Whilst at home I had a quick look at my photos, none of which I was excited about at all.
 
Checked out some gardens in Scalloway, but only found Blackbirds, a Robin, House Sparrows and Starlings. Drove to Tingwall to check out the garden and scrub opposite where the Siberian Thrush was and found nothing of note. Headed back south.
 
Returned to Easter Quarff where I spent the rest of the day enjoying the fabulous Grey-cheeked Thrush which was mostly feeding in the willows and burn – mostly difficult to photograph but occasionally out in the open when you had to be quick off the mark. There was a male Blackcap here too. Lovely to bump into Ian and Richard again – love their banter, would be great if they lived here. I got my best pictures when almost everyone had left, but the light wasn't as good then. See pictures on next post. Thank you to the residents at Easter Quarff for putting up with an influx of visitors, the ginger cat was very pleased with all the fuss 😻 So many clumsy accidents this week, lets hope it doesn't continue!
 
Steve and Sue: fabulous large house at the end of my road for sale overlooking Scalloway Harbour. Prime position!!! Will save you twitching Shetland Steve! Think about it, you'll twitch Norfolk far less and you'll remain at Number 1! 😉😊 The garden isn't very big though, but what a view! Its the only house along the road that isn't obscured by trees.

Saturday, 10 October 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Red-breasted Flycatcher at Dalsetter, Boddam.
Arctic Warbler 1w. in garden of pink house at top of hill, east of road, Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Bunting at lime kilns, Fladdabister.
Little Bunting still on path to lighthouse, Siberian Chiffchaff at Sumburgh Head.
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at top of Upper Burn of Sound, Olive-backed Pipit at north end along burn by school at Loch of Clickimin, King Eider fem still viewed from Twageos Road, Lerwick. 
Red-breasted Flycatcher in big garden, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 in garden by loch shore, Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe.
Pied Flycatcher in SW garden at Busta House Hotel, Yellow-browed Warbler at Community Wood, Brae.
Western Bonelli's Warbler, Barred Warbler in garden above burn at Skelberry, NE of Boddam. 
Yellow-browed Warbler at Papil, West Burra.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Isbister, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Sandvoe, Lapland Bunting flew over Burra Roe, North Roe. 
Yellow-browed Warbler in Grutness Garden.
Bluethroats x 2 on rough ground opposite roofers at Boddam.
Red-backed Shrike 1w., Common Rosefinch in crop field at Burn of Scousburgh.
American Wigeon ad. drk still from RSPB hide at Loch of Spiggie. 
Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Hillswick.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister, SSE of Girlsta.
Eastern Stonechat sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still by pumping station, Levenwick.     
Yellow-browed Warbler at Greenbrae, Collafirth.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Ollaberry.
Rustic Bunting briefly in burn plantation between Culswick and Selivoe.
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie. 
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Voxter.
Quail in wet field at Aith, Cunningsburgh.     
Lapland Bunting east of Calder's Geo, Eshaness.
Red-breasted Flycatcher still in garden near crossroads at Exnaboe. 
Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick Burn.
Yellow-browed Warbler at ponds, Sullom.
Nightingale in garden viewed from SW corner at Orbister.
Barred Warbler at Swining.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hamnavoe, Lunna.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale Mill.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Kergord.
Yellow-browed Warbler in garden opposite school at Sandness.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Housetter.
GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH in flooded willows along track opposite bus stop, then flew into gardens, last seen at 6.05pm on fence briefly at Easter Quarff. 
Yellow-browed Warbler at North Gluss.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Isleburgh.
Olive-backed Pipit seen briefly in sycamore near house at Wester Quarff. 
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Aith.

ISLANDS
Yellow-browed Warbler at Wigwams, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Burravoe, YELL.
Red-eyed Vireo trapped and ringed and then released into plantation (not seen again), Olive-backed Pipit, Gorie, ISLE OF BRESSAY.  
PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER still in beach area at Norwick, Hawfinch, Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, UNST. 
Olive-backed Pipit in willows at Funzie, ISLE OF FETLAR. 
Quail on OUT SKERRIES.
 
 
Fell asleep this evening after having to light the fire to get all my very wet gear dry, so a very quick write up and will update, add pictures and write more tomorrow.
 
Woke up this morning to a blue bruise on my chin after yesterday's fall and then sliced my finger on a knife, the most important finger of all – my shutter button finger! Glorious morning sunshine which then switched to heavy rain showers in the afternoon.
Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll
Found by visiting Norfolk birders Ian Brittain and Richard Preston
 
 
I had fabulous close views of a Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll at the top of The Upper Burn of Sound this afternoon, found by visting Norfolk birders Ian Brittain and Richard Preston et al – so lovely to see you all and have a catch up and thank you very much indeed. Stunning bird to watch and feeding so close, completely unphased by people watching it. There were a few Mealy Redpolls here too, but it always fed alone. Lovely to see other familiar faces too, including Marcus Nash, Jason Stannage and others. Got totally drenched here. When the redpoll disappeared into the lower part of the burn across the road, I nipped into town for a couple of things, mainly petrol top up and then returned to the Burn of Sound. News broke of a Grey-cheeked Thrush at Easter Quarff!!!
 
Arrived at Easter Quarff and parked on the verge along the main road. At this point I had no idea where I was going, but I just caught glimpse of a man running up a road, so followed them to find a crowd of birders all looking a bit stressed. I came here the second the news broke and I was only 4.5 miles away, I couldn't believe how many people had got here before me! The road goes past where one of my favourite physiotherapist work colleagues lives who sent me a video of the birders here! The road leads to a track with loads of willows and ditches, it looks like a fantastic spot for birds and I don't know why I haven't been up here before. Long story short, after much waiting and looking with a good number of birders, local birder Matt W. suddenly spotted it perched on the top of a fence panel – I was one of only a very few that managed to see it as I was standing close by and as I lifted my camera up to take the first photo it dropped from the fence post inside the garden and that was it, no more sightings. So I had seen my first GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH, but no picture to show you I'm afraid. Huge thanks to Matt!!! WOW!
 
The usual derogatory remarks were made about 'Twitchers' on the FF Shetland Road Conditions page this evening with the usual comments like bib your horn, they won't like that, peeping through windows and several sarcastic and horrible comments, so much so I replied with a massive rant as did another female birder. Later on the entire post was removed shortly after I posted, which I expected it to and I know why. I kept a copy of what I wrote and I will post it here tomorrow when I update my post. Another post was posted "Watch out in lower quarf bunch of bird watcher out to cause a crash" which hasn't been deleted yet. All birders were parked neatly on a wide verge and none were on the road. The only people that were going to cause a crash were the multiple, yes multiple 'lads/lasses' rallying along the road at approximately 80mph plus along this stretch of road whilst I was there and I don't think they were visiting birders, just saying!!!
 
My rant in response to the post was:
 
"I didn’t realise how many local people detest people watching birds and enjoying nature. It’s very very sad indeed. Some of the people in that crowd were born here. Not one of you has asked what it was… it was a Grey-cheeked Thrush. Why would you want to beep your horns to spoil people’s enjoyment and also disturb the bird - selfish and petty comes to mind. The rare bird at Quoys was a Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll - a beautiful bird to see. The Bird at Fladdibister is an Arctic Warbler. You should all be proud that Shetland produces so many exciting and wonderful birds for all of us to enjoy. The birders visiting here pay a lot of money to travel here, accommodation, eating out etc. Give birders a break, they are simply here to enjoy, watch and find birds. None of them are peeping toms, how insanely ridiculous - the only time a birder would be looking in a window is if you left the window open and a rare bird flew in and landed on your kitchen table which is never going to happen. If you don’t enjoy the rich nature and birds we have here that’s fine, but don’t begrudge others enjoying it."
 
Then I got ticked off for writing 'no sign of' on the WhatsApp groups, apparently I do this too much and there was me thinking I was helping with info for birders on route who may be far way away – I won't ever write it again. Felt very sad this evening when I should have been feeling very happy. People who have moved here talk about local people being very friendly and the fabulous community spirit, this is not always the case if you enjoy watching birds. If you dare to mention you enjoy watching birds the usual response is "oh, you're one of them twitchers". Some people are forgetting that very much respected and loved birders such as Dennis Coutts and his son John who are the loveliest people were born here and also Jim Nicholson too. When these nasty things are written, are they intended for all the birders who were born here and live here or just the visiting birders? There are many local folk who seem to detest birders or 'twitchers' as we are all labelled which I find very sad indeed, very sad😞
 
Glorious day of sunshine tomorrow with no rain and then the weather deteriorates from Monday onwards. I think its obvious to most where I will be at first light!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 2nd to 8th October!

Friday, 9 October 2026

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
American Wigeon ad. drk in field from Setter Marsh layby at Loch of Spiggie.
Eastern Stonechat sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still, Yellow-browed Warbler at pumping station, Corncrake flushed from irises, Levenwick.  
Barred Warbler at Quendale Mill.
Arctic Warbler 1w. in garden of pink house at top of hill, east of road at Fladdabister.
Little Bunting, Ring Ouzels x 2, Lapland Bunting, Yellow-browed Warbler in grass at Sumburgh Head.
Black-throated Thrush in garden (for 21 mins only!) at Sumburgh Hotel.  
Radde's Warbler in small walled compound, 100yds west of Haa Museum, Tangwick, south of Eshaness.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Gairdins, Sand.
Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden near crossroads at Exnaboe.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness.
Common Rosefinch in crop from road, Red-backed Shrike still in nettles by burn at Scousburgh.
Bluethroat on rough ground by building with green roof and possibly second bird in Crofthouse Museum garden, Ring Ouzel at Dalsetter, Lapland Buntings x 3 on on road by bend at the Boddam Voe then flew into weedy field, Boddam.
American Golden Plover in wet field, Ring Ouzel at Fleck.
Quails x 2 in wet field at Aith, Cunningsburgh. 
Barred Warbler in garden opposite cemetery at Gulberwick.
Western Bonelli's Warbler in garden just east of Skelberry, NE of Boddam. 
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie. 
Ring Ouzel in sycamore opposite Orca Inn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.
Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swining.

ISLANDS
PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER at road verges between bus shelter and Valyie, UNST.
Olive-backed Pipit trapped and ringed at Gorie, Siberian Chiffchaff at Gorie, Ring Ouzels x 6, ISLE OF BRESSAY.
Barred Warbler in plantation at Feal, Houbie, ISLE OF FETLAR.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Grimster, YELL.
Hawfinch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2, Ring Ouzel, ISLE OF WHALSAY. 
 
 
The huge highlight today was a massive fall of thrushes throughout Shetland. There were 300+ Redwings on Gallow Hill behind my house first thing this morning! I found a Male Chaffinch, male Brambling and 11 Blackbirds feeding in the leaf litter in the garden of the old doctors surgery in Harley Street, Scalloway – this garden looks brilliant and I need to keep checking this. Checked a few other spots in Scalloway, but only found Redwings.
 
Headed to Fladdibister for the Arctic Warbler. No sign of it at all after much searching and waiting. Then Paul H. and Dan P. joined me and they couldn't find it either and they left to go and see the Radde's Warbler. I was just about to give up when I found the Arctic Warbler at 2.40pm in an elder in the garden opposite the pink house, much to the delight of a tour group who had just arrived, sadly it didn't show enough or long enough for me get any photos and then flew towards scrub around the pink house where it vanished again. Shortly before this, another birder and I watched a chunky warbler (which was possibly a Barred Warbler) fly from the pink house to the front hedge of the garden where the Arctic Warbler was, but we couldn't find it after that.
 
With news of Ring Ouzels, I decided to head to Mossy Hill. I love it up there as the scenery below of St Ninian's beach etc is truly stunning. Hundreds of Redwings were scattering over the entire hill. Drove to the quarry where Hugh H. found the first Siberian Accentor for Britain and found out later this evening that it was exactly ten years ago today! Torrential rain kept me in the car for a while and then I got excited as I swore I saw a bird flying in the quarry, so got out and walked towards where I had seen it. Climbing up to a ridge I fell badly, tried to save myself and ended up falling downhill in the direction I had walked and landed heavily on the right side of my chin. Very painful and I was shocked I had fallen. Very muddy wet trousers too, not good at all. I blame my wellingtons, no Vibram sole. Going back to my walking shoes tomorrow and if I get wet feet that's tough. I hate wellies. As I descended to Scousburgh, the Redwings continued to scatter over the hill – I love seeing this, its truly spectacular to witness.
 
I then tried to find the Western Bonelli's Warbler location, which I found as Dave F. and tour group had just left the scene, so that was lucky. I parked my car by the farm gate and walked to the burn and sycamore and willows. It took a while to see, but I had good views, although briefly at 5pm but no photos obtained. I'm failing with photography massively today, although I did get a nice Redwing picture through the car window at Scousburgh.
 
Next stop was Boddam to try and find the Bluethroat location, which I failed with and didn't see the Lapland Buntings either. At this point I just wanted to go home, but had to drive straight to Lerwick to go to Tesco as not been shopping for ages and the fridge was almost empty. You can't go food shopping in the daylight hours in October! Whilst shopping I got wonderfully distracted by chatting with Dennis and his son John Coutts! By the time I returned home with a big shop and put everything away it was 8.45pm. My chin is very painful to touch, poor me! Good night!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
MAINLAND
Common Rosefinches x 2, Quail in cereal crop, American Wigeon ad. drk, Scaup at Loch of Spiggie.
Red-backed Shrike in nettles at Burn of Scousburgh.
Pallid Harrier juv. flew over Harbro Country Store, Olive-backed Pipit at north end of Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Wethersta Plantation, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff in plantation just east of Valleyfield Guesthouse, south of Brae.
Western Bonelli's Warbler in garden just east of Skelberry, NE of Boddam.
Arctic Warbler 1w. in garden of pink house at top of hill, east of road at Fladdabister.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Sandvoe, North Roe.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Da Gairdins, Sand.
Bluethroat on waste ground opposite roofers at Boddam.
EASTERN STONECHAT sp. (probably Western Siberian Stonechat) 1w still at pumping station, Levenwick. 
LANCEOLATED WARBLER trapped and ringed in garden at Sumburgh Hotel.
Quails x 2 in wet field at Aith, Cunningsburgh.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Ocraquoy.
Red-breasted Flycatcher in garden near crossroads at Exnaboe.
Bluethroat at Vatnagarth, Fleck.  
Radde's Warbler in small walled compound, 100yds west of Haa Museum, Tangwick, south of Eshaness.
Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Grutness.
Barred Warbler in garden south of Kirkabister self-catering cottage, Vidlin.  
Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.
Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in gardens at Hillswick.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Toab.
BLACK-FACED BUNTING 1w. at Quendale Mill.
Red-breasted Flycatcher briefly in garden at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway    

ISLANDS
PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER at road verges between bus shelter and Valyie, Pallid Harrier juv. at north end of Loch of Cliff, UNST. 
Yellow-browed Warbler at Sound West Yell, YELL.
Richard's Pipit still on OUT SKERRIES. 
 
 
South east winds bring more megas to Shetland today. Continues east until 9am on Friday, heavy rain and then north westerlies for the rest of the day. Now on holiday for two weeks!
 
Norfolk birder Ashley Saunders found a SCOPS OWL in a plantation on mainland Orkney today!!! 

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

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.
 

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

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. 
 
 
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!!! 🎉

Monday, 5 October 2026

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.
 

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. 
 

Saturday, 3 October 2026

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.
 

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. 

Friday, 2 October 2026

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. 
 

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
 
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. 

Thursday, 1 October 2026

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. 
 

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!