Fair Isle Trip – Day Six!

Packed up my bag again! Thick fog here and no morning plane going (the only one from Fair Isle on a Tuesday). Had to wear yesterday's clothes which is not funny, but I'll live! Plan C will hopefully happen, which is getting a lift back to Shetland on a working barge (delivering goods back and forth for the new pier), which a few people have gone on already due to cancelled planes. The barge was supposed to leave Lerwick at 7am this morning, arriving Fair Isle at 12pm, 2 hours to unload and then return to Lerwick, but because of waiting for goods it didn't leave Lerwick until about 13.05 and its a 5 hour journey, 2 hours to unload and then will leave Fair Isle at approximately 6pm I guess, so estimate arrival in Lerwick will be midnight or later. Then I will have to hope someone can give me a lift to get my car or else pay for an expensive taxi. I obviously won't get as much sleep as I would have liked, but should be at work at my usual start time of 9am.

I had quite a lucky day really. My friend kindly dropped me at the shop and I checked out Vaila's Trees and found my first Common Rosefinch and managed to get a few pictures before it flew off somewhere behind the shop. Sedge Warbler also in here, 2 Linnets and there was a Chiffchaff in the shop garden.

Walked to the hall where there were teas and cakes and craft goods on offer as a cruise ship was visiting. Left here and walked to the observatory. On route I checked out "Chalet", then "The Plantation" where I found nothing at all. At "The Gully", Finnequoy I was overjoyed to find a Grey Wagtail by the stream and waterfall and also found a female Blackcap and a Chiffchaff in the trees at the bottom. Just before the observatory (after the double dyke trap) there were loads of Puffins showing, which I took some pictures of.

I had a packed lunch with me but decided to save this for this evening and had lunch at the observatory. Soup was fabulous and this came with salad and bun with something in that I wasn't familiar with – after asking, I was told it was olives with something, can't remember what. I'm not a lover of olives, but ate it anyway. Discovered the huge library today, they really have done a good job on the design of the new observatory. I asked if any of the single rooms overlook the obs garden, they don't, only the twin rooms overlook the garden.

Took a walk up to Northlight in now drizzling rain and thicker fog. Bit of a waste of time really as couldn't see much. I was told that today was the anniversary of the Pallas's Reed Bunting found at the Wirvie Burn before Golden Water last year. Made it to the Northlight and on the way back found a Mallard and male Tufted Duck on "Golden Water". The usual Oystercatchers, Fulmars, Ringed Plovers, Starlings, Bonxies and Puffins were seen on route. It was totally miserable now and I phoned a friend to come and pick me so I could be indoors, dry out and wait to hear when I can get on the barge, which as I type has not arrived into North Haven yet.

It will be insanely late when I get home tonight/morning, so will update this after work on Wednesday night and get all the pictures uploaded by the end of the week. 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Common Rosefinch at Sumburgh Hotel Garden.

Common Rosefinch between gardens and pier at Grutness.

Nightjar at Grutness. 

King Eider 1w. fem off North end of Twageos Road, Lerwick.

ISLANDS

Quail singing at Valyie, Quail singing at Norwick Beach, Unst.

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

All the news by 17.12............

Fair Isle Trip – Day Five!

Not much to report today. Humid, hot and too muggy to be walking around this morning, which I have never experienced on Fair Isle! There was lots to sort today as I was supposed to be on the 3.35pm plane back to Tingwall, but neither the am or pm plane departed, both cancelled due to fog. I still had to pack everything this morning though and didn't get confirmation about the plane being cancelled until 2.15pm. Plan B was to go on The Good Shepherd tomorrow morning but its fully booked. I'm booked on the only plane out in the morning, but was told it was highly likely to be cancelled as serious fog here forecast. So I have a plan C, which means I should get home tomorrow, but not going to say how and jinx it!

Saw a Scaup on "Da Water" which was found by Ashley B and there were also 2 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck and a female Mallard with 6 fluffy young – lets hope the Bonxies don't spot them. Several Painted Ladies seen today and a Red Admiral in the garden at Schoolton. The Rustic Bunting seems to have departed, no one could find it today. There was a fall of general migrants found by birders out early doors, but went quiet the rest of the day.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Quail in ditch near community hall, Gulberwick. 

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

Common Rosefinch at Watsness.

Scaup at Loch of Brow. 

ISLANDS

Pacific Diver ad. off The Taing, Norwick, Unst. 

Western Subalpine Warbler in garden of Annslea, Little Stints x 2 on beach at Haroldswick, Icterine Warbler, Red-backed Shrike at Valyie, Norwick, Quail at Northdale, Unst.

Icterine Warbler at Voehead, Isle of Bressay.

Red-backed Shrike fem. at crossroads, Gutcher, Yell.

Icterine Warbler in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

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

Fair Isle Trip – Day Four!

It was raining again today and very little sunshine until the afternoon. Ashley Banwell was on a roll and had posted no end of messages out on the Fair Isle WhatsApp group before most people had even crawled out of bed!!! He must have got up at 3am I reckon! I did not get up that early.

I started off with the Rustic Bunting again as wanted to see if I could get any better shots. Liz, Nick, Tom (I think) and Ashley B. were on site when I arrived. The Rustic Bunting was feeding well at close range in the rain. The RB flew across to the wall and sang for ages, so beautiful to listen too. Everyone left and I was here on my own until Andy H. arrived and stood by the entrance to Tommy's garden – he put out news of a Hobby going over which I didn't see and also a Common Rosefinch in the garden, which I heard singing later on when I was on my own. Four birds flew into the chicken run at The Haa (Tommy's house) and was delighted to see they were Siskins. I was drenched now and the camera needed to be sorted and the only way to achieve this was by getting inside somewhere. I made my way up to the kirk by the museum and sat on a seat to sort out my wet gear, dried camera with my travel towel and pack away into the rucksack. Beautiful stained glass windows here which I took some pictures of. Went to the other kirk to use the toilet and then checked out "Da Water" which had 2 Shelducks and a Tufted Duck. Couldn't find anything of note in Burkle.

There were 2 Linnets in the garden opposite Schoolton. Sat on the seat at Schoolton to try again for the Icterine Warbler, failed again! Ashley joined me and we chatted birds and RAR. Hello to Claudia (Ashley's very beautiful wife) and daughter Alice if you are reading this! Left Ashley sitting on the bench and followed the footpath to the shop and checked out Vaila's Trees – only found a Sedge Warbler here and a Chiffchaff. Checked out the next garden, nothing.

At "Chalet" I found 2 Chiffchaffs – had a rest sitting on the steps and then continued to The Plantation where someone earlier had had an Icterine Warbler. Spent ages here and could see no sign of an Icterine Warbler but did have two female Siskens and a Painted Lady butterfly. Didn't have the energy to walk any further so retraced my steps back south. I looked very bedraggled with wet muddy trousers and wet derrière from sitting on moss! A very amusing sheepdog who I think someone told me is called Ben spotted me coming a mile off (he did this yesterday) sprinted like Usain Bolt with his rubber toy from a long distance away and dropped it at my feet, then crouched down in a pouncing position and waited. If I didn't kick it straight away, he would remove the toy and drop it at my feet again. After about 10 times (at least) of kicking the ball down the hill I was worn out, but he kept bringing it back. Then another dog joined in too as he realised he was missing out on all the fun! Double trouble! Met a lovely couple from America called Mark and Chris who were staying at the obs and on their first day had been driven to see the Northern Parula – I don't think they had realised the rarity magnitude of this bird until I explained it all to them. Anyway, I helped them ID some birds they had found, one of which was a Moorhen and possibly a young Redshank on Da Water.

Watched a pair of Skylarks in courtship on the road, but my camera was still tucked up in the bag. Heard a snipe drumming, Curlews and Lapwings calling, Skylarks singing wherever I walked and Twite and Meadow Pipits singing too. Checked out "Chalet" again when news came through of a Western Subalpine Warbler on Unst, Shetland – surely there had to be one here somewhere?! Shirva had a Chiffchaff, but I have not been lucky in seeing other birds found in this garden, which include Hawfinch and a Marsh Warbler. Checked out Vaila's trees again, nothing. News came on the WhasApp group of 5 Orca including bull and a calf around Buness and heading east. 2 male birders very kindly asked me if I wanted a lift, but couldn't really as dinner was at 7pm. Long story short, I was over the moon to pick them up distantly from the South Lighthouse at just before 7pm. My first Orca's seen off Fair Isle, SO pleased! Found a birder's notebook on the steps at the lighthouse and quickly found the owner after posting it on the WhatsApp group. What a fabulous end to the day. Tomorrow could be interesting, more about that on Monday!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem still north of Twageos Road, Lerwick. 

Little Stint at Boddam Voe.

ISLANDS

Ring-billed Gull on the Bressay side of Noss Sound, Isle of Noss.  

Western Subalpine Warbler at Monbrettia Cottage, Haroldswick, Unst,

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

Fair Isle Trip – Day Three!

Saturday 30th May

Very sunny all day until late afternoon and was actually too hot! 

My coat was still drying out this morning but dried out by the time I had finished breakfast! I had a leisurely start today. I had a lift to the shop where I bought a few snacks. Checked out Vaila's Trees and found 2 Mealy Redpolls, but wasn't quick enough to photograph them before they flew off towards the next garden, also Sedge Warbler here and the remains of a Teal. Walked to the next garden where I found a Chiffchaff. Cut across the footpath to Schoolton where I sat on the bench seat for ages trying to see the Icterine Warbler which was seen again this morning – failed to show whilst I was there.

Two birders found an Icterine Warbler and a Rustic Bunting at "Breks" – a road and area that I realised that I can't recall visting before on previous trips. Found the red house (Kenaby) where the Icterine Warbler had been found and it eventually put an a very brief appearance, but sadly not long enough to get a picture. I didn't see the Rustic Bunting here which Tommy said later had to be a second bird as when news came through of this, he was photographing the Rustic Bunting in his garden. A Red-necked Phalarope had been found on "Da Water' which was very close to where I was but then news came out that it was not there now! Made my way up to "Chalet' where I was going to have lunch but changed my mind when Tommy came past in his car to chat to another driver. I asked Tommy if his was going to the obs – he was so kindly gave me a lift.

The lovely male Red-backed Shrike was showing pretty well on and off, which was good to see. Also found a couple of Chiffchaffs in the garden and a Red Admiral and a Tortoiseshell Butterfly. Headed over to North Haven and sat here for lunch enjoying the spectacular views of the beach and beyond here. A seal was in the harbour along with Black Guillemots, Eiders, Fulmars and Gannets distantly. A Rock Pipit was on the foreshore and I had my first Painted Lady of the year!

It was really hot now and if I had had a teashirt, that's all you would have needed, but I had come unprepared for hot weather so had to put up with my thermal layers! I had forgotten about Finnequoy, so glad I didn't miss this out before I leave. In the trees at the bottom of the valley by the stream a small LBJ flicked through the foliage. I waited and waited. Another movement and it then flew extreme left of the trees, the second I focussed to where it flew, it disappeared again, so frustrating! I had to give up in the end and later told an obs team member so they could check it out. At The Plantation I didn't manage to find a single bird in here, which surprised me. Found another Painted Lady butterfly along the road. So lovely to see all the Spring flowers out here including Spring Squill, Bird's-foot Trefoil and Cuckooflower.

After walking up a very long section of road in the heat, it was a joy to find a bench to rest on at the top of the road – sat here for around 15 minutes and then carried on. Somewhere near "Setter" I bumped into Norfolk birder Ashley Banwell (I had heard from others he was arriving today). Ashley had come in on the Good Shepherd and was supposed to have arrived yesterday by plane, but all flights cancelled due to poor visibility. Whilst having a catch up, Ashley found a Ruff out on the field between "Chalet" and "Pund" and there were loads of hirundines in the air over a house back down the road. Ashley went south and I headed north.

I checked out Vaila's Trees again but didn't find anything at all this time. The weather had deteriorated a little with very light rain. I felt totally shattered but went to The Haa Garden and Walli Burn to have a second look at the Rustic Bunting, but couldn't find it anywhere.

After dinner, I was kindly taken out for at night out at the obs – a presentation about the Borneo Nature Foundation which was very interesting and the room was packed out. Afterwards we had a drink in the bar. Met a young lady who lived on Shetland, who was here for a short visit doing a knitting experience trip (think that's what she said) who was nice to meet and also chatted with Tracy who works at the observatory, very nice lady. However the highlight of the entire evening for me was saying hello to Stewart Thompson who remembers Richard Richardson visiting Fair Isle, but an even bigger surprise was the fact that he also remembers Geoff Want from Norwich, Norfolk too! I couldn't believe it! I don't know anyone left that remembers Geoff. Stewart said he had some of Geoff's paintings and I told him I did too. Such a lovely evening, but now behind with typing the blog up, which I have just finished. Pictures are going to have be added when I return home to Scalloway, don't want to waste any valuable sleep and birding time here on my short visit. Goodnight!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Red-backed Shrike fem at Hillwell.

King Eider 1w. fem off beach at Gulberwick.

Little Stint at Boddam.

King Eider 1w. fem still north of Twageos Road, Lerwick.

Turtle Dove in garden at West Sandwick. 

ISLANDS

Pacific Diver ad. off The Taing, Quail singing, Icterine Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Little Stint still on beach at Haroldswick, Northern Diver ad drk (possible) still at shore station, Burrafirth, Unst.

Greenish Warbler at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

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

 

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

Fair Isle Trip – Day Two!

The alarm went off at 5am and I was out of the door birding at 5.45am. It was a little gloomy first but then the morning developed into full blue skies and sunshine. However the afternoon was fairly heavy rain and I ended up completely soaked. Finished birding at 6.30pm.

Walked as far as the shop and Vaila's Trees before breakfast which was at 8am. Birds seen on route were Arctic Terns, Arctic Skuas, Bonxies, Fulmars, Ringed Plovers. Counted 40 Oystercatchers in a field. 2 Collared Doves were on the roof of Shirva and there was also a Chiffchaff there. At Vaila's Trees (where the Northern Parula was 😢 a day ago) I found 2 Sedge Warblers, a Common Whitethroat and what could only been a Garden Warbler briefly and distantly. Also watched two Twite feeding in the grass by the shop. Just got back in time for breakfast.

I asked my friend for a lift to the shop, so I could continue birding from there, but changed my mind and was kindly given a lift to the observatory. The sun was glorious now. The new observatory looks truly amazing! Went inside and asked for an up-to-date map and was kindly invited into the lounge area whilst someone got me a map. Met Andy Hall who had found the Pectoral Sandpiper at Sandsyre Pier at Leebitten, Shetland recently. The lounge and dining area looks stunning. Left here and walked down to North Haven and the sea looked so beautiful with turquoise clear waters and took quite a few pictures here. Walked back up the obs garden and spent a while trying to find something. Found a Chiffchaff and a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. A few people had seen Painted Ladies today, but I didn't see any.

I was just walking up the hill to bird along the main road when a message came up that a Rustic Bunting had been found at Walie Burn by The Haa (Tommy's house). I have only ever seen one before anywhere so phoned my friend to ask her to if she could pick me up. Around 15 minutes later I was on site with several other birders! Had a distant view looking straight into the sun, so walked around the burn to be the opposite side for photography reasons which is what Steve Arlow and others were also doing. The Rustic Bunting was a cracking bird, really striking, Wow! Quite happily feeding along the burn and was sometimes perched on the wall singing!!! Never heard a Rustic Bunting singing before! Met Warden Alex Penn here. I eventually tore myself away. Had a lovely catch up chatting with Tommy in his funky colourful trousers.

Made my way to Schoolton (Liz and Nick's garden) where Liz had found an Icterine Warbler. I stopped on route at Burkle where two birders had flushed a Quail from a small copse below the museum and it headed to Burkle but we didn't see it. I found a Redpoll which turned out to be a Mealy that was with 3 Twite on the fence line at the furthest point in the garden. Continued to Schoolton and sat and waited for the Icterine Warbler to appear. Steve A said he had seen it, but he thought it had flown towards Burkle. I had my lunch here sat on a seat but didn't seen the Icterine Warbler. Couple of Chiffchaffs in the garden and Rock Doves. At "Da Water" I found 2 Shelducks.

Walked back up the main road and ambled back towards all the main gardens and shop area. At "Chalet" the rain came down heavily enough for me to have to scramble to put my camera away in rucksack. Found 2 Chiffchaffs in Chalet garden. Someone had found a Common Rosefinch in the same burn area as the Rustic Bunting so was planning to try and see that later. On route I met Tom (lovely lad) who was the finder of the Northern Parula and congratulated him on his insane find! In the continued heavy rain I didn't really find anything else of note, but did find 1 Snipe. Spent a good while checking out Vaila's Trees again and other gardens. Returned to the Walie Burn and there was one other person out in the pouring rain, a young lad who was with NatureTrek and he had the Common Rosefinch, so this helped me enormously. It was feeding in a small burn that ran away from a stone wall. I went through a double gate and stood and photographed this in a short break in the rain (lucky me and camera) and then had to put the camera gear away quickly as the rain fell again. Returned "home", had an awesome tea and felt completely burnt out.

I was invited to be taken to the bird log at 8pm at the observatory, but was totally cream-crackered. Started to go through my six hundred and something pictures of the Rustic Bunting and Common Rosefinch and was falling asleep. Gave up, had a shower and went to bed early and slept like a log!

PICTURES ANOTHER DAY!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Little Stint at Boddam.

Common Rosefinch at Veensgarth.

King Eider 1w. fem off beach at Gulberwick.

ISLANDS

Pacific Diver ad. off beach, Quail off beach at Norwick, Little Stints x 2 on beach at Haroldswick, Little Stint in small bay near Da Otters Neuk, Northern Eider drk off Burrafirth Beach, Unst.

Common Rosefinch at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

 

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

RBA Weekly Round-Up 22nd to 28th May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_21.aspx?s_id=117384044 

Fair Isle Trip – Day One!

I've been wanting to return to Fair Isle again for so long and I can't believe that after living for over three years in Shetland that I haven't organised a trip across the water! Its been 16 years since my last visit! I had intended to plan a trip over on my next annual leave off which is June, but I decided to try very hard and bring it forward to see the Northern Parula. It took a lot of working out, one minute I was half going on the Good Shepherd, but changed my mind because it was leaving from Lerwick and there is no way for any bird or person was I travelling for four and a half hours on that washing machine trip! Anyway after lots of phone calls and arranging accommodation and getting time off work, I was insanely lucky and got a flight booked for today which had been cancelled. I found this out and booked this flight at 7.55am yesterday (Wednesday). The Northern Parula was being watched on Tuesday, but as luck would have it, an hour or too after booking my flights, the NP had disappeared overnight! Warblers are my favourite birds, I would have given the world to see that, but sadly it wasn't to be. I made the decision to carry on with my trip anyway, as its been way too long since I last visited the "emerald isle".

I recently purchased lots of bedding plants for my garden and I knew if didn't get them in pots and in the garden, that I would potentially lose them whilst I'm away, so gardened until 10.50pm last night. Then..... I had to pack for my trip! I also had to stand on the scales several times to ensure my total luggage didn't exceed 15kg which is the maximum weight limit on the 7 seater Airtask plane. 9 kg of the weight was my backpack containing camera gear, laptop etc.

Went to work today and then had a very early finish with TOIL owed at 2.38pm. Drove straight to Tingwall Airport. At 3.30pm I checked in and my luggage was exactly 15kg, brilliant|! Had a lovely catch up with Hollie Shaw who had been away. There were 7 of us on the plane. I didn't take my serious sickness tablets, just took some Stugeron tablets, mistake, big time! This flight was hideous to say the least. It was the perfect day to take pictures of the glittering turquoise seas below, but OMG I felt sick and had a sick bag ready, there is no way I was in a state to take pictures. I couldn't take my eyes off the back of the pilots seat in front of me for the majority of the journey. The plane was really rocking for quite a while and the other passengers told me when we got off that it was not a fun ride and that there had been a cross wind and the plane was border line being cancelled. If I had had a crystal ball, I would not have stepped foot on there at all!

On the runway at Tingwall, before the plane moved!

  

15kg of luggage including Bonxie protection stick!

 

Anyway, landing on the airstrip was a huge relief. I was shaking when I got off and in a real state. My friends I'm staying with met me at the airstrip and then took me to their gorgeous home. My body and mind settled after a while. After a cup of tea and two gorgeous little buns, I wandered out with bins and camera for a pre dinner walk. Dinner was at 7pm. I ambled as far as Tommy H's house, Da Haa. It was SO good to be back here, so good! 6 plus swallows and 2 House Martins skimming over the pitch and putt, a few Wheatears, House Sparrows, Rock Doves and the usual seabirds including Gannets and Eiders. I didn't have time to walk to any of the gardens and places where they had been some scarce migrants today. Mitchelin starred cooking with vegetable chill with rice and yoghurt, guacamole dip and tacos and the best rhubarb crumble and custard I have ever experienced! Before I arrived on Fair Isle today I had lost 1 stone and 6 pounds. Will be restarting the diet when I return to Shetland in a few days time!

]Looking forward to a early night's sleep and getting out early in the morning.

It feels surreal and strangely odd, but truly wonderful to be here again. Looking forward to exploring tomorrow! Here are a few quick snaps I took on my walk.

Scenes around Fair Isle

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem off beach at Gulberwick.

 

ISLANDS

Pacific Diver ad. off beach, Quail off beach at Norwick, Unst.

Common Rosefinch in Tresta Gardens, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

 

Another gorgeously warm day here at 15 degrees and far too hot in the hospital.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Black Redstart at Sumburgh Farm.

Pectoral Sandpiper on Isle of Mousa.

King Eider 1w. fem off beach at Gulberwick.

 

ISLANDS

Pacific Diver ad. off beach at Norwick, Unst.

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

 

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

 

NORTHERN PARULA no sign today sadly😭

 

Warmest day so far this year, didn't realise it was 15 degrees until I left work this evening. Spent all evening potting up all my new bedding plants and given everything a good watering.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Pectoral Sandpiper again at by Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Tingwall.

 

ISLANDS

Nightjar, Icterine Warbler at Gorie, Isle of Bressay.

 

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

 

NORTHERN PARULA still on Fair Isle!!!

 

Sunny day here, but no more than 10 degrees here with NW winds.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Pectoral Sandpiper again at by Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick. 

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Tingwall.

Honey Buzzard at Southpunds, Levenwick.

 

ISLANDS

Nightjar, Icterine Warbler, Wood Warbler at Gorie, Isle of Bressay. 

Alpine Swift on Isle of Foula.

 

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

 

NORTHERN PARULA still on Fair Isle!!!

 

So busy at work today, I didn't notice what the weather was doing, but when I left work it was gloomy and misty. Checked out my road for any migrants, couldn't find any, but 2 Siskins on my feeders with the usual House Sparrows, Starlings and Collared Doves.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Icterine Warbler at Law Lane, Lerwick.

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Tingwall. 

Pectoral Sandpiper again at by Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.

Red-backed Shrike at Burrastow.

 

ISLANDS

Icterine Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Icterine Warbler still in garden at Haroldswick, Unst.

Red-spotted Bluethroat male on Isle of Foula. 

 

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

 

NORTHERN PARULA still on Fair Isle!!!

 

Bluebells are looking especially good this Spring

The road that leads inland from Sea Road, Lerwick and links up with Seafield Park

 

 

We had a three hour powercut here, which was most of Shetland I believe from 3am to around 6am. Went to Planticrub again and did a Tesco run and then went birding around Lerwick, but only found a Robin of note. The two drake Mandarins are still at Loch of Asta, but sadly don't make it onto the rare bird news. Very dull afternoon – we certainly don't have a heatwave here! Back to work tomorrow.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 23rd May

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Pectoral Sandpiper again at by Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Tingwall.

Pied Flycatcher fem. in willows opposite Fifeness, Hoswick.

Quail in rose bushes at Sumburgh Lighthouse.

 

ISLANDS

Nightjar at Skibberhoull, Isle of Whalsay.

 

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

 

NORTHERN PARULA on Fair Isle!!!

Found by Tom Wright – Congratulations!

Open the Fair Isle link above for more pictures.

2nd for Scotland – the first one was on the Isle of Tiree in September 2010. 

 

I would love to see that, but no hope with returning to work on Monday, unless of course it stays around for a long time! 😊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

King Eider 1w. fem off Gardie, Bressay, Lerwick.

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Asta.

Icterine Warbler still at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.  

Pectoral Sandpiper again at by Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.

 

ISLANDS

Red-spotted Bluethroat male still, Nightjar at Skibberhoull, Isle of Whalsay. 

Red-spotted Bluethroats x 2 (1 male), Blue-headed Wagtail, Wood Sandpiper at Out Skerries.

Icterine Warbler singing in cottage garden, Haroldswick, Unst.

 

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

 

SW winds again, mostly dull and cold and rain this evening and forecast heavy rain overnight.

 

I was in a low mood today and didn't go out until...... Julie Redpath found two Drake Mandarin ducks this evening, in the pull in area where tourists meet to see the Shetland ponies just before the Loch of Asta – this is 5 minutes from my house. I check this area marshy wet area regularly and did so last night as it looks good for wagtails eg a Citrine is what I'm hoping for eventually. When I arrived there was no one there and the Mandarins were feeding with three Mallards and a supporting cast of Lapwings + chicks, Curlew, Rock Doves and gulls. I positioned my car right next to the wire fence at the lowest point near the gate so that my camera would reach over the top rung of wire. Three other cars turned up, two stayed in the car and the third car didn't – as the people in the car got out of their car, the mandarins walked further away. All cars left and I was on my own and something spooked them (probably the unhappy Lapwings) and the Mandarins and Mallards all flew off over the road to a dyke in the valley, where they were now distant to view.

 

Jim N. turned up and I showed him where they were. I didn't realise for a while that Jim had a dog in his car who he told me was also called Jim! As many of you know I'm not a dog person, but this was an exceptionally nice and very sweet dog. Jim said to say "cuddle" and the dog will put his paw up, which he did! It was a long haired multi coloured type of sheepdog and I even gave it a hug. This dog reminded me of a lovely dog calle Sandy who belonged to the late Geoff Want who lived in Norwich, Norfolk – Geoff was a bird artist and part of the clan including RAR in the old days at Holme Bird Observatory. Anyway it was nice to chat to Jim who is always fun and pleasant company. Thanks to Julie for finding the Mandarins and getting me out of the house and to Jim and Jim!

 

Lucy is too hot in Norfolk (26 degrees) and Vivien and Ray are even hotter (30 degrees) in the Peak District, which is where they are currently in their narrowboat. Viven said all their fans are on and she had to have a cold shower to cool down. I'm fed up with the cold here which is 10 degrees – wearing my coat indoors as I refuse to turn the heating above 14 degrees in May and left it too late to light the fire this evening. Think I will do some gardening and potting up my plants tomorrow, go birding on Sunday and then its back to work on Monday. Enjoy the flamboyant Mandarin pictures!

DRAKE MANDARINS

Shetland pony field near Loch of Asta

Found by Julie Redpath

RBA Weekly Round-Up 15th to 21st May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_20.aspx?s_id=982004223 

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-spotted Bluethroat in their weekly round-up!