All my North Ronaldsay Trip Reports are now complete with all photos added. Click on the links to find them quickly.
North Ronaldsay Trip Report Friday 7th & Saturday 8th August
North Ronaldsay Trip Report Sunday 9th August
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Friday, 21 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Sooty Shearwaters x 2 flew past Eshaness.
ISLANDS
Pallid Harrier juv. on Isle of Foula.
Quails x 2 (1 ad., 1 juv.)on Out Skerries.
Chimney swept this morning at 9am. Chilly here, mostly dull but sun came out for a short while. So many jobs to catch up since I have been away. It was so chilly this evening I lit the fire! Selected all the iphone photos for my North Ronaldsay trips and now going to add them.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Barred Warbler in quarry at Sumburgh Head.
Marsh Warbler in iris bed above dam at Quendale Mill.
ISLANDS
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Barred Warbler at Sumburgh Farm then flew torwards Sumburgh Hotel.
Wood Warbler at Quendale Mill.
Arctic Warbler at Wiltrow in garden at Boddam.
Ring-necked Duck ecl. drk at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.
ISLANDS
Wood Warbler at The Glebe, Tresta, Isle of Fetlar.
Common Rosefinch between harbour and south lighthouse, Isle of Bressay.
Birding straight from work. It took a little while to see but eventually got a few fleeting views of the cracking Arctic Warbler in Paul H.'s garden at Boddam, thanks Paul! So lovely to see, but didn't see it a again whilst watching along with Roger R., Anne E., Jim N., Phil H. and Paul of course. Cold north easterly wind. Not a single opportunity for photography though. There was a Chiffchaff in the garden too.
Went to Quendale Mill, how could I not, I LOVE Wood Warblers! It was late and I didn't think I had much hope of seeing Phil H.'s Wood Warbler in the drizzle mid evening, but I did see the Wood Warbler for around 10 seconds only, flitting amongst the scyamore leaves in the main concentration of trees by the mill – not seen again, just like the Arctic Warbler. Lots of House Sparrows there too, 1 Blackbird, 2 Collared Doves, a Swallow flew over and also 1 Snipe. I didn't get a picture of the Wood Warbler either which was a shame, but I was lucky to see it.
Its very rare I don't get some kind of record shot of a good bird, but failed miserably with both the Arctic Warbler and Wood Warbler, but so glad I got see both of them, a good start to Autumn birding here. Phoned the Sumburgh Hotel and collected a take away fish 'n' chips which was a huge portion, far more than you get from the fish 'n' chip shops in Lerwick and was cheaper at £11.95 and very good indeed! Sat and enjoyed these in the carpark at West Voe and then drove home in the dark with the heating on full in the car.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
No news.
ISLANDS
This evening I have finished selecting, editing and adding all the SLR photos to the four day North Ronaldsay Reports. Tomorrow evening after work, I will add all my iphone scenic shots and then the trip reports will be complete.
I recently received a wonderful "Thank You" card at my place of work by a lovely (as he put it "90+" year old) gentleman called Michael who kindly told me how much he enjoyed reading my blog. Skokholm Bird Observatory Blog is first on his morning list, I'm second. I'm honoured! I'm glad you enjoy reading my ramblings! Thank you so much for taking the time to send me the card, it was a really lovely surprise and much appreciated! 😊
Monday, 17 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Buff-breasted Sandpiper in field east of grassy path at Exnaboe.
ISLANDS
Nice sunny day here. So behind with so many jobs after being away the last couple of weekends. I think the garden and grass cutting will have to take priority at the weekend. John F. send me one of his amazing and cleverly written poems about my Blue-cheeked Bee-eater exploits!
Thanks to the Bird Guides team for including my Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and also my Blyth's Reed Warbler I found on North Ronaldsay in their Review of The Week.
I will be adding photos every night to my four North Ronaldsay Trip posts until I have finished!
Sunday, 16 August 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
No news.
ISLANDS
Barred Warbler at Skaw, Unst.
Quails x 6 (5 juvs.) on Out Skerries.
Yesterday when I was supposed to be writing up my North Ronaldsay Trip Reports, I was sleepy all day and felt incapable of doing anything. I managed to get all the washing done but that was it.
I have completed the trip reports today, written in four separate posts (see posts below), but I still have to select and edit all the photos yet, so bare with!
HOT NEWS! Someone posted a picture of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on FB Orkney Scarce and Rare Birds group today and wrote "Had this wee chap on our garden fence in St Mary’s on Thursday." A caption to a picture of the bee-eater on their garden fence!!! This was mainland Orkney. The BCBE was last seen on North Ronaldsay at 8.16am on Wednesday 12th August and was not seen any more that day. It then heads to mainland Orkney arriving on Thursday 13th August and decides to pose on someone's garden fence, you couldn't make it up! 😂 Thank goodness its still alive and well. It obviously likes the Orkney Isles, wonder where it will go next! 💖
I try not to copy across other people's photos but I couldn't link it, so please forgive me L.S. but here is a screenshot of the photo on the owner's fence! As someone posted, what a garden tick! Not a good idea for it to be spending time in gardens though, some cat could be extremely happy with a colourful lunch, doesn't bare thinking about. Please move on asap Mr Bee-eater!
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater & North Ronaldsay Trip Report – Tuesday 11th August 2026
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER
I didn't get up early today. I had a full breakfast leisurely in the dining room and then packed up all my gear as much as I could. I wanted to explore some of the east side of the island today. I realised that I would obviously not have time to explore every single road and track here, I will have to continue my exploration of this fabulous island on a second trip or even a third and hopefully for longer next time.
Holland House and extensive walled garden
I set off and walked east along a road just past Holland House – this was when I able to see close up how long the garden was at Holland House ending in several huge clumps of New Zealand flax that also grows throughout Shetland. I tried to follow the print out map provided free from the observatory and managed to follow it up to a certain point and then got lost slightly. I didn't find the east side as fascinating as the west side, but to be fair I didn't really cover much of it. I had wanted to walk as far as the Point of Bridesness, but time had run out.
Scenery on the west side of the island
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER
Returning to a tarmac road, I discovered where the post office was and then returned along the main road to the Ancum Willows at 12pm. The light was rubbish for photos but the BCBE was still there and I took a few pictures, then sat and had my lunch with the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater for the last time today! I then left and headed back to the beach at Westness for a third attempt for the Semipalmated Sandpiper. On route I took some lovely pictures of a Reed Bunting feeding on the road, just past the pink house (can't remember the name) next to the fence where the BCBE was first found. Then continued to the beach at Westness where I found Sami, a young birder who lives on South Ronaldsay with a telescope who had the Semipalmated Sandpiper in his scope, lucky me, thank you very much! Too far for photos and it would have been wrong to disturb it as it was feeding with other shore birds. Only seen briefly through Sami's scope. Its amazing how birds can disappear behind different heights of seaweed and rocks! Very pleased to have seen that on my last day.
Reed Bunting
Ringed Plovers
No news of the BCBE since 12.30pm and it was now 4.30pm. I returned to the Ancum Willows. A birder had arrived by boat all the way from Bristol and pointed out a Greenshank to a few of us on the Ancum Loch opposite the hide. I sat at distance from the willows to have something to eat and watch to see if the BCBE returned again, it didn't. I felt sorry for the birder from Bristol at this point. I walked back to the observatory feeling very tired now. My plane was leaving at 5.54pm. I walked past Holland House and scanned the trees that overhang the long garden wall on the field side and unbeknown to me at this point the BCBE was back in this garden. I noticed that George was driving past when on route back to the obs, I guess he was off to see it in the garden. I discovered at 16.49 on the WhatsApp local group that the BCBE was back in the Holland House garden.
On route back to the observatory
The Kirk
Nouster Bay next to the observatory
The observatory garden
North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory
Difficult to photograph as there are several buildings
One of the views from the observatory
The room I stayed in
Close up of a painting in the observatory + reflection on glass
Back at the observatory I packed up all my gear. I put some cash into the volunteers pot at the bar before I was kindly taken by Maddy to the airport – on route we passed the birder from Bristol, we stopped briefly and he looked very happy, he had been taken to see the BCBE in the Holland House garden! Maddy dropped me off and I thanked her and said goodbye. Flight left at 5.54pm and a lovely couple called Scott and Jenny who had spent the day on North Ronaldsay (they had hired bikes too) very kindly offered to take me to the Northlink Ferry terminal when we reached Kirkwall. Another smooth flight back to Kirkwall, again I was in wrong the seats for photography. Sami who I had met earlier was also on this flight and a local lady from North Ronaldsay. I managed to twist behind in my seat to take a few pictures.
A beautiful creation in the air port lounge
North Ronaldsay
Scott and Jenny very kindly went out of their way and dropped me at the North Link Ferry Terminal where I and another lady with a bike had to wait for the terminal to open at 7pm. Ordered a pizza to be delivered for my tea and got told what price it would be for the taxi to deliver and when the taxi turned up, a very blunt taxi driver said they have undercharged you, it costs far more than that to drive out here, so I requested he take the pizza back again! I don't like being told a price for it then change. If I had known the taxi was going to cost more than the pizza I wouldn't have ordered it in the first place! I survived on sweet crap and snacks I had left over which I didn't want but was hungry. Tried to snooze on the seats. Northlink ferry left at 11.45pm. Again I managed to get a brilliant spot to sleep on the ferry, but didn't sleep very well at all. Drunk passengers were talking well into the early hours.
Wednesday 12th August
Had a full breakfast at 6.30am and arrived in Lerwick at 7.30am. Jumped in car, drove home, showered and got to work for 9am. Prayed for the end of the day and collapsed when I got home in the evening!
Huge thanks to everyone that made this trip so fabulous, the staff at the observatory went above and beyond with all their help, lifts, advice and assistance and the food was exemplary. Would I recommend to stay at the observatory, 100% I would and I'm very much looking forward to returning. I was even considering going there in the second week of my October annual leave, but realised I have spent beyond what I should done since my Fair Isle trip, Sanday and now North Ronaldsay. I really need to earn more money to allow me to go on these trips! I have had a fabulous time and although it took a humongous amount of effort and quick turn around planning to see the mega Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, it was worth it in bucket loads, a bird I won't ever forget!!!
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER
North Ronaldsay – 8th to 11th August 2026
North Ronaldsay – 8th to 11th August 2026
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater & North Ronaldsay Trip Report – Monday 10th August 2026
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER
I was up very early, but it was raining heavily so waited until it eased off. When the skies looked brighter I set off with my packed breakfast and lunch at 7.45am. On route to the Ancum Willows I was fully aware that the sun would be behind me for photography if the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater was still there, so I felt quite excited about this. As I passed Holland House, it reminded me that the obs team had caught a male Siberian Rubythroat in the garden last October, which doesn't surprise me at all, seeing the size of the huge walled and very long garden. A blue van stopped on route and the man driving said the BCBE was sitting on a fence post right by the road and asked me to be careful not to flush it. I hadn't realised at the time that this was George's father. I was excited knowing that I was going to potentially be photographing the BCBE on a post at close range. Shortly after this George and Maddie came flying past me and I could see them photographing from their vehicle at the Ancum Willows, they had beaten me to it! As I approached slowly, the BCBE flew into the willows from the post it had been perched on and George and Maddie drove on. So that was that!
I stood on the opposite side of the road along the path to the hide for ages, hoping it might return to the same post but sadly it didn't. I did get a couple of record shots perched on the edge of the willows in rainy and dull conditions. I decided to sit in the hide to shelter from the rain. There were Information ID boards in the hide - all very smart and efficient hide flaps. A couple came into the hide who had hired bikes from the airport – I didn't know this service was available, I probably would have hired a bike had I known, but a bit too late now on day three. No sign of the Red-necked Phalarope from the hide. As I left the hide I could see Rafael and Mark had arrived at the willows and were watching the BCBE, it was not playing ball for photography, but was having a massive feeding frenzy with the bees and was very mobile. I left Rafeal and Mark to enjoy the BCBE.
Holland House on route to Ancum Willows
Rabbit
Hedgehog
My plan was to walk to the lighthouse today which is 3.9 miles from the observatory. The lighthouse is the tallest in the UK and has a visitor centre, close by is the Old Lighthouse or Beacon as some know it as. On route I found a Hedgehog (see pic) which was unexpected – it was on a grass verge and looked very healthy with gleaming beady eyes. The scenery on route was outstanding. It was a mixture of rain and sun, but mostly sunshine today. Saw the Short-eared Owl again, lots of Lapwings, House Sparrows, big flock of Golden Plover, Linnets and lots of Pied Wagtails. I found two accesses to beaches which were exhilarating with one of the beaches on the west side being particularly dramatic with rocks, sheep which I think is known as Garso Wick, Black Guillemots, Shag, Eiders basking on rocks and a Seal. The famous North Ron sheep are everywhere along the coastline in huge numbers and live on the seaweed nearly all year round – they are beautiful to see.
Garso Wick
The approach to the main lighthouse was stunning to say the least. I decided to walk to The First Lighthouse first, which was further to walk to and was surrounded by large stones and boulders which with my accident record was not ideal for me to be walking around, but I did and came out unscathed! What a fascinating building! "First lit on 10th October 1789" (history of both lighthouses here). Between the old and new lighthouse is a huge scenic loch called Loch Bewan, which is surrounded by the sheep and on the loch itself were a colony of Arctic Terns, 5 Moorhens and a dark phase Arctic Skua was bathing by the edge! So scenic here and so glad I walked here today as I knew I wouldn't end up walking this far tomorrow. Lots of Linnets, Pied Wagtails and Starlings feeding on the short turf here and around the main lighthouse. Sat and had a sandwich on a large boulder by the First Lighthouse and them made my way towards the main lighthouse.
The First Light built in 1789 and Bewan Loch
Maddy told me later on that this huge area of short turfed grass with little pools by the lighthouse is a main landing spot for migrants in an East wind (I think she said), which then disperse throughout the island. It looked exciting! Quite a bit of heather growing here which was pretty to see. The construction of the lighthouse itself was incredible – the time that it must have taken to build such a building! You can literally stand at the base and that's when you really take in how tall it is! I walked into the visitor centre (unmanned) and inside there are toilets, an exhibition and history room/interpretation screen and a lovely room with seats to sit in with various cakes, kettle, tea and coffee with milk/oat milk from the fridge to make a hot drink or buy a cake with a honesty box. I met a very interesting lady here from Sussex, who has been staying here for five weeks, she comes here annually she told me. Then another lady turned up, a French teacher from Berlin who was doing a tour of Scotland – it was nice chatting with these two ladies whilst the rain was hammering down again, whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea. Left here after the rain stopped and started to make my way back.
The New Lighthouse built in 1854
The famous North Ronaldsay Sheep
Bewan House and garden
The scyamores behind the wall where the Blyth's Reed Warbler was
Saw a couple of Shrews! Also one Painted Lady butterfly. As I walked alongside a dry stone wall I could see a garden called Bewan which had a line of sycamores behind a drystone wall. So between me on the road was a 4ft plus dry stone wall, then a field area, then the wall with sycamores behind with the main house to the right. I was suddenly aware of a small bird flitting along the top of the wall and feeding amongst the sycamore leaves. There were also a couple of Linnets. On first view, before I lifted my bins up, I presumed it was a Willow Warbler as one had been found earlier in the Ancum Willows (since I left there earlier) but I realised it was more than probably not a Willow Warbler with further studying. It was a light brown overall with very pale underparts and with a fairly long bill. I then thought about Reed Warbler.... it wasn't a Booted as bill not fine enough, nor did it look like one, but wasn't sure what it was exactly. I hate finding something and not knowing what it is, so had to seek assistance and sent a BOC shot to George (warden) who replied with "My gut is that its an Acro, we'll come up" Ohhh... must be something good then I thought!
Speaking with Hugh H. on Shetland who thought Blyth's Reed Warbler as did Ashley Saunders (Norfolk) when pictures were sent to him a bit later by obs staff and I texted Ashley later too to thank him for confirming ID of my find! He said he had heard I was on North Ron, but didn't know I had found the BRW. Anyway, birders turned up on mass, well on mass for North Ron! George, Maddy, Craig, another lady from obs and they collected Rafael and Mark on route and a bit later Lawrence turned up too. There was lots of discussion about the ID between Blyth's, Reed and Marsh Warbler and after further discussion, a reply from Ashley S in Norfolk and studying all the necessary photos looking at wing formula etc it was concluded that I had found a BLYTH'S REED WARBLER! Bl**dy annoying I found a rare bird that I couldn't ID for myself, but BRW's are obviously very difficult to ID listening to all the discussion! I can't remember if it was Rafael or Mark, think it was Mark who was over the moon as it "was a lifer" for him! I felt very pleased, this trip was getting better and better, who could ask for more!
BLYTH'S REED WARBLER
Everyone then left except for Craig and myself. Think this was when Lawrence turned up. George's dad turned up to see the BRW and then very kindly gave Craig and myself a lift back to the Ancum Willows, which saved a very long walk back, thank you. Rafael had spotted the Red-necked Phalarope on the loch by the hide which I got to see, fabulous, too far away for pictures though. The BCBE was now showing INSANELY well and was perched on the outer edge of the willows and both Mark, Rafael, Lawrence and I had a fantastic photography opportunity which I took full advantage of. The only issue was that the wind ruffled the BCBE's feather's constantly and I don't think I got a single shot of it looking pristine, but hey ho, the late afternoon light was almost perfect. The BCBE coughed up a pellet whilst we watched it too. I left the others there and started to walk back to the obs for dinner.
On route I got some cracking shots of a very bright male Linnet along with a female and also a juv Linnet in a garden (with ambulance in). Swallows were busy feeding young in an out-building, second brood maybe? Also saw a Wren and House Sparrows perched up on plants seen from over the top of the blue gate that looks into a wild patch of garden at Holland House. My phone had now run out of battery, so no more scenic shots could be taken with the phone. Arrived back at 6.35pm and apologised for being late and I was told by Anna, "no worries as we are running late". Dropped off all my gear in my room and came down to the dining room.
Linnet
Meadow Pipit singing
The island plane flying over Holland House
Scenery on route to the observatory
Holland House with the largest garden on the island
On route back to the observatory
I couldn't believe that I was served my favourite meal, Nut Roast, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Veg and gravy – it was first class, so tasty. I then choose the Toffee and Sundae Ice-cream for dessert, which was also divine and presented as though you were in a top class restaurant. The food here has been on another level – imagine how much weight you would put on if you were here more than a few days!
Sorted out and paid for my stay here and also joined "Friend of NRBO" which gives you 10% off your stay and includes newsletters and the annual bird report which is 100% worth it, as I'm coming back again as soon as I can afford it. I've spent too much money over the last two weekends! Rafael and Mark depart on the first plane in the morning and I depart on the last plane.
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