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EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR – NO SIGN OF at Eastshore, Virkie!

Common Rosefinch at Loch of Clevigarth, Exnaboe.

Greenish Warbler in garden at Grutness.

Wryneck on roadside near Orca Inn, Hoswick.

Pallid Harrier at Brow Marsh.

Pallid Harrier at Levenwick.

Black Tern juv. flew south past harbour, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

My Egyptian Nightjar photo from the first day, headlines BIRDGUIDES Review of the week, chuffed! Thank you very much indeed!

https://www.birdguides.com/articles/review-of-the-week/review-of-the-week-1-6-september-2026/ 

No sign of the Egyptian Nightjar first thing this morning or the rest of the day, which was heartbreaking for birders arriving by plane, ferry and local boats. I fear the worst very sadly – I would love to think that the Egyptian Nightjar has simply moved on, but the atrocious weather yesterday might have been too much for it and has possibly not survived. Today was the opposite to yesterday with wall to wall blue skies, sunshine and a glittering sea from the hospital windows at work. A total contrast, typical Shetland weather really I suppose! Northern Lights showing here this evening, but can't see them from my house.

What a MASSIVE start to Autumn birding! I didn't think anything would get bigger than the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, how wrong was I and its only the beginning of September, bring it on! So glad I moved here! Huge congratulations again to finder Roger Riddington and for so conveniently finding this at the weekend and not when I was at work, perfect, thank you!

My birding gear was drying overnight and wasn't dry enough to put back in the car before going to work, so I was praying I wouldn't need it when I finished work. There was a Wryneck and a Greenish Warbler to see, which meant I would have had to divert home to get my gear, but I was far too tired to drive that far anyway. Did a quick food shop after work and returned home. Too exhausted to be looking through any more photos to select of the Egyptian Nightjar, but will do over the next few days. Phoned Ray and Vivien up this evening – its Ray's birthday today!

 

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY "

⚓ 😊 66 Today! 🎉 🎊 🎶🎵

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR – Day Two! Beach At Eastshore, Virkie!

 

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR
Early morning amongst the boulders along Eastshore Road, Virkie

 

Sheltering from the rain under a large boulder

 

After hardly any sleep I was the third person to arrive early morning, I was seconds behind Rebecca! It was nice to share lovely views of this incredible bird with Rebecca and Roger. Raining all day and at times extremely heavy. A few glimpses of brightness in the evening. After taking far too many photographs again this morning, I then left to drive to the Grutness Pool, where there were a couple of Dunlins and two Shelducks. Had late breakfast and a snooze – I felt exhausted.

Went to the airport as did a few other Shetland birders to pick up birders arriving from south. I collected Steve G. and dropped him off on site. I sat in the car for a while and not long after I dropped Steve off, Ashley Banwell turned up (who I had offered a lift to, but he had a hire car). It was raining fairly heavily and I was still drying the camera out from earlier on, so I left and went to Brow Marsh and Spiggie and tried to find the Pallid Harriers, but no luck. Drove along the Noss Road and in a stubble field with round hay bales there were tons of Starlings, Rock Doves, House Sparrows and good numbers of Meadow Pipits along the fence lines, it was a busy scene, but didn't find anything more exciting.

Went to the Geosetter Burn and had lunch, then walked up to the top of the burn and found nothing but a single Starling. Headed back south and drove around Boddam – even more scary driving round there in rainy gloomy conditions, you never know who or what might appear! I didn't run over any blades of grass, so think I got away with it! 😉

Birders in the rain at Virkie

 

 

Returned to the pull-in area at Virkie. It was good to see more birders arriving to see the magnificent Egyptian Nightjar. Norfolk birder Mike Edgecombe had also arrived on scene and the crowd was a little larger than earlier on. Still atrocious conditions. Much later on I finally got out of the car when the rain had stopped and joined others to watch the Egyptian Nightjar in the last throws of light. I became so cold I had to leave before it flew to roost and the main reason for that is because the new walking boots (fabric type) I bought from Lerwick a few weeks ago leaked from the offset when I wore them for the first time today, so my socks were soaked all day, which wasn't fun at all – they won't be worn again. Its that time of year when you need your wellies on I think! What a weekend! Back to work tomorrow and the weather looks a whole lot better than today. I hope birders arriving in the morning have some cracking views in the forecast sunny weather!

I don't have the energy to look through another 400+ photos again, so quickly decided the one above would do, I may have sharper, I may not, but will look tomorrow night. 

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Pallid Harrier at Boddam.

Red-backed Shrike in garden at east end of Eastshore Road, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie. 

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR still on rocky beach south of east end of Eastshore, Virkie!

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

MEGA!!! EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR in garden at east end of Eastshore, Virkie!

  

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR

Found by Roger Riddington in his garden at Virkie!

HUGE "CONGRATULATIONS" ROGER! 🎉 

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR

 

What a insane garden tick!!! Congratulations to Roger Riddington who found this sitting on his driveway. By the time I got there I had missed the short time it had been flying around and it had also gone missing for an hour. I initially watched it on a high wall of boulders behind a fence and field next to Roger's garden, it then moved a little closer and sat as you see it in the picture and behind one of those irritating wire fences and that's where I left it. It was completely unphased by sheep walking past it. You had to position yourself just right to get a photograph through the wires! What a bird, just WOW!!! There were a dozen birders left as I was leaving.

For those arriving by plane tomorrow, the airport is behind the boulder ridge!

The Egyptian Nightjar was resting on the stones between the two fence posts on the left just over the grass. 

 

As I was leaving and it was freezing cold

 

 

This Egyptian Nightjar is the third for Britain

 

The first one was shot in Nottinghamshire in June 1883

The second was seen by a single observer in Dorset in June 1984.

Third found by Roger Riddington, Shetland on 5th September 2026 

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Sooty Shearwater from boat at Sumburgh Head.

Curlew Sandpiper at Boddam Voe.

EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR in garden at east end of Eastshore, Virkie!

Pallid Harrier this evening at Loch of Brow.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

Gardening plans were put on the back burner!!!!!!

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Pallid Harrier juv. at Footabrough, Mid Walls.

Icterine Warbler, Common Rosefinch at Dale of Walls.

Pallid Harrier, Common Rosefinch near new house at Levenwick.

Common Rosefinches x 2 at Melby.

Sooty Shearwaters x 26 flew past The Lookout at Sumburgh Head.  

Pallid Harriers x 2 this evening at Loch of Brow.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

My Dermatology Appointment yesterday with Dr Kerkemeyer:

 

Diagnosis:  the doctor seemed pretty confident that I have "Primary Scalp Dysesthesia".

Treatment:

• Gabapentin

• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part to 4 parts water in a spray bottle) - after shampoo etc, spray onto scalp, leave for 2 minutes and rinse off.

• Neck Exercises as below.

 

The pilot study by Nicholas Kevin Laidler and Jonathan Chan outlines a 4-week, twice-daily exercise protocol designed to relieve cervical nerve compression and treat Primary Scalp Dyesthesia.

Stretches (Hold for 60 seconds each, twice daily)

Lateral flexor stretch: Grasp the side of your head and gently draw your head down toward your shoulder until you feel a comfortable stretch on the side of the neck. Repeat on the other side.
Trapezius stretch: Grasp the side of your head, bend your neck forward to bring your chin to your chest, draw your head toward your shoulder, and turn to look toward the ceiling.
Levator scapulae stretch: Grasp the side of your head, bend your neck forward with your chin to your chest, draw your head toward your shoulder, and turn to look toward the floor. 
Cervical extensor stretch: Grasp the back of your head, bend your neck forward so your chin touches your chest, and apply pressure until a comfortable stretch is felt on the back of the neck.

Mobilisations (Perform 20 repetitions, twice daily)

Self-rotational mobilisation: Use a folded towel at the base of the skull, holding the ends crossed in front, and pull one arm forward while turning your head in that direction (repeat both sides).
Posterior-anterior mobilisation: Position the folded towel behind the skull's base, pull both arms forward to apply gentle neck pressure for a 2-second hold, then release.

 

I have had my Curo Shower Filter in place for three months and yesterday I removed it and put in a new one (recommended to be changed every three months). It shows its doing its job and removing a load of crap – just look at the pictures!!! Its going to cost £34 every three months, but will be worth it.

 

 

After three months!!!

 

Brand new filter

 

RBA Weekly Round-Up 28th August to 3rd September!

By Jon Dunn

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

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Sooty Shearwater flew past The Lookout at Sumburgh Head.

Pallid Harrier juv. male at Quendale.

Corncrake at Levenwick.

Pallid Harriers x 2 this evening at Loch of Brow.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

Had my long awaited Dermatology Appointment after work today – more on that tomorrow.

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Little Stints x 2 at Pool of Virkie.

Pallid Harrier at Loch of Brow. 

Citrine Wagtail trapped and ringed this evening at Rerwick Reedbed.

 

ISLANDS

Great Shearwater, Long-tailed Skua juv., Sooty Shearwaters x 11 from boat 37 miles NW of Unst.

 

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

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Wryneck still near dam at Quendale. 

Bluethroat still at Sumburgh Farm.

Citrine Wagtail on road north of hide in NW corner, Loch of Spiggie.

Pallid Harrier at Loch of Brow, Hillwell and Quendale. 

Baird's Sandpiper ad. again in SE corner at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Temminck's Stint on Isle of Foula.

 

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

Had a terrible night's sleep. Took some TOIL this morning and only worked in the afternoon. Went to Tesco after work and put my complaint into the Deputy Manager who logged it for me but said I would be best to speak to the head office, so I will do this when I am able to, either after work tomorrow or on my day off on Friday. Still can't take in it what happened yesterday. Feeling very delicate today. Started doing the beginning of salt washes this evening and already fed up with eating soft food only.

Weather feels very Autumn like today, fairly strong winds and lots of rain and a mixture of sunshine.

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Citrine Wagtail flew over Sumburgh Farm.

Pallid Harrier flew north past Rerwick towards Geosetter.

Blyth's Reed Warbler (though elusive) still at Channerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. flew past Willal at Levenwick.

Pallid Harrier at Loch of Brow.

Wryneck still near dam at Quendale.

Common Rosefinch in nettles below The Spiggie Hotel.

Marsh Warbler still in garden at Sumburgh Hotel.

Quails x 4 at substation, Upper Kergord.

Pallid Harrier at Hillwell.

Red-backed Shrike between Exnaboe and Toab.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Little Stint at Pool of Virkie. 

Pallid Harrier reported at Leeans, Mid Walls.

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

Everything was normal at work today until lunchtime. I had some Cauldron Moroccan Falafels which I purchased from Tesco. I started to eat them and what felt like a piece of grit crunched into my tooth – a tooth that has had the same large filling in since I was a teenager (top left tooth, not in my smile thank goodness). The pain was immediate and raw. It was so painful I could hardly swallow. I couldn't drink or eat the pain was so intense. Managed to get an emergency appointment with my private dentist for 3.40pm. Note: I couldn't get an NHS dentist when I first moved here, so had no choice but to go private.

The result after an X-ray was that the tooth had a vertical crack right through to the nerve, no wonder if was such a raw pain! The choice was a root filling and crown and the emergency appointment totalling a whopping £1,600 or £290.75 for emergency appointment and tooth extraction. I had no choice but to opt for the cheaper option. After the extraction I sat in the surgery to wait for the required biting down on the dressing to form the clot for 15 minutes and then very slowly ambled back to my car and drove home. Feeling VERY sorry for myself. Lit the fire and sat on the sofa all evening to rest and fell asleep. The advice sheets states to rest as if you exercise etc it can raise your BP and make the wound site bleed.

I'm so angry with what's happened. I will be taking it further. I found the piece of grit, kept the packaging and receipt and will be contacting Tesco as soon as I feel a little better. Had to take paracetamol mid evening and taking some more shortly. On a positive note I'm hugely grateful to my dentist for fitting me in so quickly. The Family Dental Clinic is a first class service and my dentist who is a very kind person is called Stefan and was recommended to my by Hugh H. when I moved here. So looking forward to having to do all the salt washes and so on, huge fun, not! 😭😪

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Baird's Sandpiper ad., Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stints x 4 at Pool of Virkie.

Wryneck still near dam at Quendale.

Wryneck just west of Anderson High School, Wood Warblers x 2 at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. south of Brae at Saltness.

Wryneck found dead near hide at Loch of Spiggie.

Pallid Harrier at Loch of Brow. 

Marsh Warbler (probable) at Sumburgh Hotel. 

Greenish Warbler in garden at Toab.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier, Barred Warblers x 2, Wood Warblers x 2, Quails x 3 on Out Skerries.

Dotterel on north side of hill at Clibberswick, Unst.

 

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

I was in Lerwick doing a big shop and afterwards tried to find my own birds but didn't find anything at all. The midges were out in force all day long from dawn until dusk. I can't cope with them, so returned home and got several essential jobs done indoors. It was torture just hanging the washing out, getting it in later and taking the rubbish out – can't wait for midge season to be over! 🙏

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Pallid Harrier flew north over Hillwell towards Brake, then later at Loch of Brow.

Little Stints x 3, Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Pool of Virkie.

Red-backed Shrike juv. at Virkie. 

Wood Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Wryneck NNE of dam, c200 yds along wall at Quendale.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. male, Wryneck, Barred Warbler on Out Skerries.

Pallid Harrier juv. flew past Norwick towards Northdale, Unst.

 

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

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Sooty Shearwater flew past The Lookout at Sumburgh Head.

Marsh Warbler at S-shaped pool at Sumburgh Hotel.

Little Stints x 3, Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Pool of Virkie.

Citrine Wagtail flew to harbour at dusk, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. male, Wryneck, Wood Warbler, Quails x 2 on Out Skerries.

Blyth's Reed Warbler still on Isle of Foula. 

Subalpine Warbler sp., Barred Warbler in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Wryneck at Norwick, Unst. 

Barred Warbler at Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

 

Hairdressers, then lunch in Teamore Cafe and enjoyed their excellent veggie burger in a bun etc and cheesecake to follow with a mug of tea. Raining all day long as forecast. Went to a couple of places to get quotes for a new bathroom and kitchen sink. Visited a gas specialist shop called "Rearo" and bought myself a "Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 Stove, 1 burner, Camping Stove" – something I was going to buy as soon as I moved here for an emergency situation and never got round to it. Also sent off for a Campingaz small kettle from Amazon. So if the electric goes out for any length of time, I will be able to heat something up or make a cup of tea. I'm also stocking up on tins of food, you don't know what's round the corner! Lit the fire this evening – feels like Winter!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 21st to 27th August!

By Jon Dunn

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

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Little Stint at Scatness.

Blyth's Reed Warbler on south side of sycamore (though elusive) at Channerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. male still at Brow Marsh, Loch of Brow.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Barred Warbler at Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Subalpine Warbler sp. in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Barred Warblers x 2, Black Redstart at Out Skerries.

Wryneck at Isle of Mousa. 

 

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

 

Too tired after work to go anywhere or do anything. Hairdressers in the morning. Heavy rain forecast tomorrow and along with the continued easterly wind, should bring in more birds!

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Wednesday 26th August

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MAINLAND

Wood Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

King Eider fem. at Hascosay Sound.

Dotterel at Ronas Hill.

Barred Warbler at Scousburgh.

Pallid Harrier juv. male still at Brow Marsh, Loch of Brow. 

Wryneck at Channerwick. 

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Blyth's Reed Warbler on Isle of Foula.

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

 

After work I went to Clickimin Loch in Lerwick to try and see the Wood Warbler that Anne E. found this morning. I was quite taken back to find that the midges here don't wait until 6pm to appear, they were already here and an exasperated local lady stated that they have been here ALL day! I tried to see the Wood Warbler and did see a warbler being extremely elusive – the normal me would have waited and waited for it or whatever it was to appear, but the midges were relentless and I couldn't take ANY MORE! Give me a Force 10 Gale any day, anything but midges!

 

Back in my car I was scratching like crazy, drove back to Scalloway and searched a few areas for any migrants but none found. I thought I might be lucky as Phil H. had found a Wryneck at Channerwick and then a Barred Warbler at Scousburgh this evening, so birds were obviously dropping in, but not for me in Scalloway! I didn't have the energy to head south after a busy day at work. No slugs in the bedroom this evening and Amazon gave me a full refund for the crappy battery lawnmower and I FINALLY have an appointment for Dermatology on 3rd September, at last! So apart from the killer midges, it was a much better day than yesterday.

 

The guards at Buckingham Palace paid tribute to Dolly Parton with a rendition of her hit “9 to 5” which is so lovely!

https://x.com/RoyalFamily/status/2092564347641868480/video/1 

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Common Rosefinch at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Bluethroat at Sumburgh Farm.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Pool of Virkie. 

Ring-necked Duck still at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. male over moor south of Fleck and then later at Brow Marsh.

 

ISLANDS

Arctic Warbler on Isle of Foula.

Barred Warblers x 2, Sooty Shearwater on Out Skerries.

Common Rosefinch in garden at Norwick House, Uyeasound, Unst. 

 

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

 

Rubbish evening, managed to finish strimming the driveway grass and the front garden before the midges descended. Got out my new battery lawnmower which I bought a while back and used for the first time – I don't think it cut a single blade of grass, it was shockingly rubbish, so had to resort to my Flymo hand lawnmower which don't get me wrong is brilliant, but its heavy and hard work to use and was going to sell it, but will keep now I have decided. Phoned Amazon to return the battery lawnmower and was sent an incorrect label and had to phone again (not a quick process), still waiting for email for packaging label etc. Then I walked into my bedroom and to my utter horror found a large slug on the ceiling!!! How the hell did that get in, oh let me guess - maybe through the gaps in the floorboards in my uninsulated house or from the wet unused fireplace?!!! Then I hear news that Dolly Parton has passed away 😢.

Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon and Legendary Philanthropist, Dies Aged 80

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0ry0yzxeyxt 

An amazing, caring, kind and vibrant soul who was loved by all generations. Very sad to hear this news. Dolly Parton seemed to be one of those people who would live forever, but very sadly not so.

Rest in peace Dolly 💠 🕊

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Pallid Harrier flew south past Boddam at 14.02, no further news and then seen again later at 20.59 over Brow Marsh.

Barred Warbler at Exnaboe.

 

ISLANDS

Common Rosefinch at Skaw, Unst. 

 

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

 

Trying to get the driveway grass cut, but the second its hits 6pm the midges are out in full force, will finish the last third after work tomorrow.