Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Barred Warbler still in garden, Waxwing on North Road, Lerwick.
Cattle Egret at Cullsetter then flew to Loch of Spiggie.
Little Bunting along track to Noss Hill, Loch of Spiggie.
Long-eared at Aisterlea, Cunningsburgh.
Waxwing at Burn of Sound.
Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
American Golden Plover juv. at Pool of Virkie.
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Dalsetter, Boddam.
Coues's Arctic Redpoll still in crop field, Waxwing in garden at Hillwell.
ISLANDS
Little Buntings x 2 in neap crop field at Midgarth, ISLE OF BRESSAY.
Waxwing at Hillend, Mid Yell, Long-eared Owl at Ulsta, YELL.
Went to Swining to see if the Red-flanked Bluetail was still around, it wasn't. 28th October 2021 was the last time there was a Red-flanked Bluetail in the same two gardens, which I also didn't see on my visit to Shetland that Autumn. Flushed a Woodcock from a garden here as I was walking on the hill near the burn and there were several Redwings and Blackbirds around – chatted with "Phil" who owns the lovely garden on the left who told me he had lived here for over forty years.
At Scatsta Plantation I found a male Blackcap and a Chiffchaff but nothing else of note here – had a lovely chat with a local birder who had taken a cracking picture of the Chiffchaff flitting around with his Pentax camera. Sullom Plantation is somewhere I have not visited until today – parked up and walked through the plantation right to the furthest point. Although it was great to be amongst lots of trees it felt a bit spooky to be honest, it didn't help that the entire day was grey and dreary and not a hint of sun. Found at least 10 Goldcrests here and a couple of Blackbirds. Very soggy underfoot, so it was a good job I had my wellies on. I was surprised there wasn't any other birds in here at all. I was hoping for a Nutcracker 😁.
Sullom Plantation
I then drove to Muckle Roe for a look around and as far as the road takes you to the sign saying "Lighthouse 2kms, Hams 4km, Beach" – a walk I would like to do one day, but at this time at the year it needs to be started at sunrise. Returned to the mainland via the road bridge and headed to Brae. Bought a box of chips from "Frankies" which were very nice indeed and then cruised home.
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