SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 18th June

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MAINLAND

Icterine Warbler singing at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick. 

Quail at Bakkasetter.

Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Asta. 

Quail singing opposite Dunrossness School, Boddam.

Quail at Hillwell.

ISLANDS

Quails x 2 singing at Ordale, Unst.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Marsh Warbler singing in quarry at Sumburgh Head.

Quail singing at Pool of Virkie.

Rose-coloured Starling at Sellafirth.

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

I've been suffering to the extreme with my itchy head and scalp, which is now seriously affecting my quality of sleep, which has been almost non existent over the last couple of nights and with going to work that is difficult to cope with. I can't handle this much more, I'm at my wits end. Long story short..... after much Googling, I discovered recently that you can purchase a shower head with a filter, which apparently removes lots of unwanted things in the water including metals, lead, chlorine etc etc. There are lots on the market, but after checking many reviews, awards etc etc I finally decided on the Curo Skin Filtered Shower Head and ordered this a few days ago. Why the hell I haven't found this out before I really don't know, but I suppose when you live on your own and there is nobody else to really talk to about this, it makes seeking advice difficult. Huge thanks to my long time blog supporter John, who kindly sent me an advice email about this recently.

Review from "Good Housekeeping" HERE: Product link HERE. Replacement filter here. I will be sent a new filter every 90 days at £34.00. This may sound expensive, but to potentially lead a normal life, this will be worth every penny if it works.

 

This product arrived today and was simple to install. Removed my shower head, replaced with new one – place filter in behind screw off shower head front section and go! I also ordered Curo's shower bracket for £10 to take the weight of the heavier shower head. I'm going to pray this works or at least relieves my symptoms. Ultimately I need to replace the lead pipe to my property but don't have the finances to do this.

 

After more Googling this evening I found out the following (see in blue), which is why (I guess) my symptoms have been worse over the last week, as we have had a run of hot weather (hot for Shetland) over a few days!!! I also don't think its just the lead causing my issues, I think is the other levels of metals in the water as well. I know from skin tests several years ago (I kept the paperwork results) that I am allergic to metals, so an increase in the percentage of metals to what I was used to prior to moving here, may be the issue, who knows! I was referred to see a dermatologist a while ago, but to have to wait until September to see one. There was a dermatology clinic this month (June) and I got myself on the cancellation list, but I was told this week that the clinic was full and there was no cancellations and so I have to wait until September, which is the next time a dermatologist comes up from 'south'.

 

Lead contamination in drinking water is significantly worse in hot weather. The rate at which lead dissolves from old pipes or soldered joints into your drinking water increases dramatically as water and ground temperatures rise.

Why Heat Increases Lead Leaching

• Higher Dissolvability: As water temperature increases, lead dissolves much faster. Studies show that for every 1°C rise in water temperature, dissolved lead levels can increase by about 17%.
• Seasonal Changes: Research indicates there can be up to three times as much dissolved lead in water during the summer and autumn months compared to the winter. 
• Standing Water: Hot weather means water stays warmer inside the house, especially if it sits in the pipes for a few hours, giving the lead more time to leach into the supply.

This evening I have emailed Anglian Water (Norfolk) to ask their advice re the results from my water test here in comparison to metal levels etc where I used to live.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Broad-billed Sandpiper just west of spit on estuary, Laxo.

Ring-necked Duck ad. drk still at Loch of Tingwall.

ISLANDS

Quails x 2 (both males) singing on Out Skerries.

Quail singing at Baltasound, Unst.

 

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

 

A message for John from Glasgow!

 

Thank you so much for hand posting to my place of work, the copies of Bird Watching Magazines with my late father's regular nature articles he used to write. Much appreciated and thank you for your lovely letter. With no email address etc, the only way of thanking you was here – hope you see this message! I hope you are enjoying your trip to Shetland! 😊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Shorelarks x 2 at Dalsetter, Boddam.

White-billed Diver again at outer entrance of voe, viewed from road NW of harbour, north of Walls.

Ring-necked Duck ad. drk still at Loch of Tingwall. 

Quail at north end of Loch of Spiggie.

Quail at north side of Pool of Virkie.

Quail at Brake, Hillwell.

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

A second day of grey skies and no sunshine.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

White-billed Diver again off West Burrafirth, but no further sign from mid afternoon, north of Walls.

Quail still at Setter, Sandwick.

Ring-necked Duck ad. drk still at Loch of Tingwall. 

ISLANDS

Quails x 3 on Out Skerries.

 

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

WHITE-BILLED DIVER

West Burrafirth Harbour

 

 

Arrived at West Burrafirth Harbour fairly early and was overjoyed to see the very striking White-billed Diver fairly close to the bank, but the light was appalling. The sun didn't come out at all today. Most of the time, the WBD was very distant in the harbour and at times disappeared from view around the cliffs. It only came close a second time, not quite as close as when I first saw it, but then it resurfaced very close to a handful of photographers when it was out of view for me as I was parked in front of a caravan and hadn't realised where it had resurfaced, unluckily. That's the luck of the draw as they say! Fabulous bird to watch and there were lots of other birds to see too – the supporting cast were 2 Red-breasted Mergansers very close before anyone else turned up, a Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Guillemots, Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Fulmars, Common and Arctic Terns. The WBD then seemed to have disappeared altogether by mid afternoon. I drove up to the end of the voe (the furthest you can drive to a dead end and house) as did a couple of birders before me but couldn't find it.

Da Gairdins at Sand

 

 

Went to "Da Gairdins" at Sand, which is ideally viewed on a sunny day, which today wasn't at all, but still enjoyed an amble around these spectacular gardens. Drove to the "Original Cake Fridge", hoping for their divine lemon and coconut cake (which I had a very long time ago), but none there. Spitting with rain on and off all day long. Lit the fire when I got home as it was considerably colder than the last few days. Monday is an extra public holiday to celebrate Scotland's participation in the FIFA Men's World Cup, so not back to work until Tuesday!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Greenish Warbler still at Dave's Trees, Sumburgh Head.

White-billed Diver again off West Burrafirth, north of Walls.

Quail at Setter, Sandwick. 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

 

Was up until the early hours researching filtered shower heads that remove metals – long story short, through desperation I ordered a Curo Filtered Shower head and also set up to have filter replacements every 90 days at £34.00 for a filter. I'm praying this will help as I can't take much of my intensely itchy scalp. Because of this I wasn't able to get up as early as I had wanted to.

 

Checked out the Grutness Garden and pool, nothing of note found. The mass concrete area opposite the pool is so ugly – its needs to be dug up and everything put back as it was, it truly looks depressingly awful. Got to Sumburgh Head and spent far too many hours trying to see the Greenish Warbler at "Dave's Trees". Initially there were too many people and too much talking going on, so I knew it would be a long time before I saw it. Most people then left to go and see the Summer plumaged White-billed Diver which had been found again this morning, so I was left alone. Later, I had to return to my car as the rain was too heavy for my camera and I sat and had lunch and then returned. At 2.45pm I had a brief glimpse and no pictures. An hour (ish) later I had much better views along with Kevin K. and his family and managed to get some pictures. I got wet several times in rain showers.

GREENISH WARBLER

Dave's Trees at Sumburgh Head

 

 

Later I spent nearly two hours at the roses by the lighthouse trying to see the Subalpine Warbler, no joy with that but there were at least 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Wrens and 1 Blackbird in the roses. Saw some Puffins and took some funky scenery shots.

Chiffchaff in the roses at Sumburgh Head

 

Puffins at Sumburgh Head

 

Scenery at Sumburgh Head 

 

 

Filled up with petrol by the airport road. Had a quick scan around Loch of Virkie, which was alive with waders in awesome light and sunshine. Feeling rebellious, I went birding at Boddam. Five fluffy teenage Shelducks were seen with parents, Eiders, Curlew, Turnstones and unusually not much else. No hassle, but I guess it was tea time! 😉 Was thinking about driving to see the White-billed Diver, but it would have been late evening, so not worth the risk financially, so returned home.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Greenish Warbler at Dave's Trees this evening, then in roses by lighthouse at Sumburgh Head.

Subalpine Warbler sp. fem. still in roses by lighthouse this evening, Sumburgh Head. 

White-billed Diver off West Burrafirth, north of Walls.

Lesser Grey Shrike at south end of Stromfirth. 

ISLANDS

Quails x 2 on Out Skerries.

 

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

 

No sign of the Lesser Grey Shrike for any birders that went to see it including me.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 5th to 11th June!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_23.aspx?s_id=535595647 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

White-billed Diver imm. off Vaila from mailboat, Walls.

Quails x 2 singing along road to Staneydale Temple, Tresta. 

ISLANDS

Quail singing at Haroldswick, 3 Quails (2 at Buness, 1 at Daisy Park), Baltasound, Quail at Easting, Unst.

Quail x 2 at Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Quail singing at Symbister, Isle of Whalsay.

Quail east of Voehead Road, Isle of Bressay.

 

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

All Day Trip to Fetlar!

I've only ever been to Fetlar once before and that was with an Oriole Birding Trip on 17th October 2017. I was way overdue to visit this fabulous island again and obviously visiting in October I never got to see the Red-necked Phalaropes. So after studying the weather forecast for the week and booking my trip, I set off insanely early this morning. 

Left home at 4.15am to head for Toft. On route I checked out the beach that the Bearded Seal was found on yesterday, just in case it had returned, it hadn't. Got the 5.45am ferry from Toft, arrived Ulsta, Yell at 6.05am. 30 minute drive to Gutcher and then got the first ferry out to Fetlar at 7.25am, arriving Harmars Ness on Fetlar at 8.05. News arrived on the Rare Bird WhatsApp group of a male Black-headed Bunting on Foula!!! I spent a while trying to work out if I could get there and back – I could, but there was no where to stay when I checked, all booked up and I didn't want to spend £112.00 return for the plane fare, plus I'm not in love with these small planes after my Fair Isle Trip!

Spent a fabulous day on the island, photographing Red-necked Phalaropes (not many on view today though), beaches and scenery. It was fabulous to bump into David Tipling (who lives in Norfolk) this morning, who was leading a photography tour – for those of you who don't know, David is one of the World's most widely published wildlife photographers and aside from that is a really nice person. The light and skies were truly spectacular today! Found Tresta Beach for the first time and spent so much time here wandering along the entire beach from the grass sheep tracks above, through the dunes and then down onto the glittering sands backed by towering cliffs with Fulmars swirling everywhere. I can't recall ever seeing sand that had this much sparkle and it was the same with the rocks and stones. Terns, Gulls, Arctic Skuas, Bonxies, Dunlins, Red-throated Divers, Great Northern Divers, Meadows Pipits, Skylarks were all seen in this area and the turquoise crystal clear sea was on another level. I was fascinated to watch 15 Bonxies bathing together in Papil Loch. I could have spent the entire day on Tresta beach, what a place!

It was nice to bump into Dave and Dawn from Sheffield, who visit Shetland annually and good to have a catch up, thank you for your company today. Quite a few visitors on Fetlar today. I checked out any sycamore trees and gardens for migrants, but best I could find was a Blackbird! Oh, I did hear a Chiffchaff singing by the cafe and shop at Houbie.

Went to Funzie Beach, which is a pebble beach with spectacular views. Drove to Everland to walk to a new beach I've not been to before, but as soon as I opened the car door a collie dog started barking extremely loudly and when I realised that it was loose, I just couldn't get out of the car, silly I know, but I couldn't, which was a real shame as I really wanted to walk to that beach which was called "Gruting".

At the end of the day I walked the wrong way, but found were "Sand of Sand" beach was, which is south of Brough Lodge. On another short walk, I accidentally stumbled upon a female Red-necked Phalarope feeding on the sea below some cliffs which I hadn't expected, what a fabulous find!

Drove to Hamars Ness and got the 19.40 ferry to Gutcher which wasn't as smooth as the crossing this morning, so laid down in the back seat with my eyes closed – arrived at just before 20.10, half an hour drive and then got the 20.40 ferry to Toft, arriving back on the mainland at around 21.00. It was 21.50 when I pulled up in my driveway! A long but truly wonderful day! There is more than probably several grammatical errors etc in the above as very tired, will check and correct tomorrow.

PICTURES TO BE ADDED THIS WEEK – much too tired to write, never mind go through a ton of pictures, sorry!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Quail singing at Isbister, North Roe.

ISLANDS

Black-headed Bunting male at Ham, Quails x 2 singing, Isle of Foula.

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

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Icterine Warbler in garden at Grutness.

Subalpine Warbler sp. fem. in roses at Sumburgh Head.

🦭 Bearded Seal on beach north of B7096 at Graven, south of Sullom Voe.

Bee-eater near Loch of Watsness outflow, then flew off.

ISLANDS

Marsh Warbler at Skaw, Nightjar still at Brough, Isle of Whalsay.

Nightingale at Valyie, Norwick, Unst. 

Red-backed Shrike fem. again from road between Aith and Houbie, Isle of Fetlar.

Quails x 5, Icterine Warbler at Muckle Grind, Marsh Warbler at Harrier on Isle of Foula. 

 

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

 

From the car park by the cemetery at Ireland 

 

 

Fabulous sunny day here. At the Geosetter Burn, nothing found at all, no sign of any Crossbills or Common Rosefinch. Ireland – chilled and had early lunch. Was just heading south to try and see the Icterine Warbler in the Grutness Garden and the Subalpine Warbler at Sumburgh, when news of a Bee-eater came up. I've seen several Bee-eaters including the breeding ones in Norfolk, but how can you ever tire of seeing a Bee-eater! A second message came up that the Bee-eater had already departed, but I headed north anyway as you never know, it could have been relocated or I might have even re-found it (ha ha). Checked out Dale of Walls, Walls and then went on an exploration tour to places I hadn't been before including West Burrafirth, the ferry terminal for Papa Stour, the pier at Brindister etc. Its so fascinating what you stumble upon in Shetland – some fabulous houses with wonderful gardens and trees. I'm in love with the house at West Burrafirth, the garden looks amazing.

 

I messaged the finder Ashley Cooper who said he had been simply scanning from the last house at Watsness (Da Haa) when the Bee-eater came into view in his bins!!! "It was hunting insects and landing on fence wires near the outflow of Loch of Watsness". Ashley said that by the time he got his boots on to walk across the bog to try and and get some shots, the Bee-eater disappeared. Ashley also searched the same areas I did. 103 miles later I'm back home and getting up very, very early in the morning!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Red-backed Shrike in garden at Toab.

Little Stints x 2 at Pool of Virkie.

Icterine Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Red-backed shrike male along North Road at Exnaboe. 

Icterine Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Common Rosefinch fem. at Geosetter.

ISLANDS

Quail at Baltasound, Unst.

Red-backed Shrike at Aith Community Hall, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Honey Buzzard at Hillwell & Quendale.

Red-backed Shrike in NE corner of Loch of Spiggie.

Rustic Bunting trapped and ringed in garden at Eastshore Road, Virkie.

Quail singing between Ireland and Bigton.

Ring-necked Duck ad. drk again on Loch of Tingwall. 

Icterine Warbler at Culsetter, south of Sullom.

Quail singing at Bakkasetter. 

ISLANDS

Quails x 2 singing at Ham, Nightjar fem. on Isle of Foula.

Icterine Warbler, Marsh Warbler on Out Skerries.

Marsh Warbler at Skaw, Unst.

 

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

 

Steve Gantlett has the best picture of the Western Reef Heron – see HERE. 

 

Did the food shopping in the midst of Tesco having a power cut – lots of basic goods I needed were not available, so went to the Co-op to complete my weekly shop. Bolts 24 hour garage pay machines/pumps not working, so no petrol there, had to go to Leasks at Gremista. I was going birding this afternoon, but felt strangely very tired and had to go to bed for a couple of hours. Felt drugged up for the rest of the day, that's the only way to describe how I felt.

 

It was a financial mistake filling my bird feeders yesterday as loads of juvenile House Sparrows and juvenile Starlings descended into my front garden and all begged to be fed by parents – it was like Piccadilly Circus all day! Queueing up to be fed, splashing in the bird baths, snoozing on branches – all fun to watch! Bird feeders empty! 😂

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Greenish Warbler singing in plantation by track by caravan park near school at South Nesting.

Quail singing at Fleck.

Common Rosefinch at Virkie Willows.

Quail singing along North Town Road, Virkie. 

Quail SE of Griesta Farm, Loch of Tingwall. 

Quail in field opposite Hymhus at Bigton.

Quail singing from A970 layby at Fladdabister.

Common Rosefinch briefly at allotments at Sandwick.

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

ISLANDS

Golden Oriole male at Leawart then flew north, Norwick, Unst.

Quail on Isle of Foula.

 

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

 

Edited and added all Fair Isle photos to posts which took far longer than expected. Strimmed the grass which I had not cut since last year, so it was like a mini field! Then did two cuts with my hand lawn mower on high and then medium setting. Cleaned all the bird baths out and changed and topped up the feeders. Need to get some food shopping in and get out birding! I'm on annual leave next week! 😁

 

 

A first for Britain and Ireland turned up today!

Foryd Bay, Caernarfon, Wales

 
WESTERN REEF HERON

 

Found by Simon Hughes Roberts

Fair Isle Trip – 28th May to 2nd June 2026!

All photographs now added to Fair Isle Posts:

 

Day 1 – 28th May

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/05/fair-isle-trip-day-one.html 

 

Day 2 – 29th May

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/05/fair-isle-trip-day-two.html 

 

Day 3 - 30th May

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/05/fair-isle-trip-day-three.html 

 

Day 4 – 31st May

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/05/fair-isle-trip-day-four.html 

 

Day 5 – 1st June

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/06/fair-isle-trip-day-five.html 

 

Day 6 – 2nd June 

https://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2026/06/fair-isle-trip-day-six.html 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Quail at Griesta, Loch of Tingwall.

Greenish Warbler singing in plantation by track by caravan park near school at South Nesting. 

Quail in grass by cemetery, Ireland. 

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

Marsh Warbler singing at Scousburgh.

Temminck's Stint on pool west of B9122, south of Channerwick.

Quail singing in evening at Williamsetter, Bigton.

ISLANDS

Red-throated Pipit on seaweed on beach at Norwick, Unst.

Icterine Warbler in Marsh Marigold Field (elusive), Skaw, Nightjar at Brough, Isle of Whalsay.  

Marsh Warbler, Quail on Out Skerries.

Nightjar at Ham, Isle of Foula. 

 

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

 

I was in the hairdressers for the usual three hours, then went to the only three shops here to look for walking boots. I have the best walking shoes ever, a pair of Grisport Dartmoor shoes, but I want to return to having a pair of stout and good quality leather walking boots to support my ankles. I used to have a pair of Zamberlan boots in my late twenties and they were the best boots I've ever had – they fitted perfectly and you could walk straight away in them. I used to suffer with achilles tendon so had to switch to shoes. A few months ago I decided to buy another pair of Zamberlans, but the only pair I could find that were labelled as "wide fit" were a men's pair (makes no difference) being sold by Uttings who are based in Norwich, Norfolk – they didn't have a size 6 and had to order a pair from the manufacturers in Italy, I waited a couple of months. The boots were delivered whilst I was on Fair Isle. I was shocked to find they they were not a wide fit at all and were a tight fit width wise and also the leather was no where near the same quality as they used to be, so they are packed up to return! Shoes have been made narrower and narrower over the years, my late mother also used to say that and my sister Vivien has been having the same issues with finding a pair for Ray. Nothing seemingly is made of the same high quality as it used to be, which is very frustrating. Boots that are too tight width wise became painful when you have walked a long way. The only shop that had a pair that I liked was "Cee & Jays" who do a big range of footwear for outdoor activities, more so in men's though I noticed. I was pleased to find that they had a pair Grisport FUSE boots, but in the wrong size and so they are going to order a size 6 for me to try – lets hope they will be wider enough!

 

Just made it to my doctor's appointment for 3pm to review my sore thumb from driving in Norfolk which is even worse and extremely painful. It hurts to write and put any pressure on it all and affects every single thing I try to do. The doctor I saw is referring me for an X-Ray and a steroid injection. I need to strim the grass which is the longest its ever been, but don't know if I will be able to do it, I will have a go over the next day or to. Will finish adding all the pictures to my Fair Isle posts tomorrow, although all the phone pictures are added and a few of the SLR shots.

 

Gorgeous day here with lots of sunshine, hope to get out birding soon!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 29th May to 4th May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2026_22.aspx?s_id=326471916 

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Rustic Bunting and Common Rosefinch from my fabulous trip to Fair Isle.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Glaucous Gull in fields west of road to Sumburgh Head.

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

Common Rosefinch in Virkie Willows.

Quail at bottom of track, Ireland.

Quail at Fleck Fields, south of Boddam.

Western Subalpine Warbler still in garden at east end of Troswick Road, Nightjar on wall on north side of croft, Boddam.   

Quail at Griesta, Loch of Tingwall.

ISLANDS

Quail singing in fields near Setters Hill Estate, Baltasound, Wood Sandpiper at Haroldswick, Unst.

Icterine Warbler in Marsh Marigold Field, Skaw, Isle of Whalsay. 

 

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

 

It was my early finish at work today and although I felt far more awake than yesterday, I still don't feel fully recovered, so went straight home. Started sorting and editing pictures for my Fair Isle Trip. Had an overdue catch up with Lucy, Vivien & Ray on the phone.

 

Last night after work I took my washing out of the machine to hang up and realised that I had left my Audubon Bird Call in my coat pocket and of course it now doesn't work at all. I gave it 24 hours to dry out on a radiator and reapplied some resin, but its totally dead, so ordered a new one on Amazon and see that they are not cheap to buy now. My last one cost around £8.00 – must have increased in popularity.

 

Hairdressers tomorrow and I need to go food shopping asap, finish adding all the photos to my trip reports and then I can go birding!