Wednesday, 20 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Tuesday 19th May
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Pectoral Sandpiper near Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.
Bluethroat fem. in burn before quarry, Wood Sandpiper flew over at Quendale.
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Asta.
Bluethroat in wet ditch on south side of s-shaped pool at Sumburgh Hotel.
ISLANDS
Thrush Nightingale at Ham, Red-backed Shrike on south side of island, Isle of Foula.
Greenland Redpoll (possible) at Mid Yell, Yell.
Little Stint again on beach at Haroldswick, Unst.
Bluethroat adult male at Vadill Pool, Blue-headed Wagtail on Out Skerries.
45mph SE winds, very cold and torrential rain mid afternoon and evening.
Monday, 18 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
PECTORAL SANDPIPER 
Hawfinch at Helendale House, Lerwick.
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Asta.
Pectoral Sandpiper near Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick.
Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.
Arctic Redpoll at Findlin Farm, Hillswick.
Icterine Warbler in garden (very elusive) at Springfield, Scousburgh.
ISLANDS
Little Stint on beach at Haroldswick, Unst.
Blue-headed Wagtail this evening on Out Skerries.
Stunning day, a balmy 12.5 degrees and SE winds! After Andy J. found a Spotted Flycatcher in Lerwick this morning, I decided this must be one here. I have had a Spot Fly in the tall trees opposite my garden before. I spent a long time searching my road and different areas of Scalloway but only found Siskins. I also checked out the areas where the Golden Oriole had been but found nothing other than a Blackbird and House Sparrows. Someone had found the first Cuckoo of the year at Kergord.
Sycamores in Ladysmith Road, Scalloway
Sitting in my front garden, Scalloway
Leebitten – Pectoral Sandpiper feeding on the shore
Sandsayre Pier, Leebitten, Sandwick
Headed to Leebitten where visiting birder Andy H. had found a cracking Pectoral Sandpiper feeding on the shore amongst the seaweed with Turnstones and one Purple Sandpiper. I sat with Hugh and Anne photographing this in the sunshine – as we sat still and in silence, the Pectoral Sandpiper walked right up to us and then a bit later it decided to sit in the seaweed to have a snooze until the Turnstones got it moving again! The entire scene was a wonderful spectacle with gulls bathing at the waters edge and the Mousa Ferry going back and forth with trips. I sat at the picnic table to have my lunch and then left and headed to Noness. I sat on the cliffs – the sea was glittering in the sunshine and the first Sea Thrift was out in flower. I video called Vivien who was doing her monthly visit to Lucy and showed them the view where I sitting, Lucy seemed impressed. A very small bee was on the pink thrift – I'm not good at bee ID, which I need to get better at. I suddenly felt a whoosh of air close over my head, a Bonxie had almost skimmed my head and headed over the clifftops – this reminded me of the Bonxies that come for you on Ward Hill on Fair Isle, which is a seriously scary experience. It was an idyllic spot to be enjoying the sunshine and there were lots of lambs in the field alongside the road.
Pink Sea Thrift on the cliffs at Noness
Walked along Swinister Burn and found 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Blackbirds. The sun had gone in and it all looked quite dull now. I watched a Wren with a feather in its beak head for a hole just under the riverbank, which I thought was very unusual. Seconds after this I heard a huge commotion of splashing water – a cocker spaniel off lead was charging all the way through and along the burn with owner shouting at it to come back and of course it didn't, no recall whatsoever. There was another dog owner with a dog off lead here too although that was better behaved overall. Swinister Burn has sadly got a poor reputation for dogs off lead here, which is why I don't go there very often.
Swinister Burn, Sandwick
At The Orca Inn there were no birds at all. I was on route to walk my favourite Geosetter Burn when a message came up that a singing Icterine Warbler was in a garden at Scousburgh, so I naturally switched direction. It was a garden I was unfamiliar with, but found it and also found Anne's car so I knew I was in the right place, but couldn't see her anywhere. I walked all around the circumference of the garden (fields) and then found Anne who had seen the Icterine briefly. We stood for a long time at the entrance to the driveway of the garden and eventully the Icterine showed briefly for Anne, I saw a movement but couldn't get on it, so can't count it! There were some lovely Linnets here, a Blackbird and House Sparrows. It was freezing cold by the time we left. Drove home via the road over Mossy Hill that comes out on the main road by Levenwick – it was totally foggy up here and I had a job to see the road, which I hadn't expected! I was back home too late to think about lighting the fire and it was chilly in my house. Bird feeders all empty again! SE winds again tomorrow, but 45mph and rain!
Sunday, 17 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.
Long-tailed Skua at Lunga Water, Sandwick.
Arctic Redpoll in garden at Hillswick.
Long-eared Owl in garden at Boddam, Dunrossness.
Greenland Redpoll at Dalsetter, Boddam.
ISLANDS
Wood Sandpiper at Smaa Waters, Unst.
Todd's Canada Goose at West-a-Firth, Greenland Redpoll at Mid Yell, Yell.
Had a lovely catch up on the phone with Sophie Barker (was NOA warden at Holme) this morning. Three Siskins still on my feeders with good numbers of House Sparrows, Starlings, Collared Doves and my tame male Blackbird. Had lunch, loaded the car up with garden waste (no room left in compost bin) and headed to the dump. The skies were full of Ravens (never seen this many together) and also Hooded and Carrion Crows feeding in fields opposite the entrance to the dump.
Went to Planticrub, my first visit since last year and bought a couple more colourful large pots, three perennials, some bedding plants and four bags of seaweed compost. When I reached home it started lashing down with rain and I got soaked just emptying everything out of the car. My plan had been to pot up all my plants etc before the birding gets serious, but rain stopped play! Plants will have to wait now, as there should be some birds to find tomorrow. All diet food prepared for the day. Goodnight!
Saturday, 16 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Puffins at Sumburgh Head
Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.
Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.
ISLANDS
Red-necked Phalarope at Funzie, Fetlar.
Common Cranes x 2 north of Loch of Kettlester, Yell.
Common Rosefinch still at Norwick, Unst.
Spent three hours trying to find the Golden Oriole in East Voe, Scalloway. Returned home and had two tonne bags of logs arrive from Mackenzie's Farm Shop which took me a long time to stack in my shed. I have ordered far more logs this year due to the long Winter. Was shattered after this so had a cat nap, then lunch. Siskins x 3 on my feeders. After a rainy start this morning, the afternoon was sunny and beautiful light for the rest of the day.
Headed south to the see the Bottle-nose Dolphin in the bay at Ireland, but it had departed when I was on route. Watched two Common Terns over West Voe Beach and there were some Eiders on the sea and Oystercatchers and Turnstones on the beach.
West Voe Beach, Sumburgh
Drove to Grutness to see how the new pier and workings was looking and still couldn't understand why there is a very large area of concrete and next to this a huge flat hardcore area – I presumed that maybe it was for a new waiting room and toilets. I also presumed that it would all be returned to how it looked before eg natural, boulders and wildflowers etc, but I heard something really bad from a local person about what the concrete area and hardcore area is intended for and hopefully when the planning permission is submitted, everybody will be contesting it!!! Pair of Shelduck on Grutness Pool along with a Ringed Plover and a Pied Wagtail. Starlings and House Sparrows in the walled garden and lots of cute lambs skipping around in the lush green grass.
The roses by the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head
Guillemots at Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head was alive with seabirds and it was almost warm sitting on the grass by the roses. Watched a Wren and a Chiffchaff feeding in the roses. No Puffins on view from the usual viewing platform at the top, but there were two were showing well just before the main entrance with the model Orca – my first Puffin sightings this year! Lovely to meet and chat with visitors including a couple who were seeing their first ever Puffins! Lovely afternoon out!
Friday, 15 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Andy and Anne popped into mine for a hot drink and warm up, which was nice and the search for the Golden Oriole continued in vain. Saw three Barnacle Geese at Loch of Asta at 9pm and there were a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers in Scalloway Harbour at the bottom of my road and I have had three Siskins on my feeders today. Cleaned out the bird baths and changed and filled all the feeders up after tea this evening, before going out to look for the oriole again.
Long-tailed Skuas x 4 flew past St Ninian's Isle.
Pomarine Skuas x 8, Long-tailed Skuas x 15 flew past Ness of Ireland.
Pomarine Skuas x 2 flew past Toab.
Golden Oriole in two gardens at East Voe, Scalloway.
Long-tailed Skuas x 2, Pomarine Skua over Meal Beach, West Burra.
Long-tailed Skuas x 9, Pomarine Skuas x 7 at Eshaness.
Wood Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.
ISLANDS
Common Rosefinch at Norwick, Wood Sandpiper at Haroldswick, Unst.
Spent most of the day along with Anne E., Andy J and Matt W. trying to find the fabulous Golden Oriole in East Voe, Scalloway. It was covering a large area which included the garden of the finder Laura (perched on her fence!), the garden next to Shetland vets and Sarah Kay's garden. Lovely to meet Laura who was so excited at her find and congratulations to her! There was also four visiting birders who had just arrived, also looking. Phil H. was the only one that saw it in the garden at the Shetland vets and then saw it fly up towards Sarah's Kay's garden. When I was chatting to Sarah, she said she had seen it early morning and showed me a picture and a video. It was the first time I have actually been in Sarah Kay's garden (open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) which is totally stunning, plus she has some gorgeous cats.
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Thursday 14th May
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck ad drk at Loch of Tingwall.
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Loch of Hillwell.
Pomarine Skuas x 2 at Watsness.
ISLANDS
No news.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-throated Pipit at Sumburgh Head.
Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Hillwell.
ISLANDS
No news.
The three Siskins remain in my garden this evening. I was heading south to see the Red-throated Pipit, but felt too exhausted after work to head south and spend a long time searching for a pipit in long grass! Saving my energy until I finish work tomorrow for the beginning of my week's annual leave, which I may have booked just right, looking at the weather conditions!
🎶 🎉 " HAPPY BIRTHDAY " 🎉 🎶
JOHN FURSE!
JOHN FURSE!
😊 🦋 🐝 🐞 🐛
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
Very poor bird news as you can see from the lack of news on RBA for Shetland! Hopefully it will all change next week. My three Siskins remain in the garden this evening. Exciting to hear someone watching a female Humpback and tiny calf 3.8nm NNE of Skerries this evening!
Monday, 11 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck drk, Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.
ISLANDS
Smew fem. still on Loch of Belmont, Unst.
3 Siskins still in my garden after work. Still chilly, but next week looks slightly warmer and south easterlies too!
Sunday, 10 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring Ouzel on south side of Mossy Hill, Scousburgh.
ISLANDS
American Wigeon drk on Houbie Mires, Fetlar.
Smew fem. still on Loch of Belmont, Unst.
Long-tailed Skua flew past ferry terminal at Ulsta, Yell.
Saturday, 9 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
No news.
ISLANDS
American Wigeon drk on Houbie Mires, Fetlar.
Nothing exciting to report I'm afraid. Sunny day until mid afternoon, but very chilly still. More gardening which included sweeping up the remaining leaves from last year and having a general tidy up outside. Siskins on the feeders again. I would like to go to Planticrub Garden Centre for my Summer bedding plants, but not much point when its this cold and the forecast next week is the same. Heavy rain forecast tomorrow, so will be doing indoors jobs. South winds forecast from the 17th May and a few days of south easterlies after that. Hope we get some birds at some point this Spring! 🤞
Friday, 8 May 2026
Happy Birthday to Sir David Attenborough!
HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY!
8th May 2026
Sir David Attenborough
At The Rutland Bird Fair in 2008 ©Penny Clarke
Book signing – I was in a very long queue at The Rutland Bird Fair waiting for David to sign his book 'Life On Air' in 2008. It was so exciting to meet him and I will never forget that moment, ever!
Picture kindly taken with my phone by the next person in the queue!
Picture kindly taken with my phone by the next person in the queue!
"On the day of Sir David Attenborough’s
100th birthday, this unmissable event honours one of the most
influential figures in broadcasting and natural history storytelling.
Broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London, this 90-minute special celebrates Sir David’s groundbreaking career, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of Sir David’s remarkable life and work...."
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Gargeney reported at Ollaberry.
ISLANDS
Smew fem. still on Loch of Belmont, Unst.
Spent the day gardening for the first time this year. Siskins on the feeders. Two Hedgehogs in the garden last night! Still very cold here and no fall of birds yet.
Thursday, 7 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Brow.
ISLANDS
No news.
Cold here and no fall of Spring migrants yet!
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Wednesday 6th May
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Brow.
ISLANDS
American Wigeon drk at Papil Water, Fetlar.
Black Tern flew north over campsite at Uyeasound, Smew fem. at Loch of Belmont just west of Belmont, Unst.
Sleet, snow and 1.5 degrees this morning on the way to work and then 9 degrees and sunshine later! Just heard some good news this evening, that "Da Moors Cafe" will be opening at the former Mackenzies Cafe in Cunningsburgh.
Tuesday, 5 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Brow.
Wood Sandpiper at Papil Loch, West Burra.
Pied Flycatcher male in garden at Boddam.
ISLANDS
American Wigeon drk at Houbie Mires, Fetlar.
Wood Sandpiper flew north at Halligarth, ENE of Baltasound, Unst.
5 Siskins and Robin still in my garden this evening and a Hedgehog scurrying around under the bird feeders.
Monday, 4 May 2026
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck drk still at Loch of Brow.
ISLANDS
American Wigeon drk at Houbie Mires, Fetlar.
2
Siskins and 3 Goldfinches still in my garden this evening.
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