SHETLAND BIRD NEWS, PHOTOS, BIRDING, LIFE AND MORE! MY 14th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2024!


Ring RARE BIRD ALERT with your sightings to: 01603 456789 or Hotline: 0207 0382820 or Text: 07520 634324
All Bird News & Megas via The Rare Bird Alert Website – Subscribe To RBA For Detailed News & Much More!

OVER ELEVEN MILLION VIEWS! If you would like to advertise here, please contact me at [pennyclarke@talktalk.net]

Sunday 31 December 2023

NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Today was the first time I have left my house since Thursday 21st December and the first time I've made contact with another human being in person in over ten days! I don't feel 100% yet, but don't feel I'm putting anyone else at risk by going out now. Not that you can call going to Tesco "going out"!!! 😂

It felt strange and almost overwhelming being amongst people again. I have been trapped indoors for far too long. Not being with other people and not being well enough to even go for a walk or a drive somewhere, has tested my brain to the max!

Another day of gales and heavy rain. I still feel exhausted from Covid and have not done anything to prepare for my move in January yet – well that's if it happens, as the buyer's solicitor has still not confirmed everything yet, which they were asked to do before close of business on 22nd December.

Fell asleep on the sofa again this afternoon. Watched a romantic comedy called "Marry Me" starring Jennifer Lopaz and Owen Wilson, which I quite enjoyed and then later watched "An Audience with Kylie", which you can't really go wrong with...

https://www.itv.com/watch/an-audience-with/10a5022/10a5022a0001

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
None.

Very strong winds and heavy rain all day.

Saturday 30 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
Fin Whale at sea off Uyeasound, Unst.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 29th December
 
Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
Glaucous Gull (for 2nd day) at Ham, Foula. Glaucous Gulls x 2 at Westing, Unst.

Thursday 28 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Hen Harrier at Dalsetter, Boddam. Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull at Skaw, Whalsey.


No power cuts at my house, but limited mobile phone signal last night. Feeling very fed up now, not left my house since I was at work last Thursday, but starting to feel a bit better now and my sense of smell has slightly improved. Still feeling very fatigued though.

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Tuesday 26 December 2023

BOXING DAY!

I didn't even wake up until lunch time and still felt exhausted – this is how Covid affected me last time. No other news. Weather looked good from the window. Lots of Starlings and House Sparrows on the feeders and the odd Blackbird. 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Iceland Gull at Cullivoe, Yell.

Monday 25 December 2023

CHRISTMAS DAY!

As I was convalescing on the sofa, a Robin flew into the leafless large honeysuckle, looked through the window at me briefly and then flew off "When Robins appear, loved ones are near" Thinking about my parents today 💕 This is the first Robin I have seen in the garden, since being here, must have been a sign!

Enjoyed a ZOOM call with my sisters and Ray, although it seemed to take forever for us all to connect up, we got there in the end! Not much else to report. Watched TV, cooked food, but it all tasted of nothing! I might as well, have cooked one item! 😞

I really thought we might have a White Christmas, but its been a stunning day anyway, with blue skies and fluffy white clouds, such a pity I didn't feel up to going out anywhere, oh well! My ribs are hurting from coughing, I'm a rubbish patient.

Sunday 24 December 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope you all have a lovely time with your families. It can be a difficult time of year for many, but remember whoever is not with you, is with you in spirit. 💞 Always. Try and remember those many happy Christmases with your loved ones over the years. I fondly recall my father making my sisters and I bespoke Christmas hats and they were brilliantly made, from coloured card and tinsel tassels etc! Cycling up to watch the Christmas Swim in Hunstanton, whilst my dear mother cooked our scrumptious Christmas lunch and in the afternoon walking around the village with our new hats and gloves etc! How different it was in those days. We always had an orange wrapped up in our Santa Sacks, I wonder what children would make of that today!

For those of you on your own, make sure you cook something nice and get some fresh air if you can and watch the birds in your garden, maybe do a Christmas Day Bird List?! One of the advantages of being on your own, is you haven't got the huge stress of cooking for goodness knows how many people! I know some people like doing this, but many don't!

Lucy, Vivien, Ray and I are doing a Christmas ZOOM at 11am!

I want to say a special thank you to all the Shetland birders here, who have made me so welcome since I moved here in May and to all the lovely staff at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, who also have been so kind and welcoming. Also a huge thank you to many friends who have supported me since moving here with all kinds of sensible advice!

If any of my patients are reading this, both past and present, a special message to you all, look after yourselves, stay safe, don't rush and a Happy Christmas to you all 💖

🎄 ⛄ 🎄

CHRISTMAS EVE!

Well, with still feeling pretty rough, its not been the best Christmas Eve I've had. Nothing much to report today really. The snow has melted outside now, well at least outside my front window and street it has, don't know about elsewhere in Shetland. Jill and Rob phoned up to ask if I wanted anything and very kindly put some Olbas Oil through my letter box! So I had an exciting steaming session over a bowl this afternoon!

Don't know if I will feel like cooking Christmas lunch tomorrow – will have to see how I feel.

🎄🎄🎄

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Glaucous Full at South Light, Fair Isle. Hen Harrier ringtail at Noness. Snow Bunting at Gutcher, Yell.

Saturday 23 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Snow Bunting at Gutcher, Yell. White-billed Diver, Little Auks x 2 at Vaila, SW of Walls.
 
Still feeling rough today. Lost my sense of smell and taste. Every tiny thing I attempt to do is exhausting.

Friday 22 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
None.
 
Sleet/snow here for most of the day.

I have had a high temperature 39°C and my face was burning up. I felt so ill today, it must be Covid, but I have no test kits. Good night.

Thursday 21 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie. Iceland Gull at Westing, Unst.
 
The coldest and most severe weather since I have been here. 76mph winds recorded on Unst this morning. Sleet being whipped around in severe, icy and howling winds.

Started to feel ill with a tickly cough and by the end of the day, a temperature started, making me feel totally rubbish. Have the next five days off and back to work on Wednesday 27th December. I need to spend that time packing, but have no idea how I'm going to feel tomorrow.

British Gas Saga FINALLY Resolved!

Some of you may remember my very long, stressful and ongoing saga with British Gas since I left King's Lynn. A very, very long story short – I have been waiting for my final and CORRECT bill for gas and electricity since my house sale in King's Lynn, Norfolk completed on 16th June. The service has been utterly atrocious and that's putting it very mildly! After loads of phone calls, miscommunications on their part, threatening letters from them, incorrect and made-up bills, including one bill stating that I apparently reading the metres in May – funny that, yep I really did return to Norfolk to read the metres from Shetland! 😂😂😂 I put up with it far longer then Vivien said she would have done.

Anyway, I finally gave them an ultimatum by email and posted a letter to their headquarters, so they had a MASSIVE long rant TWICE from me, which included me very sarcastically telling them what the readings were and how simple it was to work out and at the end of my rant, I said if they did not reply by a certain date OR and send me the correct final bill, that I would contact Ombudsman.

As I expected, they didn't reply, so for the first time in my life, I contacted Ombudsman – its been going on with Ombudsman since I reported my complaint to them on 22nd August. So its taken over FIVE months to rectify in all, with continued stress. Recently I had an email saying my final bill was ready for viewing on my on-line account (after I requested a paper bill to be sent) which I couldn't view as they have blocked the account in some way and it asks you to ring them – you couldn't make it up! So I sent a stinking email back stating this and sent another message to Ombudsman.

I had a twirl round in the office at work today, when I could see an email on my phone from British Gas saying I now owed NOTHING – see below!!! I couldn't believe what I was reading! Also note, that the email said they were unable to reach me by phone – I had no missed calls on my mobile and I never gave them my landline number here – they had probably rung my landline in Norfolk!!! 😆

Hi Miss Clarke, 

I am sorry I was unable to reach you by phone this afternoon.

Unfortunately your original case handler has been unwell and has been unable to reply to the Energy Ombudsman case handler with a copy of your final bill. 

I have attached a copy of the final bill to this email for you to review.

However when the £75 Gesture of Goodwill credit was processed it hadn't been sent off to be authorised this means it hadn't come off the final balance.

I have authorised this today after reviewing the case implementations and this took the final balance to £78.71 however as this has been ongoing and your final bill hadn't been received I have applied a further £78.71 Gesture of Goodwill credit to energy account Axxxxxxx and this has cleared your final bill resulting in a closing balance of £0.00. I have sent the evidence of this to the Energy Ombudsman.

Kind Regards 
Steph

I will NEVER have to deal with British Gas again! I can't wait to shred everything! Made my Christmas!!!

🎉 🥳 👊 👍 😊 🙌

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 20th December
 
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Russian White-fronted Goose at Sumburgh. Iceland Gull at Westing, Unst.
 

🌬
Schools and nurseries closed tomorrow. Buses not running in first few hours and ferries disrupted due to high winds.

Tuesday 19 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
No rare bird news from Shetland either yesterday or today.
 
However, there have been sightings of Orca yesterday in Scalloway and Wester Quarff and today off Burrastow, Walls.
 
 
Rainy weather and strong winds here. Sleet showers forecast overnight and then rain again tomorrow. Light snow forecast for Friday. The forecast does not predict a white Christmas here though.
 
Ferry disruption may mean some islanders will be fighting over the Christmas sprouts in Tescos, amongst other food items!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 12th to 18th December!

By Jon Dunn

Sunday 17 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Snow Bunting at Voe of Sound, Lerwick.

Its been a rainy and dismal weekend. I've been getting stressed about my house purchase, because of the slowness of the seller's solicitor – I feel I'm constantly chasing things. At the same time I have been looking at flights and accommodation and was planning to visit my sisters in early February – I wanted to be back for Lucy's birthday on the 10th. I have not seen my sisters since late April, its been too long. I've realised its far too risky to book flights and accommodation, as my completion and move date (currently new dates of 18th and 19th January) might change and also it will only be a couple of weeks after I move – its too much to deal with, I've decided. So my new plan is to visit my sisters in early/mid March, Zoom meetings are ok, but you can't hug over Zoom – I will have to be sensible and deal with it. Once I'm in my forever home, I can plan my life better!

The frustrating thing about returning to Norfolk is that I can't stay with my sisters, not allowed to stay with Lucy and can't really stay on Vivien and Ray's narrowboat for a long week! Accommodation is expensive and I have decided I'm not going to hire a car, as that will add another £400+ to the cost of the trip. For a short trip, its financially cheaper to fly (rather than take the ferry) to Norwich, then I will get a train to Ely, then King's Lynn. In good weather and a longer trip, I would get the ferry, but no point in spending a fortune on petrol on a 8-9 hour drive and contending with dodgy roads in the Winter weather. The main point of my trip is to see my sisters, anyone else I want to visit, I will be taking the coastliner bus! This way, I will be able to afford to come back a couple of times a year at least, well, that's the plan anyway.
 
This afternoon I cruised over to Watsness to see Jill and Rob. Its only the second time I have visited them, since I have been here. I was looking forward to seeing all the work done on renovating their house and also to see the lovely cats! 'Pepper' sat very contentedly on my lap, which was lovely. My favourite cat is Morgan, he is a gorgeous boldly marked tabby.

The house looks much better painted white, much more cheerful. Its amazing what's been done inside the house, I especially loved the wrought iron ceiling lights upstairs and all the decor looks very stylish. The staircase looks completely different and their Christmas lights gave everything a festive feel. Jill and Rob have the most stunning views of loch and sea from their house!

Friday 15 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Waxwings x 4 at Lerwick. Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gulls x 3 at Breckon, Yell.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 14th December
 
Rare  Bird  Alert  News
Blue Fulmar, Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie. Russian White-fronted Goose at Skaw, Whalsay.

Wednesday 13 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
Mealy Redpolls x 5 at Uyeasound, Unst.
 
Finished and posted all my Christmas cards and just a handful to hand deliver here! Christmas parcel posted to my sisters. Sorted out my Christmas Day lunch – its in the freezer 😆😋! Strong winds and rain currently and forecast for the next few days. 
 
Amazing footage of Orcas breaching off Sumburgh Head this afternoon!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Tuesday 12th December

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
White-billed Divers x 2 off Gloup Head, Yell. Iceland Gull at Gutcher, Yell. Hen Harrier at Dalsetter, Boddam. Waxwings x 4 at Lerwick.

RBA Round-Up 5th to 11th December!

By Jon Dunn

Monday 11 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
Glaucous Gull at Kirk Loch, Yell. Russian White-fronted Geese x 3 at Loch of Hillwell.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Sunday 10th December

Rare  Bird  Alert  News 
Snow Buntings x 2 at Dale of Walls. Waxwings x 5 in Lerwick. Iceland Gull at Gutcher, Yell. Glaucous Gull at Loch of Spiggie.
 

Near Sandsayre Pier, Sandwick
 

Went for a walk this afternoon around Sandsayre Pier, where I saw lots of Starlings, House Sparrows, 1 Blackbird, Turnstones, Redshanks, Curlews, Rock Pipits, Grey Heron and 2 Hooded Crows. At Noness I watched 4 Ringed Plovers sheltering by a rock on the beach, Turnstones, Oystercatchers and Starlings going to roost.

Spent the rest of the day writing Christmas cards out and wrapping presents for my sisters.

Sunday 10 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 9th December

No rare bird news, but someone found a Water Rail at Meal Beach.

As forecast it rained all day. Got my tyres out of the car and into the house – I don't have a shed, so no choice and now all I can smell is rubber, not good. Went Christmas shopping again and did a food shop. Started writing my Christmas cards out.

Christmas will be rather strange this year, as I will be on my own. I'll be busy packing to move anyway!

https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/09/tall-ships-organiser-scoops-prestigious-award

Friday 8 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

No bird news today, but yesterday there were four Waxwings in Lerwick, one in Sandwick and a Little Auk in Scalloway Harbour.

When I first moved here, I decided to link to the "Nature In Shetland" website, where the bird sightings were posted daily in great detail and with the addition of cetacean and insect sightings too. For some reason unknown to me, this stopped on 12th October. I continued to link to their website, thinking they had just got behind and would update it at some point, but this has not happened and here we are, nearly two months later with no further updates. So there is really no point in continuing to link to their website.

Therefore, I will post the daily bird news myself, but it will be a brief summary in one paragraph, as I don't want to return to the comprehensively written posts I did for the Norfolk bird news.

It has been extremely icy here all week and I have not dared to move my car at all. There have been a number of accidents throughout Shetland in these treacherous conditions. I have never been so relieved to wake up to gale force winds and rain on Thursday morning! I could see my car again and there was no ice.

Today was a very busy day – at 7.15am in total darkness and pouring rain, I emptied my car completely, put down all the back seats and covered them in old blankets and then drove to Jim's Tyre Garage in Lerwick. I left my car there all day to get the tracking done and swop my 'Summer' tyres for four new "Michelin Alpin 6" Winter tyres. My old tyres still have a lot of tread left and these were put in the back of my car to swop over next Spring.

Walked for half an hour into town, had a hairdressing appointment at 9.30am and then searched the shops for Christmas presents for Vivien, Ray and Lucy. I then had a rare treat out of lunch by myself at No.88 Kitchen and Bar and had a lovely Asian Salad with Quinoa & Roasted Halloumi, followed by a Mince Pie & Ice-cream and a Hot Chocolate. Continued searching shops for presents and then walked all the way back to Jim's Garage to lighten my bank account! The new tyres cost a bomb, but you get what you pay for at the end of the day – one of the safest tyres, if not the safest I can possibly have over the next few months.

When I returned home, there were no parking spaces near my house and I didn't fancy rolling tyres down the street and then down 10 steep steps in the dark and rain, so have left them in the car until tomorrow. Had a lazy evening. More rain tomorrow, slightly dryer on Sunday!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 28th November to 4th December!

By Jon Dunn

Monday 4 December 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings

Beautiful light and sunny days combined with severe frosts and ice.

Today is the first day of my permanent post here! 😊

Looks like I will be moving to my forever home in mid January now.

Tuesday – extremely icy here and everyone walking at a snail pace on the ungritted pavements.

Saturday 2 December 2023

Christmas Parade and Light Switch on – Lerwick, Shetland!

Christmas Parade, Lerwick


Best Christmas parade I have ever seen, they certainly didn't do anything like this in Norfolk. A fabulous turn out by hundreds of people and lots of excited children! Santa arrived on the RNLI Lifeboat at Victoria Pier and then led the festive procession along Commerical Road (main street) lined by lots of families.

Festive floats, Christmas characters including the Living Lerwick mascot, Olaf from Frozen and The Bigton Samba band marched along to a lively drumbeat, while the Lerwick Brass Band played some classic Christmas carols at the back of the parade, with the Lerwick Jarl Squad singing along. There was a snow machine on one of the floats, but it did actually snow too! Note the handsome Husky dog with lit up collar and two Shetland ponies in the parade!

 
Bigton Samba Band at Market Cross, Lerwick

 
Bigton Samba Band & Parade at Market Cross, Lerwick

https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2023/12/02/hundreds-line-commercial-street-for-christmas-parade/

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings

It took a good half an hour to scrape the ice off my car this afternoon! I don't get my Winter tyres until next Friday, so with very icy conditions, I won't be doing any unnecessary travelling until then.

Put some apples out in the garden yesterday and today, they are disappearing very quickly, mostly by Blackbirds.

Thursday 30 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings

Lunch at work with the physio team as well – a get together for Sidonie and a card and beautiful silver necklace (chosen by Elaine) given to her from all of us. Sidonie kindly gave us some New Zealand chocolate and a lovely little bird book on the birds of New Zealand for me! Sidonie pointed out her favourite bird in the book, which is a Takahē.

Then, an evening out after work to the "Douglas Arms" for drinks with Sidonie, Catherine, Kyle, Jen and Luke. It was Sidonie's last day at work and on Saturday she leaves Shetland. There was a football match on a big screen, being watched very enthusiastically by a group of locals! It seemed like a really warm and welcoming pub with Christmas lights up, musical instruments hung on the wall and a fascinating collection of historical photos and artworks.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 29th November

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings

Monday 27 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Several things being organised in relation to my house purchase, not as simple as I thought it would be, but going smoothly currently! I will either have to pack very quickly indeed or I will have a bit longer until the new year?! 😊

Sunday 26 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Raining all day, rest and jobs. I recently bought a new Christmas 🎄 for my new house, but it may not get unboxed until Christmas 2024! I may be in my fabulous new house before Christmas, but it might end up being January 2024 – depends how quickly the solicitors work together!🤞 😊

Saturday 25 November 2023

Guided Beach Tour!

Banna Minn Beach, West Burra

 

Sidonie (see yesterday's post) has not had a car for the majority of the time she has been here and hadn't visited the beaches at West Burra yet, so I said earlier in the week I would take her today.  It was chilly with NW winds, but dry, apart from the odd spits of rain and the sun even even came out for a while on and off, not bad for a late November day here!

Meal Beach, West Burra

 

I had a big flask of tea for us and we picked up some lunch and snacks from Sound Garage on route. We started off at Meal Beach where there were several cars in the car park. Frustrating to find the 'public' loos closed – obviously only open for the tourist season! We ambled down the path and through the gate to the beach, but stayed on the cliff edge and took some pictures of this stunning beach, before heading back to the car. Sidonie was impressed with the views through my Swarovski binoculars! Then headed to Banna Minn Beach. On route we stopped briefly at the pull in area and picnic table opposite Easthouse Croft (renovated croft house and museum) and saw some seals on an island, Ringed Plover, Turnstones, Redshanks, Oystercatcher and on Papil Loch there were several Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese and a good number of duck. Also saw several Redwings in sheep fields on route and some very unusual looking fluffy sheep with black faces – a breed I had not seen here before. Update from several lovely Shetland folk on Facebook, who told me they are Valais Blacknose Sheep, a rare breed from Switzerland.

Great Northern Diver at Banna Minn Beach, West Burra
 
Banna Minn Beach, West Burra
 
Sidonie on Banna Minn Beach, West Burra
 
Valais Blacknose Sheep on West Burra
A rare breed from Switzerland

Parked up for Banna Minn Beach and walked down to enjoy the spectacular views of this tombola. I found two Great Northern Divers here, fairly close inshore and was surprised to see two Goldfinches flying close by and at eye level past me! It seemed to be getting increasingly colder, the longer we were out! Headed back south and had our lunch in the parking area, overlooking St Nininian's Isle. Then went to Maywick Beach, which Sidonie particularly enjoyed seeing, but it was icy cold here, so we didn't stay long! No birds of note, apart from Fulmars sailing round the cliffs.

Maywick Beach, near Bigton 

Had a tour around Levenwick and the gorgeous beach here. Watched lots of black bunnies amongst the usual brown ones on the cliffs beyond the beach and then made our way to end the day at Hoswick Visitor Centre. I knew it closed at 4pm and we got there at just before 3pm – however, the staff seemed reluctant to let us in, as they were putting Christmas Decorations up and said they were closed...... but they did let us in and we had a quick browse round, but neither of us ended up buying anything. Headed back to Lerwick, dropped Sidonie off at her accommodation and I returned home and fell aleep!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

I had a fabulous surprise this morning, there was a female Northern Bullfinch sitting on my kitchen windowsill!!! It was feeding in the honeysuckle! Lazy birding! 😄

Friday 24 November 2023

Sidonie's Leaving Do!

Catherine, Penny and Sidonie
Awful picture of me (after consuming alcohol), but Catherine and Sidonie both look glam
 

A few of us met up for a peerie get together at The Lerwick Hotel this evening – our lovely locum OT Sidonie is leaving us next week! I had my first alcoholic drink in years, a Bailey's with ice – I'd forgotten how lovely that is! Catherine, Sidonie, Karen, Josh, Kyle and myself enjoyed drinks here for around half an hour and then moved onto the Fjarå Café, where four of us remained enjoying another drink or two and some wonderful food. Kyle was the main entertainment, he was telling us all sorts of eye-opening stories, much to our amusement! A really lovely evening and nice to get out socialising for a change. We all walked home in chilly but dry weather, no rain or snow, bonus! 🍹🍸🥃

Wishing Sidonie a lovely Christmas with some of her family, happy travelling and enjoy your next OT position, wherever that might be! Its been a joy to work with you. 💖 😊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Much warmer today compared to yesterday! Sun and blue skies all day!

Thursday 23 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Our new permanent Band 6 OT popped into meet us all at work today, before she starts next week and brought in luscious Lemon Drizzle Cake, my favourite! 😋 A lovely bubbly, enthusiastic and fun lady – exciting times ahead! But very sad to see our lovely Locum OT leaving next week, who has been awesome to work with in so many ways. We are having a little drinks meet up tomorrow evening, that is if we can get through the 6ft snow drifts 😜 joking! 😉

I guess nobody has looked for the Black-bellied Dipper today!

No Northlink Ferry running yesterday or today and Friday's sailings are under review.

Strong winds and the sleet on my windows this evening was at times, almost deafening!

🌨 ⛄ 🌨

Wednesday 22 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Black-bellied Dipper at Bridge of Fitch today – not too far away from Lerwick!

Strong winds and heavy rain here – no different to yesterday! 😀

Tuesday 21 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Black-bellied Dipper at Voe today, I really hope this will stay until my day off on Friday, its been a while since I have seen one. My last sighting was December 2018 and prior to that was February 2013.

I picked up an Amazon parcel this evening after work – a luxury blanket to cover an old chair – the side of the box had a large hole in it and I was shocked to discover that the blanket was completely drenched with water (I presume) inside its zipped plastic bag. Never had that happen before, so returning that tomorrow, I could have dried it out I suppose, but it smelt very odd!

Had a quick browse in Odie's Antique and Collectable Shop this evening, what a fascinating treasure trove! There were lots of old books on Shetland, which caught my eye. I will have to return when I have more time, good job I left my purse in the car!

Strong winds and heavy rain here.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 14th to 20th November!

By Jon Dunn

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Monday 20th November

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

I have been stocking up on small, battery powered birch trees and candles for future power cuts. Strong winds and sleet showers forecast for the latter part of the week!

New "Winter" Michelin Alpin Tyres booked and being fitted, as well as the tracking getting done on 8th December – lets hope I have not left it too late!

Monday 20 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Sunday 19th November

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

Pouring with rain and dull skies all day.

However, I still went out and had a brisk walk along St Ninian's Beach. I found a Blackbird on the far side of the beach near the overhang under the cliff, no other birds seen at all here. The entire beach was covered in vehicle tracks, every inch and up the dunes too. I presume people have been racing quad bikes over the sands again – very sad to see this fragile habitat being churned up for fun.

St Ninian's Isle, Shetland

Saturday 18 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

A gentleman called Paul phoned me from M&S this morning, I was quite shocked and he was asking me all about Shetland. I did my very best to try and sell it to him. He said I should work for the Tourist Board!!! See my post on Wednesday to explain why he phoned me.

Chilly, rainy and windy here currently!

Thursday 16 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings 

 
Christmas trees are appearing in people's windows here, its a little early! 🎄

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

WEDNESDAY 15th NOVEMBER

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings 

 
I emailed M&S back in April to highlight that there was a suitable building for them to open a store in Lerwick and they did reply to my surprise, with:
 

"Thank you for getting in touch with your suggestion to open an M&S store in Lerwick.


We would love to be able to open a store where you suggest and have a special team who are always on the lookout for new opportunities. I have therefore shared the details with this team for their careful consideration......."


Superdrug are now about open in that building. I have emailed M&S again this evening to highlight that another building has become available. With the boot design on the building (see link), it would obviously be perfect for a shoe shop, but Begg has such a brilliant range of shoes in my opinion, I don't think we need another shoe shop. I'm probably completely wasting my time, but you never know! It would be good to have such a store here for the undergarments section alone! 😊

Monday 13 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings 

 
My solicitor submitted my formal offer for the house today! 😊

A reall chill in the air and a brisk wind or a "peerie breeze"! 🌬

Being as I have "Summer" tyres on my Skoda, I'm currently getting a quote to buy some "Winter" tyres in readiness for the hardcore months ahead! 🌨 ⛆ ⛄

Saturday 11 November 2023

A Beautiful Sunny Day with Orcas!

Met up with 'my' builder and the owners of the house I'm buying this morning. It was lovely to see this gorgeous little house in brilliant sunshine. After the builder left, the owners kindly invited me into their beautiful home for a cup of tea and home-made oatcake – the best oatcake I have ever tasted and lovely people to chat with! The owners showed me some fascinating old deeds and papers – written in exquisite ink handwriting on parchment paper – its a very old house with a very interesting history! Had a lovely amble around the village where the house is situated and quickly realised that I will have everything I need here for my elder years!

Sang Happy Birthday to Vivien! The rest of the day was spent driving to Reawick to watch Orcas in the late afternoon light, along with several others and also bumped into Jill and Rob. This is my third sighting of Orcas since I have been here – they were fairly distant, but so exciting to see!

With my excellent run of luck this week, I decided to buy a Lottery Ticket this evening. I have not bought one for many, many years. I got ONE number – waste of £2.00!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings 

Happy Birthday Vivien!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER VIVIEN!

 " Enjoy Your Boating Birthday "

Lots of Love Penny

x x x x x x

🎉 🎂 🎊 💝 🌻 ⚓ 💖 💐

Friday 10 November 2023

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Shetland Bird News, Latest Sightings:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings  

 
Jobs day and sorting. Missed Orca's at a kill by Fjara Cafe by about 12 minutes!

Superdrug will open in Lerwick on 24th November, which is close to BOOTS! Shetland really could have done with more clothes shops for the youngsters (not me). I would have put a TK Maxx store there or an M&S. Don't need another chemist, there are several other local chemists already too and Superdrug will now be in competition with them! I contacted M&S about the vacant M&Co store a while back and I was very surprised to receive a reply and they sounded very interested – they were obviously not quick enough! An M&S store would be good for all ages in Lerwick – oh well! One day maybe!