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Tuesday 30 May 2023
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Chasing Orca's!
MONDAY 29th MAY
Lots of Orca messages on the WhatsApp group today. Left my house after work and headed south to try and see my first Orca. I rang Hugh H. who was watching them with others at Levenwick as I was driving there (hands free). The pod of Orca's were heading towards Mousa Sound, so I drove there and several people were waiting on the top road in hope of seeing them as they presumably headed north. A message came up to say they were seen at Noness, so I flew over there, but no sign of Orca's or watchers. Headed back to Mousa and parked my car by the ferry and with a tip off from a taxi driver and passenger, walked around the path next to the harbour and found several people standing on a headland, who had been watching them moments before I arrived!!! Baz Scampion on holiday from Norfolk was here too, with Emma. Sadly, the Orca's were not seen again, I knew this would happen, oh well, I tried my best. I will catch up with them one day. We all left here and I bumped into Jim N. at the car parking area, who told me Hugh H. had headed to Fladdabister, so I headed there and joined a few people. The highlight was listening to Jim's very jolly Shetland fiddle music he was playing in his car. I returned to Lerwick and had fish 'n' chips from Fort's Cafe and sat on the harbour next to Tesco and shared a few chips and bits of fish to a Herring Gull and its begging sibling. Hooded Crows, Gannets, Black Guillemots, Redshanks x 2, Oystercatchers and House Sparrows seen. Nearly fell asleep, made it home!
Monday 29 May 2023
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
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Balemore, North Uist, Western Isles
Sunday 28 May 2023
Exploring Lochs, Spiggie Beach & Loch – Shetland!
I went exploring this afternoon and went to Loch of Clumlie. Then headed to Troswick Ness and ended up a dead end road with house and met the most aggressive sheepdog ever, so ok, it was only protecting its territory, but I have never seen any dog seemingly try to attack a car before! It took ages to turn the car round and retreat, as the dog was constantly against the paintwork, so I couldn't see where it was – I escaped eventually. Thank goodness I was in the car and not on a walk – it was obviously an excellent guard dog. The first and last time I venture up that little road!
I then drove to Boddam and watched three seals resting on rocks, Eider
and Black Guillemots on the sea and Gannets flying distantly. Several
Eiders on the rocks, a Redshank, Ringed Plover, but no sign of any
Otters here.
Headed to Spiggie Loch and had a look inside the new RSPB hide. Its not new, but it is to me, it wasn't here when I last visited in October 2021. I believe it was opened sometime in Spring of 2022. Very nice inside, with stunning artwork by local primary schools and artists. Coat hooks in the hide, now that's a good idea – mind you, would you want to take your coat off in Shetland, maybe not! Mute Swans on the loch, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 3 Sand Martins. Spiggie Beach only had one couple with a dog and they left shortly after I arrived, so I had the place to myself. Even though the light was dull, it was still very beautiful here. A seal watched me inquisitively as I ambled along the beach. Arctic Terns were fishing and there were Black Guillemots and Eiders on the sea. So peaceful here. 2 Bonxies flew over the track to the beach, as I was leaving.
With assistance from a local birder (via text) I found Setter Marsh at Spiggie and got the scope out to see if I could find the Spotted Redshank seen earlier, but no sign. 2 Moorhens here, Mute Swans, Redshank and Curlews seen. Also a male Pheasant by the roadside – I had seen a pair of Pheasants, as I was approaching Spiggie Loch earlier too – never seen them in Shetland before. I missed a White-tailed Eagle today and it was seen flying high NW over Lerwick – I was at home at the time, stood outside as soon as the message came through, but didn't see it, oh well!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
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Balemore, North Uist, Western Isles
Inishroo, County Galway, Ireland
Saturday 27 May 2023
Trip to Watsness – Shetland!
It was raining this morning, but this afternoon was glorious sunshine. I headed north west to Watsness near Walls, to see Jill and Rob's house they are renovating. A quick reminder –Jill and Rob moved up from Norfolk just over a year ago. A very scenic drive of hairpin bends, lochs, waves, picture postcard crofts, skipping lambs, Arctic Terns, Hooded Crows, a Raven, Wheatears, dramatic skies and rainbows.
I last saw Jill and Rob's house in gloomy weather of October 2021, a few months before they moved in. So it was fabulous to see the house in full sunshine, with lambs skipping along the road as I approached the house. Watsness Loch glittered below the hill with cliffs, sea views and the island of Foula on the horizon – WHAT A VIEW! Jill met me at the gate and I gave her a bouquet of flowers and some pastries, as a little thank you, for so kindly coming all the way over to Lerwick to greet me off the ferry on the 2nd May, I won't forget that.
Jill and Rob have taken on a gigantic challenge with this house, but it was so exciting to see inside and see all the work they and their builders have achieved so far! WOW! The views from the windows are truly spectacular! So lovely to meet their gorgeous cats and the cute hens amongst the bluebells. After a tour of the house and garden and hearing about their plans, we sat in the living room having a cup of coffee and cake. One of the cats sat on my lap and fell asleep, this was heaven – its going to be very difficult for me not to end up with another cat at some point!
I headed back home and I stopped several times on route to soak up the views. Its so incredibly beautiful here, I still can't believe I'm now living in Shetland. Took a lovely picture of an Oystercatcher on a stone wall, near the "Bridge of Walls". Two "Bonxies" (Great Skuas) flew over the road, just south of "Walls". The silence here and being able to hear nature is magical – the call of a Curlew, an Oystercatcher, an Arctic Tern, water rippling, waves crashing, wind and rain!
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Friday 26 May 2023
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
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House Viewings, American Wigeon & Turtle Dove!
I don't want to jinx things, but its looking like my house in King's Lynn has a completion date, far sooner than I expected! So exciting! If this does all go through, I will be very impressed with Britton's Estate Agents and Hayes & Storr Solicitors, but mostly with the young couple buying my house, who are first time buyers – they obviously want the sale to go through as quickly as I do, so this is brilliant news for all of us.
I viewed my first house last night at Gulberwick and two properties today at Virkie and Scatness. All lovely properties in different ways, but only one nearly ticked all the boxes. Decisions, decisions! I was overjoyed and excited to see a beautiful Turtle Dove, sitting on a drain cover in the garden I was viewing at Virkie – I couldn't believe my luck! They are scarce in Shetland I was told. The sellers of the property said it had only arrived this morning – bonus! I didn't get a picture of the Turtle Dove as I saw it the second I pulled up in the drive and the owners were waiting at the door, so it would have been extremely rude to start getting the camera out. The property was stunning, but maybe a bit too far south for work, but certainly in the right spot for most of the rarities found by Shetland birders!
The last house I viewed this morning was at Scatness, so naturally went to see the Amercian Wigeon that was first seen on the 22nd May at Loch of Spiggie and then ended up at Scatness, seemingly missing for a few days and then found again by someone called Ann. Jill and Rob arrived 5 minutes after I did, so we all walked towards the loch together – staying behind the dry stone wall. It was very distant, but we all saw it well, definitely needed the scope though. It was very skittish and was constantly on the move – it was very keen on a female Wigeon and only looked relaxed with she was close by. The light was beautiful and only two other birders turned up whilst we were here. Tufted Ducks, Mallards, gulls, Arctic Terns, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings and Wheatears also seen. We all headed back to our cars and chatted about houses selling here. Jill and Rob left and I made some important phone calls and pondered about the properties I had viewed. There was a totally gorgeous tabby cat here – it was so friendly and twice tried to get into my car – its fur was so soft, I really wanted to pick it up and take it home!
Jim Nicholson and Hugh H. turned up and also another birder on holiday here, who came across to chat to me about my move. Valuable advice from Jim and Hugh about buying property here and tips on best dentist and best garage to use for my car! Left here and headed to Grutness Pier – not a soul here, but very few birds either. Mallards, Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Arctic Tern, Lapwing, Redshank at the pool. I then returned to the house I viewed at Virkie and had a drive around the area to get a feel for the place – so many pretty houses and gardens – no sign of the Turtle Dove. The day ended in fog and light rain. I returned home and promptly fell asleep.
Going on a little trip tomorrow!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST BAND 6 POST AT THE GILBERT BAIN HOSPITAL, SHETLAND!
https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=151035
CHILDREN'S PHYSIO B6 POST HERE TOO:
https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=148365
Shetland is an awesome place to live with diverse, insane and dramatic weather! As one of my colleagues stated "its proper weather here" The light here is stunning, nature is incredible, scenery is magnificant. So many stunning beaches, Northern Lights, Orcas, Otters, Shetland ponies, lots of sheep, cows and more! People here are exceptionally friendly and the Shetland sense of humour is on another level. The staff at the Gilbert Bain are like one big family and everyone really cares about their patients and their colleagues. Sea views from all the hospital windows! I should have moved here years ago. Better pay, better conditions. A stunning turquoise uniform tunic top for OT's too! You won't be disappointed!
The biggest issue is accommodation, but the hospital does have NHS houses and rooms to rent for a period of time, until you find somewhere to rent or buy. Property is cheaper than down south and the buying process much quicker. The food is amazing and the bakeries are dangerous for the waistline. Usual takeaways and restaurants in Lerwick and elsewhere and the best fish 'n' chips you will ever taste anywhere! Sunday afternoon teas in village halls throughout the islands are a speciality here. Lots of local shops and so many community events to join in with. So many sports centres and swimming pools here throughout the islands too! Discounts for residents and their families to travel by ferry or plane. Water is included in your council tax and prescriptions are free! You won't regret your move! See you soon!
https://www.shetland.org/life/live/faqs
https://www.nhsshetland.scot/gilbert-bain-hospital
https://www.shetlandwebcams.com/
https://www.youtube.com/shetlandwebcams
https://www.scotland.org/live-in-scotland/where-to-live-in-scotland/the-shetland-islands
https://www.shetland.org/visit/events
ESTATE AGENTS:
https://www.estateagencyshetland.co.uk/
https://www.anderson-goodlad.com/property-for-sale/
https://www.tait-peterson.co.uk/
https://www.shetnews.co.uk/properties/
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Shetland.html
Wednesday 24 May 2023
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
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Inishroo, County Galway, Ireland
Tuesday 23 May 2023
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Corranroo Bay, County Clare, Ireland
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Ambleside, Cumbria
Recently (probably yesterday), but no sign today, west of Bovey Tracey, Devon
Sunday 21 May 2023
Weekend Update – Shetland!
Some of Friday was spent doing jobs and then went into the town for the first time since moving here. Booked a hair appointment for July. Went into the Tourist Information Centre and purchased a book called "Shetland Words" A dictionary of the Shetland dialect by A & A Christie-Johnston, which will be both useful and very interesting. Picked up some freebie leaflets and then walked along to the end of the street to remind myself what shops are here. Everything I need really, BOOTS chemist, Specsavers, an outdoor wear shop, post office, camera shop, shoe shop and quality tourist shops – all listed here. M&Co have closed though and everyone is waiting to see who is going to take over this building, maybe M&S or a TK Max?!
Saturday was spent trying to adapt and change all my settings on my Canon R5 via this Youtube video. Rained all day. Saturday night was awful as the toilet wouldn't flush – why does this happen at the weekend when there isn't anyone available to sort it?! I won't bore you with the long and tedious story, but after phoning the hospital reception, someone came out on Sunday morning, but said it was an "external job" and the plumbing team would come over first thing Monday morning. So I have had to walk to the hospital to use their toilets, which has been very, very frustrating indeed!
This afternoon I went to Helendale, which is next to Clickimin Loch to look for the Wood Warbler. Found a female Blackcap in someone's garden, but no sign of the Wood Warbler. So pretty here, lots of trees, bluebells and fascinating plants and shrubs. A Sand Martin flew over Clickimin Loch. I then headed north west to "Da Gairdins" at Sand, Bixter. These gardens are absolutely magical, a real oasis. I had heard about these, but never got round to visiting on my previous trips. I will definitely be coming back here – several ponds with Gunnera plants, tadpoles, rhododendrons and so many fascinating trees, plants and shrubs. A Willow Warbler was singing here, also Robin, Collared Doves x 2 and Blackbirds. These gardens overlook "Sand Beach" which I visited afterwards – a stunning spot. Arctic Terns here, along with Red-breasted Mergansers x 4, Great Northern Diver, one Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, Wren and Oystercatchers. I stood here for ages, just taking in the magnificent views – still can't believe I'm here. Several Wheatears on route throughout the afternoon.
Went to look at a house for sale in the Aith/Bixter region, which is only a few hundred yards from the Cake Fridge. I just drove past the house, as wanted to know where it was exactly. A very pretty area indeed. Shetland ponies and foals, lots of goats and Spring flowers made an idyllic scene. Purchased lemon and coconut slices x 2 and a box of eggs from the Cake Fridge and then headed home. The house I looked at was 22 miles from my house and too far north for work really. It was such a beautiful day and was too warm to be wearing a coat. Its not getting dark until so much later now. Sunrise is 4.10am and sunset is 21.52.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
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Inishroo, County Galway, Ireland
Toormore, County Cork, Ireland
Leven, Fife
Saturday 20 May 2023
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Friday 19 May 2023
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Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Thursday 18 May 2023
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Fetlar, Shetland
Brownsea Island, Dorset