Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Siberian Chiffchaff, Northern Bullfinch (male) in garden at Sandwick.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup at Loch of Hillwell.
Friday, 5 December 2025
Thursday, 4 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup at Loch of Hillwell.
Northern Bullfinches x 5 at Mulla, north of Voe.
King Eider female at East Voe, Scalloway.
ISLANDS
No news.
Dentist appointment today, which included a repair filling and a scale and polish. I used to be able to have hygiene work done without pain relief, but in recent years the nerve pain has been terrible, so now always have to have injections – this knocked me out for ages this evening. Still decorating the Christmas Tree – but it will be finished before I retire for the night.
🎄 🎄 🎄
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT female again at 9.30am in crop field near loch at Scousburgh.
Red-necked Grebe still at Loch of Hillwell.
King Eider female in bay north of Cutts, Scalloway.
ISLANDS
No news.
I can't believe Ruby Wax was voted out, I thought she would be in the final – oh well its only a show at the end of the day, but she looked gutted to leave – love her sense of humour, she doesn't hold back!
Started decorating this evening – as a creative perfectionist, its taking far longer than I thought. This time last year the dining room was full of boxes and I didn't have the sideboards in the corridor, so much more to think about, but really enjoying it, now the house is finished. Just waiting for the dining room door to be fitted, which I hope can be done before Christmas 🤞
🎄 🎄 🎄
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT female again at 9.59am in crop field, but no further news since mid morning at Scousburgh.
Red-necked Grebe still at Loch of Hillwell.
ISLANDS
Scaup at Kirk Loch, Yell.
I have a confession to make, I've never been too bothered about watching Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but the dynamics of this group are fascinating, really enjoying the show. I can't choose a winner, but my top people are Tom, Ruby, Aitch and Shona.
Had no energy to decorate the tree in the evenings this week so far, as crazy busy at work and too tired when I get home to do any decorating.
Monday, 1 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Little Auks x 122, Blue Fulmars x 3 flew past Sumburgh Head.
Red-necked Grebe still at Loch of Hillwell.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Scatness.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT female trapped & ringed in crop field, Scousburgh.
Little Auk at Bay of Scousburgh.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick.
Firecrests x 2 at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.
ISLANDS
Scaup at Kirk Loch, Yell.
Funny how I mentioned Siberian Rubythroat yesterday! At least it wasn't a male, whilst I was hard at work, that would have been soul destroying! I have no idea what the weather has been doing, as Catherine and I were so busy, we hardly had time to speak, but I think it was raining on/off.
Sunday, 30 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
King Eider fem/1w.drk still in harbour, Siberian Chiffchaff, Scalloway.
Northern Bullfinches x 2 (male+fem) at Mulla, Voe.
Lapland Bunting flew over Gremista, Glaucous Gull flew over Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
American Wigeon ad.drk still at Loch of Spiggie.
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
Northern Bullfinch at Weisdale.
ISLANDS
No news.
King Eider fem. in Scalloway Harbour
Had fabulous close views of the flamboyantly orange and beautifully marked King Eider (fem.) in brilliant sunshine from the pier near the castle this morning. Only got a few photos though, as each time someone turned up and got out of the car, it swam out to the middle of the harbour – it would start to swim back, next car turns up and it retreated again. I could have sat there for hours waiting, but at the end of the day it wasn't a Siberian Rubythroat and I had jobs to do!
King Eider fem. in Scalloway Harbour
Returned home and really enjoyed measuring up and hanging some of my paintings whilst listening to Christmas Carols on Radio 3. Living room paintings all hung, but realise its going to take far longer than I thought to hang the majority of the paintings in the corridor and dining room. Put up the pre-lit Christmas tree but ran out of time to decorate it, so will do this after work tomorrow.
Half an hour ago, I decided to join the Postcode lottery! 🤞
Saturday, 29 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
King Eider fem/1w.drk still, Little Auk in harbour, but no sign in the afternoon, Scalloway.
ISLANDS
Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell, Yell.
The weather was the opposite to yesterday, sunshine all day, no wind at all and no rain, but chilly. Looked for the King Eider (fem.) but no sign this afternoon. Biggest count of Blackbirds in my garden late afternoon feeding on the two halves of apple I put out, 1 male and 4 females and my Robin, along with the usual Starlings, House Sparrows and Collared Doves.
Very busy weekend before I return to work on Monday. Yesterday I put up some pine garlands which I bought from "Heima" – artificial, but real cones. I have put these up with the fairy lights on the lowered ceiling section in the dining, it wasn't easy but they are up. Very pleased with my efforts and it reminds me of the pines at Holme – I have decided its staying up permanently, which is why I didn't choose the obvious Christmas themed ones, which included mistletoe and berries. I also purchased two gorgeous berry and glass battery lights from Heima which I have randomally placed along the two sideboards in the corridor – everything you buy from that shop is top quality. I have finally started putting all my paintings on the walls and tomorrow I want to get the main Christmas tree out of the shed and start and finish decorating by the end of the day!
Friday, 28 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
King Eider fem/1w.drk still, Scalloway Harbour.
Little Auks x 744 flew past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
ISLANDS
Glaucous Gull at Westing, Glaucous Gull juv. at Norwick, Unst.
Northern Bullfinches x 2 at Hillend, Mid Yell, Yell.
Very windy overnight and throughout today with lots of rain. Not been very well at all over the last week, which is why I haven't posted anything. Had to cancel my Christmas hair appointment and the OT Christmas party. Not a good week and being unwell on your own isn't much fun. Its been nice to see a Robin daily in my front garden along with the usual Starlings, House Sparrows, Collared Doves and a couple of Blackbirds.
Thursday, 27 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
King Eider fem/1w.drk still, Scalloway Harbour.
Siberian Chiffchaff in garden at Sandwick.
Little Auks x 37+ flew past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Long-eared Owl at Dalsetter, Boddam.
Long-eared Owls x 2 at Cunningsburgh.
Firecrest at Scatness.
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
King Eider fem/1w.drk still, near college in Scalloway Harbour.
ISLANDS
Firecrest at Tripwell, Brough, Isle of Whalsay.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Firecrest still at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.
White-billed Diver off Ireland.
King Eider fem/1w.drk by college in Scalloway Harbour.
Monday, 24 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Ring-necked Duck still at Loch of Housetter.
American Golden Plover flew over South Nesting.
Sunday, 23 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Virkie Willows at Pool of Virkie.
ISLANDS
Northern Eider in the Bluemull Sound.
Northern Eiders x 3 on sea at Uyeasound, Unst.
Saturday, 22 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Little Bunting still in crop field, Blue Fulmar at beach, Scousburgh.
Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Housetter.
ISLANDS
Northern Bullfinches x 3, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Hillend, Mid Yell, Yell.
Friday, 21 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Little Bunting still in crop field at Scousburgh.ISLANDS
No news.
Most of the ice and snow had disappeared here in Scalloway thank goodness. My large rug for the living room arrived today, happy 'ish' with this, but if you walk across it once it moves, I will have to get some grippers or something to try and stop it moving across the floor. Lots of House Sparrows, Starlings, three Blackbirds and one Robin in the garden today.
Thursday, 20 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
American Wigeon on Loch of Spiggie.
Firecrest at Helendale, Lerwick.
ISLANDS
Northern Bullfinches x 2 at Baltasound, Unst.
Very icy here – it was dangerous just getting out of the car and into the house this evening. The Kingfisher was seen again today at Clickimin Loch. One of my neighbours sent me a picture of a Northern Bullfinch in her garden in Ladysmith Road, which she was understandably very pleased about.
Amended my ferry journeys for my Norfolk trip in January and added my car to the booking. Decided to be very sensible though and booked somewhere to stay halfway between Aberdeen and King's Lynn on route down and on the way back. Spent the evening choosing accommodation and booking and paying for. All sorted! Looking forward to seeing Lucy, Vivien and Ray again, I really miss them and it will be great to catch up with Malcolm, Hilary, Pete S., Eddie M. and other friends in Norfolk.
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Wednesday 19th November
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
American Wigeon on Loch of Spiggie.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Pool of Virkie.
ISLANDS
King Eider 1w. drk on sea at Norwick, Unst.
Another snow day here, got to work ok, but drove the longer and most sensible route to work, avoiding The Scord. I booked the ferry and cabin for my next trip back to Norfolk a couple of months ago – just trying to decide whether to go on all the public transport as I did last time or take my car? Its much more convenient having the car, but its the very long drive that isn't fun, will have to make a quick decision over the next few days.
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Northern Long-tailed Tits x 2, Firecrest in garden at Trondra.
Northern Bullfinch on lawn at Brae.
ISLANDS
Great White Egret at Voe, Mid Yell, Yell.
Long-eared Owls x 3 on Unst.
It wasn't fun driving home from work in the snow tonight, even with my Winter tyres on I felt the car slide a little as I turned right onto the Scord to go to Scalloway and I wasn't doing more than 35 mph at any time on the main road. I was quite shocked at how much snow had laid whilst I had been at work. Nice and cosy in my little house with the wood burner on this evening. Other bird news – Andy J had the Kingfisher again by Fjara Cafe, Lerwick.
Getting in my car after work at the Gilbert Bain Hospital
My Swyft Storage Ottoman arrived today in mustard yellow to match the sofa bed. I'm so impressed with this company for the quality of their furniture and their insanely quick delivery. Ordered on the 10th November and arrived today!
Monday, 17 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Firecrest at Helendale Drive, Lerwick.
American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie.
Northern Bullfinches x 2 at Lea Gardens, Tresta, SE of Bixter.
ISLANDS
No news.
2°C here with frost and sleet showers, same tomorrow and heavy snow forecast for Wednesday to Friday. I felt that the snow has hit a little earlier than last year, so just checked my blog for last November and strangely the snow started on exactly the same date a year ago! Got my Winter tyres on just in time thank goodness!
Sunday, 16 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Saturday 15th November
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Firecrest at Swinister Burn.
Arctic Redpoll at Lower Burn of Sound, Siberian Chiffchaff at Anderson High School, Northern Bullfinches x 4 at Helendale, Lerwick.
Little Bunting still in crop field at Scousburgh.
ISLANDS
Red-necked Grebe (for sixth day) at Westing, Unst.
Checked out the Burn of Njugalswater, nothing found. Looked for the Hume's Warbler at Gremister, Lerwick, no sign. Checked out a few other areas including Pullar's Loch, where I found a Heron and then went into town where its all looking very festive with Christmas gifts for sale.
Finally got to see the Kingfisher at dusk, distantly at Clickimin Loch! I was scanning the loch by myself and suddenly an excited voice behind me said "its on the fence Penny....." it was Andy J, and there it was indeed, the gorgeous Kingfisher on a fence post on the far side of the loch, very close to the path by the broch!!! If you had been standing on that path at the time, it could have been frame filling shots. Thanks Andy!
Scalloway Harbour
Stunning and dramatic skies from The Scord at Scalloway as I headed home. Light rain, which meant that my washing needn't have been put out on the washing line! Mostly dry later on the airer with the Meaco fan and Meaco humidifier on laundry mode, such a brilliant system and far cheaper than a tumble dryer. My velvet cushion covers for the new sofa arrived from Amazon this evening – they look really good, very pleased with the finished look. Lit the fire this evening and watched Strictly. Phoned Vivien and Lucy today who have both had torrential rain and strong winds – they seemed surprised when I said its been lovely sunny weather here, dry and almost no wind! The weather in Shetland is always a surprise! 😂😉
Friday, 14 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Hume's Warbler at Lower Gremista Road, Gremista, Lerwick.
Little Auks x 6 flew past Sumburgh Head.
Northern Bullfinches x 2 at Castle Street, Scalloway.
American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie.
ISLANDS
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 on Out Skerries.
Its been a very busy day. I had to defrost the windscreen for the first time this Winter, frosty everywhere but a very sunny day. Whilst my car was in the garage I went birding around Scalloway and found a Chiffchaff (?Siberian) in The Sunken Garden and a Robin in a garden, but no sign of anything else of note. Sorted out and filled up the bird feeders and cleaned the baths out. Packed up a rug delivery and took to the post office to send back, wrong colour choice and then ordered another rug which is a much safer colour choice for the living room. My builder Alex came round to pick up my pine door and handle/latch and its going to make up the frame etc at his house and bring it back again – so pleased to be getting the door done for the dining room. Other essential jobs completed.
Thursday, 13 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Little Auks x 4 flew past Sumburgh Head.
American Wigeon at Loch of Spiggie.
Northern Long-tailed Tits x 2 (nominate form caudatus) in The Sunken Garden, Lovers Lane, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Scalloway.
Waxwing at Montfield, Siberian Chiffchaff at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
Firecrest, Siberian Chiffchaff at Brakfield Road, Sandwick.
ISLANDS
Yellow-browed Warbler, Glaucous Gull at Skaw, Whalsay.
Chilly here, but sunny today. It looks like a lovely weekend of sunshine and mostly dry! Car in the garage tomorrow to swop the Summer tyres over to the Winter set, which I have timed just right, now its below 7 degrees! I had to go to Montfield today with a colleague and noted 4 Blackbirds in the walled area of trees, but wasn't aware there was a Waxwing around – I guess this was feeding on berries in the car parking area.
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Barred Warbler at Toogs, Burra.
Taiga Bean Goose from track to beach with Greylags at Gulberwick.
Little Bunting still in crop field at Scousburgh.
Northern Long-tailed Tits x 2 (nominate form caudatus) in The Sunken Garden, Lovers Lane, Scalloway.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Pool of Virkie.
Northern Bullfinch in garden at Mulla, north of Voe.
Great Grey Shrike at east end, Exnaboe.
Firecrest at Scatness.
Northern Bullfinch at Wirligert Road, Aith.
ISLANDS
Northern Bullfinches x 3 at Halligarth, ENE of Baltasound, Unst.
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Tuesday 11th November
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Siberian Chiffchaff at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.
Olive-backed Pipit along road by cattle grid at Grutness.
Great Grey Shrike, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 along Eastshore Road at Pool of Virkie.
Northern Eiders x 2 at Bluemull Sound.
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Sumburgh.
ISLANDS
Red-backed Shrike still at Voehead, Nightjar on wall at Gardie House at Isle of Bressay.
Coues's Redpoll on Fetlar.
Bird news and birthday greetings to my sister posted late, as fell asleep on my new sofa!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO MY DEAR SISTER VIVIEN!
💝 🎂 😘 🎉 🎊 🤗 💐 💖
X X X X X X X X X X
Monday, 10 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Northern Bullfinch at Law Lane, Taiga Bean Goose with Greylags still at Seafield Park, Yellow-browed Warbler at North Loch Drive, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 3 at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.
American Wigeon ad.drk at Loch of Spiggie.
Northern Long-taileld Tits x 2, Northern Bullfinches x 2 (male) in Houl Road, Scalloway.
Firecrest still at Orca Country Inn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.
ISLANDS
Red-backed Shrike at Isle of Bressay.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Tresta, Fetlar.
Had a look to see if I could see the Pechora Pipit in my road this morning and looked for the Northern Long-tailed Tits in the Sunken Garden, but no joy before heading to work. Robin seen in my road and also two in the Sunken Garden and one male Blackcap. Rained all day and very gloomy skies. Andy J. had yesterday's Kingfisher again today at the SE side of Clickimin Loch in Lerwick. Vivien's birthday tomorrow!
Sunday, 9 November 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
PECHORA PIPIT in garden at Westing (only seen once briefly), Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
Northern Long-taileld Tits x 2 at Ladysmith Road, then the Sunken Garden in Lover's Lane, Scalloway.
Waxwing in rowan opposite shop at Walls.
Firecrest above Orca Country Inn, Yellow-browed Warbler at Hoswick.
Waxwing still at South Nesting.
Western Oriental Turtle Dove juv. again flew from stubble field, north of Loch of Hillwell.Olive-backed Pipit in gardens at end of road, Wester Quarff.
Firecrest at Ocraquay.
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2 at Sumburgh.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.
Yellow-browed Warbler, Waxwing in garden at Sand Lodge, Leebitten.
Ring Ouzel 1w male at Sand Water.
ISLANDS
Dusky Warbler at Hunters Wood, Siberian Chiffchaffs x 4, Greenland Redpoll, Baltasound, Dusky Warbler in roses at post office, Baltasound, Siberian Chiffchaff at Skaw, Long-eared Owl, Greenland Redpoll, Siberian Chiffchaff at Norwick, Unst.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Burravoe, Yell.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT fem. briefly at Kirkaton, UNST.
Northern Bullfinches x 4 (2 males), Siberian Chiffchaffs x 4 at Out Skerries.
View from the top end of Ladysmith Road, Scalloway
So this weekend my OWN road is on fire for rare birds, but sadly and embarrasingly, I haven't seen ANY of them! I can't recall such an unlucky birding situation as this for a long time, if at all!
Andy J. jammed in on the Pechora Pipit this morning with his thermal imager, but not seen long enough for him to get a photo. Andy was shocked that after another 2+ hours that he didn't see it again. I did point out how insanely lucky he was to see it at all and later on I think he realised how elusive this bird is. No one else saw the Pechora Pipit today.
Later Andy found two Northern Long-tailed Tits in the same spot, you couldn't make it up! They ended up in the Sunken Garden in Lover's Lane. Huge congratulations to Andy for seeing his first Pechora Pipit and for finding two top birds in MY road! 🔥 😂
It was a beautiful sunny day here with almost no wind at all. Birds I have managed to see today in Scalloway and mostly in Ladysmith Road: Redpoll briefly on top of conifer, Bullfinch briefly, Chiffchaffs, Robin x 2, Blackcaps x 3 feeding on apples, Goldcrests.
I headed south – no sign of the Olive-backed Pipit at Wester Quarff, which Andy J couldn't find either. Not one of my best birding weekends at all! Oh and the elusive or a second Kingfisher has turned up in Lerwick today, seen at The Sletts and flying towards Tesco! Back to work tomorrow.
Memories and photos of my first and only Pechora Pipit at Quendale Mill last year here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
