Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
King Eider fem. at Quendale Bay.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.
ISLANDS
Iceland Gull at Loch of Littlester, Yell.
Saturday, 13 December 2025
Friday, 12 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
King Eider fem. at Quendale Bay.
Waxwings x 2 at Dalsetter, Boddam.
ISLANDS
Red-necked Grebe at Westing, Unst.
From the Webcams:
Thursday, 11 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
King Eider fem. at Quendale Bay.
Iceland Gull juv. at Mairs Pier, Lerwick.
ISLANDS
Red-necked Grebe at Westing, Glaucous Gull ad. flew in off sea at Norwick, Unst.
Almost no wind today! I think there was some sunshine, but not really sure as it was very busy at work. Another female King Eider has been found in Quendale and a different bird to the one that was here in Scalloway.
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Loch of Spiggie.
ISLANDS
Glaucous Gull, Red-necked Grebe at Westing, Unst.
Sunshine this morning, but the afternoon and this evening was wild! Last night and tonight, the first thing I did when I reached home was to walk round the house and garden with a torch to inspect for any damage – luckily there hasn't been any yet! First job inside the house is to relay and light the fire. My house warms up pretty quickly which is good. Apart from my office/studio on 18°C, I'm now keeping all the rest of my electric Rointe Radiators on 14°C and only turning them up to 17°C when I get home in the evenings and then switching back to 14°C just before I go to sleep. I can't have another bill like last month.
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Tuesday 9th December
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Siberian Chiffchaff in garden at Sandwick.
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
Blue Fulmar on beach at Scousburgh.Northern Bullfinches x 2 (both males) at Anderson High School, Lerwick.
ISLANDS
No news.
Monday, 8 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Firecrest at top of Fogralea, Helendale, Lerwick.
Red-necked Grebe at Loch of Hillwell.
Firecrest at Swinister Burn, Siberian Chiffchaff in garden at Sandwick.
Siberian Chiffchaff at West Voe, Sumburgh.
Sunday, 7 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup at Loch of Hillwell.
Firecrests x 2, Siberian Chiffchaff at Swinister Burn, Sandwick.
American Wigeon ad.drk still east of Setter at Loch of Spiggie.
Saturday, 6 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
Rare Bird Alert News
MAINLAND
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup at Loch of Hillwell.
ISLANDS
No news.
Busy
weekend so far. Finished all the Christmas decorations on Friday night.
Yesterday I had the Warmworks Surveyor's appointment, which took around
three hours. It was very interesting to find out that what I thought
was spray foam insulation in my loft is in fact shredded paper!!! I was
told this is what was used in the day – I don't know how I feel about that,
but there we go!
Today
was a brilliant day, apart from the weather which was strong winds and lashing rain. I picked up my pine door from Jewsons in September and have been waiting for Alex to fit this door in my dining room since then. All builders and tradesmen here are insanely busy. Alex arrived at 9.30am to fit my new door into the dining room, which involved building a frame too as there has never been a door here (as far as I know). Alex also created some holes with a circular saw in my dining room bookcases, to allow the TV wire to be hidden. The door took Alex far longer than he expected – nothing fits instantly in a old house! I had to leave him to finish the job when I went out to lunch.
This afternoon I went to "The Scalloway Good Companions" lunch for over 60's
in the Cornerstone Cafe in Scalloway at 1pm, which was for Scalloway and
Trondra residents. It was such a wonderful atmosphere, fabulous food
which included main course (I had parsnip & cashew strudel), dessert (I choose trifle), had a ginger beer and there were mincepies, star shaped shortbread with tea or coffee. It was so joyous to meet some lovely folk. A gentleman called Brian sitting to my left lives in one of the houses that had the Siberian Thrush in he was telling me! Brian also told me he had the Blue-cheeked Bee eater that was at Asta Loch in 1997 perched on his washing line! Another gentleman was full of banter, which was very funny indeed, but not really appropriate to write the details on here, but thank you for making me chuckle!
I had no idea there was going be music as well. Some gifted youngsters played some jolly Christmas and Shetland tunes, a young lass playing a keyboard, violinists and a young man who was particularly brilliant playing his accordian – it brought tears to my eyes, especially the violins. Everytime I hear a violin being played it makes me think of Lucy. For new readers of my blog, my sister Lucy is a violinist and attended the Royal College of Music, but because of her mental diagnosis throughout her life, she never got to fulfill her biggest dreams musically. The lady hosting the event was Sonia, who is a lady who lives in my road. Sonia was giving a few folk lifts home at the end, so I volunteered to take a couple back to their house in Berry Road – the gentleman was telling me he was 90 years old – there is no way he looked 90! It was a pleasure to take them home. It was so nice to meet some lovely people and huge thanks to the organisers and the "Good Companions" – as a newcomer to Scalloway I was made to feel very welcome. Thank also to the fabulous staff at the Cornerstone Cafe. I can't believe I will have been in Shetland three years in May and in January it will be two years since I bought my lovely little house here.
When I returned home Alex had left and the new door looks so good. It took me forever to clear up and put everything back on the shelves in the cupboards, then I nipped to the shop to buy some sandpaper. Tomorrow I need to lightly sand the door and get the first coat of woodstain on. I also have lots of paintings to hang still. Going for a local beach walk tomorrow whatever the weather is doing. Its forecast to be rain and sunshine and less windy. I will post some more Christmas decorations pictures another day.
Friday, 5 December 2025
SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!
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.
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! 😂😉
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