EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER at Skaw, Whalsay and Da Gairdins at Sand!

EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER

SKAW, WHALSAY

 

Found by John Lowrie Irvine

 

Hugh Harrop very kindly said I could join him on the ferry from Laxo to Whalsay, to go and see the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler. Met Hugh at the ferry terminal and left my car in the carpark – we caught the 10.30am ferry. The only time I have been over to Whalsay, was for the Eastern Olivacious Warbler with Jill and Rob and it wasn't a fun crossing – today's was pretty smooth, thank goodness. The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler was at the far end of the island, in a plantation at Skaw.

Within seconds of getting out of the car, we immediately saw the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler in the plantation, which was flighty and seemingly feeding well. There was a couple and a single man along with Hugh and I, to see this very rare bird. Fantastic birding views, but the light wasn't brilliant for photography at this time of the day. Fabulous bird and a new tick for me! There was a Willow Warbler (singing) and a Chiffchaff in the plantation too and also a Red Grouse distantly in the heather!

EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER

 

Hugh was out of sight and round the end of the plantation, when I turned to see the other two birders walking as fast as they could over the boggy/mossy ground, to check on the lady who was laying on the ground! She had apparently fainted, so I administered first aid (feet up) until the colour came back to her cheeks. She was ok and was able to get up a while later and return to her car with her husband. Hugh arrived on scene, shocked at seeing us all there together in a huddle and thought we were all looking at plant or something! Whilst this had been going on, Hugh had got a fabulous shot – best picture I have seen so far by miles and I doubt if anyone will get a better one! (see Twitter/X here). Caught the 12.45pm ferry back to Laxo, which was another smooth crossing. Huge thanks to Hugh for giving me a lift over there.

Blackbird perched on New Zealand Flax at Da Gairdins

I decided to visit Da Gairdins at Sand, which was about half an hour away. I went for the first time last year and have been wanting to return. These gardens are spectacular and have several nature ponds, many varieties of trees, shrubs and plants and a stunning beach close by. I thought I might find some exciting birds there, but alas only found 1 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow and 2 Collared Doves. Got a nice photo of a Blackbird singing on top of a New Zealand Flax. Chatted to Ruby who runs and works these spectacular gardens and I remarked how surprised I was to see Sea-buckthorn here (which reminded me of Holme). Went to the beach where I photographed a Wren singing its heart out on a boulder. Black-headed Gull here, a Rock Pipit and a Wheatear.

Horsetail (don't know which one) in the far pond at Da Gairdins

 

Water Cricket

Thank you to one of my blog readers and to John F. on Whalsay for the ID

 

Da Gairdins at Sand

Beach at Sand

 

Wren singing by the beach at Sand

 

Headed south – stopped at the shop at Bixter and bought a small bag of Kitkat Easter eggs! Not far from Scalloway I stopped and checked out the Burn of Njugalswater, which is SW of the Bridge of Fitch (where the Arctic Warbler was last Autumn) – nothing here at all. Went to Gulberwick to walk along the burn towards Wick House and no birds seen here either. Returned home and lit the fire. I was disappointed to find that I hadn't got one pleasing shot of the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, oh well, can't get good shots every time! Back to work on Tuesday.