SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

Marsh Warbler in garden of Millgates, Brindister, east of Norby.

Black-throated Diver at Scousburgh Sands.

 

Icterine Warbler still at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Icterine Warbler at Grindiscol, East Ham, Isle of Bressay.

Red-backed Shrike at Isbister, Isle of Whalsay. 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

A gloomy, rainy and very windy day and later on the rain was torrential. Someone came round at 8.30am to pick up a hexagon table I was selling on Facebook. Not long after this my new swivel (small) armchair turned up to place in the bay window of the living room, so I can watch the birds in comfort, rather than on my pouffe.

 

I don't think my bedding plants are going to survive being drowned out every day and its the same weather next week too. Did the Tesco run, had a look round Lerwick for birds, nothing of note. 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail in roses in garden at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse.

Red-backed Shrike at North Town, Exnaboe.

Grey-headed Wagtail in quarry at Sumburgh Head and Grutness.

Quail at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

 

Icterine Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Bluethroat in garden at Millfield, Norwick, Unst.

Red-backed Shrike at Everland, Fetlar.

Common Rosefinch male at Skaw, Whalsay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

After submitting pictures to a birding mag that were requested, I had other important jobs to do, mostly telephone calls. Later on I went out to try and see the Grey-headed Wagtail at Grutness.

 

Arrived on site, which is difficult for parking as the building site seems to be extending further down the road and basically you can't park at Grutness at all currently, so had to drive past the 'garden' and park on the corner, just before the first quarry. Walked back to Grutness Pool, no birders here, no wagtails or Spotted Flycatcher, oh dear!

Ringed Plover at the Grutness Pool

 

 

Two lovely Ringed Plovers landed on the edge of the pool right in front of me and there were 2 Mallards on the pool. A Pied Wagtail was seen along with a fly over Bonxie, a Wood Pigeon and there were good numbers of Arctic Terns, Wheatears and Meadow Pipits. I was surprised the Arctic Terns had returned here with all the colossal building works going on. I spent a long time here, walking back up the road to view from the dry stone wall, back to the pool and so on. Had a lovely chat with a lady called Rosemary who was on a Shetland Wildlife Tour and she so wanted to see the Grey-headed Wagtail. I don't know why, but I presumed it would be on 'show' – I heard that it had been insanely difficult to see by many birders as it was moving around constantly.

GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL

Distantly, but in beautiful evening light at Grutness Pool

 

Rosemary left and a little while later Roger Riddington joined me and not long after he stood here, he spotted it, diving down into a ditch to the right of the Grutness pool and then it flew left and was feeding for quite a while under and around the feet of two Shetland ponies, distantly behind the pool. I put the news out straight away at 21.14. A visiting birder called Bob joined us and got to see this stonking little wagtail just before it disappeared again at around 21.30 and vanished without us seeing we it had gone! A bit later I returned to the pool again and was harrassed by a black labrador and the male owner was not too bothered about this and took far too long to get his dog under control, it was jumping up at me – after the dog decided to bound towards me again and jump up at me again he finally put it on a lead. Luckily I had been holding my camera high up as otherwise there would have been dog dribble on my lens. This if the first incident I have had here with a dog jumping up at me.

 

Robert, another visiting birder, another two birders and also Rosemary returned but sadly they were too late and it did not show again. Whilst standing by the dry stone wall past the garden, all the Arctic Terns and gulls filled the sky and were obviously distressed about something – scanning with my bins, I could see the man I saw earlier walking over the stile, which states clearly no access between May and August and also it doesn't include an off leash black labrador either! He either can't read or doesn't give a hoot about disturbing breeding birds.

 

Its very dangerous birding here at this time of the year – I arrived home at 11pm!!! I hope you get to see the Grey-headed Wagtail before your flight home tomorrow Rosemary! 🤞😊

RBA Weekly Round-Up 23rd to 29th May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_22.aspx?s_id=233920500

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Nightjar viewed from yellow buoy at north end of plantation at Lea Heugland, Trondra.

Golden Oriole still in garden NE of kirk at Gulberwick.

Wood Sandpiper flew over Sumburgh Head.

 

Turtle Dove in garden at South Ham, Isle of Bressay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail by 1st bridge at Swinister, Hoswick.

Quail still singing at Ocraquoy.

Golden Oriole still in garden NE of kirk at Gulberwick.

 

Long-tailed Skua at Isle of Mousa.

Honey Buzzard at Norwick, then flew towards Skaw, Unst.

Long-tailed Skua north of Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Red-backed Shrike at Isle of Foula.

Long-eared Owl at Skaw, Quail at Hamister, Whalsay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Tuesday 27th May

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Black Kite flew over East Hill of Weisdale.

Red-backed Shrike at Scatness.

 

American Golden Plover at Isle of Foula.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

A day of sun and rain as forecast, chilly this evening. After work I laid all the pieces of one of the bookcases out onto the living room floor and tried to understand the very poor instruction leaflet, which labelled all the different sections of wood with letters eg A, B, C etc, but one problem, none of the pieces of wood had been labelled to correspond with the instruction leaflet! So helpful, not! All other flat packs I have completed (even though they have been a challenge) were at least labelled up. Nothing achieved this evening 😒

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Golden Oriole in garden near the kirk at Gulberwick.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Spiggie.

Quail by 1st bridge, Swinister, Hoswick.

Black-throated Diver offshore at Melby.

Quail singing at Geosetter.

Black-throated Diver at Easter Quarff.

 

American Golden Plover at Isle of Foula.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

This morning Norfolk birder Baz Scampion, found a Golden Oriole in the garden of a self catering house his partner Emma and he are staying at in Gulberwick! This happened whilst I was getting ready for work! Massive hail storm this afternoon, which took Catherine and I by surprise in the office!

 

Hearing news that the Golden Oriole was more than probably still around throughout the day, I headed to Gulberwick straight from work. I spent around 3 hours there and dipped out. Walked around and checked out all the trees in the area. There were a few people looking. Lovely male Siskin in the fir trees and a few Blackbirds around. Long story short, a couple of birders did see it while I was standing in the wrong area as it flew seemingly from the large garden at Wick House and back along the burn towards the Kirk, but no one saw where it landed. Prior to this it was heard calling at about 5.55pm from the fir trees in the garden of Wick House by a visiting birder, who apart from me was the only person left at this point and James didn't have a phone signal, so I put the news out for him and apologies to RBA and all, I typed West Hall (I have no idea why) when it was Wick House, sorry!

 

It was lovely to bump into Baz and Emma and had a good catch up as they stood in the driveway of their holiday self-catering house and gorgeous garden. It was a beautiful sunny evening. I gave up around 8pm and headed home, stopping birding on route but didn't see anything of note.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail in field between Swinister Burn and Brakefield, Hoswick.

Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch of Spiggie.

Quail still at Ocraquoy.

Blue Fulmar north past Sumburgh Head.

Northern Eider at Quendale Bay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Another day of rain, wind and cool temperatures, but the sun came out this evening with beautiful light. Spent ages writing and uploading pictures on various Shetland Classified for sale pages today. Went out for an evening drive to Trondra where I saw two Wood Pigeons, lots of Arctic Terns, Lapwing, Blackbirds, Curlew, Starlings and House Sparrows. Drove up to Uradale Farm, which potentially looks a good spot for migrants. At East Voe I had another three Wood Pigeons.

 

At Loch of Tingwall, there was no sign of the Little Gull. Headed to Lerwick to fill up with petrol, got a fish supper from "Fort". Stopped to see if the 2 Great White Egrets were still at Sandy Loch, south of Lerwick, but no sign from the roadside. Back to work tomorrow. South westerly winds, with mix of sun and rain next week. Switches SE again on Saturday and for the following week leading up to my next week of annual leave!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail at Hoswick Bridge.

Long-tailed Skuas x 2 from Good Shepherd, c3. miles east of Sumburgh Head.

 

Quail singing at Hamister, Isle of Whalsay.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

A rubbish day of rain, wind and fog. Lit the fire at 1pm, any excuse, love my stove! Power cut for the first time, but only for a short while and it affected most of the South mainland. 30+ soggy House Sparrows, along with Starlings, Blackbirds, Collared Doves and Rock Doves feeding in my garden.

 

Started to photograph and sort items to sell on Facebook. Had a catch up on the phone with Lucy, Vivien and Ray. Nothing else exciting going on I'm afraid.

 

News from Shetland:

 

Fjara goes up for sale!!!!! 

I don't think anyone can quite believe that Fjara is going up for sale!

 

Woman dies after falling from cliff at St Ninian's Isle 

How shocking and sad to hear this, my most sincere condolences to all her family and friends. 🕊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail still at Ocraquoy.

Little Gull 1s again at Loch of Tingwall.

Quail at Hoswick Burn.

Quail half a mile east of Bridge of Walls, Walls.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Had fabulous views of the two Great White Egrets together at the south side of Sandy Loch, just south of Lerwick. Walked out to the broch at Clickimin Loch and spent a good while looking for the drake Garganey, but no sign. Tufted Ducks, Mallards, Mute Swans, Arctic Tern and Starlings seen here.

 

Went to look for yesterday's male Red-backed Shrike at Setter, Sandwick and was ages here standing, waiting, walking round the whole area three times, no sign, but saw two very striking beautiful tabby cats in a lush garden with hens. Loved the houses and gardens in this little area and realised I had never been to this Setter (there is more than one 'Setter' in Shetland).

 

Checked out the cliff top garden at Hoswick and The Orca Inn, but didn't find anything. Headed to Ocraquoy to listen to the Quail, but no joy there, mind you I wasn't 100% I was in the right spot, but found the best 'Quail' field I thought it should be in, which was silent! So pretty in this area, its been a while since I've been here. Drove through Fladdabister and then onto Tingwall Loch, where I didn't see the Little Gull! and returned home. Chilly again today. SE winds tomorrow!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 16th to 22nd May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_21.aspx?s_id=24789752

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Garganey drk at south side of island at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Red-necked Phalarope by Shetland Museum, Lerwick.

Quail still at Ocraquoy.

Little Gull 1s again at Loch of Tingwall.

Quail at Hoswick Burn.

Red-backed Shrike male near road junction at Setter, north of Sandwick.

American Golden Plover still at Watsness.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

I had a terrible night's sleep, which meant that today did not go to plan, well half of it did. I weeded all the concrete slabs around the side of the house and mowed the grass before the rain and SE winds hit us on Saturday. After many day's hard work, the garden is finished and ready for the Summer! It was so cold this evening, I lit the fire which I wasn't expecting to do in May! Its forecast 50mph winds on Sunday afternoon/evening – I may have to put a few garden ornaments back in the shed temporarily.

 

I opened the instruction pamphlet for putting the bookcases together and then quickly closed it – it looks very complicated, but I will attempt to put one together on a wide awake day, but not this week. I will be out birding for the next three days! Norfolk birder Gary Elton is guiding here with Oriole Birding and he's bound to find something good – he has already found 2 Great White Egrets this morning whilst bagging the drake Garganey at Clickimin Loch!

 

Norfolk birder Sean Offord contacted me recently to ask advice about good spots to look for birds in Shetland – this was his first visit here. He sent me a message as he left Shetland this evening to say he had found a Red-necked Phalarope in the harbour by the Shetland Museum (obviously just arrived and passing through), so even though the winds were not in his favour this week, he still managed to find a good bird in an unexpected spot! Sean is famous for finding two county firsts for Norfolk, the Black Lark at Winterton on 29th April 2008 (I was doing a double shift at the hospital! This was two years prior to me starting my blog in 2010, so no link about me missing it) and a Blue Rock Thrush at Winterton on 20th October 2022 which I did see!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 21st May

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Quail still at Ocraquoy.

Little Gull 1s at Loch of Tingwall.

Quail at Hoswick Burn.

Garganey drk at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Red-backed Shrike male near road junction at Setter, north of Sandwick.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Woke up late today. Much chillier and the sun didn't come out until the afternoon. I won't have to advertise my table and chairs on Facebook, as Jill and Rob said they would like them – they popped over to mine this afternoon and I got the 4 chairs in my car and with a little bit of jiggling around, Jill and I just about managed to get the drop leaf table into the back of their car and we headed to Watsness. We checked out Tingwall Loch for the Little Gull seen this morning, but no luck at all. We stopped along the road near their house to try and find the American Golden Plover, no luck with that either, but 4 Golden Plover, Oystercatchers and Lapwings were seen on the hills. As we approached their house, the Isle of Foula looked magical in the stunning afternoon light. Jill and Rob have fabulous views below their house, the Loch of Watsness, the sea and the Isle of Foula.

 

As we unloaded the furniture from our cars, the hens and cats greeted us – a joyous and fun scene! I wanted to have hens and cats when I moved here, but there simply isn't the room to have hens in my tiny garden, but there is room for a cat one day when I get everything sorted out! Jill and Rob showed me all the latest work that has been carried out to their house – they have achieved so much since they purchased their home, the transformation is incredible. We had a lovely catch up with coffee, biscuits and cuddly cats. I left mid evening – scanned for the American Golden Plover on route, but no luck.

 

Jill congratulated me on my Oriental Turtle Dove photo, which was listed in the 'Notable Images' in Birdguides Photo of the Week article and I didn't even know until she told me. Jill had also had one of her cracking Savannah Sparrow photos listed in the Notable Images too! 

 

After hearing news of a drake Garganey at Clickimin Loch, I decided to head to Lerwick before heading home. I particularly love Gargarney, they are such a striking duck. Parked up by the loch at 8.40pm 'ish' and quickly realised it was a scope job. I scanned the loch several times with my scope – found Tufted Ducks, Mallards, a pair of Mute Swans, but no sign of the Garganey. Matt W. turned up and he couldn't find it either. I drove around to the opposite side of the loch and scanned again, nothing sadly. I then went to Pullar's Loch (near Tesco) to see if by any chance it had relocated there, but only a pair of Mallards seen. To be fair it was late and could have been hiding in the vegetation in the fading light, but it certainly wasn't on the loch itself. Did a small shop in Tesco and returned to Scalloway.

 

Back at home, which was around 10pm, I had to put all the aired washing away, get the next lot of washing off the lines and everything up to air. It was 10.30pm before I had any tea/supper! Watched 'First Dates' on Channel 4, which I always find very amusing! 😆

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Red-backed Shrike male near road junction at Setter, north of Sandwick.

Quail singing at Swinister, Sandwick.

Quail still at Ocraquoy.

Wood Sandpiper at Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

White-billed Diver viewed from Foula mail boat between mainland and Vaila at Burrastow.

 Quail at Hoswick Burn.

 

Shorelark briefly at Skaw, Unst.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

This is the best run of good weather I can recall since I've been here. My electrician turned up just after 9.30am and put up my ceiling light and wall lights up in the living room and a ceiling light in the dining room – he also made a single socket into a double and then sorted out an unwanted wire in the boiler cupboard. Very luckily I choose well and the lights look absolutely amazing, so pleased. At the same time and without a prior requested telephone call, Streamline turned up to deliver my bookcases, which consisted of 12 boxes of which eight of them weighed extremely heavy and I would not be able to be even begin to lift them. I moved the table and four chairs (that I'm selling) into the kitchen to make room for the bookcases and the very nice delivery driver placed them all in the dining room for me. The driver should have had someone with him in my opinion, the large boxes were a two man job, far too heavy for the even the strongest man.

 

After everyone had left I felt asleep for a short while, I felt burnt out which is not how you are supposed to feel when you are on annual leave. Tidied up the mess and boxes that the lights came in. Several Red Admirals in the garden. Juvenile House Sparrows, along with their parents are emptying the feeders quicker than I can eat chocolate. Unpacked one bookcase just to check the colour/quality and then drove to the Refuse Tip to drop in loads of cardboard, gardening stuff etc. Spent the evening catching up with Lucy and Vivien, getting washing in off the line and putting more out – shattered.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

American Golden Plover still from first passing place beyond cattle grid at Watsness.

Red-backed Shrike male near road junction at Setter, north of Sandwick.

Wood Sandpipers x 2, Curlew Sandpiper at Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Quail singing at Ocraquoy.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Wall to wall sunshine all day! Had to go for a blood test at the GBH, then did some quick jobs in town. Went to the garden centre at COPE and then decided to have a quick look round their second hand shop and bumped into Jane P, which was a lovely surprise! Jane was the temporary OT on the day I arrived and she was so lovely to work with, she's been on her travels and is now back again in Shetland again.

 

Returned home, had lunch outside overlooking Scalloway Harbour and realised how lucky I am to be living here, even though there are some very unexpected issues going on, more about that at a later date! I continued gardening and have now potted up and weeded everything on my patio – its all looking really good and very pleased with all my hard work.

 

This evening was spent preparing for my electrician coming tomorrow to put up my lights up (purchased from Wayfair) in the living room and dining room – I spent ages choosing these, I really hope they are going to look ok once they are up. So far, this holiday has been harder work than being at work! The bookcases are supposed to be delivered tomorrow, but I bet that doesn't happen as had no phone call to say they are arriving.

 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

American Golden Plover still from first passing place beyond cattle grid at Watsness.

Red-backed Shrike male in garden at Setter, north of Sandwick.

Curlew Sandpiper at Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

A little overcast this morning, but then glorious sunshine all afternoon. Had a nice catch up on the phone with Eddie this morning – have not spoken to him for several weeks. I was in the middle of gardening and looking my absolute worst with muddy trousers etc, when I had surprise visitors, Gillian and her daughter Bell! Gillian works at the GBH. I found out a few weeks ago that Gillian's grandparents had lived in my house and Gillian had very fond memories of this time in her life – I had said she could pop round, as she had not been in the house since she was a teenager. It was so lovely to show Gillian around the house and garden and it was fascinating to hear how the house was as she recalled it.

 

Nipped to Plantiecrub (again) and weeded and planted on the side garden and back patio until 11pm! I didn't get round to painting the seat or photographing stuff to sell on Facebook! Plenty of time this week though. Migrants won't be dropping in until Saturday when it switches SE, which is typical as I always seem to have a run of rare birds the last day or two before turning to work. I'm back at work for two weeks and then have a week off commencing Friday 6th June.

 

Any birders or visitors heading down to Quendale Mill, Loch of Hillwell or Spiggie Loch and needing cakes – head to Belle's Bakes Cake Fridge!

 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

American Golden Plover still from first passing place beyond cattle grid at Watsness.

Red-backed Shrike male in garden at Setter, north of Sandwick.

Curlew Sandpiper at south end of Loch of Spiggie.

Curlew Sandpiper on beach at Ireland.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Another stunning day here, but continued north winds, so no influx of migrants at the moment, so a good time to do some essential gardening. Lambs and Shetland ponies on Gallow Hill next to my house, such a beautiful scene. Had a lovely catch up with Gwen whilst I was busy gardening today. Went to Plantiecrub and bought my Summer bedding plants: Livingstone Daisies, Lobelia (bush and trailing), Snap Dragons etc along with a Lavatera, another hebe, small conifer etc. Had a massive re-vamp in the front garden and now all finished. Tomorrow I need to weed and sort the area by the back door and then pot up plants on the raised patio and then all the gardening will be finished for the Summer. Several Red Admirals seen in my garden this afternoon. Garden seat to paint tomorrow.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

Curlew Sandpiper on beach at Ireland.

American Golden Plover again below passing place at Watsness.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Essential jobs this morning and then started to tidy and weed the garden out the rest of the day – came back in the house at 10.30pm, but still light. Another gorgeous sunny day here. Lambs skipping on Gallow Hill, usual birds at the feeders. Painting a garden seat this weekend. My electrician is coming out on Tuesday to put up my new ceiling and wall lights which arrived last week, change a socket for me and seal off a wire in the boiler cupboard. Phase two of the house begins! Bookcases (flat-pack) arriving mid week. Lots of things to sell on Shetland classifieds on FB, which I need to put up this weekend. Busy bee! 🐝😊

RBA Weekly Round-Up 9th to 15th May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_20.aspx?s_id=776397463 

 

Thank you to the RBA Team for including my Oriental Turtle Dove photograph in their weekly round-up.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 15th May

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

Curlew Sandpiper on beach at Ireland.

Curlew Sandpiper, Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Spiggie.

 

White-billed Diver at Baltasound, Unst.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

After work this evening I went to Burnbank in Lerwick to see if I could hear or see the recent Grasshopper Warbler. No sight or sound of this, but a Sedge Warbler and a Skylark were singing and also saw a Red Admiral butterfly. Another day of glorious sunshine here. Now on holiday for the next 10 days!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 14th May

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

Bluethroat at Hillwell.

Red-backed Shrike male by dam at Quendale

Curlew Sandpiper on beach at Ireland.

 

White-billed Diver at Baltasound, Unst.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) again in ploughed field west of Loch of Hillwell.

Nightjar at Kirkabister, South Nesting.

Curlew Sandpiper on beach at Ireland.

American Golden Plover by road west of cattle grid at Watsness.

 

White-billed Diver at Baltasound, Unst.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

The Savannah Sparrow has left the building! The amount of bird seed I'm spending money on, it could of at least paid a visit to my garden on route! 😉 Only the usual Starlings, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Collared Doves and Rock Doves this evening. Too tired to go out birding and important phonecalls to make. Jill and Rob found an American Golden Plover near their house this evening!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JOHN FURSE!

 

🎉 🦋 🥳  ♉  🎶 🐝 🐞 🤗

Western Oriental Turtle Dove at Hillwell!

WESTERN ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE

Near Loch of Hillwell

Found by Hugh Harrop and Paul Harvey

When I saw news of a Savannah Sparrow found at Skaw, Unst today and a Western Oriental Turtle Dove found at Hillwell and almost both birds found within a short time of each other, I knew I had booked the wrong week off, well maybe, time will tell! There is no way of getting to Unst and back home again after work, so there was no point in getting stressed, you can't see every bird when you have to work. Jill and Rob made it to Unst and Jill got some stunning pictures!

 

I had to return home to meet a contractor about a job at my house, which is a very urgent situation (not going into this on the blog) and this meeting finished around 6pm. I then flew south to see the Western Oriental Turtle Dove found by Hugh Harrop and Paul Harvey at Hillwell. Phoned Hugh for exact directions and ended up watching this stunning bird feeding with 2 Collared Doves in a ploughed field at Hillwell and in perfect evening light, just wow! A new bird for me too! Also saw my first Bonxie of the year flying over Loch of Hillwell.

Had a walk at Quendale Mill and there were at least 10 Blackbirds here, 2 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows over and lots of House Sparrows in the main trees. A Wheatear and Meadow Pipits up by the Dam and 4 Linnets on a fence wire seen.

On route home I diverted to the pools at Bigton and saw the Wood Sandpiper with a Dunlin feeding at 9.15pm! It was 10pm when I got home. Had my tea very late, as I expect many birders did tonight!

MORE PICTURES TOMORROW

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Wood Warbler at Hoswick.

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) in field west of Loch of Hillwell.

Wood Sandpiper at pools this evening between Channerwick & Bigton.

Wood Sandpiper below Greenmow Farm, Cunningsburgh Touring Park.

 

Surf Scoter drake & fem. still off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

SAVANNAH SPARROW along burn, east of bridge at Skaw, Unst.

Western Oriental Turtle Dove (form meena) on Friday 9th May at Norwick, Unst.

Kumlien's Gull still at Uyeasound, Unst.

Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Out Skerries.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

I'm so glad I moved to Shetland, the birds here are insane, even though I can't get to them all after work! Roll on Friday! Savannah Sparrow on Unst found by David Cooper and an Western Oriental Turtle Dove at Loch of Hillwell found by Hugh Harrop and Paul Harvey! See next post!

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11th May

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Wood Sandpiper on pools between Channerwick and Bigton.

 

Eastern Subalpine Warbler in garden at Rocklea, Wood Sandpiper, Ring Ouzels x 2, Pied Flycatchers x 2 on Out Skerries.

Kumlien's Gull in field behind Easter Loch, Uyeasound, Unst.

Surf Scoter drake & fem. still off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Gorgeous weather this weekend and forecast to continue for the next couple of weeks and no rain until the 21st May! It felt like a Bee-eater kind of day and I noticed that there was one found on Fair Isle today – check out the FIBO link above for photo!

 

Two Arctic Terns over Scalloway Harbour. Checked out the Burn of Njugalswater, SW of Bridge of Fitch and found nothing at all. Went to Planti Crub Garden Centre, returned home with a few plants and then headed south to look for the Wood Sandpiper on the pools at Bigton, no sign of this but a pair of Mallard there with 10 cute ducklings. At the Geosetter Burn I didn't find a single bird. A few Meadow Pipits and Wheatear around on route south.

 

At Grutness there was one Dunlin, one Shelduck and one Ringed Plover on the pool and saw one Swallow flying over. Met and chatted to Gordon who owns the famous Grutness walled garden, who was telling me the pier building work will be going on until Christmas! Fussed the very friendly ginger and white cat. There are two huge cranes there now, the entire scene has changed! I can't see the Arctic Terns settling there this Spring.

 

Went for a stroll on St Nininian's Isle and saw two Razorbills on the sea, a few Eider, Fulmar, a Black Guillemot and Turnstones and Sanderling were feeding along the shore. There is a notice saying "No Vehicles on the beach" –  there were loads of different types of tyre tracks all over the beach! Checked out the pool again for the Wood Sandpiper, again no sign.

 

Former Shetland Bus boat arrives in Scalloway this afternoon

I didn't even know this was happening, I would have liked to watch this.

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Wood Sandpiper at NW end of Loch of Spiggie.

Dotterel x 2 at Esha Ness, Stenness.

Wood Sandpiper by road between Channerwick and Bigton.

 

Surf Scoter drake & fem. still off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

Pied Flycatcher at Isle of Noss.

Subalpine Warbler sp. briefly at Ham, Isle of Foula.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 9th May

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Wood Sandpiper by road between Channerwick and Bigton.

Wood Sandpiper at Boddam.

 

Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Serin in garden at feeders at Millfield, Unst.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

RBA Weekly Round-Up 2nd to 8th May!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_19.aspx?s_id=780976924

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Ring Ouzel at Crooksetter, Sullom Voe.

Osprey at Loch of Spiggie.

 

Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.

White-billed Diver off Viking Ship, Haroldswick, Unst.

Surf Scoter drake & fem. still off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

After several phone calls and detective work, I discovered the number was a generic switchboard number for NHS Grampian (Aberdeen) and there is no way of knowing which team or department phoned me I was told (long story), but thankfully it was not from the team I thought it was from. The same number did not attempt to call me again today. My only conclusion is that they called a wrong number and unfortunately it happened to be my number, which caused a whole load of stress and worry. Huge thanks for assistance and very kind support from 'E' this morning, you know who you are xx.

 

Two years since I started my job as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Gilbert Bain Hospital!

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Ring Ouzel at Isle of Nibon.

Black Redstart south of lighthouse at Esha Ness.

Iceland Gull just north of Rerwick.

 

Surf Scoter drake & fem. off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

I didn't get any jobs done this evening, due to being very stressed out over a missed call whilst I was at work this afternoon. The phone call would have been important, but I now have to wait until tomorrow to find out the details of this call. Lit the fire and sat and did nothing but worry. 😟

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Surf Scoter drake & fem. off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html 

 

Nothing exciting to report I'm afraid. Spent Sunday and tonight preparing for my forthcoming big furniture deliveries. After work this evening I filled my car with a load of rubbish and crap etc from my shed and made it the dump in time before it closed at 7pm. My wood shed as I call it, is super tidy right now. On Sunday I laid an old carpet out on the floor and its looks brilliant in there now, you could almost camp out in it – maybe that's going a little far! I was slightly alarmed to see that after removing my remaining logs from the two tonne bags and stacking on palettes that I have far fewer than I thought I had. I have been buying my hardwood logs from Mackenzies Farm shop, but when I contacted them this week, I was told that they won't be getting any more in until late Summer/early Autumn, so I will have to find someone else. Its still cold enough here to need to light the fire on some days/evenings and if it doesn't warm up soon, I will definately need more logs.

 

Tomorrow night I will be chopping kindling and sorting out the largest shed, which is very untidy due to me dumping decorating tools and paint tins in there last year. I still have an outside seat to paint and the shed doors and the side gate this year, when its warms up enough. The dandelions and daisies look very pretty on my now overgrown driveway, so it needs to have its first cut at the weekend and I need to have a weeding and sorting session in the garden. I've only lost one new shrub this Winter, everything else has survived, which is good.

 

I would love to paint the wall along the driveway this year, but don't know if I will get round to it and also the house needs painting – most of it I can safely reach and do myself apart from the chimney areas. But maybe not much point as there are a few cracks and leaks that need sorting out first and that's not something I know much about.

 

I'm on holiday from Friday 16th May for a week, which was primarily booked for birding, but it may be taken over with bookcase building, if they arrive by then. At least now, I will be fully unpacked before serious Autumn birding commences. I don't know how long the waiting list is for insulating, but I actually hope it is a good while as I don't fancy having the house turned upside down yet, but obviously I'm extremely grateful to be accepted for the insulation grant. I was told that 'if there is enough money' I can have the windows replaced, which I will keep my fingers crossed for, as a lot of the double glazing has now gone and I will never have the money to get this done myself.

 

Happy Spring Birding everyone!

 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Pomarine Skua at Esha Ness.

Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Hillwell.

 

Pectoral Sandpiper at South Ness, Isle of Foula.

Serin in garden at feeders at Millfield, Unst.

Surf Scoter drake & fem. off Brough Lodge Pier, Isle of Fetlar.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest_sightings.html