SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Common Rosefinch at Grutness.

Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Scatsta Plantation. 

Wryneck at south edge of barns at Quendale Mill.

Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Brae Community Wood.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Symblisetter, Bakkasetter.

Yellow-browed Warbler in pines betweeen Bigton and Ireland.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Scousburgh.

Common Rosefinch in garden at Breaside, Ollaberry.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister, North Roe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Da Gairdins, Sand.

Sooty Shearwaters x 3 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Wadbister, SE of Girlsta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Leebitten, north of Sandwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation by burn at Loch of Housetter. 

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Esha Ness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at South-heog, Collafirth.

Barred Warbler still behind school at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.

Bluethroat at Voe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wester Quarff.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at south end of Muckle Roe.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Valayre, Voxter.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 in plantation on west side at Loch of Voe.        

 

ISLANDS

Radde's Warbler, Hornemann's Redpoll, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Glossy Ibis flew over Haroldswick, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warbler at South Ham, Isle of Bressay. 

Short-toed Lark by road at Otterswick, Yell.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Barred Warbler at Leebitten, north of Sandwick.

Barred Warbler still at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Maywick.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Scatness.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Geosetter.

Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Lunna.

Corncrake in tyres near Eswick.

Corncrake at Brake, near Loch of Hillwell.

Common Rosefinch at Lunning, NE of Vidlin.

Little Bunting, Common Rosefinches x 3, Yellow-browed Warbler at Scousburgh. 

Ring Ouzel at Channerwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister, North Roe. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Ring Ouzel on west hillside at Cott, Yellow-browed Warbler north of churchyard at Cott, Tresta.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Wester Quarff.

SIBERIAN THRUSH 1w. male between 3pm and 4.40pm and then no further sign this evening at Scatsta Plantation.

Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation at Sullom Voe.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Eswick. 

 

ISLANDS

Short-toed Larks x 2 by cattle grid at Otterwick, Yell.

Radde's Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Hornemann's Redpoll at Valyie, Norwick, Citrine Wagtail at north end of beach, Norwick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Baltasound, Glossy Ibis x 7 at Haroldswick, Unst.

Little Bunting at Oddsta, Little Bunting at Everland, Fetlar.

Red-breasted Flycatcher on Out Skerries. 

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

Long story short as now shattered and all dipped out!

Not quite dawn, but before sunrise I arrived at Noness to try my luck with the Black-faced Bunting. There were around 15 other birders here before me on a cold but beautiful morning. Others continued to join us. Another dip, no sign. Got to work by 8.50am.

Towards the end of my working day, I gasped to see news of a 1w. SIBERIAN THRUSH found at Scatsta Plantation, which is basically a long way north near Sullom Voe. OMG I needed to see this, FAR, FAR more than a Black-faced Bunting! Drove straight from work with no messing about. Arrived on site to the largest crowd I've seen since the Red-eyed Vireo twitch at Brae Community Woodland on my 2021 trip on 4th October. There were around a 100 birders maybe, possibly more. Most people looked pretty glum and this look continued to dwindle as the evening wore on, without a single sighting by anyone after I arrived. On a positive note it was lovely to see Mick Davis and two friends visting from Norfolk (for the first time) and also Norfolk birder Marcus Nash. Jill and Rob arrived a couple of minutes after me and several of the local Shetland birders (second time I had seen John Coutts today!) including Lerwick rarity finder Andy Johnson were here and lots of visiting birders, including Shetland regulars Lyn Griffiths and Ray O'Reilly.

The plantation was dense and I felt instantly that I was going to dip again and I would be correct! Triple dip in 24 hours, not going well at all Penelope!!! After standing for ages with others, I got restless and walked further along the path where I discovered some fabulous large landscaped gardens with lots of cover for a Siberian Thrush – I had heard that it had flown from one of these gardens earlier. This entire situation was insanely frustrating and highly disappointing, I was gutted to say the least.

Several Bramblings calling and seen, along with a surprise Moorhen appearing from the pond and also a few blackbirds seen. Left after dusk and cruised home. Spent alot of time trying to support my dear sister Vivien this evening, as Ray has had a major operation today and is in recovery but ok I think.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Curlew Sandpiper at Loch of Brindister, Gulberwick.

Bluethroat, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Geosetter.

Blue-winged Teal, Wryneck by cattle grid, Little Bunting north of cattle gird and east of road, Glossy Ibis at Loch of Hillwell.

Common Rosefinch in gardens at Brake, Loch of Hillwell. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Silwick, Wester Skeld.

Sooty Shearwater flew past Boddam.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Dalsetter, Boddam.   

Common Rosefinch at Grutness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sea Farms Carpark, Gremister, Lerwick.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler behind school at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Harley Street, Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Michaelswood, Aith. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Blue-winged Teal at Loch of Spiggie.

Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

Glossy Ibis at Loch of Brow.

Wryneck at Quendale Mill.

Rustic Bunting on fence by road, Dusky Warbler at end of road at Maywick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Reawick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Pool of Virkie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Ellister.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 at Bigton.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Wester Quarff. 

BLACK-FACED BUNTING fem/1w.male (reported earlier at 17.23 as a Little Bunting) this evening at 18.57 then appeared to roost on sloping cliff at 19.15 between Sandness & Noness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Stanydale, Bridge of Walls.

 

ISLANDS

Red-backed Shrike, Barred Warbler at North Aywick, Yellow-browed Warbler at Gutcher, Yellow-browed Warbler in garden near cemetery, Yell.

SUBALPINE WARLBER Sp. (probably eastern) at  in walled garden at Brough, Whalsay.

Hornemann's Redpoll at Valyie, Norwick, Citrine Wagtail, Common Rosefinch at Norwick, Snow Bunting at Westing, Yellow-browed Warbler at Ordale, Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Flugga Shore Station, Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound, Unst. 

Little Bunting at Oddsta, Little Bunting at Everland, Barred Warbler in garden at Funzie, Bluethroat Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Tresta, Isle of Fetlar.

Siberian Stonechat (probably West Siberian Stonechat), Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Warblers x 3 on Isle of Foula.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bluethroat on Out Skerries. 

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

After essential jobs this morning, I finally got out birding this afternoon! Lots of birds on offer, but wanted to try and find my own birds, which I did! Rain first thing and most of the morning, with little wind, but then sunshine for the rest of the day!

Nothing exciting at my bird feeders yet. In the Sunken Garden (as its known) in Lover's Lane, Scalloway I found at least 6+ Chaffinches including 2 males (not common here), a Robin and a Wren.

Goldcrest at Burn of Njugalswater

 

At Burn of Njugalswater, SW of Bridge of Fitch I found a female Blackcap and at least 5 Goldcrests feeding amongst the sycamore leaves which were a joy to watch – so lovely when I check this out regularly and often find nothing!

Checked out Wick House and the burn opposite the Kirk at Gulberwick and was surprised to find nothing at all apart from a Blackbird.

Redwing at Mossy Hill

 

Mossy Hill produced my first Redwings of the Autumn – three at the summit! I was hoping for Ring Ouzels as seen them here before. Nothing else of note but as always the views from up here are incredible!

Made my way to Geosetter, parked up and walked up to the top garden where someone had found a Bluethroat earlier today. A few birders here including Dan Pointon who was just leaving. I realised how shockingly unfit was I was walking up to the garden. Too much DIY and not enough exercise over the last few months, need to change that. Dan said the Bluethroat was showing well. I waited and waited and waited. Eventually it appeared for a nano second, popped out from the hedge, back in again, out again and flew straight across the lawn to the opposite hedge and that was that! Lucky and glad I saw it, but didn't get a chance to even lift the camera into action. All birders left and I stayed in hope that it would show again. It didn't. Suddenly MEGA news appeared on the Rare Birds WhatsApp group!

A Little Bunting which had been found earlier by someone else, had now been re-identified as a BLACK-FACED BUNTING by Dan Pointon!!! It was in the Noness area and the light was fading fast. I have never seen one of these anywhere ever! Got there as fast as I could safely. Parked up and amazingly there was quite a few birders here, approximately 15-20. I knew I had dipped when I could see people looking over the cliff edge. 2 minutes, yes 2 minutes I had missed it by I was told. It had been 'showing well' whilst feeding on the road, before descending down the cliff, presumably to roost! Gutted! Its seems to be a pattern when I book annual leave now, there is nearly always a mega bird on my last day before returning to work and usually I get to see it, my luck has run out! The question is, do I go for first light tomorrow? I start work at 9am.

Had to get the washing in off the line with my head torch when I got home! Busy bee!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Geosetter.

Sooty Shearwaters x 13 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Four Orcas past Sumburgh Head. 

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Michaelswood, Aith.

Blue-winged Teal at Loch of Spiggie. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Voxter.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Scatness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Isbister, North Roe. 

 

Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher on Out Skerries. 

Brown Shrike 1w. still, Barred Warbler at North Aywick, Yell.

Red-breasted Flycatcher on Isle of Foula.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 on Isle of Whalsay.

Reed Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 4 at Bressay.   

Short-toed Lark at Otterswick appears to have been predated (feathers found), Yell.

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

I have been insanely busy the last couple of days and achieved loads! Power washed all the concrete areas, paths etc and finished at 8.15pm (last night) and got soaking wet, as last time! The walls in the hall took far longer than expected. It took THREE coats of yellow paint on top of the Otex to cover the pattened wallpaper underneath and was only dry at 5pm this evening. Everything put back in place and its looking a lot brighter now! Had to jet wash (with hosepipe) all the crap sprayed into my pots and chairs etc from the power washing yesterday.

This evening I collected my curtains from a lovely young lady called Shona, who lives in Burra who did a very professional job, shortening my two thermal door curtains and they are now up in the doorway where there used to be a bi-folding door. Did a quick run to Tesco and had a fish supper. Home late.

So pleased with my first canvas I ordered of my Yellow Warbler I photographed in Hoswick – I had this made to fit the ugly roof inspection hatch – its worked a treat! The yellow looks a little quieter in daylight, honest!

I'll put some pictures up of the dining room another day, which is all finished apart from waiting for delivery of the John Lewis Teal Sofa Bed. Very windy here today and not as much rain as I was hoping for. Less windy tomorrow, so more birds to find/on offer, fingers crossed.

Dining Table arrangements

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Sooty Shearwaters x 2 at Sumburgh Head.

Marsh Warbler north of dam in iris bed, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler at Quendale Mill.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Scatness.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel at Geosetter. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton

Magpie in grass field at Melby.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick.

Red-breasted Flycatcher near house briefly at Kergord.  

Yellow-browed Warbler, Long-eared Owl at Cunningsburgh.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Swinister Burn, Hawfinch flew over, Hoswick.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.  

 

Short-toed Lark still by cattle grid at Otterswick, Yell.

Brown Shrike 1w. at North Aywick, Yell 

Common Rosefinches x 2 on Out Skerries.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Hamister, Isle of Whalsay.

Corncrake on Isle of Foula.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Skaw, Unst.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Head.

Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Tingwall.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Toab.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Michaelswood, Aith.

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Grutness.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Scatness.

Blue-winged Teal again at Loch of Hillwell and at Loch of Spiggie.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter.

Semipalmated Sandpiper juv. at Melby Beach.

Barred Warbler alt Swinister Burn, Hoswick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at head of Ronas Voe.

Snow Buntings x 2 in car park at Hamars Ness.

Yellow-browed Warbler opposite bus stop at Cunningsburgh.  

Marsh Warbler north of dam in iris bed at Quendale Mill.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Bunting on Isle of Noss.

Snow Bunting at Esha Ness.

 

Short-toed Lark still by cattle grid at Otterswick, Yell.

Snow Buntings x 15 at Gue, Baliasta, Unst.

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

 

I've had a very successful week with getting the house done. I've had a Durham Telephone Table with baskets delivered from Muddy Bay a couple of days ago and this has replaced my two nest of storage tables I purchased from Dunelm and then sold on Facebook in a record 5 minutes! The Dunelm ones didn't match the new dining table at all – all looking good now. Yesterday I spent a good number of hours filling in the skirting board in the living room with wood filler – a tedious job I've been putting off for ages – should be even less Woodlice appearing now, fingers crossed.

 

Today I started decorating the hall! I bought the paint a few weeks ago, Crown "Cottonwood" for the ceiling and "Custard Yellow" for the walls. The current decor is a white ceiling with very old light green wallpaper with a pattern of darker green marks – its a very cold and uninviting entrance. Custard Yellow should brighten things up! After all the usual sugar soaping and preparing with tape etc, I got the first coat on the ceiling. I soon realised that this wallpaper was not going to cover with the Custard Yellow after several coats, so painted a basecoat of Otex (had in shed already from painting the corridor), which needs 24 hours before its painted over. Then had to go to the paint shop in Lerwick as I didn't think there would be enough of the Cottonwood for a second coat in the sample tin I had previously bought.

 

Back home, I went straight outside to clear up a million plus leaves that had wedged themselves in all my plants, shrubs and pots. I needed to do this before the strong winds commence tomorrow. Back indoors and did a second coat on the ceiling and of course I didn't need the second tin! Cream crackered! Two coats on the walls tomorrow and that's me done with decorating for 2025. I had planned to paint the garden seat, but I can't see the wood being dry enough for me to do that this year and still haven't done the garden gates and shed doors. Next year will be outside decorating including the house! I also need to powerwash all the concrete tomorrow, a job I should have done earlier in the year – the path round the back of the house is almost black and slippery when wet. Then I will be all ready for the serious birding commencing on Saturday and Sunday with strong easterlies and heavy rain! Back to work on Monday for four days and then two weeks off for October birding, where there will be no decorating done whatsoever!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Bluethroat, Lapland Bunting at NW end of Loch of Spiggie.

Citrine Wagtail with Pied Wagtails at north end of playing field at Seafield Park, Lerwick. 

Barred Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam. 

Ring-necked Duck still at north end of Tingwall Loch. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in horse paddock along lower road at Wester Quarff. 

Common Rosefinch at Hoswick Burn, then flew towards Orca Inn.

Common Rosefinch at Quendale Mill.

Curlew Sandpiper juv. at Boddam.

Lapland Bunting flew south over Fleck.

Yellow-browed Warbler in the rosa rugosa by lighthouse. 

 

Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch on Out Skerries.

Short-toed Lark still at Otterswick, Yell.  

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Aithness, Fetlar

Common Rosefinches x 2 in crop field at Valyie, Norwick, Barred Warbler at shore station, Burrafirth, Unst. 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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Yellow-browed Warbler at Exnaboe.

Turtle Dove at Loch of Hillwell.

Barred Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam. 

Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.

Barred Warbler, Hawfinch at Helendale Drive, Lerwick.

Yellow-browed Warblers x 2 at Michaelswood, Aith. 

Wood Warbler at Geosetter.

Blue-winged Teal at Loch of Spiggie.

Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Freester, South Nesting.

Turtle Dove in stubble field oppositive junction at Scatness. 

 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Aithness, Fetlar

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER in burn at Clingera ENE of Baltasound, Unst.

EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER at Baliasta, WNW of Baltasound, Unst.

Blyth's Reed Warbler at Halligarth, ENE of Baltasound, Common Rosefinches x 2 in crop field at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Corncrake, Bluethroat on Out Skerries.

Barred Warbler at Brough, Whalsay.

Short-toed Lark on road at Otterswick, Yell.  

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

Leucistic (partial) House Sparrow on my bird feeders yesterday. A increasingly regular visitor to my garden sits under the fuschia bush in wait – a ginger cat. Dining Table arrived yesterday, an Durham Oak Extending Table – so nice to eat properly at a table instead of on my lap! Dining room now looking really homely. Set up the new 24" TV on the dining room bookshelves – so impressed that it simply links to the internet for signal! Put up two stainless steel wall boards in the kitchen to put photos on – looking good! I don't think I will get all my DIY jobs done this week, so really should get out in the field as they say, birds to be found!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Monday 22nd September

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Blue-winged Teal, Turtle Dove at Loch of Hillwell.

Ring-necked Duck still at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Sooty Shearwaters x 7, Blue Fulmar at Watsness.

Nightjar again this evening at Helendale Drive, Wood Warbler at Montfield, Lerwick.

Wood Warbler at Geosetter Burn.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Skeld, Rerwick.

Barred Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam. 

 

Yellow-browed Warbler in garden at Fetlar.

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER in burn at Clingera ENE of Baltsound, Wood Warbler at Halligarth, Common Rosefinch at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

Barred Warbler at Voehead, Isle of Bressay.

Snow Buntings x 13 at Isle of Noss. 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Ring-necked Duck still at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Isbister, North Roe.

Snow Bunting at Sumburgh Head.

Barred Warbler at Papil, West Burra.

Snow Bunting at Cross Kirk Cemetery, Esha Ness. 

Wood Sandpiper at Loch of Huesbreck.

Blue-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Nightjar at Helendale Drive, Lerwick.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Ring-necked Duck still at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater, Orca x 3 past Sumburgh Head.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Isbister, North Roe.

Curlew Sandpipers x 4 at Scatness. 

 

Hawfinch at Valyie, Norwick, Sooty Shearwater at Skaw, Unst. 

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

 

Lovely day here, but not favourable winds for migration! After the hairdressers I went to Muddy Bay, viewed the table and paid for it. Delivery Monday at the latest. 2 Pied Wagtails on Gallow Hill this afternoon along with the Hooded Crows and sheep.

 Durham Extending Oak Dining Table

W:150cm x H:80cm x D:90cm   Extends from 150cm to 200cm  

 

 

Unwrapped the final bubblewrap and brown paper wrapping of all my paintings, now need to arrange and put them all up. As a perfectionist, it won't be a quick job, but will be so good to get them all up on the walls. Repaired the ceilings where some of the fire alarms were. Put the office/studio back to its original tidy state before storing paintings, chairs etc in there, whilst the dining room was being revamped.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 19th September

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Ring-necked Duck at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Isbister, North Roe.

Great Shearwater, Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwaters x 11 flew past Sumburgh Head. 

 

Blyth's Reed Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth, ENE of Baltasound, Blue-winged Teal at Norwick, Unst.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Isle of Foula. 

Red-backed Shrike, Snow Buntings x 7 on Out Skerries.

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

 

Phoned Dunelm and was on the phone was seemed like forever. Initially they would not refund me, but after seeing the photos I sent across, they agreed to refund after I sent the table back. Earliest date available for collection was early October!

 

Went to Muddy Bay, who have a suitable dining table in stock, but it was in their warehouse and will collect it today for me to view tomorrow and with a potential delivery date for this Monday. Very tired today and not able to very much. Lovely weather here today. Hairdressers in the morning.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 12th to 18th September!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_38.aspx?s_id=597062234 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Sooty Shearwaters x 2 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Marsh Warbler in large garden at south end of bay, Hillswick. 

 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Halligarth, Baltasound, Unst. 

Snow Buntings x 2 at Isle of Noss.

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

 

Not a particulary good time right now, but can't go in to it. Then this evening I decided to get my flat-packed Dunelm flip top dining table together, which I purchased at the end of June. I unpacked this to get rid of all the packaging and stood it in my office/studio out of the way until ready to be put up (after carpet and decorating finished). I inspected this at the time and it all looked fine. I laid all the little plastic bags of nuts, bolts and screws etc out on the table and got the instructions out. Picked up one of the four very heavy and sturdy legs and to my horror discovered that they have been covered with a wood patterned type of paper over plain type of manufactured wood! I could see this, as along nearly the whole length of the leg, this paper was peeling, you couldn't make this up! My first thoughts were that I would glue it, but when I inspected the other legs, three out of four were exactly the same! Fuming to say the least. So will be ringing Dunelm in the morning, the second they open. Probably haven't got a leg (excuse pun) to stand on, as way past the return date. Whatever happens I'm then going to Muddy Bay to see if they have a table in stock and can deliver the same day (if I can't fit it in my car). Brilliant start to my week's holiday, not!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Red-backed Shrike at Bakkasetter.

Lapland Bunting at Sumburgh Head. 

Curlew Sandpiper, Snow Bunting at Loch of Clevigarth, Exnaboe.

Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Pool of Virkie.

Honey Buzzard at Tresta. 

 

Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-backed Shrike on Out Skerries.

Common Rosefinch, Snow Bunting at Isle of Whalsay. 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Barred Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Pectoral Sandpiper at Dalsetter, Boddam then flew north.

Red-backed Shrike at Bakkasetter.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Michaelswood, Aith 

 

Turtle Dove, Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Snow Bunting, Little Stint at Isle of Noss.

Common Rosefinch at Out Skerries. 

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

 

  Northern Lights showing on the Shetland Webcams now at 11pm

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

PETE SNOOK!

 

Glad you've had a lovely day out birding with Graham
and enjoying your evening too!

 

🎊 🎉 🍹 🎂 😊 😘 🤗 

 

Best Wishes Penny xx 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Red-backed Shrike Still at Bakkasetter.

Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwaters x 3 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Wood Sandpiper at Grutness.

Barred Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Pectoral Sandpiper south of loch, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpipers x 4 at Scatness.

Curlew Sandpipers x 2 on beach at Sandwick.

Lapland Bunting at Esha Ness. 

 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Tresta, Red-backed Shrike at Funzie, Fetlar.

Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint on Isle of Ness.

Red-backed Shrike on Out Skerries.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Red-backed Shrike between Brow Marsh and Loch of Spiggie.

Corncrake south of Laxfirth Cottage, Tingwall.

Hawfinch, Curlew Sandpiper at Sandness.

Goshawk NW of Sullom.

Sooty Shearwater flew past Esha Ness. 

 

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Baltasound, Unst.

Red-backed Shrike at Funzie, Fetlar.

Wood Warbler at Voe Head, Isle of Bressay. 

Hoopoe, Red-backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch on Out Skerries.

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

 

More flat-packing, more DIY!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 13th September

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Common Rosefinch at lower Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Sooty Shearwaters x 5 flew past Sumburgh Head. 

Curlew Sandpiper on airport runway, Sumburgh.

Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint at West Voe, Sumburgh.

Little Stint at Boddam Voe.

Curlew Sandpipers x 7, Little Stints x 2 at Pool of Virkie. 

Curlew Sandpipers x 6 at Scatness.

Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Little Stint at Grutness.

Turtle Dove at Loch of Spiggie.

Red-backed Shrike at Bakkasetter.

Common Rosefinch at Scousburgh.

 

Curlew Sandpiper on beach near hostel, Uyeasound, Unst.

Honey Buzzard juv. dark morph flew over Windhouse Lodge at Mid Yell. 

Red-backed Shrike at Funzie, Fetlar.

Hoopoe, Red-backed Shrike on Out Skerries. 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 12th September

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Sooty Shearwaters x 101, Curlew Sandpipers x 6 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Wryneck still at lower Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

 

Red-backed Shrike at Funzie, Little Stint at Papil Water, Tresta, Fetlar.

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

 

My electrician popped over this morning to replace an old single socket to a double socket and replaced the dodgy double socket under the kitchen worktop for the washing machine and new freezer. Starting to hang pictures and more DIY carried out. I lit the fire this afternoon, which was lovely and I noticed a marked difference in the heat in this room now the bookshelves and insulation board are in. But this does mean the dining room is colder and I can't put the Rointe radiator on in there until the pine door arrives from Jewson and Alex is able to fit this.

 

Lots of House Sparrows and Starlings at my bird feeders, but nothin more exciting yet. A mixed day weatherwise of rain and sun on and off all day long. 

RBA Weekly Round-Up 5th to 11th September!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_37.aspx 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 11th September

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Sooty Shearwaters x 53 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Wryneck at lower Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Little Stint, Curlew Sandpipers x 13 at Scatness.

 

Common Rosefinch at Tresta, Fetlar.

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

 

An insane week, glad its the weekend!

 

Finally ordered my three seater sofa, one armchair and a footstool today from Muddy Bay, so should have it all in approximately eight weeks, so I guess around 11th November. Stuart and Debbie at Muddy Bay have been extremely helpful in advising me.  It took me forever to decide on the colour and after initially planning to have two armchairs, I realised that after acurate measuring two won't fit in – well they will, but you would need to be super skinny to get through the gap when you open the living room door. I'm very pleased with the sofa I have chosen, its very high backed – I can't be doing with these trendy sofas that are really low and no head support, which won't be any use to me in my advancing years! This is my second ever and final sofa, so it needed to be right. All this range comes in recliner versions, but couldn't stretch that far financially. I would have liked to have chosen an impracticle colour, but that would be pretty stupid when I have a wood burning stove!

 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Red-backed Shrike at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Common Rosefinch at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Wryneck at Upper Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

Little Stint at north end of Sandy Loch, Lerwick. 

 Sooty Shearwaters x 15 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Curlew Sandpiper at Sumburgh.

Little Stints x 4, Curlew Sandpipers x 20 at Scatness.

Common Rosefinch at Culsetter, south of Sullom.

Curlew Sandpipers x 10, Little Stints x 2 at Pool of Virkie.

Hoopoe, Red-backed Shrike still on Out Skerries.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Baltasound, Barred Warbler at Norwick, Unst.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Common Rosefinch at Levenwick. 

Wryneck at Quendale.

Citrine Wagtail in Lerwick 

Little Stints x 2, Curlew Sandpipers x 14 at Scatness.

Wryneck by road near Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Little Stint at Sumburgh Farm. 

 

Common Rosefinches x 2 at Norwick, Curlew Sandpipers x 4 at Baltasound, Unst. 

Red-backed Shrike at Dalsetter, Yell.

Hoopoe still, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Common Rosefinch on Out Skerries.

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

 

I was going home.... but decided to go to Seafield Park in Lerwick to see if I could find the Citrine Wagtail that Andy Johnson had found this morning near Hayfield House – there was no further news of it since this morning and there was one in Seafield Park in 2023, so decided to have a good look round there in case it had relocated. Nothing found apart from a Blackbird, then a message came up on the WhatsApp group that Andy had found it again on the roof of Hayfield House at 5.42pm, off I went!

Citrine Wagtail on roof – not one of my best pictures at all!

 

 

Only a handful of birders here and no sign when I joined them. I heard a call I'm not familiar with in the trees close by. I played Citrine Wagtail on my Collins Bird Guide App to refresh my memory and that was it! I have seen a few of these in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, but not familiar with the call at all. This paid off, as a few minutes later Andy found it close by to where I heard it! I only watched it for a matter of seconds on the roof of a bungalow in the sunshine with five other birders. Someone last saw it flew towards Anderson High School, which is next to Clickimin Loch – its obviously covering a huge range, so we were all lucky to see it. Rubbish picture as head obscured by leaves, but lucky and fabulous to see. I went for a quick walk to Clickimin Broch before I headed for home, just in case it was there, but only Mallards, Oystercatchers and Mute Swans seen. Autumn birding is kicking off very nicely indeed. Andy Johnson finds SO many good birds in Lerwick!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Wryneck, Common Rosefinch in garden at Sumburgh Hotel.

Sooty Shearwaters x 31 flew past Sumburgh Head.

Wryneck at Sumburgh Farm. 

Wryneck at Grutness.

Common Rosefinch at Levenwick.

Barred Warbler at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Greenish Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Pied Flycatcher at Quendale Mill.

Wryneck, Common Rosefinch, Quail at Scousburgh.

Curlew Sandpipers x 28, Little Stints x 3 at Scatness.

Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

Pied Flycatcher at Loch of Hillwell.

Pied Flycatcher at Ocraquoy.

Marsh Warbler at Clevigarth Burn, Pied Flycatcher at Exnaboe. 

 

Sooty Shearwaters x 2 at sea from ferry, Isle of Whalsay.

Icterine Warbler, Wryneck at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Wryneck, Barred Warbler at Papa Stour.

Pied Flycatcher at Isle of Bressay.

Barred Warbler at Burrafirth, Pied Flycatchers x 2 at Baltasound, Common Rosefinch, Wood Warbler at Norwick, Unst.

Wood Warbler at Hillend, Pied Flycatchers x 2 on Yell.

Hoopoe on Out Skerries.

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

 

With strong easterly winds all day yesterday and then rain overnight, it was obvious there was going to be a fall of birds today and with the glorious sunshine all day and insects out for newly arrived migrants to feast on, it was going to be a top draw day for all those birders not at work!!!

 

I had to post an Evri parcel after work, which Streamline handles here and after that I went to try and find my own birds. Popped into Frakkasetter and then Burn of Njugalswater and not a single bird seen. When Roger R's Greenish Warbler popped up on the WhatsApp group at Quendale Mill, I decided I better head south and not waste any of the evening light that was left!

 

I was very tired after unexpectedly being the only one in my team of three at work today, but it was so worth going out birding for. The little copse of trees by the roadside at Quendale Mill is always exciting, it never fails to surprise you! I had a fabulous time here watching a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Willow Warblers and finally the Greenish Warbler! Added bonus was seeing Jim N. who alway make me chuckle, a very funny man, very joyful and always manages to get brilliant photos. Hugh H., Matt W. and Anne E. also here. Good banter and good birding! Unfortunately my pictures of the Greenish Warbler won't win any prizes, plus far too tired to be going through photos this evening. Cruised back home to Scalloway. Managed to got a cheese, bean and potato pie for my tea from the Scalloway shop, minutes before they closed. Wonderful evening.

Gorgeous Tabby Cat at Quendale Mill