NEW BIRD FEEDERS
Yesterday evening I put some new bird feeders up which I bought from local shop Harbro in Lerwick. They were very popular with the birds early this morning. When I returned from work tonight, they were both empty! Oh dear!
The Roam Wild feeders I bought just over a year ago were the most expensive feeders I have ever bought and the worst feeders I have ever had. They are now extremely rusty (they claim to be weather proof) and the cages that fit around the bottom of the feeders to stop larger birds eg Starlings getting to the seed are dangerous, don't fit correctly and as I have previously posted can trap birds, injure them and kill them and I have read that this has happened to many other people too on various forums and reviews. They also say they are easy to clean, they are not easy to clean at all and its almost impossible to clean out the bottom sections properly. I highly recommend to never buy these feeders. I was going to buy from the RSPB again, but reading recent reviews, they have not been upgraded for ages and are a pain to clean, but the worst point is the fact the the plastic tube eventually breaks down and then the metal perching sections simply won't stay in place anymore.
So this time I have purchased two "Peckish" All Weather large 3 Seed Twist Feeders. They look really cool and are not insanely expensive. Lets see how long these last! There are sections of plastic inside the plastic tube which allows you to put three different types of seed inside, or quite simply fill it all up with the same seed. Obviously there are no cages to stop the Starlings and they are obviously insanely happy with the new feeders!
Four Northern Long-tailed Tits were found in the plantation by Strand Loch, near Tingwall this afternoon! I had fabulous views of these, but more distant than the ones on Yell. Lovely to see Deryk Shaw who was warden on Fair Isle when I last visited. Also John and Dennis Coutts, Kevin Kelly & I presume wife, Adrian Kettle, Adam and myself enjoying these charasmatic little birds. Raining on and off whilst I was there. Then went off to find my own birds, but nothing else found by dusk. A male Siberian Rubythroat was trapped and ringed on North Ronaldsay today!
After seeing all the pictures of Northern Lights here on Facebook this evening, I just went to see them for myself and took some handheld photos on my old iphone, not very good pictures, but glad I went out. The temperature outside was -1.5° so drove very carefully! Taken from the Scord at Scalloway and Tingwall Valley. I shouldn't be so lazy as I have the correct lens for my Canon R5 for taking shots of the Northern Lights.
A very successful day all round! Finally after months, I have sold the elephant coffee table! The person who wanted it lived on Yell, so I agree to take it over for them – tick! Very pleased about this as I had moved it into the shed and didn't want the wood affected as its a really lovely table, just simple didn't go with my new decor. The lady who bought it was very happy indeed.
On route to Toft I had 6 Red Grouse fly across the road, a real treat! I got the 8.15am ferry from Toft to Ulsta on Yell. It wasn't the smoothest of crossings – I had to concentrate! I knew it wasn't going to be smooth with the state of the sea over the last couple of days. Mixed weather today with sun, some rain, rainbows and a bitterly cold NW wind. I felt like I was back on the Norfolk coast!
Other birds seen were 1 Robin, Blackbirds, 2 Goldcrest, male and female Blackcaps and lots of Starlings. Jim N. turned up with a friend and I left him here photographing whilst I headed north to deliver the coffee table. I then popped into the "Hillshop" for the first time. Good selection of groceries etc and a much needed loo! I then spent quite a while trying to find my own birds – I failed with that. On route back I had a Merlin fly across the road.
Returned to Sound for a last look at the Northern Long-tailed Tits – bouncing around at massive speeds and never still and more elusive than they were this morning. Even colder now than earlier. Left and caught the 4pm ferry back to Toft. For the first time ever I went to, Frankie's in Brae for a fish supper (at £15, the most expensive chippy here), but didn't eat in as I felt tired and wanted to get home. Everyone says its the best fish 'n' chip shop here, but to be honest I didn't see much of a difference between "The Fort" and "Da Harbour Chippy" in Lerwick. A lovely but very chilly day out!
26th October 2025 – 4th January 2026
Da Gadderie, Shetland Museum and Archives
"Paul Bloomer’s art evolved from the industrial Black Country to the skies and landscapes of Shetland. Inspired by birds and raw nature, his work reflects a spiritual journey and artistic growth. This retrospective combines private collections and personal archives to explore the creative process that shaped his unique vision over 25 years."
https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/exhibitions/flight-by-paul-bloomer
Saturday 25th October
I first met Paul when I visited Shetland as he was one of the local birders here and discovered that he was an extremely talented artist. Read his biography here. Until today I have only seen Paul's work through Instagram and other social media sites. Paul's work is full of life, story telling, spirit, colour and vibrancy and most of his work is on a very large scale! His etchings are equally brilliant. Working in oil, gouache, charcoal, watercolour and other mediums.
Paul very kindly invited me to the opening of his exhibition "FLIGHT" at The Shetland Museum today. My jaw dropped when I first walked in. The first thing that struck me was the intensity and vibrancy of the colour and the size of many of the paintings. Each picture draws you in to a moment in time that tells the entire story without the need for words or explanation.
Paul's exhibition made me think about the past. I went to art college many years ago and never took it any further, which part of me regrets. I dabbled a little later on in life, but never really got back into it. They say its never too late, but I feel my photography has replaced this is a way. Maybe I will return to my art now I have settled into my new life here, time will tell!
All pictures below ©Penny Clarke with permission from Paul Bloomer. Unfortunately around six of my favourite pictures were out of focus (phone changed settings and didn't realise until I got home), so will have to go and take them again and when I do, I will add them here.
A book and catalogue accompany the exhibition. Many of the artworks are for sale. Enjoy!
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