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!
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.
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.
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.
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
The last Eastern Bonelli's Warbler was in a fir tree in my neighbour Jimmy's garden, from 10th-13th of October 2014! I don't think I can face a rocky ferry ride to Whalsay tomorrow?!
At last! My first Hawfinch (female) of the year on my feeders this morning and joined by a second one late afternoon! Also a Robin, Blackbirds, Starlings, House Sparrows, Rock Doves and Collared Doves.
Lea Gardens OPEN on Sunday 27th April
10.00am to 4.30pm & PLANT SALE
Very busy day at work and then drove straight to West Burra and Toogs and spent from 5pm to 8.30pm trying to find the Black-crowned Night Heron. Yes I have seen it, but it was a dot in the distance in my scope on a murky, rainy day. It would be good to even view it at half the distance I did, but luck is not on my side with this bird, after several visits. Several Grey Herons fishing, pair of Red-breasted Mergansers off the pier at the outdoor centre. At Toogs I bumped into Jane again who found a very distant Moorhen with just her bins! Back at the bridge I watched a couple of otters for a few moments before disappearing. A beautiful, but chilly evening and a stunning sunset as I drove home. Not having much luck with trying to get good views of the BCNH – think I might give up now!
Two male Siskins and one Robin in my garden today, along with the usual Starlings, House Sparrows and Collared Doves. Headed south birding. Walked along Swinister Burn and although it was extremely pretty, I didn't see a single bird! Climbed up to the top of the Geosetter Burn at Bigton and apart from 4 Ravens overhead and a couple of Meadow Pipits, no birds seen along the burn at all.
At Clumlie Loch there was no sign of the Purple Heron. Matt W. turned up and we walked along the burn to try and find the Purple Heron. Matt continued on to the cliff edge, but I turned back before this. Had a look at Boddam Voe: Eiders, Redshanks, Turnstones, Mallard and Shelducks here.
The Grutness Garden produced what I presume was the same male Blackcap I saw on Friday and also one Chiffchaff and the pool held a pair of Mallards and a couple of Common Gulls. Drove up to Sumburgh Head where I saw about 4 Wheatears on route. Stood for ages looking for Puffins coming into the cliffs, but only saw them flying distantly over the sea – nobody else had seen them either. Walked to the end of the 'Roses' and the view of the cliffs from here was stunning in the evening light. Fulmars were cruising round the cliffs and Razorbills, Guillemots and Shags also seen.
On West Voe beach I counted 138 Long-tailed Duck on the turquoise sea – it was a magical sight! Parked up to have a quick look at the Pool of Virkie and there was good numbers of waders including lots of Sanderlings, Dunlin, Redshanks, Shelducks, Turnstones and Curlew. Cruised home as the sun was setting.
Three smart male Siskins in my garden this afternoon.
One year since I bought my Skoda Monte Carlo Estate.
Lucy's severe mental state and angry mood upset my entire day.
Light rain, grey skies and foggy here. Robin in my garden this morning. Mossy Hill, produced nothing but thick fog – I could only just about see the sheep! I was hoping to find an Alpine Accentor up there – I last saw one on 30th October 2022 at Blakeney Point. Male Blackcap in the Grutness Garden, no sign of the RFB. Chiffchaff in the garden at Sumburgh Hotel along with four Blackbirds. Went to look for the Purple Heron at Troswick burn, no sign. Had a cruise around Levenwick, no birds of note seen. The day ended well, with finally getting to see the Black-crowned Night Heron from Toogs Pier at West Burra, which is a new bird for me. Met a lovely local birder called Jane who found the BCNH for me, thank you. Sadly though, it was a dot in my scope, so no gripping pictures from me. Fascinating to watch it skulking along the waters edge, searching for food. I really hope to see this again at a closer distance and in better light – such a flamboyant bird! Two Otters were also by the pier, but only seen briefly. South east winds and sunny tomorrow 😊
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Note to self: DO NOT book a long hair appointment in the evening after work, at any time between clocks changing in March until Winter time. Roger Riddington found an unusual Spring record of everyone's favourite bird, a flamboyant Red-flanked Bluetail!! They never get boring to watch. I've had many fabulous sightings of bluetails in Norfolk, but its always good to see another one. Obviously when you are working all day, there are always going to be rare birds turning up, but unless its something on the outer islands, you have a pretty good chance of seeing it after work at this time of the year. Booking a hair appointment 15 minutes after you finish work is pretty stupid really, couldn't cancel as it takes many weeks to get an appointment at my hairdressers. I've booked the next three appointments up for day time slots – lesson learnt!
Will Gordon the cat have gobbled it up, by the time I get there in the morning? Hopefully he will just be enjoying watching this colourful little visitor to his garden! 😻😼 If anyone reading this is offended, I love cats as much as birds and I photographed Gordon himself only a week or two ago, but cats and birds don't go very well together as we all know! I have to live with a local ginger and white fluffy cat constantly sitting below my front garden wall or under the fuschia bush, waiting and watching all my birds at the feeders – I have no idea how many its eaten, but I haven't caught it in the act yet thank goodness.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Attempted to see the Night Heron again this evening and failed. I was on route to try and find it myself, when a message came up to say it was north of Toogs. By the time I had found the exact location where people were watching it from, I was seconds too late – it had flown. Jim N. arrived at the same time as me and he dipped out too. Descended a humongous hill down to the voe, where people had seen it fly to and failed with that too – climbing back up the hill wasn't joyous at all, but I got back up to the top quicker than I expected to, which was good. I then drove back to Bridge end and the pier and scanned everywhere with scope and found 4 Grey Herons fishing, but no sign of the Night Heron. Can't go tomorrow as in hairdressers after work, so will look again on Friday night. Although there have been a few in Norfolk and generally in the Broads area, I have never actually seen a Night Heron anywhere!
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Quick write up as didn't get home until just after 9pm.
Purple Heron at Boddam Voe! Everyone's favourite place to go birding! I have seen Purple Heron's in Norfolk before, but never seen one this close! Absolutely wow views! Found by Nat Hall, thank you! First live one since 1981 local birders tell me! A Snipe was also seen here.
Went to Quendale Mill to see if I could find the Black Redstart seen earlier, but no luck with that. Returning back from the dam, I had a single Redwing in the main area of trees behind the stone wall and several Blackbirds around. 6 Ravens flew overhead. Searched all the roof tops of the farm buildings for the Black Redstart, but only found Starlings. Bumped into Cerys and Michelle H. going for a stroll – lovely to have a catch up. Then Hugh rang me to say he had the Green-winged Teal again at Hillwell Loch, which I then saw through my scope!
Someone called Jake put news out that the Night Heron was being mobbed above the outdoor centre at Bridge End, Burra. Would I get there in time? I tried my best. Jake had been watching it south of the outdoor centre, but it was now out of view when I arrived. I remained by myself and scoped in hope. I was serenaded by a Blackbird singing its heart out and a Otter a few yards from me. Kevin Kelly arrived on scene and said he had seen it from the top road. I flew up to the top road and a birder called Natasha also arrived at the same time and Kevin returned to see if he could pick it up again for us. In the very fading light, we could not see it. Thank you to Jake for putting the news out and for Kevin for kindly coming back to help me see it. Oh well, maybe another day.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Rang TalkTalk again first thing this morning, waste of time – my issue has been 'escalated' and someone will ring me in two days time - yeah, right!
No sign of my Hedge Sparrow today, but lots of House Sparrows, Starlings, Collared Doves, Rock Doves and Blackbirds, after I filled all the bird feeders up. Went to Planticrub Garden centre for the first time this year. Purchased a new ground level bird bath. 36 Oystercatchers at Tingwall Loch. Such a beautiful day here with blue skies and fluffy white clouds.
Spent a long time around Bridge End, Burra and Papil looking for the Night Heron this evening, failed with that. Found a Grey Heron at the outdoor centre, along with two very defensive, yapping dogs. On Papil Loch there was a single Mute Swan, Tufted Ducks, Teal and a Redshank. Three Turnstones were on the beach opposite. Not seen any cute lambs yet skipping amongst the daffodils, they must be due soon!
Spent the evening by Tingwall Loch, waiting and hoping for the Aurora to show and also wanted to test out my (now old) iPhone 11 Pro Max. I was quite pleased with my pictures, but nothing more than an 'Amber Alert' on the Aurora App, so nothing spectacular achieved.
From the Shetland Webcams on Sunday morning:
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
My Skoda sailed through its MOT with flying colours, as stated by Scalloway Garage!
New bird in the garden today, a Hedge Sparrow!
Lots of boring jobs had to be completed today – although one of them can't be it seems. TalkTalk do not operate in this part of Shetland, so I have been with Plusnet for the internet which has been brilliant. I wanted to keep my TalkTalk emails, but its impossible to join or register for TalkTalk Mail Plus, where you choose to pay £5 monthly or £50 for the year to keep using their email service. When you click the £50 choice its asks for your email and then says its you are not registered and you can't apply as a new customer. Another hour plus on the phone today with no success and then a live chat for over another hour later. I tried to sort this weeks ago, gave up and have been putting off ringing again as I knew what would happen. How difficult can it be?! You would think they would want my £50. Its all very worrying, as if you don't subscribe to this, your entire email account is deleted after two years and and I can't have that happening. The two years is almost up. I will try and ring AGAIN tomorrow!
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Went birding around Clickimin Loch in Lerwick after work, but only saw a couple of Blackbirds. Chilly north easterly winds today.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Another gorgeous day here – my favourite weather, sunny and chilly! Several bees around the garden this evening after work. Its a massively uplifting change in the weather here and set for the rest of the week! Pity I have to start my day off on Friday with an MOT and then a hospital appointment – birding straight after that though. The first Puffins returned to Sumburgh Cliffs on Monday, looking forward to seeing them again.
It can be very, very difficult to cope with your own wellbeing and deciding when to step back for your own sanity, when your dear sister Lucy (who has been mentally ill for virtually all of her adult life), is going through a very difficult time right now. I spent a long time emailing a few people in relation to Lucy's issues last night. Knowing that your are doing your absolute best for her in every way possible, but she simply doesn't want to know, is difficult to deal with and accept.
Right now, Vivien and I are both exhausted with trying to do the right thing. Sometimes, you simply have to close the door to give yourself and Lucy space. We should be used to it by now, but its neither easy or straight forward – always a delicate balance and can be both challenging and emotional. Currently Lucy is not talking to me or texting me, which is very unusual. I'm sure we'll be chatting again in a few days, hopefully anyway! 💞
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
No April Fools from me this year, couldn't think of anything brilliant enough to fool you all! Another very busy day at work. The sea glittered in the sunshine from the hospital windows and it looked like it was the best day here since last Summer and it was a balmy 13 degrees! I felt too tired to go out anywhere after work though. Filled the bird feeders up this evening and put some washing out. Lots of plants springing up and a couple of Bees seen! First Swallow of 2025 seen here by someone I noticed on Facebook.
The sky tonight (late) as I was hanging washing out was magical – so many stars and fluffy, streaky white clouds against black sky at the top of Gallow Hill above my house. The Northern Lights were showing on the webcams, but you can't see them directly from my house, as I face south and Gallow Hill is north, so I would have to climb to the top of the hill and this would not be sensible to do at night. So looking forward to the weekend to get out in the nice weather.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
I was a 'one man band' at work today and was so busy, I can't even tell you what the weather has been doing, but it was raining when I finished work this evening. I have some weird things going on, which I hope are temporary and related to my food poisioning, if not then I will have to go and see my GP at the end of the week.
So many things going on in the next few weeks, including my MOT booked for this Friday – just pray it goes through with no issues. The daffodils are putting on a good display in my driveway and garden. Nice to see everything coming into bud, looking forward to Spring and Summer here! 🌱 🌺 🐝 😎
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Feeling considerably better today, but didn't have enough energy to go out in the glorious sunshine. What a wasted weekend – oh well. Margaret very kindly dropped me in a few of her divine oatcakes, which I very much enjoyed. I've lost 7lbs this weekend, although not the way I wanted to lose it! Love it when the clocks go forward – makes birding after work possible now!
💐 🌸 🌷 🌹 🌼 🌺
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Still feel rough – nauseous and faint. My limbs feel weak and have no energy to do anything. Hopefully things will improve tomorrow.
Siskin in the garden this morning.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Last night was terrible to say the least. I'm not going into details of where I purchased my tea, but I have food poisoning from mid evening last night, violently sick – so badly I won't be eating a single thing until tomorrow and will just opt for a slice of dry toast at most when I do attempt to eat. The sickness stopped this morning, but I feel really rough – giddy and faint. Spoke to a GP on the phone this afternoon and they agreed it couldn't be anything else. Been drinking tons of water.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
Back to work today. Heavy rain all day long, which is more than probably why there is no bird news here today! On my return home from work I counted 30 Collared Doves perched in the trees opposite my garden, which is a record. My last biggest count was 27 on 18th February 2024.
https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.
I had a single Siskin on my feeders this morning (first one this year), also a Robin and the usual Starlings, Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Collared Doves and Rock Doves. Did an essential Tesco run, had lunch and then went birding.
Headed south and found a Chiffchaff flitting around the Grutness Garden, along with 3 Robins, Starlings and House Sparrows. I went for a second look at the Bufflehead at Loch of Hillwell, which was far better views than I had at Spiggie Loch, but still very distant – it seemed very settled on the loch and spent alot of time preening whilst I watched it. Other birds seen: Blackbirds, Curlews, Greylag Geese, Redshanks, several Oystercatchers, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Ducks.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
