SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Red-backed Shrike 1w. still on fence by road by Vanlop junction, Burn of Scousburgh.

Pectoral Sandpiper in cattle field at north end of Tingwall Loch.

Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 1w. in tree briefly at Loch of Clickimin, Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale, Lerwick.

Velvet Scoter fem. at Sandwick Beach. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale.

Long-eared Owl at Gulberwick.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff. 

Siberian Chiffchaff at Geosetter.

Barred Warbler at Scatsta Farm. 

Yellow-browed Warbler in Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Fladdibister. 

ISLANDS

Red-flanked Bluetail at Halligarth, Baltasound, Bluethroat in field opposite Rocklea, Uyeasound, UNST.

American Golden Plover juv. at Funzie, FETLAR.

Olive-backed Pipit, Siberian Chiffchaff at Gorie plantation, ISLE OF BRESSAY.

Richard's Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Snow Buntings x 22 on OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

 

I fancied some brighter views of the Golden Oriole so arrived at the "Old Garden" at Tresta early morning to see if it was still there. After a thorough two hour search I couldn't find it. Plenty of Blackbirds, a Robin and a couple of Wrens and that was it. Sat in my car having breakfast by the Methodist Chapel – a lovely little spot with a good view of all the trees from this high point. Beautiful sunny day.

 

Headed to Voe and parked by the pier. Checked out the large garden, nothing at all. Then around the corner where there is a large burn below the road there is a large purple cabbage crop opposite a garage. No birds at all until I made a pishing noise and at huge flock of 30+ Bramblings erupted from the cabbages and then perched in the surrounding trees – a wonderful spectacle!

 

I decided I would go and search the Brae Community Wood which has a burn running through it. Parked up at the Co op and bought some of my favourite chocolate which is the Co op Chunky Salted Caramel & Pretzel chocolate bar and a few other items. Walked across to the wood and meandered along the path to the end and back. There really should be an OBP in here, its perfect for one. Found 3 Bramblings, 1 male Chaffinch and several Blackbirds but nothing else of note. It was very disappointing and sad to see lots of rubbish in here, mostly next to all the seats, which included cans, sandwich wrappers, crisp packets and the list goes on. Funny that people/children can carry their food items, but can't take the rubbish home with them – its not hard, everyone returns home to their wheelie bins!

 

I returned to Tresta to check the garden again just one more time, just in case I had missed the Golden Oriole this morning. No sign at all and the garden felt very sad without its presence. Headed to Tingwall Loch as someone had found a Pectoral Sandpiper there earlier.

 

The Pectoral Sandpiper was still in the cattle field distantly along with Redshanks, a Ruff, Curlews, Redwings and a few Fieldfares from the car parking area. There was a Slavonian Grebe in Tingwall Loch which was fairly close in and then ended up amongst the Tufted Ducks.

 

The bird of the day was right outside my house so I could have saved myself some petrol and time! I was just reversing into my drive when I spotted a Grey Wagtail feeding amongst the leaf litter on the road right in front of my house! Parked up and grabbed the camera and crept round the corner of my wall and of course it was gone. I couldn't believe it had disappeared that quickly, so walked up the road to try and relocate it and failed. Somebody had reversed into my driveway today, missed the concrete area and churned up the grass to the side, which now looks a right mess. Very cold this evening and had to light the fire and fell asleep on the sofa.

 

I may have possibly picked the right two weeks after all. High pressure and east winds heading our way next week! Nutcrackers, Siberian Rubythroat and more!!! Lets go!