SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Ring Ouzel on road between quarries, Mealy Redpoll in second quarry at Sumburgh Head.

Red-breasted Flycatcher still at Quendale Mill.

Curlew Sandpiper still at Pool of Virkie.

Red-flanked Bluetail trapped and ringed at Swining.

ISLANDS

CHESTNUT BUNTING 1w still at Buness Farm, Baltasound, UNST.

Mealy Redpoll at OUT SKERRIES. 

 

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

 

I didn't wake up until very late, good job I didn't miss anything! Went out birding to try and find some something exciting. The large garden by Harley Street in Scalloway had a few Blackbirds and House Sparrows, nothing more. Wick House at Gulberwick only had one Blackbird. At the willows along the track at Easter Quarff (where the GCT) was I only managed to find a Chiffchaff and a couple of Blackbirds, but the large garden by the road had a Song Thrush and one Fieldfare which was nice. The highlight of the day was the gorgeous fluffy ginger cat that ran up to me for attention, I knelt down on one knee on the wet grass to make a fuss of it and it jumped up and started to get into a cosy sleeping position on my lap, which was so lovely, but I couldn't stay in that position for long! The man by the house (where I had my first view of the Grey-cheeked Thrush) that I thought was the owner told me he wasn't, it belonged to someone else but visited him to be fed sometimes! I love that cat! I might have to make this spot one of my regular birding stops just to see the cat. 😻

 

A lady visited Hoswick this morning and thought she had seen a Yellow Palm Warbler, long story short I went to check it out, why not! The lady said she had seen it between the play park and the Orca Inn. From her description and the fact it was on the ground, meant it was far more likely to be a Grey Wagtail, but you never know! Found a female Blackcap in the bushes just beyond the play park and then at the Orca Inn there was 1 Redwing and a few Blackbirds. Then visited the cliff top house and found a few Collared Doves, a couple of Blackbirds and a brief glimpse of a Goldcrest. Returned home.

 

Hanwag – Kalixfors Mid SF Extra GTX

 

 

Turbulent seas and weather today with very strong winds. My new Hanwag boots arrived from Germany and at last I have found a luxurious pair of walking boots that are not strangling your feet, as in nearly every boot you try on nowadays is too narrow – I bought the men's version which has more room at the heal, so glad I did. It was awesome to be able to pull the boot on quickly and not struggle to get your foot in, no shoe horn required, top quality! Too tired to update yesterday's post, sorry!