SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Sooty Shearwater flew past The Lookout at Sumburgh Head.

Marsh Warbler at S-shaped pool at Sumburgh Hotel.

Little Stints x 3, Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Pool of Virkie.

Citrine Wagtail flew to harbour at dusk, Lerwick.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. male, Wryneck, Wood Warbler, Quails x 2 on Out Skerries.

Blyth's Reed Warbler still on Isle of Foula. 

Subalpine Warbler sp., Barred Warbler in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Wryneck at Norwick, Unst. 

Barred Warbler at Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

 

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

 

Hairdressers, then lunch in Teamore Cafe and enjoyed their excellent veggie burger in a bun etc and cheesecake to follow with a mug of tea. Raining all day long as forecast. Went to a couple of places to get quotes for a new bathroom and kitchen sink. Visited a gas specialist shop called "Rearo" and bought myself a "Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 Stove, 1 burner, Camping Stove" – something I was going to buy as soon as I moved here for an emergency situation and never got round to it. Also sent off for a Campingaz small kettle from Amazon. So if the electric goes out for any length of time, I will be able to heat something up or make a cup of tea. I'm also stocking up on tins of food, you don't know what's round the corner! Lit the fire this evening – feels like Winter!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 21st to 27th August!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

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MAINLAND

Little Stint at Scatness.

Blyth's Reed Warbler on south side of sycamore (though elusive) at Channerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. male still at Brow Marsh, Loch of Brow.

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Barred Warbler at Funzie, Isle of Fetlar.

Subalpine Warbler sp. in plantation at Skaw, Isle of Whalsay.

Barred Warblers x 2, Black Redstart at Out Skerries.

Wryneck at Isle of Mousa. 

 

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

 

Too tired after work to go anywhere or do anything. Hairdressers in the morning. Heavy rain forecast tomorrow and along with the continued easterly wind, should bring in more birds!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Wednesday 26th August

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Wood Warbler at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

King Eider fem. at Hascosay Sound.

Dotterel at Ronas Hill.

Barred Warbler at Scousburgh.

Pallid Harrier juv. male still at Brow Marsh, Loch of Brow. 

Wryneck at Channerwick. 

Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

 

ISLANDS

Blyth's Reed Warbler on Isle of Foula.

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

 

After work I went to Clickimin Loch in Lerwick to try and see the Wood Warbler that Anne E. found this morning. I was quite taken back to find that the midges here don't wait until 6pm to appear, they were already here and an exasperated local lady stated that they have been here ALL day! I tried to see the Wood Warbler and did see a warbler being extremely elusive – the normal me would have waited and waited for it or whatever it was to appear, but the midges were relentless and I couldn't take ANY MORE! Give me a Force 10 Gale any day, anything but midges!

 

Back in my car I was scratching like crazy, drove back to Scalloway and searched a few areas for any migrants but none found. I thought I might be lucky as Phil H. had found a Wryneck at Channerwick and then a Barred Warbler at Scousburgh this evening, so birds were obviously dropping in, but not for me in Scalloway! I didn't have the energy to head south after a busy day at work. No slugs in the bedroom this evening and Amazon gave me a full refund for the crappy battery lawnmower and I FINALLY have an appointment for Dermatology on 3rd Setpember, at last! So apart from the killer midges, it was a much better day than yesterday.

 

The guards at Buckingham Palace paid tribute to Dolly Parton with a rendition of her hit “9 to 5” which is so lovely!

https://x.com/RoyalFamily/status/2092564347641868480/video/1 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Common Rosefinch at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Bluethroat at Sumburgh Farm.

Curlew Sandpipers x 3 at Pool of Virkie. 

Ring-necked Duck still at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Pallid Harrier juv. male over moor south of Fleck and then later at Brow Marsh.

 

ISLANDS

Arctic Warbler on Isle of Foula.

Barred Warblers x 2, Sooty Shearwater on Out Skerries.

Common Rosefinch in garden at Norwick House, Uyeasound, Unst. 

 

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

 

Rubbish evening, managed to finish strimming the driveway grass and the front garden before the midges descended. Got out my new battery lawnmower which I bought a while back and used for the first time – I don't think it cut a single blade of grass, it was shockingly rubbish, so had to resort to my Flymo hand lawnmower which don't get me wrong is brilliant, but its heavy and hard work to use and was going to sell it, but will keep now I have decided. Phoned Amazon to return the battery lawnmower and was sent an incorrect label and had to phone again (not a quick process), still waiting for email for packaging label etc. Then I walked into my bedroom and to my utter horror found a large slug on the ceiling!!! How the hell did that get in, oh let me guess - maybe through the gaps in the floorboards in my uninsulated house or from the wet unused fireplace?!!! Then I hear news that Dolly Parton has passed away 😢.

Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon and Legendary Philanthropist, Dies Aged 80

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0ry0yzxeyxt 

An amazing, caring, kind and vibrant soul who was loved by all generations. Very sad to hear this news. Dolly Parton seemed to be one of those people who would live forever, but very sadly not so.

Rest in peace Dolly 💠 🕊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Pallid Harrier flew south past Boddam at 14.02, no further news and then seen again later at 20.59 over Brow Marsh.

Barred Warbler at Exnaboe.

 

ISLANDS

Common Rosefinch at Skaw, Unst. 

 

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

 

Trying to get the driveway grass cut, but the second its hits 6pm the midges are out in full force, will finish the last third after work tomorrow.

Endometriosis Documentary by BBC Presenter Emma Barnett

I was just reading about a young lass aged 13 called Grace on the BBC website who is suffering with Endometriosis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceqe8exvwwwo

 

I then came across this documentary in June 2026 (link below) by BBC Present Emma Barnett who revealed she had a hysterectomy and surgery for endometriosis, days before the documentary she made about the condition was broadcast. 

 

Nothing has moved forward with Endometriosis since I had this when I was in my twenties and actually I now strongly believe that I had this in my early teens. I went through the same as many sufferers, 7 years undiagnosed, several consultants, several laparoscopies, constantly in A&E collapsing with the severity of the pain and after bleeding continuously for two years and with severe anemia, I had an emergency hysterectomy in 1999 – the exact day and date I won't ever forget. They still have no cure and no further forward which is beyond shocking.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002x8nb/emma-barnett-fighting-endometriosis 

Birders in the queue at Easington, Yorkshire, to see the Siberian Accentor

My YouTube video (taken on 14th October 2016) was recently used by Austin Morley which was downloaded and overridden with music – it gives the impression that he took the video and there was no reference to say it was mine. Its been posted on his Start Birding Now Facebook page. This shouldn't have been downloaded or overridden with music. He didn't ask my permission. This is Copyright infringement. I made a comment to state this on the post, but he failed to respond. This needs to be removed please.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17nhL1H1qr/ 

 

UPDATE: Austin has removed my video from his Facebook page.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Ring-necked Duck ecl drk still at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick.

Common Rosefinch in garden at Hillwell.

 

ISLANDS

Common Rosefinch, Barred Warbler, Quail, Redwing at Out Skerries.

Barred Warbler juv. at Skaw, Unst. 

 

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

 

Its been three days of gloomy grey skies with no rain, wind or sun – but the sun finally came out this afternoon. I didn't really benefit from this though as I was in Tesco doing a big shop at the time. I also had a car full of wood and an old pallet I picked up from the industrial estate to unload. Back at home, by the time I packed all my shopping away, the midges were out in full force. I had to put my midge head net on just to unload all the wood from the car and take it up to the shed. The midges stopped other plans I had for outside this evening, but nothing I could do about that! The wood I picked up free is for me to saw up and chop into sticks for my fire – far cheaper than buying little bags of sticks at an astronomical price.

 

John F. sent me a message with a photo saying "They say hello" How lovely is that!!! I love this picture, thank you all so much, made my day. I'm guessing they were there to see the two Glossy Ibis close by. Shocking to see all the parched and yellow grass though! Its all bright green grass here in Shetland.

Left to right: Ian, Paul, Chris and Richard

Gramborough Hill, Salthouse, Norfolk

 

 

East winds arrive late tomorrow afternoon and remain east right the way through until Saturday – which may well bring some good birds! Lucy is thinking of returning to orchestra which is good. Vivien and Ray are going to start to head south on their narrow boat back to Ely for a Winter mooring, which will be good as it will be cheaper for Vivien to visit Lucy and Ray will get to see his family more too. I'm looking forward to Autumn birding and all the lovely visiting birders especially those from Norfolk, bring it on! I have a week booked in September and two weeks in October, exciting times.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 22nd August

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Sooty Shearwater off Sumburgh Head.

Quail at Hillwell.

Blyth's Reed Warbler trapped and ringed in reedbed at Rerwick. 

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater & North Ronaldsay Trip Reports & All Photos Published!

All my North Ronaldsay Trip Reports are now complete with all photos added. Click on the links to find them quickly. 

North Ronaldsay Trip Report Friday 7th & Saturday 8th August

North Ronaldsay Trip Report Sunday 9th August

North Ronaldsay Trip Report Monday 10th August

North Ronaldsay Trip Report Tuesday 11th August

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Sooty Shearwaters x 2 flew past Eshaness.

 

ISLANDS

Pallid Harrier juv. on Isle of Foula.

Quails x 2 (1 ad., 1 juv.)on Out Skerries.

 

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

Chimney swept this morning at 9am. Chilly here, mostly dull but sun came out for a short while. So many jobs to catch up since I have been away. It was so chilly this evening I lit the fire! Selected all the iphone photos for my North Ronaldsay trips and now going to add them.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 14th to 20th August!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Barred Warbler in quarry at Sumburgh Head.

Marsh Warbler in iris bed above dam at Quendale Mill. 

 

ISLANDS

Common Rosefinch at Norwick, Unst.

 

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Barred Warbler at Sumburgh Farm then flew torwards Sumburgh Hotel.

Wood Warbler at Quendale Mill.

Arctic Warbler at Wiltrow in garden at Boddam.

Ring-necked Duck ecl. drk at Loch of Clickimin, Lerwick. 

 

ISLANDS

Wood Warbler at The Glebe, Tresta, Isle of Fetlar.

Common Rosefinch between harbour and south lighthouse, Isle of Bressay.

 

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

Birding straight from work. It took a little while to see but eventually got a few fleeting views of the cracking Arctic Warbler in Paul H.'s garden at Boddam, thanks Paul! So lovely to see, but didn't see it a again whilst watching along with Roger R., Anne E., Jim N., Phil H. and Paul of course. Cold north easterly wind. Not a single opportunity for photography though. There was a Chiffchaff in the garden too.

Went to Quendale Mill, how could I not, I LOVE Wood Warblers! It was late and I didn't think I had much hope of seeing Phil H.'s Wood Warbler in the drizzle mid evening, but I did see the Wood Warbler for around 10 seconds only, flitting amongst the scyamore leaves in the main concentration of trees by the mill – not seen again, just like the Arctic Warbler. Lots of House Sparrows there too, 1 Blackbird, 2 Collared Doves, a Swallow flew over and also 1 Snipe. I didn't get a picture of the Wood Warbler either which was a shame, but I was lucky to see it.

Its very rare I don't get some kind of record shot of a good bird, but failed miserably with both the Arctic Warbler and Wood Warbler, but so glad I got see both of them, a good start to Autumn birding here. Phoned the Sumburgh Hotel and collected a take away fish 'n' chips which was a huge portion, far more than you get from the fish 'n' chip shops in Lerwick and was cheaper at £11.95 and very good indeed! Sat and enjoyed these in the carpark at West Voe and then drove home in the dark with the heating on full in the car.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

No news. 

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

This evening I have finished selecting, editing and adding all the SLR photos to the four day North Ronaldsay Reports. Tomorrow evening after work, I will add all my iphone scenic shots and then the trip reports will be complete.

I recently received a wonderful "Thank You" card at my place of work by a lovely (as he put it "90+" year old) gentleman called Michael who kindly told me how much he enjoyed reading my blog. Skokholm Bird Observatory Blog is first on his morning list, I'm second. I'm honoured! I'm glad you enjoy reading my ramblings! Thank you so much for taking the time to send me the card, it was a really lovely surprise and much appreciated! 😊

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

Buff-breasted Sandpiper in field east of grassy path at Exnaboe. 

 

ISLANDS

No news.

 

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

Nice sunny day here. So behind with so many jobs after being away the last couple of weekends. I think the garden and grass cutting will have to take priority at the weekend. John F. send me one of his amazing and cleverly written poems about my Blue-cheeked Bee-eater exploits!

Thanks to the Bird Guides team for including my  Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and also my Blyth's Reed Warbler I found on North Ronaldsay in their Review of The Week.

I will be adding photos every night to my four North Ronaldsay Trip posts until I have finished!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

MAINLAND

No news. 

 

ISLANDS

Barred Warbler at Skaw, Unst.

Quails x 6 (5 juvs.) on Out Skerries.

 

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

 

Yesterday when I was supposed to be writing up my North Ronaldsay Trip Reports, I was sleepy all day and felt incapable of doing anything. I managed to get all the washing done but that was it.

 

I have completed the trip reports today, written in four separate posts (see posts below), but I still have to select and edit all the photos yet, so bare with!

 

HOT NEWS! Someone posted a picture of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on FB Orkney Scarce and Rare Birds group today and wrote "Had this wee chap on our garden fence in St Mary’s on Thursday." A caption to a picture of the bee-eater on their garden fence!!! This was mainland Orkney. The BCBE was last seen on North Ronaldsay at 8.16am on Wednesday 12th August and was not seen any more that day. It then heads to mainland Orkney arriving on Thursday 13th August and decides to pose on someone's garden fence, you couldn't make it up! 😂 Thank goodness its still alive and well. It obviously likes the Orkney Isles, wonder where it will go next! 💖

 

I try not to copy across other people's photos but I couldn't link it, so please forgive me L.S. but here is a screenshot of the photo on the owner's fence! As someone posted, what a garden tick! Not a good idea for it to be spending time in gardens though, some cat could be extremely happy with a colourful lunch, doesn't bare thinking about. Please move on asap Mr Bee-eater!