SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Friday 18th April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Subalpine Warbler male still, singing at Dalsetter, Boddam.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Purple Heron still in Troswick Burn, SE end of Loch of Clumlie.

Hawfinch female in garden (mine), Scalloway.

 

Hawfinch male at Baltasound, Unst.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

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

🌲 🌹 🌼 🌺 🌿 🐸 🌷

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Subalpine Warbler male singing at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Purple Heron flew from inflow to ditch at Boddam.

Orca x 2 this evening off Sumburgh Head.

 

Hawfinch at Baltasound, Unst.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Western Subalpine Warbler (probably Western) still at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Hawfinch at Quendale.

Hawfinch at Exnaboe.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

 

Great White Egret at Loch of Cullivoe, Yell.

Hawfinches x 2 at Out Skerries.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

 

By this time last year, I had had a Hawfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in my garden, but no luck so far this Spring! We don't have Good Friday as a public holiday here in Shetland, but I don't work Friday's in any case, so have four days off!

 

From the WhatsApp messages today, I presumed the Western Subalpine Warbler was in someone's garden and not for general public viewing, so I didn't attempt to head south after work this evening, as no exact location given, but will check tomorrow, as I may well be wrong – always a lovely bird to see.

 

Strong Red Alert for the Aurora tonight, but looking on the webcams, it seems to be total cloud cover here, which is a shame. Had a lovely day out working/shadowing two community OTA's today.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron in Troswick Burn, SE end of Loch of Clumlie.

Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh.

Western Subalpine Warbler (probably Western) this evening at Dalsetter, Boddam.

 

Hawfinches x 2 at Out Skerries.

White-fronted Goose at Loch Kirk, Yell.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Night Heron in pines at Bridge End, West Burra.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Purple Heron still at Loch of Clumlie.

Ross's Goose south of Eela Water, east of Urafirth.

Greenland White-fronted Geese x 3 at Haroldswick, Unst.

Hawfinch at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

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!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron in Burn at Loch of Clumlie then later at Durigarth.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Ross's Goose at Brough, north of Toft.

Night Heron still at Toogs, West Burra.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

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.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron in Burn at Loch of Clumlie.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Ring Ouzel at Hillwell.

Iceland Gull at Mair's Pier, Gremista, Lerwick.

Night Heron, Black-throated Diver at Bridge End Outdoor Centre, West Burra.

Black Redstart at Dalsetter, Boddam.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

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.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron at Troswick Burn, SE end of Loch of Clumlie.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Greenland White-fronted Goose at Scousburgh.

Night Heron again distantly from Toogs Pier, West Burra.

 

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

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

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 😊

RBA Weekly Round-Up 4th to 10th April!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_15.aspx?s_id=75762162 

 

Thank you to the RBA team for including my Purple Heron photograph in their weekly review!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 10th April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron at Loch of Brow and then in Troswick Burn, SE end of Loch of Clumlie.

Red-flanked Bluetail in Grutness Garden!

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Ross's Goose still at Brough, north of Toft.

Night Heron again at Bridge End and then north of Toogs, West Burra.

Common Cranes x 2 flew over Pool of Virkie.

Iceland Gull at burn, Gremista, Lerwick.

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.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Purple Heron in burn at Loch of Clumlie, north of Boddam..

Black Redstart at Quendale.

Ross's Goose still at Brough, north of Toft.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Night Heron again just north of Toogs, West Burra.

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!

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Ross's Goose still at Brough, north of Toft.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Purple Heron still in ditch at head of Boddam Voe, then in field west of Loch of Clumlie, north of Boddam.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Black Redstart still at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Night Heron again at south of outdoor centre at Bridge End, West Burra.

Wryneck on Isle of Foula.

Hawfinch fem. in garden briefly at Voehead, Isle of Bressay.

Northern Eider, Velvet Scoter offshore at Symbister, Isle of Whalsay.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Monday 7th April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

GREAT REED WARBLER on Tuesday 1st April in area with no general access, Unst.

PURPLE HERON still at Boddam Voe.

Black Redstart at Dalsetter, Boddam.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

 

Hawfinch at Baltasound, Unst.

https://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/latest-sightings.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Sunday 6th April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Black Redstart at Quendale.

PURPLE HERON at Boddam Voe 😁, then in garden south of playing field, then in small plantation at Durigarth.

Green-winged Teal at Loch of Hillwell.

Snow Buntings x 7 at Ronas Hill.

Night Heron adult, above outdoor centre at Bridge End, then south of at 8.10pm, West Burra.

Black Redstart on Out Skerries.

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.

PURPLE HERON

Boddam Voe

 

 

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!

Redwing at Quendale Mill

 

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.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Saturday 5th April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon at Loch of Hillwell.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Night Heron adult at Bridge End, West Burra the flew to outdoor centre and no further sign.

Hawfinch at Dalsetter, Boddam.

Hawfinch at Mulla, Voe.

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.

Tingwall Loch

 

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!

Aurora at Tingwall Loch

 

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:

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon at Loch of Hillwell.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

Black Redstart at Grutness.

 

Snow Bunting on beach at Haroldswick, Unst.

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!

RBA Weekly Round-Up 28th March to 3rd April!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2025_14.aspx?s_id=956645999

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Thursday 3rd April

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

American Wigeon at Loch of Hillwell.

AMERICAN COOT still off Setter Marsh, Loch of Spiggie.

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.

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

American Wigeon at Loch of Hillwell.

Snow Buntings x 2 at Haroldswick, Unst.

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! 💞

SHETLAND BIRD NEWS & MORE!

Rare  Bird  Alert  News

Ross's Goose still at Toft.

White-billed Divers x 2 at Lunna Ness.

Iceland Gull at Shetland Catch.

 

Hawfinch at Valyie, Norwick, Unst.

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.