A mixed bag

Hello. So a week ago, I was looking forward to a spell of easterly winds which would bring further migration to Shetland. What we got was more of a mixed bag really. The winds did indeed switch to the east and had a distinct southerly warmth to them too, which delivered some predictable highlights, but again lacking in any real numbers of birds.

We enjoyed some beautiful sunny days early in the week, which were soon followed, as is often the case at this time of year with mist, making visibility obviously poor. Prior to the 21st, the week sort of limped into action, with a notable scattering of siskins and a small number of hawfinches around, I had to make do with a brief goldfinch over the garden (my first of the year). The supporting cast for the start of the week was made up of single willow warblers and blackcaps and a couple of locally singing chiffchaffs, but largely due to the winds not really originating from anywhere of note, migration was still stunted. Others enjoyed cuckoo, tree sparrows and the odd sedge warbler, but nothing else really.

Then came the 21st, and despite thick mist, birds were certainly arriving throughout the day. Headlined locally (my street) by a bluethroat. Excellent. I headed straight out about 100 metres up the road to the location it was found. Despite no sign for about 5 minutes, a likely looking ditch proved the sensible option, with the bird popping out and into a neighbouring garden before deciding to alight to the roof of the house before vanishing down the other side. Not the brightest bluethroat (appearance I mean) so likely a second year male or adult female.

                                               Picture from the archives-bluethroat 

Other areas of Shetland saw turtle dove, yellowhammer, a few spotted flycatchers and a honey buzzard.

Yesterday, more predicted species arrived. Another bluethroat at the end of my street, a definite female this time. With Common rosefinch on Foula and red backed shrike on Unst.

Whilst out and about I managed to add a few new additions to the year list, with a singing sedge warbler, and a well attacked (from local starlings and house sparrows) female cuckoo. Beautifully captured below.

I am still hopeful of some more migrants despite the current strong winds. A brief furrow into the field today added greenshank to the year as well as a pair of Arctic skuas harassing the local oystercatchers. With strong southerly winds for now, I am sure more will be found in the next few days. It would be nice to open the curtains and see a bright red male Common rosefinch looking back at me!

I also promised a few scenic pictures last week. Until I take some, here are some local snaps to finish off.

                                                       Cliffs up behind the house.

                                                                    Our house.