A Shetland addiction : Small steps

Hello again. Another week has flown by and still migration has stuttered on, rather than gain any real momentum. Having said that the week had many highlights as it often does up here, even when it is relatively quiet for migrants.

The week started with some new arrivals late in the day, after I had posted my last blog (23rd). A male red-backed shrike appeared in less than ideal shrike viewing conditions, with gusty winds and squalls. In addition a female type golden oriole was seen at Swinster (c8 miles away).

As the 24th dawned I set off along the coast for a walk and scan of some sheltered spots, stunning views as always, brilliant views of great and Arctic skuas as well as plenty of wheatears, but nothing in the way of passerine migrants, until a sedge warbler dived out of a ditch near Clumlie loch and a few swallows sailed past.

The following day delivered what would easily have been bird of the week (had it not been for a late entry), with Roger Riddington finding a stunning singing male serin at Scatness. I couldn't face the uphill cycle in a strong Southerly wind, so I waited until the following morning before work. Despite being flighty, it was great to get views as it fed on the front lawn of a house. My first in the UK, after seeing plenty abroad.

serin, Scatness

Again, a trickle of migrants arrived through the day, with 2 bee-eaters frustratingly out of range (15 minute drive away if we were allowed). So staying locally I found a black redstart flitting around the fields on the edge of Loch of Spiggie, and a couple of willow warblers too, all snatched moments of exercise away from the temporary office at home.

My daily exercise the following day took a slight diversion as Paul Harvey had an Icterine warbler in his garden, unfortunately no further sign, but it did complete the list of previously expected predictions to arrive locally. The rest of my walk consisted of enjoying local breeding birds that continuously make me smile, birds such as Arctic terns, golden plovers and breeding curlews all calling with a backdrop of breath-taking scenery.

I am looking forward to getting back to field work once restrictions are eased, and one of our star species that we manage for; red-necked phalaropes, have been starting to return from their incredible migration, wintering in Peru.

Female red-necked phalarope

The remainder of the week saw belated news of a stunning record emerge. A black and white warbler from America had been photographed on the 28th in Aithsetter, but no further sign. A local Long tailed skua also evaded local birders yesterday, with only the finder enjoying views, on what was the first day we have been allowed to drive short distances for exercise. This has been extremely welcome, and meant I could take my happy family up to Sumburgh Head for a walk, to enjoy the throngs of seabirds, beautiful sea pinks and sensational views.

So, with some outdoor work set to commence in the next few weeks, I hope to bring you more updates on our work here in Shetland, as well as any sightings of interest that occur. There is still time for birds to arrive. It is currently beautiful sunshine and SSE winds. Come on, surely there is more to come?