Some of the weeks highlights were not entirely unexpected, with greenish warbler being found locally at Sumburgh hotel (I didn't see it though unfortunately) an almost annual migrant for June, in albeit small numbers.
On a personal note, it was great to enjoy crossbill in multiple locations throughout the week. A mass irruption of birds has been well noted along the east coast of the UK, so it was great that birds were following suit and arriving in numbers here too, with the backing of a quite pleasant at times South easterly wind.
The protracted spring continued to throw up some surprises. A rather late wood warbler was nearby at Quendale, whilst a female red-backed shrike and black redstart occupied the quarry at Sumburgh.
A lesser grey shrike, also arrived late in the week, but news wasn't released until late in the day, and work commitments on Sunday meant I still hadn't managed to catch up with this bird, that would be a first for me in the UK. Until today!
The week also contained an nice scattering of commoner migrants. Stepping out of the car for a morning walk at Geosetter, to be greeted by singing quail is always a good start to the day. And rather unusually for quail it actually appeared briefly too.
The working week consisted of northbound trips to Unst and Fetlar to continue with our surveying for the season. It was encouraging to witness lots of breeding activity from some of our star priority Shetland species, red-necked phalaropes and red-throated divers.
Breeding waders were widespread with lots of encouraging signs in the form of wader chicks being noted. My journey south was topped off with great views of a single Humpback whale off Sandwick.
An early start tomorrow, with Fetlar beckoning again. Hopefully more updates to bring you all soon.
Spring seems to be never-ending, with more surprises I am sure still to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment