Well a lot later than normal, but finally a bit of a summary of why it has taken so long to get round to this weeks post.
Firstly, it has been a busy working week, lots of variance and as usual plenty of memories yet again. With attention turning very much to breeding birds, it was a week of surveys and practical management to help habitats over the coming months.
Work started at Loch of Spiggie, with the removal by hand of the invasive plant "monkey flower". Although attractive in appearance this non-native species can really take a hold if not controlled, at the detriment to other important plant communities.
Spiggie has an important fen basin habitat, florally rich and diverse, with a lovely selection of orchids and a superb array of basin fen species. So work began on Setter marsh to pull by hand these flowers from the roots to prevent future spread, or the flowers going to seed.
Ten bin bags later, a slightly sore back and a feeling of relative satisfaction we were done for the day. Of course there was bird highlights too, calling quail and broods of tufted ducks adding to the scene.
Surveys this week took me north to Fetlar, for two days of surveying for red-necked phalaropes out on our managed sites. Numbers continue to impress, with plenty of male birds showing promising breeding behaviour, and a few nests found too, along with fledged juveniles and a few chicks.
A stonechat by Loch of Funzie was a nice highlight on my way to survey, whilst a fledgling cuckoo rather comically being fed by meadow pipits was a rather significant record, with not many confirmed breeding records of cuckoo for Shetland in recent years.
Back south, after a bit of an absence. the lesser grey shrike emerged again, in a similar area, so an evening visit with the family was enjoyable.
The remainder of the week and into the next was a busy week of planning and a continuation of surveys and further work on Spiggie too.
So then we arrived at today. After news yesterday of the long tailed skua (the one that had flown through my garden) was back at Dalsetter hill behind my house, I headed out this morning for another look at this absolute stunner. I had sensational views as it flew calling, and associating with Arctic skuas also present. Just when you think things can't get any better, Shetland delivers another surprise. As me and Mick were watching the exquisite skua, it became apparent that there was a second bird! This one with no tail streamers. The two chased each other around calling, putting on a display of acrobatics, before spiralling high. The Long tailed, long tailed skua (if you know what I mean) came back but the new second bird didn't.
It was great to arrive back home and still be able to watch the skua from the kitchen window!
Only on Shetland.
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