Protracted spring

Hello. There seems to be no end to this spring, with the lack in numbers of common migrants this year, being suitably replaced by the drawn out nature of the season.

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.

                                                                                 Common crossbill
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!

                                                             Lesser grey shrike- near Maywick

                                                               Wood warbler- Quendale    


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!

June surprises

The general theme of the week was mist. After a few fantastic days of glorious sunshine, the inevitable mist that follows the warm days rolled in. This sort of weather, and lack of visibility made the planned start to the red-necked phalarope monitoring, somewhat disjointed. Despite this, I did manage to finally get north to help with the start of the phalarope season.

Before the northward journey the start of the week still held some surprises, as migration continued and not just birds, with a small influx of Silver Y moths and red admiral butterflies certainly more abundant. In terms of birds, Foula seemed to be dominating the highlights with a nice scattering of scarce migrants, until Fair Isle stepped up with a green warbler!

Locally, migrant birds were still around, with a mirrored picture of the influx of marsh warblers down south, also hitting Shetland. The 17th saw a rarity arrive in Lerwick, which I didn't go up for due to the travel distance restrictions for non-essential travel. A Moltoni's warbler was found in Phil and Becca's garden, a female which thankfully called to seal identify of the normally tricky genus. An unseasonal waxwing and a small scattering of crossbills added to the mix.
A reed warbler and a couple of common redpoll were also new for the spring closer to home.

The 18th, I was finally able to head north to start red-necked phalarope monitoring, and it was great to be out in the field, with the patchy mist allowing monitoring to take place. Not only was it brilliant to record decent numbers of red-necked phalaropes, it was superb to find the first chicks of the year too. These tiny bumble bee type fluff balls, have to be one of the cutest wader chicks around. A successful day surveying 3 sites, and heading back south by mid-afternoon.

Arriving south I headed out with the family locally to Virkie, to enjoy nice views eventually of another rarity- a Paddyfield warbler found earlier in the day by Roger. It was joined in the willows by both reed and sedge warblers. With the Savi's warbler still present in Scatness, a couple of decent rarities locally. On the way home we diverted past Spiggie to check on the curlew chicks (all present and accounted for) and great to see the Whooper swans with their brood of 5 cygnets.
In the fields, flocks of gulls were worth going through, and it was relatively easy to relocate the Ring-billed gull that had been around for a while, so that was nice to catch up with.

The garden is starting to look better, with more trees planted and a lovely abundance of wild flowers adding a splash of colour to the garden.

                                                                                  Birds foot trefoil

                                                                                   Nearly midnight      

                                                                   Isabelle- on the cliffs behind the house

                                                                                 Sumburgh head

The mist is lifting and the sun is shining, so the week ahead will hopefully allow more outside monitoring. And I am sure a few more surprises too!

Another Killer week

Hello, another week packed with a mixture of jaunts out locally pre and post work, and a welcome continuation of some fieldwork too.

On the eve of my last post (6th) my first swift of the year was gliding around the Sumburgh hotel,
with the following day seeing my second of the year from the front room window.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying family walks locally, for which we are incredibly fortunate to have many.

Monday (8th)  turned into a great day, with a fantastic start. A pod of Killer whales (orca) were heading towards the section of coast behind our house, so much like the Humpback sighting the previous week, I delayed breakfast for a trip to the cliffs.

It was fantastic to watch them slowly making their way South, where later in the day they were seen to make a kill off Sumburgh Head. The rest of the day was spent planning for work.

Mid-June heralds the start of red-necked phalarope monitoring, so lots of planning and preparations ahead of the forthcoming fieldwork. Our reserve monitoring takes place in the north, predominantly on Fetlar, so Tom our assistant warden will have the enviable role of carrying out the bulk of these surveys.

A lot of monitoring has been missed this year, due to lockdown restrictions, but now they are being slowly eased, I have been able to get out to some of our sites to pick up some wader monitoring. It is always superb to be out in the field observing breeding curlews, oystercatchers, redshanks and snipe.

Monday also saw the arrival of another new bird for my Shetland list, a Savi's Warbler arriving in a garden at Scatness. Although it wasn't the showiest of birds it did give brief views as well as intermittent bursts of its reeling song. Also in the garden keeping the Savi's company, was a blackcap and a marsh warbler.

A busy week of work followed with planning for the year ahead, and looking at what might happen if restrictions are eased further, with the potential of tourism returning late in the summer.

In between the desk based tasks, it was great to see our first butterflies in the garden with a red admiral, and a large white flitting through the garden. A hedgehog in the garden and a few frogs in our new pond, added to the diversity around. It was also great to see the range of plant life beginning to bloom, with ragged robin, birds foot trefoil and a few orchids starting to flower (not my strong point, so I'll work out what species we have in the garden).

A further splash of colour was added towards the weeks end, with a Rose-coloured starling alongside Loch of Spiggie, it always remained distant feeding in fields, but it was great to finally catch up with one this year, after their current inlux into Western Europe.

                                                             Rose-coloured starling 

 

This weekend, we have enjoyed some nice coastal walks as well as a trip up to Sumburgh Head to get our puffin fix too.

Just this morning while attempting to post this blog, I nipped out for a morning wander. Adding another new species to my Shetland list with a local singing Quail. Just over the bay at Boddam, right in front of Paul's house. If I strain my ears, you never know it might make it onto the garden list! 

That's more like it!

What a week!
A flurry of new migrants and one of the best wildlife moments I have ever had. The weather forecast looked promising, so I took a few days holiday to try and spend more time in the field and go out with the family, now that we can make short drives for exercise.

The end of the weekend had a nice scattering of birds, and this continued into the start of the week, and locally some scarce migrants started to arrive. A Common rosefinch at Sumburgh hotel was a nice start to Sunday morning (thanks Gary), feeding amongst the dandelions in the horse paddock.

     Common rosefinch- Sumburgh hotel

Finally some commoner migrants were also arriving with spotted flycatchers in multiple locations, and my first lesser whitethroat of the spring too. On the rarer side of things, a Blyth's reed warbler was trapped and ringed locally, and an Icterine warbler was present at Quendale.

June began in style with the first real rarity for a while, a singing Booted warbler found by Rob Fray in his garden. Watching this bird. singing away, brought back memories of Kazakhastan, the only place I have seen this eastern vagrant before. It put on a fine performance, and was a clear arrival along with a nice pulse of other birds. 

Booted warbler- Bakkasetter

Whilst heading out with the family, we got good views of a male Hen harrier, being harassed by hooded crows. Add to that some more spotted flycatchers, another common rosefinch and my first yellow wagtail of the spring- a blue-headed flava at Quendale.

The following day saw some more new birds, but the real excitement was a Humpback whale seen close to our section of coast, although we had no joy looking for it in wild conditions that evening. Other good local birds included, great crested grebe and a female bluethroat found by Andrew Harrop at Grutness. 

3rd June- I had only just woken up and about to have breakfast, when news of the Humpback whale 300 metres behind my house came through. Off I went, and was soon enjoying superb views of my first ever Humpback. It fed circling for around twenty minutes, before finishing with an unbelievable full breach! A moment that will stay with me forever! The rest of the day was rather slow, but a trickle of migrants were still evidently arriving, my first common whitethroat of the spring testament to this.

                                              Humpback whale- Dalsetter

The following day I finally managed to see my first Red-backed shrike of the spring after missing 2 others that day. But a male Red-backed shrike is always worth the wait.

                                                        Red-backed shrike- Durigarth

Other migrants had arrived in the evening, including a singing marsh warbler just around the bay from home in Boddam, but the weather wasn't great that evening. 

                                                                   Spotted flycatcher- Durigarth

Over the next few days, some new species for the year list were added, with Blyth's reed warbler, singing briefly from dense cover, but giving good views in between showers. A frustrating visit to Geosetter, with a garden warbler and lesser whitethroat present, but a small warbler (chiffchaff or willow warbler) flew into deep cover, along with a very probable Icterine warbler, but despite walking the area for 30 minutes, there was no further sign

This morning the likely Icterine warbler from yesterday gave itself up, and Rob Fray, had good views as it popped up on the fence. I went down to enjoy brief views again. 

                                               Icterine warbler- Geosetter- One that got away for me unfortunately

On the way back home, it was fantastic to hear marsh warbler singing. Its range of mimicry superb to listen to.

So back to work, this week. With updates to come on what we have planned for the next few months, as well as any other sightings to tell you about too.  

.

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?

Guillemots on the stack at Sumburgh

Sea pinks

Scousburgh sands, with Spiggie behind

Sumburgh Head (My Office, when we are allowed back)

Looking across the bay at our house, second in from the left.

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.

Welcome Spring

Hello, so this is the first blog from me. Are you looking for world class photos? intelligent writing and captivating posts? If you answered yes, I can refer you to some other very good blogs out there.

So that's the expectations dealt with, on to the posts.

I am very fortunate to be living and working in my dream destination. A location I would visit annually as a kind of pilgrimage, to clear my mind and connect with the natural world, with a backdrop of stunning scenery, special birds and special people too.

Whilst the majority of my birding has been carried out previously to coincide with the wonder of spring or autumn migration, I am now in a position to watch and enjoy the full range of the seasons and everything they have to offer.

It has been a strange start to life up here, with the lockdown restrictions and illness to my wife. But we are so fortunate to have so much on our doorstep to enjoy.

Well, that's the start bit done, on to the posts about birds and local wildlife.

Spring has been trickling on over the last few months, with everything looking greener, an increase in wading birds and a small pulse of passing migrants and returning breeding birds.
Movements here are very dependant on the winds, and the recent northerly and westerly winds are not conducive to successful northwards passage of birds. However easterly winds are on the horizon (from Monday 18th), so hopefully migration of passerine birds will turn up a notch.

As alluded to previously, there have been small pulses of migrants coming through, with tree pipit, wheatears, siskins, brambling, willow warblers and blackcaps all appearing in the garden. And species such as whinchat and pied flycatcher present briefly, a short walk away.

There have been some nice additions to my Shetland list in between, with great white egret a short cycle away, red kite over the house and a superb woodchat shrike down at Grutness. As is the case with everyone else in the current lockdown situation, I have missed plenty to, by not being able to travel by car or even originally go out more than once a day. So species such as Eastern subalpine warbler 8 miles away were missed (more on that shortly) and slightly further afield, spring arrivals  like hoopoe and little bunting were out of reach.
But good things come to those who respect the rules and have patience, as the saying goes.

I have enjoyed common crane from the front window (3 of them) and an elusive red kite, finally did the decent thing and just came over my house. Then of course there was the Eastern subalpine warbler. After missing the one 8 miles away, Paul Harvey found one just across the bay from me. So a short cycle of less than a mile in distance and I was enjoying one of my favourites!

                                         Eastern subalpine warbler- Boddam

                                          Red kite- over the house Dalsetter

It is currently blowing a force 7 outside, so I am not expecting much today. But still, there are Arctic terns, Great and Arctic skuas from the front window, as well as a nice scattering of birds on the sea in the bay, which consist of black guillemots, red throated and great northern divers, fulmars and shags.
And for when the wind drops, we are extremely lucky to have the cliffs behind the house, that hold razorbills, guillemots and puffins. 

Future posts will be shorter, and less waffle I promise, with some more landscape shots too, to paint a picture of the views. 

If the weather is accurate and the birds play ball, it is that time of the year here for species like red backed shrike, bluethroat, common rosefinch and icterine warblers! Fingers crossed.