2003 Bird Archives

nature-shetland.co.uk

An independent, non-commercial site to collect and disseminate information on the natural history of Shetland

Nature in Shetland

winner of a Shetland Environment Award 2004

Shetland Bird Club

January to October 2003 Bird Sightings and Photos

Send in your news - these records will be used in the compilation of the Shetland Bird Report

Full details of Fair Isle sightings are on the FIBO website. Photographs are copyright of the named photographer and may not be used for any other purpose without their permission. Click on a picture for a larger image and use 'back' on your browser to return to this page.

Friday 31st October 2003

A Pine Bunting was seen at Haroldswick briefly in mid-afternoon, but not since.
The male Ring-necked Duck is still on Papil Water, Fetlar.
A Great Grey Shrike is at Ireland, Bigton and a Bar-headed Goose is at Sandwick.

Thursday 30th October 2003

A male Ring-necked Duck is on Papil Water, Fetlar, along with an adult Glaucous Gull and the Little Grebe.

The Long-eared Owl is still at Norwick, along with a Waxwing.

On Foula, the Arctic Redpoll and 2 Common Redpolls are still present as well as the Little Grebe, 8 Whooper Swans, 2 Barnacle Geese, 5 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Bramblings, 3 Greenfinches and 12 Snow Buntings.

Wednesday 29th October 2003

There are 15 Bramblings, 7 Greenfinches , 4 Common Redpolls, a Waxwing and a Siberian Chiffchaff at Baltasound. A Richard's Pipit is at Northdale and 2 Tree Sparrows at Norwick.

A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Reed Bunting are at Gardie House, Bressay, and 25 Whooper Swans are on the isle.

A Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Grey Wagtails, a Siberian Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcaps are at Helendale.Three Waxwings are in Burgh Road, Lerwick.

On Foula, birds of note included 12 Whooper Swans, 44 Teals, a Merlin, a Water Rail, 60+ Golden Plovers, the Arctic Redpoll, 8 Common Redpolls and a flock of 35 Twites.

Tuesday 28th October 2003

An Arctic Redpoll with 25 Common Redpolls at Halligarth is presumably one of the birds from Skaw and Norwick. There are also 6 Blackcaps, a Waxwing and a Siberian Chiffchaff at Halligarth. A Water Rail and a female Bullfinch are at Haroldswick.

The Spoonbill is at the Vadills of Garth, South Nesting. A Gadwall is on Loch of Benston and a Bar-headed Goose is nearby at the mouth of the Burn of Quoys, Catfirth. A Velvet Scoter is on Loch of Asta. The Wood Warbler is still at Veensgarth (and is now the latest ever by one day). A Yellowhammer is at Sand Lodge, Sandwick. The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull is still at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.

On Foula, there was little new though there seemed to be more Redwings (c100) and 5 Greenfinches at Freyers were all ringed. Geoff Atherton reports the large ringed Arctic Redpoll at the Haa again in the early morning.

There are 80 Snow Buntings at Brough, Bressay.

Bar-headed Goose at Catfirth - Paul Sclater

Monday 27th October 2003

A flock of 30 Waxwings flew over the Toll Clock Shopping Centre, Lerwick, and another 6 are in Pitt Lane. There are 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at Dales Lees.

A Little Grebe, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Greenfinch and a male Bullfinch are on Fetlar.

On Foula, birds of note included a Slavonian Grebe in the Voe, 5 Whooper Swans, a Jack Snipe and 4 Common Redpolls at Ristie, while Geoff Atherton reports a large (and already ringed) Arctic Redpoll at the Haa - presumably the bird ringed on 12th.

Sunday 26th October 2003

The pipit is still on Out Skerries, although there is a suspicion that it is thought to be either Richard's or Blyth's. Also there were 2 Waxwings, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Yellowhammer, plus a Jack Snipe, 12 Snow Buntings and 6 Bramblings.

The Spoonbill has moved to the head of Weisdale Voe.

At Sletts Park, Lerwick, there are 8 Waxwings, a Greenfinch, a Chiffchaff and a Robin. There are also 12 Waxwings at North Road, Lerwick, and 7 at Helendale, and one at Gremista, Lerwick. A pair of Bullfinches and a Siberian Chiffchaff are at Helendale. A female Bullfinch and 8 Blackcaps are at Kergord. There are 2 Kestrels at Scousburgh.

On Foula, birds of note included 2 Slavonian Grebes, 5 Whooper Swans, 7 Greylag Geese, 11 Wigeons, a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, 250 Great Black-backed Gulls, a Long-eared Owl, a Waxwing, the female Bluethroat, 40 Blackbirds, 20 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrests, a Chaffinch, 4 Bramblings, 2 Greenfinches, a Common Redpoll, 4 Snow Buntings and a Yellowhammer.

A Pintail is at Easter Loch, Uyeasound.

A Peregrine is on Whalsay.

A male Bullfinch and a male Merlin are on Fetlar.

There are 12 Slavonian Grebes at Cat Firth and 2 at Lunna.

Waxwing on Foula - Tony Mainwood; Spoonbill at Weisdale - Hugh Harrop

Saturday 25th October 2003

A pipit on Out Skerries is thought to be a Tawny, while the Dusky Warbler is still there along with 4 Yellow-browed Warblers and a Waxwing.

A male King Eider is in Cat Firth. The Spoonbill is still at Grunnavoe. There is a Yellow-browed Warbler at Tresta, a Bullfinch at Kergord, a Wood Warbler at Veensgarth, 4 Jackdaws at Strand, and a Bullfinch and a Hen Harrier at Quendale. The Kestrel is still at Scousburgh.

On Unst, the Yellow-browed Warbler is still at Norwick along with 2 Waxwings and a Siberian Chiffchaff, and a Woodcock and 3 Waxwings are at Baltasound. After being virtually absent until a few days ago, there are now 52 Tufted Ducks, 25 Goldeneyes and a female Scaup on Easter Loch, although still no more than 15 Whooper Swans.

On Foula there are now 2 Slavonian Grebes as well as a Merlin, a Common Redpoll and a Jack Snipe.

The Little Egret is back at Symbister, Whalsay, and there is an adult Glaucous Gull on the island.

Friday 24th October 2003

The Spoonbill is still at Grunnavoe, usually on the Houb, but it has been seen flying over Walls.

An Arctic Redpoll is at Veensgarth.

The Hoopoe is still at Quendale.

A Dusky Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Waxwing are on Out Skerries along with 2 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, 8 Robins, 3 Reed Buntings, 5 Bramblings, 24 Snow Buntings, 5 Goldcrests, 30+ Redwings, 12+ Song Thrushes, 10 Fieldfares, a Wood Pigeon and 3 Woodcocks.
On Unst, a Yellow-browed Warbler and the Long-eared Owl are at Norwick and Waxwings are at Baltasound and Skaw.
On Foula, the Dusky Warbler was seen briefly again today and among other things there were 2 Water Rails, a Slavonian Grebe, the Little Grebe, 5 Whooper Swans, the 2 Barnacle Geese, a Jack Snipe, a Grey Wagtail, a new Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Common Redpolls, 2 Snow Buntings and the Yellowhammer.

A Hen Harrier, a Long-eared Owl and a Yellow-browed Warbler are on Fetlar.

Thursday 23rd October 2003

A juvenile Spoonbill is in the area east of Walls; it has been moving around the lochs around Grunnavoe and has been seen between the Houb of Grunnavoe and Mara Ness, the headland separated Gruting Voe and Voe of Browland, where it is best viewed from Gruting. It is only the fifth record for Shetland (eighth individual). A Little Egret is at Moo Water, South Nesting - presumably the bird last seen on Whalsay and not the bird seen briefly at Scatness.

On Unst, a Richard's Pipit is at Northdale, there are 5 Waxwings, 13 Greenfinches, 13 Common Redpolls, a Tree Sparrow, a Woodcock and a Long-eared Owl at Norwick, 8 Greenfinches, 3 Siberian Chiffchaffs, 2 Waxwings and a Woodcock at Baltasound, 2 Bullfinches at Haroldswick, another Woodcock at Skaw and further Siberian Chiffchaffs at Haroldswick and Uyeasound.

On Foula, a Waxwing, 2 Barnacle Geese, a Peregrine, 3 Woodcocks and 3 Jack Snipes were all arrivals and there were also the Little Grebe, 19 Greylag Geese, 6 Long-tailed Ducks, a Long-eared Owl, 6 Robins, the Bluethroat, 20 Blackbirds, 30 Fieldfares, 15 Song Thrushes, 40 Redwings, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 4 Goldcrests, a Chaffinch, 10 Bramblings, 10 Greenfinches, 27 Twites, a Lapland Bunting, a Snow Bunting, a Yellowhammer and a Reed Bunting.

The Hoopoe is still at Quendale, with a female Bullfinch and a Barred Warbler also there. A Waxwing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker are at Toab. A Waxwing is at Kergord.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still at Skaw on Whalsay and there are also 10 Waxwings and 2 Woodcocks on the island.

Wednesday 22nd October 2003

A Hoopoe is at the Eel Burn, Quendale. A male Green-winged Teal is at Loch of Gards, Scatness. A Waxwing is at Maywick.
A male Bullfinch is at Helendale, along with the Grey Wagtail that has been there for a while, while the 2nd winter Glaucous Gull is still at Lerwick Catch. At least 5 Waxwings have been feeding in the trees at Sandgarth, north of Voe, along with flocks of Bramblings, Greenfinches and Goldcrests.
The Little Egret is still at Symbister, Whalsay.
On Foula, the find of the day was a Dusky Warbler near Burns. The Little Grebe was still present, the Surf Scoter was still in the harbour and the ringed Arctic Redpoll and 2 Common Redpolls (last seen on 18th) were seen again at the airstrip. Other birds recorded included 5 Whooper Swans, 40 Greylag Geese, 3 Goldeneyes, the Hen Harrier, 4 Moorhens, a Dunnock, 5 Robins, 20 Blackbirds, 30 Fieldfares, 5 Song Thrushes, 40 Redwings, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrests, a Yellowhammer and a Reed Bunting.

Dusky Warbler on Foula - Tony Mainwood

Tuesday 21st October 2003

A Grey Wagtail flew over the Lerwick lanes and a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull is at Lerwick Catch. At Sandgarth, Dales Lees, north of Voe, there is a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Siberian Chiffchaff and 30 Bramblings. A Waxwing is in Voe.
There are 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at Pool of Virkie, 278 Greylag Geese and 6 Goldeneyes at Loch of Spiggie, and 5 Great Northern Divers and 6 Long-tailed Ducks at St Ninian's Isle, while the Kestrel is still at Scousburgh.
A male Stonechat and a Dunnock are at Upper Urafirth, Northmavine.
One of the Arctic Redpolls is still on Unst, this time at Norwick. and there are 6 Waxwings at Haroldswick and singles at Norwick and Baltasound.
On Foula, the Surf Scoter was still present as well as a female Bluethroat (which was probably the one first seen on 14th) and the Yellow-browed Warbler. There were also 5 Whooper Swans, 12 Greylag Geese, 7 Wigeons, 16 Teals, 25 Mallards, a Tufted Duck, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, the Goldeneye, the Red-breasted Merganser, a Little Grebe, a Jack Snipe, a Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 2 Yellowhammers and a Reed Bunting.

Arctic Redpoll and Waxwing on Unst - Micky Maher;

Monday 20th October 2003

A Rose-coloured Starling is at Weisdale, where there are also at least 3 Waxwings. A Grey Wagtail is at Kergord.

A Gyrfalcon was seen in the afternoon at the south end of the Loch of Spiggie.

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Haroldswick.

A Waxwing is on Whalsay.

On Foula there were 10 species of duck (5 Wigeons, 12 Teals, 22 Mallards, 2 Shovelers, a Tufted Duck, 430 Eiders, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, the Surf Scoter, a Goldeneye and a Red-breasted Merganser). New in were 9 Whooper Swans, a Peregrine and 17 Snow Buntings and there were also 7 Greylag Geese, the Hen Harrier and a Long-eared Owl but numbers of thrushes etc were generally down.

Sunday 19th October 2003

An Arctic Redpoll is at Skaw (probably the newest bird), a Black Redstart is at Norwick and a Water Rail is at Baltasound.

A Richard's Pipit is at Scord. There are singles Little Grebes on Lochs of Hillwell and Spiggie, 3 Slavonian Grebes on Spiggie, 2 Pochards on Loch of Brow and 5 Gadwalls on Spiggie, 2 on Hillwell and 2 at Scatness. The Kestrel is still at Scousburgh.

There are 2 Waxwings at Trondra. A Little Grebe is in Loch of Asta, 5 Slavonian Grebes in Tresta Voe and 2 Moorhens at Strand. A Siberian Chiffchaff is at Vidlin and a Yellow-browed Warbler is at Voe, where a dead Little Auk was found in a field. A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Grey Wagtail are at Kergord. There are 2 Waxwings and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Urafirth. Another 2 Waxwings are on Whalsay.

New on Foula today were a Waxwing at Harrier, seen by Penny Gear, and 2 Shovelers on Mill Loch seen by Geoff and Donna Atherton. The Surf Scoter and one of the Pallas’s Wablers were still present and there were also a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 3 Jack Snipes, 2 Wood Pigeons, a Dunnock, 5 Robins, the Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbirds, 40 Fieldfares, 10 Song Thrushes, 40 Redwings, 7 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrests, 8 Bramblings, 12 Greenfinches, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Yellowhammers and a Reed Bunting.

Saturday 18th October 2003

The Olive-backed Pipit is still at Norwick and Yellow-browed Warblers are at Norwick and Baltasound.
On Foula, a ring tail Hen Harrier was new and the Surf Scoter and Black-throated Thrush are still present, as well as the Arctic Redpoll from yesterday. Other birds seen included a Great Northern Diver, a Merlin, a Woodcock, a Wood Pigeon, 7+ Robins, the Common Redstart, the Ring Ouzel, c 30 Blackbirds, c 80 Fieldfares, 5+ Song Thrushes, 100+ Redwings, 8 Blackcaps, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Chaffinches, 10 Bramblings, 17 Greenfinches, 2 Common Redpolls and a Yellowhammer.
The Red-backed Shrike is still at Busta, near Brae, along with a Great Spotted Woodpecker. A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Kergord.

Friday 17th October 2003

Fair Isle's fightback continues, with a Siberian Rubythroat (the second for the island, third for Shetland and fourth for Britain), joining the Savannah Sparrow.

The Pechora Pipit is still at Helendale.

There are 2 Olive-backed Pipits on Fetlar, along with 3 Yellow-browed Warblers.

An Olive-backed Pipit and a Pallas's Warbler are on Out Skerries.

A Pallas's Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler are on Whalsay and a Hoopoe was reported flying over Symbister.

A Dusky Warbler is at Collafirth, Northmavine. The Great Grey Shrike is still at Channerwick and a Yellow-browed Warbler is also there. The Red Grouse is still calling at Collafirth, Delting. A Hoopoe is at Kergord.

On Unst, there are 2 unringed Arctic Redpolls of the nominate race (so at least one is new), a Pallas's Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick, the Bluethroat and a Richard's Pipit at Northdale, a Peregrine on Hermaness and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Baltasound, while a Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Haroldswick in the morning.

On Foula, the Pallas’s Warbler is still present at Wurr Wick and another was found along the Soberlie Dyke. Also still present are the Surf Scoter, the Black-throated Thrush, one of the Arctic Redpolls, one of the Bluethroats, a Yellow-browed Warbler and the Red-breasted Flycatcher together with a Long-eared Owl, a Common Redstart, a Wheatear, 6 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrests, a Common Redpoll, a Lapland Bunting and a Yellowhammer.

Pallas's Warbler on Foula - Tony Mainwood; Arctic Redpoll at Skaw and Bluethroat at Northdale - Micky Maher; Red Grouse at Collafirth - Tony Gerrard

Thursday 16th October 2003

Photographs of the Taiga Flycatcher taken in the field have been added for 15th October.

A Pechora Pipit is at Helendale - presumably the bird first seen there on 14th. A Great Spotted Woodpecker is also there.

A female Black-throated Thrush was at Busta near Brae in the morning, but could not be found later, although a Red-backed Shrike and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers were seen.

There is a Pallas's Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Wester Quarff, a Pallas's Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Dales Lees, a Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers at Geosetter and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at Sullom along with a Stock Dove. A Red Grouse was watched displaying at Collafirth, Delting.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper has reappeared at Skaw, Whalsay, the Little Egret is still at Symbister, and there is a Pallas's Warbler and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers on the island.

A Little Egret at Scatness must, therefore, be a new bird.

On Foula, a Pallas’s Warbler was found at Wurr Wick by Mark Wilkinson, Tim Drew and Jonathan Drew. Also new were 2 Short-eared Owls, a Long-eared Owl, 2 Woodcocks and a Ring Ouzel. Other birds included a Great Northern Diver, 36 Teals, 15 Mallards, a Merlin, a Water Rail, 15+ Robins, a Common Redstart, a Wheatear, 30+ Blackbirds, 150 Fieldfares, c 20 Song Thrushes, c 100 Redwings, c1 0 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Willow Warbler, c 20 Goldcrests, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, the Great Grey Shrike, c 15 Greenfinches (including another Norwegian ringed bird trapped), a Siskin, 2 Common Redpolls, the Arctic Redpoll originally trapped on 12th, a Lapland Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Buntings.

Pallas's Warbler and Surf Scoter - Tony Mainwood

The 2 Arctic Redpolls are back at Skaw on Unst, along with an unringed Lesser Redpoll and at least 14 Common Redpolls of one of the north-western races. One of these was very pale and closely resembled an exilipes Arctic Redpoll in the field. Also on Unst, there is a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Baltasound, along with a Sparrowhawk and a Yellow-browed Warbler, and a Grey Wagtail is at Quoys.

Grey Wagtail and Iceland Redpoll - Micky Maher

Wednesday 15th October 2003

A Swainson's Thrush is at Burrafirth on Unst. It is definitely not the same as the bird that was on the island a few weeks back, as it lacks obvious pale tips to the inner greater coverts (among other differences). Also on Unst, the Olive-backed Pipit is still at Norwick, along with at least 250 Bramblings and a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Spotted Woodpecker is at Skaw, a Bluethroat is at Northdale, and a Lapland Bunting and 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs are at Burrafirth.

Swainson's Thrush - (three photos) Micky Maher (videograb) Mike Pennington

The Taiga Flycatcher is still at Dales Lees along with 2 Pallas's Warblers and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Another Pallas's Warbler is at Voe.

Taiga Flycatcher at Dales Lees - Tony Gerrard

On Foula, the bird of the day was a male Surf Scoter in the Voe - just the ninth Shetland record. Other arrivals included a Great Northern Diver, a Great Grey Shrike, a Water Rail, a Stock Dove, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Barred Warbler and 2 Yellowhammers. A Corncrake was found freshly dead at Ristie. Both the Pechora Pipit and the Black-throated Thrush were seen again.

Surf Scoter and Red-breasted Flycatcher - Tony Mainwood

Other birds on Foula included 4 Jack Snipes, a Merlin, a Pied Wagtail, 10 Robins, the Bluethroat, 20 Blackbirds, 180 Fieldfares, 15 Song Thrushes, 100 Redwings, 7 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrests, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, 15 Bramblings, 11 Greenfinches, 2 Siskins, 8 Twites, a Common Redpoll, a Snow Bunting and a Reed Bunting.

The Olive-backed Pipit is still on Fetlar, at Houbie.

A Great Grey Shrike is at Channerwick.

Tuesday 14th October 2003

The Taiga Flycatcher is still at Dales Lees, north of Voe, along with 2 Pallas's Warblers.

A Pallas's Warbler is at Eswick. A possible Pechora Pipit was at Helendale in the morning but could not be relocated.

A Dusky Warbler is on Fetlar, as well as an Olive-backed Pipit and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers.

The Olive-backed Pipit is still at Norwick on Unst, along with about 200 Bramblings. There is a Pallas's Warbler, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Jack Snipe at Burrafirth, a Great Grey Shrike at Skaw, 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs and 120 Bramblings at Baltasound and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound.

The wandering Little Egret is at Symbister on Whalsay with a Great Grey Shrike at Skaw (the Whalsay Skaw this time).

A Yellow-browed Warbler and an adult Glaucous Gull are at Uphouse, Bressay.

The Pechora Pipit is still on Foula, where there were a few more Continental birds in today with 100 Fieldfares, 50 Redwings, 15 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackbirds, 10 Robins, a Common Redstart, a Grey Wagtail, 11 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs (including one Siberian Chiffchaff), 5 Goldcrests, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 60+ Bramblings, 2 Chaffinches, and 6 Greenfinches (including a Norwegian ringed bird), Also present were a Grey Heron, 4 Jack Snipes, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Pied Wagtails, a Wheatear, the Bluethroat, the Grasshopper Warbler, a Snow Bunting and a Reed Bunting.

Meanwhile, Fair Isle is fighting back with a Savannah Sparrow which is (if you ignore a record of the distinct form known as Ipswich Sparrow) the second for Fair Isle, Shetland, Britain and Europe.

Monday 13th October 2003

The flycatcher at Dales Lees, north of Voe, was confirmed as Britain's second Taiga Flycatcher, also known as Red-throated Flycatcher, and currently regarded as a subspecies of Red-breasted Flycatcher (although probably not for much longer). It was identified in the field, although it was trapped to be absolutely sure, as it is the first autumn record and only the second for Britain.

Taiga Flycatcher - Paul Sclater

Taiga Flycatcher - Hugh Harrop

Also at Dales Lees, there was a Pallas's Warbler and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Pallas's Warbler - (left) Paul Sclater (right) Hugh Harrop

On Unst, an Olive-backed Pipit was at Norwick, along with a Red-breasted Flycatcher, and a Grey Wagtail and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull were at Skaw.

About 100 Goldcrests were on Whalsay.

New on Foula today were 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Woodpigeons, a Pied Wagtail, 2 Robins, c. 40 Fieldfares, 6 Song Thrushes, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Goldcrests and c. 40 Bramblings. Also present were 3 Pink-footed Geese, a Merlin, c. 90 Golden Plover, 2 Jack Snipes, the Bluethroat, a Siskin, a Common Redpoll and Redwing were up to c 30 and they looked more like Continental rather than Icelandic (unlike the last few days).

Sunday 12th October 2003

A Paddyfield Warbler has been trapped at Kergord, in the small plantation by the farm. It is ringed and is the bird previously trapped on Foula and last seen on 8th October. A Yellow-browed Warbler is also at Kergord.

An Olive-backed Pipit is at Sumburgh Farm, a Little Bunting is at Quendale and a Barred Warbler is at Sumburgh. A Kestrel is still at Scousburgh. Yellow-browed Warblers are at Grutness and Quendale.

On Foula, a second Arctic Redpoll was trapped at Braidfit along with 2 Common Redpolls and there was another Common Redpoll at Gravins. The Black-throated Thrush was still present and while trying to trap a probable Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Northerhouse the Pechora Pipit reappeared in a net!! Other birds noted included 3 Jack Snipes, a Short-eared Owl, the Bluethroat, 4 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, c. 20 Redwings, a Blackcap, a Willow Warbler, a Chaffinch and 4 Bramblings.

Arctic Redpoll (first photo with Common Redpoll left) and Pechora Pipit - Tony Mainwood

On Unst, the 2 Arctic Redpolls are at Skaw along with at least 10 Common Redpolls and at least 45 Snow Buntings, a Yellow-browed Warbler is at Haroldswick and a new Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Baltasound.

On Out Skerries, the best birds were 3 Jack Snipes and a Common Redpoll.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher at Dales Lees, Delting, looks interesting and will be investigated further tomorrow.

Two Commic Terns are at the Sletts, Lerwick, and have been present for most of the last week.

Saturday 11th October 2003

On Foula the Citrine Wagtail, the Black-throated Thrush and at least one Arctic Redpoll were still present. A Merlin, a Goldeneye and a Chaffinch were new. Other birds included 2 Grey Herons, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Greylag Geese, 14 Teals, 9 Mallards, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Ringed Plovers, c. 90 Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, a 2nd winter Iceland Gull, the Bluethroat, a Wheatear, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, c. 50 Redwings, 2 Goldcrests, 8 Bramblings, a Siskin, a Common Rosefinch and 7 Snow Buntings.

Arctic Redpoll and Black-throated Thrush - Tony Mainwood

An Arctic Redpoll has been reported from Bigton.

On Unst, the 2 Arctic Redpolls are at Norwick, along with at least 5 Common Redpolls and a Siberian Chiffchaff is at Halligarth.

A Short-toed Lark is at Virkie. A Mistle Thrush, 2 Wheatears, a Blackcap, 11 Whooper Swans and 151 Barnacle Geese are at Scatness. There are 5 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 2 Pink-footed Geese at Ringasta. A Kestrel is at Scousburgh.

A Barred Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler are at Sullom, another Yellow-browed Warbler is at Swining and a Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Voxter.

An unidentified sandy warbler in the canopy at Kergord was identified as a Paddyfield Warbler on 12th.

Friday 10th October 2003

On Unst, a first-winter White-rumped Sandpiper was found in late afternoon, feeding along the road at Norwick. It was apparently newly arrived, as it was not there 15 minutes earlier and did not want to leave the road - which led to its demise as it was hit by a car and died. It may well have failed to survive the night anyway, as it weighed a mere 24g (BWP gives an average weight of 40-45g).

The Unst White-rumped Sandpiper - videograbs and scan Mike Pennington

Also on Unst, the two Arctic Redpolls were at Skaw in the morning, but only the Lesser Redpoll and 2 Common Redpolls were there in the afternoon, Red-breasted Flycatchers are at Halligarth and Norwick, a Yellow-browed Warbler is at Halligarth and the Bar-headed Goose is still at Haroldswick. There was no sign of the Sykes's Warbler.

The 1st winter male Black-throated Thrush, the Arctic Redpoll and the Citrine Wagtail are still on Foula. A female Peregrine was new. Also seen were 2 Grey Herons, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Barnacle Geese, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 3 Ringed Plover, a Dunlin, a Jack Snipe, an Iceland Gull, a Wood Pigeon, 3 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush, c. 100 Redwings, 2 Goldcrests, 4 Bramblings, a Siskin, 11 Snow Buntings and a Reed Bunting.

Black-throated Thrush - Tony Mainwood

The Arctic Warbler is still at Everland on Fetlar and there are 2 Yellow-browed Warblers on the island.

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Sandwick, Whalsay.

Thursday 9th October 2003

On Foula, the bird of the day was a 1st winter male Black-throated Thrush at the Grups. The Pechora Pipit was seen again and both the Citrine Wagtail and the first of the Arctic Redpolls were found again. Other birds included c. 60 Pink-footed Geese, 21 Greylag Geese, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, a Jack Snipe, 2 Wood Pigeons, a Short-eared Owl, the Bluethroat, a Wheatear, a Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrushes, c. 60 Redwings, 4 Goldcrests, 9 Bramblings, 2 Common Redpolls, 9 Snow Buntings and a Reed Bunting.

On Unst, the Sykes's Warbler is still at Halligarth in Baltasound. The Bar-headed Goose is still at Haroldswick and the Common Rosefinch is still at Skaw along with one Arctic Redpoll.

Bar-headed Goose - Micky Maher

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Tresta, west Mainland.

Wednesday 8th October 2003

On Unst, the Blyth's Reed Warbler is still at Skaw, along with the redpoll flock which has returned there, including the 2 Arctic Redpolls. A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Haroldswick. The Bar-headed Goose is now at Haroldswick.

Another Arctic Redpoll of the nominate race was seen at Gutcher on Yell but later found dead at the same spot.

On Foula the find of the day, in spite of the strong winds, was a Pechora Pipit, found by Mark Wilkinson and Tim Drew. The Blyth’s Reed Warbler was seen again as well as a Paddyfield Warbler, which was presumably the same one but had relocated to the south end of the island. Also seen were 4 Grey Herons, a Robin, a Whinchat, a Wheatear, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, c. 100 Redwings, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Goldcrest, 4 Bramblings, a Siskin, a Common Rosefinch and a Snow Bunting.

A Long-eared Owl and a Merlin roosted at the Brig of Bakkasetter ('Brow marsh'). About 120 Barnacle Geese are still at Scatness, with another 11 at Fleck along with 4 Pink-footed Geese. There are 2 Long-tailed Ducks and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at the Pool of Virkie.

Tuesday 7th October 2003

On Unst, the Sykes's Warbler, is still at Halligarth, along with 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Red-breasted Flycatcher and 30 Redwings. The Blyth's Reed Warbler is still at Skaw, along with a Common Rosefinch. The flock of 6-7 redpolls from Skaw is now at Norwick and there appear to be 2 Arctic Redpolls in the flock. A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Haroldswick. Also on Unst, there was a Bar-headed Goose with Greylag Geese at Baltasound at mid-day, and 4 Common Redpolls (prob. north-western birds) at Baltasound. The first Whooper Swans, a family of 4, are on Easter Loch.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still at Skaw, Whalsay.

A Richard's Pipit is on Out Skerries.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher is still at Tresta.

On Foula, birds of note included 8 'blue' Fulmars, a Grey Heron, 8 Whooper Swans (2 ads and 6 juvs), a Wigeon, a Long-tailed Duck, 2 Jack Snipes, an adult Iceland Gull, 2 Little Auks, a Common Redstart, a Whinchat, a Song Thrush, c. 30 Redwings, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests, 6 Bramblings, a Common Redpoll, one of the Arctic Redpolls and 6 Snow Buntings.

There are 198 Barnacle Geese and 98 Greylag Geese at Scatness and 150 Greylag Geese and 42 Barnacle Geese at Fleck.

Monday 6th October 2003

An Arctic Warbler at Everland on Fetlar is presumably the bird seen nearby a few days ago. A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Peregrine are also on Fetlar.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper has been relocated at Skaw, Whalsay.

A Bluethroat is on Out Skerries.

Barnacle Geese are passing through with flocks of 11 flying over Melby and 15 over Bousta, Sandness, and 144 in stubble at Scatness. The later flock was accompanied by 47 Greylag Geese and 4 Pink-footed Geese (one with a neck collar). There are also 4 Barnacle Geese with 125 Greylag Geese at Fleck and 3 Pink-footed Geese at St Ninian's Isle. A Bar-tailed Godwit is at Pool of Virkie.

On Foula, adult and an immature Iceland Gulls were new as well as a Garden Warbler, a Blackcap, a White Wagtail, 2 Bramblings and 5 Snow Buntings. Otherwise the Paddyfield Warbler, 2 Arctic Redpolls and the Bluethroat were still present together with 7 Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlins, a Whinchat, a Song Thrush, c. 30 Redwings, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Siskin and 3 Common Redpolls.

Photos of the Skerries Lancey and OBP have been added for 1st October.

Sunday 5th October 2003

On Unst, the Sykes's Warbler at Halligarth was trapped at mid-day and its identity confirmed. At Skaw, a Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped and the Arctic Redpoll is still present, accompanied by 3 'north-western' Redpolls (either from Iceland or Greenland) and a Lesser Redpoll. Flocks of 32 and 6 Barnacle Geese flew over Skaw and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull was there.

Sykes's Warbler - Micky Maher

Redpoll gallery - Arctic of the race hornemanni, rostrata from Greenland and Lesser - Micky Maher

Blyth's Reed Warbler at Skaw - Micky Maher; Sykes's Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler and Arctic Redpoll on Unst - videograbs by Mike Pennington and Brydon Thomason

The Little Egret flew over Symbister in the morning, heading towards Bonidale on Mainland.

On Foula, 2 Arctic Redpolls tracked down and, although not trapped the characters, look good on both. Eight Whooper Swans, 4 Long-tailed Ducks and a Water Rail were the first of the autumn. The Paddyfield Warbler was still present and the Citrine Wagtail was seen briefly. Also present were 13 Greylag Geese, a Wigeon, 16 Teals, a Moorhen, 5 Jack Snipe, a Robin, the Bluethroat, a Whinchat, c. 30 Redwings, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, a Siskin, 2 Common Redpolls and a Snow Bunting.

A Bluethroat and a Common Rosefinch are on Out Skerries.

A flock of 60 Barnacle Geese flew over Stenness, Eshaness and about 45 Snow Buntings are at Eshaness lighthouse.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Tresta, west Mainland.

Saturday 4th October 2003

A Hippolais warbler at Halligarth on Unst was tentatively identified as Sykes's Warbler, although it did not call, and was not trapped or photographed.

On Foula, a Citrine Wagtail was found by Tim Drew and Mark Wilkinson. Also still present are the Paddyfield Warbler the Blyth’s Reed Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler and the Bluethroat. There are also 11 Barnacle Geese, 8 Pink-footed Geese, 16 Teals, a Moorhen, 3 Ringed Plovers, a Purple Sandpiper, 3 Dunlins, a Jack Snipe, a Robin, 4 Wheatears, c. 20 Redwings, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, a Siskin, a Common Rosefinch, a Lapland Bunting and 5 Snow Buntings.

The Foula Citrine Wagtail - Tony Mainwood

The Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler is still at Skaw, Whalsay.

The Olive-backed Pipit is still on Out Skerries

A Little Gull is in Lerwick and 2 'Commic' terns were fishing at the Sletts, Lerwick in the afternoon.

Friday 3rd October 2003

Old birds today, including the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Skaw, Whalsay, the Lanceolated Warbler on Out Skerries and the Arctic Redpoll at Skaw, Unst.

On Foula, a Short-eared Owl was new and Redwings had increased to c. 30. The Paddyfield Warbler, the Red-breasted Flycatcher and the Bluethroat were also still present and there was a Jack Snipe, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap and a Robin.

A Pochard, 2 Scaups and 47 Tufted Ducks are on Loch of Tingwall.

An Iceland Gull is at Ulsta on Yell.

On another note, the Woodchat Shrike that was at Maywick last month showed advanced moult and an extensive primary patch which are characteristic of the eastern subspecies L. s. niloticus, which breeds from Cyrus through Asia Minor to Iran. If accepted as such by BOURC, it would the first record of this form in Britain. To remind yourself what it looked like, look at the photos on the 2003 Bird Photos page.

Thursday 2nd October 2003

An Olive-backed Pipit is at Kergord.

The Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler is still at Skaw on Whalsay and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper and an Olive-backed Pipit are also there.

The Lanceolated Warbler is still on Out Skerries.

The 1st winter Mediterranean Gull is at Hillwell and there are Richard's Pipits at Quendale and Scatness.

The Little Bunting is still at Seafield, Lerwick.

On Foula, the Blyth’s Reed Warbler is still present as well as the probable Arctic Redpoll, the Red-backed Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Common Rosefinch, the Bluethroat, the Barred Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, a Siskin and c. 10 Redwings.

Wednesday 1st October 2003

A first-winter Isabelline Shrike was picked up dead on Out Skerries where the Lanceolated Warbler and the Olive-backed Pipit are still present. A Common Rosefinch and a Bluethroat are also present.

The Skerries Lancy and OBP - Michael McKee

An Arctic Warbler is at Toft on Fetlar.

A Little Bunting is at Seafield, Lerwick.

The Blyth's Reed Warbler is still on Foula, and it was trapped today, while the Paddyfield Warbler is also still present, although there was no sign of the Grey-cheeked Thrush. New in were a Barred Warbler and a Red-backed Shrike while Blackcaps increased to 7 and Bramblings to 15. There were also 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, the Bluethroat, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, the Swallow, a Whinchat, a Robin, a Song Thrush, 6 Redwings, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrests, a Siskin and a Mealy Redpoll.

Paddyfield and Blyth's Reed Warblers - Tony Mainwood

A Yellow-browed Warbler, a Wood Warbler and a Common Rosefinch are at Quendale and there are 8 Whooper Swans at Loch of Spiggie along with with 2 Scaups and a Long-tailed Duck.

A Yellow-browed Warbler and 4 Blackcaps are at Kergord.

Tuesday 30th September 2003

A Lanceolated Warbler is on Out Skerries, and the Olive-backed Pipit is still there.

The Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler is still at Skaw on Whalsay.

The Swainson's Thrush is still on Unst at Easting beach, Sandwick. The Arctic Redpoll is still at Skaw, Unst, along with a Reed Warbler while a Yellow-browed Warbler is still at Baltasound.

There are Arctic Redpolls at Toft and Toab on Mainland. A Common Rosefinch and a Red-breasted Flycatcher are at Sumburgh, another Red-breasted Flycatcher at Quendale, a Barred Warbler is at Scatness and Yellow-browed Warblers at Sumburgh, Hoswick and Lunna. There are 2 Scaups on Loch of Spiggie.

A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was at Quendale in the afternoon before flying towards Hillwell.

The Quendale Med Gull - Paul Sclater

A Subalpine Warbler is at Gorie on Bressay.

A Saker was seen circling over Fleck in the morning and drifting towards Fitful Head. There are 3 Yellow-browed Warblers and the Red-backed Shrike at Quendale.

On Foula, the Grey-cheeked Thrush, the Paddyfield Warbler, the Red-breasted Flycatcher and probably the Blyth’s Reed Warbler were still present and the Arctic Redpoll went into the 'almost certain category'.

New in today on Foula were a Richard’s Pipit (possibly 2), a Bluethroat, a Mealy Redpoll, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock. In addition, there were also 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, the Swallow, the Grey Wagtail, 2 Whinchats, 4 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush, 6 Redwings, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Common Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Brambling, a Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

There are 2 Yellow-browed Warblers each at Swining, Voe (one singing!) and Vidlin and a Robin at Voe.

The Foula R-b Fly - Tony Mainwood

All this, and a Savi's Warbler on Fair Isle.

Monday 29th September 2003

A Paddyfield Warbler was trapped and ringed on Foula at mid-day. The Grey-cheeked Thrush was still there at Braidfit and the Blyth's Reed Warbler was skulking in and near the Hametoun Burn.

The Foula Paddyfield - Tony Mainwood

Also present on Foula was a possible Arctic Redpoll, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Jack Snipe, the Swallow, the Grey Wagtail, a Robin, a Whinchat, 6 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush, 12 Redwings, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 3 Bramblings, a Siskin and a Common Rosefinch.

The Swainson's Thrush is still at Easting beach, Sandwick, on Unst, and an Arctic Redpoll of the nominate race is at Skaw (although it was probably seen yesterday). Also on Unst, one of the Yellow-browed Warblers and the Marsh Warbler are still at Norwick and a 1st winter male Peregrine is at Skaw.

The Skaw Arctic Redpoll - Micky Maher

The Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler is still at Skaw, Whalsay.

An Olive-backed Pipit is on Out Skerries along with a Bluethroat, a Barred Warbler, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers and 2 Common Rosefinches.

Olive-backed Pipit on Out Skerries - Michael McKee

The Red-backed Shrike is still at Quendale along with a Corncrake, 5 Yellow-browed Warblers and a Richard's Pipit.

There are still 3 Yellow-browed Warblers at Voe along with a Pied Flycatcher, a Chiffchaff and a Mealy Redpoll. There is another Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord.

Sunday 28th September 2003

An extraordinary day; indeed, probably unprecedented.

The Grey-cheeked Thrush is still on Foula, along with a Blyth's Reed Warbler.

The Swainson's Thrush is still at Easting beach, Sandwick, on Unst, and a Subalpine Warbler is at Norwick.

A Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler has been trapped at Skaw, Whalsay.

A Red-flanked Bluetail is at Funzie, Fetlar.

A White's Thrush is at Old Scatness, next to Sumburgh Airport, but it flew into a window and was taken to Sumburgh Hotel for release.

A probable Pechora Pipit was seen at Vidlin, only in flight, but heard calling.

The Unst Swainson's - Micky Maher

The Sumburgh White's Thrush and the Foula Grey-cheeked Thrush - Steve Minton

The Grey-cheeked Thrush twitch - Tony Mainwood

Other birds on Unst include a Richard's Pipit and 4 Lapland Buntings at Skaw, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers and the Marsh Warbler at Norwick, a Richard's Pipit and a Barred Warbler at Northdale and Yellow-browed Warblers at Haroldswick, Baltasound, Baliasta and Uyeasound.

The supporting cast on Foula included 10 Yellow-browed Warblers (7 trapped), a Grey Wagtail, 2 Common Rosefinches, the Marsh Warbler, a Song Thrush, at least 15 Fieldfares and 20 Redwings, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinches, 4 Bramblings, a Lapland Bunting, a Swallow and 2 Whinchats.

A Bluethroat is on Out Skerries.

A Common Rosefinch is at Urafirth. A juvenile Peregrine is at Upper Kergord along with 3 Goldcrests.

At Vidlin there are 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 10 Goldcrests, 24 Bramblings and a Redwing. and there are 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher and a Mealy Redpoll at Voe.

Saturday 27th September 2003

A Swainson's Thrush is at the north end of the Easting beach at Sandwick on Unst, frequenting a small patch of nettles and thistles.

A Grey-cheeked Thrush is on Foula, where it was trapped this evening.

Both are the fourth records for Shetland; the Swainson's is the earliest for Britain and the Grey-cheeked is the second earliest.

The Foula Grey-cheeked Thrush - Tony Mainwood

Swainson's Thrush videograbs - Mike Pennington

At Vidlin, a wing-barred Phylloscopus warbler was seen which has subsequently been identified as Two-barred Greenish Warbler, a race of Greenish Warbler which has only occurred in Britain on a couple of previous occasions.

Also at Vidlin, there is a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrests and 12 Bramblings.

Other birds on Unst include an unringed Yellow-browed Warbler and a Mealy Redpoll at Norwick and a Barred Warbler at Northdale.

Also of note on Foula was a Marsh Warbler trapped at Ham and there were also 2 Whinchats, a Swallow, a White Wagtail, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, a Common Whitethroat, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 6 Bramblings, a Common Rosefinch, a Snow Bunting and a Merlin.

A Richard's Pipit flew over Old Scatness and 2 Yellow-browed Warblers are at Quendale.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher and a Yellow-browed Warbler are at Urafirth.

A 1st winter Iceland Gull is still on Out Skerries.

Iceland Gull on Out Skerries - Michael McKee

Friday 26th September 2003

A Yellow-breasted Bunting is at Sumburgh Head, feeding on seed out out for Twite. A Yellow-browed Warbler is also at Sumburgh. The Red-backed Shrike is still at Quendale.

Yellow-breasted Bunting at Sumburgh - first photo Paul Sclater next 3 Hugh Harrop

A Marsh Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler are at Norwick, along with a Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Bramblings and the summering Chiffchaff. A Barred Warbler is at Haroldswick. The 14 Pink-footed Geese are still at Baltasound.

Marsh Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at Norwick - Micky Maher

The Little Egret is now on a pool near Grunna Water, Nesting.

Two Pomarine Skuas were in Bluemull Sound.

A Bluethroat is at Hamister on Whalsay.

A Common Rosefinch is still on Out Skerries along with 2 Lapland Buntings, a Brambling and 2 1st winter Iceland Gulls.

A Mealy Redpoll is at Voxter and a Great Spotted Woodpecker is at Kergord.

On Foula, a Woodcock was new and there were also a Swallow, a Whinchat, a Goldcrest, 3 Bramblings and a Lapland Bunting were seen along with a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, a Common Rosefinch and the Rustic Bunting.

Thursday 25th September 2003

The juvenile/first-winter Mediterranean Gull is still at Garderhouse. It is very similar in appearance to the Haroldswick bird from earlier in the autumn, and so could be the same bird.

The Barred Warbler is still at Norwick, along with a Chaffinch and a Goldcrest.

The Common Rosefinch is still on Out Skerries. Another Common Rosefinch is at Scatness.

On Foula, there were few observations but at least 100 Pink-footed Geese were seen.

Wednesday 24th September 2003

A Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Seafield and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Grey Wagtail are at Helendale.

On Foula, a Reed Bunting was new and there were 14 Pink-footed Geese, a Swallow, a Whinchat and 2 Goldcrests.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher is still at Symbister on Whalsay. A 1st winter Iceland Gull is at Gutcher.

Tuesday 23rd September 2003

A Rustic Bunting is on Foula, in the Hametoun Burn. Otherwise very little of note though there were 2 Kestrels, 2 Whinchats, a Garden Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrests and a Chaffinch.

There are Red-breasted Flycatchers at Baltasound on Unst, Symbister on Whalsay and Tresta on Mainland. There are Barred Warblers at Norwick and on Bressay. A Slavonian Grebe is on Loch of Cliff at Burrafirth. A Common Buzzard is at Baltasound.

A Pomarine Skua was seen in Bluemull Sound.

Monday 22nd September 2003

A dead Arctic Redpoll of the nominate Greenland race hornemanni was found beneath a window in Lerwick.

A Common Rosefinch is on Out Skerries.

Common Rosefinch on Out Skerries - Michael McKee

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Kergord and a Barred Warbler is at Whiteness. There are 2 Lapland Buntings and a Barred Warbler still at Scatness. The Red-backed Shrike is still at Quendale, the Red-breasted Flycatcher is still at Boddam and the American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

On Unst, an Icterine Warbler is at Belmont, a Common Rosefinch is at Baltasound and a Barred Warbler is at Norwick.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Otterswick on Yell.

On Foula, a Yellow-browed Warbler was new, Bramblings increased to 4 and there are 2 Chaffinches.

Sunday 21st September 2003

A Barred Warbler and a Red-breasted Flycatcher are at Boddam and the Red-backed Shrike is still at Quendale. The American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

A Barred Warbler is at Haroldswick and the 14 Pink-footed Geese are still at Baltasound.

The first Chaffinch of the autumn was on Foula.

Saturday 20th September 2003

A Great Snipe is on Skerries as well as a Little Bunting and a Bluethroat.

A Booted Warbler is at Norwick. There are 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at Northdale and one at Haroldswick and 2 Redwings at Baltasound along with the 14 Pink-footed Geese. There are 6 Lapland Buntings at Uyeasound.

On Fetlar, there are 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Barred Warbler and a Long-eared Owl.

At Scatness, there was a Pectoral Sandpiper on the shore of Loch of Gards twice during the day, while a Barred Warbler and a Lapland Bunting , a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Jack Snipes and 60 Skylarks are also there. There are also 3 Yellow-browed Warblers at Quendale and one at Sumburgh Head. A Bluethroat is at Sumburgh Hotel and the Red-backed Shrike is still at Quendale. The Citrine Wagtail is still at at the north end of Loch of Spiggie and the American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

Bluethroat at Sumburgh Hotel - Rob Fray

On Foula there was a 'flava' Wagtail, a Kestrel, a Swallow, a Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchats, 3 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Brambling, a Common Rosefinch and 2 Lapland Buntings.

With 8 Yellow-browed Warblers that makes at least 21 in Shetland today.

Friday 19th September 2003

A new Booted Warbler is at Sumburgh Head although the other Booted Warbler is still at Quendale. The Citrine Wagtail is still at Spiggie and there is a Lapland Bunting at Scatness.

The Quendale Booted Warbler - - Hugh Harrop

Citrine Wagtail at Spiggie and Lapland Bunting at Scatness - Rob Fray

A first-winter Mediterranean Gull is at Seli Voe, Garderhouse and a Little Egret is at Skeld (conceivably the bird from Sullom Voe, although it was seen yesterday).

On Foula, a Slavonian Grebe was new, groups of 44 and 7 Pink-footed Geese were seen and the Bluethroat is still present. Other birds included a Kestrel, a Tree Pipit, a Robin, 4 Whinchats, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and at least 2 Snow Buntings.

The Wood Warbler is still at Norwick and 14 Pink-footed Geese are at Baltasound.

Thursday 18th September 2003

A Citrine Wagtail is at the north end of the Loch of Spiggie, along with the Short-toed Lark. The Booted Warbler is still at Quendale. A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Scalloway. The Little Egret has reappeared at Sullom Voe.

On Foula, the Arctic Warbler, the Bluethroat, 2 Common Rosefinches and the Black-tailed Godwit are still present and there are also 2 Tree Pipits, a Robin, 4 Whinchats, a Barred Warbler, 4 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and 5 Goldcrests. There were also a lot of Meadow Pipits.

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Ocraquoy and a ringtail harrier sp. flew over there.

The Wood Warbler and Sand Martin are still at Norwick.

Wednesday 17th September 2003

New birds in south Mainland are an Arctic Warbler in the Grutness garden and a Short-toed Lark is at the north end of the Loch of Spiggie. The Booted Warbler is still at Quendale, along with the Red-backed Shrike, the Woodchat Shrike is still at Maywick and the American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick. Three flocks of 50, 45 and 38 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Dunrossness during the day. A Pied Flycatcher is at Geosetter, 2 Ruffs and 7 Pink-footed Geese are at Scatness, 2 Pied Flycatchers and Spotted Flycatcher are at Quendale and 96 Wigeons are at Loch of Hillwell.

South Mainland rarity montage by Rob Fray - Short-toed Lark, Booted Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Arctic Warbler (x2) and American Golden Plover (x2) (No large versions available).

The Booted Warbler at Quendale - Paul Sclater and the American Golden Plover at Sandwick - Hugh Harrop

On Foula, an Arctic Warbler found and tentatively identified yesterday by Geoff and Donna Atherton was relocated and trapped in the Hametoun Burn. In the field it showed only a faint wing bar which was not always visible. (the bird of a week ago had two very distinct wing bars by comparison). Otherwise the only bird obviously new was the first Robin of the autumn but there were also 19 Pink-footed Geese, a Kestrel, the Black-tailed Godwit, a Swallow, at least 1 Tree Pipit, the Bluethroat, 4 Whinchats, a Reed Warbler (retrapped from 11th), a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Common Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warblers, 3+ Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, a Red-backed Shrike, 3 Siskins and 2 Common Rosefinches.

The Foula Arctic Warbler - Tony Mainwood

On Unst, the juvenile Pallid Harrier was seen at Baltasound at mid-day and there is a Wood Warbler at Norwick along with a Sand Martin, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, a Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chaffinches, a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Tree Pipit. There are 4 Tree Pipits, 6 Siskins, 3 Sanderlings, a Pied Flycatcher and a Spotted Flycatcher at Skaw and a Tree Pipit and a Mealy Redpoll at Northdale.

Spot Fly at Skaw - Micky Maher

Tuesday 16th September 2003

A Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped at Quendale early this morning. The Booted Warbler is still there as well as a Red-backed Shrike, a Common Rosefinch, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, a Dunnock and a Willow Warbler.

A Pectoral Sandpiper was on the south side of Loch of Spiggie at mid-day, but it flew off towards Brow and it could not be relocated.

The Woodchat Shrike is still at Vatsetter, Maywick. The amount of white in the wing and the advanced moult have led to some discussion over its possible origins.

Woodchat Shrike at Vatsetter - first 3 photos Hugh Harrop; next 3 photos Micky Maher; fourth photo Steve Minton

The American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

A Yellow-browed Warbler is on Fetlar.

There are 32 Wood Pigeons at Halligarth on Unst. A Short-eared Owl and a Common Rosefinch are at Uyeasound.

New on Foula today were a Bluethroat and a Black-tailed Godwit as well as a Swallow, 2 House Martins and a Song Thrush. Chiffchaffs had increased to 4 and there were also 51 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Kestrels, 3 Tree Pipits, 3 Whinchats, 30 Wheatears, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Common Whitethroats, 3 Garden Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Red-backed Shrikes, 4 Common Rosefinches, a Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting.

Bluethroat on Foula - Russell Wynn

Monday 15th September 2003

A juvenile Woodchat Shrike is at Maywick.

The American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick. A Corncrake is at Quendale.

The American Golden Plover at Sandwick - Paul Sclater

A Yellow-browed Warbler is at Brettabister, North Nesting.

On Unst, there are Kestrels at Hermaness and Baltasound, 2 Whinchats and 2 Tree Pipits at Skaw, a Ruff at Haroldswick, 4 Tree Pipits, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Common Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 2 Chaffinches and 12 Siskins at Norwick, and a Green Sandpiper and a female Shoveler at Baltasound.

On Foula, there at least 15 Pink-footed Geese, at least 9 Lapland Buntings and 2 Snow Buntings. Also present are 2 Kestrels, 2 Knots, a Green Sandpiper, a Tree Pipit, 3 Whinchats, c. 40 Wheatears, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Red-backed Shrikes, 10 Siskins and 3 Common Rosefinches.

On Fetlar, there are 2 Kestrels, a Barred Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Common Whitethroat.

Sunday 14th September 2003

A Booted Warbler is at Quendale along with a Red-backed Shrike.

The American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Ollaberry.

On Foula, there is a new Yellow-browed Warbler, the first Snow Bunting of the year, a Common Whitethroat and 3 Common Rosefinches, Siskins had increased to 9 and Whinchats were up to 4. There were also a Kestrel, 170 Golden Plovers, a Jack Snipe, a Tree Pipit, a Fieldfare, 2 Barred Warblers, a Garden Warbler, a Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Red-backed Shrikes, 2 Carrion Crows, 90+ Twites and a Lapland Bunting.

The Pallid Harrier is still on Unst, at Baltasound. The Green Sandpiper is still at Baltasound and there are at least 7 Tree Pipits are in north Unst and 16 Siskins at Skaw.

A female Pintail is at Gutcher. A Sooty Shearwater flew past Eshaness.

Saturday 13th September 2003

The Icterine Warbler is still on Out Skerries and 5 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Manx Shearwaters and a Storm Petrel were seen from the ferry.

The Pallid Harrier is still on Unst, at Haroldswick.

On Foula, apart from a second Carrion Crow, there was nothing that was definitely new. Reduced observations produced a Kestrel, a Turtle Dove, a Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchats, a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, a Brambling, 4 Siskins and a Common Rosefinch. There are still single Red-throated Diver juveniles on Liumisheddon and Rossie's Loch.

Friday 12th September 2003

On Out Skerries there is an Icterine Warbler, a Barred Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warblers, 3 Common Rosefinches, 2 Pied Flycatchers, a Common Redstart, 4 Whinchats, a male Brambling, a Kestrel, 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Tree Pipits, a Common Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrests and 18 Siskins. There were also 3 Manx Shearwaters seen from the ferry.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Burrafirth this morning along with a Tree Pipit, a Common Redstart, 12 Siskins and a Lesser Whitethroat. There are Tree Pipits at Skaw and Baltasound.

Tree Pipit at Skaw - Micky Maher

A Wryneck is at West Manse, Fetlar, with a juvenile Little Gull at Loch of Funzie and 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Goldcrest and a Common Whitethroat on the island.

On Foula there is a Kestrel, 2 new Common Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, a Fieldfare, a new Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Wood Warbler, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatchers, a Red-backed Shrike, a Brambling, 4 Siskins, 2 Common Rosefinches and at least one Lapland Bunting (possibly 3).

There are 2 Kestrels at Sumburgh Farm.

Thursday 11th September 2003

A Little Egret was at Voxter in the morning and Houb of Scatsta in the afternoon. It is the 10th Shetland record but the first in autumn. It is presumably the egret first reported at Houb of Scatsta on 8th and it was also reported at Voxter yesterday evening.

Little Egret at Houb of Scatsta - Steve Minton

On Foula, yesterday's Nightingale was confirmed as a Common Nightingale. New in were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Wood Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Kestrel while Siskins increased to 6. Also present were a Knot, a Green Sandpiper, a Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchats, a Reed Warbler, a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warblers, 2 Red-backed Shrikes, 2 Bramblings and 2 Common Rosefinches.

Common Nightingale, Yellow-browed warbler, Wood Warbler and Brambling on Foula - Russell Wynn

A Yellow-browed Warbler is on Out Skerries.

There are 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 2 Pied Flycatchers at Quendale, and 2 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Goldcrests and a Barred Warbler at Geosetter. A Pied Flycatcher and a Fieldfare are at Voxter.

The Pallid Harrier is still at Haroldswick. At Baltasound there are 3 Tree Pipits, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Green Sandpiper and the Shoveler. A Common Rosefinch is at Burrafirth along with 2 Tree Pipits and a juvenile Arctic Skua, a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Kestrel are on Hermaness and a Turtle Dove is at Skaw.

Siskin and Chaffinch at Skaw, Unst - photos by Micky Maher

Wednesday 10th September 2003

The American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

On Unst, the Pallid Harrier was at Baltasound in late evening, there is a Bar-headed Goose and 2 Barnacle Geese are at Muness, Common Rosefinches are at Burrafirth, Northdale, Haroldswick and Uyeasound, Barred Warblers are at Skaw and Uyeasound (the latter in song!), a Shoveler is still at Baltasound and 5 Ruffs are on Hermaness. Two late Arctic Skuas and an adult and a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull are at Haroldswick.

On Foula an unidentified Nightingale at the Grups caused much frustration during the afternoon. Other birds seen during the day included 4 Grey Herons, a Sanderling, a Turtle Dove, 3 Tree Pipits, a Common Redstart, 2 Whinchats, a Fieldfare, a Barred Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, 6+ Willow Warblers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, a Red-backed Shrike, 2 Bramblings, 4 Siskins and 2 Common Rosefinches (one ringed and one unringed).

A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was caught in the kirk at Ollaberry. A Common Redstart is at Voe.

A male Stonechat is at Gutcher.

Tuesday 9th September 2003

An Arctic Warbler is on Foula at Wurr Wick. Other birds there include 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Common Redstarts, 80 Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Barred Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warblers, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Red-backed Shrikes, 4 Siskins, a Common Rosefinch and a Lapland Bunting.

Red-backed Shrike on Foula - photo Russell Wynn

The Pallid Harrier is back in north Unst, at Quoys and at Skaw. There are Barred Warblers at Skaw and Northdale and Common Rosefinches at Norwick, Northdale, Haroldswick and Uyeasound. Also on Unst there are Common Redstarts at Burrafirth and Norwick, Whinchat, Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Northdale, a Ruff, a Lesser Whitethroat and 45 Twites at Skaw and 4 Siskins and a Goldcrest at Norwick.

A Slavonian Grebe, a Pied Flycatcher and a Goldcrest are at West Sandwick, Yell.

A Barred Warbler is on Out Skerries.

A Blackcap and a Reed Warbler are at Whiteness.

A juvenile Little Gull is at Gutcher.

Monday 8th September 2003

A Little Bunting is on Out Skerries

The adult American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick.

The Sandwick American Golden Plover - photos Dave and Nat Hall

The juvenile Pallid Harrier is now at Baltasound.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher is at Gorie, Bressay, along with 2 Redwings. Another Red-breasted Flycatcher is on Fetlar. A Barred Warbler and a Wood Warbler are at Fladdabister.

On Foula, there are 3 Grey Herons, a Sanderling, 2 Knots, a Tree Pipit, a Reed Warbler, 2 Barred Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Garden Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, a Red-backed Shrike, a Carrion Crow and a Common Rosefinch.

Pied Flycatcher and Common Rosefinch on Foula - photos Russell Wynn

Sunday 7th September 2003

The Citrine Wagtail is still on Out Skerries and there are still 2 Citrine Wagtails at Quendale and the American Golden Plover in Sandwick. There were at least 400 Meadow Pipits at Sumburgh and a Spotted Flycatcher at Quendale. A flock of 12 Siskins is at Whiteness. A pair of Scaups is on Loch of Grunivoe, Walls.

A Barred Warbler is at Haroldswick and the juvenile Spotted Crake is still on Unst.

On Foula, there are 5 Garden Warblers, 5 Willow Warblers, a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Pied Flycatcher, 4 Goldcrests and a late Arctic Skua.

Saturday 6th September 2003

The adult American Golden Plover is still at Sandwick as it was relocated in the evening.

There are 2 Citrine Wagtails at Quendale, presumably including the bird from two days ago. A Common Rosefinch is at Sumburgh.

Another Citrine Wagtail is on Out Skerries.

The Baird's Sandpiper has been relocated on Foula. There are also 3 Reed Warblers, 3 Barred Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Garden Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Willow Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Pied Flycatchers, a Lapland Bunting, c. 100 Wheatears, 80+ Twite, a Sooty Shearwater and a Carrion Crow.

A Red-backed Shrike is on Noss.

There is even a scarce bird on Yell, a Common Rosefinch at Windhouse, Mid Yell.

Common migrants at the moment include Meadow Pipits, Snipes and Wheatears - all birds that could be coming from Iceland or Faroe.

Friday 5th September 2003

The juvenile Pallid Harrier is still at Haroldswick.

A Common Rosefinch and a Barred Warbler are on Out Skerries and 2 Sooty Shearwaters were seen from the ferry.

On Foula, there are 2 new Garden Warblers, a new Goldcrest, a Knot, a Carrion Crow and 2 Swallows.

An adult American Golden Plover is at Sandwick but could not be found later.

Thursday 4th September 2003

The third Pectoral Sandpiper in the last 3 days has been found by Greg Fitchett at Huesbreck, south Mainland. A Green Sandpiper and a Goldcrest are at Quendale, but there is no sign of the Citrine Wagtail there, while the summering Chiffchaff at Grutness has been joined by another bird and a Goldcrest.

The juvenile Pallid Harrier is still at Haroldswick. Also on Unst, a Reed Warbler is at Norwick along with a summering Chiffchaff, a Shoveler is at Baltasound and a Knot is at Uyeasound.

A Barred Warbler is at Scatness.

On Foula, the Pectoral Sandpiper was still present early morning. New in were 4 Goldcrests, 2 Garden Warblers and a Chiffchaff. Also present were a Barred Warbler, a Willow Warbler, another Garden Warbler, a Red-backed Shrike, 2 Common Rosefinches, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Wigeons and 5 Teals.

Pec Sand and Barred Warbler on Foula - photos Russell Wynn

Wednesday 3rd September 2003

A Citrine Wagtail is at Quendale.

On Foula, a Pectoral Sandpiper was found by Geoff and Donna Atherton in the early evening. Also seen today were 2 Sooty Shearwaters, the Red-backed Shrike, 2 Willow Warblers and a Garden Warbler.

The juvenile Pallid Harrier is at Haroldswick although it did not appear until early evening. Also on Unst, there are 3 Carrion Crows and 3 Willow Warblers at Baltasound.

The Arctic Warbler is still at Wester Quarff.

Tuesday 2nd September 2003

A juvenile Pallid Harrier is at Haroldswick and a Pectoral Sandpiper was there for a few hours at mid-day.

An Arctic Warbler is at Wester Quarff.

On Foula, the first Jack Snipe of the autumn was seen while a seawatch by Russell Wynn produced 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 26 Kittiwakes and 2 Puffins. There were also 4 Teals, 13 White Wagtails, 90 Golden Plovers, 50+ Turnstones, 2 Green Sandpipers, a Barred Warbler, a Willow Warbler and a Garden Warbler (which has been here since 24th August and has increased in weight from 15.4gm to 19.4gm).

A Puffin was seen on Foula still carrying fish into a burrow.

Monday 1st September 2003

A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was on Foula, at South Ness in the morning. Also on the island there is a new adult Common Rosefinch, a Red-backed Shrike, a Sooty Shearwater, a Great Northern Diver, at least 15 White Wagtails, 2 Garden Warblers and a Willow Warbler.

The Foula Baird's - photo by Russell Wynn

A Common Rosefinch is at Northdale, Unst.

A Spotted Flycatcher is on Fetlar.

Sunday 31st August 2003

A Spotted Crake is still on Unst.

Saturday 30th August 2003

On Unst, the Mediterranean Gull is still at Haroldswick, there are Barred Warblers at Norwick and Northdale, a Common Rosefinch at Norwick and a juvenile Spotted Crake is still on the island.

On Foula there are 2 Common Rosefinches as well as 55 Golden Plovers,16 Purple Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Teals, a Wigeon, c. 50 Twites, 5 Swallows and 2 Willow Warblers.

Friday 29th August 2003

On Foula, a new first-year Common Rosefinch, a Chiffchaff, a Teal, a Wigeon and a Whimbrel are all new. There are also 2 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, a Green Sandpiper and 4 Swallows.

A Barred Warbler is at Scatness. There are 8 Grey Herons at Dale Lees, Delting. There are 3 Greenshanks at Loch of Tingwall.

Thursday 28th August 2003

A juvenile Hobby was just north of Hillwell at 18:30 and a Common Rosefinch is at Quendale.

A Common Rosefinch is at Haroldswick.

On Foula there is a Knot, a Ruff, a Willow Warbler and a Garden Warbler.

Young Rob McDiarmid saw a Collared Dove at Maywick.

Wednesday 27th August 2003

On Foula there are 2 Knots, a Green Sandpiper and a Garden Warbler.

There are 31 Ruffs at Virkie.

Tuesday 26th August 2003

On Foula, a Wood Warbler was new as was a Ruff and there were also a Willow Warbler, a Garden Warbler and 4 Grey Herons.

A juvenile Common Rosefinch is at Halligarth.

Monday 25th August 2003

A juvenile Black-tailed Godwit is at Skaw on Unst, along with 97 Turnstones, there are 4 Ruffs and 5 House Martins at Haroldswick and a Barred Warbler at Norwick, along with 2 Fieldfares which have been there for some time.

New today on Foula were 2 Common Rosefinches (a first-winter and an adult) and there were also 4 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler, a Garden Warbler, c. 40 White Wagtails and a Red-backed Shrike (probably the same one from 23rd).

A Common Rosefinch is at Skaw on Whalsay.

A Common Nightingale and a Grasshopper Warbler are on Fair Isle.

Sunday 24th August 2003

A Carrion Crow and 9 Ruffs are at Haroldswick.

A pair of Linnets with 4 juveniles are on Whalsay, confirming the suspicion that a pair had summered there. It is the first breeding record for the island.

There are 5 Bar-tailed Godwits and 44 Knots at Pool of Virkie and a Swift flew over Compass Head. The escaped Saker Falcon was reported at Sumburgh Airport today.

On Foula, there are 5 Garden Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Barred Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher.

Other updates today - a bat on Unst (see Latest Other) and an unusual photograph for 21st August!

Saturday 23rd August 2003

A Great Spotted Woodpecker is at Haroldswick along with an adult Spotted Crake still there, while a Greenshank is at Burrafirth.

The juvenile Little Gull is still at Symbister, Whalsay.

A Common Redstart, a Pied Flycatcher and a Common Sandpiper are at Quendale, an albino Common Gull is at Hillwell, 2 Whinchats and a Fieldfare are at Sumburgh and 11 Ruffs, 9 Black-tailed Godwits and 280 Greylag Geese are at Fleck.

On Foula, there is a Red-backed Shrike as well as a Lesser Whitethroat, a Barred Warbler, 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers and probably over 20 White Wagtails.

A Water Rail was heard calling in the Mires of Funzie, Fetlar.

Friday 22nd August 2003

A juvenile Black Tern was in the Wick of North Garth, just north of Gutcher on Yell, this morning, before flying off north.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher was reported at Skaw, Whalsay.

A juvenile Little Gull was at Baltasound in the morning and there are 7 Ruffs at Belmont, 4 Knots at Uyeasound and 16 Sanderlings at Lund.

At Hoswick there is a Grey Wagtail, a Willow Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher and there are 2 juvenile Little Gulls at Pool of Virkie.

A Pied Flycatcher is at Voe.

On Foula there are 2 Garden Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.

Thursday 21st August 2003

The juvenile Mediterranean Gull is still at Haroldswick.

The Greenish Warbler is still at Funzie on Fetlar.

The juvenile Little Gull is still at Symbister, Whalsay.

The escaped Saker Falcon is still at Sullom Voe Terminal - it was captured on one of the security cameras!!

Saker Falcon at Sullom - courtesy SVT security

On Foula there are 2 Garden Warblers, 6 Willow Warblers and 17 White Wagtails.

A possible Greenish Warbler was at Sumburgh Hotel.

Wednesday 20th August 2003

A Greenish Warbler is in the willows at the Funzie hide on Fetlar.

On Unst, a Barred Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher and a Greenshank are at Burrafirth, a Wood Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher are at Baltasound and the juvenile Mediterranean Gull is back at Haroldswick, where there are also 6 Ruffs and a Garden Warbler.

A Manx Shearwater was off Skaw Taing on Whalsay and a juvenile Little Gull is at Symbister.

A Willow Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Fieldfare are all at Sandgarth, Voe. At Scatness there are 11 Ruffs, 10 Knots and 24 Sanderlings.

Ruff at Scatness - Steve Minton

On Foula, there are 2 White Wagtails, a Whinchat, a Reed Warbler, a Barred Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers and 8 Willow Warblers.

Tuesday 19th August 2003

On Foula, there are 5 Garden Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, a Barred Warbler and 35 Golden Plovers.

A Barred Warbler is at Brough Lodge, Fetlar, and 4 Willow Warblers and 4 Sanderlings are on Whalsay.

There are 3 Willow Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher and 2 Ruffs at Burrafirth, while a flock of 62 Redshanks were at Sothers, Hermaness.

Monday 18th August 2003

New in today on Foula are 3 Reed Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Pied Flycatcher and 3 Ruffs while still present are a Barred Warbler, 2 Knots and a Black-tailed Godwit.

A Whinchat and 2 Green Sandpipers are at Baltasound, a Swift flew over Hermaness, a Greenshank, a Willow Warbler and a Garden Warbler are at Burrafirth, a Willow Warbler and a Whinchat are at Skaw, 2 Fieldfares are at Norwick. There are 4 Ruffs at Haroldswick, 2 at Uyeasound and 6 at Belmont.

A Barred Warbler is on Lambhoga, Fetlar.

At Fleck, there are 130 Greylag Geese