Nature in Shetland
Recent sightings
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We try to include most records sent directly to us and we collect records from many other sources. As a news site, there will inevitably be errors included - in identification and in compilation. This site does not constitute an official record; this is published annually in the Shetland Bird Report, using records which have been formally submitted and assessed by local and national committees.
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Species in red are national (BBRC) rarities.
Species in orange are local/Scottish rarities.
26th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Small groups of finches are still present in the isles, and summer breeding bird sightings gradually increasing, with widespread Whimbrel, first Common Sandpiper of year, joining the variety of ducks and seabirds.
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Unst: 2 Common Sandpiper at Haroldswick beach. 2 Gadwall flew over Ordaal towards Mill Loch.
Out Skerries: Yellowhammer, Ring Ouzel, Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling, 4 Chaffinch, Redwing, 10 Wheatear, Dunnock and Black Redstart on the island.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch and Common Redpoll at Swining, Vidlin. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Black-tailed Godwit at Loch of Tingwall. Flock of 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Long-tailed Duck, Razorbill and Guillemot fishing off Huxter, Weisdale Voe.
South Mainland: 12 Whimbrel over, Slavonian Grebe, 7 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Scaup, Great Northern Diver, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, and 2 Shoveler at NW Spiggie. Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Symblisetter, Spiggie. 2 Shoveler, and Drake Gadwall at Setter. Goosander at Brow Loch. Snow Bunting at Scatness. Short-eared Owl at Sumburgh airport. Dunnock at tree planting site at Sumburgh Head.
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Cetacean Sightings:
3 Minke Whale off Whalsay. 6 Porpoise off Beosetter. Dolphins seen from Unst Ferry.
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***Request for sightings: With the first confirmed breeding attempt of Magpie in Shetland, please report any sightings of Magpie, away from Sandness on the West Mainland, to our county recorder at Magpie Sightings***
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24th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Black-tailed Godwit at Easter Loch. Great Grey Shrike at Northdale.
Yell: Snow Bunting and Merlin at Gutcher. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 5+ Redwing at Camb.
Central Mainland: Lesser Redpoll at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Whimbrel over Hoswick. Arctic Skua, 2 Shoveler, Great Skua and 8 Swallow at north end of Spiggie. Green-winged Teal and 6 Pink-footed Geese and White-fronted Goose at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. 6 Brambling, 10 Linnet, 1 Siskin and Shoveler at Hillwell/Brake. 5 Great Skua and 2 Whimbrel at Dalsetter. Greenshank at Virkie. 'Blue' Fulmar at Sumburgh Head.
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25th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Grey Shrike still, out in the marsh, at Northdale. 8 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: Coal Tit at Burravoe, Brae. Common Tern at Loch of Strom. White-tailed Eagle seen over Scalloway, then flying east over Law Lane heading towards Bressay.
West Mainland: A pair of Magpie at Sandness is the first breeding record of this species in Shetland.
South Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Dalsetter. Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie. Green-winged Teal and 2 Shoveler still at Setter, Spiggie. Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. 11 Whimbrel in field near Exnaboe. Waxwing at Virkie.
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Cetacean Sightings:
Single male Orca reported off Scousburgh was identified as 018. He slowly made his way around St Ninians over several hours.
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23rd April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Dunnock at Uyeasound.
Yell: Snow Bunting Gutcher. Merlin and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. 2 Barnacle Geese at Gloup.
North Mainland: 10 Black-tailed Godwit at Braewick, Eshaness.
Central Mainland: Yellowhammer at Stendaal, South Nesting. First Common Tern of the year at Weisdale.
South Mainland: 9 Great Skua on Mousa. Arctic Skua at Sandwick. Goldfinch at Dalsetter. Goosander on Loch of Brow. Greenshank and 3 Godwit at Hillwell. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Setter, Spiggie. Drake Blue-winged Teal associating with a Eurasian Teal at Scatness pools, and a Whimbrel calling overhead.
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20th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff at Valyie, and 7 Barnacle Geese at Norwick. Sparrowhawk and Willow Warbler at Halligarth.
Yell: Hawfinch still at Hillend, Mid Yell and another at Burravoe.
Fetlar: Sparrowhawk at Aithness.
Whalsay: 2 Great Skua at Huxter Loch.
Bressay: 3 Pink-footed Geese at Hoversta.
Foula: Green-winged Teal still on the island.
Central Mainland: Adult White-tailed Eagle seen at Laxo, then later near over Kames heading south. Grey Wagtail at Voe. Quail still in garden at Kellister, Weisdale. Hawfinch at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Blackcap at Burn of Sound, Willow Warbler at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Great Skua at Cunningsburgh. Another and a Wheatear at Sandwick. Drake Gadwall and 6 Pink-footed Geese at Spiggie. Lesser Whitethroat at Bakkasetter. Ruff, Hen Harrier, Little Grebe and 2 Shoveler at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl and Willow Warbler at Virkie.
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Cetacean Sightings:
8-10 Risso's Dolphin off Levenwick heading north towards Sannick.
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21st April 2024
Bird Sightings:
New birds arriving today with the brief respite in the northerly winds.
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Unst: 6 Pink-footed Geese at Haroldswick. Lesser Whitethroat at Haroldswick Pool.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Belleview, with Hawfinch and Sparrowhawk at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Yellowhammer, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, Wheatear, 5 Redwing, and Grey Heron on the island.
Foula: Pair of Green-winged Teal still on the island.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver off Kirkabister, South Nesting. 2 Pintail at Sandy Loch, Chiffchaff at Helendale, and Redwing at Ronald Street, and 6 Brambling at North Road, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 13 Knot moulting into summer plumage below Bixter Cemetery.
South Mainland: 2 White-fronted and 6 Pink-footed Geese, 3 summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit, drake Green-winged Teal, and 3 Pintail at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. Pair of Shoveler at NW Spiggie, and 3 Scaup on the loch. Drake Pochard at Hillwell.
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Cetacean Sightings:
At least 4 Orca sighted from Yell ferry at lunchtime. Last seen off Ulsta at 6pm.
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22nd April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 7 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth. Common Whitethroat and Chiffchaff at Haroldswick Pool bushes, and Sparrowhawk and Great Skua at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Barnacle Geese at Gloup. Dunnock, Robin and 8 Redwing at Gutcher.
Foula: Green-winged Teal at Hametoun, and Little Egret at Ham.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker still at Helendale.
South Mainland: 7 Whimbrel over Dalsetter. 4 Pintail and 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie. Iceland Gull, 4 Shoveler and Little Grebe at Hillwell.
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Cetacean Sightings:
4-5 Orca seen from Compass Head, Sumburgh appear to be from a non-catalogued pod previously seen off Orkney in 2019. 6 or more Orca seen from the Skerries ferry at a similar time.
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19th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
West Mainland: 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull near Bixter.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch, Lesser Whitethroat and Rook on bird feeders at Stendaal, South Nesting. White Wagtail at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker still at Helendale.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Ocraquoy. Hen Harrier at Brow Marsh. Little Grebe, Shoveler and Rook at Hillwell.
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Cetacean Sightings:
3 Orca were reported from Sumburgh head travelling north.
Another report from late evening, of Orca at Skeld Voe, West Mainland.
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17th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Northerly and Southerly-feel to the sightings today!
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Unst: Arctic Redpoll at Clingera. Barnacle Goose at Loch of Cliff, and Lesser Whitethroat and House Martin at Haroldswick pool. Blackcap (found deceased) at Uyeasound.
Yell: Pied Wagtail and Chiffchaff at Cullivoe. Pied Wagtail and Bullfinch at Gutcher. 6 Brambling at Hillend, and Chiffchaff and Bullfinch at Bellevue, Mid Yell. Glaucous Gull at Laxa Burn.
North Mainland: Siskin at Gluss.
Foula: Green-winged Teal still on the island plus Great Tit, Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Dunnock, 4 Barnacle Geese and 2 Siskin.
West Mainland: ~400 Eider, 18 Long-tailed Ducks, 6 summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe and 2 Great Northern Diver in Tresta Voe.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff at Mulla, Voe. Quail in a garden in Kellister, Weisdale, and Jackdaw at Kergord. Wheatear at South Staney Hill, and Little Gull still at Mair's Pier, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler at Culsetter, Spiggie.
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18th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Pink-footed Geese at Haroldswick.
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
North Mainland: Great Skua at South Voxter.
Foula: Female Chaffinch ringed in Haland, Norway on 13th April 2023, is still on the island.
Central Mainland: Quail still in garden in Kellister, Weisdale. Hawfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Male Hen Harrier flew north over Stove. Whimbrel at Virkie. Hen Harrier and 4 Scaup at Spiggie.
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16th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
It appears that the northerly cold airflow has temporarily halted northwards migration!
Yell: 6 Brambling and Song Thrush at Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Mulla, Voe. 2 Hawfinch, Goldfinches and Bramblings still at Stendaal, South Nesting. 6 Brambling, 5 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch and Goldfinch at Scalloway.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Hoswick. Chiffchaff at Swinister. Blue Tit at Dalsetter.
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15th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Brambling, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff and 2 Swallow at Hillend. Rook, and 5 Chaffinch at Gutcher. 2 Siskin and 2 Redwing at Cullivoe. Hen Harrier between Aywick and Gossaborough.
Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Eswick, and Hawfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. Hawfinch at Strand. Little Gull still at Shetland Catch area.
Bressay: Tundra Bean and 5 Pink-footed Geese still on island.
South Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Scousburgh. Iceland Gull and pair of Shoveler at Hillwell. Black-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie.
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14th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great White Egret between Buness and Halligarth. Great Skua over, and 4 Pink-footed Geese at Heritage Centre. Pink-footed Goose at Northdale. Sand Martin and 3 Swallow at Skibhoul.
Yell: 4 Chaffinch at Gutcher. Pied Wagtail at Cullivoe.
Foula: 2 Green-winged Teal on the island.
Fetlar: Siskin and Goldcrest at Gord. Chaffinch at Tresta. Great Skua at Funzie. 2 Wheatear at Aith, and 3 Wheatear and Brambling at Aithness.
Bressay: Tundra Bean Goose still at Keldabister.
Out Skerries: Puffin, 4 Great Skua, 8 Dunnock, 7 Swallow, 14 Redwing, 4 Robin, 15 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 3 Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush and Carrion Crow on the island.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. 4 Siskin, Chaffinch in North Road, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, and summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe at Sands of Sound, Lerwick. Little Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: 3 Swallow, 5 Wheatear and Carrion Crow at Boddam. Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Greenshank and Great Skua at NW corner of Spiggie Loch. 8 Swallow, 4 House and Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail and Wheatear at West Voe. Jackdaw at Toab.
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Cetacean Sightings:
27's Pod of Orca initially sighted in Mangaster, and then off Muckle Roe before heading southwards to Aith Voe. Eventually they reached Norby and Melby in Sandness, before being lost to sight of Papa Stour.
Risso's Dolphin off Dalsetter, South Mainland.
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13th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Snow Bunting Baltasound. Sand Martin at Burrafirth, and Skibhoul, along with 4 Swallow there too.
Yell: 3 Siskin, 3 Chaffinch and 2 Wood Pigeon at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: 2 Goldfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. 'Littoralis' ssp Rock Pipit at Laxo Ferry terminal. 9 Goldfinch and 5 Brambling at Stendaal, South Nesting. Summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe on Loch of Hellister, Weisdale. Goldfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker in Scalloway.
West Mainland: 2 Great Skua at Bixter. Great Skua and Chiffchaff at Dale of Walls. Yellowhammer with Twite flock at Watsness.
South Mainland: 3 Chiffchaff and Merlin at Hoswick burn. Swallow at Fladdabister. 2 Wheatear at Levenwick. 2 Wheatear, 2 Siskin and House Martin at Boddam Voe. 3 Wheatear at Sumburgh Head. Willow Warbler at Bakkasetter. Yellowhammer near to Hillwell.
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11th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Fetlar: Grey Wagtail at Aith.
North Mainland: Collared Dove at Ollaberry.
Central Mainland: Dunnock, Siskin, Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch and Collared Dove at Stendaal, South Nesting. Sparrowhawk with red colour ring seen at Veensgarth. 7 Wheatear at Kettla Ness. Little Gull at Fish Market, and 3 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin at North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Brambling and Sisking still at Orcaquoy. Arctic Tern still Channerwick. Common Scoter off Scord Beach, 3 Swallow at West Voe.
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Cetacean Sightings:
27's pod of Orca were spotted early evening in Mousa Sound, heading south. They were followed southwards into Sannick and Hoswick, and lastly off Levenwick.
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12th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Tree Sparrow at Millfield, Norwick. 4 Barnacle Geese at Sotland. Yellowhammer at the Shore Station.
Yell: 2 Wheatear and 3 Chaffinch at Cullivoe. 2 Goldfinch, Siskin and Sparrowhawk at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: White-tailed Eagle reported over Brae flying towards Voe. Swallow at Eswick, Great Skua at Loch of Benston, and Hawfinch and 6 Goldfinch at Stendaal, South Nesting. 2 Great Northern Diver and 2 Swallow off the Lodberries, Lerwick. 2 Pied Wagtail at Fjara.
West Mainland: Peregrine near Bixter.
South Mainland: 3 Siskin, Brambling, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff at Ocraquoy. Brambling at Dalsetter, House Martin at Boddam. Goldfinch, Song Thrush, 2 Siskin and 2 Blackcap at Bakkasetter. 2 Yellowhammer and Sparrowhawk at Hillwell. Great Skua, 4 Swallow and Blackcap at Virkie.
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Cetacean Sightings:
27's Pod of Orca initially spotted at Garderhouse, West Mainland early evening, before tracking along the coast towards Silwick.
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10th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sparrowhawk at Sotland, 2 House Martin and 4 Snow Bunting at Ordaal. 2 Siskin, and 7 Chaffinch at Valyie. 2 Swallow at Haroldwick. Goldfinch at Uyeasound.
Yell: Siskin, Chiffchaff, and 3 Chaffinch at Sellafirth. Blackcap at Gutcher.
Bressay: Tundra Bean and 2 Pink-footed Geese at Keldabister.
Fetlar: Swallow at Houbie.
Central Mainland: Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Siskin and Yellowhammer at Mulla, Voe. Rough-legged Buzzard over Knab, Lerwick heading towards Bressay. Mistle Thrush at North Staney Hill, and 3 Redwing at Clickimin. Merlin over Voe of Sound. Swallow at Wester Quarff.
South Mainland: Goldfinch, Siskin and Chiffchaff at Ocraquoy. Kestrel and Goldfinch at Cunningsburgh. Hawfinch, 2 Siskin, 4 Chaffinch, Dunnock and Song Thrush at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. 3 Chiffchaff at Hoswick burn. 71 Purple Sandpiper at Moast Beach, Scatness. 6 Swallow at Clumlie. 2 House Martin, Swallow, and Wheatear at Boddam. Wheatear and Dunnock at Sumburgh Head.
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9th April 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2Jackdaw and Great Skua at Skaw. Iceland Gull at Ordaal. Swallow and Yellowhammer at Norwick. 2 Brambling, 3 Swallow, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler and Wheatear at Haroldswick. 6 Snow Bunting at Clivocast. Chiffchaff at the Shore Station. 2 House Martin at Nordalea. Goldfinch at Uyeasound.
Fetlar: Wheatear at Aithness.
Yell: 3 Goldfinch, Dunnock, 10 Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Sparrowhawk at Hillend, and Pied Wagtail at Linkhouse.
Central Mainland: Coal Tit at Brae Community Woodland. Yellowhammer at Mulla, Voe. Blackcap at Weisdale. Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, Brambling, 6 Chaffinch at Eswick, and Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Siskin, 6 Goldfinch, Chaffinch at Stendaal, and Glaucous Gull at Loch of Benston, South Nesting. Goldfinch at Scalloway. 3 Siskin at Bridge End, and Wheatear at Meal Beach, Burra. Crossbill, Hawfinch, Siskin and Dunnock at North Staney Hill plantation.
West Mainland: 2 Wheatear at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Hawfinch at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Greenshank and Grey Wagtail at Virkie. Pochard at Hillwell. Puffins seen at Sumburgh Head.
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Cetacean Sightings:
8 Risso's Dolphin off Holm of Skaw, Unst. Single Porpoise at Score Point, Bressay.
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30th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Black Redstart and 2 Pied Wagtail at Norwick beach, with 2 Hawfinch at Valyie.
Yell: Hawfinch, Brambling, 10 Chaffinch and Glaucous Gull at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Bressay: 2 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch, Dunnock and Goldcrest in Voehead.
Central Mainland: Brambling, 2 Siskin, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Robin in Scalloway. Sparrowhawk, Brambling, Dunnock and Chaffinch at Eswick. Long-eared Owl at Veensgarth. Glaucous, Iceland and Little Gull at Shetland Catch. Hawfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Bakkasetter. Bittern still at Hillwell in NW corner viewable from roadside with patience, also Iceland Gull. Northern Wheatear, Mistle Thrush, Stonechat, Black Redstart, 2 Dunnock, 21 Robin, 5 Goldcrest, 6 Siskin, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Song Thrush, 7 Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Puffin between Sumburgh Head and Grutness. 10 Long-tailed Duck, 12 Purple Sandpiper and 16 Sanderling at Grutness. 2 Pintail at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. 2 Linnet, 2 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Pied Wagtail at Virkie. Further Black Redstart of the sea in the late afternoon off Grutness.
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17th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Completely different weather conditions today with fog and high winds making birding challenging!
Unst: Mistle Thrush, Redwing and 7 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Central Mainland: Carrion Crow at Veensgarth. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, with 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Stonechat at Grutness Pier.
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16th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Plenty of birders were out and about today in glorious sunshine!
Unst: 7 Chaffinch, and Robin at Valyie. Stock Dove at Halligarth.
Yell: 4 Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing at Mid Yell School. 4 White-fronted Geese at Burravoe.
Whalsay: Water Rail at Marrister.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Lerwick Marina, Glaucous at Mair's Pier, with Iceland Gull on shore at Bressay. Pink-footed Goose still Loch of Asta, Tingwall.
West Mainland: 16 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver and 8 Long-tailed Duck at Melby Beach, Sandness.
South Mainland: Eurasian Bittern in Eel Burn, and Iceland Gull both Hillwell. Pied Wagtail and Stonechat at Quendale. Stonechat at Bakkasetter. Stonechat at Sumburgh (1st) quarry. Short-eared Owl in the dunes, and 170 Long-tailed Duck still at West Voe. 3 White-fronted Geese at Brow Loch, and Stonechat at Brow Marsh. 3 Scaup, 3 Coot, 3 Red-throated Diver and summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie.
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19th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and Chiffchaff at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Wood Pigeon at Hillend. Chiffchaff and Stonechat at Otterswick. Glaucous Gull, Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest at Mid Yell. East Yell Hall area held 60+ Fieldfare, 50+ Redwing and Blackbird, plus Common Redpoll.
Foula: Great White Egret on the island.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest and 8 Redwing at Voehead.
Whalsay: 350 Fieldfare, 400 Redwing, 200 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush on the island, including, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Goldcrest, 5 Wood Pigeon. Hawfinch and Siskin at Symbister. White Wagtail at Hamister.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Stendaal, South Nesting. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Wood Pigeon numbers increasing. 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Westerloch Drive. Chiffchaff at Greenfield Place. All Lerwick.
South Mainland: Chaffinch and Stonechat at Sannick. 3 European White-fronted Geese at Ringasta. Stonechat at Brow Marsh. Chiffchaff and Pied Wagtail at Grutness.
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18th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Reverse migration in play across Shetland today!
Yell: 2 Waxwing, Sparrowhawk, Mistle Thrush, 20 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 2 Robin and Goldcrest at Mid Yell. Brambling at Windhouse, and 2 Wood Pigeon at West Sandwick.
Whalsay: Chaffinch, Robin, Song Thrush, Woodcock, 3 Goldcrest, 55 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing and 40 Blackbirds at Skaw. Robin, Wood Pigeon, Goldcrest, and Chiffchaff at Skibberhoull. 80 Fieldfare, 110 Redwing, and 50 Blackbird in Hamister valley.
Bressay: Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest in Voehead.
Central Mainland: Waxwing at Stendaal, South Nesting. 2 Waxwing at North Lochside, Chiffchaff and 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Little Gull at Mair's Pier.
South Mainland: Dunnock at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Mistle Thrush and 18 Blackbird at Dalsetter. Robin, Chaffinch and Goldcrest at Setter, Spiggie. Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Woodcock, 90 Redwing, 125 Fieldfare, 120 Blackbird in Sumburgh to Grutness area.
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15th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 5 Chaffinch, Robin, Fieldfare and Redwing at Valyie.
Yell: Merlin at Sellafield. Grey Wagtail at Quendale.
Central Mainland: Pink-footed Goose still Loch of Asta, Tingwall.
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14th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst:
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin. Drake Goosander at Loch of Strand. 9 Pink-footed Geese at East Nesting.
South Mainland: Dunnock, Sparrowhawk and Blue Tit at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. American Wigeon X Wigeon is a Setter, Spiggie.
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13th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's and Iceland Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Chaffinch and Robin at Gutcher. White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
West Mainland: Stonechat at Burn of Lunklet.
Central Mainland: Pied Wagtail at Viking Compound. Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Asta, Tingwall. 6 Skylarks in fields near Loch of Tingwall. A hybrid male American Wigeon X Wigeon was at Spiggie, near Noss turning, with large flock of Eurasian Wigeon.
12th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Chaffinch and Robin at Gutcher. White-fronted Goose at Burravoe.
11th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay, east of Ling Skerry. Short-eared Owl at East Burra.
South Mainland: Merlin and Woodcock at Sumburgh Head.
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Cetacean Sightings: 3 Orca reported from Yell ferry and later reported south of Lunning between Dury Voe and Whalsay. Pod of Porpoise at South Nesting Bay.
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10th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Chaffinch, Fieldfare and Redwing at Valyie. King Eider still on Bluemull Sound.
Yell: Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. 2 Wood Pigeon at Brekon.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Skaw.
Bressay: Dunnock and Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Dunnock at Eswick, South Nesting. 13 Wood Pigeon at Seafield. Blue Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Goldfinch at East Voe, Scalloway.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush at Hestingott. 3 Mistle Thrush and Stonechat at Toab.
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9th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 2 Mistle Thrush at Hillend, Mid Yell. Glaucous and Iceland at Hascosay Sound. Drumming Snipe heard at Aywick.
Bressay: Song Thrush and Dunnock at Voehead.
West Mainland: Hen Harrier at Murrister, flew towards Stanydale. Sparrowhawk at Footabrough.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Lerwick Marina. 4 Brambling at Law Lane.
South Mainland: 2 Mistle Thrush and 3 Stonechat at Toab. Common Guillemot first time back on the cliffs at Sumburgh Head. 2 Stonechat, 3 Robin, 2 Brambling and Merlin at Grutness. 123 Long-tailed Duck and Skylark singing at West Voe. 4 Mistle Thrush together in field by Toab memorial hall.
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8th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Stonechat at Halligarth. Water Rail in Baltasound. Stonechat at Uyeasound.
Whalsay: White-fronted Goose at Burns. 2 Mistle Thrush and Magpie at Skibberhoull. Mistle Thrush at Newpark. 2 Stonechat at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier and Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe, South of Scatsta. Pink-footed Goose at Houss, Burra. Dunnock at North Road. 2 Iceland and 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. 15 Purple Sandpiper at Voe of Sound.
South Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Hoswick Burn. Stonechat at Teevliks, Levenwick. 22 Bar-tailed Godwit at Pool of Virkie. 14 Sanderling at Grutness. 3 Mistle Thrush at Sumburgh Head.
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Cetacean Sightings: Orca were spotted off Sumburgh Head today, but there were no further details.
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7th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Ordaal. 6 Chaffinch and Redwing at Valyie.
Yell: Song Thrush at Cullivoe, 3 Wood Pigeon at Breckon, and Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Bressay: Dunnock at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe, South of Scatsta. Barnacle Goose at Loch of Tingwall. 3 Blue Tit and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. 2 Glaucous Gull near small boat Marina. 6 Wood Pigeon at Veensgarth.
South Mainland: Stonechat at Noness, Sandwick. Common Crane in dunes east of Hillwell. 2 Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Woodcock and 2 Wood Pigeon at Quendale. Pied Wagtail at Brake. Mistle Thrush at Bakkasetter. Stonechat at Grutness.
​
6th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull at Easter Loch, plus Redwing and 8 Skylark.
Yell: Stonechat at Cullivoe, and Sparrowhawk and 2 Chaffinch at Hillend.
Foula: 10+ White-fronted Geese on the island.
Central Mainland: 2 Chaffinch at Grostane. Flock of 3 Blue Tit at Clickimin Loch, Great Spotted Woodpecker still Helendale. Little Gull and 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: 2 Stonechats at Spiggie. Common Crane still in dunes at Quendale. Stonechat at Boddam Voe. Goosander and Iceland Gull at Hillwell.
​
4th March 2024
Spring migration is picking up pace with records of Stonechat, Woodpigeon and a Chiffchaff reported today.
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Chaffinch at Bellevue, Mid Yell. 2 Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Whalsay: 2 Stonechat at Skaw and 2 Woodpigeon at Burns.
South Mainland: Stonechat, Chiffchaff and 11 Woodpigeon at Hoswick Burn. Common Crane still at Quendale, and Stonechat at Bakkasetter.
​
5th March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie. Stonechat at North Ayre, Haroldswick. 5 Skylark at Uyeasound.
Yell: Glaucous Gull at Papil Bay, Cullivoe, and 2 Snow Bunting at Brough, Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Stonechat at Symbister meadow.
Central Mainland: 3 Cormorant at Clickimin. 2 Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Spiggie. Common Crane at Quendale. 2 Iceland Gull at Hillwell. Dunnock at Sandwick.
​
3rd March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Chaffinch at Valvie. 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Water Rail at Baltasound.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Whalsay: Woodcock at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still Leebitton. Ringtail Hen Harrier at Bakkasetter. Common Crane in the dunes near Toab, Quendale with Merlin, 3 Iceland Gull (including 1 adult) and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Hillwell. Stonechat at Hestingott. Tundra Bean Goose at Exnaboe.
​
2nd March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull south through Easting.
Yell:
Central Mainland: Little Gull and 1 Iceland at Shetland Catch, and 2 Glaucous Gull at Heogan, Bressay.
West Mainland: Bullfinch at Michealswood, Aith.
​
1st March 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst:
Yell: Merlin at Gutcher.
Whalsay: 3 Common Scoter off Vatshoull.
Central Mainland: Barnacle Goose at Tingwall Loch.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull 2mile south of Sumburgh Head from Good Shepherd.
​
29th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound. Iceland Gull past Belmont.
Yell: 3 Snow Bunting at North Sandwick.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still close in to Mair's Pier, Lerwick.
​
28th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Yell: 4 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver at Brough Lodge, and Grey Plover at Loch of Funzie.
Central Mainland: Common Guillemot on Loch of Freester, South Nesting. Jackdaw at West Voe O'Skellister. 2 Northern Bullfinch at Quoys, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose now long-staying at Wart, Sandwick. Hen Harrier hunting on east side of Spiggie, and Snipe heard drumming there too.
​
27th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Laxa Burn, Mid Yell. 4 Snow Bunting at North Sandwick. Peregrine at Galtigarth.
Central Mainland: Short-eared Owl close to High School in Brae. Little Gull along rock armour to north of Shetland Catch.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean at Exnaboe, is same individual from Sumburgh Farm.
​
26th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Chaffinch at Valyie.
Yell: 2 Skylark at Cullivoe, a possible 'Viking Gull', 2 Common Scoter and Glaucous Gull at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Flock of 300+ starlings seen flying south of North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Snow Bunting at Old Scatness.
​
Cetacean Sightings: 5 Risso's Dolphin and a pod of 10 White-beaked Dolphin seen off Aywick, Yell today. Pod of porpoise off Lund in Unst.
​
25th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Carrion Crow at Cullivoe pier, and 6 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
North Mainland: 126 Curlew at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still at Mair's Pier, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Merlin at Spiggie. Rook at Hestingott, and Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and 2 Iceland Gull at Quendale.
​
24th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Wester Loch, and 4 Tufted Duck on Easter Loch, Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Merlin at Grostane, and Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Helendale, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 11 Slavonian Grebe off the Ness of Bixter, Tresta. Sparrowhawk at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier flew over Brow Loch towards Clumlie. Slavonian Grebe and Iceland Gull at Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose at Exnaboe. Merlin at Virkie.
​
23rd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 63+ Purple Sandpiper off Fjara.
South Mainland: Blue Tit at Swinister, Sandwick.
​
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca, subsequently identified as the '140's' seen from Filla ferry on route to Vidlin today. The Shetland Cetacean Group say it is the least known and recorded pods visiting Shetland waters, with only a handful of records since 2011. They were last seen in April 2019.
​
22nd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Magpie still around Skibberhoull area.
Yell: Iceland Gull at Mid Yell, and later same bird at Gutcher. Iceland also at Cullivoe pier.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale (both female). 30+ Purple Sandpiper near Fjara.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Hoswick.
​
Cetacean Sightings: The 27's pod of Orca initially seen off Vatsetter Voe, Mid Yell before travelling down east side of Yell on past Ulsta, last reported in middle of Yell Sound heading northwards.
​
21st February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Barnacle Geese south of Ungirsta. Canada Goose still at Buness. Iceland Gull south through Westing. Iceland and Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Yell: Skylark at Cullivoe. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Mid Yell.
North Mainland: 15 Chaffinch and Wood Pigeon at Gluss.
19th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2nd calendar year drake King Eider east of Sound Gruney, Bluemull with White-billed Diver also present. 2 Bar-tailed Godwit at Wester Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Hen Harrier at East Yell Kirk.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Little Gull, Kumlien's and Glaucous Gull still present in Lerwick Harbour.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose still present at Sumburgh Farm. Peregrine at Hillwell. Hen Harrier at NW Spiggie.
​
Cetacean Sightings: The 27's pod of Orca were initially picked up at Sella Ness, Sullom Voe Oil Terminal before touring in towards Voxter Voe, before heading back out towards Toft then Ulsta, before once again heading south past Outrabister, toward Lunna Ness.
​
20th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose still at Buness. Pink-footed Goose at Clingera.
Whalsay: Peregrine at Brough. Wood Pigeon and Magpie at Skibberhoull.
Central Mainland: 8 Bar-tailed Godwit at Sellaness, and 7 Woodcock in plantation opposite Valleyfield Guest House near Brae. 7 Knot at Old Fish Farm, Breiwick, Goldeneye on Pullar's Loch. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, 3 Mute Swan briefly on Clickimin before relocating to near Pullar's Loch.
​
Cetacean Sightings: 27's pod of Orca seen initially in Vidlin Voe before heading northwards on the east side of Linga. Last seen heading towards Cullivoe, North Mavine.
​
18th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier and Merlin at Mid Yell.
Bressay: 7 Bar-tailed Godwit near Gardie Mansion.
West Mainland: 3 Woodcock, Hen Harrier and 10 Red Grouse at Burn of Lunklett.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker in Scalloway. Little Gull , Glaucous and Kumlien's Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still at Leebitten. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm. 14 Bar-tailed Godwit and 8 Shelduck at Virkie. Merlin, and Common Crane in fields between Hillwell and Quendale Farm, with 1st winter White-fronted Goose with Greylag flock also still present at Quendale Mill.
​
17th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Mid Yell.
North Mainland: 30 Snow Bunting, Woodcock, and 18 Golden Plover at Ronas Hill.
Central Mainland: 27 Collared Doves were in Scalloway. 120+ Curlew at Loch of Tingwall. Dunnock at North Road, and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Song Thrush at Hoswick. Common Crane still in Quendale Dunes. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm.
​
Cetaceans: A pod of 4-5 Orca were in Whalefirth, Yell today.
​
16th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hen Harrier at Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: 3 Woodcock and Water Rail on the island. Notably very few Snipe and no Jack Snipe were seen.
Central Mainland: Little Gull still at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose with Greylags at Hoswick Burn. Short-eared Owl at Brow Marsh. Hen Harrier at Noss, Spiggie. Iceland Gull at NE Spiggie Loch. Common Crane re-found on the Toab side of Quendale. 1st winter White-fronted Goose at Quendale Farm. Merlin at Grutness.
​
**Yesterday the remains of the Red-necked Grebe that was seen for a number of days close to shore in Quendale Bay, was discovered on Quendale beach. It is thought it had been predated. Measurements of the bird were taken by Andrew Harrop and Roger Riddington which confirmed suspicions that this bird, a male, was of the American subspecies Podiceps grisegena holboellii. This would be the 2nd British record if accepted.**
​
15th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Skylark at Cullivoe. Iceland Gull at Mid yell pier. Another Iceland Gull at Hillend.
South Mainland: The remains of the Red-necked Grebe were found on Quendale beach today. Common Crane in fields near Quendale Mill. Iceland Gull at Virkie.
​
14th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Oystercatcher numbers really beginning to build now across Shetland.
North Mainland: Snowy Owl and 2 Woodcock on Ronas Hill. 13 Common Scoter at Ronas Voe.
Yell: 2 Velvet and 2 Common Scoter in Sullom Voe, and Velvet and 4 Common Scoter in Yell Sound (all seen from a boat survey).
Whalsay: Mistle Thrush at Skibberhoull.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier at North Nesting flying towards Laxo. 2 Bullfinch at Bakland, and Blue Tit at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Leebitten. Common Crane and Mistle Thrush at Quendale (presumably relocated from Fair Isle) along with a Hen Harrier over the dunes. Total of 18 Great Northern Diver in Quendale Bay.
​
13th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose at Buness. 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Kumlien's Gull at beach in Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: Little Gull, along with Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. A flock of 35 adult Kittiwake were resting on the water near the head of Weisdale Voe.
​
12th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Continued influx of Oystercatcher and Skylark today.
Whalsay: 2 Mistle Thrush at Sandwick Loch.
Central Mainland: Little Gull at Shetland Catch. Great Spotted Woodpecker still Helendale. Pink-footed Goose still at Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: 2 Snow Bunting above Hoswick. Common Scoter off Scord Beach. Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon and Pink-footed Goose at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl, Sparrowhawk and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Quendale. Mistle Thrush near Brake/Ringasta.
​
11th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Barnacle Geese at Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland, Glaucous and Little Gull at Shetland Catch.
​
10th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Hermaness. Moorhen at Uyeasound.
Central Mainland: 2 Short-eared Owl at Easter Heogland, Burra. Black-throated Diver at Brettabister, South Nesting Bay. Little Gull, 2 Iceland and 2 Glaucous Gull Shetland Catch and Marina.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Interesting duck at Boddam thought to be a 2nd generation Green-winged Teal x Eurasian Teal.
​
9th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Water Rail at Burrafirth. Bullfinch and Merlin at Baltasound. Kumlien's Gull on Easter Loch, and Chaffinch at Haroldswick.
Central Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe.
​
8th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Iceland Gull and Woodcock at Cullivoe.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit still at Brae. Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe. Black-bellied Dipper still Burn of Lunklett.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Hen Harrier at Virkie. Glaucous Gull at Sumburgh Head.
​
7th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Easter Loch.
Central Mainland: 2 Blue Tit at Clickimin. 2 Bullfinch around The Sletts.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still off Garths Bank, Quendale Voe. Iceland Gull at Scatness. 3 Common Scoter at Boddam Voe. Scaup at Loch of Brow. Grey Wagtail and 2 Woodcock at Quendale. Great Northern Diver and 2 Coot at Spiggie Loch. 3 Woodcock at Geosetter. Hen Harrier reported from East Longfield, Dalsetter, and at Geosetter. 15 Rooks at Bigton.
​
6th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Easter Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Hen Harrier between Mid Yell and Vatsetter.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull over Trondra bridge.
South Mainland: Red-necked Grebe still at the westside of Quendale Bay.
​
5th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Goosander on Wester Loch, before moving to Easter Loch. Water Rail at bridge and Iceland Gull at the beach, both Burrafirth.
Yell: 11 Common Scoter at Cullivoe. 6 Common Scoter at Basta Voe. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Sparrowhawk at Skaw and Water Rail at Marrister.
Bressay: Barnacle Goose and Chaffinch at Voehead.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver still off Housabister, South Nesting Bay. Jack Snipe at Pullar's Loch. Brambling at Law Lane. Jackdaw at Kergord.
South Mainland: Water Rail, Woodcock and Merlin at Swinister Burn. Red-necked Grebe at westside of Quendale Bay.
​
Mammal sightings: Porpoise are very much in evidence in South Nesting Bay - one of the best and regular places to view large numbers of these small cetaceans.
​
4th February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
North Mainland: Sparrowhawk and 7 Chaffinch at Gluss. Snow Bunting at Ollaberry.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit now at Clickimin. Blue Tit also at Brae. 4 Bar-tailed Godwit at Scatsta.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Sandsayre, and Sparrowhawk at Cunningsburgh. Glaucous Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull at Quendale. Hen Harrier at North end of Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm.
​
Mammal sightings: Risso's dolphin east of Sumburgh Head from the Lookout. f
​
3rd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Westing.
Central Mainland: Little Gull and Iceland Gull at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Kestrel in Maywick. Tundra Bean Goose still at Sumburgh Farm. 2 Glaucous Gull still just north of Virkie.
​
2nd February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: 45 Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, 2 Coots and Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: Tundra Bean Goose and Glaucous Gull at Sumburgh Farm.
​
1st February 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: White-billed Diver off Skaw. Iceland Gull at Westing, and another at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: 18 Common Scoter at Wick of North Garth, Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Iceland Gull at Gutcher.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still Sanick. Lesser Black-backed Gull at Hillwell, and Glaucous Gull at Virkie.
​
31st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
The widespread arrival of Oystercatchers, and the first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year must mean lighter nights as we head towards spring!
Whalsay: Black-throated Diver at Skaw.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at Lerwick Harbour.
West Mainland: Common Scoter at Melby.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at north end of Spiggie. Lesser Black-backed Gull near Bakkasetter. Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge, Sandwick.
​
30th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Brae. Pink-footed Goose and 2 Coot still at Loch of Tingwall. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch, Lerwick.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and Water Rail at Voehead.
South Mainland: 9 Snow Bunting at Hoswick.
​
Mammals: Pod of Orca was seen off Norwick, Unst.
​
29th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bar-tailed Godwit at the Houb. 4 Oystercatcher at Easting. 3 Redpoll sp. over Uyeasound.
Yell: Male Hen Harrier at West Sandwick.
Central Mainland: White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. Pink-footed Goose at north end of Loch of Tingwall. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Blue Tit and Great Tit at Helendale area. Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier. 40+ Purple Sandpiper now near Fjara, Lerwick. Snow Bunting and Goldfinch at Banaminn, Burra.
West Mainland: 13 Knot at Effirth Voe.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose still near the Wart, and Woodcock, Sandwick. 7 Snow Bunting above Hoswick. Hen Harrier at Clumlie. Dark blue neck-collared Greylag V Z1 is now at Boddam.
​
Mammals: Pod of Orca was seen off Norwick, Unst.
​
28th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull and 2 Iceland Gull at Westing.
North Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Hillswick. Woodpigeon and 10 Chaffinch at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Iceland Gull at Mair's Pier. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
Bressay: Chaffinch at Voehead.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Ringasta and another over Cunningsburgh. Common Scoter at Leebitton., and Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge. 2 Shelduck and Iceland Gull at Boddam. Merlin at Sandwick. 2 Glaucous Gull north of Virkie feeding on dead Greylag Geese.
​
27th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Westing. Iceland Gull and Kumlien's Gull at Uyeasound.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Voehead.
Central Mainland: 2 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: 2 Glaucous Gull at Virkie.
​
Mammals: No sign of Beluga Whale today.
​
26th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Black-throated Diver at Gutcher. 4 Snow Bunting at north burn of Otterswick. Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
Bressay: 6 Bar-tailed Godwit on the island.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch. Song Thrush found dead in Lerwick.
West Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Loch of Melby.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Dalsetter and 2 Song Thrush.
​
25th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Merlin at Hillend and another at Sound.
North Mainland: Goosander at Loch of Urafirth. 12 Common Scoter at Ronas Voe. 12 Chaffinch and Woodcock at Gluss. Grey Plover at Tangwick West Beach, Eshaness.
Bressay: 2 Chaffinch at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Black-throated and White-billed Diver at South Nesting Bay. Jackdaw at Kergord. 2 Coot at Loch of Tingwall. Glaucous Gull at Mair's Pier. Blue Tit, Great Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sandwick. Pink-footed Goose at Swinister Burn. Iceland Gull at Dalsetter. 8 Common Scoter at West Voe. Hen Harrier at Hillwell. Sparrowhawk at Scatness.
​
Mammals: Amazingly, the Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick. All indications are that it is in good condition.
​
24th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Merlin at Hillend and another at Sound.
Central Mainland: Blue Tit (ringed) at Brae. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blue Tit at Helendale.
West Mainland: Merlin at West Burrafirth.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Leebitton. 4 Rooks at Bigton. Barnacle Goose at near Spiggie Hotel.
​
Mammals: Amazingly, the Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick. All indications are that it is in good condition.
​
23rd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Carrion Crow at Baltasound, and 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Glaucous Gull on Burrafirth beach and a Peregrine, 2 Iceland Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit at Uyeasound.
Yell: Black-throated Diver at Gutcher along with 13 Common Scoter. 9 Common Scoter at Basta Voe.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver off Hamarsness.
South Mainland: Common Scoter at Leebitton. 4 Rooks at Bigton. Barnacle Goose at near Spiggie Hotel.
​
Mammals: A Beluga Whale is still near Hillswick.
​
22nd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull, 2 Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Yell: 12 Common Scoter off Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Sadly, a Eurasian Bittern found dead in vicinity of Lerwick Power Station. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at Gremister, Lerwick. Blue Tit at Brae.
South Mainland: 5 Iceland gull and 2 Glaucous Gull at NW corner of Spiggie. Glaucous Gull at south end of Spiggie. European White-fronted Goose at Ringasta with 2 domestic geese.
​
21st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Kumlien's Gull and 2 Iceland Gull at Easter Loch.
South Mainland: 134 Long-tailed Duck, Glaucous Gull at West Voe, and another at Virkie. Merlin at Grutness. Ringtail Hen Harrier at Sumburgh Farm. Hen Harrier and Goosander at Sandwick.
​
Mammals: A Beluga Whale is still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
​
20th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada and 2 Barnacle Geese at Haroldswick. Water Rail at Houb. Kumlien's Gull and Iceland Gull at Uyeasound. Glaucous Gull at Loch of Cliff, and 47 Goldeneye on sea a Burrafirth.
Central Mainland: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.
South Mainland: Waxwing at Virkie.
Dark Blue neck collared Greylag Goose V Z1 seen at Fleck on 07.01.2024 was ringed as a 2nd year female at Sveslingane, Haram in Norway on 06.07.2019. It was last seen at Dalsetter on 01.09.2022.
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Mammals: A Beluga Whale still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
​
19th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Halligarth and 4 Jack Snipe at the Houb.
North Mainland: Chaffinch taken by Sparrowhawk at Gluss.
South Mainland: Woodcock at Hillwell. 2 Song Thrush at Dalsetter.
​
Mammals: A Beluga Whale still at Sand Wick, near Hillswick.
​
18th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Skeo Taing.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mulla in Voe. 2 Hen Harrier at Sandgarth. Chaffinch at Catfirth, and 12 Common Scoter over Loch of Benston. 2 Bullfinch at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Sparrowhawk and Jack Snipe at South Cunningsburgh. Woodcock and 2 Jack Snipe at Spiggie. Grey Plover at Hoswick Beach and Little Gull still at Sandsayre. Woodcock at Dalsetter.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale again at Sand Wick, near Hillswick for its second day.
​
17th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Ordaal. Meadow Pipit and Skylark at the Houb.
North Mainland: 12 Chaffinch at Gluss. Redwing at Ollaberry.
Bressay: Water Rail, Redwing and Chaffinch at Voehead.
West Mainland: 2 Woodcock at Watsness. 2 Chaffinch at Kalliness, Weisdale.
Central Mainland: Chaffinch at Eswick, South Nesting. Greenfinch at Bakland, Lerwick. Bittern flying over Trondra heading towards Scalloway.
South Mainland: Water Rail, Woodcock and 2 Jack Snipe at Swinister Burn, Sandwick. 2 Goldfinch at Peerie Voe, Spiggie. Tundra Bean Goose over Virkie.
Mammals: A Beluga Whale has been at Sand Wick, near Hillswick today.
​
16th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 5 Jack Snipe, Purple Sandpiper, 10 Dunlin and Skylark at the Houb.
North Mainland: Chaffinch in Ollaberry.
Bressay: Brambling at Crueton.
Central Mainland: Blue and Great Tit with Brambling in a garden in Lerwick.
South Mainland: 23 Snipe, 6 Skylark, and 3 Jack Snipe at Boddam, with another at Dalsetter. Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Pool of Virkie. 6 Goldfinch at Bigton. Little Gull still at Sandsayre, Leebitton.
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15th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous and Iceland Gull at Westing.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend, and 2 Dunlin at Vatsetter.
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker and Dunnock at Helendale, with Greenfinch also Lerwick.
South Mainland: Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese at Hillwell. Glaucous Gull north end of Spiggie. 4 Snow Bunting at Boddam. Little Gull still at Sandsayre.
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14th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Westing. Glaucous Gull and Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Sparrowhawk at Hillend.
Central Mainland: 2 Redpoll at Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
South Mainland: Little Gull and Glaucous Gull at Sandsayre and Pale-bellied Brent Goose south of Sand Lodge. 3 Glaucous Gull from Sumburgh Head Lookout. 110 Long-tailed Duck at West Voe.
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Mammals: Humpback Whale approx. 1km east of Sumburgh Head.
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13th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Glaucous Gull at Westing. Iceland Gull at salmon cages in Uyeasound. Bullfinch at Daisy Park. 4 Blue Fulmar and 5 Little Auk past Skaw.
Yell: 2 Common Scoter at Gutcher.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper still at Burn of Lunklet.
Central Mainland: 9 Grey Heron at Catfirth. Glaucous Gull at Lerwick Marina.
South Mainland: Little Gull and Glaucous Gull at Sandsayre. Red Kite heading north past Sandwick.
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12th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 White-fronted and Canada Geese West of Buness. Dunnock, Song Thrush and 2 Redpolls at Millfield.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Gutcher. Peregrine at Bastavoe. Great Crested Grebe at Mid Yell. Sparrowhawk at Cullivoe and Merlin at Gloup.
Central Mainland: 6 Cormorant at Clickimin. Winter plumage Red-throated Diver on Loch of Tingwall.
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11th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. Great Crested Grebe still Mid Yell Voe. 3 Velvet and 3 Common Scoter at sea in Bluemull triangle.
North Mainland: Hen Harrier at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver off South Nesting Bay. 4 Cormorant and Goldeneye at Clickimin, with 20+ Purple Sandpipers, 40+ Ringed Plover, 8 Knot and Dunlin along from The Sletts to Seafield, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper still Burn of Lunklet, East Burrafirth.
Bressay: Barnacle Goose at Keldabister.
South Mainland: 2 Shelduck at Boddam Voe. Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Sand Lodge, Sandwick. Pink-footed Goose north of Hillwell. Black Redstart at West Voe. Iceland Gull at Quendale beach.
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10th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Daisy Park, then Setter's Hill Estate. Canada and Pink-footed Goose at Halligarth. Jack Snipe at Houb.
Yell: Great Crested Grebe still with Great Northern Diver and 'Viking' Gull (Herring/Glaucous Gull hybrid) at Mid Yell Voe. Merlin at Sellafirth.
North Mainland: 15 Chaffinch at Gluss.
Central Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Sandgarth. Mistle Thrush again at Kergord.
West Mainland: Black-bellied Dipper at the Burn of Lunklet, East Burrafirth.
South Mainland: 11 Scaup Loch of Brow. Carrion Crow at Bigton.
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9th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Bullfinch at Daisy Park. Canada Goose near Buness Pier.
Yell: Great Crested Grebe at Linkhouse Pier, Mid Yell. Snow Bunting at Gutcher. Black-throated Diver and 18 Common Scoter in Bluemull Sound.
Bressay: Woodcock at Gorie.
Central Mainland: Coot and Pink-footed Goose still at Loch of Tingwall. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch.
West Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Skelda Voe. Great Skua seen 30miles west of Foula.
South Mainland: Iceland Gull, 3 Purple Sandpiper and 6 Long-tailed Duck at Sandsayre, Merlin at Sanick. Black-throated Diver and 4 Little Auk from Good Shepherd, 2.5ml from Sumburgh Head. 2 Iceland Gull at NW Spiggie, along with 2 Scaup, Slavonian Grebe and 2 Red-throated Divers.
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Mammals: 3/4 Orca south of Drongs, Hillswick. Common Dolphin still at Mavis Grind. 3 Humpback Whales seen 30miles west of Foula.
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8th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Canada Goose and Wood Pigeon at Halligarth.
Yell: 8 Common Scoter and Oystercatcher at Gutcher. 2 Iceland Gull at Cullivoe Pier. On sea, numbers of Great Northern, Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver off coast towards Hamarness, Fetlar.
West Mainland: Glaucous Gull south end of South Nesting Bay, and a Coot on Loch of Benston.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sanick. 11 Great Northern Divers, 130 Long-tailed Duck and 8 Common Scoter at West Voe. 8 Little Auk from Good Shepherd south of Sumburgh.
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7th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland Gull at Burrafirth. Reed Bunting at Northdale. 5 Little Auk and 2 Blue Fulmar north past Skaw. 3 Chaffinch at Bruce Hall, and Merlin over hostel, with 4 North-western Redpoll at Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Snow Buntings and Oystercatcher at Gutcher.
Central Mainland: Coot still at Loch of Tingwall.
West Mainland: 30 Snow Bunting at Norby beach. Goosander near Bixter Cemetery.
South Mainland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Sanick. A Red Kite initially seen at Scatness was later giving excellent views from Fleck, Boddam, and Clumlie. 2 Canada Geese, and Greylag with a blue neck collar VZ1 (awaiting details from geese.org) were also at Fleck. 2 Black-throated, 4 Great Northern and 1 Red-throated Divers, along with 8 Common Scoter in West Voe, Sumburgh. 2 Shelduck and 2 Sanderling at Pool of Virkie.
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6th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Whalsay: Goosander on Loch of Sandwick.
Central Mainland: Little Auk off Victoria Pier, Lerwick. Pink-footed Goose near Loch of Tingwall.
South Mainland: 2 Little Auk past Sumburgh Head. 2 Canada Geese at Fleck. Black Redstart at Jarlshof.
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Mammals: Single Risso's Dolphin past Sumburgh Head.
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5th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Sparrowhawk at Ordaal.
Whalsay: Magpie still present at Skibberhoull.
West Mainland: Magpie still being seen daily at Sandness.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Boddam.
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The County Recorder would be interested in any current sightings of Magpie away from Whalsay and Sandness. Contact via email - recorder@shetlandbirdclub.co.uk
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4th January 2024
Bird Sightings:
South Mainland: 2 European White-fronted Geese at Ringasta.
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3rd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 4 Chaffinch at Maundeville. Water Rail at Baltasound. Moorhen at Norwick.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Mistle Thrush at Kergord. Blue Tit at Helendale, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Pink-footed Goose at Swinister. 2 European White-fronted Geese at Setter, Tundra Bean with Greylag Geese near Bakkasetter. Hen Harrier at Boddam.
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2nd January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Central Mainland: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale. Long-tailed Duck and 3 Goldeneye on Pullars Loch.
South Mainland: Woodcock at Grutness. Goosander near Bigton.
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1st January 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Great Tit at Valyie. Iceland Gull, and Merlin over Bruce Hall. Grey Plover at Uyeasound. 2 Iceland Gull at Heogland. Pochard at Watley.
Bressay: Merlin at Setter.
Central Mainland: 12 Great Northern Diver at Es Wick, and 6 Velvet Scoter at South Nesting.
West Mainland: Merlin at Mid Walls.
South Mainland: Great Crested Grebe at West Voe, Sumburgh. 2 Canada Geese at Setter, 4 Scaup and 5 Coot at Spiggie.
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