Nature in Shetland
Recent sightings
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.
Species in red are national (BBRC) rarities.
Species in orange are local/Scottish rarities.
3rd December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Woodcock at Setter's Quarry. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Hamar.
Fetlar: Hen Harrier at Brough Lodge. 7 Barnacle Geese at Northdale.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
South Mainland: American Coot still at NE corner of Spiggie Loch.
Cetacean Sightings: The 65's Pod of Orca were initially sighted off East Burrafirth, before heading off Foulawick, and Olna Firth.
2nd December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Westing.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull at Twageos, Lerwick.
West Mainland: 1 Magpie at Melby.
South Mainland: American Coot with 2 Eurasian Coot off NE corner of Spiggie Loch. American Wigeon still at Hillwell.
1st December 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret near to Ungirsta.
Foula: Glaucous Gull, Woodcock, Chaffinch and Woodcock.
Central Mainland: White Wagtail at Sea Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Merlin at Sandwick. American Wigeon, Little Grebe, and notable count of Mallard (73) at Hillwell. Glaucous Gull past The Lookout, Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Orca seen off Sumburgh Head. Some of the 27's Pod of Orca were seen off Tresta, before heading into Weisdale Voe.
30th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Fetlar: 7 Barnacle Geese at Northdale.
Central Mainland: Northern-type Eider at Shetland Catch.
29th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Iceland Gull at Twageos, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Coot with Eurasian Coot off Noss junction, Spiggie Loch. Woodcock at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: 64's Pod of Orca spotted in Lerwick Harbour and spent most of the daylight hours hunting within the harbour and were last seen exiting the south mouth. Another pod was seen off Sumburgh Head today.
28th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Out Skerries: Glaucous Gull, Little Auk, 3 Woodcock and 2 Water Rail.
Whalsay: Unseasonal Red-throated Diver on Loch of Skaw.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Bressay: 130 plus Twite at Setter Croft, 3 Goosander and Bar-tailed Godwit at Leiraness.
South Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Scousburgh. American Coot still at Setter, and 2 Slavonian and Little Grebe, Spiggie. American Wigeon at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 27's Pod of Orca was spotted from Toft ferry before heading south towards Vidlin. Another pod of 7 individuals were seen off Out Skerries heading towards Whalsay. It was confirmed today that the 27's pod have a new calf - so exciting to know our visitors are breeding successfully.
27th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at Watlee. Glaucous Gull on Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Fetlar: 7 Barnacle Geese at Northdale.
South Mainland: 2 Woodcock, Grey Wagtail and Chiffchaff at Hoswick. American Coot with 2 Coot at Setter, Spiggie. Snow Bunting at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen east of Muness, Unst.
26th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull on Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
South Mainland: American Coot with 2 Eurasian Coot on Spiggie Loch, opposite Noss junction. American Wigeon still present at Hillwell. Snow Bunting at Sumburgh Head. Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Jack Snipe at Quendale.
Cetacean Sightings: 65's Pod of Orca were initally sighted in Lerwick Harbour, before heading northwards past Dales Voe, before returning southwards, and were lost off Green Holm.
25th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Mulla, Voe. Pochard at Loch of Houlland, South Nesting.
South Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Little Auk and 8 Blue Fulmar.
Cetacean Sightings: 65's Pod of Orca were spotted off Scalloway Harbour before heading southwards. Another 2 Orca were seen off Sumburgh Head close inshore. A third report of 27's Pod of Orca in Ronas Voe, North Mavine.
24th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shoveler at Buness Loch. Water Rail and Woodcock at Halligarth. Little Egret at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: Song Thrush at Burravoe.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Bressay: Chiffchaff at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Siskin at Mulla, Voe.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull at Spiggie. Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head, produced 10 Little Auk and a Great Northern Diver. American Wigeon at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: Report of Orca in West Burrafirth but no further sightings.
23rd November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull on Dam Loch, and Water Rail at Uyeasound. Song Thrush at Ordaal, Baltasound.
Yell: 6 Snow Bunting along The Wart Road, Yell. 1 at Copister.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Water Rail at North Road, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Grey Plover at Melby. 3 Snow Bunting near Redayre, Reawick.
22nd November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Snow Bunting at Copister. Jack Snipe at Ulsta and Aywick.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk at Midgarth House.
South Mainland: Common Scoter and Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie Loch. Blue Fulmar on cliff at Scousburgh.
Cetacean Sightings: Dolphin species seen splashing off Clumliewick, Levenwick.
Of interest, a report of bats flying around the old school and Leisure Centre, Mid Yell.
21st November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Snow Bunting at Caldback. 4 Common Scoter off Skibhoul.
Yell: Siberian Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Central Mainland: Blackcap at South Nesting. Rose-coloured Starling at St Magnus Street, Lerwick.
20th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Central Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Sandgarth, Dale. Jack Snipe at golf course, The Nab, and Lesser Whitethroat at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: American Wigeon, Little Grebe and Scaup at Hillwell. Iceland Gull and Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen at Laxo ferry terminal.
19th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Foula: Bufflehead duck now on Mill Loch.
Fetlar: Great Shearwater and 2 Sooty Shearwater seen from Nousta Ness, Funzie.
South Mainland: Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced Velvet Scoter, Glaucous Gull and 2 Little Auk. Glaucous Gull at Virkie. American Wigeon and Scaup at Hillwell. Pintail, Shoveler at Spiggie. 5 Snow Bunting in West Voe, and another in Grutness. Tree Sparrow at Dalsetter.
18th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound. Water Rail and Carrion Crow at Ordaal. Water Rail at Uyeasound.
Foula: Bufflehead duck still present at Ham Voe.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
South Mainland: Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 2 Little Auk, 2 Great Shearwater and 3 Sooty Shearwater going south. Chiffchaff at Dalsetter. 3 Little Grebe, Water Rail, 3 Shoveler, and Scaup at Hillwell.
17th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Seawatch from Skaw produced 65 Great Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 15 Blue Fulmar, Little Auk and Glaucous Gull all heading north. Water Rail at Ordaal, and Snow Bunting at Caldback.
Whalsay: Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll at Huxter.
Yell: 5 Snow Bunting at Burravoe.
Foula: Bufflehead Duck at Ham Voe.
Cetacean Sightings: 27's Pod of Orca were initally picked up off Linga, before heading into Brae, and subsequently in Mangaster Voe. Minke Whale and 2 White-beaked Dolphin off Skaw, Unst this morning.
16th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Westing. Little Egret at north end of The Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Greenshank at Sand Water.
Whalsay: Iceland Gull at Vatshoull. Little Egret at Symbister, and Snow Bunting at Skaw.
West Mainland: Velvet Scoter at Bridge of Walls.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier at Channerwick. 2 Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull at Spiggie. Iceland Gull at Virkie.
15th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound. 2 Shoveler at Burrafirth. Iceland Gull at Norwick.
Yell: Snow Bunting at Breckon.
South Mainland: American Wigeon, 2 Scaup, and Little Grebe at Hillwell. Glaucous Gull, Little Auk and Yellowhammer at Sumburgh Head.
14th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Little Egret near Leisure Centre, Baltasound, before moving to Mill Loch. 3 Pink-footed Geese at Burrafirth.
Yell: Greenshank at Sand Water, Gutcher. Siberian Chiffchaff, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Brambling at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Whalsay: Little Egret at Symbister meadow.
West Mainland: Velvet Scoter at Bridge of Walls, and Scaup on Loch of Kirkigarth.
Central Mainland: Little Auk at Laxo. 6 Great Northern Diver in Whitenss Voe. Black Redstart at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Glaucous Gull, Slavonian Grebe, 3 Shoveler and Pintail at Spiggie. American Wigeon at Hillwell (a first winter drake that may have been present since 1st November, and a different bird to that seen up until 25th October at the same location). Seawatch from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 2 Great Shearwater, Little Auk, Blue Fulmar and 6 Great Northern Diver. Yellowhammer also present at Sumburgh Head.
13th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 3 Pink-footed Geese at Burrafirth.
Bressay: Water Rail, 2 Blackcap and Robin at Voehead.
Papa Stour: Grey Plover at Houssa Voe.
South Mainland: American Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 5 Shoveler at Hillwell. Jack Snipe and Yellowhammer at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Norwick, Unst.
12th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Fetlar: Great Shearwater seen from creel boat off Funzie. Short-eared Owl near Brough Lodge.
Bressay: Water Rail at Voehead.
Central Mainland: 10 Sooty Shearwater and Blue Fulmar seen from Good Shepherd sailing from Scalloway to Fair Isle.
South Mainland: Hen Harrier over Spiggie Hide, 6 Shoveler, and Pintail also at Spiggie. Hen Harrier over, American Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe and 5 Shoveler at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: A pod of Orca were picked up off South Nesting Bay heading south, before eventually heading into Lerwick harbour, last being seen passing the Bressay Ferry.
11th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Large numbers of Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbird continue to move through the islands.
Unst: Chaffinch at Halligarth. Brambling and 25 Twite at Valyie, and 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Chiffchaff and Oystercatcher at Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: Little Egret, Lapwing, Mistle Thrush, and 2 Brambling.
Bressay: Chiffchaff, Siberian Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Brambling and Robin at Voehead.
Whalsay: White-billed Diver east past Skaw.
Fetlar: Yellow-browed Warbler at Feal, and 2 Siberian Chiffchaff.
North Mainland: Lapland Bunting at Uyea, North Roe. Smew at Ollaberry.
Foula: Corncrake at Harrier.
West Mainland: 2 Woodcock at Sulma Water, West Burrafirth. 3 Chaffinch, and Song Thrush at Watsness.
Central Mainland: Peregrine at Houb of Scatsta. Song Thrush at Gilbertson Park, Chiffchaff at Clickimin, Goldeneye at Pullar's Loch.
South Mainland: Short-toed Lark at Setter, Spiggie. American Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe and 2 Scaup at Hillwell. Ring-necked Duck at Loch of Gards, Scatness. Yellow-hammer at Sumburgh Head. Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Sparrowhawk, 8 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Northern Diver and 2 Blue Fulmar.
Cetacean Sightings: 4 Orca were sighted in North Sandwick, Yell before heading south to Hascosay.
10th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Sooty Shearwater off Skaw and 2 Grey Heron in off sea. Pink-footed Goose at the Crossroads, and at Ordaal, plus 6 Bramblings at the Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Little Grebe at head of Mid Yell Voe. Water Rail at Otterswick. Jack Snipe and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit at Littlester.
Central Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Law Lane, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh produced 3 Great Shearwater, 18 Sooty Shearwater, and White-billed Diver. Firecrest at Dunrossness School. 5 Snow Bunting over and Woodcock at Boddam. 12 Pink-footed Geese at Ringasta. 80 Twite, 4 Brambling, Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat at Spiggie Hotel.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin seen off Dalsetter.
9th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Carrion Crow next to Springfield Pub, 30 Brambling at Valyie. 2 Shoveler and 2 Pink-footed Geese at Burrafirth. Little Egret at The Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Siberian Chiffchaff and Chaffinch at Hillend, Mid Yell. Woodcock, 3 Brambling and Siskin at Windhouse. 2 Jack Snipe, Long-tailed Duck, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit at Lettlester. Chiffchaffs at Arisdale and Burravoe.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver at Old Ferry Terminal.
Bressay: 2 Woodcock, Hawfinch, and Siskin at Gorie.
North Mainland: Rosefinch at Isbister, North Roe. 150 Snow Bunting at Eshaness.
Central Mainland: Song Thrush, Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and 5 Siskin at Mulla, Voe. Rose-coloured Starling visited Harbour Street, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 27 Great Shearwater, 10 Sooty Shearwater, and Brent Goose. 2 Little Grebe, and Shoveler at Hillwell. Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and Hawfinch at Boddam. 3 Snow Bunting, and 4 Long-tailed Duck at Grutness. Yellowhammer at Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's Dolphin see off Sumburgh.
8th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 2 Sanderling and White Wagtail at Norwick Beach.
Yell: Pink-footed Goose at Basta. 2 Oystercatcher at Gutcher. Robin at Cullivoe. Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Redpoll at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Out Skerries: Little Egret.
Fetlar: 12 Great Shearwater and Water Rail 60mls east of Fetlar.
North Mainland: 150 Snow Bunting at Eshaness.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Toogs, Burra. 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, and Blackcap at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Brakefield Rd, Sandwick. Seawatch at The Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 25 Great Shearwater, 9 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Great Skua, Little Auk, 8 Blue Fulmar. Firecrest at back of Dunrossness School. Yellowhammer at Sumburgh Head.
7th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
More Winter Thrushes made landfall in Shetland today.
Unst: 3 Great Shearwater past Skaw. 2 Brambling at Valyie, 2 Moorhen and 29 Snipe at Norwick.
Yell: Glaucous Gull at Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Little Egret.
Bressay: Short-eared Owl at Kirkabister.
North Mainland: Barred and Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe, Northmavine.
Central Mainland: Little Egret and 7 Whooper Swan at Orwick Water, Muckle Roe.
South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Hillside Road, Sandwick. Hawfinch at Swinister. Seawatch from Sumburgh Head Lookout produced 26 Great Shearwater, plus a Manx Shearwater over the day. Short-toed Lark at Setter, and Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, and Shoveler, Spiggie still. Little Grebe and Jack Snipe at Hillwell.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Risso's Dolphin off Sumburgh Head this morning.
6th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 16 Whooper Swan at Kirk Loch. Blackcap at Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: Little Egret.
Papa Stour: Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 20 Twite, 160 Redwing, 40 Fieldfare, 31 Teal, and 10 Wigeon.
Bressay: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and Robin at Voehead. 5 Mute Swan at Loch of Setter. 2 Rook with large flock of Twite at Setter.
Central Mainland: 3 Waxwing at Gilbertson Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Seawatch at Sumburgh Head Lookout produced 12 Great Shearwater, Great Skua, 2 Little Auk, Blue Fulmar and Grey Wagtail.
5th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Blackcap and Brambling at Valyie. Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound. Song Thrush at Ham, Muness. Pink-footed Goose at Burrafirth.
Yell: White-winged Scoter first seen off Lingy, Bluemull Sound, with 550 Eider Duck, then later in Hascosay Sound around salmon cages. Velvet Scoter off North Sandwick. Merlin at West Sandwick. Little Egret at Gutcher.
Whalsay: Chiffchaff and Woodcock at Isbister. Chiffchaff at Skaw, with 400 Redwing, 150 Fieldfare and 60 Blackbirds moving through.
Central Mainland: Possible White-tailed Eagle at Girlsta Loch.
South Mainland: Seawatch from Sumburgh Head Lookout produced 9 Great Shearwater. American Wigeon at Hillwell. 5 Great and 30+ Sooty Shearwater from 20mls east of Mousa. Short-toed Lark and Great Crested Grebe at Setter, Spiggie. 9 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Gadwall at Hillwell. 2 Tree Sparrow and Velvet Scoter at West Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler and Little Bunting at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: 50+ Orca seen from pelagic fishing vessel 20mls east of Mousa.
4th November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Moorhen at Norwick, 3 Brambling and 6 Collared Dove at Valyie.
Yell: Chaffinch at Breckon.
Bressay: 2 Tree Sparrow and 200+ Twite at Setter crop field. 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Robin at Voehead.
Central Mainland: 6 Whooper Swan flew NE over Lerwick. Black Redstart on sea wall at Brewick road.
South Mainland: 3 Great Shearwater and 20 Sooty Shearwater 9mls east of Mousa. Seawatch from Lookout, Sumburgh Head produced 3 Great Shearwater, Pomarine Skua, Storm Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, 14 Little Auk and 10 Blue Fulmar. Woodcock at Sumburgh Head also. Short-toed Lark near Setter Marsh, and 14 Whooper Swan at Hillwell. Stonechat and Black Redstart at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: 64's pod sighted off Sullom Voe, eventually last seen off Saphrey, in Yell Sound.
3rd November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Whinchat at Sotland. Snow Bunting flock at Caldack. Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Northwestern Redpoll at Hunterswood.
Yell: Yellow-browed Warbler at Cullivoe Marina.
Out Skerries: 1 Hawfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Robin, 2 Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, 8 Teal and Song Thrush.
Fetlar: White-billed Diver off Tressa Ness, Blue Banks.
Foula: Great Shearwater 3miles off Foula from Foula Mailboat.
Bressay: 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Robin at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Little Egret at Toft Ferry Terminal. 12 Snow Bunting at Moul of Eswick. White Wagtail at Hillhead, Hawfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, and Blackcap at Helendale, with Swallow at Clickimin, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Short-toed Lark on road near Setter Marsh. Scaup at Clumlie. Wheatear at Sanick. 4 Snow Bunting, 2 Brambling and Chaffinch at Boddam.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Risso's dolphin in Bluemull Sound.
2nd November 2024
Bird Sightings:
A Lesser Whitethroat at Hunter's Wood, Unst has been confirmed on DNA as Central Asian Lesser Whitethroat, a subspecies of Whitethroat 'halimodendri'.
Unst: 3 Moorhen at Norwick. Moorhen at Haroldswick.
Central Mainland: Swallow at North Road, Lerwick. Storm Petrel seen from Northlink ferry. 2 Whooper Swan on Henry's Loch, Quarff.
South Mainland: Pink-footed Goose at Ringasta. 2 Shoveler, Slavonian Grebe, and 2 Pochard at Spiggie. Velvet Scoter at West Voe of Sumburgh.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca spotted off Victoria Pier in Lerwick, headed slowly northwards, last seen at Dales Voe.
1st November 2024
Bird Sightings:
Notable fall of Blackbirds into the islands today.
Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler, Merlin, Robin and 19 Twite at Valyie. Little Grebe at Buness Loch. Water Rail and Blackcap at Halligarth. Great Skua at Loch of Cliff. Common Scoter at Baltasound. Sanderling at Norwick.
Yell: Lapland Bunting still at Cullivoe.
Whalsay: Black Redstart at Wirlie, Skaw.
Bressay: 2 Chiffchaff and Robin still Voehead.
Central Mainland: Hen Harrier at Scatsta. Chaffinch at Kalliness, Weisdale. Pink-footed Goose at Tingwall Loch. Rose-coloured Starling at Haldane Burgess Crescent, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Great Crested Grebe at Setter Marsh, with Shoveler, 2 Pochard and Slavonian Grebe at Spiggie. American Wigeon still Hillwell. Jackdaw and Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale. 3 Pink-footed Geese at Fleck. 5 Snow Bunting at Scousburgh. Water Rail at Virkie. Snow Bunting at Sumburgh Head. Moorhen at Exnaboe. Sooty Shearwater past Sumburgh Head. Wheatear and 9 Snow Bunting at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Humpback Whales off Zoar. Pod of Orca sighted from Hillswick.
31st October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Bressay: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and Robin at Voehead.
Out Skerries: 4 Sooty Shearwater and Pomarine Skua 25mls east of island.
South Mainland: Gluacous Gul past Sumburgh Head.
30th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: 6 Collared Dove at Valyie, 2 Moorhen at Norwick.
Yell: Lapland Bunting at Cullivoe. Collared Dove at Bellevue, Mid Yell.
Bressay: 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Robin at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Rose-coloured Starling at Haldane Burgess Crescent, Common Rosefinch at Twageos Road, Lerwick. Little Grebe at the Loch of Benston, South Nesting.
South Mainland: Jack Snipe and 120+Blackbird at Noness, Sandwick. Dusky Warbler near the beach in Levenwick. 4 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Fleck farm. 2 Pochard and Slavonian Grebe at north end of Spiggie loch. Black Redstart and Wheatear at Grutness. Moorhen at Eastshore, Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Risso's dolphin in Mousa Sound.
29th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, Uyeasound. 7 Snow Bunting at Coldback.
Yell: Lapland Bunting and 2 Chiffchaff Cullivoe. 3 Red Grouse at Neepaback, Burravoe.
Central Mainland: 2 Rook at Brettabister, North Nesting. 2 Brambling, 2 Woodcock, Redpoll and 30 Fieldfare at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Water Rail at Helendale. Siberian Chiffchaff and 10 Brambling at Clickimin.
South Mainland: Little Egret at Hillwell. Buff-bellied Pipit still Rerwick Marsh. Dusky Warbler still, and Yellow-browed Warbler and 4 Siberian Chiffchaff at Levenwick beach road, and Woodcock at the Quarry. Hen Harrier Setter/Brow Marsh. 10 Snow Bunting at Aithsetter. Great Northern Diver, 2 Stonechat, Slavonian Grebe, Jack Snipe, 2 Shoveler and Pintail at Spiggie Loch.
Cetacean Sightings: At least 3 Orca seen from Northlink south past Ham, Bressay.
28th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Seawatch at Skaw produced Blue Fulmar, Little Auk, Sooty Shearwater and 5000 Fulmar. Yellow-browed Warbler and Brambling at Skaw. Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff and 3 Brambling at Norwick. Snow Bunting at Saxa Vord Hill. Common Scoter at Easting. Hawfinch at Baltasound.
Yell: Water Rail at Gloup. Lapland Bunting at Cullivoe. Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and Robin at Hillend, Mid Yell. Lesser Redpoll at North Aywick.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart, Stonechat, Snow Bunting, Blackcap, Grey Plover and Collared Dove.
Whalsay: Black Redstart at Skaw.
Bressay: 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap at Voehead.
South Mainland: Northern Wheater at Sannick beach. Great Crested Grebe and Coot at Spiggie. 12 Sooty Shearwater seen from fishing vessel 10miles east of Mousa.
Cetacean Sightings: 11 Orca seen from fishing vessel 10miles east of Mousa. Pod of Orca seen heading north out of Bluemull Sound. Humpback Whale again off Braewick café.
27th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shelduck again at The Houb, Baltasound. Hawfinch at Valyie, and Mistle Thrush at Saxa Vord.
Yell: Lapland Bunting at Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: 20 Snow Bunting, Grey Plover and Blackcap.
Central Mainland: 30 Redwing visited a garden in Mulla, Voe. Grey Wagtail at Kergord. 7 Brambling at North Road, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Dusky Warbler and 3 Siberian Chiffchaff at Levenwick beach. Little Egret at Spiggie Loch. Yellowhammer at Grutness. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale seen again off Braewick Café, Eshaness. 2 Orca seen past Skaw, Whalsay. Risso's Dolphin seen from The Lookout, Sumburgh.
26th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Notable influx of Redwing, Blackbird and Fieldfare reported today.
Unst: Song Thrush at Kelda Chalets, and Glaucous Gull again at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.
Yell: 2 Chiffchaff and Oystercatcher at Cullivoe.
Out Skerries: Dunnock, Grey Plover and Reed Bunting.
Bressay: Robin, Brambling, 2 Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Storm Petrel offshore from Tesco's, and 7 Purple Sandpiper at The Sletts.
South Mainland: Wheatear at Sanwick beach. American Buff-bellied Pipit at Clavel, Rerwick. Little Egret still SW Spiggie. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Boddam Voe. Jack Snipe at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale seen again off Braewick Cafe, Eshaness.
Insect Sightings: Common Plume moth caught at Sandwick, only previous records come from Eswick in South Nesting.
25th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
DNA from a shrike corpse found at West Yell on 20th June, has been identified as a Woodchat Shrike.
Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler at North Dale pines. Whinchat at Burrafirth, and Snow Bunting over Saxa Vord. Bluethroat still at Haroldswick pools. Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch.
Yell: Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Repoll, 4 Blackcap and Brambling at Hillend. Yellow-browed Warbler at Windhouse.
Out Skerries: Barred Warbler, 2 Stonechat, Snow Bunting, Water Rail, Reed Bunting, and Whooper Swan.
Bressay: Jack Snipe at Loch of Grimsetter. Yellow-browed Warbler at Voehead.
West Mainland: Jack Snipe and Tree Pipit at Norby, 2 Magpie at Melby, Jack Snipe at Sandness. Rosefinch at The Transition Turrifield. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler and Sparrowhawk at Dale of Walls. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Woodcock and Moorhen at Culswick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Gruting, Stanydale and also in Walls, and Easter Skeld. 8 Brambling and Yellow-browed Warbler at Bridge of Walls. Yellow-browed Warbler at Watsness, Sand (2), Aith, Tresta, and Vementry. Hawfinch at Tresta.
Central Mainland: Redpoll and Siskin at Valaryre Wood. Slavonian Grebe at Wadbister. 3 Slavonian Grebe at Catfirth, South Nesting. Yellow-browed Warbler at Kergord. Yellow-browed Warbler at Helendale, Olive-backed Pipit at west side of Clickimin Loch, and Barred Warbler at Peerie Oversund Park, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Black Redstart and 4 Brambling at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Little Egret at NW Spiggie Loch. 5 White-fronted Geese south over Bakkasetter. American Wigeon, 2 Hawfinch, Snow Bunting, Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall and Yellow-browed Warbler at Hillwell. Great Crested Grebe, Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler and Pintail at Spiggie. Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Virkie.
Cetacean Sightings: 3 Minke Whale off Taingwick, and Humpback Whale from Braewick cafe, Eshaness. 2 Orca near Mousa, seen from Northlink Ferry. 8 White-beaked Dolphin off Levenwick.
24th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Brambling and 6 Collared Doves at Valyie.
Out Skerries: 2 Black Redstart, 2 Grey Plover, 5 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting, 7 Brambling.
Bressay: Kestrel at Brough.
North Mainland: Great White Egret between Voe and South Collafirth. Yellow-browed Warbler at Islesburgh.
Central Mainland: Tree Sparrow and 8 Brambling at Vidlin. Gadwall at Papil, Burra. 28 Pink-footed Geese at Griesta, Tingwall. Yellow-browed Warbler and Long-eared Owl at Frakkafield. Olive-backed Pipit at west shore of Clickimin Loch.
South Mainland: American Wigeon in fields between Quendale Farm and Hillwell. Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Gadwall at Hillwell. Coot and Shoveler at Spiggie.
Mammal Sightings: Bat species seen close to Kergord House early evening.
23rd October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yell: 3 Chiffchaff at Cullivoe, 4 Long-tailed Duck at Galtigarth, 23 Wigeon at Gutcher.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart, 5 Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting and Stonechat.
West Mainland: Snow Bunting at Dale of Walls. Woodcock at Aith. Yellow-browed Warbler and Sparrowhawk at East Burrafirth plantation.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch and Brambling at Brae Community Woodland. Brambling and 2 Sparrowhawk at Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Sound, Olive-backed Pipit still west shore of Clickimin Loch.
South Mainland: Great Crested Grebe and Shoveler at Spiggie. Cackling Goose seen at Spiggie at approx 09:45, but no reports thereafter.
Cetacean Sightings: Common Dolphin at Gonfirth. Humpback Whale off Tangwick, 6 Common Dolphin and Orca sighted off Dore Holm, Eshaness.
22nd October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shelduck still on the Houb, Baltasound. Tree Sparrow at Valyie.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart, Brambling and Woodcock.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk and Yellow-browed Warbler at Voehead.
North Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Voe, Northmavine.
Central Mainland: Chaffinch at Toogs, Burra. Olive-backed Pipit at north shore of Clickimin Loch.
South Mainland: Little Egret by Ness Boating Club. Cackling Goose initially at Noss, but settled at Ringasta, with flock of 13 Barnacle Geese. Pintail at Spiggie, and Great Crested Grebe at Setter Marsh.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale seen again off Braewick Cafe, Eshaness.
21st October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Whinchat at Burrafirth Burn. Yellow-browed Warbler at Clingera, 2 Water Rail at Halligarth.
Yell: Hawfinch, 2 Siskin, and 7 Brambling at Hillend. Knot at Sellafirth. Yellow-browed Warbler and Redpoll at Arisdale.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart on the island.
Bressay: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Voehead.
North Mainland: Golden Oriole at eastern end of Ronas Voe.
Central Mainland: Great White Egret at the Lang Kames, and 3 Tree Sparrow at South Nesting. Olive-backed Pipit at north shore of Clickimin. 3 Brambling at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway.
South Mainland: American Wigeon, 2 Gadwall at Hillwell. Great Crested Grebe, 3 Scaup and 2 Pochard at Spiggie Loch.
19th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Snow Bunting at Shore Station, 2 Whinchat and 2 Bluethroat at Burrafirth burn. Bluethroat still and Tree Pipit at Haroldswick. Yellow-browed Warbler, Woodcock and Redpoll at Hunter's Field. Shelduck on the Houb, and Hawfinch at Halligarth, Water Rail and 3 Siskin, Baltasound. Greenish Warbler and Redpoll at Valyie, Yellow-browed and Garden Warbler, and Hawfinch at Norwick. Jack Snipe at Westing beach. 2 Scaup and Long-tailed Duck at Easter Loch. Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow-browed Warbler at Maundeville.
Yell: Hawfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell. Yellow-browed Warbler at West Sandwick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Otterswick.
Whalsay: Dusky Warbler at Skaw and later at Brough.
Central Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler, +++Siskin, and Brambling at Brae Community Woodland. Yellow-browed Warbler and Sparrowhawk, Loch of Benston Plantation, Tree Sparrow, Siskin, Song Thrush and Redpoll at school plantation, and 3 Tree Sparrow all at South Nesting. 2 Sparrowhawk over Lerwick Ferry Terminal. Reed Warbler at Clickimin. Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chaffinch, 20 Siskin, and 20 Redpoll at Burn of Sound.
South Mainland: 8 Sooty Shearwater seen from Lookout at Sumburgh Head. Great Crested Grebe still at Spiggie Loch.
19th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Jack Snipe at Westing beach. 2 Bluethroat and 2 Whinchat at Burrafirth burn. Yellow-browed Warbler at Hunter's Field. Yellow-browed Warbler, Garden Warbler and Hawfinch at Norwick. Tree Pipit and Bluethroat at Haroldswick. Hawfinch at Halligarth, and Water Rail, and Shelduck, Jack Snipe, and Common Scoter in the voe, at Baltasound. Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Uyeasound. 2 Scaup and Long-tailed Duck at Easter Loch.
Yell: Yellow-browed Warbler and Sparrowhawk at Arisdale.
Whalsay: 2 Black Redstart, Yellow-browed Warbler and Woodcock at Skaw.
Fetlar: Black Redstart at Gambligarth.
Bressay: Firecrest on road to Ham. Great Grey Shrike at Gardie.
North Mainland: Pallas's Warbler at Heylor. Peregrine at Eshaness. Great Grey Shrike, Barred and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Wood.
West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler and Woodcock at East Burrafirth. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler , Song Thrush, and Ring Ouzel at Mid Dale.
Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Brae Community Woodland. Carrion Crow, Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Song Thrush at Vidlin. Hawfinch at Dury. 2 Tree Sparrow at South Nesting. Greater Scaup at Loch of Vatster. 2 Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Tingwall. Yellow-browed Warbler at Scalloway.
South Mainland: 3 Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Hen Harrier at Maywick. Hen Harrier at Vanlop and at Loch of Brow. Great Crested Grebe and Slavonian Grebe at south end of Spiggie. American Wigeon, Gadwall, Water Rail, and Little Egret at Hillwell. Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Mill. Yellow-browed Warbler at Dalsetter. Yellowhammer, Yellow-browed Warbler and Kestrel at Sumburgh Hotel.
Yellow-browed Warbler at Aithness.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Orca seen off Eshaness heading north.
17th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Paddyfield Warbler at Leawart, Greenish Warbler at Valyie, Norwick, and Little Bunting at Millfield. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler at Uyeasound and 2 Scaup on Easter Loch. Glaucous Gull past Burrafirth. 15 Snow Bunting at Scolla Wick. Shelduck on the Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: 2 Snow Bunting at Gutcher.
Fetlar: Yellow-browed Warbler at Plantation.
Central Mainland: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Roe, and at Burn of Valayre. Hawfinch at Vidlin Plantation. Hawfinch and Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister. Hen Harrier at Loch of Strom. Yellow-browed Warbler and Woodcock at Gott. 30 Redpoll and 2 Chaffinch at Burn of Sound, Yellow-browed Warbler and 14 Siskin at Sound Hall. Hawfinch at Lower Sound, and at Helendale, and Rose-coloured Starling at Haldane Crescent, Lerwick. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Song Thrush and Goosander of note at Wester Quarff.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Little Egret at Spiggie. Hoopoe, Short-eared Owl, and Great White Egret over, at Boddam. Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosefinch, Short-eared Owl, Woodcock, Water Rail and Garden Warbler all Maywick. Great Grey Shrike and Jack Snipe at Quendale Mill. 2 Pochard, 2 Scaup at Spiggie. Sparrowhawk, Yellowhammer and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sumburgh Hotel, and Yellow-browed Warbler and Merlin at Sumburgh Farm. 3 Song Thrush in Grutness. Woodcock at Sumburgh Head, and 2 at Quarry. Numbers of Long-tailed Duck building with 30 at Grutness Voe. Barred Warbler at Grutness. Yellowhammer and Short-eared Owl near Old Scatness.
18th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish and Yellow-browed Warbler at Valyie. Bluethroat and Reed Bunting at Haroldswick Pools. Shelduck at the Houb, Baltasound.
Yell: Yellow-browed Warbler at Arisdale.
Out Skerries: Black Redstart and Reed Bunting of note on the island.
Fetlar:
Central Mainland: Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler and Chaffinch at Muckle Roe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Burn of Valayre, Voxter. Golden Oriole at Brae Community Woodland. White-winged Scoter at Wadbister Voe. Canada Goose over Bressay ferry terminal.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Little Egret at Spiggie loch. Great Grey Shrike at Quendale Mill. Hoopoe at Croft House Museum, Boddam.
Insect sightings: A Syrphus larva seen feeding on Large Willow Aphids in a garden in South Nesting - first record in Shetland.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Humpback Whales and unidentified pod of dolphins at Breiwick, Eshaness.
16th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Shelduck at Burrafirth. Scaup on Easter Loch. Snow Bunting at Hermaness. Water Rail at Valyie. 19 Snow Bunting at East Hill.
Yell: Rosefinch, and Yellow-browed Warbler at Otterswick.
Fetlar: Probable Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Aith Bod.
Whalsay: Bluethroat at Skaw.
Central Mainland: Woodcock at Burn of Valayre. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Sandgarth, Dale. Barnacle Goose at Tingwall. Yellow-browed Warbler at Wadbister.
South Mainland: Long-eared Owl at Cunningsburgh. Green Sandpiper at Dunrossness. Olive-backed Pipit at Hillwell. 10 Sooty Shearwater past Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale off Breiwick, North Mainland.
15th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Yellow-browed Warbler and Snow Bunting at Shore Station. Redstart, Snow Bunting at Haroldswick. Greenish Warbler, Bluethroat, Ring Ouzel and Stonechat at Norwick. Little Bunting at Millfield.
Whalsay: Yellow-browed Warbler at Skaw.
Fetlar: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler at Plantation.
Central Mainland: Gadwall at Orwick Water, and Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Roe. White-winged Scoter still at Wadbister Voe. Lesser Scaup and Greater Scaup with Tufted Duck at Loch of Vatster. Goosander at Strand Loch.
South Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Levenwick. Sparrowhawk at Channerwick. Little Bunting at Toab. Long-eared Owl at Sumburgh Quarry. 2 Snow Bunting at Scatness. Sooty Shearwater past Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Humpback Whale seen of Breiwick, North Mainland.
14th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Bluethroat at Norwick. Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound. 2 Scaup at Easter Loch.
Fetlar: Rosefinch at the Health centre. 4 Brambling at Houbie. Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff and Brambling at Feal Plantation. Scaup at Papil Water. Glaucous Gull at Funzie.
Whalsay: Rosefinch at Skaw.
Skerries: Barred Warbler,
Central Mainland: White-winged Scoter still at Wadbister. Possible Lesser Scaup at Loch of Vatster, Laxfirth. Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Roe.
North Mainland: 2 Slavonian Grebe at Ollaberry.
South Mainland: Turtle Dove at Sandwick.
Cetacean sightings: Humpback Whale seen of Breiwick.
13th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler, Whinchat and Blackcap at Valyie. 2 Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound.
Fetlar: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Robin, 5 Brambling, Ring Ouzel and a Siberian Chiffchaff.
Skerries: Barred Warbler, Brambling, Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and 9 Blackcap.
Whalsay: 8 Snow Buntings at Skaw.
Bressay: Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Voehead.
West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler and Canada Goose at Dale of Walls. Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Brambling at Aith.
Central Mainland: White-winged Scoter still at Wadbister. Yellow-browed Warbler at Muckle Roe. 2 Slavonian Grebes at Tingwall Loch. 3 Blackcap at Brae Community Wood. Possible Grey Phalarope at the Sletts, Leriwck.
North Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff and Barred Warbler at Hillswick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Plantation.
South Mainland: Turtle Dove at Sandwick. Bluethroat at Channerwick. Hen Harrier at Bigton and the same bird later at Spiggie.Chiffchaff at Grutness.
12th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Greenish Warbler and Paddyfield Warbler at Valyie. Glaucous Gull at Haroldswick. Presumed "Central Asian" Lesser Whitethroat still at Hunters Wood.
Papa Stour: 10 Snow Bunting, Song Thrush, Siberian Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Central Mainland: 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler and Blackcap at Muckle Roe. Mistle Thrush and Pied Flycatcher at Veensgarth. Scaup at Sae Water, near Voe.
South Mainland: 2 Scaup and 2 Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Spiggie. 6 Snow Bunting at Mossy Hill. Cattle Egret at Sandwick. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and 2 Snow Bunting at Grutness. Siberian Chiffchaff and Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick. Bluethroat at Channerwick.
8th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Stronger winds made birding harder today and sightings were much reduced as a result.
Unst: Paddyfield Warbler still, also Rosefinch and 2 Ring Ouzel at Valyie.2 Olive-backed Pipit at Uyeasound. Lapland Bunting at Skaw. Ring Ouzel at Setter Hill Estate and 2 Siberian Chiffchaff at Halligarth. Snow Bunting at East Hill. Stock Dove at the Leisure Centre.
Yell: Yellow-browed Warbler at Loch of Littlester. Barred Warbler, Wood Warbler and 4 Brambling at Otterswick.
Bressay: Yellow-browed Warbler, Brambling and Lesser Whitethroat at Gorie. Snow Bunting near the Noss Boat Car Park.
Central Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Kergord still. Arctic Warbler burn of Njuggles water. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Lower Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Scalloway. 3 Brambling, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll at Loch of Voe.
North Mainland: Red-backed Shrike and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sullom Plantation.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher and Snow Bunting at Hoswick. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff at Swinister Burn. Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel and Jacksnipe at Quendale. Greenland White-fronted Goose,13 Pink-footed Geese, Scaup and 9 Goldeneye at Loch of Spiggie. Velvet Scoter, 5 Long-tailed Ducks and Arctic Tern at West Voe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Geosetter. A late Northern Wheatear at Scousburgh and 2 more at Old Scatness. 2 Shoveler and Jacksnipe at Virkie. Yellow-browed Warbler and Brambling at Gulberwick. Ring Ouzel at Wester Quarff. Yellow-browed warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Brambling at Easter Quarff. Lesser Whitethroat at Levenwick.
9th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Paddyfield Warbler and Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound. Bluethroat at Norwick. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Setter Hill Estate.
Yell: Nightjar at Burravoe. Red-backed Shrike and Barred Warbler at Cullivoe. Barred Warbler at Mid Yell. Wood Warbler at Queyon.
Central Mainland: Pallas's Warbler at Sweening. Arctic Warbler still at Njugalswater. Barred Warbler at Gott, Tingwall. Red-backed Shrike at Muckle Roe. Yellow-browed Warbler at Sunken Garden, Scalloway. Siberian Chiffchaff at Dales Voe. Brambling at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Barred Warbler at Burn of Valayre.
North Mainland: 25 Snow Bunting at Eshaness.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Bigton. Snow Bunting at Sumburgh Hotel. Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel and Sparrowhawk at Gulberwick. Snow Bunting, Ring Ouzel and Barred Warbler at Hoswick. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Siberian Chiffchaff, Common Chiffchaff and Water Rail at Quendale. Snow Bunting at Mossy Hill. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling and 4 Blackcap at Cunningsburgh. 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Scaup and a Pink-footed Goose at Loch of Spiggie. Wheatear and Ring Ouzel at Ness Boating Club. Pied Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff.
10th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Paddyfield Warbler and Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Little Bunting at Baliasta. Bluethroat at Norwick. Pied Flycatcher at Setter Hill Estate. Rosefinch at Baltasound. 2 Olive-backed Pipit at Saxavord.
Yell: Barred Warbler at Otterswick, Yell.
Central Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler, Song Thrush and Merlin at Kergord. Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Tingwall. Yellow-browed Warbler and Snow Bunting at Scalloway. Barred Warbler at Muckle Roe. Barred Warbler at Sandgarth.
South Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff, Snow Bunting, Brambling and Lesser Whitethroat at Hoswick. Yellow-browed Warbler at Gulberwick. Pied Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Easter Quarff. Mistle Thrush at Hestingott. Blue Tit and Blackcap at Swinister Burn. Peregrine, 5 Barnacle Geese, 2 Scaup and Slavonian Grebe at Loch of Spiggie. Yellow-browed Warbler at Bigton. Bluethroat, Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Bramblings and Fieldfare Channerwick. 2 Siberian Chiffchaff at Blett, Cunningsburgh. 2 Wheatear, Black-throated Diver and a Snowbunting at West Voe Beach.Yellow-browed Warbler at Maywick. Snow Bunting at Compass Head. Cattle Egret at Sannik.
11th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Unst: Paddyfield Warbler and Greenish Warbler at Valyie. Presumed "Central Asian" Lesser Whitethroat at Hunters Wood. Little Bunting at Baliasta. Tree Sparrow at Westing. Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler at Setter Hill Estate. Yellow-browed Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff at Halligarth.
Yell: Red-backed Shrike and Barred Warbler at Cullivoe. 2 Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler at Burravoe.
Fetlar: Black-throated Diver.
Skerries: Jack Snipe and Yellow-browed Warbler.
Bressay: Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap at Voehead.
West Mainland: Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandness.
Central Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Voe. White-winged Scoter and Red-breasted Flycatcher at Wadbister. 2 Snow Buntings at Brake, Burra. Scaups at Asta Loch.
North Mainland: Olive-backed Pipit at Sullom Plantation. Sooty Shearwater past Eshaness. Siberian Chiffchaff, Water Rail and Tree Pipit at Hillswick.
South Mainland: Bluethroat at Channerwick. Cattle Egret at Sandwick. Barred Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Hoswick.2 Scaup, 2 Pink-footed Geese and a Pintail at Loch of Spiggie. Snow Bunting Sumburgh Farm. Yellow-browed Warbler at Quendale. Redstart at Dalsetter.
7th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 51.
Fall of Redwing with a few Ring Ouzel notable across the islands, with reasonable numbers of common migrants present too.
Unst: Lanceolated, and Paddyfield Warbler still, also Rosefinch and 2 Ring Ouzel at Valyie. 2 Olive-backed Pipit at Uyeasound. Yellow Wagtail at Baltasound. Stock Dove at Baliasta. Tree Sparrow and 3 Ring Ouzel at Kirkaton.
Yell: Hoopoe and Red-Backed Shrike Cullivoe, Ring Ouzel at Burravoe.
Foula: Olive-backed Pipit at Hametoun.
Bressay: Lesser Whitethroat and 8+ Song Thrushes at Gorie. 2 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest & Robin at Voehead.
Central Mainland: Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Garth, South Nesting. Olive-backed Pipit at Kergord still. Arctic Warbler burn of Njuggles water. Ring Ouzel at Vidlin. Ring Ouzel at Toft. Barred Warbler at Clickimin, Spotted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler at Helendale, Little Bunting still at Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Barred Warbler at Wadbister. Tree Pipit at Stromfirth.
North Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Sullom Plantation. Rosefinch and 2 Common Redpoll at Muckle Roe.
South Mainland: Wood Warbler and Snow Bunting at Orca Inn, Ring Ouzel in the burn, Hoswick. Barred Warbler at Swinister. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Bigton. Hen Harrier at Hillwell. 185+ Barnacle Geese South over, Stonechat in quarry, Sumburgh. 3 Ring Ouzel at Wester Quarff and a Pied Flycatcher at Easter Quarff. Arctic Tern over Grutness. Reed Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. 2 Black-tailed Godwit and Pink-footed Goose at Sandwick. 2 Ring Ouzel at Scousborough.
6th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 55.
Fall of Redwing notable across the islands, with reasonable numbers of common migrants present too.
Unst: Pallas's Grasshopper, and Paddyfield Warbler still, plus Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel, and Rosefinch at Valyie, Norwick. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Setter's Hill Estate. Little Bunting at Baliasta. Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound.
Yell: Barred Warbler still Cullivoe Marina plantation. 2 Barred Warbler at Burravoe.
Out Skerries: Sooty Shearwater from ferry, 6 Robin, Common Sandpiper, Storm Petrel (grounded), Merlin of note on the island.
Foula: Olive-backed Pipit at Hametoun.
Bressay: 17 Blackcap, Siskin and 4 Redwing at Gorie.
Central Mainland: Peregrine at Firth, Moss Bank. 2 Kestrel at Brae. Velvet Scot at Wadbister Voe. Pintail at Strand Loch. Olive-backed Pipit at Kergord. Barred Warbler at Asta, Tingwall. Barred Warbler at Clickimin, Spotted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler at Helendale, Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Garden Warbler at Gulberwick. Barred Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Easter Quarff.
North Mainland: 140 Redwing, 6 Brambling and Sparrowhawk at head of Ronas Voe. Red-backed Shrike at Sullom Plantation.
South Mainland: Wood Warbler and Snow Bunting at Orca Inn, Rosefinch at burn, Hoswick. Barred Warbler and Rosefinch at Swinister Burn, 2 Black-tailed Godwit at Social Club, Sandwick. 2 Knot at Noness beach. Garden Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 3 Robin and 150 Redwing at Levenwick. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Maywick. 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Noss Farm. Hen Harrier at Quendale Mill. Black Redstart and Redstart at Dalsetter. Water Rail at Pool of Virkie.
5th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 61.
Unst: Pallas's Grasshopper, Lanceolated and Paddyfield Warbler and Rosefinch at Valyie, Norwick. Whinchat at Shorestation. Sand Martin over Haroldswick. Garden Warbler at Halligarth. Hen Harrier at Belmont. Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound.
Yell: Barred Warbler still Cullivoe Marina plantation. Barred and Garden Warbler at Burravoe. Merlin at Arisdale.
West Mainland: Rosefinch at Melby, and 2 Magpie at cemetery, Sandness.
Central Mainland: Garden Warbler at Mossbank. Water Rail at Muckle Roe. Barred Warbler at Busta Hotel, and a deceased Greater Spotted Woodpecker at Brae. 3 Redpoll and 10 Siskin at Mulla, Voe. Velvet Scoter still Wadbister Voe. Barred Warbler and Lesser Whitethoat at Asta, Tingwall. Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, Barred Warbler at Clickimin, Lerwick.
North Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Sullom Plantation.
South Mainland: Snow Bunting at Orca Inn, Barred Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Brakefield Road, Lesser Whitethroat, Barred and Garden Warbler at Swinister, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and Pink-footed Goose at Sandwick and Black-tailed Godwit at Leebitton. Black Redstart and Red-breasted Flycatcher still Maywick. Hawfinch at Quendale. Lesser Whitethroat at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen off cliffs at Eshaness and later at Hermaness, Unst. 2 Minke Whales see off Mangasta, Voe.
1st October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Note: Starting tomorrow, 2nd October, common migrants will no longer feature in the daily sightings - this will allow the interesting, scarce and rare sightings to take centre stage. So Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, for example, will no longer appear.
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Halligarth 1, Unst; West Yell 2; Whalsay 1; Bressay 5; Ollaberry 2, Sullom Plantation 1; Ullafirth 1; Sandgarth, Dale 6, Muckle Roe 2; South Nesting 8, North Hamarsland 2; Dales Voe 1; Catfirth, South Nesting 2; Strand 2; Burn of Sound 3, Helendale 1; Michealswood, Aith 2; Gulberwick 3, Wester Quarff 2; Papil 1, Burra 1; Orca Inn, Hoswick, Swinister Burn 1, Fleck 1, Boddam 1, Quendale Mill 3.
Unst: Little Bunting at Skaw. Bluethroat and Barred Warbler at Skaw Road, Norwick. 4 Blackcap at Leawart. Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler at Valyie. Short-eared Owl over Northdale. Barred and Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatchat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff at Halligarth. Hen Harrier at Caldback. Richard's Pipit at Baliasta. Rosefinch at Holsens Road. Glaucous Gull at Dam Loch, and Common Scoter at Uyeasound. Pink-footed Goose at Muness Road.
Yell: Red-backed Shrike at Cullivoe Marina. Peregrine at Burravoe. 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch and Chiffchaff at Bellevue, Mid Yell. Chiffchaff at Gutcher. Wood Pigeon at Arisdale Willows. Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and Redpoll at Burravoe. Lesser Whitethroat at West Yell. Lesser Whitethroat at West Sandwick.
Whalsay: Whinchat, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, Robin and Redwing.
Fetlar: Barred Warbler and Rosefinch at Feal Plantation.
Bressay: Goldcrest 11, 17 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, 4 Redpoll, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Robin and 3 Song Thrush at Gorie.
Out Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher, 12 Robin, 10 Goldcrest, 15 Blackcap, Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
North Mainland: Lapland Bunting north over Ronas Voe. Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Song Thrush at Ollaberry. Red-backed Shrike and Willow Warbler at Sullom Plantation.
Central Mainland: Song Thrush and Redpoll at Burn of Valayre, Voxter. 3 Blackcap at Dales Voe plantation, Sparrowhawk and Slavonian Grebe in the voe. Chaffinch and 4 Blackcap at Sweening. 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Chaffinch at South Nesting. Siberian Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, Robin and Chaffinch at Catfirth plantation. Velvet Scoter at Wadbister Voe. 4 Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler at Strand. Barred Warbler and Song Thrush at Clickimin, and Redwing at Helendale. Chaffinch at Toogs, 2 Brambling at Burra. Brambling at Papil. Barred Warbler at Easter Quarff. Blackcap and Chiffchaff at Gulberwick.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler at Blett Hill, Pallas's Warbler at Vadisgarth, and 2 Barred Warbler at South Voxter, and 3 Blackcap Cunningsburgh. 6 Blackcap, and Wood Warbler at Orca Inn, Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick. Blackcap at Swinister Burn. Siberian Chiffchaff at Noness, 3 Blackcap at Sanick. Siberian Chiffchaff at Geosetter. Ortolan Bunting and 15 Barnacle Geese at Clevigarth, Virkie. Barred Warbler at Croft House Museum. Barred Warbler at Quendale Mill. Whinchat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and 4 Blackcap. Red-backed Shrike at Toab. Redwing at Hestingott. Lesser Whitethroat at 2 Blackcap at Sumburgh Hotel. Blue Fulmar, Blackcap, Siskin, 12 Barnacle Geese over, and 50 Twite at Sumburgh Head. Grey Plover and 3 Wigeon at Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Haroldswick. 15 Unidentified dolphin off Watsness.
2nd October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 130.
Unst: Little Bunting at Skaw. Barred Warbler at Leawart, Norwick. Little Bunting north of Haroldswick. Chaffinch at Daisy Park, 7 Redpolls, Rosefinch south of school, increase in Brambling and Redwing at Halligarth, Baltasound. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.
Yell: Barred Warbler and Red-backed Shrike at Cullivoe. Garden Warbler at Effstigarth. Whinchat at Gloup. Hawfinch and Pied Wagtail at Hillend, Mid Yell. Hawfinch at North a Voe. Peregrine at Arisdale, Merlin at Hamnavoe. Barred Warbler at Burravoe. Tree Pipit at Gutcher.
Fetlar: 2 Barred Warbler at Feal Plantation.
Bressay: Little Bunting at Gunnista. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Redwing, 5 Redpoll, Siskin and Merlin at Gorie.
Out Skerries: Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat.
West Mainland: 2 Magpie at Sandness. Rose-coloured Starling at Michealswood, Aith. Golden Oriole at Summerside, Walls.
Central Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff at Muckle Roe, and 5 Redwing at Brae. Barred Warbler at Sweening. Barred Warbler at Toogs, Burra. 2 Stonechat at Dale Golf Course. Barred Warbler at Clickimin, 5 Redwing and Siskin at Burn of Sound. Redstart at Gulberwick. Siberian Chiffchaff and 35+Redwing at Wester Quarff. Barred Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff and 20 Redwing at Easter Quarff.
North Mainland: Richard's Pipit at Eshaness. 2 Barred Warbler and Song Thrush at head of Ronas Voe.
South Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, and Wood Warbler at Orca Inn, and Barred Warbler at Hoswick. Lesser Whitethroat at Brakefield Rd, Sandwick. 5 Siberian Chiffchaff at Maywick. Siberian Chiffchaff and 12 Redwing over, at Swinister burn. Whinchat at Boddam. Short-eared Owl and Wood Warbler at Quendale. Lesser Whitethroat at Grutness. Red-backed Shrike and 2 Brambling at Toab.
Cetacean Sightings: 2 Minke Whale at Haroldswick and 3 at Braewick, Eshaness. Super pod of >200 White-beaked Dolphin was off Mousa Sound. a pod of 15 dolphin were also off Bressay Light. Pod of Orca were seen off Levenwick, before heading south and last seen 2-3km off Grutness.
3rd October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 49, a big fall in numbers from yesterday. Maybe under-reporting, or birds have left, or perhaps spread out more?
Unst: Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Valyie, Tree Pipit, Barred Warbler, 4 Redpolls, 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Norwick. Little Bunting at Baliasta. Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher at Halligarth. Grey Wagtail at Balta Light. 5 Snow Bunting at Haroldswick.
Yell: 6 Whooper Swan at Kirk Loch, Barred Warbler at Marina plantation, Cullivoe. Whinchat at Gloup. 12 Redpoll, Water Rail, 5 Redwing and Brambling at Hillend, Mid Yell. Siskin and Sparrowhawk at Gutcher.
Bressay: Sparrowhawk and Hen Harrier at Gorie.
West Mainland: Eastern Crowned Warbler at Transition Turrifield, Sandness. If viewing please park sensibly and do not enter the garden unless invited by the owners. Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat, and 2 Magpie also Sandness. Sparrowhawk at Dale of Walls. Red-backed Shrike at Culswick. Rose-coloured Starling and Golden Oriole at Aith.
Central Mainland: Pink-footed Goose, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 20+ Siskin at Brae. Barred Warbler at Sweening, Vidlin. Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, and Barred Warbler at Queendale Burn, and at Clickimin, Lerwick. Glaucous Gull at sea, 2 miles south of Noss. Redstart, Sedge Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Pink-footed Goose at Gulberwick.
North Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Sullom plantation.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Geosetter. Slavonian Grebe on Spiggie Loch. Jack Snipe, Ring Ouzel and Barred Warbler at Quendale Burn.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Norwick and Muness, Unst. Minke Whale and Risso's dolphin at Haroldswick. 2 Humpback Whales 10miles east of Mousa.
4th October 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler count today in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle) is a conservative 36.
Unst: Pallas's Grasshopper and Lanceolated Warbler, and Rosefinch at Valyie, Norwick. Glaucous Gull at Uyeasound. Pink-footed Goose at Westing.
Yell: Jack Snipe at Papil Water. Richard's Pipit over Kirk Loch. Barred Warbler and Kestrel at Hillend, Mid Yell. Barred Warbler at Cullivoe Marina plantation.
Out Skerries: Water Rail, 2 Garden Warbler and Song Thrush amongst common migrants on the island.
Fetlar: Grey Plover with Golden Plover flock at Funzie.
West Mainland: Rose-coloured Starling and Barred Warbler at Aith.
Central Mainland: Rosefinch at Sweening, Vidlin. 2 Grey Wagtail and Lesser Whiterthroat at Voe roadside Plantation. 15 Goosander at Weisdale Voe. Little Bunting at Burn of Sound, and Barred Warbler at Clickimin, and Kestrel over Sea Road, Lerwick. Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Garden Warbler at Wester Quarff.
North Mainland: Barred Warbler and Sparrowhawk at head of Ronas Voe.
South Mainland: Snow Bunting at Hoswick, Barred Warbler and Redstart at Swinister Burn. Jack Snipe at St Ninian's. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Geosetter. Barred Warbler at Durigarth. Garden Warbler and Hen Harrier at Maywick. 2 Barred Warbler, Tree Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail at Quendale. Redstart at Dalsetter. Peregrine and Black-throated Diver at Grutness.
30th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Norwick 1, Uyeasound 2, Unst; Out Skerries 1; Gorie, Bressay 1; Ollaberry 1; Manse 1, Fetlar; Whalsay 2; Braewick, 1; Muckle Roe 1; Sandgarth 1, Burn of Valayre 2; Swinning, Vidlin 1; Sound, Lerwick 2; Wester Quarff 1; Scousburgh 1,
Unst: Grey Phalarope and Little Bunting at Skaw. Snow Bunting Saxa Vord Camp. Redpoll at Valyie. Barred Warbler at Uyeasound.
Yell: Blue-headed Wagtail and Merlin at Basta Voe. Blue-headed Wagtail at Gutcher. Red-backed Shrike at Cullivoe marina. 39 Barnacle Geese over Kirkabister.
Whalsay: 2 Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat at Isbister.
Fetlar: Merlin at Funzie and Velzie. Sparrowhawk at Baelens. Rosefinch at Aithness.
Bressay: Siberian Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 68 Barnacle Geese over at Gorie. 30 Skylark at Gunnista Farm, and 5 Twite at East Ham.
Out Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Barnacle Geese over, and unconfirmed Eastern Yellow Wagtail.
North Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Ollaberry. 20 Snow Bunting at Eshaness. Barred Warbler at Braewick. Red-backed Shrike at Peter's Wood, Sullom Plantation. Bluethroat at head of Ronas Voe.
Central Mainland: 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 119 Golden Plover and 12 Wigeon at Scatsta. Song Thrush at Burn of Valayre. Pink-footed Goose north of Brae. Rosefinch and Siberian Chiffchaff at Muckle Roe. Grey Wagtail at Loch of Voe. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Lunna Kirk. Velvet Scoter with Eider flock in Wadbister Voe. 6 Barnacle Geese over South Nesting. Slavonian Grebe at East Voe, and 29 Barnacle Geese over, Scalloway. Rosefinch, Merlin, and Water Rail at Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Blackcap at Wester Quarff.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler at Levenwick. 3 Redpoll at Swinister Burn. Wood Warbler at Geosetter. 23 Barnacle Geese over Hillwell. Pechora Pipit at Quendale Mill. 2 Barred Warbler at Quendale Farm. 3 Pink-footed Geese at Noss, Spiggie. Pintail and 2 Slavonian Grebe at NE Spiggie. 2 Goldeneye at pool of Virkie. Song Thrush at Grutness. Lesser Whitethroat at Blackcap at Sumburgh Quarry. 50 Barnacle Geese over Toab. 70 and later 65+ Barnacle Geese over Sumburgh Head.
Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen off Haroldswick.
29th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Holland 1, Baltasound 1, Uyeasound 2, Unst; Camb 1, Cullivoe 1, Yell; Feal Plantation 1, Fetlar; Out Skerries 2; Murrion 1, Head of Ronas Voe 2; Bressay 1; Dale of Walls 1; Muckle Roe 1; Swinning, Vidlin 3; Burn of Sound 1, Lerwick; Levenwick 2, Quendale Mill 1, Virkie 1,
Unst: Long-tailed Duck at Shore Station. Common Rosefinch at Valyie. Barred Warbler and 9 Redpoll at Baltasound. 10 Redpoll at Leisure Centre. Barred Warbler at Setter's Hill Estate. 10 Whooper Swan and 3 Pink-footed Geese, and Barred Warbler at Uyeasound.
Yell: Redwing at Otterswick. Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell. Barnacle Goose at Basta. Red-backed Shrike and Song Thrush at Cullivoe Marina. 40 Twite at Sellafirth.
Fetlar: Barred Warbler at Leagarth.
Bressay: Rosefinch at lighthouse. Blackcap at Voehead. Also, Pink-footed Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit and 30 Wigeon.
Out Skerries: Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, Merlin, Lesser Whitethroat and Grey Heron.
North Mainland: 27 Snow Bunting, Grey Plover and Whinchat at Eshaness. Bluethroat and 2 Barred Warbler at head of Ronas Voe. Willow Warbler, Teal and Merlin at Loch of Assater, Urafirth.
Central Mainland: Water Rail at Brae. Pied Flycatcher at Swinning, Vidlin. Velvet Scoter and Slavonian Grebe at Wadbister Voe. Rosefinch at Burn of Sound, and Purple Sandpiper at Sea road, Lerwick. Turtle Dove and Merlin at Toogs, Burra. Owl species at Gulberwick.
West Mainland: Canada Goose near Bridge of Walls.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler Fire station, Sandwick. Siberian Chiffchaff at Hoswick. Barred Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Levenwick. Slavonian Grebe at north Spiggie. Richard's Pipit at Hillwell. Pechora Pipit, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale Mill, and Merlin and Blackcap at the Quarry. 3 Slavonian Grebe in Quendale Bay. Siberian Chiffchaff at Sumburgh hotel.
28th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Valyie 3, Norwick 2, Clingera 2, Halligarth 2, Uyeasound 3, Unst; Cullivoe Marina 1, Setter 1, West Yell 1, Hillend 1, Yell; Feal Plantation 1, Tresta 1, Fetlar; Hillswick 1; Hoswick 1, Levenwick 2.
Unst: Purple Sandpiper, Whinchat and Song Thrush at Skaw. 2 Whinchat at Burrafirth. Blyth's Reed Warbler at Brewery Marsh, Haroldswick. 2 Snow Bunting Saxa Vord Camp. 2 Blackcap, 2 Wood and Willow Warbler, and 3 Moorhen at Valyie, Black Redstart and Rosefinch at Norwick. Long-tailed Duck at Norwick. Pied Flycatcher and Blackcap at Halligarth. Short-eared Owl at North Dale and Ordaal, 2 Redpoll, Baltasound. 11 Mute and 8 Whooper Swan at Easter Loch, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redpoll, Fieldfare, and Rosefinch at Uyeasound.
Yell: Red-backed Shrike, 2 Willow Warbler, Merlin and Blackcap at Cullivoe Marina. Rosefinch and Chiffchaff at Hillend, Mid Yell. Willow Warbler at West Yell, 2 Sparrowhawk at Arisdale, Lesser Whitethroat at Burravoe. Bar-tailed Godwit at Littlester.
Fetlar: Barred Warbler at Feal Plantation.
Out Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Central Mainland: Siberian Chiffchaff and Redpoll at Muckle Roe. Barred Warbler at Swinning house, Vidlin. Velvet Scoter at Wadbister Voe. Corncrake at Tingwall Loch. Siberian Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher, Willow Warbler in sunken garden, Scalloway. Turtle Dove at Toogs, East Burra. Rosefinch and Lesser Redpoll at Burn of Sound. 15 Knot at Fjara, Lerwick.
South Mainland: Wood Warbler at Orca Inn, Barred Warbler, Pied Flycatcher at Hoswick. Barred Warbler at Ringasta. Pechora Pipit and Hawfinch at Quendale Mill. Marsh Warbler at Quendale Dam. 2 Barred Warbler at Quendale Farm. Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe Quendale Bay. Snow Bunting Grutness.
Cetacean Sightings: Small pod of Risso's dolphin off Haroldswick. Minke Whale off Norwick.
27th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Norwick 3; Cullivoe 1, Windhouse 1, Burravoe 1, Queyon 1, Yell; Sandgarth, Dale 2; Swinning, Vidlin 2, Strand 1; Scalloway 1; Quendale Mill 1.
Unst: Peregrine, Whinchat, Song Thrush and Redwing at Skaw. Goosander and 2 Whinchat at Burrafirth. Water Rail and 2 Wood Warbler, Rosefinch, at Valyie. Slavonian Grebe with Eider flock, and Goosander at Houb, at Baltasound. Lesser Whitethroat at Uyeasound.
Yell: Willow Warbler at Cullivoe. 6 Mute Swan at North Garth, Gutcher. Rosefinch at Hillend, Mid Yell. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Lusetter. Barnacle Goose at Camb. Lesser Whitethroat at Burravoe, Redstart at Queyon.
Out Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Central Mainland: Barred Warbler and Brambling at Sandgarth, Dale. Barred Warbler and Turtle Dove at Toogs, Burra. Barred Warbler at Swinning, Vidlin. 2 Corncrake at Loch of Tingwall. Rosefinch at Burn of Sound.
South Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher at Quendale Mill. 3 Long-tailed Duck at West Voe. Merlin and 10 Sanderling at Grutness.
25th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Balliasta 1, Valyie 2, Halligarth 1, Unst; Cullivoe 3, Hillend, Mid Yell 1, Gutcher 2, Sound 1; Hillswick 1, Sandvoe 2, Housetter 1, North Mainland; Sandness 1, Burrastow, nr Walls 2; Brae 2, Wester Quarff 2; Hoswick 2, Virkie Willows 2, Quendale Mill 3, Dalsetter 2.
Unst: Arctic, Whinchat and Redwing at Burrafirth. Redstart, Brambling, Barred, Wood and Willow Warbler, and Blackcap at Valyie. Black Redstart at Leawart. Barred Warbler and Brambling at Halligarth. 2 Redpoll at Uyeasound.
Yell: Whinchat at Gloup. Blackcap at Cullivoe. Common Rosefinch, Spotted Flycatcher and Blackcap at Hillend, and Black-tailed Godwit at Mid Yell. 2 Chaffinch, Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Bellevue, Mid Yell. Song Thrush and Lesser Whitethroat at Otterswick.
Whalsay: Blyth's Reed Warbler and Barred Warbler at Skaw. Sparrowhawk at Isbister.
North Mainland: Water Rail at Hillswick. Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat at Isbister, and Spotted Flycatcher at Sandvoe.
Central Mainland: Turtle Dove at Toogs, Burra. 2 Corncrake at Loch of Tingwall. Garden Warbler Gulberwick. Garden Warbler at Wester Quarff.
West Mainland: 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Hoganess, Burrastow.
South Mainland: Hawfinch at Levenwick. Grey Wagtail and Pied Flycatcher at Hoswick. Arctic Warbler at Scousburgh. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaff at Quendale Mill. 2 Barred and Willow Warbler at Quendale burn, Garden and 2 Willow Warblers at Quendale quarry. 5 Slavonian Grebe and 22 Barnacle Geese at Quendale bay. Barred Warbler at Hillwell. Redstart and Barred Warbler at Dalsetter. Restart at Scatness.
26th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Halligarth 2, Valyie 6, Westing 1, Unst; Gutcher 2, Windhouse 1, Cullivoe 1, Yell; Hillswick 1; Burrastow 1; Boddam 1, Hestingott 1, Quendale Mill 1, Bigton 1, Geosetter 1,
Unst: Barred, Wood, Garden, and 4 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and 6 Redwing at Valyie. Black Redstart, 2 Whitethroat at Norwick. 8 Redpoll and Lesser Whitethroat at Halligarth. Yellow Wagtail over Setter's Hill Estate.
Yell: 2 Willow Warbler and Blackcap at Cullivoe. Swallow and Jack Snipe at Gutcher. Rosefinch at Hillend, Mid Yell. 5 Goosander at Whale Firth burn. Bar-tailed Godwit with Golden Plover flock at Sandwick.
Out Skerries: Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Central Mainland: 2 Corncrake at Loch of Tingwall. Sadly, the juvenile Corncrake was in a collision with a car at shortly afterwards died. Turtle Dove at Toogs, Burra. Willow Warbler, Rosefinch, Redpoll and Grey Wagtail at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.
West Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Burrastow.
South Mainland: Barred Warbler and Rosefinch at Boddam. Hen Harrier at Clumlie/Boddam. 3 Pink-footed Geese at Ireland. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Barred and Willow Warbler at Quendale. Barred Warbler at Toab. 2 Long-tailed Duck at Virkie. Knot at Virkie.
24th September 2024
Bird Sightings:
Yellow-browed Warbler counts of Burrafirth 1, Norwick 5, Ordaal House 1, Unst; Hillend 1, Cullivoe 2, Gutcher 2, Camb 1, Sound 1, Yell; Whalsay 12; Out Skerries 2; Feal 2, The Manse 2, Tresta 1, Leagarth 1, Fetlar; Hillswick 1, Sullom Plantation 1, Brae Community Woodland 1, Sandgarth 3; Garth, South Nesting 2, Kergord 3; Wester Quarff 4; Hoswick 2, Levenwick 1, Bigton 1, Maywick 2, Quendale 3, Grutness 2, Geosetter 5, Sumburgh Quarry 1, Sumburgh Head 1,
Unst: 2 Arctic Warbler, Redwing, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Burrafirth. Barred, Wood and Willow Warbler plus Rosefinch at Norwick. Barred Warbler at Uyeasound.
Yell: Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap and 2 Chaffinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.
Foula: Daurian/Turkestan Shrike.
Whalsay: Blyth's Reed Bunting, and Snow Bunting at Skaw, plus Sparrowhawk,2 Barred, and Wood Warbler.
Fetlar: Lesser Whitethroat at Aithness.
Out Skerries: 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher.
North Mainland: Grey Plover at Eshaness.
Central Mainland: 2 Corncrake at Loch of Tingwall.
West Mainland: Golden Oriole at Leean, Mid Walls.
South Mainland: Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap 4, Garden, Willow and Barred Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail and approx. 50 Redpoll at Hoswick. Lanceolated Warbler at Levenwick pumping station. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Maywick burn. Rosefinch at north Spiggie and East Longfield. Rosefinch at Bigton. Rosefinch, Barred Warbler, and Whinchat at Boddam. Red-breasted Flycatcher and 3 Pink-footed Geese over, at Quendale. Kestrel, Red-breasted and Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat, 2 Merlin at Grutness. Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Lapland Bunting and Wryneck at Sumburgh Quarry. Barred Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. Water Rail at Sumburgh Hotel moat.