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.

18th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: Short-eared Owl at Bastavoe.

South Mainland: 50 Sanderling, 6 Knot and 41 Common Gulls noted at Scord Beach, Sumburgh Airport. Quail at Hillwell.

17th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Whalsay: Black-throated Diver at Skaw Voe.

South Mainland: Unidentified large raptor headed north towards Boddam mid morning. Common Swift at Ocraquoy. Quail at Hillwell. Pacific Swift still north of Virkie towards Clevigarth.

Cetacean Sightings: Risso's Dolphin reported off Dalsetter (3).

16th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: 2 Short-eared Owl at Mid Yell.

North Mainland: 6 Common Swift at Eshaness Lighthouse.

Central Mainland: 5 Common Swift over Sands of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Gull-billed Tern still at Scatness. Pacific Swift north of Virkie.

Cetacean Sightings: Risso's Dolphin seen at heading south at Sandsayre (15), also from Skerries ferry (10), and later at Grutness (4). A Pod of Orca seen from south Skerries from the ferry.

15th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: White-tailed Eagle over Lumbister.

South Mainland: Pacific Swift first seen between the last house on Eastshore Road, and Point of Tangpool, Virkie before slowly heading northwards with 4 Common Swift. Gull-billed Tern still present at Loch of Gards, Scatness. Common Swift at Sumburgh Hotel.

Cetacean Sightings: 4 Risso's Dolphin off Noup of Noss.

14th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Central Mainland: 2 Willow Warbler at Clickimin.

South Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Hillwell. Gull-billed Tern back at Loch of Gards, Scatness.

Cetacean Sightings: 5 Risso's Dolphin off Noup of Noss.

13th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: 6 adult and 3 juvenile Sand Martin at Breckon.

South Mainland: Gull-billed Tern was relocated at Loch of Gards, Scatness, where it remained all day, before returning to Pool of Virkie in the evening.

12th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

South Mainland: Gull-billed Tern at Pool of Virkie.

Cetacean Sightings: 8 Porpoise of Score Point, Bressay. 2 pods of Risso's Dolphin (3:5) from Eshaness lighthouse. 3 Risso's Dolphin from Sumburgh Head. 2 Minke Whale past Sumburgh Head.

Insect Sightings: Scoparia ambigualis, a micro moth, was found at Otterswick, only the first ever record for Yell.

11th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

South Mainland: Common Swift at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings: 9+ Risso's Dolphin at Melby, Sandness.

10th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

No news today.

Insect Sightings: Eudonia lacustrata, micro moth, found on Foula, only the 2nd Shetland record of this species.

9th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Fetlar: White-billed Diver off Houbie.

Cetacean Sightings: Un-identified pod of dolphin off north end of Hascosay, Yell. Minke Whale off Mousa, and another at Leebitton.

8th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Common Scoter on the sea at Burrafirth.

Central Mainland: Black-throated Diver at entrance to Dales Voe. 2 Common Swift over Clickimin.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Sumburgh Head, another at Skaw, Whalsay. Pod of Orca spotted from Northlink Ferry within 3 mile of Fair Isle, and later seen from the island.

7th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: 5 Great Northern Diver between Otterswick at Aywick.

Bressay: Singing Blackcap at Voehead.

Central Mainland: 2 White-tailed Eagle over Lunnasting. 3 Swift over North Lochside.

South Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Quendale. Pintail at Hillwell.

Cetacean Sightings: 2 Minke Whale off Sumburgh Head.

6th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Sooty Shearwater and 26 Storm Petrel past Hermaness between 11am and 2pm.

Yell: 32 Whimbrel at Vatsetter. Short-eared Owl at Gossabrough.

Central Mainland: 2 Swift at Clickimin Broch.

South Mainland: Ruff at Setter, flew towards Noss. Quail at Hillwell.

5th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: 4 Collared Dove at Valyie. Grey Wagtail over Hall

Yell: 4 Sand Martin at Breckon. Iceland Gull at Mid Yell. Chiffchaff still Hillend.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Sumburgh Head.

4th July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Grey Wagtail over Halligarth.

Yell: Red-breasted Merganser with brood of 9 ducklings at Cullivoe old marina. Sand Martin at Breckon Beach. Iceland Gull at Mid Yell.

West Mainland: Night Heron over Mid Dale, flying east towards Sandness Road.

Central Mainland: House Martin and 2 Swift at Clickimin. Fledged Robin at North Road, House Martin at Sea Road, and 2 Grey Heron high over, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Sedge Warbler singing at Mail, Cunningsburgh.

Cetacean Sightings: Correction: A pod of Orca were picked up off Harmarsness, Fetlar, before tracking south off Yell to Burravoe, then re-sighted off Lunna, Vidlin before heading south towards Dury Voe. Minke Whale off Levenwick, and off Boddam, and 2 off Sumburgh Lighthouse. Pod of Risso's Dolphin off Levenwick Cliffs.

3rd July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Grey Plover at Voesgarth. Bar-tailed Godwit at the Houb. Summer Plumaged Great Northern Diver at Haroldswick.

North Mainland: Swift and Black-throated Diver SW of Gluss Isle.

Central Mainland: 2 Swift at Clickimin.

South Mainland: Common Crossbill at Hillwell. Swift at Spiggie. Common Redpoll at Brakefield Road, Sandwick. Greenshank at Boddam.

Cetacean Sightings: No 27's pod of Orca were sighted off St Ninian's Isle before heading northwards up into Cliff Sound, then around Hamnavoe, towards Reawick, Skeld and last sighting off Silwick.

2nd July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Hobby at Westing.

Yell: Iceland Gull on playing field, at Mid Yell.

Fetlar: Swift at Tresta.

North Mainland: Black Redstart at Calder Geo, Eshaness.

Central Mainland: Great Northern Diver at Voxter bay. Lesser Whitethroat at North Road, and Longland, Lerwick. House Martin at Seafield Road, Lerwick.

South Mainland: 18 Sand Martin at north end of Spiggie Loch.

Cetacean Sightings: 6-7 Risso's Dolphin off Noss and off Knab, Lerwick. Minke Whale at Burravoe, Yell.

1st July 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Sedge Warbler at Halligarth. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.

Yell: 2 Sand Martin at Kirk Loch and at Cullivoe.

Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike in Manse Garden.

Central Mainland: 2 Redpoll and Willow Warbler at Clickimin.

Cetacean Sightings: 7 Risso's Dolphin at East Side of Sumburgh Head. 9 Risso's Dolphin at Funzie Bay, Fetlar. 8 Risso's Dolphin off Score Point, Bressay. 4 Orca seen off Sandness, heading towards Mu Ness.

29th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: Iceland Gull still at Laxa Burn.

Fetlar: Swift at Aithness. Fieldfare at Feal Burn.

Papa Stour: 3 European Bee-eater on the island.

Foula: 2 Nightjar at Ham.

Central Mainland: House Martin in Commercial Street, Lerwick.

South Mainland: 2 Common Swift at Pool of Virkie.

30th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Osprey at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.

Fetlar: Franklin's Gull at Mires of Funzie.

Central Mainland: Hobby near Voe, 5 Crossbill at Loch of Voe plantation. Short-eared Owl at Swinister. Swift and Goldeneye at Clickimin.

South Mainland: Iceland Gull and House Martin at Spiggie. Short-eared Owl at Virkie. 2 Common Swift Pool of Virkie.

Cetacean Sightings: 14 Risso's Dolphin off Sumburgh.

28th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Osprey north over Easter Loch.

Yell: Bar-tailed Godwit at Laxa Burn. 2 Redpoll and 2 Wood pigeon at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Foula: Nightjar, singing Marsh Warbler and Grey Wagtail at Ham.

North Mainland: House Martin at Eshaness. Fieldfare at Sullom Plantation.

Central Mainland: Velvet Scoter with large Eider flock by Trondra/West Burra bridge.

South Mainland: Swift at Virkie. Manx Shearwater off east side of Sumburgh Head.

27th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst:

Whalsay:

Central Mainland:

South Mainland: 4 Swift over north Spiggie Loch. 5 Swift at North Town. 6 Black-tailed Godwit near Croft House Museum, Boddam. Quail at Hillwell, plus Shoveler with 4 ducklings. Common Whitethroat at Sumburgh Head.

26th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Black-tailed Godwit calling over Ordaal.

Yell: 2 Sand Martin at Kirk Loch, Culliove. Grey Heron at Sand Water, Gutcher. Iceland Gull at Laxa Burn. Short-eared Owl at Gloup.

Whalsay: Quail calling at Brough.

North Mainland: 2 Common Sandpiper at Gunnister Voe.

Central Mainland:

South Mainland: Quail and Grey Heron at Hillwell. Shoveler at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Risso's Dolphin off Sumburgh Head, and off Noss. Minke Whale off Bressay Lighthouse. Male Orca, Hulk and Nott, were in Fair Isle today.

25th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Yellow Wagtail at Haroldswick.

Yell: Cuckoo at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Foula: Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Warbler, and Lesser Whitethroat at Ham Yard. First juvenile Grey Heron.

Central Mainland: Osprey high over Lerwick.

South Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Brow. Quail and Wood Pigeon at Hillwell. Swift at Grutness.

24th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: 2 Common Swift at Uyeasound.

Whalsay: Honey Buzzard at Skaw.

Foula: 3 Swift, 2 House Martin and Short-eared Owl.

Central Mainland: 11 Black-tailed Godwit south over Lunna House.

South Mainland: Common Swift at Sumburgh Head.

23rd June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Skerries: 3 Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, and Siskin on the island.

Foula: Snow Bunting and Lesser Whitethroat.

Central Mainland: Swift at Ness of Sound. Corncrake, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting at Loch of Tingwall.

South Mainland: 8+ Long-tailed Duck at St Ninian's Tombolo. A Honey Buzzard seen over Dalsetter, was later seen over Sandwick. Quail at Hillwell. Sandwich Tern, Tree Sparrow and 6 Sand Martin at Quendale. Marsh Harrier over Brow Loch. 30 Knot at Pool of Virkie. Swift at Grutness. Quail calling at Clumlie.

22nd June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Marsh Warbler at Daisy Park, Baltasound. Sandwich Tern at Haroldswick. Storm Petrel off East Hill, Swift over Skaw, and Sandwick Tern at Norwick.

Yell: Marsh Warbler singing at Camb.

Fetlar: Qual at Everland Road.

Foula: Red-backed Shrike, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat on the island.

Central Mainland: Marsh Warbler singing at Clickimin and Helendale House, also 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. Sandwich Tern over Tesco's. Corncrake calling at Loch of Tingwall.

South Mainland: Quail calling at Sumburgh Hotel. Quail east of Hillwell. Honey Buzzard at Maywick. 16 Sanderling at Scord Beach. Marsh Harrier at Setter. 20 Knot at Virkie. Short-eared Owl at Scatness.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale 1km out from The Lookout, Sumburgh Head, and again later in the afternoon from the foghorn.

21st June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Foula: 4 Manx Shearwater and 2 Storm Petrel from Foula ferry.

Central Mainland: 4 Swift past Loch of Trondavoe. 2 Swift past Wethersta. Willow Warbler singing at Brae Community Woodland. Swift south over Scatsta. Blackcap singing at Stromfirth. 3+ Hawfinch (1 singing), Cuckoo, Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing at Kergord House.

Mousa: Swift over the Broch.

South Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Setter. Marsh Warbler and 2 Swift at Boddam.

20th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Foula: Temminck's Stint at Shoadals.

Central Mainland: Marsh Warbler singing and 7 Siskin at Clickimin.

Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Orca seen off Burravoe, in Yell. Minke Whale feeding at the back of Noss.

Mammal sightings: Nathusius's Pipistrelle again at Bakkasetter.

19th June 2024

No sightings of note today

18th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Yell: Waxwing at Cullivoe plantation. Short-eared Owl Gossaburgh.

Central Mainland: Marsh Warbler singing at north end of Clickimin Loch.

South Mainland: 10 Long-tailed Duck at St Ninian.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Giant's Leg, Bressay. Part of 27's pod were sighted in Sullom Voe, before heading into Mavis Grind, then exiting Sullom Voe heading northwards.

16th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Fetlar: Brambling and Common Whitethroat at Feal.

Out Skerries: Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sparrowhawk, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Swift and Kestrel.

Central Mainland: 2 Siskin at Eswick, South Nesting.

South Mainland: 2 European Bee-eater over Swinister Burn. Tree Sparrow at Quendale.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Bressay.

17th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Grey Wagtail over Hermaness.

North Mainland: 2 Barnacle Geese at Eshaness Lighthouse.

South Mainland: Hobby at Clevigarth. Quail calling at Quendale dunes and at Hillwell, Scaup also there. Marsh Warbler at Virkie Willows.

Cetacean Sightings: Breaching Humpback Whale seen 2km out from Eshaness.

15th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Crossbill at Valyie.

Fetlar: Cuckoo at Funzie mires, and Crossbill at Feal.

Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat singing at Law Lane, Lerwick.

West Mainland: Great Northern Diver at Sand beach. 29 Goosander at Weisdale Voe. 14 Whooper Swan at Hulma Water.

South Mainland: Hawfinch at Geosetter. Golden Oriole at Maywick. Sandwich Tern, and Waxwing, and 2 Blyth's Reed Warbler singing at Virkie Willows. Scuap and Quail at Hillwell. Greenshank and 6 Barnacle Geese at Spiggie. Kestrel at Bigton.

14th June 2024

No sightings of note today

13th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Red-backed Shrike and Spotted Flycatcher at Valyie. Marsh Warbler in song at Halligarth, and Daisy Park, Baltasound.

Yell: White-tailed Eagle at Lochs of Lumbister.

Foula: Manx Shearwater seen from Ferry. Nightjar still at Ham.

Central Mainland: Marsh and Icterine Warbler at Sandgarth, Dale.

South Mainland: Golden Oriole at Maywick. Marsh Harrier and Quail at Hillwell. 11 Common Scoter north past the east side of Sumburgh Head. Greenshank at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Pod of White-beaked dolphin were off north of Mousa. Minke Whale at Bard, Bressay. 3 Risso's dolphin off Eshaness lighthouse, with another 8 off Levenwick cliffs.

12th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Bluethroat at Shore Station, Burrafirth.

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler and Icterine Warbler still at Funzie Willows.

North Mainland: Black-throated Diver in North Collafirth bay.

Foula: 4 Storm Petrel from mailboat.

Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Peerie Oversund Park, Sound, Lerwick.

West Mainland: 2 Black-throated Diver at Brindister, West Burrafirth.

South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Sumburgh Farm. Temminck's Stint at Pool of Virkie. 2 House Martin at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Risso's dolphin seen just south of Lerwick, along side Bressay before moving towards Noss. Minke Whale also in the area.

11th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler and Icterine Warbler still at Funzie Willows.

Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Peerie Oversund Park, Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Sumburgh Farm. Curlew Sandpiper at Pool of Virkie.

10th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler and Icterine Warbler still at Funzie Willows.

Central Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at Peerie Oversund Park, Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Iceland Gull at Sumburgh Farm.

9th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Shore Lark at Skaw. Ring-necked Duck at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler and Icterine Warbler at Funzie Willows.

Foula: Nightjar and Garden Warbler still at Ham.

West Mainland: Goosander at Bridge of Walls.

Central Mainland: Blackcap singing at Sandgarth, Dale. Kestrel at Uradale, Scalloway. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Helendale, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Short-eared Owl at Sumburgh Airport.

8th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Ring-necked Duck at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler at Funzie Willows.

Central Mainland: Red-breasted Flycatcher moved to Helendale, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Displaying Siskin at Swinister and Blackcap singing at Brakefield Road, Sandwick.

Cetacean Sightings: 2 Risso's and 1 White-beaked Dolphin seen from The Outlook at Sumburgh Head.

7th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Ring-necked Duck at Dam Loch, Uyeasound. Quail calling at Northdale.

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler at Funzie Willows.

Central Mainland: Icterine Warbler still at Burravoe, Brae. Singing Red-breasted Flycatcher at Andrewstown Brae, Sparrowhawk at Helendale, and Honey Buzzard over, Lerwick.

South Mainland: 12 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie Loch, and a group of 17 Whimbrel over flying north.

6th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Curlew Sandpiper at Small Waters. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.

Fetlar: Savi's Warbler at Funzie Willows.

Foula: Nightjar and singing male Rosefinch at Ham.

South Mainland: Quail calling at Longwell, Cunningsburgh. Ring-necked Duck at Scatness pool.

Insect Sightings: The stowaway Giant Leopard Moth has hatched from it's pupa today at Law Lane, Lerwick.

Cetacean Sightings: 4 Risso's Dolphin SE Yell at Geo of Gardins. .

5th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Curlew Sandpiper at Small Waters. 3 Black-tailed Godwit at Baltasound.

Yell: Glaucous Gull still at Cullivoe pier.

Whalsay: Icterine and Short-eared Owl at Skaw.

Central Mainland: Icterine Warbler at Burravoe, Brae. Cuckoo at Kergord. Marsh Warbler at Clickimin Loch and Reed Warbler at North Loch Drive, Lerwick.

West Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Congregational Church, Skeld.

South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Swinister Burn.

Cetacean Sightings: 3-4 Risso's Dolphin heading north past Dalsetter, South Mainland.

4th June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Red-backed Shrike near Norwick. 2 Black-tailed Godwit at The Houb, Baltasound. Quail calling near Lund. 12 Barnacle Geese at Uyeasound. Curlew Sandpiper at Small Waters.

Yell: Glaucous Gull at Cullivoe Pier.

Foula: Blyth's Reed Warbler in song along with Melodious Warbler at Ham. Manx Shearwater off South Ness.

Central Mainland: 2 Icterine Warbler at Burravoe, Brae. Marsh Warbler at Sandgarth, Dale. Garden Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

West Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Reawick Congregational Church, Skeld.

South Mainland: Red-backed Shrike west of Clumlie. Ring-necked Duck and Marsh Harrier at Hillwell.

Insect Sightings: Argyresthia conjugella micro moth at Burravoe, Brae today - 8th record for Shetland.

3rd June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: White-billed Diver south past Skolla Wick, Muness. Red-backed Shrike at Brakefield Crescent, Baltasound.

Yell: Glaucous Gull at Cullivoe Pier. 2 Red Grouse at Bolla Hill, West Sandwick.

Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike at Tresta.

Noss: Thrush Nightingale on the island.

Foula: Melodious Warbler at Ham.

Central Mainland: Icterine Warbler at Brae. Cuckoo at Clickimin, and Reed Warbler at North Loch Drive.

South Mainland: Richard's Pipit at Noness, Sandwick. Quail singing overnight at Bakkasetter. Ring-necked Duck was a Scatness, and at Hillwell. Sandwich Tern, 4 Knot and 4 Goldeneye at Virkie. 4 Long-tailed Duck and Common Scoter at West Voe, Sumburgh.

2nd June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Quail still singing at Halligarth.

Central Mainland: 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Knot at Scatsta. Sparrowhawk at Catfirth.

South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck still Hillwell. Marsh Harrier at Quendale. Marsh Harrier at Loch of Brow. Quail still sing at Swinister.

Cetacean Sightings:

4 Risso's Dolphins off Sumburgh Head, and 6+ just South of Noss.

1st June 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Golden Oriole singing at Halligarth, also Sedge Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel and Quail. Lesser Whitethroat at Clingera. Little Stint at Easting Beach.

Yell: Sand Martin at Cullivoe.

Fetlar: Hobby at Aithness.

Central Mainland: Marsh Warbler still singing at Clickimin Loch and a Garden Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick. Cuckoo, 3 Crossbill, 2 Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a Blackcap at Kergord

South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck still Hillwell, also 2 Marsh Harrier. Short-eared Owl still around Sumburgh Airport. Quail still at Swinister. Wood Sandpiper at Levenwick. Marsh Warbler still at Sumburgh Head.

31th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Quail still singing at Halligarth.

Central Mainland: 3 Crossbill at Burn of Sound, Marsh Warbler at Clickimin Loch and Reed Warbler at North Loch Drive, Lerwick.

West Mainland: 9 Goosander and a Goldeneye at Weisdale.

South Mainland: Bluethroat and Marsh Warbler at Sumburgh Head. 2 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Flycatcher and Blackcap at Grutness. Icterine Warbler at Levenwick. Icterine Warbler at North Road, Boddam. 6 Barnacle Geese and 4 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie.

Cetacean Sightings:

Minke Whale south of Bard of Bressay. c20 Risso's Dolphins also off the Bard of Bressay.

26th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Red-backed Shrike reported at Skaw (2), Valyie (3), Westing(4), Baliasta (2), Halligarth (2), Setter's Hill Estate (2), Hunter's Wood (4), Haroldswick, Unst; Basta, Bugarth, Yell; Out Skerries (7); Fetlar; North Collafirth, North Mainland; Burn of Gremister (2), Anderson High School, Clickimin, Central Mainland; Melby, West Mainland; South Voxter, Hoswick, Swinister Burn, Fleck, Fladderbister, Hillwell, Quendale Mill, Sumburgh Hotel, South Mainland;

Marsh Warbler reported at Mandeville, Uyeasound, and Halligarth, Norwick, Unst: Camb, Hillend, Yell; Hillswick, North Mainland; South Voxter, Swinister Burn (2), Fladderbister, Hillwell, Sumburgh Farm (2), South Mainland;

Icterine Warbler reported at Norwick, Unst: Gutcher, Cullivoe, Hillend, Yell; Out Skerries (8): Fetlar; Whalsay; Trondra, Burravoe in Brae, Hayfield House (2), Clickimin (2), Central Mainland; Melby, West Mainland; South Voxter, Bigton, Orca and Swinister Burn (3), Quendale, Hillwell, Sumburgh Trees, South Mainland;

Unst: 2 Turtle Dove at Valyie. Reed Warbler and Goldfinch at Norwick. Osprey at Snarravoe. Golden Oriole at Hunter's Wood. Bullfinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Golden Oriole and 2 Goldfinch at Halligarth. Glaucous Gull over harbour, and Honey Buzzard over Uyeasound.

Yell: Sparrowhawk over Mid Yell Voe.

Out Skerries: Corn Bunting , Nightjar, Common Rosefinch, and Common Swift on the island.

Foula: 2 Rustic Bunting on the island.

Central Mainland: Reed, Sedge and 2 Garden Warbler at Clickimin, with 2 Goosander overhead.

West Mainland: Crossbill at Sandness.

South Mainland: Red-footed Falcon briefly at Swinister Burn, also a Nightjar, Kestrel, Common Rosefinch. Swift at Sandwick. 3 Crossbill at Geosetter. Hobby at Boddam, and later at Bakkasetter. Golden Oriole and Reed Warbler, Turtle Dove, and Hen Harrier at Quendale. 2 Sedge Warbler and Ring-necked Duck at Hillwell. Common Rosefinch at Exnaboe. 3 Common Swift and Black Redstart at Sumburgh Head. 2 Goldfinch and Sedge Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. Long-eared Owl at Toab. 3 Goldfinch at Virkie Willows. 4 Barnacle Geese and 6 Black-tailed Godwit at Spiggie.

Cetacean Sightings: Orca seen in Yell Sound heading NW late in the day.

27th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Red-backed Shrike reported at Burrafirth, Northdale, Halligarth, Valyie (2), Baliasta and Skaw, Unst; Funzie, Aithness, Fetlar; Out Skerries (7); Gremista, Billister (dead), Central Mainland; Sumburgh, Quendale (2), Exnaboe (3), Dunrossness, Sandwick (3), Hillwell, Scatness, Maywick (3), South Mainland.

Marsh Warbler reported at Baliasta (2), Unst; Out Skerries; Sumburgh, Scatness, Exnaboe, Clevigarth, Sandwick (2), Maywick, South Mainland.

Icterine Warbler reported at Daisy Park (2), Baliasta, Unst; Burravoe (2); North Mainland; Sandness, West Mainland; Out Skerries (8); Marrister (2), Whalsay; Sound (2), Swinning, Central Mainland; Maywick, Levenwick, Geosetter, Sandwick, Cunningsburgh (2), Quendale (2), South Mainland.

Unst: Curlew Sandpiper at Easting Beach. Spotted Flycatcher and Hen Harrier at Northdale. Brambling at Millfield. Spotted Flycatcher at Baliasta and Pied Flycatcher at Skaw.

Fetlar: Sedge Warbler singing at Tresta.

Yell: Blyths Reed Warbler at Burravoe.

Out Skerries: Nightjar still, Tufted Duck, and similar migrant numbers to yesterdays counts.

Bressay: Montague's Harrier East of Cruister Hill.

North Mainland: Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff at Burravoe, Brae.

Central Mainland: Red-rumped Swallow East of Vidlin then flew East. 3 Bar-headed Geese at Laxfirth.

West Mainland: Hawfinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap Lesser Whitethroat and 2 plus Redpoll sp. at Sandness.

South Mainland: Hen Harrier, Turtle Dove, Sedge Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler at Quendale. Common Rosefinch and Whinchat at Boddam. Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warbler at North Town, Exnaboe. Tree Sparrow at Sumburgh Farm. 6 Barnacle Geese over Hillwell. 5 Black-tailed Godwits at Spiggie. Drake Pintail at Scatness. Osprey North over Sumburgh Hotel.

Cetacean Sightings: Orca (single animal) went past Sumburgh Head and lost to the West beyond Horse Island. 2 Risso's Dolphin went North past Westing, Unst. 5 Orca lingered off Hermaness for a few hours moving slowly South,

28th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Red-backed Shrike reported at Skaw, Halligarth, Unst; Foula (2); Fetlar (2); Swining, Lunna, Pullars Quarry, Central Mainland; Clumlie, Hillwell, Sumburgh Farm (2), Sandwick, South Mainland.

Marsh Warbler reported at Wind House, Yell; Foula (2); Voxter, Clickinmin Loch, Central Mainland; Scatness, South Mainland.

Icterine Warbler reported at Wind House, Cullivoe (2), Yell; Foula; Brough, Whalsay; Brae, North Mainland; Sound, Clickimin Loch, Swinning, Central Mainland; Maywick (3), Quendale, Levenwick, Bigton (2), Sandwick, South Mainland

Unst: Green-winged Teal flew South from Alma. Osprey at Snaravoe, 9 Swallows at Skaw. Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Sparrowhawk at Valyie.

Yell: Honey Buzzard and Lesser Whitethroat at Cullivoe. Willow Warbler at Windhouse.

Out Skerries: Turtle Dove

Foula: Nightjar at Ham. 2 Swift over Ristie and Goosander, Rosefinch, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, Redwing, Canada Goose and Pink-footed Goose also on the island.

Bressay: Montague's Harrier still just South of Gunnista.

Central Mainland: Reed Warbler at Clickimin Loch. 2 Crossbill over Sound. 4 House Martin at Lower Voe. Osprey South over Girlsta.

West Mainland: Grey-headed Wagtail at Norby.

South Mainland: Golden Oriole and Common Sandpiper at Dalsetter. Hobby flew over Mainlands, Dunrossness. Lesser Whitethroat at Levenwick. Turtle Dove, Hen Harrier, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler and a Reed Warbler at Quendale. 2 Reed Buntings at Bakkasetter. A Red-throated Pipit flew South, 2 Garden Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher along Maywick Valley. Pair of Pintail at Scatness. House Martin South over Noness.

Cetacean Sightings:

Three Orca, one Bull, seen from Toft - Ulsta ferry heading North.

Other Wildlife Sightings

Basking Shark seen from Good Shepherd 12 miles South of Sumburgh,

29th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Thrush Nightingale at Millfield. Honey Buzzard still in Uyeasound area. Icterine Warbler singing behind Baltasound Post Office. Red-backed Shrike at Burrafirth. Marsh Warbler and Sedge Warbler at Halligarth. Short-eared Owl at Hermaness and Haroldswick. Kestrel at Little Heog. Red-backed Shrike at Uyeasound Hall. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.Icterine Warbler still Daisy Park.

Yell: Quail at Tittynans Hill.

Fetlar: Montague's Harrier flew over Funzie. Red-backed Shrikes at Baelens and Tresta. Icterine Warbler at Aithness.

Out Skerries: Turtle Dove, 2 Marsh Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, 4 Red-backed Shrike, 5 Icterine Warbler, 10+ Spotted Flycatcher and 8 Garden Warbler.

Whalsay: Black-throated Diver and Carrion Crow at the golf club.

Foula: Short-eared Owl at Ristie.

North Mainland: Icterine, Marsh and 2 Garden Warblers singing at Hillswick.

Central Mainland: Honey Buzzard flew South over Sullom Voe Terminal. Hawfinch at Kergord.

South Mainland: 2 Honey Buzzard together at Quendale, also Red-backed Shrike, Marsh Warbler and Icterine Warbler as well as a Hobby between Quendale and Hillwell. Ring-necked Duck still at Hillwell, also 6 Shoveler, Spotted Flycatcher, Garden and Sedge Warbler in area. Golden Oriole still at Dalsetter. Quail singing at Swinister. Red-backed Shrike and Icterine Warbler Bigton. Red-backed Shrike and Pied Flycatcher at Geosetter. 2 Swift and 4 House Martin at Sumburgh Head. Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Maywick.11 Black-tailed Godwits at Spiggie. Short-eared Owl at St. Ninians. Red-backed Shrike at Rerwick.

Cetacean Sightings:

4 Orca heading South off Cluster, Fetlar. 8-12 Risso's Dolphins South of Bressay Light. Unidentified Dolphin pod between Toft and Ulsta. An unidentified Whale species was seen going North West past Whalsay golf course. 7-8 Minke Whales lunge feeding 5km of Eshaness.

30th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Common Sandpiper at Uyeasound. Icterine Warbler along Hamar Road. Quail singing at Brakefield Methodist Kirk. Glaucous Gull at Easter Loch.

Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike at Fetlar ferry terminal.

Whalsay: Icterine Warbler at Marrister. Also Spotted Flycatcher.

North Mainland: Scaup at Braewick. 2 Icterine Warbler at Burravoe and 1 at the Communtiy Wood, Brae.

Central Mainland: Cuckoo at Stromfirth. 2 Shelduck at Sandgarth. Marsh Warbler at Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.

West Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat at West Burrafirth

South Mainland: Honey Buzzard flew around the South End late morning. House Martin, 2 Red-backed Shrike and a Marsh Warbler at Sumburgh Head. Red-backed Shrike, Quail, Sparrowhawk and 2 Garden Warblers along Swinister Burn. Icterine Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Brambling at Hoswick. Ring-necked Duck still and Marsh Harrier at Hillwell. 5 Black-tailed Godwit at Scatness.

Cetacean Sightings:

A small group of Risso's Dolphins were seen South of Bressay by the South-bound passengers on the Northlink Ferry. 4-5 Harbour Porpoises were seen heading to Bressay from the Ness of Sound.

25th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Red-backed Shrike reported at Northdale (6), Norwick (2), Halligarth (2), all Unst: Gutcher (2), Yell; Head of Ronas Voe, North Mainland: Melby, Tresta, West Mainland; Moss Bank, Wethersta in Brae, Sea Road, Burn of Gremister, Lerwick, Wester Quarff (2), Central Mainland; Cunningsburgh, Levenwick (2), Noness and Swinister, Sandwick, Geosetter, Spiggie Loch, Hillwell, Quendale (2) South Mainland;

Marsh Warbler reported at Haroldswick Pool, Norwick (2), Unst: Hillend, Mid Yell; Skaw, Whalsay; Hillswick, North Mainland; Anderson High School, Burn of Sound, Gulberwick Kirk, Central Mainland; Levenwick, Bigton, Geosetter, Quendale, Scatness, Sumburgh Farm (2), South Mainland.

Icterine Warbler reported at Norwick, Cameron Cottage, all Unst; Gutcher, Cullivoe (2), Yell: Funzie, and Aithness, Fetlar: Marrister, and Skaw, Whalsay; Mossbank, and Sound, Lerwick, Central Mainland; Leebitton, Quendale (2), Geosetter, Sumburgh Farm and Hotel, Grutness, Scatness (3), South Mainland.

Unst: 4 Swift at Hermaness. 16 Barnacle Geese past Skaw. Whinchat, and Green-winged Teal and Grey-headed Wagtail at the mires, Northdale. Swift at Saxa Vord. Brambling, Swift, 2 Turtle Dove and Bluethroat at Millfield, and Sedge Warbler, and 2 Goldfinch, Norwick. Crossbill at Baltasound. Honey Buzzard and Osprey touring the island. Cuckoo and Great Reed Warbler at Haroldswick. Golden Oriole and Sedge Warbler at Halligarth.

Yell: Hen Harrier at Gutcher, Sedge Warbler at Cullivoe. Golden Oriole and Kestrel at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Whalsay: 2 Swifts on the island.

Foula: Rustic Bunting on the island.

Central Mainland: Osprey and Swift at Voe. Golden Oriole at Kergord, Nightjar at Weisdale Chapel. Velvet Scoter at Loch of Stromfirth.

West Mainland: 2 Magpie in Sandness.

South Mainland: Wood Sandpiper at Levenwick. 4 Barnacle Geese and 7 Swift at Noss, Spiggie. Little Stint at Virkie. Red-rumped Swallow over Brow Marsh. Sandwich Tern at Dalsetter. Golden Oriole, Marsh Harrier, Turtle Dove, and Ring-necked Duck at Hillwell. Redstart at Sumburgh Head. Manx Shearwater 3 miles south of Sumburgh Head, from the Good Shepherd.

Cetacean Sightings: At least 3 Orca moving south past Muness, Unst.

23rd May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Green Warbler again, and 2 Icterine, Garden, and Wood Warbler, and Red-backed Shrike at Valyie, Norwick.

Yell: 2 Red-backed Shrikes and Icterine Warbler at Otterswick. 4 House Martin at Mid Yell. Red-backed Shrike at Basta.

Fetlar: Rosefinch at Aith and Tresta, 6 Icterine and Marsh Warbler, 6 Red-backed Shrike on the island.

Whalsay: 4 Icterine, Wood, and Reed Warbler, Bluethroat and Red-backed Shrike at Skaw. 2 Marsh Warbler at Grunitaing. Red-backed Shrike at Isbister.

Out Skerries: 4 Red-backed Shrike, Marsh, Icterine, Garden Warbler on the island.

Noss: Icterine, Bluethroat, 3 Red-backed Shrike, Cuckoo and Thrush Nightingale on the island.

Central Mainland: 2 Red-backed Shrike at South Voxter, Brae. 25 Goosander at Loch of Stromfirth. 3 Swift over Tingwall Loch, and Scaup there too. Swift over Law Lane, Icterine at Hayfield House and at Swarthoull, Sound, and Marsh Warbler at North Loch Drive, and Red-backed Shrike at West Hall, Lerwick.

West Mainland: Icterine, Bluethroat at Dale of Walls, with Red-backed Shrike at Mid Dale. Rustic Bunting and Marsh, Reed and 2 Garden Warbler at Cruisdale, and Red-backed Shrike at Bousta, with Marsh and Icterine Warbler singing at Turrifield, all Sandness.

South Mainland: 6 House Martin, 2 Bluethroat and Red-backed Shrike at Noness, and Hobby, Wood Warbler and Whinchat at Sandwick, Wood Warbler at Levenwick. Red-backed Shrike at Swinister Burn, Mail, Cunningsburgh and Levenwick beach. 2 Red-backed Shrike at Boddam. Rosefinch at Ellister, and Hobby at Maywick. Icterine Warbler at Orca Inn, Bigton, Maywick Valley (2), Clumlie Loch (2), Geosetter, Loch of Spiggie, Noss Farm (2), and Spiggie Hotel, with Red-backed Shrikes at Maywick Valley (2), Geosetter and Culsetter. Turtle Dove, Reed and Icterine Warbler at Quendale Mill, and Ring-necked Duck in the dunes. Waxwing at Dalsetter. Bluethroat, 4 Icterine Warbler and 2 Red-backed Shrike at Virkie. Red-rumped Swallow and Bluethroat at Toab, and Bluethroat, 3 Red-backed Shrike, Marsh and Icterine Warbler and Nightjar at Exnaboe. Bluethroat, Icterine, Wood, and Reed Warbler, 2 Swift at Scatness. Marsh Warbler at Sumburgh Farm, and Swift, Icterine, and Bluethroat at Sumburgh Hotel. Red-backed Shrike and Rosefinch at Sumburgh Head trees.

24th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Red-backed Shrike reported at Skaw (2), Norwick (3), Shore station, Northdale (2), Millfield, Heritage Centre (2), Baltasound (3), Haroldswick, and Halligarth, all Unst; North-a-Voe (2), Gutcher, Basta, Windhouse, Mid Yell (2), Burravoe, all Yell; Fetlar (5); Whalsay (8); Out Skerries (10); Noss (3); Dale, and Dale of Walls, Burn of Aith (2), West Mainland: Hillswick, North Mainland; Eswick in South Nesting; Dale, Brae Community Woodland (2), Gremister, Ladies Drive (3), and Staney Hill, Ladies Drive (2) Burn of Sound, Lerwick, Central Mainland: Swinister Bun (2), Spiggie (2), Levenwick (2), Boddam (2), Hillwell, Quendale (3), Scatness, Exnaboe, South Mainland.

Icterine Warbler reported at Skaw, Baltasound, Norwick (3), Haroldswick (2), all Unst; Hillend, Cullivoe, Yell; Aithness, Fetlar; Whalsay (2); Out Skerries (12); Noss (3); Michaelswood, West Mainland; Scatsta Farm, Ladies Drive, Lerwick; Hoswick, Bigton (2), Clumlie, Boddam, Geosetter, Virkie, Sumburgh Farm (2), Sumburgh Head, Exnaboe (2), Scatness (5) South Mainland;

Marsh Warbler reported at Skaw (2), Norwick (2), all Unst; Noss; Sandness, West Mainland; Scatsta Farm, Peerie Oversund Park, Ladies Drive, Lerwick, Central Mainland; Levenwick, Grutness, Hillwell (2), Quendale, Sumburgh Farm, Scatness, South Mainland.

Unst: Turtle Dove, Black Redstart, Bluethroat, Wood Warbler and Hawfinch at Norwick. Osprey over Burrafirth. Rosy Starling at Valyie, Norwick and Haroldswick. 2 Goldfinch, Sedge Warbler, Golden Oriole at Halligarth, and Waxwing at Baltasound.

Yell: 2 Common Scoter at Mid Yell Voe, 2 Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting and Golden Oriole at Hillend, and at North-a-Voe, Mid Yell.

Fetlar: Woodchat Shrike at Leagarth. Kestrel at Aith.

Whalsay: Bluethroat and Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo and 7 House Martin on the island.

Out Skerries: 2 Swift, 2 Redstart, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Long-eared Owl, Wood Sandpiper, 6 Garden Warbler and 9 Spotted Flycatcher on the island.

Noss: Sedge Warbler and 3 Bar-headed Geese on the island (relocated from Lerwick Harbour earlier).

Central Mainland: Grey Wagtail at Lower Voe. 2 Goosander in Weisdale Voe.

South Mainland: Honey Buzzard and Rosefinch at Sandwick. Little Stint and Whinchat at Virkie. Red-rumped Swallow and Cuckoo at Quendale. 4 Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Coot and Ring-necked Duck at Hillwell. Redstart and 2 Garden Warbler at Sumburgh Head. Rosefinch, Bluethroat at Scatness.

Mammal Sightings: 2 Nathusius Pipistrelle flying around Bakkasetter, South Mainland. 4 Risso's Dolphin by South Nesting. Minke Whale off Mousa Sound.

22nd May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Green Warbler at Valyie, Norwick.

Yell: Thrush Nightingale at Moarfield, Cullivoe.

Out Skerries: Icterine Warbler on the island.

Whalsay: Icterine Warbler at Skaw.

Fetlar: Woodchat Shrike at Aithness. Bluethroat at Mires of Houbie, with Icterine and 4 Red-backed Shrikes also present.

Noss: Thrush Nightingale, Marsh Warbler, Bluethroat and 3 Red-backed Shrike on the island.

Central Mainland: Icterine and Golden Oriole at Burravoe, Brae. Icterine Warbler at Frakkafield. Honey Buzzard over Longland, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Hobby near Levenwick. Icterine and Marsh Warbler at Orca Inn, Hoswick. Icterine Warbler at Swinister Burn, Sandwick. Red-backed Shrike at Clumlie Cake Fridge. Icterine Warbler at Sumburgh Farm. Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Hillwell. Bluethroat and Icterine Warbler at Sumburgh Hotel, also Sumburgh Farm, Toab, Boddam (2), Quendale Mill, Turtle Dove and Reed Warbler at Quendale Mill. Marsh Warbler at Virkie. Bluethroat at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Orca seen off the Noup of Noss.

21st May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Marsh Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole and Waxwing at Houlland. Red-backed Shrike, Marsh and Sedge Warbler at Skaw. Red-backed Shrike at Millfield, and Valyie, with 2 Icterine and Hawfinch also there, Norwick. Sedge Warbler at Halligarth. Red-backed Shrike at Haroldswick, Baltasound and at the Houb.

Yell: Thrush Nightingale at Cullivoe.

Central Mainland: Icterine Warbler at Greenfield Place, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Osprey over Cunningsburgh. Icterine Warbler at Scatness, and Bakkasetter.

Cetacean Sightings: 4 Orca were seen for a number of hours within Lerwick Harbour.

20th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Marsh Warbler at Valyie, Norwick. Red-backed Shrike and Marsh Warbler at Haroldswick. Bullfinch, Sedge Warbler and Long-eared Owl at Halligarth

Yell: Garden Warbler at Cullivoe.

Noss: Hen Harrier over the island towards Bressay.

Bressay: Garden Warbler at Voehead.

North Mainland: Black-throated Diver at Ronas Voe.

Central Mainland: Cuckoo at Njugals Water and Kergord.

West Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Park Hall.

South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck, Coot, Wood Sandpiper, and Sedge Warbler at Hillwell. Red-backed Shrike at Quendale Mill. Red-breasted Flycatcher (deceased) at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Pod of Risso's Dolphin at Levenwick. Minke Whale off Sumburgh head.

19th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Wood Warbler, 3 Red-backed Shrike at Skaw, and 2 at Norwick. Turtle Dove, Icterine, 2 Sedge and Marsh Warbler, Tree Sparrow too at Halligarth. Goldfinch at Cameron Cottage. Sandwich Tern, Marsh Warbler and Red-backed Shrike at Haroldswick. Glaucous Gull south past Skaw.

Yell: Golden Oriole and Garden Warbler at Hillend, Mid Yell. 2 Red-backed Shrike at Breckon and Gutcher. Icterine Warbler at Camb. Sedge, Marsh and Garden Warbler at Basta.

Out Skerries: 2 Red-backed Shrike, Marsh Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Crossbill and decreasing numbers of common migrants on the island.

Whalsay: Icterine Warbler and 6 Red-backed Shrike on the island.

Fetlar: Red-backed Shrike at Aithbank, Feal and Aith.

Central Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Uradale. Short-eared Owl at Laxo. Marsh Harrier at Toft. Hen Harrier over Girlsta Loch. Red-backed Shrike at West Hall, 5 Crossbill at Burn of Sound, Marsh, Wood and Icterine Warbler at Greenfield Place, Lerwick. Long-eared Owl at Gulberwick.

South Mainland: 2 Red-backed Shrike at Billister. Black-tailed Godwit at Swinister, and Red-backed Shrike at Sandwick. Kestrel at Cunningsburgh, and Skelberry, Boddam. Red-backed Shrike at Fleck. Red-backed Shrike at Setter, Spiggie. Ring-necked Duck, Wood Sandpiper, Marsh and Sedge Warbler at Hillwell. 2 Red-backed Shrike, Marsh and Reed Warbler at Quendale. Icterine Warbler at Hestingott. 2 Red-backed Shrike and 2 House Martin at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings: 12+ Risso's Dolphin off Aithsetter. Minke Whale from Out Skerries Ferry. Risso's Dolphin off Eshaness and off the Bard at Bressay.

18th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Shore Lark at Holm of Skaw. Hen Harrier at the Houb, and 2 Red-backed Shrike, Baltasound. Marsh Warbler and 2 Red-backed Shrike at Millfield, Norwick. Another Hen Harrier and Turtle Dove at Haroldswick. Kestrel at Saxa Vord.

Yell: Garden Warbler at Cullivoe and at Belleview, Mid Yell. Golden Oriole at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Out Skerries: 5 Red-backed Shrike, Marsh Warbler and Blue-headed Wagtail on the island.

Fetlar: 2 Red-backed Shrike at Aith and 1 at Funzie Mires.

Central Mainland: Grey Wagtail at Voe. 5 Crossbill at Helendale, and Hawfinch at North Loch Drive, Lerwick.

North Mainland: 3 Common Scoter at Hillswick.

South Mainland: Red-backed Shrike at Sannick, Voxter and Cunningsburgh. Cuckoo at Levenwick beach. Red-backed Shrike at Channerwick, Fleck, and at Spiggie House, 2 at Virkie. Little Bittern at Brow Marsh, Bakkasetter. Ring-necked Duck and Marsh Warbler at Hillwell. Marsh Harrier, Iceland Gull, 7 Red-Backed Shrike and Sedge Warbler at Quendale. 7 Barnacle Geese, Common Rosefinch, Cuckoo, Peregrine, 2 Red-backed Shrike and Sedge Warbler at Scatness. Garden Warbler and Short-eared Owl at Grutness. Marsh Harrier at Hoswick. Red-backed Shrike at Boddam Voe.

Of interest: ~64 Red-backed Shrikes were reported across Shetland yesterday. Fair Isle also recorded 32.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale off Mousa. Pod of Orca off Mousa, and off Sumburgh Head. Risso's Dolphin off Noss.

17th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Major influx of Red-backed Shrikes today in Shetland. Here's a breakdown of sightings...

Unst: Singles at Skaw, Ordale, Northdale, Valyie, at the Brewery, Sotland, Baltasound, Balisata, and Burrafirth, 2 at Haroldswick.

Whalsay: 2 at Skaw and 2 at Vevoe.

Out Skerries: 4+ on the island.

Fetlar: Single at Baelens.

Central Mainland: Singles at Scatsta Farm, Mossbank, Swining, Frakkafield,

West Mainland: Single at Sandness.

South Mainland: Singles at Gulberwick, Hoswick, Greenmow, Ireland, Rerwick, Bigton, Fleck, Boddam, Mossy Hill, Geosetter, Culsetter, Setter, Williamsetter, Scatness, Grutness, 8+ at Quendale, 2 at Hillwell, and 2 at Mainland's Shop.

Other notable sightings for today:

Unst: Wryneck at Valyie. Marsh Warbler at Kirkaton, Baliasta, and at Cameron Cottage. 2 Sandwich Tern at Haroldswick. Kestrel at Westing turning. Red-breasted Flycatcher at Baliasta. White-billed Diver off Sound Grunay.

Yell: Marsh Warbler at Cullivoe. Cuckoo at Mid Yell. Kestrel at Sand Water, Hen Harrier at Breckon. Garden Warbler at Camb.

Whalsay: Marsh Warbler at Skaw. Marsh Warbler at Arisdale burn.

Fetlar: Bluethroat at Aith Bank, Hawfinch at Tresta, and Marsh Warbler at camping bod.

Out Skerries: Blue-headed Wagtail on the island.

Bressay: Singing Blackcap, Redpoll, and Sedge Warbler at Voehead. Singing Willow Warbler at Crueton.

Central Mainland: Greywagtail at Swining. Marsh Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: European Bee-eater initially at Hestingott, then relocated to Sumburgh Head. Marsh Warbler at Hoswick Burn. Nightingale trapped at Hillwell was identified as a Thrush Nightingale. The Nightingale, in Greenmow, Cunningsburgh, as also been identified at Thrush Nightingale. Marsh Warbler at Hillwell pumping station and another at Grutness. Icterine Warbler at Sandwick, at Exnaboe and at Hestingott. Marsh Harrier and 2 Marsh Warbler at Quendale. Kestrel at Toab. Stock Dove at Sumburgh Farm. Marsh Warbler at Sumburgh Head. Sedge Warbler, Marsh Warbler and Garden Warbler at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen from Skerries ferry not far from Muckle Skerry. Pod of Orca off the Holm of Skaw, Unst heading east past Norwick and Clibberswick.

16th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

With favourable winds continuing, more migrants have arrived today - notably a large number of Shrikes.

Unst: Icterine Warbler at Shore Station. Red-backed Shrike at Setter's Hill Estate and at North Dale. Bonaparte's Gull at Skaw.

Yell: Red-backed Shrike and Cuckoo at Hillend.

Whalsay: Red-backed Shrike at Skaw and at Vevoe.

Fetlar: Rosefinch at Tresta. Marsh Warbler at Aith camping bod and Funzie Willows. Red-backed Shrike and Nightjar at Feal Burn.

Out Skerries: Marsh Warbler and 2 Red-backed Shrike on the island.

North Mainland: Marsh Harrier at North Roe.

West Mainland: Sedge Warbler at Dale of Walls.

Central Mainland: Cuckoo and Long-eared Owl at North Staney Hill, Icterine Warbler at Lerwick Power Station, Red-backed Shrike and Black Redstart at Gremister Farm, Lerwick. Red-backed Shrike at Wester Quarff.

South Mainland: 2 Red-backed Shrike, 2 Icterine Warbler and Common Nightingale at Greenmow, and Red-backed Shrike at Hellli ness, Cunningsburgh. Cuckoo, Red-backed Shrike at Swinister Burn, and another at Scousburgh. Marsh Harrier at Rerwick. 2 Red-backed Shrike at Brow Marsh. Grey Plover and Red-backed Shrike at Dalsetter. Ruff at Spiggie Loch, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, Green-winged Teal and Wood Sandpiper at Setter Marsh, Spiggie. Common Nightingale and Red-backed Shrike at Hillwell. Red-backed Shrike at Quendale. Red-backed Shrike at Eastshore, Virkie. Black Redstart at Toab. Red-backed Shrike, Cuckoo and Marsh Warbler at Scatness. Bluethroat at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Orca pod passed north by Skaw, Whalsay, seen from Fivla ferry.

15th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Sedge Warbler at Shore station. Bonaparte's Gull at Norwick. Icterine Warbler at Millfield. Yellowhammer at Halligarth. 2 Quail at Haroldswick.

Yell: 17 Tree Sparrow at Cullivoe. Marsh Harrier over Bluemull Sound.

Whalsay: Subalpine-type warbler at Marrister.

Out Skerries: Kestrel and decreasing numbers of common migrants on the island.

Noss: Bluethroat on the island.

Bressay: Hen Harrier at Gorie.

North Mainland: Carrion Crow at Swinister, North Mavine.

West Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Stanydale, Bridge of Walls.

Central Mainland: Tree Sparrow at Burravoe, Brae. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Longland, and Sedge Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: 2 Cuckoo at Swinister Burn. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Channerwick. Ring-necked Duck at Wood Sandpiper at Hillwell. Bluethroat at Grutness Pool.

Insect Sightings: Painted Lady Butterfly in Out Skerries.

14th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Bonaparte's Gull at Norwick Beach. Sedge Warbler at Haroldswick. Green-winged Teal at Baltasound.

Yell: 14 Tree Sparrow still in Cullivoe. Singing Willow Warbler at Belleview, Mid Yell.

Out Skerries: Bluethroat, Crossbill, Icterine Warbler, Hawfinch, Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge and Garden Warbler of note on the island.

Whalsay: Wood Sandpiper at Skaw.

Fetlar: Nightjar at the Manse, Red-backed Shrike at Tresta, and Red-necked Phalarope on the island.

Foula: Bluethroat and Flava Yellow Wagtail on the island.

Central Mainland: Cuckoo in Kergord. Sparrowhawk at Norbister, Burra.

South Mainland: Short-eared Owl at Cunningsburgh, and later at Bigton. Cuckoo at Hoswick Burn. Marsh Harrier in aerial display over Setter, Sandwick. Greenshank and Whinchat at Clumlie. Pallid Harrier at Channerwick, and later at Levenwick. Black-necked Grebe at Hillwell. Cuckoo and Sandwich Tern at Scatness. Bluethroat at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: Between 3 and 6 Orca were seen late afternoon, on east side of Sumburgh Head, heading northwards.

Insect Sightings: The beginnings of a large influx of migrant Sliver Y moths has begun with multiple sightings across Shetland. This moth flies by day, as well as night, feeding on whatever flowers it can find.

13th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Red-backed Shrike at Skaw. Stock Dove at the mires, and 11 Tree Sparrow both at Norwick. Hawfinch at Brewery.

Yell: 14 Tree Sparrow at Cullivoe. Carrion Crow at West Yell. Cuckoo at Windhouse. 3 Tree Sparrow and 10 Siskin at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Whalsay: Bluethroat at Skaw.

Central Mainland: Cuckoo at Garth, South Nesting. Cuckoo calling at Kergord.

West Mainland: 2 Knot and 14 Dunlin at Sand Beach.

South Mainland: Pallid Harrier seen at Levenwick and Setter, Sandwick. Wood Sandpiper flew out of Sumburgh Hotel towards the Head. Hobby at Grutness.

12th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: 2 Carrion Crow at Police House, Baltasound. Garganey at Dam Loch, Uyeasound.

Yell: 3 Tree Sparrow at Hillend. 14 Tree Sparrow and Carrion Crow at Cullivoe. 2 Red Grouse near the Ward of Otterswick. Kestrel south of Arisdale Burn.

Whalsay: Short-eared Owl at Skaw. European Bee-eater at Tripwell.

Out Skerries: 3 Wryneck, Sedge and Icterine Warbler, Long-eared Owl, Reed Bunting, Merlin and 3 Arctic Tern of note on the island.

Noss: Common Nightingale on the island.

Central Mainland: 3 Tree Sparrow at Vidlin plantation. Waxwings and Woodcock freshly dead at Kergord. Notable count of 84 Razorbill off Mair's Pier, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Sparrowhawk at Levenwick. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Channerwick. 2 Little Stint and 5 Knot at Spiggie Hide. Marsh Harrier at Setter Marsh. Ring-necked Duck still at Hillwell. 7 Carrion Crow at Quendale Mill.

11th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Shorelark at Skaw headland. Short-eared Owl at Valyie and Skaw, 20 House Martin also there. Hen Harrier, Pintail and Sandwich Tern at Norwick. Black-tailed Godwit at Haroldswick.

Yell: Kestrel (found dead) at Cullivoe. Jackdaw at School Pines, and Bullfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell

Whalsay: Kestrel at Challisterness.

Out Skerries: Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, and Carrion Crow amongst lingering common migrants.

Fetlar: Rosefinch at Leagarth.

North Mainland: Kestrel at North of Voe.

Central Mainland: Marsh Harrier at Loch of Trondravoe. Hawfinch, and Long-eared Owl at Brae. Hawfinch at Toogs, Burra. Waxwing over Law Lane, Sedge Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Crossbill at Clickimin, 2 Waxwing at Burn of Sound, Sand Martin at Pullar's Loch, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Cuckoo calling at Maywick. Grasshopper Warbler at Hillwell. Shelduck at Grutness pool.

Cetacean Sightings: 5 Risso's Dolphin and Minke Whale at Sumburgh Head. Single Risso's moving south past Noss. Single Orca seen off Eshaness Lighthouse. Orca seen off Noss with no further detail.

10th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Widespread increase in Arctic Skua sightings today. Decreasing numbers of common migrants as they move on to breeding areas outwith Shetland.

Unst: 2 Goldfinch at Leisure Centre. 11 Knot at the Houb. Bar-tailed Godwit at Lund Kirk. Singing Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Bunting at Haroldswick.

Yell: Carrion Crow at Cullivoe. Wood Warbler at Belleview, Mid Yell.

Whalsay: Coot at Sandwick Loch - first on island since 2010. Hen Harrier past Hamister.

Out Skerries: Wryneck, Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Redstart, Whinchat, and Sand Martin of note on the island.

Fetlar: Nightjar at Leagarth.

North Mainland: Common Crane in flight over Swinister, Northmavine.

Central Mainland: 3 Waxwing at North Road, Glaucous Gull at Gilbertson Park.

South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck and Little Grebe at Hillwell. Marsh Harrier still at Rerwick Reed Bed.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale at Eshaness. Pod of Orca reported from the north mouth of Lerwick Harbour heading north.

9th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: 2 Crossbill at Halligarth. Sand Martin and Garden Warbler near Post Office. Pomarine and 2 Arctic Skua past Skaw. Sand Martin at Haroldswick. Black-tailed Godwit nr Northdale.

Yell: Hen Harrier at Otterswick. Kestrel at Cullivoe. Bullfinch at Hillend, Mid Yell.

Foula: Pomarine Skua flying north from Mailboat. Woodchat Shrike in South Foula. 2 Garganey at Ristie.

Whalsay: Short-eared Owl at Skaw.

Central Mainland: Grey Wagtail, and 5 Shelduck at Weisdale Voe. Common Sandpiper at Loch of Tingwall. Northern Goshawk seen over Noss Sound, and Brig of Fitch. Icterine Warbler and Greenfinch at Law Lane, Wood Warbler and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale, Lerwick. Glaucous Gull still in Lerwick Harbour.

South Mainland: Ring-necked Duck at Hillwell. Scaup at Loch of Brow. Mallard with brood of 11 at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: 4 Risso's Dolphin off Skaw, Unst. Pod of Orca seen from Bigga in Bluemull Sound, heading northwards. Another report of Orca from Northlink ferry as it headed north out of Lerwick in the evening.

7th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Short-toed Lark at Skaw. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Valyie. Icterine Warbler and 2 Wood Warbler at Northdale pines. Greenshank and 2 Arctic Skua at Loch of Cliff. Bluethroat at Baliaster Burn. Shoveler at the Houb. Whinchat at Baltasound.

Yell: Icterine Warbler, Reed Bunting and 2 Wood Warbler at Cullivoe Marina plantation. Reed Bunting at North-a-voe. Whinchat, and Lesser Whitethroat at Windhouse. Bullfinch at Mid Yell.

Foula: Yellow Wagtail and Red-backed Shrike on the island.

Mousa: 2 Red-backed Shrike on the island.

West Mainland: Reed Bunting at Watsness. Long dead Common Crossbill at Bridge of Walls.

Central Mainland: Tree Sparrow at Eswick, South Nesting. Nightingale spp at Frakkafield. Glaucous Gull at Shetland Catch, pair of Goosander at Clickimin Loch. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Helendale.

South Mainland: White-billed Diver at Sandsayre, Sandwick. Icterine Warbler at Levenwick beach road. Marsh Harrier at Rerwick. 6 Sand Martin at NW Spiggie Loch. Hawfinch at Bakkasetter. Common Crane beyond Quendale Dam. 2 Common Scoter on the sea at Quendale. Tree Pipit at Hillwell. Grasshopper Warbler and Whinchat at Sumburgh Head tree planation. Arctic Skua and 4 Carrion Crow in off the sea at Sumburgh.

Cetacean Sightings: Report of pod of 5-6 Orca in Whiteness Voe first thing this morning, before heading south past Scalloway. Minke Whale seen from foghorn at Sumburgh Head.

8th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Northern Goshawk west of Norwick.

Yell: Kestrel and Arctic Skua at Cullivoe. Hawfinch at Belleview, Mid Yell.

Fetlar: 5 Tree Sparrow at Gord. Wryneck at the Manse.

Foula: Rustic Bunting on the island.

North Mainland: White-billed Diver off Tangwick.

Central Mainland: 4 Common Crossbill at Sullom. Waxwing at Kergord. Crossbill over Lerwick Harbour.

South Mainland: Tree Pipit, Iceland Gull, and 4 Shoveler at Hillwell. Dunnock at Sumburgh Head.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale heading north at Eshaness. Orca pod in Bluemull Sound heading south, with 2 Orca seen close to Cullivoe Pier later. 3-4 Orca also seen from Sumburgh Head.

4th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Ring Ouzel at Valyie. Redstart at Leawart. Icterine Warbler and Redstart at Northdale pines. Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Bunting at Haroldswick Pool. Northern Goshawk north over Haroldswick. Redstart and Short-eared Owl at Ordaal. Whinchat at Uyeasound.

Yell: Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Crossbill and Wood Warbler at Hillend. Pied and Spotted Flycatcher at Windhouse. 3 Common Tern at Papil. Lesser Whitethroat at Gutcher.

Out Skerries: Icterine Warbler, Bluethroat, 2 Wryneck, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Restart, 6 Reed Bunting, 4 Tree Pipit, 3 Whinchat of note on the island.

Whalsay: Wood Warbler at Brough.

Fetlar: Wryneck at Tresta.

Foula: Woodchat Shrike at Mucklegrind, also Bluethroat and Wood Warbler at Ham.

Central Mainland: 2 Hawfinch at Busta House, Brae. Wood Warbler, and Waxwing at Kergord main plantation. (Deceased) Bittern found in North Burn of Gremista. Wood Warbler at Law Land, male Red-backed Shrike, Hawfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wood and Icterine Warbler at Helendale, Greenfinch at Clickimin, all Lerwick. 2 Waxwing at Sound. Whinchat, 2 Redstart, 4 Crossbill, Common Sandpiper and 3 Fieldfare at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, and Tree Pipit at Hoswick. Wryneck, 2 Redstart, Siberian Chiffchaff at Geosetter. Red-backed Shrike in Spiggie garden. Wood Warbler at Setter, Spiggie. Whinchat at Loch of Hillwell. Bluethroat at Quendale. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart and Kestrel over Dalsetter. Red-backed Shrike, Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Sumburgh Hotel. Reed Bunting and 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: 6-10 Risso's dolphin off north side of Noss.

5th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Spread of common migrants continues throughout the isles. Sardinian Warbler in private garden.

Unst: Common Redstart at Haroldswick. Icterine Warbler at Northdale. Short-eared Owl at Baltasound.

Yell: 7 Black-tailed Godwits at Whale Firth Burn. Lesser Whitethroat at North Aywick. Turtle Dove and 2 Crossbill at Hillend. Kestrel at Sand Water, Gutcher. Waxwing at Burravoe, and House Martin at Ulsta.

Out Skerries: Highlights of Bluethroat, Icterine Warbler, 5 Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike, Kestrel, 8 Whinchat, 2 Black Redstart, 7 Redstart, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Ring Ouzel, and 3 Reed Bunting on the island.

Foula: Shorelark on the island.

West Mainland: Redstart, singing Wood Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Engamore, West Burrafirth. 250 Eider and 50 Long-tailed Duck off Ness of Bixter.

Central Mainland: Hawfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. Wood Warbler at Vidlin plantation. Hawfinch at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Pintail at Ness of Sound Pond. Red-backed Shrike, Hawfinch, Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit at Helendale House, Waxwing at Sandveien, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Hawfinch in Sandwick. Wryneck in Clumlie Road near Picnic Press. Redstart, Dunnock amongst other migrants at Geosetter. 2 Common Tern and Red-backed Shrike at Spiggie. Stock Dove north of Quendale Mill.

** White-billed Diver seen off White Hill Light House, and another from MV Resolute off Out Skerries**

Cetacean Sightings: Orca seen off Brother Isle heading north. Later 3 were seen off Gossaburgh, Yell.

Insect Sightings: A Giant Leopard Moth caterpillar was found in a B&B in Lerwick, likely stowed away in a visitor's luggage from New York.

6th May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Shoveler past Buness. 2 Jackdaw over Setter's Hill Estate. Coue's Arctic Redpoll at Halligarth.

Yell: Icterine Warbler and 2 Wood Warbler at Cullivoe Marina. Wood Warbler at Sunnyside and Bellevue, Mid Yell and at Camb.

Whalsay: Thrush Nightingale in private Symbister garden, present since 4th.

Fetlar: Redstart and Reed Bunting at Funzie.

Central Mainland: Drake Mandarin at Sullom Voe Terminal (no access). Hawfinch at Ladysmith Road, Scalloway. Whinchat at Eswick, South Nesting. Red-backed Shrike, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wood and Icterine Warbler at Helendale House, Waxwing at Sandveien, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Quendale Mill. Stock Dove, Jackdaw and Wood Warbler at Hillwell. Short-eared Owl at Grutness.

Cetacean Sightings: 5 Orca heading north past Eshaness at midday, and 7 seen at 3pm heading north. 4 Risso's Dolphin off east side of Sumburgh Airport.

3rd May 2024

Bird Sightings:

The big fall of common migrants continued apace today. Here's some of the highlights! Daily totals of spotted and Pied Flycatcher, Wryneck, Redstart and Blackcap to follow...

Unst: Pied Flycatcher at Valyie. Bullfinch at Daisy Park. Waxwing and Goldfinch at Halligarth. Marsh Harrier around Ordaal. Hen Harrier and Peregrine above North Dale. Glaucous Gull and Whinchat at Dam Loch, Uyeasound. Sand Martin at Buness.

Yell: Blue Fulmar from Yellsound Ferry. Wood Warbler in Hillend, Mid Yell.

Out Skerries: Bluethroat, Icterine Warbler, 7 Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike, Grasshopper Warbler, Wood Warbler, 3 Whinchat, Jack Snipe, and Lesser Redpoll on the island.

Central Mainland: Green-winged Teal at Loch of Trondravoe. Goldfinch and Repoll at Swinning, Vidlin. Wood Warbler at Vidlin plantation. 6 Waxwings at Islesburgh Hostel, Wood Warbler at Helendale, Whinchat and Wood Warbler at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Scatness. Reed Bunting and Common Sandpiper at Sannick. Wryneck and Wood Warbler at North Punds, Levenwick. Wryneck and Marsh Harrier at Geosetter. Great Spotted Woodpecker at Channerwick. ~50 Arctic Tern north over Spiggie. Female Red-backed Shrike at Culsetter, and a male at Sumburgh Hotel. Wryneck at Ringasta and at Hillwell. Singing Reed Bunting, singing Water Rail, Wood Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and 2 Black-tailed Godwit and Linnet at Hillwell. Bluethroat at Quendale Quarry. Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 2 Reed Bunting at Quendale. Whinchat at Virkie Willows. Wryneck at Grutness garden.

Insect Sightings: Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies at North Road, Lerwick. Greater Waterboatman photographed in a garden today ) on Nature In Shetland Photo Group FB page. Small influx of migrant Silver Y and Diamond-back moths was noted.

2nd May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Carrion Crow at Skaw. Black Redstart, and 2 Lesser Whitethroat at Norwick. Singing Sedge Warbler at Haroldswick Pool.

Yell: Pied Flycatcher at Gutcher. Long-eared Owl at Breckon.

Whalsay: Redstart and Pied Flycatcher at Skaw.

Out Skerries: Red-backed Shrike, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Common Whitethroat, Dunnock, Whinchat, 3 Tree Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker off the sea, all on the island.

Central Mainland: Wryneck (dead) at East Burrafirth. Continental Coal Tit, Hawfinch, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, and singing Chiffchaff at Helendale house, Crossbill, 3 Reed Bunting and Merlin in Clickimin area, Osprey over Law Lane, heading north, 7 Waxwing at Sandveien, and 2 Hawfinch at Burn of Sound, Lerwick.

South Mainland: Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Ring Ouzel at Noness, and Whinchat at Sannick, Sandwick. Female Cuckoo at Hoswick burn. Redstart, Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher at Maywick Road. 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Sparrowhawk, Siberian Chiffchaff, Redstart, Tree Pipit, and Fieldfare at Geosetter. Green Sandpiper at Channerwick. North Road at Boddam had 3 Pied Flycatcher, and Redstart, with Wood Warbler at the voe head. Marsh Harrier at Rerwick reed bed, then later at Culsetter/Brake. Hawfinch at Scousburgh. Drake Garganey at SE Spiggie, later moving to NW Spiggie. Also at Spiggie Loch Goosander, Common Scoter, Scaup and 14 Goldeneye. 4 Jackdaw, Redstart, and Lesser Whitethroat at Bakkasetter. 7 Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit at Ringasta. Stock Dove, Wood Warbler, and Wryneck at Hillwell. Icterine Warbler, Wryneck, and Lesser Whitethroat at Quendale Mill, and Wryneck at the dam, also Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Tree Pipit all Quendale. Whitethroat at Dalsetter. Red-backed Shrike at Eastshore, Virkie. Osprey over Scatness. Lesser Whitethroat at Grutness. 6 Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, and Dunnock between Grutness and Sumburgh Head.

Insect Sightings: Red Admiral at Daisy Park, Baltasound, Foula, Bridge end, Burra and at Law Lane, Lerwick. Several species of Hover flies recorded at Lerwick Flower park today, plus 2 migrant Diamond-backed Moths. Silver Y moth at Geosetter, nr. Bigton, and Norwick, Unst.

Cetacean Sightings: Minke Whale seen between Ulsta and Toft heading south, another off Levenwick, and off Mousa. Pod of Orca heading through Yell Sound heading northwest.

1st May 2024

Bird Sightings:

Unst: Short-eared Owl at Baltasound. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl at Loch of Cliff. Common Redstart at Northdale. Marsh Harrier at Ronan. Kestrel at Daisy Park. Greenshank over Buness. Short-eared Owl at Uyeasound.

Yell: Pied Flycatcher at Gutcher. Ring Ouzel at Basta. Ring Ouzel at Burn of Otterswick. 28 Brambling at Hillend, Mid Yell. Whimbrel near Mid Yell.

Whalsay: 3 Waxwings at Hamister. 6 Pink-footed Geese at Vatshoull Loch.

Out Skerries: Green Sandpiper, 3 Ring Ouzel, 5 Redstart, 4 Pied Flycatcher, Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Tree Pipit, 40+ Fieldfare, 2 Redpoll spp. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk of note on the island.

Central Mainland: 3 Goldfinch at Sandgarth, Dale. Osprey over Sand Water. Pied Flycatcher at Twatt. Redstart at Toogs, Burra. Goldfinch at Sletts Park, and Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Common Tern, Great Spotted woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, 4 Tree Pipit, 5 Fieldfare, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Sparrowhawk, Clickimin area, Lerwick.

West Mainland: 2 Goldfinch and Willow Warbler at Watsness.

South Mainland: Stock Dove at Mail, Cunningsburgh. Pied Flycatcher at Hoswick. 3 Goldfinch at Geosetter. Marsh Harrier at Rerwick reed bed. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Ring Ouzel at Mossy Hill, Scousburgh. Red-backed Shrike at Channerwick. 6 Pink-footed Geese at Loch of Brow. Redstart at Bakkasetter. Pied Flycatcher, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Tree Pipit and 2 Knot at Virkie. Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, Black Redstart, Tree Pipit, Sedge Warbler between Grutness and Sumburgh.

Insect Sightings: Painted Lady Butterfly and Red Admiral Butterfly at Valyie, Norwick, Unst. Red Admiral at Noness, Sandwick.

Cetacean Sightings: 2 Minke Whale off Dale of Walls, West Mainland.